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  • Senior School Council

    The roles and responsibilities of The Westgate School Senior Council Senior School Council Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) says that children and young people should have a say in decisions that affect their lives. A school council can provide a meaningful way in which pupils can voice their opinions and have their views taken into account in decisions which impact upon them. Senior School Council structure This is a summit, made up of senior school representatives, including the Head Boy and Girl, Head All-Through and Senior Prefects. At the initial meeting each year, the group will establish its aims and the projects they want to work on. They might divide into mini groups to work on particular projects throughout the year. The summit meets the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) on a termly basis to provide an update on the activities of the focus groups, and to submit new proposals. The SLT also uses this as a forum in which to exchange ideas with pupils. Attributes of a member of the Senior School Council 1. Integrity Integrity means honesty and more. It refers to having strong internal guiding principles that one does not compromise. It means treating others as one would wish to be treated. Integrity promotes trust, and little can be achieved without it. 2. Communication Communication in the context of leadership refers to interpersonal communication between the individual and others, both in the team and across the school community. A good leader needs to be proficient in the communication that informs and must actively listen to others. 3. Relationship building Relationships develop good interpersonal and group communications. A leader who likes dealing with people and who can initiate and deepen relationships with others, has a great leadership advantage. This is a leader who can build a team and build up trust within it. 4. Persuasion The ability to influence others and cause them to act in a particular way is a highly important leadership skill. An ability to be persuasive is directly related to how much people trust you and how good your relationship skills and communication are. 5. Adaptability Adaptability and flexibility in not being bound by a plan are important success factors. A leader must move easily from one set of circumstances (the plan) to the next (if the plan is not going as expected) and take them all in their stride, even when the circumstances are unexpected. A good leader has to embrace change and see it as an opportunity. 6. Teamwork Teamwork is an important and often neglected part of being a prefect. Our community has a team of prefects who are part of and leaders within the school. No one person can do it all. That’s why a team, comprised of others with different skill sets, is essential. A leader must know how to build and nurture such a team. 7. Decision-making A leader must be able to wade through information, comprehend what is relevant, make a well-considered decision, and take action based on that decision. Once a team decision has been made, the individual must fully support the group in carrying out the actions related. Role of the Senior School Council · To maintain a positive and productive school atmosphere in which both pupils and colleagues feel included. · To lead aspects of the whole school life so that the community becomes stronger. · To ensure that duties for different teams are carried out correctly. · To work together as a Leadership team. · To mentor younger pupils to build in succession. Focus groups Focus Groups meet on a bi-weekly basis to decide on and organise projects which are relevant to their area of focus. Each group is overseen by a teacher. The pupil voice co-ordinator explains all the ideas that come from the pupils, and the teacher’s role is simply to facilitate. The focus groups are: 1. The Equality and Diversity Group The aim is to ensure everyone in the community is seen and understood. The group works with teachers and pupils to celebrate different cultures in school and raise awareness of the need to work together to make the school more inclusive. Examples of events are: • International Women’s Day • Black History Month • Men’s Mental Health 2. The Charity Group The group meets bi-weekly to fundraise for the charities which are chosen by the members. Some of the events are: • Bake sales, including the annual one for Macmillan • Selling poppies for The Royal British Legion • The annual Christmas appeal, which has a different charity annually 3. The Wellbeing Group In the Wellbeing Group, the aim is to create a positive and enjoyable working environment for both pupils and teachers and support them feeling comfortable and safe at school. As part of its role at the school, the group encourages pupils to join in with different activities. The group does this by organising a variety of events aimed at everyone. For example, in the summer the group runs rounders for our sport-orientated pupils, and for our arty pupils, the group runs colouring and drawing sessions. This helps to promote the school values – Endeavour and Excellence, Creativity and Character, Integrity and Empathy – and give pupils a chance to work with and get to know people across the whole school community. 4. The Eco Group The aim is to provide a place for pupils to put their ideas about the school environment forward and work together to discuss and implement improvements. Current members are trying to develop a garden that is centred around the use of compost to use food waste from food technology. They also have plans to continue making sustainably sourced technology projects for raising money and pushing for more recycling opportunities in classrooms. 5. The Digital Leadership Group This group is interested in the use of technology inside of school. The members help run technology for school events. They have a computing club and organise the annual Bebras competition. They also have other various responsibilities, such as editing drone footage. 6. The Sports & Extracurricular Captains The Sports Captains work closely with the House Leaders to provide interhouse competitions. The aim is to involve everyone in the community. For example, they have run the freshers’ fair in Autumn to encourage pupils to join a club by displaying the wide range of extracurricular activities the school offers. The members also oversee competitions, such as Sports Day in the Upper and Lower school. They are also required to volunteer by supporting the PE teachers. 7. The Library and Careers Group The Careers team is a key group within the school community. The members ensure that the library can provide a range of diverse and engaging resources, an IT access, and a space that is welcoming to the whole Westgate community. They also provide support for the smooth running of the library’s activities in the Upper and Lower Schools. They also support the school through careers events by practising interviews and helping in the careers’ fair. 8. The Curriculum Group The aim is to provide a place for pupils to share their ideas about the curriculum and work together to implement changes that benefit the whole school. The members are focused on how to best support different learning styles, enhance classroom learning experiences, and help others with their studies. They have also discussed the effectiveness of not using mobile phones in school. This approach helps to boost pupils’ concentration during lessons and ensures a fairer environment by reducing distractions and removing potential inequalities. 9. The Arts Leads The aim is to promote the Arts department within the school community. This involves leading extra-curricular activities and encouraging younger pupils to take part in activities and promote the arts. The members inspire creativity which would eventually lead to opportunities for pupils to showcase their talent during events. 10. The Lower School Leads · Tutoring lower school pupils · Setting up Y9 DofE reading · Working on School Council · Aiming to bridge activities/clubs more effectively between the Lower and Upper school 11. The House Captains The House Captains represent and lead the four houses at Westgate. They ensure that there is a wide range of activities and competitions so that everyone has a chance to represent their house and help win the coveted house cup. They work with the house leaders to support the Westgate community challenge to make sure that house members are able to gain their Bronze or Silver, or even Gold badges. They celebrate this success with assemblies. 12. The PSA and Prom Committee The Senior Council representatives for Prom Committee help plan the Year 11 Prom. This includes orchestrating fundraising events and being involved in all the other aspects such as the yearbook. They also support the PSA (Parent and Staff Association). They ensure that the school and the parents work together to raise money for school projects. They suggest projects through speaking with other groups and organise pupil involvement. 13. The Language Lead The aim is to support the MFL Department and incorporate languages into the wider Westgate community. They work with the MFL teachers to set up and run clubs which encourage the younger years to excel in their classes. They also often work with the primary phase leaders and visit the lower school to help the pupils to enjoy learning languages from a young age. 14. The Media Lead The aim is to work with the school’s HR department and promote the school website and the social media. This may include taking photos and reporting on recent school events, helping in The Gate to showcase the school to parents or job applicants, and sharing school news with fellow pupils. 15. The Peer Supporters The peer supporter program is designed to help younger pupils feel more comfortable and happier at school. The main aim of the peer supporter lead is to work with the year 10s who have applied for this role, match them with a year 7 buddy and make sure everything runs smoothly. Home Parents & Pupils School Teaching Hours Exam Information Edulink PSA Pupil Portal School Uniform Authorised Absence Request Medicines & Treatment Consent Form Senior School Council Parent Information Army Cadet Detachment

  • School Teaching Hours

    School teaching hours at The Westgate (Winchester School Teaching Hours School Teaching Hours Primary Primary School - 38 hours & 20 minutes per week Arrival/Beginning of School Day 8.40am - 8.50am (Registration at 8.50am) Session 1 9.00am - 10.30am Break of 20 minutes (staggered times) 10.30am - 11.00am Session 2 11.00am - 12.00pm Lunch 12.00pm - 1.00pm Session 3 1.00pm - 2.00pm Break 2.00pm - 2.20pm Session 4 2.20pm - 3.05pm Assembly 3.05pm - 3.20pm 3.20pm End of the School Day Session times may be subject to change School Teaching Hours Secondary Secondary Phase - 37 hours & 55 minutes per week Start of the school day 8.30am Break 10.55 - 11.15am Lunch Break 1.15 - 1.50pm Break n/a End of school day 3.05pm Session times may be subject to change Home Parents & Pupils School Teaching Hours Exam Information Edulink PSA Pupil Portal School Uniform Authorised Absence Request Medicines & Treatment Consent Form Senior School Council Parent Information Army Cadet Detachment

  • Parent & Staff Association (PSA)

    The Westgate School’s Parent & Staff Association builds community through events, fundraising and volunteering, and discover ways parents can get involved. Parent & Staff Association (PSA) Welcome to the Westgate School Parent & Staff Association (PSA) The PSA is a community of parents and school colleagues who meet informally to raise funds for pupil well-being across The Westgate School. As well as fundraising, we plan events to bring our Westgate community together. These include Summer and Christmas fairs, discos, quiz nights, and more! We also run a popular second-hand uniform shop for both upper and lower school uniform. In the last year we have raised nearly £25,000 to support our mission “to advance the education of the pupils of the school”. In the past funds have been spent on three new gazebos, replacement football goal posts, school hall acoustic improvements, the cathedral carol concert, prefect ties, the grand piano in the Upper School Hall, musical instruments and a canopy to shield pupils in the lunch queue from the elements. Can you help to make it happen? We promise this doesn't have to take loads of your time - just as much as you're willing to give. And it's a great way to meet new parents and hear what's happening across the school. The Pre-Loved Uniform Shop has moved. You can now find it located in a storage container outside the Primary Phase on Green Lane. Opening hours vary but it is usually open for special events such as the Summer Fair and taster days. Contact us at comms@westgateschoolpsa.org.uk Home Parents & Pupils School Teaching Hours Exam Information Edulink PSA Pupil Portal School Uniform Authorised Absence Request Medicines & Treatment Consent Form Senior School Council Parent Information Army Cadet Detachment

  • The Gate Newsletter

    Join the Gate, the club for all those budding journalusts. Go The Gate Newsletter Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings The Gate Newsletter Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 -11 Contact See EduLink for further details For all those budding journalists this is the club for you. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

  • Sci-Fi & Fantasy Club

    Join Westgate's Sci-Fi & Fantasy Club to explore new worlds, share interests, and have fun. Open to all secondary pupils. Go Sci-Fi & Fantasy Club Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Sci-Fi & Fantasy Club Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details A club for all lovers of Sci-Fi and / or Fantasy games, books, films and TV shows. We meet twice a week every Monday and Friday - See EduLink for details We play table, board and card games. We present and share our favourite books, films and shows. We watch age-appropriate movies and TV. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

  • Cover Supervisor

    The Westgate School is recruiting for a Cover Supervisor Cover Supervisor Cover Supervisor Cover Supervisor Cover Supervisor Cover Supervisor Cover Supervisor Cover Supervisor Cover Supervisor Cover Supervisor Cover Supervisor Cover Supervisor Cover Supervisor Cover Supervisor Permanent 37 hours per week 39 weeks per year Grade C FTE £26,018 - £27,111 Actual salary £22,255 - £23,190 The Westgate School is a warm, vibrant and forward-thinking community where colleagues and pupils learn together. As an Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ school, we are proud of our culture of academic excellence. We are looking for a confident, positive and committed Cover Supervisor who enjoys working with young people and wants to make a real difference. This is a fantastic opportunity if you: Are interested in pursuing a career in education. Want to gain school-based experience across a wide age range. Already have a teaching qualification but prefer a role without additional teacher responsibilities such as assessment and reporting. Enjoy supporting young people to achieve their very best. No teaching qualification is required; we welcome applications from people with varied backgrounds, experiences and career journeys. Why join us? Working at The Westgate School means becoming part of a friendly, skilled and supportive team invested in your success. With 1,620 pupils across our two phases, we are lucky to have excellent teaching facilities, including science laboratories, computing suites, and a purpose-built art and sculpture block. We take pride in a lovely environment for teaching and learning. The Westgate School is the lead school for the Winchester Schools Training Alliance (WSTA), working with 21 other schools in the Winchester district to train the next generation of teachers. Support colleagues employed by The Westgate School wanting to go on to apply for the WSTA training programme will automatically be offered an interview providing the course requirements are met. What Ofsted says: “The Westgate School is a happy and vibrant community, where pupils are encouraged to aim for excellence” Ofsted, September 2022 “Outstanding” Ofsted, November 2023 “Staff are incredibly proud to work at this school” Ofsted 2024 Benefits of working at The Westgate School: · Full induction programme including training and mentoring to ensure your success in the role · Ongoing personal development in one of Hampshire’s top schools for progress and attainment · A friendly and welcoming school community · Automatic enrolment to a generous local government pension scheme · Benefits of local government sick pay · On-site parking and access to EV charging stations · Free use of health and fitness facilities · Preferential nursery places in the on-site nursery at a reduced price · Preferential admission to The Westgate School for colleagues' children (after 2 years of employment) What we’re looking for: We are seeking individuals who can build positive, trusting relationships with children and who bring empathy, patience and enthusiasm to their work. We’d love to hear from you if you can: · Communicate clearly and positively with pupils and adults · Build strong working relationships across the school · Encourage excellent behaviour and a positive environment for learning · Show initiative and manage your time effectively · Bring patience, imagination and enthusiasm to supporting pupils · Work well both independently and as part of a team · Uphold our school values and help every pupil succeed You will need Maths and English at GCSE Grade 4 (C) or equivalent. The role will predominantly be in the secondary phase although you may on occasion be required to cover lessons in the primary phase. Safeguarding: The Westgate School and Hampshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all colleagues and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. Pre-employment checks: All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks, which will include an online search to identify any incidents or issues that have happened and are publicly available online, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education recommendations. Child Protection Policy: You can find The Westgate School’s Child Protection Policy document on our policies webpage. Equal Opportunities: In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies. AI: We encourage applicants to avoid using AI for their application and if doing so, please state this in the application. Please ensure all information you provide is factually accurate, truthful, and original. This is so that your application is authentically and credibly your own as it forms part of the basis upon which future employment may be decided. How to apply: Job descriptions and application forms are available at www.westgate.hants.sch.uk/vacancies . Application Form Role Profile Please send completed application forms to the HR team recruitment@westgate.hants.sch.uk Please note, only submissions on the Hampshire County Council application form will be accepted. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and we may close the advert early, so we encourage early applications. 09/09/2026 Home Our School Headteacher's Welcome Ofsted Safeguarding Statutory Information | SEND Policies Admissions Governance Pupil Premium | Catch-up Statement Exam Results Vacancies School News House System Calendar & Open Events Collaborative Working & Partnerships Contact

  • SENDCo Network | The Westgate School

    Connect with peers in our SENDCo Network for guidance and best practice in SEND provision. Go SENDCo Network Go SENDCo Network Lead Professional: Mrs. K Evans (Deputy Headteacher) Our SENDCo network bring together Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinators to collaborate on inclusive practices and provision. These networks enable professionals to share strategies, discuss anonymised case studies, and stay updated on policy developments, ensuring that pupils with additional needs receive tailored support to the best of our abilities and resources. By fostering collaboration, our SENDCo network reduces isolation and promotes professional learning and resilience across schools. We also take the opportunity to invite external specialists to inform our practice, according to the needs and interests of the group. For more information, use the contact form: Contact and sele ct Collaborative Working & Partnerships citing SEND. Go Collaborative Working & partnerships Next page Home Our School Headteacher's Welcome Ofsted Safeguarding Statutory Information | SEND Policies Admissions Governance Pupil Premium | Catch-up Statement Exam Results Vacancies School News House System Calendar & Open Events Collaborative Working & Partnerships Contact

  • Squash

    Join the squash club for exciting matches, skill improvement, and great camaraderie! Open to all levels. Go Squash Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Squash Internal / External External Age Range Year R - 6 Contact alexphillips@winchesterracquetsandfitness.net We have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to have a Westgate school only club provided to us from The Winchester Racquets and Fitness Club. Please email for more details. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

  • Curriculum Intent

    Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent Learning at The Westgate School Curriculum Intent The Westgate School’s curriculum reflects two principles: firstly, acquisition – where pupils are taught to acquire the knowledge, understanding and skills in each subject domain in order to apply this learning to new situations; and secondly, participation – that pupils need to develop the skills to engage positively in different situations. In doing so, pupils further their learning and sense of belonging. In some subjects, such as Science, the emphasis lies more heavily on the acquisition of knowledge whereas in a subject such as Drama, the skills of participation predominate. In every lesson we expect adults to consider how best to facilitate pupils’ active participation in their learning – including “thinking hard” – and, to use the school’s core approach to teaching and learning so that pupils experience a coherent learning journey. In every subject, leaders are designing and evolving their curricula based on the golden threads of learning from Year R to Year 11 in their particular domain. Planning is based on clear objectives, using misconceptions as opportunities for rich learning, and facilitating greater depth in pupils’ knowledge rather than greater curriculum coverage. The specified curriculum is based on the National Curriculum and KS4 syllabi however, The Westgate School believes strongly in ensuring that the ‘hidden curriculum’ – how pupils learn about themselves and society in the way that we organise ourselves as a school – has a positive impact on the individual child. We strongly believe that access to cultural capital is an entitlement of every pupil, and we are regularly reviewing our curriculum to increase opportunities to access learning about different cultures and diversity. We also have a specified ‘Well-being Curriculum’, which sets out the universal provision for all pupils, and we are developing our practice to facilitate even greater inclusion in extra-curricular provision in school. Moreover, as part of our ongoing learning, we involve pupils proactively in curriculum development through our received curriculum reviews and our pupil leadership groups. At The Westgate School our curriculum is not intended to lead learners to fulfil their potential: our intention is to unlock the individual’s potential and to equip them with the knowledge and skills to be able to learn in different situations throughout their lives. Our teaching is inclusive using a whole class approach. Teachers use fluid, peel away groups: “Master Classes” for support and extension as needed. A Community of Learning... Being a high achieving, successful learning community only happens as a result of genuine collaboration. Every young person is unique and so we seek to provide a range of different learning opportunities in which every individual can excel. The Early Years Foundation Stage is framed around the characteristics of effective learning: Playing | Exploring active learning | Creating | Thinking critically These provide a foundation for learning upon which our curriculum in the Lower and Upper Schools are built. Our central purpose is for children to develop into young people who are happy and effective learners. We achieve this by being a community of learning where adults and pupils alike are committed to this central aim and work in strong partnership with parents to inspire success for all. Adults working with children and young people in our school community use a process of observation, assessment and planning to identify the learning and developmental needs of each child. Alongside knowledge of children’s interests, we plan opportunities for learning that are stimulating and engaging, leading to strong progress right from the Early Years Foundation Stage through to Year 11. In addition to the specified curriculum, pupils at The Westgate School will have the opportunity to experience a wide range of activities that enhance and enrich the curriculum. The all-through setting provides a unique opportunity for young people to learn from their peers and through the teaching of younger pupils. This powerful model for learning is one that permeates our culture and further enriches the community of learning. ...Achieving Excellence. Based on the principles of a growth mindset, the practice of teaching and learning at The Westgate School encourages children and young people to be led by their curiosity and to be prepared to use mistakes as the best opportunities for learning. This begins in the Early Years Foundation Stage where pupils are encouraged to make decisions about how to do things, to explain their thinking and to be resilient in their efforts. This theme continues through our practice in the Lower and Upper Schools where teaching colleagues will encourage pupils to verbalise their decision making process, explaining how they reached a particular conclusion or why they chose a specific method for doing something in order that they gain even better control over their learning and can apply skills to new situations. A golden thread throughout learning in all subjects and stages at The Westgate School is the development of Literacy and Mathematical skills which are a foundation for learning in all disciplines and lead to strong outcomes at examination level and for post-16 learning. At The Westgate School, we believe that through our exemplary partnerships with parents and young people, we can inspire a love of learning - something that is intrinsically linked to the development of individual self-esteem and motivation. In our school, there is no separation between our commitment to academic success and the well-being of the children and young people in our community. Compliance with regulatory acts Our curriculum complies within the duties of the the statutory Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Code of Practice (2015) and the following legislation: Part 3 of the Children and Families Act 2014, which sets out schools’ responsibilities for pupils with SEN and disabilities and The Equality Act 2010, with particular reference to Part 6 “Education” We strive for High Quality Inclusive Teaching within our classes and for all pupils to access a broad and balanced curriculum. When deciding whether special educational provision is required, we will start with the desired outcomes, including a variety of assessments of the pupil’s progress and attainment, the views and wishes of the pupil and their parents, and information from other agencies. Please refer to our SEN Information report for further details Our Curriculum Curriculum Intent Options Careers Employers Curriculum Subjects Art | Fine Art Computing | Computer Science English Design Technology Drama Food Preparation & Nutrition French Geography German History Latin Maths Media Studies Music Personal Development Photography Physical Education Religious Education Science Sculpture Spanish The Wellbeing Curriculum

  • Netball

    Join our Netball Club for fun, fitness, and teamwork. All skill levels welcome. Come play with us! Go Netball Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Netball Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details Join us at Netball club for fun and to improve your fitness, coordination and teamwork skills. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

  • Music Theory

    Understanding how it is written down will help you in all aspects of music making, from listening to performing, and improvising to composing. Go Music Theory Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Music Theory Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 9 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details Learning about music theory is akin to learning another language, and understanding the written code that is called notation. Understanding how it is written down will help you in all aspects of music making, from listening to performing, and improvising to composing. This club will provide lots of ideas to help you link music theory with your wider musical experience. Pupil music leaders will be supporting music teacher running this club. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

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