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  • Wear it Pink Day 2024 at Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys raising awareness for Breast Cancer Now

    Published 11/11/24

    Wear it Pink Day 2024 at Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys

    On Friday, November 8th, we hosted our annual Wear it Pink Day event to raise funds and awareness for Breast Cancer Now – a cause that holds significant importance to us. We take pride in supporting this charity for several years, as many of our colleagues have directly benefited from their assistance.

    Both staff and students contributed donations and wore something pink to school. Additionally, we organised a Poly Bake Off where staff showcased their homemade desserts, which were judged by a panel including Ms Manley, Mr Davies, and Ms Smith. The judges faced a challenging task, but ultimately awarded 1st place to Mrs Warner for her Chocolate Cake, 2nd place to Mrs Prescott for her Neapolitan cake, and 3rd place to Miss Brunton for her Biscoff cake. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who took the time to bake and enter the competition.

    During break time, we held a bake sale featuring all the scrumptious entries from the bake off, and every piece of cake was devoured!

    A big thank you to everyone who participated in Wear it Pink Day; your support means a lot to us.

    We raised an impressive £214.66 for Breast Cancer Now – thank you for your generous contributions!

    A special shout-out to Mrs Hawgood for organising this event and going the extra mile to make it memorable for our school community.

    Watch now:

    Breast Cancer Now #breastcancerawareness #breastcancernow #wearitpink #wearitpink2024 #woolwichpolytechnic #woolwichpolytechnicschoolforboys #woolwichpolytechnicsixthform #thamesmead #greenwich #Polymat #polymatschools

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  • Our school uniform supplier, SWI Schoolwear has 20% off everything offer until Friday 1st November

    Published 30/10/24

    Our school uniform supplier, SWI Schoolwear’s huge 20% off everything offer is being extended until Friday 1st November.

    If you need to top up on any uniform or P.E. kit items or need a refresh on your everyday essentials and stationery, now is the time to shop. Use code SAVE20 at checkout. www.swischoolwear.co.uk

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  • Important dates - Upcoming events November - December 2024

    Published 29/10/24

    Dear parents/carers,

    Please find below a list of important dates for upcoming whole school events to mark in your diaries after the half term. From 'Wear it Pink' day in support of Breast Cancer, to Anti-Bullying Week and Christmas Jumper Day, there are plenty of exciting activities to look forward to!

    • Monday 4th November – Celebrating Diwali – No donation required.
    • Friday 8th November  ‘Wear it Pink’ day - Staff and students to wear an item of pink clothing alongside their normal uniform. Staff Poly Bake Off and Bake Sale. Raising funds and awareness for Breast Cancer Now. Suggested Donation.
    • Monday 11th November - Remembrance day 2024 – Prefects to take poppies to form rooms throughout end of October and November. Raising funds and awareness for the British Legion Poppy Appeal. Suggested Donation.
    • 11th – 14th November – Anti-Bullying Week. Wear odd socks day – no donation required. Raising awareness for the Anti-Bullying Alliance.
    • 25th – 28th November - Care Week. No donation required.
    • Reminder Friday 29th November & Monday 2nd December – INSET Days – School is closed.
    • Friday 13th December Christmas Jumper Day – Staff and Students to wear Christmas Jumpers. Raising funds and awareness for Save the Children UK. Suggested donation for staff only.
    • Throughout December – Staff and local community collecting items for Winter Support Packages for our students.

    Wishing you a restful half-term and thank you for your support in advance.

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  • Former student, Micah Eghafona awarded £75,000 scholarship to attend London College of Fashion Gucci Changemakers

    Published 25/10/24

    Former student, Micah Eghafona awarded £75,000 scholarship to attend London College of Fashion Gucci Changemakers

    Micah Eghafona, Alumni of Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys who graduated with a C in Photographic Studies, has been awarded a prestigious £75, 000 scholarship to attend London College of Fashion Gucci Changemakers. He will be working with the forefront of the fashion world. One to watch.

    Micah Eghafona will be undertaking a BA (Hons) Creative Direction for Fashion degree.

    We are immensely proud of Micah for securing this amazing scholarship, and we eagerly anticipate the bright future that lies ahead for him.

    Gucci announces 2024 gucci changemakers london scholarship winners

    Gucci Gives Scholarships to Three Students in Partnership With London College of Fashion

     

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  • Emmanuel Asuquo, a prominent financial advisor, shares his success journey with students, providing tips on recognising their value and enhancing potential

    Published 23/10/24

    Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys recently had the pleasure of welcoming Emmanuel Asuquo, a renowned Financial advisor, media personality and international speaker into school. During his visit, Emmanuel shared his inspiring journey to success with our students, offering valuable tips on recognising their value and elevating their potential. Emmanuel also gave out copies of his fantastic book 'Get Your Money Right: Understand your money and make it work for you'.

    Thank you, Emmanuel, for taking the time to meet and engage with our students, and a big thanks to Ms. Edwards for coordinating this visit.

    "Thank you so much for inviting me to speak at your school. The students were so receptive and engaged, and I had great conversations with them afterwards, with a few following up by email! They have so much potential and hunger, and I'm sure they will all go on to achieve great things. I'm honoured to have had the privilege to share my experiences with them." - Emmanuel Asuquo

    #emmanuelasuquo #woolwichpolytechnic #woolwichpolytechnicschoolforboys #woolwichpolytechnicsixthform #polymatschools #polymat #thamesmead #greenwich

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  • FREE Things to do in Greenwich & London October Half-Term 2024

    Published 22/10/24

    Please find below a list of useful links for free events and activities available during the upcoming October Half-Term!

    Museums

    SEND

    Events in Greenwich

    City farm

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  • Reminder - Early Dismissal Wednesday 23rd October 2024

    Published 22/10/24

    Please remember that on Wednesday, October 23rd, students will have an early dismissal to accommodate for the Sixth Form open evening designated for our internal students.

    Please see the timings below:

    PERIOD TIMINGS
    AM REG 8.40 - 9.05AM
    P1 9.05 - 9.45AM
    P2 9.45 - 10.25AM
    BREAK 10.25 - 10.40AM
    P3 10.40 - 11.20AM
    LUNCH 11.20 - 11.50AM
    PM REG 11.50 - 12.00PM
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  • Message from the Local Public Health Team to Parents/Carers

    Published 17/10/24

    *Message from the Local Public Health Team to Parents/Carers*

    The Risks Concerning Children and Young People’s Use of Adulterated Vapes

    Public Health teams across London are aware of several incidents in recent months, where secondary school-aged children have become unwell after using adulterated vape devices. In some instances, this has resulted in young people requiring hospital treatment.

    Across London, adulterated vape liquids have been found to contain illegal substances, including the synthetic cannabinoid known as Spice. This is a particularly dangerous substance that can cause a serious threat to the health of young people.

    In most instances, the young people were unaware of the substance they were using.

    Please talk to your young people about the risks of buying adulterated vapes. There is no way of knowing the substance they contain and, therefore, the potential danger.

    Locally, Public Health is working closely with the substance misuse service, the Police, and Trading Standards. Action is being taken to understand the ongoing issues around the supply of these substances, to prevent harm and help keep our young people safe.

    Parents and carers can play an important role in helping young people understand the risks, so that they don’t choose to use adulterated vapes without realising the harm they could be exposing themselves to.

    It is important to advise young people that regardless of what they have been told, even by a close friend, that it is impossible to know what is actually contained in these substances. All drugs, whether alcohol, illegal drugs or prescription medication, carry risks.

    Please have an open, honest and non-judgmental conversation with those in your care to explore these risks and prevent further harms. This could provide valuable tools for a young person to make the right decision and stay safe. It is clear that young people have accessed adulterated vapes through social media apps, such as Instagram. So, it will also be important to stress the risks of young people buying devices through social media.

    Please note that, in any case, it is illegal to sell nicotine vapes to anyone under 18 or for adults to buy them on behalf of under 18s.

    If you are aware of any shops in Greenwich selling vapes to young people (under 18), you should contact the Trading Standards Team on 020 8921 8157. You can also report online anonymously at:

    https://www.londontradingstandards.org.uk/report-consumer-crime/

    Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. Your cooperation and awareness are crucial in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our young people in Greenwich.

    Yours sincerely,

     

    Director of Public Health, Royal Borough of Greenwich.

     

    Support and advice for parents and children in Royal Greenwich.

    Further advice and information can be found online at:

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  • Year 10 Spoken Word on Black Lives Matter

    Published 17/10/24

    Year 10 Drama students have written poetry/spoken word which they are using as part of their assessment performances within Drama. 

    The students have been exploring the themes of war and protest and are currently collating the devising skills they have covered with the style of physical theatre and spoken word to create performances using the Black Lives Matter movement as their stimulus.

    With this month being Black History Month and the impressive quality of their written works, we are excited to share them with you. The students will present their assessment performances in the final week of the term.

    Thank you to Ms Brunton for all her hard work with these students on this fantastic project.

    ADEEL H - YEAR 10

    They wanna act like we all the same,

    But they don’t know how we feel the pain,

    Livin in a world where we got no name,

    Still, we rise, stand tall in the rain.

     

    They see the color, then they pull the trigr

    System’s broke, but they blame the kid,

    Hands in the air, but we still get hit,

    Ain’t no peace when the law ain’t legit.

     

    From the ends to the blocks, we marchin’ loud,

    United in the struggle, we a different crowd,

    We ain’t bowin down, we too proud,

    we gon make  the whole world hear us now.

    Justice for the fam, and the lives they knew,

    We fightin till the world turns brand new.

    HARRY C - YEAR 10

    In the heart of the struggle, a powerful cry,  
    For justice and freedom, we reach for the sky.  
    Black Lives Matter, a message so clear,  
    Echoing loudly for all who will hear.  


    With courage and strength, we stand side by side,  
    In the face of injustice, we will not hide.  
    Together we rise, united and strong,  
    In the fight for our rights, we all belong.  


    From the streets to the halls, our voices will soar,  
    Demanding equality, we’ll settle the score.  
    For love knows no
    color, and hope lights the way,  
    In the journey for justice, we’ll strive every day.

    MARK V - YEAR 10

    In the shadows of a heavy past, 
    Voices rise, demanding change at last. 
    With strength and courage, they take a stand, 
    For justice, peace, and a united land. 

    From streets alive with passionate cries, 
    To hearts that dream beneath the skies, 
    Together we march, side by side, 
    For every life, we stand with pride. 

    Injustice fades as love takes flight, 
    A world reborn,
    where hope shines bright. 
    For Black lives matter, let it be clear, 
    In unity, our strength draws near.

    HUDAIFA H - YEAR 10

    In a world where shadows fall on dreams,

    Where voices rise, yet unheard it seems,

    We stand, united, hearts ablaze,

    For justice, for freedom, in these days.

     

    Black lives matter, a cry, a plea,

    For equality, for the world to see,

    In every heartbeat, in every breath,

    We fight for life, we fight for death.

     

    No more silence, no more chains,

    In the streets, our spirit reigns,

    With every step, with every word,

    We echo truths that must be heard.

     

    From the past’s pain, we rise anew,

    With courage strong, and vision true,

    Together, we’ll break the chains of hate,

    For love and justice, it’s never too late.

    DEREK - YEAR 10

    In the midst of the struggle, we rise from below,

    Echoes of the fallen, their voices we know.

    Black lives matter, it’s deeper than a phase,

    A battle for our people, we’ll keep it ablaze.

    From the hurt of the past, we’re forging ahead,

    Tearing down barriers, we’re the ones who spread.

    The system’s built to hold us in place,

    But we’re breaking loose, reshaping the race.

    With each step we take, we’re claiming our ground,

    No more hush, we’re making our sound.

    So remember us well, we’re here to fight,

    Black lives matter, shining so bright .

    JURGEN - YEAR 10

    We are people of colour we are black

    Oh those things they carried during slavery?

    No those are sacks

    We are black.

    Black isn’t just a colour or a shade

    Black is in fact how we were made

    Police brutality

    Fed immorality

    Treated like we are charity

    Well maybe you people need clarity

    Through slavery and prejudice

    A few made an emphasis.

    Oprah

    Malcom

    Martin

    Maya

    Think like a queen

    A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything

    Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere

    Still I’ll rise.

    All of these they said

    But for what? A prize?

     

    We need to strive

    To be better

    Ancestoral roots that still haven’t been derived

    Country’s under rule

    Nigeria

    Ghana

    Rwanda

    Egypt.

    All of their properties taken as a tool.

    Segregation

    Apartheid

    Split like when moses part tides

    Colonisation slavery

    Someone had to show their bravery

    We are people of colour we are black

    We don’t even get a chance to slack

    Because guess what we are black

    ISHAQ J - YEAR 10

    BLM

    The grief of police brutality and systematic racism the despair of hopelessness and discrimination of black individuals systematic inequalities and biases between the BLM movement we won’t stop until we are heard.

    BLM is like a beacon of hope shining bright like a lighthouse giving us justice and safety the fear of violence the sadness of trauma the outrage of police killing We won’t stop until we are free.

    A blind spot people overlook a blind spot for injustice a blind spot where black individuals struggle a blind spot challenge faced by black people I can’t breathe We won’t stop until we breathe

     

     

     

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  • Raising funds and awareness for Sickle Cell Disorder - Friday 4th October 2024

    Published 08/10/24

    Raising funds and awareness for Sickle Cell Disorder - Friday 4th October 2024

    We want to give a big shout-out to Year 13 student Ibi, who approached Mrs Hawgood with the brilliant idea of raising awareness and funds for Sickle Cell Disorder (SCD). She created a PowerPoint presentation and organised a Sixth Form team to assist with the bake sale. We are incredibly proud of her dedication and the success she has achieved through these events.

    A total of £243.15 was raised through the sale of red ribbons, a bake sale, and a "guess the number of sweets in the jar" contest, which was won by Aston from Year 11, who correctly guessed 283 sweets. Staff and students were also invited to wear an item of red clothing on Friday 4th October to show their support to the cause.

    “Sickle cell disease affects a large number of people and I personally have been affected by carrying the trait and knowing someone who passed away from the condition. I felt as though it was incredibly important to raise awareness to bring light upon the affect and hardship that comes along with having the disease. But most importantly to shed light upon the inequalities in the treatment of sickle cell patients. We know that change will not happen in one day, but it is important that it starts with us.” - Ibi, Year 13.

    The funds raised will be donated to the Sickle Cell Society Charity.

     

    #woolwichpolytechnicschoolforboys #woolwichpolytechnicsixthform #woolwichpolytechnic #SickleCellAwareness #sicklecelldisorder #thamesmead #greenwich #polymatschools #Polymat

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  • Kooth - Supporting the mental health of young people in your school community

    Published 04/10/24

    As we approach World Mental Health Day on the 10th of October, it’s a perfect time to reflect on any challenges your students face, especially with the recent changes in social media safety.

    According to a recent BBC article, nearly 60% of young people have experienced negative impacts from online interactions. At Kooth, we provide a clinically safe and moderated digital space where you and your students can seek support for their mental health without fear of trolling, discrimination, or sharing personal details. Our team reviews all user-generated content, and anonymity is strictly maintained.

    Our free webinars offer valuable insights for education professionals and parents, providing practical information and guidance on key mental health topics.

     

    Helping young people stay safe on their new smartphone

    With over a third of parents and carers feeling uneasy about their child having their first smartphone, we've put together this session to explore supporting a child's mental wellbeing whilst using the device plus information on UK law and social media usage and online safety tips. We are also offering a KoothKlass live stream morning assembly session for Year 7 students on staying safe on your new smartphone. 

     

    Meeting the needs of neurodivergent and Special Education Needs & Disabilities (SEND) young people.

    Children and young people waiting for an assessment or navigating a diagnosis may need additional emotional support. We’re offering a webinar this month exploring how our platform meets the needs of neurodiverse and SEND young people. 

     

    Avoiding Exploitation

    Also in November, we’re providing guidance for both teaching professionals and young people about what exploitation means, signs to spot and available support, including an interview with Kooth’s Deputy Head of Safeguarding. 

     

    Emotionally Based School Avoidance 

    Our December webinars focus on helping you understand a little more about Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA), hear from a young person’s perspective, and explore support strategies with Kooth’s Senior Clinical Psychologist.

    Parents and carers may also be seeking support for their anxious child avoiding school. They’re often juggling work and caregiving, feeling deeply worried while their child remains at home. So we’re also offering a webinar for families.

     

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  • Black History Month 2024

    Published 04/10/24

     This year’s Black History Month theme, “Reclaiming Narratives,” marks a significant shift towards recognising and correcting the narratives of Black history and culture. By emphasising this theme, we shine a brighter light on stories, allegories, and histories that underscore our commitment to correcting historical inaccuracies and showcasing the untold success stories and the full complexity of Black heritage.

    Why “Reclaiming Narratives”?

    Honour Our Heroes: Challenge the narratives that have often overlooked the contributions and achievements of Black individuals both in the UK and globally.

    Embrace Our Stories: Take control of our stories, honour our heroes, and shine a light on the diverse and profound impact of Black individuals across various fields.

    Empower and Educate: Join us in embracing, educating, and empowering one another through the stories that shape our collective identity.

    Black History Month Website

    Below, you will find the Black History Month calendars tailored for each year group. Each day presents an opportunity for our young men to connect with an aspect of Black History.

    year 7 bhm calendar 2024

    year 8 bhm calendar 2024

    year 9 bhm calendar 2024

    year 10 bhm calendar 2024

    year 11 bhm calendar 2024

     

     

     

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Hutchins Road
Thamesmead
London
SE28 8AT