Joining Our Team Joining Our Team Joining Our Team Joining Our Team Joining Our Team Joining Our Team Joining Our Team Joining Our Team Joining Our Team Joining Our Team Joining Our Team Joining Our Team Date Posted 2024-12-19T00:00 Joining Our Team Why Work at The Westgate School? “Employees are incredibly proud to work at this school” (Ofsted, 2023) Working in any place where one is not aligned with the culture is a miserable experience, so we are transparent with all colleagues about what it means to join our team. We believe that the success of our pupils is intrinsically linked to that of adults in our school: everybody matters. We pride ourselves on our collegiate team culture in which ideas are shared unselfishly, problems acknowledged without fear and everything we do is in the spirit of professional generosity. Regardless of job title, every colleague is entitled to be treated with kindness and respect. The Westgate Team: Learning Together – Achieving Excellence “The Westgate School is a happy and vibrant community” (Ofsted, 2022) "I am very proud to work at such a fantastic school where all teachers strive for the best for the pupils" (Staff survey, 2021) Benefits of working at The Westgate School We will provide you with: · The opportunity for role specific, professional development in one of Hampshire’s top schools for progress and attainment; · The support of experienced and highly motivated colleagues across all Key Stages (EYFS to KS4); · Preferential nursery places at Rotherly Day Nursery (on-site) at a reduced price; · Free on-site parking; · Access to Schools Mutual Well-being support lines and app, including physiotherapy, counselling, GP service and menopause support; · Free use of on-site health and fitness facilities; · Preferential admission to The Westgate School for colleagues' children after two years of employment; · (For support colleagues) Automatic enrolment in Local Government Pension Scheme (opt-out is available). The Westgate School is located in an easily accessible area of Winchester, close to the railway station. View our contact page for more information on how to contact/find us. Westgate Well-Being Charter As a school, we have invested in developing a Well-Being Charter for colleagues. This includes our commitment to having a strong dialogue about work-life balance, removing unnecessary workload, provision of good resources, equipment and working environment for all. At the heart of our community is a culture of partnership decision making, professional learning and collective responsibility. This Well-Being Charter is complimented by our membership of Schools Mutual Well-being support which provides a range of support services to all colleagues, including physiotherapy, counselling and menopause support. We hope that you will apply to join us in the near future. If you would like to know more information, please see our website or contact recruitment@westgate.hants.sch.uk . 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

Discover versatile facility hire options at our school, perfect for events, sports, and meetings. Modern amenities and flexible scheduling to suit your needs Community Lettings Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Community Lettings Internal / External External Age Range NA Contact schoolhire.co.uk/winchester/the-westgate-school To hire our facilities at The Westgate School: Visit our external lettings page for more information Community EV Charging at The Westgate School. The Westgate School is pleased to offer our local community access to our two electric vehicle (EV) charging points. Available Times for Local Residents: Weekdays: 16:30 – 07:45 Weekends: Available all day If you would like to make use of this facility, please let us know via our contact page: https://www.westgate.hants.sch.uk/our-school/contact Payment is simple and can be made directly through the Blink Charging UK system at the charging stations. Current Community who use the School facilities: Brownies Brownies is for all girls aged seven to ten. Girls in Brownies have incredible experiences together, make brilliant friends and discover the world around them. Big Voices Academy Clubbercise Winchester Westgate School - bookwhen.com/sarahharmonfitness Kids Activity Camp In Winchester | Holiday Club In Winchester | Barracudas A new adventure for 4 ½ to 14 year olds at Winchester kids camp. Based at The Westgate School. This venue has outstanding facilities and features including: Theatre | Sports fields | Sports halls | Waterpark and aqua slide (summer only) | Archery range (minimum age 7 years) | Fencing | Motorsports (under 7's electric go karts) | Woodlands area barracudas.co.uk/camps/Winchester Dance Starz Find Little Kickers Classes and venues near you for pre school and junior football coaching. Find a football class to match your child's age and in your local area. There are no specific start and end dates, just sign up online and join in! The Florian School of Dance, Dance School Winchester Preschool to Adult Dance Class Timetable. Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Tap & Contemporary Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Tap & Contemporary Preschool to Adult Dance Class Timetable - Winchester Dance School. Integr8 Dance The South’s best provider of dance and specialists in street dance and cheerleading. We hope you can find everything you are looking for; however; please don’t hesitate to get in touch! We provide the best dance services to schools in the South. Platform School of Dance Performing Arts School in Winchester | Stagecoach Our students are given lots of opportunities to shine in class, theatre performances, and in our annual show. Students from Stagecoach Winchester have been involved in West End productions, professional musicals at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton, Grange Park Opera and Film and Television roles. Saints Foundation | Soccer Schools Saints Foundation delivers Coaching Centre's for both boys and girls aged 5-13 years. The sessions are delivered by our experienced, FA qualified coaches and sessions will cover topics from the Saints Foundation Curriculum which includes; passing, receiving & turning, finishing, 4v4 SSG's and a tournament on the last week of the course. Sports Classes for Kids in Winchester & Hampshire | Sportskool Holiday Clubs Making the most of their down-time . When school’s out, SportSkool’s in - and running a holiday club near you! Throughout the week, your child could be taught a variety of top sports by qualified, DBS-checked and fully insured SportSkool coaches. Winchester Archery Club Dawn Breakers I am Mandy, the lead instructor here at Dawn Breakers Winchester. If you are wondering if this is a good idea, if you're wondering if this is suitable for you, if you’re wondering whether or not you are good enough, fit enough, strong enough to give this a go, the answer to all of the above is ABSOLUTELY YES and it would be my pleasure to help and support you the whole way through. Sports Skool Primary phase - Sport Skool holiday clubs. Sportskool.co.uk Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

Westgate Wraparound is based at Westgate's Primary Phase and provides breakfast and after school provision, five days per week for primary school aged children. Wraparound Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Wraparound Internal / External Internal Age Range Year R - 6 Contact wraparound@westgate.hants.sch.uk Westgate Wraparound is based at Westgate's Primary Phase and provides high quality childcare in a safe and secure environment, with a relaxed and homely atmosphere five days a week for our Primary Phase children. Beginning at 7.45 am and running until the start of the school day, breakfast sessions include supplying a healthy breakfast (served until 8.30 am). After school sessions will begin at 3.20 pm and run until 6 pm, Monday to Friday. After school sessions will include a light snack. We have a brilliantly equipped playground and aim to provide a wide range of stimulating and creative activities for the children to enjoy. Some of our activities include outside play, craft, board games, imaginary role play, sports and seasonal/themed activities. Where other specialised clubs run after school on Westgate's campus (run by external providers, additional fees payable), Westgate Wraparound colleagues will ensure that your child is taken and collected from the club and their light snack will be saved for them. Sessions cost £8 per breakfast session and £17 per after school session. Places are in demand. Please email wraparound@westgate.hants.sch.uk for more information or to express an interest in a place. Expression of interest Westgate Wraparound Parent Handbook Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

Join our DSL Network for safeguarding collaboration best practices and support across schools. DSL Network Go Go DSL Network Lead Professional: Mr. B Pearce (Deputy Headteacher) & Mrs. Fyvie-Rae (DSL Lead Practitioner) The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) network provides a confidential platform for safeguarding leads to share expertise, updates, and strong practice. Regular meetings ensure that DSLs remain informed about legislative changes, local authority guidance, and emerging safeguarding trends. This collaborative approach strengthens schools’ capacity to protect vulnerable learners. Drawing on experiential learning, colleagues can support peers with problem solving and share concerns. The DSL network helps leaders address complex safeguarding issues with confidence. They also facilitate joint problem-solving and resource sharing, creating a unified approach to child protection across multiple settings. This group supervision model is a supportive and safe space which includes the opportunity to hear from external experts according to the group’s needs and requests. For more information, use the contact form: Contact and sele ct Collaborative Working & Partnerships citing DSL . 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

View The Westgate School’s Summer Term 2026 music clubs timetable, part of our clubs, wraparound and enrichment provision for pupils. Music Clubs Timetable for Summer Term 2026 Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Music Clubs Timetable for Summer Term 2026 Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink clubs for details Welcome to the Westgate School Music Department. We have an exciting and wide variety of music clubs to suit all Pupils regardless of whether you play a musical instrument or not. You will be warmly welcomed at the weekly rehearsals and meetings where we guarantee that you will have fun making music, listening and appreciating music, or learning about the theory of music, the how? and why? music is written. Many of our ensembles also participate in school, community, and Hampshire Music events. So come along to rehearsals and we will include you on the register. You may even rotate with another club if it clashes with a music club/ensemble weekly. To find out more information please go on to EduLink – Clubs. Ensemble/Club Lead Room Time Day Recorder Group (Year 7-8) Staff A3 1.15 - 1.45pm Monday Samba Band (Year 7 - 10) Staff A3 3.00 – 4.00pm Monday Concert Band (Year 7-11) Staff A2 3.00 - 4.00pm Monday Rock Choir (Year 7-11) Folk Group (Year 7- 8) Pupil Staff A2 A3 1.15 - 1.45pm 1.15 - 1.45pm Tuesday Tuesday Junior Orchestra (Year 7-9) Staff A2 3.00 - 4.00pm Tuesday Music Theory Club (Year 9-11) Staff A2 1.15 - 1.45pm Wednesday Keyboard Club (Year 7-9) Staff A3 3.00 - 4.00pm Wednesday Senior Orchestra (Year 7-11) Staff A2 3.00 – 4.00pm Wednesday Brass Group (Year 7-11) Staff A2 1.15 - 1.45pm Thursday School Choir (Year 7-11) HMS A3 3.00 - 4.00pm Thursday Jazz Band (Year 7-11) Staff A2 3.00 - 4.00pm Thursday Flute and Clarinet ensemble Staff A3 8.00 - 8.30am Friday Samba Band (Year 7-10) Pupil A2 1.15 - 1.45pm Friday String Ensemble (Year 7-11) Rock Band Club (Year 7-11) Staff Pupil A3 PR1& A3 1.15 - 1.45pm 3.00 – 4.00pm Friday Friday Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

English Read like a writer; write like a reader; question like a critic; think like an individual Go Go Our English Curriculum intends to: Instil in pupils a passion for literature and a life-long love of reading. Teach pupils to become critical, analytical and evaluative readers of fiction and non-fiction. Enable pupils to craft language so that they become convincing writers, able to adapt their writing for different audiences and purposes. Ensure that pupils are effective communicators in spoken English. Why learn English? English has a pre-eminent place in education and in society. Our English course will teach pupils to speak and write fluently so they can communicate their ideas and emotions to others, and, through their listening and reading, others can communicate with them. With reading in particular, pupils have a chance to develop culturally, intellectually, emotionally, socially and spiritually. Literature plays a key role in such development. Reading also enables pupils both to acquire knowledge and to build on what they already know. All the skills of language are essential to participating fully as a member of society: pupils who do not learn to speak, read and write fluently and confidently are effectively disenfranchised. The curriculum is taught as an integrated course combining the study of language and literature, which continues in Years 9 -11. Our vision is that from Reception Year onwards, all pupils develop a passion and enthusiasm for English through exploring and appreciating a range of texts, both literary and non-fiction, and learn how to craft language to suit a range of audiences and purposes. The English curriculum is taught as an integrated course. However, pupils will be entered for GCSE English Language and Literature as two discrete qualifications. EYFS | KS1 Content KS2 Content Year 7 & 8 Content Year 9 Content Year 10 & 11 Content Writing For EYFS/Key Stage 1 ‘Read like a writer; write like a reader; question like a critic; think like an individual’ begins with our youngest children, joining us in Reception. Writing begins with meaningful mark making, such as first attempts to write a shopping list, to writing their name. As they settle into Reception, children learn correct letter formation following ‘Letter join’ sequenced resources and are encouraged to write purposefully and clearly to express their thoughts, ideas and feelings. Following a rich and diverse text driven curriculum, children are inspired to write and enjoy opportunities for planning, drafting and reviewing. Oracy is a vital part of our Early Years Curriculum, and our children develop confident skills to become assured and articulate speakers. Through circle times and sharing their interests in key person groupings all children are supported to practise and develop formal and informal speaking skills. Children are also taught to understand the benefits of being sensitive, observant and attentive listeners. During Year 1 our carefully planned foundations of learning from EYFS are strengthened and refined. Handwriting skills develop and children are taught to progress letter formation into the beginnings of a cursive script. Children are taught a wide variety of writing skills such as: the art of letter writing, recount and instructional writing. ‘Talk for writing’ creates exciting narratives and figurative poetry. During Year 2 children begin to write more cohesively using a wider range of conjunctions and are expected to write with a greater stamina. Our text driven curriculum is thoughtfully planned to ensure children continue to develop a rich and varied vocabulary and understand that texts are set out in different ways for different purposes. Oracy skills are built upon, and children feel confident challenging each other and putting forward their point of view whilst accepting that others may think differently. Throughout KS1 and in reception, learning is assessed formatively using ‘pink for praise’ and ‘green for growth’ highlighters. Children are clear and confident to articulate what they have done well and what they need to do to improve their writing. Children are also taught how to begin to edit their own writing. Phonics and Reading Schemes For Key Stage 1 Children learn phonics through the carefully structured systematic synthetic Bug Club programme, then learn to transcribe phonic sounds into the early writing process of graphemes, words and sentences. Vocabulary development is a vital part of the curriculum, and we use the ‘Drawing Club’ model, in which children ‘share a treasure trove of vocabulary’ enriching language skills and encourage creativity and imagination. ‘Westgate Word Walls’ support children in every classroom from Reception to Year 6. Phonics is an important part of the curriculum and in the June of Year 1, children will take part in the National phonics screening check and the application of phonics to reading. Children progress through phase 5 and phase 6 phonics into Year 1 Bug Club Spelling and Grammar. Writing is centred around a diverse and exciting text-based curriculum. Fiction and non-fiction texts are chosen carefully to ensure enjoyment, humour, literary challenge and vocabulary development. Books are beautiful and we ensure all texts chosen are full of inspiring illustrations and captivating content! The end of this Key stage enables children to write more independently. Children re-visit phase 5 and 6 phonics and then progress onto Year 2 Bug Club Spelling and Grammar. The spelling and grammar curriculum during this year is challenging and children are supported to understand and apply a wide variety of spelling rules and grammar that will enhance their writing. Children will become more confident with new terminology and are able to develop their writing for a wider range of purposes and audiences. Writing in Key Stage 2 Children continue to follow the ‘Letter join’ handwriting programme and handwriting is expected to develop during this Key Stage to form a neat cursive script. Children progress from KS1 spelling and grammar skills following Bug Club spelling and grammar into KS2 resources. Consistent and accurate teaching ensures children’s writing develops with an authorial voice and a mature understanding of sentence structure and its effect on the reader. Stamina increases throughout KS2 and children create cohesive paragraphs in narratives and non-narrative material, whilst maintaining quality. Children are encouraged to read and check their writing for sense, editing for improvement is taught alongside audience awareness. There is a greater level of independence to select and propose changes for appropriate grammar and vocabulary and children are taught to use effective organisational and presentational devices. Challenging texts continue to be chosen carefully to ensure rich vocabulary development and an understanding of how authors write for effect. Writing outcomes are planned carefully using high quality texts to ensure that writing is effective and emotive and covering a range of genres. Older children often support younger children and listen carefully to each other’s ‘masterpieces’. Throughout KS2 writing continues to be assessed formatively using ‘pink for praise’ and ‘green for growth’. Children are clear, confident creative writers and can articulate what they have done well and what they need to do to improve their writing. Year 6 is the final Year of KS2 and we ensure a smooth and supportive transition from KS2 into the beginning of KS3. As part of our middle school model, colleagues from both phases, Primary and Secondary, deliver teaching and learning in our ‘all through’ school. Upper KS2 texts are chosen carefully in consideration of the KS3 English Curriculum and children are well prepared for this next stage of their educational journey. Phonics and Reading in Key Stage 2 Phonics is taught systematically, beginning in reception, using ‘Bug Club’ resources and planning. Whole-class teaching of phonics is supported by additional group and individual provision where required. Daily assessments ensure that children have understood, can remember and can apply their phonics. Teachers are highly skilled confident practitioners: misconceptions are picked up immediately and children make outstanding progress. Common exception words (CEWs) are introduced from the start of Reception. There are a set list of words for each Year group. (please see attachments below) These ‘tricky’ words although taught at school will need to be reinforced at home and children will need to be able to read and spell these words set words correctly, by the end of each Year. Reading Fluency Children follow the Bug Club Reading scheme and after the first half term they are matched to decodable books in order to develop reading fluency. From reception through KS1 children enjoy progressing through these books alongside the phonic sounds taught. In addition to the decodable books, children are allocated a ‘banded book’ that is not fully decodable but is at the correct level for your child. Parents and children are able to access the allocated decodable books on via the ‘e book’ platform on Bug Club. We use a combination of precisely targeted ‘ebooks’ to develop reading fluency and physical books to support all children on their reading for pleasure journey. Children read 1:1 with the class teacher and the Learning Support Assistant in reception. All reading (from Reception to year 6) at home and at school is recorded into a ‘reading record’. Vocabulary development is supported by ‘Drawing Club’ in reception based on a wide variety of rich texts children explore and develop vocabulary through the medium of illustration. Vocabulary is then used in context during the week and children are encouraged to use their vocabulary at home. Children begin guided reading in Year 1 and as confidence in reading fluency improves, children are introduced to reading comprehension skills. Exposure to stories, animated tales and traditional tales is valued highly. Every class will share a story after lunch through our “Westgate Story time” and through Drawing Club. Comprehension Reading and writing are intrinsically linked and from Reception through KS1 children are taught to discuss and sequence a narrative text. This is vital as it supports the ability to recall, retrieve and sequence reading. During KS1 children enjoy ‘book talk’ sessions where carefully chosen texts are used to stimulate rich class discussions, answer age appropriate comprehension questions and discover new vocabulary. Additionally, Guided Reading in small groups ensures children have the opportunity to read and discuss responses orally and in writing to comprehension questions based on: vocabulary, inference, predication, explanation, retrieval and summary. As children move into KS2, children complete ‘reading skill builders’ into reading journals alongside whole class reading. Children are encouraged to be creative and add illustrations and to take pride in their individual Reading Builders. Small group guided reading sessions continue through KS2 with the class teacher, where carefully selected questions for each age group are discussed and debated and cover each reading skill. Primary phase children enjoy support from Secondary Phase pupils and Year 9 Duke of Edinburgh pupils read and discuss: poetry, plays, fiction, and non-fiction with all year groups once a week. Children leave KS2 continuing confidently into their journey of ‘Read like a writer; write like a reader; question like a critic; think like an individual’ Overview of the Course: From the start of Year 7, all pupils are introduced to our core skills – the golden threads - so they are fully embedded by the time the pupils reach KS4. These key skills are taught through a study of novels, plays, poetry and non-fiction or media-based texts. Co urse Content: Year 7 Year 7 pupils begin the year with the ‘Heroes’ unit which is designed to develop a range of pupils’ inference as well as introduce the skills of analysis and comparison. Writing will involve crafting a persuasive speech to be delivered to the class. Subsequent units include the study of a modern novel; poetry of peace and protest; a creative travel writing unit; a media unit on representation and stereotypes and a Shakespeare play. Year 8 Year 8 has been designed to build on the skills that have been introduced in Year 7. The year begins with a unit on Gothic Literature where pupils analyse 19th century fiction and write an opening to their own Gothic novel. By the end of the year, all pupils will have also studied a dystopian novel to develop creative writing skills; a media-based unit on advertising; a Shakespeare play; poems from other cultures and developed reading skills to explore what life was like in the nineteenth century. The course is planned to provide a range of cultural experiences to widen pupils’ horizons and develop a passion for reading and the study of literature which we hope will stay with them throughout their life. Pupils are encouraged to transfer the reading and writing skills to other curriculum areas and these links are often made explicit in lessons. Course Skills: Reading: skimming, scanning and decoding skills, comprehension and inference, analysis of language and the structure of a text, and evaluation skills are introduced and consolidated over the two years. Writing: both creative and analytical writing skills are taught together with a focus on structure of the text, use of language devices, improving vocabulary and technical accuracy. Spoken language skills are practised through speeches and drama-based activities and debating and other structured talk. Assessment: Pupils will be assessed in every unit and each assessment will focus on a different skill for either reading or writing. All pupils will be fully prepared for the assessments and will practise the skills needed during lessons. The assessments will focus on key skills to provide a strong foundation for all pupils in improving their literacy, analysis or communication skills. To support your child’s learning in English and Media Studies clips will be shown from films such as: 'War Horse' and 'Romeo and Juliet' (Year 7); 'Macbeth' (Year 9); These clips and/or films will be shown in lessons according to our curriculum plans. In alignment with British Board of Film Classification regulations, pupils may be shown clips from films that are slightly above their chronological age (e.g., a film classified as a 12 for pupils in Year 7) where a teacher deems it appropriate for educational reasons. In doing so, adults will ensure that it is appropriate for the learning task and for the children in the class and if there are any scenes that could be upsetting, will advise pupils in advance. If you have any concerns and would like to discuss this in more detail, please do contact Mrs. Griffiths, Faculty Leader for English and MFL, as soon as possible such that we can adjust our plans, and we will be happy to work in partnership with you. English Language and Literature in Year 9 Overview of the Course: Pupils will develop their skills as critical readers of fiction and non-fiction texts and also become writers, adept at crafting language to suit a range of audiences and purposes. They will also become confident speakers able to express their opinion on a range of challenging ideas. Course Content: English language skills are taught in an integrated way, complementing and supporting the English Literature course. Pupils will read a choice of modern fiction, a Shakespeare text, poetry, a range of non-fiction texts including speeches, adverts and autobiographical journals. More confident learners will study Latin as part of their English Curriculum. The addition of Latin provides further enrichment and enhances learners’ understanding of language development, with a view to taking the language onto GCSE if they choose to. Other curriculum opportunities such as participating in a Shakespeare workshop, viewing a production or analysing speeches by famous historical figures and politicians broadens pupils’ cultural experiences further. Course Skills: Reading skills of inference, analysis and evaluation. Writing to persuade and argue and develop a distinctive voice. Writing creative texts including stories and descriptions. Spoken language presentation skills. English Language GCSE and English Literature GCSE The English curriculum is taught as an integrated course. However, pupils will be entered for GCSE English Language and Literature as two discrete qualifications and pupils will be entered for both GCSEs. English Language GCSE: Pupils follow the AQA course for GCSE English Language. Pupils will build on the skills of reading and writing they have been developing throughout their time at The Westgate School, but now it will be much more tailored to the demands of the exam. Pupils will continue to develop as critical readers with a focus on the skills of inference, analysis and evaluation and comparison. They will read a range of fiction and non-fiction texts, both contemporary and from the nineteenth century. Assessment: The English Language GCSE is assessed through two linear exams, both worth 50% of the course: Paper 1 Explorations in creative reading and writing Paper 2 Writers’ Viewpoints and Perspectives Pupils are given practice GCSE assessments at the end of each unit. English Literature GCSE: Pupils follow the AQA course for GCSE English Literature. They will read a nineteenth century novel, either: ‘The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’ by Robert L Stevenson, ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens, or ‘Frankenstein’ by Mary Shelley. They will also study a modern text: either ‘Lord of the Flies’ or ‘An Inspector Calls’ and a range of pre and post 1914 poetry on the theme of Power and Conflict, and ‘Macbeth’. Please note: texts are subject to change according to exam board review. Assessment: The English Literature GCSE is assessed through two linear exams: ‘Shakespeare and the Nineteenth Century text’ worth 40%. ‘Poetry and Modern Texts’ worth 60% of the course. Pupils are given practice GCSE assessments at the end of each unit. Home Learning: Pupils are expected to complete Home Learning every week. Usually this should take one hour. Home Learning will be set as a variety of tasks including reading tasks in preparation for the lesson, language analysis, and the completion of written tasks. Exam Board AQA 8700 - English Language Exam Board AQA 8702 - English Literature 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

Become a budding artest and join the art club. Art - Flying Colours Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Art - Flying Colours Internal / External External Age Range Year R - 6 Contact Ann Selman Art Clubs – Flying Colours Education Discover the Joy of Creativity: Join Our School Art Club! Are you ready to unleash your inner artist and explore the world of creativity? Our School Art Club is the perfect place for you! Here’s why you should join: 1. Express Yourself Creatively: Dive into a variety of art forms and let your imagination run wild. Whether you love painting, drawing, sculpting, or digital art, our club offers the tools and space to express your unique vision. 2. Learn and Grow: Our club is a fantastic opportunity to develop your artistic skills. Learn new techniques, experiment with different mediums, and receive guidance from experienced mentors and fellow art enthusiasts. 3. Relax and Unwind: Art is a wonderful way to de-stress and take a break from the hustle and bustle of school life. Spend time creating beautiful pieces and enjoy the calming effects of artistic expression. 4. Make New Friends: Join a community of like-minded students who share your passion for art. Collaborate on projects, share ideas, and build lasting friendships in a supportive and inspiring environment. 5. Boost Your Confidence: Showcase your artwork in school exhibitions and events. Gain confidence as you see your skills improve and receive positive feedback from peers and teachers. 6. Explore Cultural Diversity: Discover art from different cultures and historical periods. Broaden your horizons and appreciate the rich tapestry of global artistic traditions. 7. Build Your Portfolio: If you’re considering a future in the arts, our club provides a great platform to build a strong portfolio. This can be invaluable for college applications and career opportunities in the creative field. 8. Have Fun!: Most importantly, have fun! Enjoy the process of creating, experimenting, and sharing your art with others. Our club is all about fostering a love for the arts in a fun and engaging way. This is an external club run by an Art Education Company with experienced primary school teachers. There is a cost for this club of £160 per term. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

Join the tennis club for fun, fitness, and friendly competition! Open to all skill levels. Tennis Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Tennis Internal / External External Age Range Year 2 - 6 Contact Online or in person at the centre reception 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. Coaches are: Reubens Trubshaw - Mondays, Sam Morgan - Wednesdays, Hannah Crawford - Fridays). Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

Join Westgate's Senior Orchestra to enhance musical skills, teamwork, and performance. Senior Orchestra Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Senior Orchestra Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details Senior Orchestra is open to all intermediate to advance players of String, Woodwind, Brass and Percussion.  Developing instrumental skills and encourage general musicianship skills through-out the year, as well as develop a good social network of like-minded musicians. Musicians will have the opportunity to participate in events such as School Concerts, open mornings and evenings, Celebrations, the annual School Carol Service in December, and ‘Go West’ Festival in July, and wider community events. Pupil music leaders will be supporting music teachers in running this club. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

Discover The Westgate School Gymnastics Club! A fun, safe space for students to learn balance, coordination, and flexibility. Join us and soar to new heights! Gymnastics Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Gymnastics Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details Flip into fun with our School Gymnastics Club! It's the perfect place for pupils to learn balance, coordination, and flexibility. Our club offers a safe and supportive environment where you can practice tumbling, trampoline, and more. Whether you're a beginner or an aspiring Olympian, join us to develop your skills and have a great time. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

Find out more about The Westgate School's choices and options process for parents of pupils in year 9 to year 11 Choices & Options Choices & Options Choices & Options Choices & Options Choices & Options Choices & Options Choices & Options Choices & Options Choices & Options Choices & Options Choices & Options Choices & Options Choices & Options Choices & Options Choices & Options Choices & Options Choices & Options Choices & Options Choices & Options Choices & Options Choosing options is an exciting process, though a little daunting. This page provides an overview to our curriculum for the remaining three years of your child’s time with us. Firstly, you should be aware that pupils do not have a completely free choice! It is the school’s expectation that every young person will engage with the full range of curriculum entitlement that includes Foreign Languages as part of our core provision through to GCSE summative assessment. Only in very exceptional circumstances are pupils able to reduce the number of subjects for which they are entered which include: long term absence, specific learning needs or low attendance owing to medical reasons; a pupil who has joined the school under Fair Access arrangements for whom the full range of GCSEs may not be appropriate, or a pupil who is in receipt of support from Children’s Services for whom the full range of subjects would be an unreasonable expectation or a child that is on reduced/alternative provision as agreed by the Inclusion Support Services (Hampshire County Council). Curriculum Choices and GCSE Options Throughout Years 9 to 11, pupils will continue to study the core subjects of English, Maths and Science and from Year 10 their learning will focus on the GCSE syllabi and a choice of either Double or Triple Science. Pupils will take GCSE English Language and Literature in our school as part of their core provision. Pupils must take part in core PE and the majority of pupils will continue to study a language. Beyond these compulsory aspects, pupils can then express a preference of subjects they would like to study to GCSE, timetable permitting. It is important that pupils make informed decisions and so our option process gives plenty of opportunities for parents/carers to meet with colleagues and reflect on the options available. Our core provision is designed to enable pupils to undertake post-16 opportunities, subject to achieving the minimum grade entry requirements as specified by those providers.   Year 9 Choices The Year 9 curriculum is characterised by broader opportunities for pupils to experience new subjects such as Photography and Media Studies as discrete subjects. Meanwhile, all pupils will continue their learning in Core Computing, PE, Religious Education and at least one other Humanities subject such as History or Geography to ensure a broad and balanced curriculum is experienced. They will then express a preference for a further three subjects. The school takes a varied approach to the organisation of teaching groups to ensure that the challenges of learning in different disciplines are effectively met.   Year 10 GCSE Options By the end of Year 9, pupils will have a second opportunity to focus their learning as they express their preference of subjects for examination entry. In addition to the core provision, they will choose three options to take to GCSE. We expect most pupils to continue with a Humanity subject because alongside a range of other subject disciplines, qualifications in these disciplines are a sound foundation for post-16 learning. Additionally, pupils may wish to continue with a second language course. Where pupils have particular interests in music or sport for example, the school provides ample opportunities for them to pursue their interests even if not taken as an examination subject. We actively promote pupils exploring extra-curricular opportunities throughout their study at The Westgate School. Our overriding aim is to ensure that as many pupils as possible are able to study their preferred subjects in Year 9 and 10. However, this is not always possible to achieve due to the availability of colleagues, resources, and the need to ensure the viability of group sizes. In the event of a subject being oversubscribed, pupils will be randomly selected using a digital randomiser for first refusal to ensure a fair and transparent approach. Our phased approach to curriculum preferences means that it’s rarely the case that pupils wish to change their curriculum preference. Whenever possible, this will be considered but is unlikely to viable as it is subject to availability of space in that new subject. It’s equally important to establish consistency within a subject class, and therefore changes will only be considered in the first 4 weeks from the start of the academic year and only with a clear, sound academic rationale. Changes outside of this period will only be considered on an exceptional basis. Pupils will not be permitted to change their classes or subjects based on friendship requests. Curriculum structure across the 5 years The Foundation Choices All pupils study English, Maths, Science, core PE and Personal Development. These subjects take up 14 out of a pupil’s 25 lessons each week. Option subjects take up the remaining 11 lessons. They take 6 foundation courses in Year 9 (including a language and RE) and then refine this down to 3 options (4 if no language taken) in Year 10. These are the Foundation subject we offer for Year 9 and GCSE: Astronomy explores the Earth–Moon–Sun system, the solar system, stars, galaxies and the wider universe, focusing on how we observe and understand cosmic phenomena. It develops scientific skills through practical observations, calculations, and the use of real astronomical data. Fine Art is a vibrant and dynamic subject that offers pupils the freedom to learn in ways that inspire and bring out the best in of their skills and knowledge. Computer Science has real relevance in our modern world. The course will give an in-depth understanding of how computer technology works and what goes on “behind the scenes”. Design & Technology covers core technical, designing and making principles, including a broad range of design and modelling processes, techniques and use of equipment to realise ideas. Food Preparation & Nutrition provides an opportunity for pupils to prepare a wide variety of different dishes. Pupils investigate the functions of different ingredients as well as understand the foods that contribute to a healthy diet. Drama allows pupils to develop performance skills or design skills including set design and sound. Pupils will gain confidence and experience they need for the future. Geography gives pupils the opportunity to learn about both natural and social sciences. We will consider how geography impacts everyday life, the key opportunities and challenges facing the world. History will help pupils understand past events and people. We believe that as a society there is importance of not just learning history but learning from history. Latin (within the English curriculum in Year 9, a separate subject from Year 10) provides a foundation in linguistic and cultural competence, enabling pupils to gain knowledge and understanding of the Roman world through reading and responding to its language and literature. Modern Languages (French, German and Spanish) will help pupils develop their ability to write and speak in the language and to understand the language when it is written or spoken. Media - each time we watch television, read a newspaper or access the internet, we are exposed to the power of the Media. This dynamic and exciting subject provides pupils with an excellent tool to navigate and analyse the world we live in. Music is constantly evolving, inspiring creativity and expression in a way that no other subject can. Our course offers pupils the chance to study a wide range of musical genres, with more opportunities for practical learning. Photography will enable pupils to consider how ideas, feelings and meanings are conveyed and interpreted in images. Pupils will develop a knowledge and understanding of photography and cameras. Physical Education is a combination of practical and theory work that builds pupils understanding of anatomy and physiology and the social aspects of sport. Pupils will need to competent in three different sports. Religious Education course involves the learning about two major world religions, Christianity and Islam and looks at their beliefs and practices, their customs and traditions, their festivals and holy days. We also learn different ethical perspectives. Sculpture - pupils will gain knowledge and understanding of how ideas, feelings and meanings are conveyed in images, artefacts and products in their chosen area(s) of learning. Things to consider What subjects do they enjoy? Only your child knows the answer to this. If they like a subject, they will not mind working hard at it. Hard work is essential whatever they choose, but enjoyment makes the work easier. What subjects are they good at? As well as talking about this with your child, you should use the advice of their teachers and Form Tutor. How do they enjoy working? Some subjects will require them to do a lot of coursework. Others will be assessed mainly by exam. Consider together about which way of working they prefer. What do they want to do when they leave school? They may already know exactly what career you wish to follow. If so, they could choose the subjects which may be needed as qualifications. Most Year 9 pupils have no settled ideas of what they would like to do after leaving school. If this is true for your child, then help them choose a balanced set of courses which will leave them with plenty of possible careers to choose from later on. The options timeline There will be time for both pupils and parents to meet with subject teachers and senior colleagues in school and to take on board careers advice from a qualified advisor. Please take note of all the key dates. Autumn Term Partners in Learning events and Tutors start talking about options and pupils consider the impact of their choices Thursday 5 th March The Careers Fair runs from 4.30 pm to 7.30pm At 4:30 we will have school stalls so that you can speak with teachers about the school courses. Additionally, from 5:30 we will have colleges, career guidance and businesses in school for pupils to meet with and discuss possibilities. Thursday 12 th March Year 9 Parents’ Evening You can then speak with teachers about your child’s preferences. It may be useful for you to prioritise booking the preferred option teachers for this evening rather than English, Maths and Science. Friday 20 th March Year 9 Option forms must be completed online Thursday 23 rd April Year 8 Parents’ Evening You can then speak with teachers about your child’s preferences. It may be useful for you to prioritise booking the preferred option teachers for this evening rather than English, Maths and Science. Friday 24 th April Year 8 Choices forms must be completed online Further information about the courses There is a detailed Curriculum booklet that can be downloaded from our website which has the information about the different GCSEs. This can be found at: Curriculum Subjects There will be plenty of opportunity for both pupils and parents/carers to consider the optimum choices. We encourage you all to make maximum use of the information available, and the opportunities on offer, to engage with subject teachers and other professionals in school throughout the options process. Please do ask for further assistance or advice should you require it. 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

Experience the joy of music with The Westgate School Junior Orchestra! Join us to learn, play, and perform in a harmonious environment. Junior Orchestra Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Junior Orchestra Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details The Junior Orchestra is open to all players of Strings, Brass, Woodwind and Percussion and will develop instrumental skills and encourage general musicianship skills through-out the year, as well as develop a good social network of like-minded musicians. Rh ythm reading exercises will be amongst the warm-ups, and a variety of pieces from different genres and styles including 'Reggae Hits Town', 'Yellow Bird', The Bare Necessities', 'The Blue Danube' and 'Yesterday' will be played in rehearsals. Musicians will have the opportunity to participate in events such as school concerts, celebrations, ‘Go West’ Festival, and wider community events. Pupil music leaders will be supporting music teachers in running this club. Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go