Wadham Words

Travelling to Belgium at 7.30 in the morning with 70 students was something not many people get to do, but over half-term we did!
The whole trip was thoroughly enjoyable, across an absolutely incredible 4 days we packed so much into the itinerary! Highlights included:- Tyne Cott cemetery and reading the personal messages on graves, Menin Gate to hear the last post played, Talbot House, the Hooge Crater Museum and travelling 20m underground to walk through the underground tunnel network at Arras used by soldiers in the First World War. Informative fact booklets allowed us to know a few facts about the sites before we visited and allowed us to reflect after going. Each day was a new experience and helped us really understand what happened and how other countries were affected by the Great War.
We also had loads of fun. From accidentally tripping the power in the youth hostel to chocolate shopping in Ypres, to even singing ‘Sweet Caroline’ on the coaches. Overall, the whole trip was absolutely brilliant

What a day! In addition to monies raised through students’ wearing non-uniform, MJ and others from our Mental Health Ambassadors Team held a cake sale under the covered area, with all cakes and goodies sold by the end of lunch! At the same time, Sixth Form students arranged a “sponge the teacher event” on the field. My sincere thanks to Mr Cox, Mr Cassidy, Mr Jackson and Mr Huggett for donning waterproofs and taking multiple hits for the team. In order to satisfy demand, we challenged students to purchase whole buckets of water – all for a good cause, raising £112.75 in a little under 30minutes!

So far Wadham has raised over £850 for Children in Need – a massive thank you to everyone who gave generously!

This week we received an amazing kind gift from our Be A Good Neighbour Team from Crewkerne Community Church courtesy of Lindt Chocolate and HiS Church Charity.

" A little gift of appreciation just to thank you, for all the hard work that you do daily in our Community. Work that most times goes unappreciated or taken for granted. Without your dedication and compassion Crewkerne would be a much poorer place ".

Year 7 Rugby Fixture

In late November the Year 7 boys rugby team took part in the area Rugby Festival at Westfield School, Yeovil. For most, it was their first opportunity to play competitive games of rugby, as well as the first time they have represented Wadham School.

All boys got stuck in, putting into practice the skills they had learnt in their PE lessons and after school Rugby Club. All involved had a great time and we won!

Well done to them all!

Wadham were delighted to host the first Crewkerne and Ilminster School’s Partnership (CISP) Sports Festival in late November. Almost 70 Year 5 & 6 pupils took part from Ashlands, Herne View, Hinton St George and St Bartholomew's Primary Schools.  The pupils all had a fantastic time playing a Tag Rugby Festival in the sunshine!

The event was a huge success, and we would particularly like to thank Chard RFC and Rob Treacher for playing a key role in organising the event. A special mention must also go to the Wadham students (pictured with their whistles!) who volunteered to officiate all matches at the Festival. They did a sensational job and worked for over 2 hours to ensure the primary pupils had a fantastic afternoon.

A lovely evening celebrating the achievement of our students.  61 Awards were presented as staff, special guests, Governors, parents and students braved the rather chilly church and celebrated achievement at the highest level. Amongst the celebrations, Special Awards were presented by former Headteacher Matthew Gardner, with the Headteacher's Award going to Nancy Pattisson and The Hope Award to Evie Lawson.

Our guest speaker Aimee Duarte (Wadham Alumni 2014) spoke of resilience and determination that lead her on the pathway to becoming a Pharmacist as she handed out the awards and inspired our young people for a positive and hopeful future. In his final words, Headteacher Richard Burgas, spoke of recognising and celebrating the achievement whilst being reminded that Mary Schmich (1997) gave sound advice that can carry our students through their future years. 

        The retiring collection was dedicated to Ilminster Foodbank.

Thank you so much for all your generosity and kindness you have all shown in supporting the Reverse Advent. As you can see from the picture below, we have collected a huge amount and this will make such a difference to those in need over the Christmas period. All donations will be distributed to our local foodbanks in Crewkerne and Ilminster.

Wadham School students will be performing in our school production Peter Pan JR. This will take place 8th-10th March 2023. Further details on timings and how to purchase tickets will follow. Our students have been working hard rehearsing both on and off-stage, and we hope to see you all there.