.png){kind=logo}
About West Hill
Blog Category: Headteacher's Log Book
Doing the right thing
I was prompted by something on the news the other day about the importance of following rules, and more importantly taking responsibility when you don’t. We do have a set of rules at West Hill, many have been in place for a very long time such as the need to walk around the Quad. Others are more…
Category: Headteacher's Log Book
Just read
There is no such thing as a child who hates to read; there are only children who have not found the right book. —Frank Serafini
One of our priorities at West Hill is to encourage our boys to read more. Reading can unlock potential in all of us. It improves the life skills essential for the…
Category: Headteacher's Log Book
Happy New Year
Returning to school for the new year has encapsulated what is so special about this place.
The OFSTED report has been published this week, and reflects well the experiences we have each and every day. We will not become complacent however, and will continue to strive to fulfil our school…
Category: Headteacher's Log Book
Together Stronger
I’ve used the same title in this entry as the one this time 12 months ago. The last year has seen a significant number of challenges and as we end the term today, variations on those challenges are emerging. The announcements from central government to date, as well as those before we start…
Category: Headteacher's Log Book
Generosity ... up to a point ... as some things change ... and others remain the same
The theme in recent assemblies led by Mr Wells, was the importance of generosity and how it is a vital component for a cohesive society. The assembly considered acts of kindness, and the importance of keeping an eye on the welfare of others. Boys reflected on how such attitudes and actions will…
Category: Headteacher's Log Book
Plenty of grit to get school open
Monday saw the first weather induced disruption of this academic year. We have a snow plan that is communicated in advance, and we were able to open safely without too much interruption to the education of our boys.
Such decisions are a difficult balancing act at times; so it is useful to share…
Category: Headteacher's Log Book
We continue to do what we do for our boys
Our WOW Writing competition is proving very popular. Boys are challenged to include three words of the week, into a story of no more than 100 words. We have also been visited by OFSTED. Apart from minor adjustments to facilitate the coordination of interviews for the inspectors, we simply…
Category: Headteacher's Log Book
West Hill on tour ...
We have a long weekend ahead of us due to the extra Bank Holiday this year. The opportunity to take advantage of this with a more ambitious trip than normal weekends, has not been wasted. This morning a group of our boys and staff have been able to embark on a delayed, and somewhat more…
Category: Headteacher's Log Book
Geography Iceland Headteacher Presentation Evening
A time for silence
This week in school Remembrance has had a prominent focus; assemblies have been held throughout the week, poppy displays are around school, as well as images of previous trips the school has undertaken to the Battlefields. The sale of poppies within school is coordinated by our prefect team…
Category: Headteacher's Log Book
Watching out for each other
At the end of this first week back, boys and staff have reengaged enthusiastically with the learning demands. One example of learning new skills, is an initiative driven by our Head Boy Matthew, who produces weekly videos for our form time. In these, he helps our boys develop sign language…
Category: Headteacher's Log Book
Truth will out
As the first half term of this academic year ends, the boys and staff have been directed to take the opportunity for a well earned break, then recharge their batteries for what may well be a challenging remainder of 2021. Following guidance from the local health authorities, we introduced the…
Category: Headteacher's Log Book
It's good to talk
This coming Thursday will be first formal Parent consultation of the academic year. This one is for our Y7 families, and the intention is to provide them with an opportunity to speak to their son’s Form Tutor. The boys will have been with us for 7 weeks, and the focus is to discuss any issues…
Category: Headteacher's Log Book