Withernsea High School

Withernsea High School marked Armistice Day with a whole-school assembly led by head of personal development, Andrea Monaghan. The session focused on the significance of remembrance, the role of the Armed Forces, and the various ways in which individuals and communities pay their respects.

Explaining further, Andrea said: “We explored what remembrance means for us as a school community. Many of us have connections to the Armed Forces, whether through someone we know personally or a family member who has served or is currently serving. We also reflected on the importance of service. While we may not serve in the Armed Forces ourselves, we can serve our community through kindness, which is one of the school's core values. Acts of remembrance remind us that, although we are a school community, we are also part of a much larger local and national community.”

At 11:00am, lessons were paused as the national two-minute silence was observed. Meanwhile, a group of ten students, accompanied by second in humanities Clare Atkin, school welfare coordinator Paul Whittaker, and assistant headteacher Matt Burnitt, represented the school at the town’s Remembrance commemorations. Year 9 student Florence B read the exhortation, and a wreath was laid on behalf of the school community.

Matt Burnitt said: “All students who attended represented the school respectfully and their contribution to this community event was commendable. Florence delivered the exhortation and her words were clear and meaningful. It was an excellent example of the respect and responsibility demonstrated by students within their community.”

Clare Atkin, teacher of history, added: “We selected students in Year 9 to take part because they are currently studying the Great War in history lessons, so it will feel quite immediate to them. From the large number of wreaths laid on Tuesday, and on Remembrance Sunday, they could see that many different groups and organisations across the community were involved. I think it is important for students to see that it is a significant event to be involved in and to understand the reasons behind it.”  

Building on this engagement with history, Year 10 design technology and engineering students contributed to prominent Remembrance displays in the town by using their skills to create more than 100 aluminium poppies. Each was hand-cut and spray-painted before being assembled for use in displays around the town’s main welcome signs.

Work on the project began in September. Amy Norris, head of design technology, said: “Student engagement was high throughout, with many managing their time effectively and working collaboratively to produce more than one flower each. As the first project of the school year, it was impressive to see students applying prior knowledge of tools and materials to produce work of such a high standard. It was a great effort from all involved.”

The project was funded by the Tower Littlewood Lodge of the RAOB, thanks to Darren England, who plays a leading role in organising Withernsea’s Remembrance activities.

Rounding off the day’s commemorations, students had the opportunity to view a fully restored military vehicle used in the D-Day landings. Brought to the school by its owner Tom Fox, the GMC Bolster US Army truck is a rare example of military engineering, used to transport large sections of bridges and pontoons.

Built for the US Army, the truck saw service in Normandy before being handed to the French military after the Second World War. It subsequently moved to Korea and then back to France before arriving in the UK.    

For students at Withernsea High, the vehicle provided a tangible link to a conflict they study in lessons. Such connections will be further reinforced in March 2026, when a group of Year 9 students will visit the First World War battlefields in Belgium and France.

The trip will include visits to the In Flanders Fields Museum, several Commonwealth War Graves cemeteries, and memorials dedicated to the Battle of the Somme, giving students the opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by soldiers during the conflict.  

ABOVE: Year 9 student Florence B read the exhortation at Withernsea’s Armistice Day service. 

ABOVE: Year 10 student Abbie at work making poppies in the school’s workshops. 

ABOVE: Year 10 student George is pictured with some of the poppies that have formed Remembrance displays around Withernsea’s welcome signs.

 

ABOVE: More than 100 poppies were created as a part of a team effort by the school’s Year 10 design technology, and engineering groups. 

 

ABOVE: The GMC Bolster US Army truck is a rare example of military engineering. The Army truck was inspected by Year 10 history students during a visit to the school on Armistice Day. 

 

Withernsea High School has launched a new initiative to celebrate artistic achievement and provide its budding young artists with a platform to showcase their creativity.

The ‘Artist of the Month’ competition recognises outstanding art work by selecting two students each month, one from Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9) and one from Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11), to have their work showcased as the school’s featured artists.

The contest’s first round attracted approximately 50 participants, with the initial winners chosen for their quality, creativity, and considered interpretation of influential artists.

Taking the lead in Key Stage 3 was Freya, whose winning piece was inspired by the work of American artist Georgia O’Keeffe. It was created using oil pastels and watercolour, and was completed during two lessons. Following her win, Freya expressed an interest in continuing art at Key Stage 4, with plans to pursue a future career in tattoo artistry.

Meanwhile, Key Stage 4 winner Charlotte’s submission was formed of a series of oil pastel works influenced by English artist and sculptor Barbara Hepworth, with additional inspiration also taken from Georgia O’Keeffe. Although describing art as an ‘enjoyable and therapeutic activity’, Charlotte does not intend to study the subject beyond school but plans to continue it as a personal interest.

Reflecting on the high standard of entries, Amy Norris, head of design and technology, said: “We were very impressed with the quality of the work produced across all year groups, which made the selection process extremely difficult. Freya and Charlotte were chosen not only for the standard of their work but for their focus in lessons and willingness to act on feedback. 
“I would also like to thank Mrs Andrews, teacher of art, for helping to run the competition, inspiring the young artists, and assisting with the selection of the winners. Charlotte has shown considerable commitment by attending after-school sessions to improve her coursework, and we hope Freya will continue her studies in art at Key Stage 4.”

Established to promote student achievement and enhance the learning environment, the Artist of the Month initiative will contribute to the continuing update of corridor displays throughout the school. The winning pieces will also appear in the school’s main reception and feature on its website and social media channels.

Acknowledging the importance of promoting work to a wider audience, Amy added: “It is important that we celebrate the work being produced in the art department. Displays will be updated on a rolling basis, one corridor each half term, allowing us to showcase our students’ creativity and provide inspiration to others.”  

Having recently rejoined the Design and Technology faculty as part of its suite of practical subjects, the subject of art recently underwent a curriculum review. A revised programme of learning includes a wider range of contemporary artists and mediums to reflect modern creative industries. As part of the refreshed curriculum, students now study artists such as Hattie Stewart, who has worked with MAC Cosmetics, and Jon Burgerman, known for collaborations with Nike.

“We’ve completely renewed the art curriculum to make it more engaging and relevant to students. A younger, more varied mix of influences has really encouraged students to engage, particularly those who may not have considered themselves to be naturally confident in art. We are also exploring a broader range of disciplines, from fine art to illustration, graphic design, and sculpture, and tailoring projects to individual strengths.

“At Key Stage 4, students are encouraged to choose artists and styles that genuinely interest them and to develop their own interpretation. The overall aim is to make the subject more inclusive, with the focus very much on creative freedom and personal expression.”

For Amy, who primarily teaches engineering, art’s return to the Design and Technology faculty is both an exciting development for the school and a personal source of pride.  

“My background is in art, so it has been really rewarding to have the opportunity to contribute directly to the subject again. Although I really enjoy teaching engineering, it is great to return to my specialist area and to be teaching some Key Stage 4 art. It feels like returning to my roots, and having all the creative subjects together on the same corridor makes practical sense.”

Each month, the Artist of the Month recipients will be awarded a certificate and prize in recognition of their achievement. The initiative reflects the school’s ongoing commitment to celebrating student success and developing creativity across all year groups.

 

ABOVE: Pictured left to right is Key Stage 3 winner Freya, with head of design technology Amy Norris, teacher of art Holly Andrews and Key Stage 4 winner Charlotte. 

ABOVE: Freya (Year 9) submitted oil pastel and watercolour art based on the artist Georgia O’Keeffe. 

 

ABOVE: Charlotte (Year 11) delivered a series of works based on the artist Barbara Hepworth, with additional inspiration also taken from Georgia O’Keeffe.

ABOVE: Each month, the winning entries will be displayed in the school's main reception. 

A recent business networking event gave school students the opportunity to meet and engage with representatives from more than 20 local employers and education providers. 

The ‘Business Breakfast’, held recently at Withernsea High School, provided an informal introduction to the school’s careers programme for its newest students. Over the next five years, the programme will offer a variety of opportunities, guidance and information designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue their career aspirations.

Students were joined by representatives from several organisations, including East Riding of Yorkshire Council, City Healthcare Partnership, Hull College, Humberside Police, Cranswick Country Foods, Rod Chambers (Hull and East Yorkshire LSIP project manager), and Albert Weatherill, principal consultant and senior Adviser at Van Ameyde Marine.

Also present was local businessman and South East Holderness Ward Councillor Jon Dimberline, who said: “As an East Riding Councillor and long-time businessman, I thoroughly enjoyed working with the six students I was paired with. They put in a great effort once they felt comfortable. It was a well-organised event and I would be happy to attend future sessions to discuss the importance of choosing the right career, which impacts both life balance and the ability to live comfortably in an expensive world. Well done Withernsea High School; it was a pleasure to be part of this event.”

Vicky Pennington, a PCSO with Humberside Police, added: “This is our third Business Breakfast event and it’s a fantastic opportunity for students to engage with real-life workers. The group I worked with were surprised by the hours I work and how much time we get off compared with their school days!”

To help students make the most of the experience, the school’s 140-strong Year 7 cohort had previously worked with expert trainers from ‘Talk The Talk’, an organisation dedicated to developing communication skills through oracy-based intervention programmes.

During a transition workshop held within the first two weeks of the new academic year, Talk The Talk guided students through oracy-based activities and strategies designed to boost self-confidence, resilience and empathy. The workshop included tasks that encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones and move away from familiar primary school peers to interact with new classmates.

School careers leader Viki Foster said: “Our Year 7 students confidently put their improved communication skills into practice at the Business Breakfast. They were placed in groups and encouraged to get to know the external representative assigned to each table.  

“Although students had question cards on the tables for inspiration, many asked their own questions. As the session progressed, they became increasingly confident and inquisitive about the visitors they were paired with, showing strong interest in both the lives and career paths of their assigned representatives, as well as the opportunities available to them in the future.

“While decisions about future careers may seem a long way off for Year 7 students, it is important for them to begin exploring the many options available. Our goal is to provide impartial information about all pathways and opportunities so that when students make decisions, such as what to study at GCSE or which direction to take after leaving school, they are fully informed.

“The students’ behaviour throughout the Business Breakfast was exemplary and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. We are very proud of our Year 7 students for the mature way in which they have embraced their introduction to our careers programme and we hope they have enjoyed the activities so far.”  

To support the smooth running of the event, ten of the school’s Year 8 duty students assisted staff in serving breakfast to all attendees. These roles allow selected students to support both staff and peers in various settings around school, providing valuable insight into the workings of an organisation and first-hand experience of a workplace environment.

“Our Year 8 students took part in their own Business Breakfast last year and it was encouraging to see how much they have developed over the past twelve months. Acting in this supporting role gave them an insight into the day-to-day operations of the careers department, allowed them to put their employability skills into practice, and provided a visible example of confidence and professionalism for the current Year 7 cohort.”

 

ABOVE: Career conversations in full flow at Withernsea High’s Business Breakfast event. 

 

A group of students from Withernsea High School are participating in a bespoke work experience programme focused on supporting their local community.

In partnership with the town’s SHoRes Centre, the 36-week initiative has placed seven students from the school’s Horizons hub at the heart of the centre’s efforts to address contemporary issues including food poverty and the digital skills gap.

Designed to build practical skills and boost confidence, the programme provides students with an opportunity to work alongside staff and volunteers in a variety of settings. These include managing stock and distribution at the SHoRes Pantry food bank, gaining hospitality experience through food preparation and customer service at the centre’s café, supporting digital inclusion by helping others with basic IT skills in the DASH suite (Digital Access Skills Hub), and exploring careers in health and social care through the organisation’s domiciliary care services.

Reflecting on the success of the project so far, John Blades, head of additional provision and SENCO, said: “The students have fully embraced the opportunity to play an active role in a cause that directly supports vulnerable residents in the area. The programme aims not only to provide valuable workplace experience but also to promote inclusivity and strengthen community ties.

“Community learning is a vital part of our students’ development, and work experience gives them the opportunity to build new life skills in a real-world environment, preparing them for post-16 learning and beyond. It’s about empowering students with confidence, responsibility, and a sense of purpose. I am extremely proud of the mature and focussed way our Horizon’s students have engaged with this experience and I would like to thank the team at SHoRes for their continuing support of our young people.”

Alex Camplin, centre coordinator at SHoRes, said: “Our aim is to support students in using their interests to develop projects that make a real impact within the community. That might involve helping to raise funds and collect food for the pantry, using technology to improve how we connect with residents, or gaining insight into what a career in care could look like. 

“Volunteers are essential to the work we do; we simply couldn’t make the impact we do without them. Involving young people not only brings fresh energy and ideas but also helps us understand what the next generation needs from community spaces like SHoRes. It’s about building something that works for them, with them.

“This is more than just work experience; it’s about showing young people how their skills and passions can have a real impact and make a difference locally - whether through food, technology, or care. It’s about showing them how they can shape their community. We’re proud to be part of that journey.”

Opened in September 2022 as the Enhanced Resource Provision (ERP), and recently rebranded as ‘Horizons’ to solidify its own identity, the hub is a dedicated provision within the school for full-time learners with Social and Emotional Mental Health (SEMH) needs – a type of Special Educational Need where a child may struggle to manage their emotions or behaviour, causing them to feel scared, anxious or misunderstood.

Students are supported through individual EHCPs (Education, Health and Care Plans), which describe their needs, the support required, and the outcomes they hope to achieve. Crucially, the support provided within the Horizon’s base enables students to continue their education in a mainstream school, with the aim of reintegration back into regular classroom settings.  

John Blades added: “We offer a bespoke curriculum, tailored to the needs of each individual learner, with the aim of helping them regain access to mainstream lessons alongside their peers. To support this, a number of students currently follow a hybrid learning package, splitting their time between Horizons and timetabled lessons. 

“We are delighted with the impact we’ve made so far. There is positive engagement in classes and strong attendance, with students really thriving. They are demonstrating a real sense of belonging and a purposeful presence in lessons.

“Our recent rebranding as ‘Horizons’ strengthens our identity while aligning us more closely with the school’s core purpose to broaden students’ horizons and inspire confident young people to thrive in a changing world. 

“The collaboration with SHoRes reflects a growing recognition of the value of community-based learning, particularly for students with additional needs. It also highlights the importance of empowering young people to play an active role in addressing real-world issues. 

“The project is already receiving positive feedback from students, families, and the wider community, and there is hope that this partnership could serve as a model for similar work experience programmes in the future.” 

ABOVE: Leon and Ben get to work in SHoRes Pantry.

 

We are pleased to invite you to the first Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Withernsea High School PTFA, which will be held at the school on Wednesday, 26th November 2025, at 4:00pm. On arrival, please sign in at the main reception. Light refreshments will be provided.

During the meeting, we will elect our PTFA Committee and agree on the adoption of our new Constitution, which will outline the rules and principles guiding the PTFA. Nominations for anyone wishing to stand as an Officer or Committee Member should be submitted in advance of the AGM. 

The meeting will also provide an opportunity for attendees to discuss upcoming events and fundraising opportunities. Among the projects identified for support during the group’s first meeting in October were the purchase of anaphylaxis kits and funding to support educational trips. The group also discussed providing additional support for the school’s breakfast club, as well as projects linked to key priorities in the School Improvement Plan, including attendance, literacy, and provision for students with special educational needs and disabilities.

The PTFA will play a vital role in supporting our school community, and we are keen to build an active group of parents, carers, and staff who can help shape future projects and events. Whether you would like to join the committee, volunteer occasionally, or simply come along to share ideas, your involvement will make a real difference.

We hope the group will bring lasting benefits for everyone involved. For parents, it offers a chance to form closer connections with the school and other families, while for staff it provides opportunities to work alongside students and the community on positive, enriching projects. 
If you would like more information about the AGM or about joining the PTFA, either as a general volunteer or as a committee member, please contact Kim Wallis (Admin Support Assistant) at wallisk@wscampus.net or on 01964 613133.

We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, 26th November, and to working together to support our school community. 

A group of Year 11 students recently had the opportunity to explore the wide range of career options available within the construction industry at Foundations Live - a major business, trade and careers event.

Led by Hull-based construction and maintenance company Hobson & Porter and hosted by Bishop Burton College, the event brought together more than 70 exhibitors from across the construction supply chain. 

The exhibition featured practical demonstrations, interactive displays, and hands-on activities highlighting more than 180 career paths within the construction industry. Visitors also had access to apprenticeship and training advice, as well as networking opportunities with key industry professionals. 

Accompanying the students was school careers leader, Viki Foster, who said: “Foundations Live is a fantastic way to help our students understand the diversity of careers available in construction. Many young people tend to associate the industry with traditional roles such as bricklaying, joinery and plumbing, but this event really broadened their horizons. They spoke with professionals from areas including civil engineering, groundworks, architecture and specialist trades such as tile manufacturing. 

“The students particularly enjoyed the hands-on activities and made the most of every opportunity to talk directly with employers and training providers about their future pathways. They were a real credit to themselves and to the school. We are extremely grateful to Hobson & Porter, Bishop Burton College and everyone involved for another successful and worthwhile event."

ABOVE: Year 11 student Louis cements an interest in construction during a hands-on bricklaying demonstration. 

ABOVE: Brogan, Riley and Alfie try their hand at tiling at Foundations Live. 

Hundreds of aspiring professionals, school pupils and college students recently gathered at Hull’s Guildhall to attend the annual WiME (Women into Manufacturing and Engineering) careers fair - an inspirational event to showcase the diverse opportunities available to women in traditionally male-dominated industries across the Humber region and beyond.

Accompanying a group of 28 Year 9 students from Withernsea High School was careers leader, Viki Foster, who said: “The Women into Manufacturing and Engineering event is one of the highlights of our careers calendar and showcases the many roles and pathways, including apprenticeships and traineeships, that are available within a variety of sectors. 

“It is vital that we address gender stereotypes in job roles in order to help young people access careers they may not have otherwise considered. The event had a huge impact on the students, with post-event feedback showing that all who attended had changed their opinion for the better, with many now saying that they would consider a role within manufacturing or engineering. 

“Such events are essential in helping to provide students with access to employers, information about the labour market and progression routes through academic and vocational pathways. The company representatives were excellent role models and advocates for their industries and our students had a great time interacting with them and learning more about their roles and responsibilities.

“We would like to thank the organisers and employers for giving up their time to offer this opportunity to our students, who engaged well with the event and made the most of the opportunity afforded to them.” 

Myah, a Year 9 student who visited the careers fair, said: "I found the event very insightful and there was a lot going on. I really enjoyed speaking to the team at Sauce Software. I would like to be a graphic designer when I'm older and this event has really helped me understand the different opportunities that can help me get to that position.”

In addition to its core focus of manufacturing and engineering, the fair also promoted opportunities across a wide range of sectors including renewables, construction, digital, energy, transport, food, and healthcare, with more than 30 of the Humber’s leading employers in attendance. These included Ideal Heating, KCOM, Siemens Mobility, Smith+Nephew, Centrica Energy Storage, international engineering and construction firm Laing O'Rourke, and renewable energy company Ørsted.