Alice by Laura Wade, adapted from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll.

The White Rabbit is late for the Duchess. The Cheshire Cat won't stop grinning. And the Hatter is, well, mad. In the middle of it all is Alice, a young girl with a vivid imagination and a family life that's less than perfect. Follow Alice as she escapes her home to find adventure in a topsy-turvy world.

Based on Lewis Carroll's classic tale, Alice breathes fresh life into a much-loved story about rabbit holes, pocket watches and talking caterpillars. Laura Wade brings you Wonderland as you've never seen it before.

The play deals with the theme of grief. This adaptation has all the silliness you would expect from a children's tale, with enough complicated emotions to make it interesting for adults too.

Come and see as the K Block transforms into Wonderland!

Performance dates and times:

  • Wednesday 13th December 7pm  

  • Thursday 14th December 5pm

  • Friday 15th December 7pm

Tickets:

Adults £8.50
Children/ Concessions £5.50
Family (4 tickets, at least 2 children) £22

Don't miss out!

To  order your tickets please click on the link here or go to  

https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/49878

Welcome, Year 9 Student Councillors 

I am pleased to welcome the new Year 9 student councillors this term. To be a part of the team, students have been voted for by the rest of their tutor group. This term we aim to focus on the planning and organisation of the annual Christmas decorated door competition, plan the annual inter-tutor sports event for later in the year as well as discuss key ideas and topics that are important to the year group. One of the first topics that we are going to discuss is student rewards.

I am very much looking forward to working with the new Year 9 student council.

Mrs Belton Owen
Director of Studies, Year 9

Library News

Book Groups

The Book Group is such an amazing club to go to. Each year there is a theme that all the books follow and this year that theme is 'elemental'. The eight books that were chosen this year are:
  • ‘King and the Dragonflies’ by Karen Callender 

  • ‘The Elemental Detectives’ by Patrice Lawrence 

  • ‘Arctic star’ by Tom Palmer 

  • ‘Deeplight’ by Frances Hardinge 

  • ‘The Girl from the Sea’ by Molly Knox Ostertag

  • ‘Ghostlight’ by Kenneth Oppel 

  • ‘Rebel Skies’ by Ann Sei Lin

  • ‘Fish boy’ by Chloe Daykin

Every week, we read a book and then, at the following Book Group, we do an activity about that book that we have just read. Some examples of the activities that we have done are: making top trump cards for the characters in the book, becoming a publishing company and writing a pitch about the book and designing a poster for a film version of the book we have just read. 

At the moment, in Book Group, we are working on our creative responses. This means that you and your group do something creative (e.g. acting, painting, drawing etc.) about a book that you have read in the group. Two of these will be selected to be entered into the competition that all the schools that take part in the TSBA (Trinity School Book Awards) enter. There is then a ceremony in April and the winner of this competition will be announced. As well as that, there is a review competition where 2 book reviews are sent in.

Of course, this wouldn’t be possible without the amazing librarian: Mrs Carey. So thank you, Mrs Carey, for running the Book Group.

Liv Harmer, Year 8

 

At the Book Club this year we have done a wide range of activities. Varying from making picture-stories to making a top trumps game, it is always different and entertaining. I particularly enjoyed making a trailer for one of the books (The Girl from the Sea). This was because it was really hilarious to do, regarding that I had to pretend to drown. In the end, it came out fine, and I personally found it quite amusing. 

On the first day, we were split into groups and, since we had not yet read any of the selection of books, we ordered them in preference. We have a week to read each one and every Tuesday we do activities based on the book. Honestly, it is enjoyable and sociable and, you didn't hear this from me, but there are biscuits too. Sometimes it is Custard Creams or Bourbons or Digestives and I could go on.

In conclusion, Book Club is just a very pleasant club if you have traits similar to mine (meaning you enjoy a good book now and again) and just to remind you, biscuits!

Charlotte Luxford, Year 7

Thank you to the PA for generously funding the TSBA and TSBA+ book groups. The students really enjoy having access to such a varied collection of books, and they always bring a lot of enthusiasm to the activities. And also the biscuit selection. The older students taking part in the TSBA+ have really stunned me by making some fantastic podcasts. We are already looking forward to the awards ceremony in April, which was also paid for by our wonderful PA. 

Mrs Carey, Librarian

 

How DT is used in Architecture

Design and Technology (DT) is a very important subject that helps to develop various skills, including technical knowledge, creative thinking and practical skills. These skills are crucial for solving real-world problems and advancing into STEM-based careers, due to their dexterity. This depth of DT scientific knowledge is transferable to various professions, including engineering and architecture. Major industries, such as architecture, are heavily reliant on DT, due to the various types of CAD and CAM software, which architects and engineers use and depend on daily. Furthermore, architecture is an AI-proof career, due to the complex creative thinking and problem-solving involved, making it highly unlikely to be replaced by artificial intelligence (AI). Therefore, the various types of CAD software taught in DT are very important when pursuing a career in STEM fields, especially architecture.

Firstly, computer-aided design (CAD) software, such as SketchUp and Revit, are used majorly by architects to help them quickly make and modify their architectural designs. There are numerous benefits of CAD, which include rapid prototyping/designing, quick revisions, and increased visualisation. Moreover, CAD has the ability to be integrated with other software, such as BIM (Building Information Modelling), which withholds data, such as a project’s overall cost; the functionality of the materials involved; the structural performance and safety of a building; as well as the sustainability of the whole architectural development (e.g. carbon emissions, energy-efficiency).

Secondly, rendering software, such as Enscape and Lumion, is frequently used by architects, in order to help enhance the realism of their architectural designs, by modifying shadows, ray-tracing and lighting. These effects improve the visualisation of the design for both the architect, stakeholders and client. Furthermore, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) can also be linked to the rendering software, which gives architects the ability to showcase their designs to clients, stakeholders and other companies in an immersive manner.

Another way that DT is used in architecture is through the use of computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), which is used to prototype 3D physical models of houses, buildings and structural components within a short space of time. This allows architects to spot problems quickly and act on them swiftly, due to the increased visualisation of 3D physical models, in contrast to virtual architectural designs.

In conclusion, DT is widely used in the architectural industry, from designing houses and buildings with CAD, to applying technical DT principles to architectural problems, to rapidly creating 3D prototypes of architectural designs and parts with CAM. DT is seen everywhere in architecture, and in numerous other STEM professions as well.

Raiyan Singh Sangha, Year 12

South East Asian Society (SEAS)

SEAS (South East Asian Society) held their first fundraising activity and made £224.76 from their sales over break and lunch on Wednesday. The profits are going towards the society to fund the many activities they have planned such as the Diwali night where they made handmade diva candles from clay and water.

The Society seeks to embrace Asian cultures and provide its members with new understandings and experiences of the diverse traditions in Asia. If you are interested in joining SEAS, as it is open to all years, please join their meetings after school on Tuesdays in SFC.

Classroom code: wht5mgf

Mr Martin
History Teacher & Head of Sixth Form

PE News

Year 7 Football

A superb fighting performance saw the Year 7 squad claim a fantastic win against Cleeve Park on Tuesday. After falling behind 2-0 the team finished up 4-2 winners, and there were some wild celebrations. A brilliant game that was extremely entertaining to watch!

Year 8 Football

An impressive second half performance secured a 7-2 victory for our Year 8 football squad. Goalscorers often take most of the credit, but this was a real team performance and the defenders did a brilliant job marking the opposition's talented strike force. Well played and best of luck in the last 16 of the Kent Cup!

Another Year 8 Football Win!

A proud BGS Year 8 football squad at the end of a North Kent match against Beths. This was a brilliant and ruthless performance in which they were able to take an early lead and build on it during the first half. The rest of the game demonstrated a real maturity and team ethos. The style of football was great to watch and BGS ended up winning 7-1. Keep up the amazing work.

Mr Mackle, PE Department

Year 7 & 8 Rugby

Great to see lots of boys at Year 7 & 8 rugby training on Monday. There’s a busy run of games, so the practice will be useful. It’s impressive to see the progress that so many are making, many playing rugby for the first time. Thanks also to Luke Winter for helping to coach the boys.

Year 9 Rugby

Well done to the Year 9 rugby team, who played really well in beating Bexleyheath Academy 45-19 on Tuesday. Tries from Valentino (4), Ikenna (2) and Joshua sealed the win. Well done to Jonah and his phenomenal tackling on his debut, too.

Mr Lines, Head of PE

MFL News

“Waama” challenge

Waama, also called Yoabu, is spoken by about 120,000 people in Benin, in West Africa. It has its own writing system which uses the Roman alphabet.

The table on the left shows fifteen Waama sentences (1-15) and their English translations (A-O) in a different order.

Match each sentence with its translation :)

Get in touch with Ms Giglione for the solutions! giglione_m@bexleygs.co.uk

The Big Ambition Survey for Children and Parents' Carers

Please see the message below from the Children's Commissioner for England, Dame Rachel De Souza:

By now, I hope that you have seen my national campaign, The Big Ambition.

https://assets.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/wpuploads/2023/11/Childrens-Commissioner-The-Big-Ambition-Flyer.pdf

As Children’s Commissioner for England, I have a statutory duty to protect and promote the views and interests of children. The Big Ambition provides a much-needed opportunity for the children of England to tell political decision makers what is important to them ahead of the General Election. I will be sharing their responses with Government to ensure that children’s voices are heard.

It is really important that the pupils at Bexley Grammar School have participated in The Big Ambition survey and had their say.

www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/thebigambition 

This survey is for all children aged 0-18, parents, carers / other adults can complete on behalf of children who are under 6 or for children who need extra assistance.

PA News

18 Dec 2023
Christmas Raffle - buy your tickets!
 
Read more
30 Nov 2023
Quiz Night ~ Book your tickets today!
Read more
23 Nov 2023
Nordmann Fir Christmas Trees For Sale ~ Last chance to Order!
 
Read more

PA Events

Deadline to order Christmas Trees 9pm
until 9:00pm
23
November
Quiz Night (BGS Hall)
7:00pm – 9:30pm
30
November
PA Meeting (Sixth Form Centre)
7:30pm – 9:00pm
06
December
Christmas Raffle Draw
All Day
18
December

Please click on the link here to access all our Safeguarding Updates 

A Message from the Examinations Office

 

GCSE Examination Timetable Summer 2024

The GCSE timetable for examinations to be taken in 2024 is now available on the school website or by clicking on the link  here. 

GCSE Contingency Days Summer 2024

Please note, contingency days are timetabled for the afternoons of 6th and 13th June, as well as Wednesday 26th June 2024. These contingency days are designed to be used in the event of national or significant local disruption to examinations.

This means that all exam candidates must be available to sit exams from the date of their first exam until Wednesday 26 June 2024.

This decision is not a school decision and does apply to all candidates in all schools.

Mrs Bono, Examinations Office

Year 11 Preparing for Revision

A notice for Year 11 Parents/Carers & Students. The Year 11 Revision Booklet has been issued to students this week.

The booklet can be viewed on the school website under the header Teaching and Learning/ Year 11 or by clicking on the link here.

Thank you 

News items you may have missed

Greenwich

If your child attends a school in another borough, you will need to apply to the relevant council or school directly. APPLY TO BEXLEY.

Tower Hamlets 

Children whose parents live in the borough but who attend schools outside the borough. Parents should apply to the authority where the school is located. APPLY TO BEXLEY.

Medway

Does not specify the location of the school and just has a link to applications. 

https://www.medway.gov.uk/info/200164/school_information/354/free_school_meals. You may need to go via Bexley after this process. 

Bromley 

If your child attends a non-Bromley school, you must apply to the local authority where the school is situated. APPLY TO BEXLEY.

Dartford 

If your child attends a non-Dartford school, you must apply to the local authority where the school is situated. APPLY TO BEXLEY.

When these applications are completed, a notification should be sent to the school for us to update records accordingly, but it may be worth the parents sending in the email confirmation to us too.

Bexley Application Link

https://www.bexley.gov.uk/services/schools-and-education/free-school-meals/how-apply-free-school-meals/free-school-meals-form

Don't delay, apply today!

Lost Property

We have a high volume of coats, trainers and PE kits from last term.  Please ask your child to come to the Reception if they have informed you that something is missing.

Please click on the link here to report lost property or email us directly
reception@bexleygs.co.uk.

Reception Team

Dates for your Diary

Year 13 Progress Review Evening (click to read Miss Robert's letter)
4:00pm – 6:30pm
28
November
Christmas Concert (click here to book)
6:00pm – 8:30pm
04
December
Alice Production (click here to book)
7:00pm – 9:00pm
13
December
Alice Production (click here to book)
5:00pm – 7:00pm
14
December
Alice Production (click here to book)
7:00pm – 9:00pm
15
December

GCSE Advance Notice

GCSE Contingency (afternoon)
12:00pm – 6:30pm
06
June
GCSE Contingency (afternoon)
12:00pm – 6:30pm
13
June
GCSE Contingency Day
8:00am – 6:30pm
26
June