From Woolwich Poly With Love: Total Raised for Jamaica Hurricane Melissa Relief Fund

Just one week on from our unforgettable “A Taste of Jamaica” fundraising event, we are delighted to share some wonderful news!

Together we raised a grand total of £2,251.92 in aid of the Hurricane Melissa Relief Fund.

This achievement is a true testament to the generosity and spirit of our Woolwich Poly community. From those who donated raffle prizes, shared their cooking talents, gave their time, and most importantly gave so generously – we are incredibly grateful.

Thank you for helping us support a cause that means so much to us all

At Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys, we are proud of our innovative curriculum, designed to reflect and celebrate the diversity of our school community. Our curriculum is reviewed annually to ensure that every student has access to the right courses, tailored to their individual needs, so that all can achieve success.

Beyond academic subjects, our wider curriculum includes an extensive Personal Development programme and a fantastic range of leadership opportunities and extra-curricular activities. These experiences help our students grow into confident, well-rounded individuals ready for life beyond school.

Key Stage 3: Building Strong Foundations

At Key Stage 3, we offer a broad and balanced curriculum taught by subject specialists who deliver high-quality lessons designed to inspire a love of learning. Our aim is to promote curiosity and a sense of awe and wonder, helping students become specialists in their chosen fields.

Central to this curriculum is the development of literacy, numeracy, and ICT skills - essential for future success and lifelong learning. We also provide a transition curriculum for some Year 7 students, focusing on a cross-curricular approach to literacy and numeracy. Delivered by expert teachers, this programme has proven highly effective, enabling students to make progress at a rate above the national average.

Key Stage 4: Preparing for the Future

In Year 9, students select their Key Stage 4 options through our comprehensive programme and begin their courses in Year 10. Our options include a wide range of GCSE and vocational courses at Level 1 and 2, ensuring every student can follow the pathway best suited to their aspirations.

We provide close guidance and support throughout this process, helping students make informed decisions that lead to successful progression into sixth form, college, apprenticeships, and beyond.

Grammar School Intake (GSI) Programme

We are delighted to offer an exciting and challenging curriculum for our most able students through the Grammar School Intake (GSI) programme. This initiative provides a grammar school experience within our inclusive and caring comprehensive setting.

Students are selected for GSI based on prior achievements and school assessments at intake. The programme ensures that high-achieving students are stretched and supported to reach their full potential.

“Leaders have designed an ambitious curriculum.” - OFSTED 2023

At Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys, our curriculum is more than a timetable - it’s a pathway to success. By combining academic excellence with personal development, we prepare our students for life, ensuring they leave us as confident, capable young men ready to make a positive impact.

When Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica, many of our staff, students, and their families were deeply affected. In true Woolwich Poly spirit, our incredible community came together to make a difference. Yesterday, after school, we hosted a fundraiser for staff across the trust that was nothing short of extraordinary.

The event was alive with warmth and unity – a pop-up Jamaican restaurant filled with the aroma of home-cooked dishes, vibrant music, laughter from the quiz, and the excitement of the raffle. But what truly made this evening special was the love and effort behind the scenes: staff gathering raffle prizes, planning the quizzes, our sixth form students decorating the space, and staff stepping in to cook the most amazing food.

This is what defines us. When challenges arise, we stand together. Yesterday, you could feel the strength of our community in every smile, every shared moment, and every plate served. Staff also dressed in their best Jamaican outfits, adding colour and pride to the occasion.

We are so proud of what we achieved together, and all proceeds raised will go directly to the Hurricane Melissa Relief Fund.

We cannot wait to share the total amount raised, and we are excited to bring you lots of photos and videos from this incredible event in the coming days. Thank you to everyone who made this possible.

Every year, from 20th November to 20th December, the UK observes Disability History Month (UKDHM) - a time dedicated to recognising the struggles, achievements, and contributions of disabled people throughout history. Established in 2010, UKDHM shines a light on the ongoing fight for equality and human rights, while encouraging society to challenge ableism and create inclusive spaces for all. 

What Is Disability History Month?

UKDHM is more than a commemorative event; it is a movement. It aims to:

• Celebrate the resilience and achievements of disabled individuals.
• Educate about historical injustices, from institutionalisation to eugenics.
• Advocate for systemic change, ensuring disabled voices lead conversations about rights and inclusion. 

The month also aligns with key international observances such as World AIDS Day (1 Dec), International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3 Dec), and Human Rights Day (10 Dec), reinforcing the global nature of disability rights.

Theme for 2025: “Disability, Life and Death”

This year’s theme, Disability, Life and Death, addresses pressing ethical and social questions surrounding assisted dying legislation currently debated in Parliament. Many disabled activists fear that such laws could undermine their right to life, echoing historical prejudices that once justified sterilisation, euthanasia, and exclusion under the guise of “mercy.” 

The theme calls for reflection on:

• The inherent value of disabled lives, as affirmed by Article 10 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

• Historical lessons, from Nazi-era atrocities to the eugenics movement, remind us why vigilance against discriminatory ideologies remain vital.

How Is It Celebrated?

Across the UK, organisations, schools, and communities host:

• Educational events: Panels, lectures, and workshops exploring disability rights history.
• Arts and culture programmes: Exhibitions like the V&A’s Design and Disability showcase the creative contributions of disabled artists. 
• Campaigns and activism: Trade unions, charities, and grassroots groups amplify disabled voices, demanding better access and inclusion in workplaces and public life.
• Digital resources, storytelling projects, and social media campaigns also play a huge role in spreading awareness and fostering dialogue nationwide.

Why It Matters

Disability History Month reminds us that progress is not guaranteed. While landmark laws such as the Disability Discrimination Act (1995) and the Equality Act (2010) have advanced rights, systemic barriers persist. UKDHM is a call to action: to dismantle ableism, prioritise accessibility, and ensure that disabled people are not only included but empowered to lead. 

Get Involved

Visit UKDHM.org for resources, event listings, and educational materials. Whether you attend a local event, share stories online, or advocate for inclusive policies, your participation helps build a society where every life is valued equally.

Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys is proud to introduce a state-of-the-art Creality 3D Printer to our Design and Technology department. This exciting addition opens up incredible opportunities for our students to explore modern manufacturing techniques, digital design, and rapid prototyping - skills that are highly valued in today’s creative and engineering industries.

What Does This Mean for Our Students?

• Hands-On Experience: Students will learn how to design and produce 3D models using industry-standard software.
• Innovation and Creativity: From product design to architectural models, students can bring their ideas to life in a tangible way.
• STEM Integration: The 3D printer supports learning across Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, preparing students for future careers.
• Real-World Applications: Students will understand how 3D printing is transforming industries such as healthcare, automotive, and fashion.

This new addition empowers learners to think like designers and engineers, develop problem-solving skills, and build confidence in using advanced technology.

A New Era for Design & Technology at Woolwich Polytechnic!

COLLECTION OF SUMMMER 2025 EXAM CERTIFICATES

Students can collect their exam certificates on Thursday 4th December from 9am – 5pm

Please collect from Room 3, if you are no longer at Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys, please report to Reception.

All certificates, GCSE, GCE BTEC and Vocational certificates are available.

Please remember to bring valid ID with you, if you are unable to collect in person you can authorise a nominated person to collect on your behalf, but we require your written permission.

If you are a former student from 2016 – 2024 we have many certificates available for collection. Please email: exams@woolwichpoly.co.uk