Dear Parents and Carers,
As we come to the end of a busy and rewarding term at South Wirral High School, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible opportunities our students have embraced over the last seven weeks. This has been a half term filled with energy, enthusiasm, and outstanding achievements across all areas of school life.
Celebrating Opportunities and Achievements
Our students have been involved in a huge range of activities, showcasing their talents, determination, and school spirit:
- Sporting Successes: We have hosted netball tournaments and participated in a variety of sporting fixtures, including football and basketball. Our Year 8 rowing crew continue to go from strength to strength as they prepare for their first regatta—an exciting milestone for these dedicated athletes.
- Academic and Competitive Endeavors: Our Chess Team visited Pensby School for a friendly competition, while our budding debaters took on a host of schools at our very first debate competition at Wirral Grammar School. These experiences are invaluable for building confidence and critical thinking skills. We also celebrated our Upper Presentation Evening where students in Year 10, 11 and 12 were rewarded and celebrated for their academic achievements and outstanding effort over the last year. This event was a true celebration of current and past students as we welcomed Sergeant Josh Griffiths as guest speaker at the event. Josh was able to talk about the incredible impact he had in the British Army having received the second highest honour available in the British Military; the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.
- Culinary Excellence: Our Year 11 chefs represented South Wirral High School with distinction at the regional finals of the Chartwells national competition. Their creativity and professionalism were a credit to the school.
- Careers and Sixth Form Fair: We hosted a highly successful Careers and Sixth Form Fair, ensuring every student gains access to high-quality independent advice and guidance. Events like these play a crucial role in helping our young people make informed choices about their futures.
- Examination Focus: Both our Year 11 and Year 13 students managed their pre-public exams (mocks) with exceptional focus and hard work. They were a credit to the school during this time, demonstrating maturity and commitment to their studies.
- Performing Arts: Our Signing Choir represented the school with real distinction at the recent ‘TCAT does Christmas’ Event at Parr Hall in Warrington. In front of a packed crowd they performed with style and flair. Our Year 7 and 8 Drama group, with support from other year groups, also performed a brilliant adaptation of ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ at School. It was a great ensemble performance and all who attended got to enjoy an explosion of talent across Music, Art, Dance and Drama. Our Year 12 Artists and Photographers had the chance to visit Liverpool and gain inspiration from professional galleries as part of their portfolio development and students across multiple year groups had the chance to visit the Gladstone Theatre to watch ‘Elf The Musical’
- Community Focus: Our CAMEO group welcomed members of our local community into school for an afternoon of Food, Drink and High entertainment. This wonderful event allows our students to connect with older members of our Community and develop excellent interpersonal skills. We have also hosted Christmas Jumper Day and Africa Days where we have raised money towards Charities and social initiatives.
I’m sure I may have missed some outstanding activities and events from the above list, but I hope this gives you a flavour of what staff and students have achieved in only 7 weeks. A huge well done to all!
Looking Ahead
The breadth of opportunities our students have engaged in this term reflects our commitment to providing a well-rounded education. As we move into the spring term, we will continue to build on these experiences and offer even more avenues for personal and academic growth. One change we know is fast approaching in the new year is the school’s transition to become a member of The Challenge Academy Trust. As we complete our due diligence phase of this consultation, we have continued to work with the Trust on providing the best quality education for all. Our relationship with TCAT is now in its third year and we will continue to benefit from the opportunities and resources that this next phase brings to South Wirral High School. We will keep you all updated on this transition as and when it is finalised.
Important Reminders
- End of Term Arrangements: The last day of term will be Friday, 20th December, with a slightly earlier finish at 12:00 pm. Please ensure suitable arrangements are made for your child’s journey home.
- Start of Spring Term: School reopens for all students on Monday, 6th January. Please ensure your child arrives on time and in full school uniform, ready to begin the new term. As a reminder the season may have included parties, dressing up and all festivities this brings. Please can we ensure that any additions such as nails, hair colouring and piercings are temporary or easily removed so that students can start the new year in line with uniform expectations and participate in the full curriculum.
Finally, I want to thank you for your continued support. It is through our partnership that we can provide such a wealth of opportunities for our students. I wish you all a restful and enjoyable festive season, and I look forward to welcoming everyone back in January for another exciting term at South Wirral High School.
Yours sincerely,
Michael Cloherty
Head Teacher
South Wirral High School