Withernsea High School

Students delivered an outstanding series of performances at the East Riding Athletics Finals, held at Costello Stadium yesterday, competing against peers from secondary schools across the East Riding.

Representing the school across a range of track and field events, every competitor demonstrated exceptional commitment, determination and sportsmanship, reflecting the school's values throughout the competition.

A particularly impressive achievement came from the following students, who secured top-five finishes in their respective events:

• Ellis Z (Year 7) - 1st in the Javelin
• Daisy P (Year 10) - 1st in the 200m
• Ben H (Year 10) - 2nd in the Discus
• Blake J (Year 9) - 3rd in the Discus
• Alfie F (Year 10) - 3rd in the 1500m
• Faye D (Year 10) - 4th in the Shot Put
• Jack D (Year 8) - 5th in the 800m
• Archie (Year 10) - 5th in the Long Jump
• Jack D (Year 9) - 5th in the 1500m
• Tom S (Year 7) - 5th in the Shot Put

Achieving a top-five placing at the East Riding Athletics Finals is a significant accomplishment, recognising these students among the region's leading secondary school athletes.

Nick Richmond, Teacher of PE, SSCO and Enrichment Coordinator, praised the students’ efforts, saying: "I am incredibly proud of every student who represented the school. Their attitude, behaviour, determination and commitment to performing at their very best were outstanding. They supported one another throughout the day and represented the school with real pride and professionalism. To see so many students achieve top-five finishes against such strong competition is a fantastic accomplishment, and they should all be immensely proud of what they have achieved."

Year 10 students have completed a series of college taster visits alongside a dedicated post-16 application support session delivered by Log On Move On.

Over the past fortnight, students have visited Bishop Burton College, Wyke College and Wilberforce College, where they experienced college life, explored potential subject choices and learned more about post-16 opportunities.

As part of the visits, students took part in a wide variety of taster lessons, experiencing both traditional academic subjects and hands-on vocational courses, including construction and public services. One session saw students working with Humberside Police, providing a valuable insight into careers in policing and the wider public services sector.

During an engineering taster session at Wilberforce College, students Olivia F and Lewis G were recognised as Engineering Students of the Day in recognition of their enthusiasm, engagement and effort throughout the session.

The visits were complemented by an application preparation session delivered in school by Log On Move On, an independent and impartial careers platform. The workshop introduced students to the application process ahead of applications opening in October.
The events form part of the school's careers programme, which includes one-to-one guidance interviews for every Year 10 student.

Viki Foster, Careers Leader, said: “Preparing for post-16 early gives students the time to research their options and make informed decisions about their future. Every Year 10 student has been offered a one-to-one careers guidance interview, with any missed appointments and follow-up support continuing into Year 11.

“Over the past two weeks, students have visited local colleges, as well as taking part in an application preparation session with Log On Move On. College taster events give students the opportunity to experience lessons and explore courses they may wish to study after their GCSEs.

“We also moved work experience earlier in the year so students have more time to reflect on what they learned, research future opportunities and take advantage of the taster events, which had previously clashed with placements. Most post-16 applications open in October and we encourage students to submit them by Christmas.”

The recent activities build on careers education already delivered this academic year, including visits to Willerby Ltd and Siemens Mobility for National Manufacturing Day, a Channel 4 Creative Industries workshop, the school's Careers Evening and Futures Fair, work experience placements and evaluation sessions, and ongoing one-to-one careers interviews.

During the summer holidays, students are encouraged to complete their personal statements, update their Log On Move On profiles and use the platform's CV Builder in preparation for applications.

Support will continue into Year 11 with follow-up careers interviews, the East Riding Apprenticeship Expo, college open evenings, interview skills workshops, mock interviews and support throughout the post-16 application process.

A visit from Withernsea High School's Reading Leaders and Reading Ambassadors brought stories to life for nursery children during a recent session at the town's Children's Centre.

The visit not only gave the nursery children the chance to enjoy books with older students, but also supported the school's wider commitment to promoting literacy within the local community.

School librarian Julie Thompson, who accompanied the group, said: “Our Reading Leaders and Ambassadors did a fantastic job sharing stories with the children and they all really enjoyed them. The nursery children were so engaged and loved having the older students read to them. It was a lovely opportunity for both groups to share their enjoyment of books together.”

Laura Aldridge, Lead for Whole-school Reading and Literacy, said: “Getting children interested in books and enjoying stories from an early age is crucial to developing young people who go on to become independent readers. With the nursery being on site, it was a lovely opportunity to bring the two groups together and have our students share their love of books.

“We know poor literacy can be a lifelong hindrance and, as a school, I think it is our duty and responsibility to be a catalyst for change. That will only go so far if we keep it within our four walls. By getting out into the community and raising the profile of books beyond our walls, we can help make reading something the whole community can be part of."

The school’s Reading Ambassadors initiative was launched as part of this year's National Year of Reading. Students nominated their peers to champion books and literacy alongside existing ambassadors for sport, mental health and active travel as part of the student-led Board for Change. More than 70 students put themselves forward before two ambassadors were elected to represent Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4.

A Reading Leaders group was also created to support the ambassadors and give more students the opportunity to help promote books and literacy across the school.

Julie Thompson added: “A number of students were really disappointed not to be selected as ambassadors, so we created the Reading Leaders group to support the ambassadors and give more students the chance to get involved. They are really excited to be part of it.”

Withernsea High School's Sport and Performance Faculty celebrated the success of its fourth annual Performing Arts Summer Showcase on Wednesday evening.

Having been staged at Hull University's Middleton Hall for the previous three years, this year's showcase was held in the school's Main Hall for the first time, giving students the opportunity to perform in their own community before an audience of family, friends and school staff.

The showcase featured a varied programme of music, dance and drama performances.

Jamie Hughes, Head of Sport and Performance, said: “Mr Fryer has led another fantastic summer showcase this year. As a performing arts team, we are so privileged to see the immense talent at Withernsea High School, so we love every opportunity to showcase our young people - they did a fantastic job. Thank you also to everyone who came and supported, cheering and clapping along.”

Music Teacher and event organiser Lewis Fryer said: “A huge congratulations to everyone involved in the WHS Summer Showcase. The event was a great success, with outstanding performances from start to finish. It was so impressive to see how students conducted themselves both on and off stage, ensuring the professional running of the show. I am immensely proud of everybody involved, and it is a pleasure to organise such an evening of entertainment.”

Award-winning author, educator and broadcaster Jeffrey Boakye returned to the school on Tuesday, 7th July, giving students an engaging and thought-provoking presentation inspired by the themes of his book Musical Truth, which forms part of the Year 9 tutor-time reading programme.

Jeffrey, who previously visited the school in October 2024 and has also delivered an online session for students, explored how music can provide a powerful lens through which to understand history, identity and social change. Drawing on examples from across different musical genres and eras, he encouraged students to consider the ideas behind songs, examining themes including racism, sexism, misogyny, homophobia, bullying and equality.

A former English teacher, Jeffrey Boakye is an award-winning writer and broadcaster whose work focuses on race, education, culture and identity. In Musical Truth, he charts the story of modern Britain through music, showing how songs and artists can help us better understand the society in which they were created and the issues that continue to shape our lives.

During his presentation, Jeffrey connected the themes of the book with contemporary issues, including discussion around the 2026 FIFA World Cup and representation in professional football. By relating current events to the wider themes explored in Musical Truth, he encouraged students to think critically about the world around them and the role they can play within it.

Reflecting on his return visit to the school, Jeffrey said: "It was an absolute pleasure to spend time with Year 9 students and the Year 8 Reading Ambassadors. Whenever you visit schools as an author, you never quite know what to expect from the audience. It was great to see everyone so engaged and enthusiastic, taking part and even rapping along!

"It’s a real honour to know that students are reading my books. Thank you so much. And I know that the key messages of joy, equality, curiosity and social justice really shone through. Thanks again to everyone who was there. Keep reading, keep creating, and hope to visit again in the future."

Laura Aldridge, Lead for Whole School Reading and Literacy, said: “Jeffrey has an extraordinary ability to make every subject feel relevant. He weaves together humour, literature, popular culture and big social issues so naturally that students stop seeing them as separate topics - they realise they’re all connected.

“Musical Truth uses music as the thread that connects everything. Jeffrey uses that theme to help students see that something they already enjoy can also deepen their understanding of society and encourage them to think more critically about the world around them.”

School Librarian Julie Thompson, who organised the visit, added: “Jeffrey's presentation was an outstanding success. The students were fully engaged throughout, listening intently to his powerful messages about bullying, racism, slavery, homophobia, standing up for what you believe in and, most importantly, the importance of creating something of your own. These important themes were delivered in an energetic, refreshing and highly engaging way, which really resonated with the students.”

Second in Humanities Clare Atkin, who was among the staff accompanying students during the presentation, said Jeffrey had clearly tailored his talk to the audience.
“He referred to football, the World Cup and even Withernsea, so it never felt like a generic presentation. He communicated important messages about bullying, racism, homophobia and standing up for what you believe in without ever sounding patronising or preachy.”

Teacher of History Anne-Marie Spencer added: “Jeffrey's presentation was informative, engaging and thought-provoking. He used music as the theme to connect a range of important ideas, making them easy for students to follow while encouraging them to think more deeply about the issues he was discussing."

On Monday 6th July, Withernsea High School held its annual Sports Day, with students from Years 7 to 10 taking part in a programme of sporting activities across the school site.

This year’s event followed England’s World Cup match against Mexico in the early hours, with the tournament providing inspiration for the day’s theme. Tutor groups represented different countries, with students wearing colours, bringing flags and creating decorations to represent their teams.

The event focused on participation, teamwork and competition, with students taking part in a range of activities designed to encourage collaboration, resilience and communication. Events included athletics challenges, football, Capture the Flag, Retro Races and the traditional whole-school Tug of War competition.

Students began the day in tutor groups before moving through a series of events organised by year group. Years 7 and 8 took part in the Super Six athletics challenge, while Years 9 and 10 competed in football and Retro Races alongside Capture the Flag activities. The event concluded with the Tutor Challenge and closing ceremony, where the results were announced.

Jamie Hughes, Head of Sport and Performance, said: “Sports Day was a fantastic opportunity for students to come together, represent their tutor groups and take part in a wide range of activities. It was brilliant to see so many students embracing the event, trying new challenges, supporting each other and celebrating the achievements of their peers.

“The atmosphere throughout the event was a real reflection of the teamwork, enthusiasm and determination shown by students across all year groups. The World Cup theme added an extra element of excitement, with tutor groups proudly representing their chosen countries and bringing plenty of energy to the competition.

“The closing ceremony was a great way to finish the event, recognising the efforts and achievements of students and celebrating everything that made Sports Day a memorable occasion.”

Headteacher Mark Crofts added: “It was probably the best Sports Day I have seen at this school. The level of engagement from students, and the way tutor groups worked together, was fantastic. The morning was focused and well organised, with students taking part in a range of activities with really high levels of participation, enjoyment and enthusiasm.

“As the event moved into the afternoon, the competitive element increased, building towards the traditional whole-school Tug of War, which was a brilliant way to bring everyone together and finish the competitions.

“Across the whole event, the organisation was impeccable and the students were incredibly responsible and respectful. What stood out most was the sense of belonging – seeing students supporting each other, celebrating achievements and being part of something together.

“The World Cup theme and England’s victory in the early hours of the morning added to the occasion, and it was great to see students embracing that with such positivity. It was a day filled with enjoyment, teamwork and a real demonstration of our school values in action.”

 

RESULTS

Year 7

First: 7NRI

Second: 7EF

Third: 7ACU

 

Year 8

Joint First: 8AE and 8MEL

Third: 8AKI

 

Year 9

First: 9HAN

Second: 9KHO

Third: 9CZU

 

Year 10

First: 10EJ

Second: 10CAT

Third: 9CWO

 

Staff members from Withernsea High School have walked the Ullswater Way to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

On Saturday, 4th July, a team of ten walked the 20-mile circular route around Ullswater in the Lake District alongside a colleague who continues to benefit from the care and support of Macmillan Cancer Support.

The Ullswater Way is the latest in a series of annual fundraising events organised by the school. In 2024, staff and students took part in sponsored 10K events, raising £2,856 for Macmillan Cancer Support. Last year, staff completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, raising a further £1,390 for the charity.

This year's group included a mix of returning participants and first-time walkers, with several staff members having now completed all three fundraising challenges.

Teacher of Sport Emma Jesney said: “It was really special to be part of such a supportive group of colleagues who have become great friends. When the walk got tough, you just reminded yourself why you were doing it, and that made every step worthwhile. 

“Three or four of us have now taken part in all three challenges, the Hull 10K, the Yorkshire Three Peaks and the Ullswater Way, alongside some first-time participants who wanted to challenge themselves. They all said they can't wait until next year and the next challenge.”

So far, this year's Ullswater Way fundraiser has raised £807, taking the total amount raised by Withernsea High School staff and students for Macmillan Cancer Support over the past three years to £5,053.

The charity provides emotional, practical, physical and financial support to people living with cancer and their families. The charity is almost entirely funded by voluntary donations, with 98% of its income coming from fundraising and public support. 

In its latest annual reporting, Macmillan estimated it reached 2.4 million people affected by cancer, including approximately 700,000 people through its nurses, support workers and palliative care teams, while a further 484,000 people accessed support through its helpline, online community and information services.

Anyone wishing to support this year's fundraising efforts can make a donation by visiting: https://www.justgiving.com/page/emma-jesney-2