Warbler November 2019

WARBLER 

NEWSLETTER 

THE WILNECOTE 

SCHOOL 

November 2019 

Issue 16 

1

WELCOME 

Wilnecote Warbler 


WELCOME 

Welcome to the first Wilnecote 

Warbler of the new academic year. 

As you may remember I sent out 

a letter before the summer holiday giving a 

tantalising glimpse of the possibility of a new 

IT infrastructure for the school. Due to the 

strategic project management of Ms Mann 

and Mr. Stevenson and the hard graft (whilst 

the rest of the staff enjoyed their holidays!) 

of Messrs Booton and Bounds, our talented 

site staff, students have returned to a 

much upgraded technology infrastructure. 

Our teaching spaces now have high quality 

interactive flat screens which have really 

enhanced the learning environment and 

experience for our students. We have had 

a new wireless network installed which reliably supports the new laptops 

that all our teaching staff use. Feedback from students has been glowingly 

positive despite in some cases them knowing more about the technology 

than us. Please ask your children about the improvements and the positive 

impact it has had on teaching and learning at Wilnecote. 

A massive upgrade like this requires excellent partnership working with 

private sector companies. I would like to thank Concero Technology Services, 

Redway Networks Ltd, GV Multimedia and ViewSonic for their support in 

delivering the project and for their commitment to education in general and 

the children of Wilnecote specifically.. As a team they have delivered a stepchange 

in provision at The Wilnecote School. 

Wishing you a wonderful half term ahead. 

Sian Hartle 

2



WELCOME 

PASTORAL WELCOME 

The last half-term was an exciting time 

at The Wilnecote School with our new 

Year 7’s starting in September after two 

very successful and enjoyable transition days 

during the Summer Term. All of our new Year 

7 students have made a positive start to life 

at The Wilnecote School, showing enthusiasm 

towards their studies, taking part in different PSHE and Literacy activities in their vertical tutor 

groups and starting to feel part of the school and wider community. 

Our Year 8 students have continued to excel in their school career by building on their solid 

relationships with both their teachers and the pastoral team. Many Year 8 students have 

become Form Champions iand form Student Voice who meet regularly with the Heads of 

Houses to discuss school matters. 

Our Year 9 students have started their GCSEs which is a new and fresh challenge for all; and 

all students have made a fantastic start, not only in Core Subjects but also the subjects which 

they opted to study. 

Finally, our Year 10 and Year 11 students continue to work towards their GCSEs and have 

started to prepare for their PPEs, which will take place just before Christmas. Our ‘senior’ 

students have been excellent role models to the lower years by displaying positive behaviour 

around the school at break and lunch times. Our newly formed Junior Leadership Team have 

been working with Mr Adams and have already made some important changes, including Year 

11 students now having last lunch, allowing students to be more focused and energised during 

Period 5. 

On a personal note there has also been a 

significant change within my role at The 

Wilnecote School. After three amazing years, I 

have stepped down as Head of House for Peel. 

I’m immensely proud that I led an amazing 

house with both fantastic students and tutors. 

This was made possible with the support of Miss 

Jordan. It has been a brilliant journey which I will 

never forget and created memories that I will 

always cherish. Miss Julius has now become the 

Head of House for Peel and I know that she will 

do an amazing job bringing refreshed energy, 

direction and ideas. 

I wish Miss Julius and the whole of Peel House 

my very best. 

I will still be part of the Pastoral Team as the 

Director of Student Standards and I will now 

work with all students across the three fantastic 

houses that make up our successful house 

system. I will support both students and staff, 

ensuring that we maintain and build upon our 

high standards. 

Mr Simpson 

3

NEW STAFF 



September saw four new members of staff join The Wilnecote School 

on our exciting journey to outstanding. We caught up with them to 

find out more about them and ask the questions that everyone wants 

answered. 

Miss Giles - Pastoral House Manager 

How have you found the school so far? 

It has been a very friendly and welcoming 

experience. 

Why do you enjoy about your role in the 

school? 

I enjoy helping and meeting students. 

What challenges do you face being a 

pastoral house manager? 

I face the challenge of not having enough 

time to see everyone. 

How has your experience with the students 

been so far? 

It has been amazing! 

Why did you apply for the pastoral 

position? 

To work and make a difference for a nonprofit 

organisation. 

What has been your best experience 

throughout your career? 

Trading a store from £1.3 mil to £7 mil 

turnover. 

What’s your favourite food? 

Roast beef dinner. 

If you had to write a book what would the 

title be? 

‘How to live an amazing life’. 

Who would play you in the film? 

Kelly Brook. 

What’s your favourite sport? 

Netball or watching rugby. 

What’s the last tune you played? 

Otis Redding on vinyl. 

McDonalds or KFC? 

KFC. 

If you had the world’s attention for 30 

seconds what would you say? 

Be nice to each other, check if your neighbour 

is okay-laugh-love-live. 

If you had to work but didn’t need the 

money what would you choose to do? 

Work in a sanctuary with elephants. 

Take out the bins or do the washing up? 

Take out the bins. 

Scone (long o sound) or scone (silent e)? 

Scone! (long o sound) 

Do you have a quote you live by? 

“Do something that makes you smile every 

day”. 

What is your favourite joke? 

Why did the orange stop rolling down the 

hill? 

Because it ran out of juice! 

4



NEW STAFF 

Miss Collyer - Maths 


Really welcoming. Everyone is so friendly. 

Why did you want to work here?. 

I heard great things about the school and 

students. 

What is your favourite thing about the 

school? 

The Maths department! 

What is the hardest thing about being a 

teacher? 

Trying to get the best out of every student, 

every lesson, every day. I really want them 

to do well. 


been so far? 

All the students are lovely. I’m also really 

impressed with how smart everyone looks. 



Guiding year 11 students who didn’t believe 

in themselves to achieve, and seeing them 

cry with joy on results day. 


Spaghetti Bolognese. 


title be? 

‘Doesn’t add up’! 


Rebel Wilson. 


Dancing. Yes, dancing is a sport! 


‘The kids are coming…’ By Dance 

MonkeyTones and I 


McDonalds. The coffee, in particular! 



Be kind to each other! 



Run my own cattery. 


Take the bins out – it’s quicker! 


Scone. (silent e). 


“Maths is fun - it teaches you life and death 

information, such as; when you’re cold, you 

should go to a corner, as it’s 90 degrees 

there.” 


Did you hear about the mathematician who 

was afraid of negative numbers? 

He’d stop at nothing to avoid them. 

5

NEW STAFF 



Mr O’Malley - Head of English 


I have really enjoyed it so far. There’s a lot to 

do, but I feel like I am getting settled. 

Why did you want to work here? 

I got a good feeling when I visited previously. 

I also think that I can help to make things 

better in my own way. 

What is your favourite thing about the 

school? 

I like the pupils. They can be rowdy, but 

rarely disrespectful. 


teacher? 

The marking. It takes up so much of your 

time that you have to sacrifice your own 

hobbies and interests to make sure you do 

it well. 


been so far? 

Really positive, overall. I think most students 

have taken me quite well. 



I had a Year 8 class that were incredibly 

tough and I dreaded seeing them at times. 

Four years later, I saw the same group 

picking up grades above their expectations 

and thanking me for sticking with them. 


Curry. 


title be? 

“I was forced to write this book when I 

should have been marking.” 


I don’t know; maybe James McAvoy. 


Boxing. 


I am currently trying to learn ‘Master Of 

Puppets’ by Metallica on my guitar, if that 

counts? 


KFC. 



Don’t waste time worrying about what other 

people think of you; do what makes you 

happy, as long as it does not hurt others. 



I’d still teach. I might do it part-time though. 


Take out the bins. 

Scone or scon(e)? 

Scone with a long ‘o’ sound. 


Love all, trust a few, do wrong to no one. 


Two fish are in a tank. 

One turns to the other and says: 

“Well, don’t look at me! I’m not driving!” 

6



NEW STAFF 

Mrs Smith - Head of Art 


Really friendly and welcoming – many 

students are polite and helpful. 

Why did you want to work here? 

I worked here as a TA for a short time 15 years 

ago. It was such a welcoming community 

and, as I live locally, I wanted to become a 

part of that again. 

What is our favourite thing about the 

school? 

The feeling of being valued and part of the 

team! 


teacher? 

There’s always something to do, but there’s 

never enough time to do it! 

How has your experience been with the 

students so far? 

Many students have been pleasant and easy 

to please. They have a good work ethic. 


Chicken curry or a bag of cheese and onion 

mini cheddars. 

If you had to write a book, what would the 

title be? 

“2013” because this was a very challenging 

year in my life and I think sharing those 

experiences with others would spread hope. 


I don’t really have one anymore, but I used 

to love playing team sports such as netball 

and hockey. 


‘Anything’ by My Chemical Romance. 

McDonald’s or KFC? 

McDonald’s – KFC in Tamworth is dirty. 

If you had the world’s attention for thirty 

seconds, what would you say? 

I’m not a great public speaker, but it would 

be something along the lines of encouraging 

a cure for cancer or raising awareness of 

autism. 


money, what would you choose to do? 

I’d be an artist or craftsperson who sells their 

work in a small shop in an idyllic location. 


Take out the bins! 


Scone (silent e). 

Do you have a quote that you live by? 

Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to 

pass; it’s about learning to dance in the rain. 

What has been the best experience 


There hasn’t really been one moment that 

stood out to me. However, I have made 

some really good friends for life. 

7

SUCCESS 



V 

AWARDS EVENING 2019 

October saw us celebrate our students’ successes throughout 

the academic year 2018-19. The night not only celebrated 

our students’ wonderful academic achievements but 

recognised progress made by students in each subject. 

As well as the academic awards, the night was rounded off with 

the presentation of our specialist awards. 

The Terry Dix Award for House Involvement went to: James 

Bartholomew, Beth Rawlings and Faye Thompson. 

Picking up the Richard Thornton Athlete of the Year Award was 

Lottie McLaren. 

Nathan Livesey was awarded the Sportsman of the Year Award. 

The Lydia Bennett Sportswoman of the Year Award was awarded 

to Jessie Snell. 

For the first time in the history of the Wilnecote Awards nights, 

the Lyndie Palmer Performing Arts Award was awarded to 

four students. Sam Martin, Ben Jones, Ben Ryan and James 

Bartholomew, who collectively make up the band Irridium. 

The last award of the evening was the Pride of Wilnecote Award, an 

award that recognises the immense contribution of an individual 

to the life and work of The Wilnecote School. This year the award 

went to Kaydi Tresdadern. 

We hope all that attended this year’s Awards Evening enjoyed the 

night and we can’t wait to celebrate with our students next year. 

8



M.F.L 

SUPRISE ME HOMEWORK 

Last week, students in Mrs. Hill’s class were chosen to trial a new ‘surprise me’ homework. They 

had to demonstrate their learning of either the pencil case items or colours in any format they 

wanted! The only rule? The ‘surprise’ could not be that they didn’t do it! 

Having never done it before, Mrs. Hill was curious about what the students would produce but was 

very proud and certainly ‘surprised’ by the results. The students really worked hard on the task and 

handed in some excellent projects. There were posters, videos, plant pots, board games and even 

cakes! The students really thought about how to include the key vocabulary 

in a different way. 

Mrs. Hill would like to thank the year 7 students who put such time and effort 

into their homework. Many of them 

will be used by other students, 

displayed in the classroom or have 

taken pride of place on her desk! 

GREAT EUROPEAN BAKE OFF 

Every year the MFL team celebrate ‘European Day of 

Languages’ (26th September) to help raise the profile 

of languages and language learning, to promote the 

benefits of being bilingual or plurilingual and to celebrate 

different languages and cultures. 

We have been discussing this in assemblies, lessons and 

form time and the results of a form time quiz competition 

will be announced next week. 

For the last few years, we have launched a ‘Great European 

Bake Off’ Competition. We are always so impressed with 

the effort that goes into this and the quality of what is 

produced, that we decided to do it again this year. To take 

part, students needed to bake a typical dish of a European 

country or decorate cakes, cupcakes or cookies with a 

European theme. They could also choose to focus on one 

country in particular if they wanted. 

As ever, we had lots of entries to the competition and were 

thrilled with the standard of them. Clearly a lot of time and 

effort has gone into creating them, it is going to be very 

difficult to choose the overall winners. 

There will be a prize for everyone who entered and special 

prizes awarded for the ‘tastiest bakes’, ‘most European’ 

and ‘most creative’. 

The MFL team would like to thank all students who got 

involved this year, you have done us proud! 

9

SCIENCE 

SCIENCE NEWS 

Stuff you didn’t know you didn’t know! 

This month – should I squeeze my tea bags? 

Some tea aficionados insist that squeezing the tea bag can 

release tannins, which makes the tea taste bitter. However, there 

is nothing special about tannins that keeps them safely trapped 

in the bag until you squeeze it. Longer brewing times means 

higher concentrations of all the flavour compounds, including 

tannins, which makes for a stronger cuppa. Squeezing just 

accelerates the process slightly because you do not need to wait 

for the molecules to diffuse out passively. Some tea bags are 

actually sold with drawstrings, to make squeezing the bag even 

easier. 

Of course, a true tea lover would always brew up in a pot, not 

the cup, and avoid the squeeze or not squeeze debate entirely. 

1.7 Million Years 

The age of a rhino tooth that Danish 

researchers obtained a sample of DNA 

from. It’s the oldest genetic information 

ever collected 

201Km 

The diameter of Loki, a giant volcano on 

Jupiter’s moon Io that’s poised to erupt 

any time. 

4.6 Million Years 

In Numbers 

The age of the Sahara Desert, as estimated 

by analysing ancient dust that was blown 

across to the Canary Islands millions of 

years ago. 



Calculators - Please remember that all Y9, Y10 and Y11 students are expected to bring a 

scientific calculator to all Science lessons. If they don’t, they will be issued with a half hour detention 

for lack of equipment 

Revision Guides 

CGP Tier Cost 

These will soon be Double Science Revision and Practice (3 books) H/F £12 

available to purchase Separate Sciences Revision and Practice (3 Books) H/F £16.50 

on Parent Pay. We are 

Collins Tier Cost 

offering guides from Double Science All-in-One Revision and Practice (1 book) H/F £9 

two different publishers Separate Sciences All-in-One Revision and Practice (3 book) H/F £11.97 

as both were popular 

with the students when we asked them. Please indicate Foundation or Higher when ordering. 

10



World War One 

HISTORY 

Year 8 students have been studying World War One and, in particular, trench warfare. As 

trench warfare was a stalemate for much of the war, the key question that students have 

been tackling is “why were trenches so hard to attack?” 

To help them understand this, two year 8 groups had their classroom turned into a mock-up of 

a trench network, complete with dug outs (under the desks), sandbags (their bags) and barbed 

wire (upturned chairs). The students started by arming themselves (screwing up newspaper 

into as many balls as possible to act as shells and bullets). The attack then began with a shell 

bombardment of the enemy lines (lots of paper shells were hurled), designed to wipe out the 

enemy defenders before the soldiers advanced. However, the students soon discovered that the 

inaccuracy of their bombardment and the shelter provided by the dug-outs meant that the enemy 

were not all wiped out (not hit by the paper missiles) and so they were ready and waiting with 

their machine guns (more paper balls) when the “soldiers” advanced. 

On a whistle the students then “went over the top” and began to walk across No Man’s Land (as 

soldiers were ordered to do on the first day of the Battle of the Somme). However, with no cover, 

only small gaps in the barbed wire to funnel through and with rifles that only had a short range, 

the attacking side were soon mown down by the longer-range machine guns of the defenders 

(lots more paper was thrown!) 

The re-enactment helped students to picture the problems faced by First World War soldiers and 

to understand how the lay-out of the trenches, the tactics used and the problems with weapons 

all combined to make attacking a trench so difficult. 

11

English 



AUTHOR VISIT 

On Tuesday 24th September, the English department were very excited to welcome 

Kate Mallinder, the author of ‘Summer of No regrets,’ to School. Year seven pupils 

were treated to an amusing journey through Kate’s love of books and her inspiration 

for writing before hearing about the processes needed to have a book published. Kate 

then described to the pupils the different stages of how she creates different ‘voices,’ for 

her characters. After being inspired, the pupils then had a workshop for the rest of the day 

where they created their own characters with unique ‘voices.’ 

Some Year 10 pupils also got to meet Kate for a Question and answer session in the Library. 

Pupils from all across the school got to meet her and buy her books. It was an excellent day! 

We are looking forward to our next author visit from local author Ed Parry, the author of 

‘Golem,’ in November. These workshops will be with Year 8 but again, all pupils will get the 

chance to meet him and buy his brilliant book. 

12



ENGLISH 

POET - TREE 

To celebrate National Poetry Day this year, we held an inter-house poetry competition. This was 

based on the idea of expressing the truth about important issues facing students – either in the 

world or closer to home. The standard of entries was extremely high, and students had some 

inspiring ideas in their entries. Everyone completed their poems on leaves, which have now been made 

(with the generous help of Mrs. Smith in the art department) into a beautiful Poet – tree in the open area 

for us all to enjoy. 

Congratulations to the three winners who all received a £5 Amazon voucher. 

Boredom by Velen 

It is the colour grey 

It is a bass guitar in a metal song. 

It is having the privilege of not 

having to do anything. 

It is a celery stick. 

It is not the colour purple 

It is not the singer. 

It is not having to work 6-10 

It is not a pizza 

It is not a talkative person. 

In fact it is mute. 

Mental Health by Kaitlin 

It is a disease plaguing my mind like a virus. 

It is deafening screams in my head, yet nobody seems to hear mine. 

It will never be a room full of joyful people, but it will always be a 

room of a woman writing down my problems while nodding 

her head acting like she understands. 

It will never leave my mind. Unless I leave it too. 

It is telling me that I’m just darkness to be left alone. 

From pills to the blade, only my own thoughts are my friend. 

It’s all of me, and it’s all that I have left. 

It is the only thing that will stick with me to the end: the end being 

death. 

Loneliness by Tom 

If it were a colour, it would be black, like a seemingly endless abyss that has swallowed up all feelings and 

emotions. 

If it were a weather, it would be dark and rainy. 

Even in the broad light of day, it makes you see the dark and gloomy night. 

If it were a place, it would be a dark and cold alleyway giving off an endless sad feeling from the dead of 

night. 

Its voice is ice cold, like being plunged into icy water, it pierces straight through to your heart and freezes 

it, stopping you from showing any emotion and stopping you acting against it. 

It tells you not to run away from it, but to embrace it and give all attention to it, to not try and get rid of 

it. 

It is quiet and raspy, like the final whispers of the dead of night. 

It tastes cold and bitter, it stays with you and can’t be forgotten. 

13

CAREERS 



THE WILNECOTE SCHOOL ATTEND TAMWORTH CAREERS FAIR 

On Wednesday 16th October, every school in Tamworth 

attended the STEP (Schools of Tamworth Employability 

Partnership) Careers Fair at QEMS 6th Form college. 

Year 9 students from Wilnecote were fortunate to participate 

and experience the event. There were a wide variety of exhibitors 

from commercial and public sectors, as well as the armed forces, 

apprenticeship providers and universities. 

“The event was a huge success and links really well with what 

we are doing at school in terms of aspirations and setting goals,” 

commented Mr Handford, Head of Careers. “With organisations 

like Rolls Royce, HS2, the NHS, Audi and Redrow Homes, not to 

mention local colleges and universities as far and wide as Cardiff 

and Plymouth being represented, it certainly gave students a real 

flavour of the different opportunities that are available to them 

when the leave school.” 

In total, over 1,000 students experienced the event on the day, 

ranging from Year 9 to Year 12 students. Many thanks to the STEP 

group for their hard work in organising the event and to Landau 

Forte Sixth form for the use of 

their facilities. 

14



ADVERT 

YOGA 

When I began practising yoga 10 years ago, the practice 

was seen mostly as an exercise. Relaxation was that of 

five breaths and you left class feeling energised. Over 

those 10 years, I have developed a better understanding as to 

how and why yoga is a way of life. Its health benefits and abilities 

to tone your body are incredible but the effect it has on your mind 

is why I will be forever thankful to my first teacher, my first class. 

Within 10 years of practice I found myself getting anxious. This 

developed quickly, making it difficult to make personal decisions. 

Against the odds, I defied this trickery of the mind and made a 

life changing decision to study yoga and become self-employed. 

When Yoga Evolution was founded back in 2015, I was free from 

anxious thoughts, in tune with my breath and my body – working 

as one to help my mental health. 

It was then that yoga was becoming more of an aid, an assistance to our crazy lives. A time of 

peace to slow down, listen and heal, Yoga was becoming as it should be – HEARD. 

In the past 5 years not only have I helped many others battling mental health, busy jobs and 

restless live but I have noticed the rise of stress levels in teenagers. Having worked closely with 

local high schools providing yoga, it became clear to me how effective this practice is. The thank 

you’s said privately by those almost ashamed to admit their stresses were warming to hear but 

sad to have to leave. 

Mental health is becoming to be something spoken of, it’s no longer shadowed and hidden. More 

and more people are offering help, support and an ear to listen. 

Yoga is a huge, fantastic step to help anybody who is suffering. Stress is causing illness, even 

just how busy we are in today’s world causes illnesses. I feel it is so important to start now, not 

tomorrow or next week-NOW. 

I teach here at Wilnecote every Thursday evening. My class begins at 7pm, ending at 8pm. If you 

are a beginner, you are welcome. If you are a returning to yoga, you are welcome; and if you are 

an advanced practitioner, you too are welcome. 

We do not judge, we never compare, and we always listen and forever trust in ourselves. This is 

your practice and your time. 

The class costs £7 per person or 1 adult + 1 teen (12-16) £10! 

15

DRAMA 



YEAR 11 GCSE DRAMA EXAM 

On Wednesday 23rd October, Year 11 Drama students completed their first practical 

exam. Students, who had been exploring the issue of homelessness, created 

the performances, which count towards students’ final GCSE grade. After being 

given some initial facts and stories about homelessness, students completed their own 

research to develop their ideas and create the performances. 

Despite the fact that all students were given the same starting point, the results were 

four very different thought provoking performances, which addressed the issue of 

homelessness in creative ways. Whilst most students chose to perform some opted to 

work as a designer for their group, creating costumes or sets which helped to bring the 

pieces to life. 

It was a lovely evening, with the students’ families and friends coming to support them 

as they took a huge step on their journey towards completing their GCSE. Every student 

worked hard and performed to the best of their ability. They should be very proud of 

what they have achieved, I know that we are. 

16



PERFORMING ARTS 

GCSE PERFORMING ARTS SHOW 

OLIVER 2020 

The Performing Arts Department 

recently celebrated the talents of 

students in both music and drama 

with their annual GCSE concert. 

The concert featured students from 

years 9-11 and included solo music 

performances ranging from West 

End Musicals, to keyboard, guitar and 

drumming solos. The drama segments 

focused on pupils’ work around the 

theme of being ‘trapped’ and how lives 

can be affected by circumstances, fears 

and emotions. 

‘As part of the exam process, each 

student has to perform either a solo or 

ensemble piece so the more practice 

students can get at performing live 

in front of an audience the more their 

confidence and performance skills will 

grow’ said Mr. Hyden, Head of Music, 

‘The amount of truly outstanding talent 

never ceases to amaze us; it’s a privilege 

to celebrate students talents and be part 

of their ‘performing arts’ journey. 

‘Please Sir, I want some more!’ was the resounding cry after last year’s school production ‘Beauty 

and the Beast’ and here we are already in full rehearsal mode for the 2019/20 production: ‘Oliver’ – 

the musical story of a young orphan who navigates the London underworld of theft and violence, 

searching for a home, a family, and most importantly, for love. The show includes some of the 

musical world’s most iconic songs from Food Glorious Food, Where is Love? Pick a Pocket or Two 

to the heart-breaking As Long as He Needs Me. 

Auditions for the cast began in mid-September with literally dozens of students wowing the 

Production Team with their amazing acting skills and vocal talents. 

Mr Hyden, Head of Music said ‘Once again we were blown away by the amount of talent in the 

school. This year we had a record number of auditions and were pleased to see so many new faces 

wanting to take part in the show, including many new Year 7 students. It was a tough decision 

selecting the principal cast but congratulations to those who made it through the audition process 

and to the fifty strong ensemble. 

Of course a school musical production relies not only on its performers but to the huge cast of 

backstage crew who have volunteered to help with costumes, lighting, makeup and scenery – it 

really is a team effort. 

The show opens in February so ‘Consider Yourself’ invited to purchase tickets early next year and 

join us for a great theatrical night out. 

17

Date 24 October 2019 

UNIFORM 

Dear Parent/Carer 

a: Tinkers Green Road, Wilnecote, 

Tamworth, Staffordshire, B77 5LF 

t: 01827 831300 

f: 01827 831314 

e: office@wilnecotehighschool.org 

w: www.thewilnecoteschool.com 



We are really pleased and proud of the way students have made a very positive start to this academic year and we 

have nearly reached half-term during which your son or daughter will be able to spend time with their families and 

hopefully recharge their batteries. 

Uniform standards have been exceptionally high with the vast majority of students being smartly presented and 

wearing our uniform with pride. Students who meet our uniform expectations have regularly been praised around 

school and in our community. However, we are always looking to raise standards and addressing the following 

issues. 

Skirts 

Following recent uniform checks, it has been noted that some skirts do not meet our expectations. Please be 

reminded that skirts should be of an appropriate length and design for an educational environment; not above the 

knee and not skin tight. If students wear skirts that do not meet these expectations after half-term then they may 

receive a C4 detention and spend time in the consequence room if unacceptable skirts are continued to be worn. 

As a school, we are trying to avoid following the direction many other schools have taken when insisting students 

wear skirts with school logos on them to ensure that they are an appropriate design and length. We are aware of 

the financial implications this would have for families so we would really appreciate your support in supervising the 

purchase and wearing of appropriate skirts to ensure they meet our expectations and are suitable for school. 

Shoes 

Other feedback from staff includes unacceptable shoes. A few students have been seen wearing ‘trainer style’ 

shoes which are not acceptable. Students have been reminded on numerous occasions that these are not 

appropriate and do not meet our uniform expectations. If your son or daughter is wearing these (please see 

examples below) after half-term then sanctions will be applied. 

Belts 

Fashion belts/brightly coloured belts are not permitted and are not part of our school uniform – this includes plain 

belts with buckles that are worn to make a statement. If students choose to wear these items then sanctions will be 

applied. Please see examples of unacceptable belts below. 

Belts 




Belts 




18



a: Tinkers Green Road, Wilnecote, 

Tamworth, Staffordshire, B77 5LF 

t: 01827 831300 

f: 01827 831314 

e: office@wilnecotehighschool.org 

w: www.thewilnecoteschool.com 

UNIFORM 

Jackets 

Leather, leather substitute or denim garments, sweatshirts, hoodies or tracksuit tops are not appropriate for 

school and should not be worn to, from or inside the school grounds or building. If students decide to wear 

these then they will be asked to hand them in and a C4 detention will be issued. All students have been 

reminded of this expectation in recent assemblies and tutor notices. 

It has been explained to students that they are allowed to wear appropriate coats with the weather turning 

colder and more unpredictable as these will keep them warm and dry which sweatshirts, hoodies and other 

garments will not. Many parents and members of the community have expressed how smart our students 

look due to not being allowed to wear leisure gear to school and this is something we would like to maintain 

as we are proud of the way students look and represent themselves, the school and the community through 

their uniform. 

For further guidance on all uniform please visit the following link which includes our uniform policy, the webpage 

also includes links to images of both acceptable and unacceptable uniform. www.thewilnecoteschool.com/uniform/ 

As always should you have any concerns regarding any of the issues raised in this letter, please do not hesitate to 

contact a member of the pastoral team, starting with your son or daughters Tutor, Pastoral Manager or Head of 

House. 

The vast majority of students are meeting our expectations and we are very pleased with how they present 

themselves. Thank you for continuing to work with us and support uniform expectations we have as a school as it is 

only by working together that we can keep our standards high and the community proud. 

Have a positive and enjoyable time with family when it arrives and we look forward to your sons and daughters 

returning to us on Monday 4 th November. 

Yours sincerely 

Mr Simpson 

Director of Student Standards 

19

20

Warbler November 2019

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