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The Westgate School Weekly Newsletter

Edition Nine ~ Monday 25th November 2024

A Message From The Headteacher

Rewards Programme Relaunch

27,548 Reward Tokens have been issued so far this year!

For one reason or another in schools across the Country, most teachers are more likely to issue a sanction before a reward. I guess, the objective is to stop negative behaviour. In the same way, parents at home have expectations of their children, it is also widely believed that in schools, students are expected to do what is asked of them. However, when they do and rewards are not issued, we miss a vital trick and consequently, miss out on better productivity. Easier said than done, I know.

Clearly, one of my initial tasks here at The Westgate School has been to address what were evidently historically low standards. In doing so, most students and parents embraced that whilst a smaller percentage have found that difficult and a move from the past. Subsequently, the small talk can be about C1s and C2s.

However, over 64,000 Talking Tokens were issued last year and already this year, 27,548 rewards have been issued. Just like at home, there will always have to be sanctions in school. However, there is a growing feeling at school that more and more students are being recognised for what we are asking them to do.

Mr Piemontesi, our English Teacher and now our whole- School Rewards Programme Leader, has this week relaunched an improved rewards programme. We now have a rewards bank in the upper playground where students can exchange their tokens for cheques if they don’t want to cash in on the rewards counter items just yet.

Please read his article using the link below:

Department Spotlight

This Week: Business and Computing

Business at Westgate

This term, students have been diving into an important topic that forms the foundation of any business: 'Ownership'. Whether they're studying in Year 9 or 10, understanding how businesses are owned and operated will help them see the world of business in action. Here is what our students have been up to...

Year 9 and 10

Year 9 and 10 have been looking at the different types of ownership in terms of who owns and controls a business. It determines how decisions are made, who gets the profits, and who is responsible for debts. Different types of ownership suit different business goals. The students have been looking at the different ownership of businesses in the local area and considered why ownership matters. The students researched the reasons behind this and then created posters on the different types of ownerships.

- Parents, please keep an eye on your child’s homework which is set through Seneca, ensuring the are completing this on a weekly basis. -

Year 11

Students have been busy learning about Finance, this is all about managing money in a business. In this unit, students are learning how businesses handle income, expenses, and profits to stay successful. It’s a crucial part of business studies because good financial management helps businesses grow, while poor financial decisions can lead to failure. Some of the topics covered in finance are the sources of finance, cash flow, break even analysis and profit and loss.

Year 12

This term, students are focusing on two key units:

  • Unit 1: Exploring Business - Students learn about different types of businesses, their objectives, and how they operate within various industries. They will also explore external factors that impact businesses, such as economic trends and government policies.
  • Unit 2: Developing a Marketing Campaign - This unit teaches students how to plan and execute marketing strategies. It combines creative thinking with analytical skills as students work on real-world marketing case studies.

Year 13

As your child progresses through their final year of the BTEC National Extended Certificate in Business, we aim to keep you informed about key updates, milestones, and ways you can support their success.

Year 13 External Assessments:

  • Unit 3 Exam: Monday 13th January 2025 (Please ensure your child has sufficient revision materials and is dedicating regular time to study.)

IDG Employability workshop

A group of year 10 students took part in an online employability workshop delivered by Hark on behalf of IGD, an organisation that works to strengthen the UK food and grocery industry. Whilst the webinar focused on the food and grocery industry, it covered a variety of roles within that area including design, engineering, marketing, manufacturing and the employability skills covered are transferrable so the webinar was beneficial to all students.

Upcoming Trip to Cadbury’s World

Year 9 students will have the opportunity to take part in an industry experience to Cadbury’s world in Birmingham. This will be happening in December where students will have a tour of the factory, take part in an educational talk on ownership, aims and objectives and Stakeholders.

Support Your Child With Their Learning

Here are some ways you can help:

  • Encourage Time Management: BTEC coursework can be demanding. Help your child create a study schedule to balance deadlines and revision.
  • Discuss Business Topics: Keep your child engaged by discussing current events or news related to business. This helps them see real-world applications of their learning.
  • Check Deadlines: Ensure they are aware of assignment deadlines and support them in staying organised.
  • Access Resources: Students can use textbooks, online resources, and our school’s learning platform to support their studies. Encourage them to ask their teachers if they need additional support.

Support Your Child With Their Exam Preparation

Here are some ways you can help:

  • Encourage Time Management: Students balance coursework deadlines and exam preparation. Help them set a realistic study schedule and encourage regular breaks to avoid burnout.
  • Create a Positive Study Environment: A quiet, organised workspace can make a significant difference. Remove distractions like unnecessary screen time during study hours.
  • Stay Informed: Regularly check in on their coursework progress. Teachers are happy to provide updates—don't hesitate to reach out if you have concerns.
  • Support Revision: Encourage them to review their notes regularly, use past papers for practice, and explore online resources.

Computing at Westgate

We are excited to share the latest updates from our Computing Department, where Westgate students are diving into the fascinating world of technology and design. Here is what our students have been up to...

Year 7 - Presenting Information with Design Principles

In Year 7, students have been learning how to use software to present information effectively. They have explored various design principles, such as contrast, alignment, and consistency. By applying these principles, students are creating presentations that not only convey their messages clearly but also engage their audience visually. They have been using tools like PowerPoint and Canva, allowing them to experiment with layouts, colour schemes, and typography.

These skills are invaluable across subjects, enhancing their ability to present ideas in English, create engaging projects in History, and visualise data in Science. The confidence gained from these presentations will serve them well in all areas of their education.

“I loved creating my presentation! Learning about design principles helped me make my poster and slides look professional. I feel more confident sharing my ideas now!” — R, Year 7

Year 8 - Designing Vector Graphics with Inkscape

Our Year 8 students have taken their creativity to the next level by designing vector graphics using Inkscape software. They have learned about the differences between raster and vector graphics, focusing on how vector graphics can be scaled without losing quality. Students have been working on projects that involve creating logos and illustrations. They are mastering tools such as shapes, paths, and layers, which are essential for professional graphic design. These skills will not only enhance their artistic abilities but also support their work in Art, Design Technology, and even Mathematics, where understanding shapes and proportions is crucial.

“Using Inkscape was so much fun! Now I know how to make my designs come to life.” — M, Year 8

GCSE Students - Understanding Computers and Programming

In our GCSE programme, students have studied Von Neumann architecture, which is fundamental to modern computing. This architecture describes a computer system where the CPU (Central Processing Unit) processes instructions and data stored in the same memory space. Students are learning about its key components, including the arithmetic logic unit (ALU), control unit, and memory, which work together to execute programs. Understanding this architecture helps students grasp how computers operate and prepares them for advanced studies in technology.

Students are diving into the world of programming by learning coding constructs such as variables, loops, conditionals, and subroutines. These elements are crucial for understanding how to write effective code. Through engaging activities and projects, students are not only grasping how to manipulate data and control the flow of their programs but also developing problem-solving skills that are applicable across various subjects. For instance, they are creating interactive stories, which not only makes learning fun but also reinforces their logical thinking and creativity. As they progress, these skills will empower them to tackle more complex programming challenges in the future.

“Learning about how computers work has been eye-opening! I never realised how much goes on behind the scenes. It makes me want to learn even more.” — B, GCSE Student

Upcoming Virtual Visit to an Amazon Fulfilment Centre

We are thrilled to announce that our GCSE students will participate in a virtual visit to an Amazon fulfilment centre. During this visit, students will gain insights into the advanced technology that powers Amazon’s operations. They will learn about the various robotic systems used to select, prepare, and ship customer orders, including the innovative Sequoia and Digit robots, which enhance efficiency and accuracy in the fulfilment process.

Students will explore how these robots work alongside human employees to streamline tasks such as inventory management and order picking. For instance, the Sequoia system uses AI and robotics to identify and store inventory up to 75% faster, while also reducing the time it takes to process orders by up to 25%. This integration of technology not only improves productivity but also enhances workplace safety by allowing employees to work at ergonomically designed stations.

This experience will provide our students with real-world insights into how technology operates in a large-scale environment, bridging the gap between theory and practice.

Thank You For Reading - Tune In Next Week!

Credits:

Written By - Mr J Gargan & Mrs Z Khan Designed By - Miss L Carpenter

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