Wellacre Stands Together

Posted at 1:49 pm on 6th May, 2020

Thanks to Staff, Students and Families

In these unprecedented and difficult times, Wellacre would like to take the opportunity to celebrate the whole school community and all the students, families and staff have achieved.  The global pandemic has forced the world to reshape their daily lives and, for Wellacre boys, has redefined their education.

At Wellacre, independent learning is a crucial learning habit and at this time, students are drawing on all their skills, knowledge and discipline to establish both effective and successful home learning as well as invaluable personal growth and development opportunities. 

Principal, Miss Wicks, says:

“It is hugely gratifying to see how Wellacre students have adapted to the current situation. Not only have they risen to the immense challenge and demonstrated outstanding determination and commitment to their learning, many have shown themselves to be valued members of the community.  I have never been prouder as the Principal of Wellacre.”

Throughout the lockdown period, Wellacre boys have completed home learning activities across all subjects and staff communication ensures encouragement, motivation and feedback so students can reflect on their learning.  

Hundreds of Wellacre Home Learning Heroes certificates have been awarded to students for their work, resilience and effort.  The volume of certificates being sent home weekly showcases the commitment of Wellacre students and recognises their ability to produce high quality work independently, which will be a key skill as they continue on their educational journey.

The Key Stage 3 Personal Research Project has been particularly engaging for students in Years 7 to 9.  Many have been inspired to explore a subject area and complete background reading and research, including interviews for firsthand experiences.  Each student has concluded the project with the production of a ‘product’ using literacy, creativity or technology skills, for example.  There are so many to choose from, highlights include sociological pandemic studies, a school hall AV technology guide, and a VE Day 75 commemoration. 

Wellacre students have also been inspirational in their efforts to support the wider community.  Many have shown pride and thanks for the NHS and their staff.  Year 8 student, Jacob, ‘braved the shave’ and cut off all his hair to raise £875 for the NHS, while fellow Year 8, Zachary, learnt to knit and utilised this skill to create ear protectors for NHS masks. 

Other student endeavours which have been hugely beneficial to the community include Year 8 student, Harry, entertaining his neighbours on his doorstep by playing rousing guitar tunes to lift community spirit!

As a school, Wellacre is keen to promote the positive impact of maintaining health and wellbeing through this difficult time.   Students have demonstrated their understanding of this ‘healthy body, healthy mind’ attitude with Year 9 Sport Ambassador, Noah, promoting sport to his family at home by producing fitness workouts, and many have accepted the challenge to try something new to stay active, with Year 8, Ethan, adding skipping to his exercise range, for example. 

There are many, many examples of students going the extra mile to shine in lockdown including:  Year 10 student, Abel, edited his Flixton Swimming Team’s Loo Roll Challenge video - a great way to motivate his team and keep everyone’s spirits up;  Year 7 Jack volunteered to take home and nurture the cucumber, strawberry and cauliflower seedlings from Wellacre’s Co-Curricular P6 Eco Centre session;  Year 8 George has achieved both the Bronze and Silver Inspiring Digital Enterprise Awards (iDEA) whilst at home; and Year 10 GCSE Food and Nutrition student, Jamie, has been polishing up his culinary skills, preparing delicious and nutritious food for his family and creating a social media account to promote his dishes! 

Miss Wicks adds:

“We would like to thank parents and carers for their continued support in these difficult times.  Staff have been working above and beyond to set up the systems, resources and communication channels necessary to offer a good standard of education alongside strong and steady support. We hope this remarkable effort, with everyone working together, helps maintain the balance for all those homeschooling as well as working from home. 

“I’m sure you will agree, Wellacre boys are working exceptionally hard to make us all proud.  With their determination, self-belief and resilience, they truly can achieve anything and we look forward to a time when we are all back in school together again.”