top of page

150 results found with an empty search

  • Physical Education

    Physical Education To inspire pupils to discover a lifelong love of sport and exercise Go Go Our PE curriculum intends to allow pupils to: Experience as many sports as possible to find those which will develop a lifelong love of sport. Have the opportunity to participate within our school community in a wide range of extracurricular activities. Develop the skills and aptitudes needed to excel. Why Learn PE? A high-quality physical education curriculum inspires all pupils to succeed and excel in competitive sport and other physically demanding activities. It will provide opportunities for pupils to become physically confident in a way which supports their health and fitness. Opportunities to compete in sport and other activities build character and help to embed values such as fairness and respect. . EYFS | KS1 Content KS2 Content Year 7 & 8 Content Year 9 Content Year 10 & 11 Content PE is taught as a discrete subject from Year R. We provide additional teaching resources form Year 3 transitioning into specialist PE provision using our full facilities from Year 4. Key stage 1 course content Pupils will develop fundamental movement skills, become increasingly competent and confident and access a broad range of opportunities to extend their agility, balance and coordination, individually and with others. They will learn to engage in competitive and co-operative physical activities, in a range of increasingly challenging situations. Pupils will be taught to: Master basic movements including running, jumping, throwing and catching, as well as developing balance, agility and co-ordination, and begin to apply these in a range of activities. Participate in team games, developing simple tactics for attacking and defending. Perform dances using simple movement patterns. PE is taught as a discrete subject from Year R. We provide additional teaching resources form Year 3 transitioning into specialist PE provision using our full facilities from Year 4. Key stage 2 course content Pupils should continue to apply and develop a broader range of skills, learning how to use them in different ways and to link them to make actions and sequences of movement. They will be supported in the joy of communicating, collaborating and competing with each other. They will develop an understanding of how to improve in different physical activities and sports and learn how to evaluate and recognise their own success. Pupils will be taught to: Use running, jumping, throwing and catching in isolation and in combination. Play competitive games, modified where appropriate [for example, badminton, basketball, cricket, football, hockey, netball, rounders and tennis], and apply basic principles suitable for attacking and defending. Develop flexibility, strength, technique, control and balance through athletics and gymnastics. Perform dances using a range of movement patterns. Take part in outdoor and adventurous activity challenges both individually and within a team. Compare their performances with previous ones and demonstrate improvement to achieve their personal best. Swimming and water safety We provide swimming instruction in key stage 2. In particular, we will ensure our pupil are taught to: Swim competently, confidently and proficiently over a distance of at least 25 metres. Use a range of strokes effectively (for example, front crawl, backstroke and breaststroke). Perform safe self-rescue in different water-based situations. Course content: Currently the sports covered are: Athletics Basketball Badminton Dance Football Gymnastics Health Related Exercise Orienteering Rugby Netball Table tennis Tennis Striking/fielding Course skills In both Year 7 & 8, pupils will work across a carousel of sports, including a variety of team sports, individual sports, racket sports, gymnastics, dance, and problem-solving activities. Pupils will develop individual skills, team tactics and performances across these activities. They will learn how to exercise safely and understand the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle. Extra-curricular learning: Pupils are encouraged to attend one of the many extracurricular sports clubs as part of developing their skills. There are a wide range of sports covered to allow pupils to select the one that suits them. This page is being updated Overview of the Course: Physical Education is a mixture of practical (40%) and theory work (60%). Pupils will learn how the body works, the socio-cultural influences on sport, and further develop their physical competence in a range of competitive sports. There is a need for individuals to play and understand three sports at a reasonable level. This includes one solo sport and one team sport. Pupils should really be at a competitive level in sports, either inside and outside of school, if they choose GCSE PE. To be able to achieve a high grade at GCSE PE pupils should: Be competent in more than one sport. Regularly participate in competitive sport clubs outside of school. Regularly attend extra-curricular sports clubs within school. Always have brought PE kit to lessons. The three areas of the curriculum are as follows: Understand how the body works and how it impacts on health, fitness and performance in physical activity and sport. Understand socio-cultural influences on sport and physical well-being. Develop practical performance in physical activity and sport. Course content: Theory Content: (60%) Throughout the three years, pupils will cover the following topics: Applied anatomy and physiology Movement analysis Physical training Use of data Sports Psychology Socio-Cultural factors Health, Fitness and well-being Assessment is through two 1 ¼ hr exams, sat in Year 11. Paper 1: Applied anatomy and physiology. Paper 2: Socio-Cultural influences and well-being in physical activity and sport. Practical Content: (40%) The practical requirement of GCSE PE is based upon competence in competitive sports. It will focus on physical training, developing knowledge and understanding the principles of training and different training methods in order to carry out, monitor and evaluate personal exercise programmes. Pupils will also carry out some development of practical sports, working on increasing their skills and techniques in progressive drills, and also their ability to put them into game or performance situations on activities from the list of team and individual sports on the syllabus. Assessment: Assessment in the practical element is ongoing. Pupils are assessed at their competence in a number of competitive sports (which can be sports that are done out of school – speak to the PE department about the list of current sports on the syllabus). Their final grade takes their highest 3 grades; 1 must be a team sport, 1 must be an individual sport, and the final one can be team or individual, and their analysis of performance in one of those sports. For each activity covered, pupils will be marked out of 25 on practical competence (as a guide, a district level player in a sport would be attaining 25). Pupils will be expected to participate in every practical lesson, and improve individual skills and tactics for that sport. The sports covered within curriculum time will reflect their needs and strengths of the class. Home Learning: Weekly Home Learning will be set in a range of formats: research, finishing off work done in lessons, practising the skills learned in lessons. Pupils are also expected to participate in extra-curricular sports activities to develop their practical skills. Exam Board: AQA – 8582 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

  • Badminton Club

    Join The Westgate School Badminton club! All skill levels welcome for fun, fitness, and friendly competition. Serve, rally, and smash your way to new skills! Badminton Club Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Badminton Club Internal / External Internal Age Range Year 7 - 11 Contact See EduLink for further details Serve up some fun by joining The Westgate School Badminton Club! It's a smashing opportunity to learn the game, improve your skills, and enjoy friendly competition. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, our club welcomes all levels. Come rally with us and be part of a team that values sportsmanship and camaraderie. Let's hit the court together! Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

  • Media Studies

    Media Studies Casting a critical eye over the ever-changing influence of modern media Go Go Our Media curriculum intends to: Enable pupils to become critical and analytical readers of media texts. Enable pupils all-through to question the way the media represents individuals and groups, and its power to manipulate audiences. Enable pupils to create purposeful, effective media products. Why learn Media? Media plays a key role in modern society: each time we watch television, read a newspaper or access the internet, we are exposed to the power of the Media. We are also affected by Media that we do not necessarily choose to use. This is why this dynamic and exciting subject provides pupils with an excellent tool to navigate and analyse the world we live in. In addition to this, the core skills of analysis work to build on and support the work pupils undertake in English. EYFS | KS1 Content KS2 Content Year 7 & 8 Content Year 9 Content Year 10 & 11 Content Media is taught within the English syllabus in the Primary phase. It is taught from KS3 onwards as a discrete lesson objective then as an individual subject. Media is taught within the English syllabus in the Primary phase. It is taught from KS3 onwards as a discrete lesson objective, then as an individual subject. Course Content in Years 7 and 8 In Year 7 we look at various public figures considering how they are represented in the press and how they have become heroes of our time. We also link this with some image decoding and inference skills which start to build a bank of media terminology. In Year 8 we study advertising building on our prior knowledge of media terminology and looking at how the adverts persuade the audience to purchase products. Course Content in Year 9 Pupils learn about the theoretical frameworks (Media language, representation, Media industries and audiences) and discover how to apply them to Media texts. In addition, they learn practical skills such as how to use Photoshop and how to produce a Media product for a set brief. Course Content in Year 10-11 Pupils are required to explore Media language, representation, Media industries and audiences. They apply these theoretical frameworks to set texts from the exam board as well as unseen Media products. In addition, pupils develop practical skills and produce a practical production using editing software and original images. Assessment: The Media GCSE consists of two exams collectively worth 70% and a Practical Production, completed within school, worth 30%. Home Learning: Pupils are expected to complete Home Learning every week. Usually, this will take one hour. Home Learning will be set as a variety of tasks including finding and analysing examples of Media texts, researching texts, contexts and/or theories and preparing for practical work. Exam Board: Eduqas C680QS 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

  • Senior Orchestra

    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

  • Design and Technology Teacher

    An opportunity has arisen to join The Westgate School in Winchester as a Design and Technology teacher Design and Technology Teacher Design and Technology Teacher Design and Technology Teacher Design and Technology Teacher Design and Technology Teacher Design and Technology Teacher Design and Technology Teacher Design and Technology Teacher Design and Technology Teacher Design and Technology Teacher Design and Technology Teacher Design and Technology Teacher Date Posted 03/03/2026 Design and Technology Teacher Permanent Start date: 1 September 2026 Full time MPR/UPR; ECTs are welcome to apply An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated professional to join our very successful team in this outstanding, all-through school. We are particularly proud of the excellent progress our pupils make and are looking for an outstanding practitioner to join our team. The successful candidate will be a team player and passionate about pupils’ learning and the teaching of Design and Technology. The Westgate School has a strong academic tradition where pupils excel because of the exceptional partnership for learning that exists between pupils and adults in our school community. Employees are “incredibly proud” to work at this school (Ofsted, 2023). There is a strong ethos of mutual support in our school and colleagues benefit from generous non-contact time as well as a whole school commitment to supporting professional learning in a culture of “high expectations without fear”. Key attributes: To be passionate about enabling all pupils to make good progress in Technology; To be able to support the Subject Leader in reviewing and updating the curriculum and assessment; To develop new initiatives and pedagogies which will continue to improve the teaching and learning in Technology; To actively participate in our culture of learning from each other and sharing good practice; To promote Technology by celebrating pupils’ success and organising enrichment activities. To be committed to supporting the school strategy for reading and literacy for learning. We will provide you with: The opportunity for professional development in one of Hampshire’s top schools for progress and attainment; The opportunity to work in a vibrant, all-through school setting with excellent facilities; The support of experienced and highly motivated colleagues across all Key Stages; A friendly, welcoming school community; Preferential nursery places in our on-site nursery at a reduced price; Free on-site parking; Free use of health and fitness facilities; Preferential admission to The Westgate School for employees' children after 2 years of employment. Safeguarding statement: The Westgate School and Hampshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff 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 in order to identify any incidents or issues that have happened and are publicly available online, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education recommendations. Equalities statement: 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 understand that you might use AI and other resources for your application; however, please ensure all information you provide is factually accurate, truthful, and original and does not include ideas or work that is not your own. This is so that your application is authentically and credibly your own. How to apply Application forms should be returned to recruitment@westgate.hants.sch.uk Closing Date: Friday 13 March at midday Interview Date: w/c Monday 16 March, date TBC Application form Role profile Home Our School Headteacher's Welcome Ofsted Safeguarding Statutory Information | SEND Policies Admissions Governance Pupil Premium | Catch-up Statement Vacancies School News Calendar & Open Events Collaborative Working & Partnerships Contact

  • 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. Sci-Fi & Fantasy Club Go 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

  • History

    History Re-constructing the lives and stories of the past to understand the present Go Go Our History Curriculum intends to: Inspire pupils to become curious about the past and equip them to ask perceptive questions, think critically, evaluate arguments and develop perspective and judgement. Enable pupils to gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of Britain's past and that of the wider world. Help pupils to understand the complexity of people's lives, the process of change and the diversity of societies, as well as exploring their own identity and the challenges of their time. Why learn History? History helps us to understand humanity. By studying our shared human past, we can unlock the secrets of our very identities. Who you are within your individual and family history. Who you are in your city's history. Who you are within your nation's history. And who you are within humanity's history. As humans we are constantly looking back to see where we come from, and history gives us the tools to do that at the highest level. To understand why the world is as it is. To understand the issues we may face going forward. To understand what it means to be human. All by exploring what our ancestors have done in the past. EYFS | KS1 Content KS2 Content Year 7 & 8 Content Year 9 Content Year 10 & 11 Content Planned around half-termly topics, the curriculum provides pupils with the opportunity to learn subject-specific knowledge and understanding, explore links across subject areas and practise their writing. Each topic begins with an enrichment activity such as an educational visit or special event that captures the children’s interest and imagination and builds towards a showcase event such as an exhibition or assembly where c hildren’s learning can be shared and celebrated. Key stage 1 course content Pupils will develop an awareness of the past, using common words and phrases relating to the passing of time. They will know where the people and events they study fit within a chronological framework and identify similarities and differences between ways of life in different periods. They will use a wide vocabulary of everyday historical terms. They will be taught to ask and answer questions, choosing and using parts of stories and other sources to show that they know and understand key features of events. They will understand some of the ways in which we find out about the past and identify different ways in which it is represented. In planning to ensure the progression described above through teaching about the people, events and changes outlined below, teachers are often introducing pupils to historical periods that we will study more fully at key stages 2 and 3. Pupils will be taught about: Changes within living memory. Where appropriate, these should be used to reveal aspects of change in national life. Events beyond living memory that are significant nationally or globally (for example, the Great Fire of London, the first aeroplane flight or events commemorated through festivals or anniversaries). The lives of significant individuals in the past who have contributed to national and international achievements. Some should be used to compare aspects of life in different periods (e.g. Elizabeth I and Queen Victoria, Christopher Columbus and Neil Armstrong, William Caxton and Tim Berners-Lee, Pieter Bruegel the Elder and LS Lowry, Rosa Parks and Emily Davison, Mary Seacole and/or Florence Nightingale and Edith Cavell). Significant historical events, people and places in their own locality. Planned around half-termly topics, the curriculum provides pupils with the opportunity to learn subject-specific knowledge and understanding, explore links across subject areas and practise their writing. Each topic begins with an enrichment activity such as an educational visit or special event that captures the children’s interest and imagination and builds towards a showcase event such as an exhibition or assembly where c hildren’s learning can be shared and celebrated. Key stage 2 course content Pupils will continue to develop a chronologically secure knowledge and understanding of British, local and world history, establishing clear narratives within and across the periods they study. They will note connections, contrasts and trends over time and develop the appropriate use of historical terms. They will regularly address and sometimes devise historically valid questions about change, cause, similarity and difference, and significance. They will construct informed responses that involve thoughtful selection and organisation of relevant historical information. They will understand how our knowledge of the past is constructed from a range of sources. We will ensure the progression described above through teaching the British, local and world history outlined below, through combining an overview as well as in depth studies to help pupils understand both the long arc of development and the complexity of specific aspects of the content. Pupils will be taught about: Changes in Britain from the Stone Age to the Iron Age. The Roman Empire and its impact on Britain. Britain’s settlement by Anglo-Saxons and Scots. The Viking and Anglo-Saxon struggle for the Kingdom of England to the time of Edward the Confessor. A study of an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils’ chronological knowledge beyond 1066. The achievements of the earliest civilizations – an overview of where and when the first civilizations appeared and a depth study of one of the following: Ancient Sumer; The Indus Valley; Ancient Egypt; The Shang Dynasty of Ancient China. Ancient Greece – a study of Greek life and achievements and their influence on the western world. A non-European society that provides contrasts with British history – one study chosen from: early Islamic civilization, including a study of Baghdad c. AD 900; Mayan civilization c. AD 900; Benin (West Africa) c. AD 900-1300. A local history theme. We have a big enquiry question, linked to the National Curriculum, to explore every topic we teach. These questions help pupils to understand that History is a construct that historians create to provide an understanding of the past. We then provide a range of evidence to enable pupils to formulate possible answers for themselves. In Year 7 our big theme is the global, connected world and where Britain fits into it alongside traditional British topics. In Year 8 our big themes are empire and revolution to show how the modern world was made and to show the scale and breadth of empire across the entire year Year 7 Course Content: Year 8 Course Content: Course Skills: We will look at the different disciplinary aspects of History: Sources – exploring and understanding the past through documents, letters, posters, newspapers and more. Interpretations – exploring and challenging historians and society's views of the past. Cause and Consequence – judging why events happen and the importance of their consequences. Significance – judging historical events importance to our lives today and their importance to the people who experienced them. Narrative – exploring the past and creating historical accounts like all good historians. Change and Continuity – how and have things changed or stayed the same and the experience of that by people in the past. Similarity and Difference – how people perceived different ideas or events and how they experienced them. Fieldwork: Many of the topics in History - and especially the trips organised to complement the curriculum - are designed to broaden pupils’ cultural experiences such as our Year 7 fieldwork to Portchester Castle in the Summer Term. Assessment: Assessments take place in lessons and focus on key knowledge and historical skills or concepts. Time is given to whole class feedback for pupils to act on the targets they have been given. The Year 9 curriculum allows pupils to build on their KS3 skills of being a historian within topics that allow for greater depth. Autumn Term: The Forging of the Modern World, 1871-1923 The Causes of the First World War. Life in the WWI Trenches. The Historiography of WWI generals. The End of WWI. The Russian Revolution. Spring Term: ‘To Hell and Back’: Europe’s Era of Self-Destruction, 1918-1939 Peace settlement of WWI. The Global "Roaring" Twenties. The Rise of Dictators. The Causes of WWII. Summer Term: Superpower Relations and Medicine Through Time The Early Cold War. Life in East Germany . Prehistoric, Roman, Saxon, Medieval, Early-Modern, Industrial, and Modern Medicine in Britian Through Time. Fieldwork: Pupils have the opportunity to go on residential fieldwork to Ypres, Belgium, visiting First World War graveyards, the Menin Gate, a trench system and several museums. Home Learning: Throughout the year pupils will be set regular Home Learning to reinforce the learning in the classroom. GCSE History pupils will be able to navigate two British, and two non-British topics, that encapsulate the creation of both modern Britain and the modern world. Pupils will be able to explore the big picture view of the past and appreciate the vast forces that shape humanity and our society around us. Year 10 course content: September-February: Migration, Empire and the People – an exploration of how Britain has been shaped by migration, broadened by empire, and how British identity has emerged over the past 1,300 years. February-July: Restoration England, 1660-1685 – a study of the reign of Charles II; party animal? You decide. We explore the origins of the British parliamentary system, of cultural explosions in theatre, science and the arts, and a reflection of Britain’s role in expanding the world’s empires and atrocities like the slave trade. Year 11 course content: September-January: Germany, 1890-1945 – a hugely important topic for understand the roots of fascism and Nazism in Germany, the destruction of democracy, and humanity’s worst ever experiment into a totalitarian regime. January-April: Conflict & Tension, 1918-1939 – a study of Europe’s drive for peace around the world after the horrors of WWI, the defiance of the League of Nations to secure that peace but how dictators like Hitler undermined the search for peace in his pursuit of global war and domination. Fieldwork: In Year 10: Pupils will be taken on a Migration & Empire walk around Winchester exploring local links to global history. In Year 11: Pupils have the chance to go to Berlin, Germany. To explore the history of a great European city and revise our History GCSE by immersing in the culture. From WWI to Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin offers a microcosm of 20th century history in one city. Assessment: Over the syllabus there will be regular assessments to test acquired skills. Ten minutes knowledge tests and GCSE style practice questions. The History GCSE has five components which are examined in two exams at the end of Year 11. Both exams are worth 50% of the course mark. Home Learning: Throughout the year pupils will be set regular Home Learning to reinforce the learning in the classroom. Exam board: AQA History (8145) 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

  • Exam Results

    Review The Westgate School's latest exam results, showcasing our students' academic achievements and commitment to excellence. Exam Results Exam Results 40% of all our grades were Grade 7 or above. 86.5% of pupils achieved Grade 4 or above in English and Mathematics. 25% of all grades were Grade 8 or 9; 11% of all grades were Grade 9 "Pupils at The Westgate School have achieved academic excellence once again with results outperforming or consistent with last year's exceptional results. This consistently exceptional performance over a number of years is a result of colleagues' expertise and dedication in providing an outstanding quality of education along with strong pupil and parent partnership in this outstanding school. We're absolutely delighted that our pupils have continued to demonstrate academic excellence once again: 40% of all grades were Grade 7 or above; 25% of grades were Grade 8 or 9, and 11% of all grades were Grade 9. We're especially proud given that the pandemic started when this cohort was in Year 7. We wish this cohort every success for the future". Secondary Phase GCSE Exam Results Information Exam Results published by DfE Primary Phase Key Stage 2 Results Information KS2 SATs Explanation Performance Tables Compare the performance of our school against all schools within England Home Our School Headteacher's Welcome Ofsted Safeguarding Statutory Information | SEND Policies Admissions Governance Pupil Premium | Catch-up Statement Vacancies School News Calendar & Open Events Collaborative Working & Partnerships Contact

  • Exam Information

    Find key exam information for The Westgate School, including schedules, guidance and support to help pupils prepare confidently for upcoming assessments. Exam Information Examinations at The Westgate School The school uses a wide range of assessment techniques to monitor pupil progress and help ensure all children continue to move forwards with their learning. In addition to classroom-based assessment and tests, at key times throughout their secondary school journey pupils will take more formal mock examinations - these are a vital way of preparing pupils for what they will experience in their real GCSEs. They help children develop their revision skills; their time management; their emotional resilience within exam conditions; as well as their exam technique - and they provide teachers will invaluable information which we use to inform our curriculum planning in the months leading up to the GCSE exams. Pupils will sit formal mock examinations in: The summer term of Year 10 (after the Year 11 GCSEs are finished) The autumn term of Year 11 (a few weeks before the Christmas holidays) February of Year 11 for English, Maths and Science only Exact timetables will be published to pupils in the build-up to each exam series and can be found below. Tutors and colleagues within school will work with pupils to reassure, support and prepare them for these mock examinations, and parents will be provided with information in our Partners in Learning events throughout the year. Attendance at exams Attendance is vital in this last year. Every day missed has an effect and poor attendance clearly affects results. Even more important is ensuring that pupils attend all examinations and arrive in good time to ensure that they are mentally prepared to walk into their exams and achieve their best. We work closely with our Attendance Manager, and penalty issues may be issued, should attendance be poor. Revision It is vital that you help and support your child plan and structure revision time, ensuring the build-up to both Mock exams and the real GCSEs is used effectively. There are additional resources on how parents can support their child with revision on EduLink, in the Noticeboard tab. Work and wellbeing Year 11 can be a stressful year as pupils prepare for their examinations. We follow a programme in Tutor time which tries to anticipate possible issues in terms of stress. Possible helpful site: anxietyuk.org.uk - exam-stress Exam Dates 2025-26 GCSE Timetable Summer 2026 AI Poster Coursework assessments Guidance for parents, carers and students about access arrangements Information for Candidates | Privacy Notice Non-examination assessments On-screen tests Preparing to sit your exams Using social media and examinations/assessments Unauthorised items poster Written examinations Warning to candidates 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

  • Ofsted

    OFSTED Outstanding - Ofsted reports, highlighting our commitment to educational excellence, student achievement, and continuous improvement. Ofsted Ofsted The Westgate School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. Overall effectiveness - Outstanding The 5 areas are: The quality of education - Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes - Outstanding Personal development - Outstanding Leadership and management - Outstanding Early years provision - Good We are proud that “Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary” and “Relationships between staff and pupils are remarkably positive”. The report notes that “pupils achieve exceptionally well” and in last year’s GCSE results, a progress 8 score of 0.89 was achieved with 43% of all grades being 7-9. The exceptional outcomes achieved by pupils in The Westgate School are reflected in the overall attainment, which was the highest of all state schools in Hampshire, and is in the top 7% of all schools nationally. View Our Ofsted Report Nov 2023 View The Ofsted letter To The School From HM's Chief Inspector View The Ofsted Linked Document Explaining Grading View The Ofsted Report Sept 2022 Home Our School Headteacher's Welcome Ofsted Safeguarding Statutory Information | SEND Policies Admissions Governance Pupil Premium | Catch-up Statement Vacancies School News Calendar & Open Events Collaborative Working & Partnerships Contact

  • Sportskool

    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. Sportskool Go Go Beyond the Classroom Clubs | Wraparound | Holiday Clubs Community Lettings Sportskool Internal / External External Age Range 5 and 13 years Contact Holiday Clubs | Sport Skool 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. It is hard to pin down exactly what multi-sports involves as the children will be taken on a whistle-stop tour of the sporting world with coaches specialising in, among others: dodgeball, cricket, street games, football, dance, benchball, tag-rugby and cheerleading What we offer Multi-sport holiday clubs are available during all school holidays, for children aged between 5 and 13 years old. Classes take place from 10am to 3pm and extra child-care is available from 8.30am and until 5.30pm for those that require it. Holiday clubs are almost always fully-booked so contact us as soon as possible to avoid disappointment! Go Wraparound | Clubs | Holiday Clubs Go

  • Spanish

    Spanish Becoming an active communicator in the world's global village Go Go Our Spanish curriculum intends to: Broaden pupils' horizons by developing a passion for languages and cultures and recognise the additional career opportunities open to people who speak an additional language. Ensure that every pupil is encouraged and supported to study a language for GCSE. Encourage a growth mind-set in pupils to learning a new language and develop the confidence to communicate. Overview of the Course: The learning of a language encourages respect for other people; it fosters an understanding of the interrelation of language and human nature. Studying any foreign language will broaden minds and give pupils a better insight into the world around us. It will encourage empathy as an individual. It demonstrates openness to society and an ability to communicate with others on all levels. The learning of a language supports an appreciation of cultural diversity. Learning a foreign language is a liberation from insularity and provides an opening to other cultures. A high-quality languages education will foster pupils' curiosity and deepen their understanding of the world. This enables pupils to express their ideas and thoughts in another language and to understand and respond to its speakers, both in speech and in writing. It also provides opportunities for the pupils to communicate for practical purposes, learn new ways of thinking and read great literature in the original language, equipping pupils to study and work in other countries. Pupils will continue to study the language they have learnt at The Westgate School since Year 7. Some pupils choose to continue with a second language. German will also be offered as a GCSE starting in Year 9 (dependant on pupil numbers). Several trips run throughout the year to complement the learning of languages and broaden pupils' cultural experiences. EYFS | KS1 Content KS2 Content Year 7 & 8 Content Year 9 Content Year 10 & 11 Content Spanish is planned around the half-termly topics, the curriculum provides pupils with the opportunity to learn subject-specific knowledge and understanding, explore links across subject areas and practise their writing. We deliver discrete short sessions of our target language with pupils from Year 3 building up the time and duration as they become increasingly confident in the vocabulary and tenses. We will focus on providing an appropriate balance of spoken and written language and should lay the foundations for further foreign language teaching at Key Stage 3. It will enable pupils to understand and communicate ideas, facts and feelings in speech and writing, focused on familiar and routine matters, using their knowledge of phonology, grammatical structures and vocabulary. The focus of our study in Spanish will be on practical communication. Pupils wil be taught to: listen attentively to spoken language and show understanding by joining in and responding explore the patterns and sounds of language through songs and rhymes and link the spelling, sound and meaning of words engage in conversations; ask and answer questions; express opinions and respond to those of others; seek clarification and help speak in sentences, using familiar vocabulary, phrases and basic language structures develop accurate pronunciation and intonation so that others understand when they are reading aloud or using familiar words and phrases present ideas and information orally to a range of audiences read carefully and show understanding of words, phrases and simple writing appreciate stories, songs, poems and rhymes in the language broaden their vocabulary and develop their ability to understand new words that are introduced into familiar written material, including through using a dictionary write phrases from memory, and adapt these to create new sentences, to express ideas clearly describe people, places, things and actions orally and in writing understand basic grammar appropriate to the language being studied, including (where relevant): feminine, masculine and neuter forms and the conjugation of high-frequency verbs; key features and patterns of the language; how to apply these, for instance, to build sentences; and how these differ from or are similar to English. Spanish is planned around the half-termly topics, the curriculum provides pupils with the opportunity to learn subject-specific knowledge and understanding, explore links across subject areas and practise their writing. We deliver discrete short sessions of our target language with pupils from Year 3 building up the time and duration as they become increasingly confident in the vocabulary and tenses. We will focus on providing an appropriate balance of spoken and written language and should lay the foundations for further foreign language teaching at Key Stage 3. It will enable pupils to understand and communicate ideas, facts and feelings in speech and writing, focused on familiar and routine matters, using their knowledge of phonology, grammatical structures and vocabulary. The focus of our study in Spanish will be on practical communication. Pupils wil be taught to: listen attentively to spoken language and show understanding by joining in and responding explore the patterns and sounds of language through songs and rhymes and link the spelling, sound and meaning of words engage in conversations; ask and answer questions; express opinions and respond to those of others; seek clarification and help speak in sentences, using familiar vocabulary, phrases and basic language structures develop accurate pronunciation and intonation so that others understand when they are reading aloud or using familiar words and phrases present ideas and information orally to a range of audiences read carefully and show understanding of words, phrases and simple writing appreciate stories, songs, poems and rhymes in the language broaden their vocabulary and develop their ability to understand new words that are introduced into familiar written material, including through using a dictionary write phrases from memory, and adapt these to create new sentences, to express ideas clearly describe people, places, things and actions orally and in writing understand basic grammar appropriate to the language being studied, including (where relevant): feminine, masculine and neuter forms and the conjugation of high-frequency verbs; key features and patterns of the language; how to apply these, for instance, to build sentences; and how these differ from or are similar to English. Overview: Key stage 3 curriculum is organised in engaging termly topics though which the key skills are taught. Pupils in every class will be encouraged to verbally express themselves through a range of structured talk opportunities, as well as developing close and active listening skills. Both the reading and writing skills are explicitly taught so that the pupils can develop their confidence throughout the two years. Course Content: Year 7 focuses on developing the skills needed to become an active language learner; pupils will choose to study French or Spanish. In the Autumn Term, the unit: ‘This is Me’ teaches the pupils the skills for them to become confident at learning a language by encouraging pupils to speak almost immediately. The Spring term, using the world of comic books, encourages the pupils to give opinions and talk about themselves; Picasso and Dali stimulate descriptive language in the Summer term. Year 8 builds and develops the skills from Year 7. Most pupils will continue to study the language they chose in Year 7. Confident linguists may also choose to study French/Spanish in Year 8 as a second language; we will offer these depending on sufficient interest. (German is on offer to start at GCSE in Year 9 dependent on uptake.) Places and buildings are used to introduce the pupils to the future tense, through a topic on future towns and the past tense is introduced in the Spring Term when the pupils focus on castles and jousting! The Summer Term helps build on the pupils’ cultural capital, as well as their language skills, with a focus on celebrations: festivals and traditions. Many of the topics - and especially the trips organised to complement the curriculum - are designed to broaden pupils’ cultural experiences. Course Skills: Listening and Speaking: First pupils interact with their target language by developing active listening skills and the confidence of speaking a new language and communicating with each other. Reading : pupils’ skills are built up by activities involving word recognition and very quickly they develop the skills needed to decode meaning in more challenging texts. Writing : using sentence starters, vocabulary booklets and active learning strategies, pupils begin to construct meaning and manipulate language to express themselves and communicate in writing Assessment: Throughout both years the four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing are assessed. The pupils are fully prepared for these in lessons before their summative assessment. Pupils will continue to study the language they learnt in Year 7 and 8. We will use the opportunity of the teaching time in Year 9 to broaden pupils knowledghe and increase their depth of understadning. We will focus on the following topics to help us: Holidays and preferences School life, rules and trips Technology, reading and family relationships Free time, TV and film, entertainment GCSE Spanish We will consider 3 main themes: Identity and culture Local, national, international and global areas of interest Current and future study and employment Assessments GCSE Spanish has a Foundation Tier (grades 1–5) and a Higher Tier (grades 4–9). Students must take all four question papers at the same tier. All question papers must be taken in the same series. Paper 1: Listening - Understanding and responding to different types of spoken language Pupils are expected to be able to: demonstrate general and specific understanding of different types of spoken language follow and understand clear standard speech using familiar language across a range of specified contexts identify the overall message, key points, details and opinions in a variety of short and longer spoken passages, involving some more complex language, recognising the relationship between past, present and future events deduce meaning from a variety of short and longer spoken texts, involving some complex language and more abstract material, including short narratives and authentic material addressing a wide range of relevant contemporary and cultural themes recognise and respond to key information, important themes and ideas in more extended spoken text, including authentic sources, adapted and abridged, as appropriate, by being able to answer questions, extract information, evaluate and draw conclusions. Paper 2: Speaking - Communicating and interacting effectively in speech for a variety of purposes Pupils are expected to be able to: communicate and interact effectively in speech for a variety of purposes across a range of specified contexts take part in a short conversation, asking and answering questions, and exchanging opinions convey information and narrate events coherently and confidently, using and adapting language for new purposes speak spontaneously, responding to unexpected questions, points of view or situations, sustaining communication by using rephrasing or repair strategies, as appropriate initiate and develop conversations and discussion, producing extended sequences of speech make appropriate and accurate use of a variety of vocabulary and grammatical structures, including some more complex forms, with reference to past, present and future events make creative and more complex use of the language, as appropriate, to express and justify their own thoughts and points of view use accurate pronunciation and intonation such as to be understood by a native speaker. Paper 3: Reading - Understanding and responding to different types of written language Pupils are expected to be able to: understand and respond to different types of written language understand general and specific details within texts using high frequency familiar language across a range of contexts identify the overall message, key points, details and opinions in a variety of short and longer written passages, involving some more complex language, recognising the relationship between past, present and future events deduce meaning from a variety of short and longer written texts from a range of specified contexts, including authentic sources involving some complex language and unfamiliar material, as well as short narratives and authentic material addressing a wide range of relevant contemporary and cultural themes recognise and respond to key information, important themes and ideas in more extended written text and authentic sources, including some extracts from relevant abridged or adapted literary texts demonstrate understanding by being able to scan for particular information, organise and present relevant details, draw inferences in context and recognise implicit meaning where appropriate translate a short passage from Spanish into English. Paper 4: Writing - Communicating effectively in writing for a variety of purposes Pupils are expected to be able to: communicate effectively in writing for a variety of purposes across a range of specified contexts write short texts, using simple sentences and familiar language accurately to convey meaning and exchange information produce clear and coherent text of extended length to present facts and express ideas and opinions appropriately for different purposes and in different settings make accurate use of a variety of vocabulary and grammatical structures, including some more complex forms, to describe and narrate with reference to past, present and future events manipulate the language, using and adapting a variety of structures and vocabulary with increasing accuracy and fluency for new purposes, including using appropriate style and register make independent, creative and more complex use of the language, as appropriate, to note down key points, express and justify individual thoughts and points of view, in order to interest, inform or convince translate sentences and short texts from English into Spanish to convey key messages accurately and to apply grammatical knowledge of language and structures in context. Home Learning: Online resources Memrise and Quizlet are often used to support the learning of vocabulary. Pupils are asked to learn vocabulary in readiness for lessons the following week. It is helpful to taken the “little and often” approach to learning vocabulary; therefore five – ten minutes each day provides optimum learning. Pupils will also be asked to improve written work based on feedback given by the teacher. Exam Board: AQA –8698 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

Search Results

bottom of page