Headteachers Messages
School Canteen
As mentioned in last week’s newsletter, you will be aware that part of the original canteen has been declared inaccessible due to required building repairs, we have therefore moved things around.
The multipurpose hall (MPH) is now the designated canteen. We have two service counters operating on each side of the hall, selling the same food. We have also purchased an extra iPad for registering students’ meal purchases, meaning we now have six in total. This will speed up the service.
The system was in place last week, and on average, queues were cleared with enough extra time before the end of break and lunch. We held assemblies last week to explain this operation to students. We will monitor the situation as we go along and adapt where and when is needed.
Thank you for your patience.
New Uniform Arrival
Our girls’ skirts arrived in school last week, and we distributed them on Friday to those who placed an order before 16th July 2024. Thank you for your patience.
We will now focus on students who placed orders after 16th July and those who have not ordered at all. These students have begun to be issued with a blue lanyard, indicating that we are aware they do not have their uniform yet and that no further action is needed. I am hoping that everything will settle down by half-term.
Recruitment Update
- Applications Received ~ 802
- Interviews Conducted ~ 251
- Appointments Made ~ 65
You will be aware from previous correspondence that we have appointed 65 teachers for this year. Most started in September 2024, some will join later, and we still have three roles to fill.
Positions appointed that will start after September:
We have three remaining teaching posts that we are actively recruiting for:
Using Traffic Lights
I’m sure you are aware that the traffic outside of the school at the beginning and end of the day is intense. I must insist that students do not cross on a red light... where this happens, I have informed them that I will issue exclusions from school. Although they may feel they have to wait for the lengthy change of lights, they are beginning to respond well.
However, I do have a request for parents and adults to set a good example and refrain from crossing the road on a red light. It does happen at times, and this undermines what we are trying to teach the children.
School Drop-Off
Similarly, if you are dropping your child off in the morning, I have a further request... please do not stop in the road to let your child out of the car, as we have had some near misses recently. It is safer to park at the side of the road, away from the school gates.
Lines of Communication
May I remind you that all parent enquiries should be sent to our dedicated email address at homeschoolcomms@westgate.slough.sch.uk. This will enable us to direct your messages to the appropriate team and ensure you receive responses within a reasonable time frame.
To date, we have resolved 111 of the 127 messages received, with 16 requiring further signposting.
Department Spotlight
This Week: Design and Technology
Design and Technology in Slough
Ford GT40
One of the most iconic sports racing cars of all time was developed right here in Slough.
It’s famous for having won the LeMans 24 Hours four times in a row between 1966-1969.
The ‘40’ in its name refers to the height of the car, just 40 inches (1.02m) from the floor to the top of the windscreen. The modern Ford GT supercar was created in homage to the GT40.
Design and Technology at Westgate
Having covered the importance of Health and Safety in the workshop last week, pupils this week have begun their first practical tasks of the year:
Year 7
The Year 7s have now begun making their ‘Rocket Cars’, choosing team roles and designing a team logo.
Year 8
Year 8 students have begun their ‘Floating Table’ projects by accurately marking out and cutting a lap joint.
Year 9
Mean-while Year 9s have been developing skills on carpentry and electronics with their ‘Lamp Project’, using their skills to cut the components they need for their lamps.
Year 10
Our Year 10 students have been revisiting an old favourite, 'The Wooden Boat' as a demonstration of what skills they have already gained.
Year 11
Year 11s have been working hard this week, producing the NEA (coursework) 50% of their final grade in GCSE Design and Technology.
See the links below to help support your Year 11 with their work for this subject.