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  • Proud Hosts, Proud Champions: WPSfG Wins the Greenwich Regional Final

    Published 02/03/26

    Proud Hosts, Proud Champions: WPSfG Wins the Greenwich Regional Final

    Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls was proud to host the Greenwich Regional Final of Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge on 24 February 2026. The evening was a powerful celebration of youth voice, confidence and creativity, with each speaker demonstrating remarkable courage and authenticity.

    Representing Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls were three exceptional Year 10 students - Yaiza, Daniela and Fatiha  all of whom delivered confident and compelling speeches that made a strong impression on the audience.

    However, the highlight of the evening for our school, and a moment of immense pride for our entire community, was the outstanding achievement of Fatiha Sanni, who was named Regional Champion. Her speech was delivered with exceptional clarity, insight and emotional impact, earning her the top honour of the night. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishment and the hard work, dedication and maturity she demonstrated on stage. This is a truly significant achievement, and we could not be prouder.

    The results of the evening were:

    • Regional Champion: Fatiha - Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls
    • Runner-Up: Nia - Eltham Hill School
    • Third Place: Isabella - Eltham Hill School

    We congratulate all the winners and commend every participant for contributing to a memorable and meaningful event.

    Adding to the atmosphere were superb musical performances from our talented students Elisha, Neriah and Isimeme, who showcased their vocal and piano skills and helped make the evening even more special.

    We were also delighted to support our partner school, Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys, whose Year 10 representative Dyuvan delivered a fantastic speech and represented his school with confidence and conviction.

    A heartfelt thank you to the Jack Petchey Foundation for making this opportunity possible, and to Councillor Ann‑Marie Cousins of Abbey Wood Ward, who kindly joined us to present the certificates and awards to our young people. We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Ms J. Ross, whose dedication and behind‑the‑scenes leadership made this event, and our involvement in the Speak Out Challenge, such a success.

    Hosting the regional final was an honour for Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls, and the evening highlighted the courage, talent and sense of community that define our students. It was a night we will remember with great pride - especially as we celebrate Fatiha’s remarkable success as Regional Champion.

    ‘It was a wonderful evening that showcased the confidence and talent of our young people. I was especially proud of Fatiha, whose outstanding speech earned her the title of Regional Champion - a remarkable achievement for her and for our school. I was equally proud of Yaiza and Daniela, who represented the school so beautifully and spoke from the heart with honesty and courage. The evening highlighted once again how remarkable, creative and talented our young people are.’
    Ms L. Williams, Headteacher

    Relive the incredible moment Fatiha was announced as the Greenwich Regional Champion at Jack Petchey’s Speak Out Challenge.

     

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  • WPSfG Marks Chinese New Year with a Themed Menu

    Published 02/03/26

    WPSfG Marks Chinese New Year with a Themed Menu

    We celebrated Chinese New Year in style at WPSfG on Wednesday 25th February.

    Our wonderful catering team served up a themed menu packed with colour, flavour and festive fun. The photos don’t do the deliciousness justice (but we have shared them anyway!).

    Events such as these help foster an inclusive, diverse and engaging environment for all our young people.

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  • Why Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls Is the Perfect Choice

    Published 02/03/26

    Why Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls Is the Perfect Choice

    National Offer Day is today, and families across the borough are finding out which secondary school their daughter will be joining this September. We know how important this moment is, and we understand the need for reassurance that she will be safe, supported, and encouraged to achieve her very best. At Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls, that is exactly what we offer.

    Our school is a warm, inclusive, and ambitious community where young women grow academically, socially, and personally. We believe in every student - and we help them develop the confidence to believe in themselves.

    Why families choose Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls

    • A nurturing and empowering environment where girls feel valued, respected, and encouraged to flourish
    • High academic standards delivered through dedicated, expert teaching
    • Exceptional pastoral support that prioritises wellbeing, resilience, and personal growth
    • A culture of leadership and aspiration, inspiring girls to speak up, lead confidently, and celebrate their achievements
    • A broad range of enrichment opportunities that spark curiosity and help students discover their passions

    If your daughter has received an offer from us today, she will be joining a community that celebrates her potential and supports her every step of the way.

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  • Morning Drop‑Off Safety Reminder

    Published 26/02/26

    Dear Parents and Carers,

    We are writing to urgently remind all families about the importance of safe and considerate driving during the morning drop‑off.

    We have seen an increase in unsafe behaviours around the roundabout and school entrance. This includes cars stopping in dangerous locations, blocking the road, double‑parking, stopping on the roundabout, and performing illegal U‑turns at the beginning of Birchdene Drive. These actions are creating an extremely unsafe environment for students, staff, and other road users.

    We have reported these issues to both the police and the Greenwich Parking Ticket Teams and have requested that officers attend during the peak time of 7:50am–8:20am to observe the situation and issue tickets where necessary. Their presence is essential to help prevent the dangerous and illegal manoeuvres that continue to take place.

    Please ensure that you:

    • Do not stop or drop off on or near the roundabout
    • Do not double‑park or mount pavements
    • Do not perform U‑turns on Birchdene Drive  or the school vehicle entrance - please continue to the end and turn safely at the roundabout
    • Only stop in safe, legal locations
    • Drive patiently and calmly - a short delay is far safer than taking a risk

    As an alternative, students can be safely dropped off in the town centre and walk through the underpass into school. This helps reduce congestion and keeps the entrance area safer for everyone.

    Our priority is always the safety of every student and member of staff. We are working closely with external agencies, but we urgently need all parents and carers to play their part in keeping the area safe.

    Thank you to those who consistently follow the rules and help keep our community safe. Your cooperation genuinely makes a difference.

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  • UKMT Teams Challenge 2026

    Published 09/02/26

    We are delighted to celebrate the fantastic success of students from Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls and Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys who took part in this year’s UKMT Team Maths Challenge.

    The girls’ team finished in 15th place and the boys’ team in 16th place, separated by just a single point - a clear reflection of how closely matched, focused, and competitive the event was. Competing against grammar, private, and international schools, both teams demonstrated impressive mathematical ability, teamwork, and resilience throughout the day.

    The Trust extends a huge thank you to the Premises Team for supporting with transport and remaining with the group for the entire day. Sincere thanks also go to the wider team for their invaluable support with logistics. Mr M. Barrett and Mrs F. Abdulsalam‑Mustafa are recognised for their ongoing commitment to supporting both teams every Tuesday.

    Message from Ms Williams, Headteacher of Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls: “Well done! It is always wonderful to see our girls and boys working together. This was a great opportunity for them to showcase their skills and build their confidence. Thank you to everyone who played a part in making this happen!”

    Message from Mr Lawrence, Headteacher of Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys: “Well done to all the students who took part in this year’s UKMT Team Maths Challenge. Their teamwork, determination, and enthusiasm were outstanding. It is fantastic to see our boys and girls working together and embracing the challenge. Thank you to all staff whose support made this opportunity possible.”

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  • Reminder: Year 11 Parents’ Evening - Wednesday 11 February

    Published 09/02/26

    We look forward to welcoming Year 11 families to our upcoming Parents’ Evening on Wednesday 11 February, taking place in person at Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls from 3:00 pm to 6:15 pm.

    This is a key moment in the Year 11 journey and the final Parents’ Evening before students sit their GCSE exams this summer. Attending ensures you have the most up‑to‑date understanding of your daughter’s progress and the steps that will support her success in the months ahead.

    What to Expect

    • You will receive your daughter’s latest academic report.

    • You will have the opportunity to speak with subject teachers about progress, strengths, and next steps.

    Booking Appointments

    Appointments can be booked via SchoolCloud from Wednesday 28 January at 3:00 pm:

    Important: Please enter your daughter’s legal name exactly as it appears on MCAS when booking. This ensures the system recognises her correctly.

    A step‑by‑step booking guide is available to support you through the process.

    If you are unable to book in advance, you are still very welcome to attend - teachers will be available to speak with you.

    Your Support Matters

    Your engagement at this stage makes a meaningful difference. By attending, you help us provide the strongest foundation for your daughter’s success in Year 11 and beyond.

    We look forward to seeing you there.

    Ms C Sehested

    Assistant Head Teacher

    Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls

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  • Inspiring Futures Together: Careers Carousel for International Women’s Day at WPSfG

    Published 06/02/26

    Inspiring Futures Together: Careers Carousel for International Women’s Day at Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls

    On Friday 6 March, we will be welcoming women from a wide range of professions to Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls for our Careers Carousel Event, held in celebration of International Women’s Day.

    This annual event is a fantastic opportunity to connect, collaborate, and help inspire the young women in our school as they explore the many career paths open to them. Your experiences and insights can make a real difference in shaping the confidence and aspirations of the next generation of female leaders.

    If you’re interested in taking part this year, please contact Miss Burrows at RBurrows@polymat.co.uk for more information. Feel free to pass this on to anyone in your network who might be interested.

    Below is a snapshot from last year’s incredible event.

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  • Enjoy FREE activities in Greenwich & London this February Half Term 2026!

    Published 05/02/26

    Please find below a curated selection of useful links highlighting a variety of free events and activities available during the upcoming February half‑term. These include opportunities taking place locally within Greenwich, across central London, as well as a number of events celebrating the Lunar New Year.

    We always take great pride in putting these lists together, as they allow us to support our families and the wider community in planning an enjoyable and engaging half‑term break.

    Greenwich

    Central London

    Lunar New Year

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  • Safer Internet Day 2026 - Helpful AI Safety Resources for Parents and Carers

    Published 05/02/26
    Safer Internet Day 2026: Helpful AI Safety Resources for Parents and Carers

    Safer Internet Day 2026 takes place on Tuesday 10 February, with the theme “Smart tech, safe choices – Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI.” This theme reflects how artificial intelligence now shapes many aspects of children’s online lives, from personalised recommendations to voice assistants and homework tools.

    To support families, we have gathered a collection of trusted UK-specific resources offering practical guidance, conversation ideas, and age-appropriate support.

    Official Guidance from the UK Safer Internet Centre

    The UK Safer Internet Centre (UKSIC) provides the key resources for Safer Internet Day 2026. Their dedicated hub includes advice on using AI safely, talking to children about new technologies, and supporting responsible digital choices at home.

    Practical Advice and Conversation Starters

    A parent-friendly information letter is also available. It explains how AI affects the information children see online, how AI may be used during homework, and the potential risks linked with misuse such as scams or manipulated images. It also provides conversation starters to help families approach the topic confidently.
    Download the letter

    ParentLine – UK’s AI Online Safety Assistant

    ParentLine is the UK’s first AI‑powered online safety assistant for parents. It provides clear, practical guidance on online risks, apps, games, social media, AI tools, cyberbullying, privacy settings and more. It uses verified information from the NSPCC, Internet Matters and the UK Safer Internet Centre.

    AI Safety Resources Designed for Parents

    The London Grid for Learning (LGfL) offers specific materials to help families navigate generative AI. These include an explainer video, a downloadable parent letter, and a ready-made presentation for running parent information sessions.
    LGfL resources

    NSPCC – AI Safety Tips for Parents

    The NSPCC provides trusted, expert‑backed tips on how AI tools work, what risks they pose to children, how to recognise AI‑generated content and how to talk to children about what they’re seeing online.

    UNICEF – Guidance on AI and Children

    Global guidance focused on children’s rights in the age of AI. Helps parents understand AI risks, child data protection, fairness, transparency and how global changes affect young people.

    Why These Resources Matter

    AI is increasingly present in children’s everyday digital interactions. Whether through search results, games, online platforms, homework support or social media, children often engage with AI without realising it. Providing families with accurate information and practical tools helps children:

    • Recognise when AI is being used
    • Think critically about information online
    • Understand the limitations and risks of AI
    • Make safe and responsible choices

    These resources empower parents and carers to guide children confidently and support positive digital experiences.

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  • Football Club runs every Monday from 3:15 - 4:30pm

    Published 30/01/26

    Kickstart Your Week on the Pitch

    Football Club runs every Monday from 3:15 - 4:30pm

    Students just need suitable footwear and a change of clothes or kit - see you on the pitch!

    Why Should Students Join Football Club?

    • Regular training helps students stay active, healthy, and full of energy.
    • Football teaches communication, leadership, and trust - skills that transfer far beyond the pitch.
    • Students connect with others across year groups, creating a real sense of belonging.
    • Training, practice, and match play help students learn commitment, perseverance, and how to bounce back.
    • Physical activity and team environments are proven to lift mood and reduce stress.
    • Whether students are beginners or experienced players, there’s space for everyone to grow and enjoy the game.
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  • neon green triangles and tetrahedron final model made by year 7

    Year 7 Take On the Tetrahedron Challenge with The Helix Group

    Published 27/01/26

    Year 7 Take On the Tetrahedron Challenge with The Helix Group

    On Monday 26th January, our Year 7 students took part in an exciting Tetrahedron Challenge led by the Helix Group and they absolutely rose to the occasion.

    Throughout the workshop, students developed key transferable skills including communication, teamwork, active listening, and problem‑solving as they worked together to design and build a prototype tetrahedron for a playground structure.

    They also had the chance to explore a range of careers within the construction industry, learning about roles such as quantity surveyor, health and safety manager, and engineer. This hands‑on insight opened their eyes to the many pathways available in STEM and the built environment.

    We are especially proud that our girls were the first students in the country to take part in this new workshop, which will soon be rolled out nationwide. Their enthusiasm, creativity, and natural aptitude for STEM shone through from start to finish.

    Thank you to Ms Barrett for bringing this wonderful learning opportunity to our students. A huge well done to all involved - the future of engineering is looking bright.

     

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  • hands holding hearts graphic - free parent/carer workshop understanding self-harm in adolescent girls

    FREE Parent/Carer Workshop: Understanding self-harm in adolescent girls

    Published 27/01/26

    Supporting Daughters Through Adolescence – Parent & Carer Workshop

    Adolescence can be an emotionally intense and challenging time for many young people. Some girls experience feelings that are difficult to express or manage, and this can sometimes lead to unhealthy coping behaviours.

    To help families feel informed, confident, and supported, a dedicated workshop is being offered for parents and carers. The session aims to provide clear guidance, reassurance, and practical ways to nurture young people’s wellbeing with compassion and understanding.

    What the workshop will cover

    • Understanding what self-harm is - and what it is not
    • Common myths and misconceptions
    • Emotional, social, and developmental factors
    • Why some young people may struggle with overwhelming feelings
    • Helpful approaches for supportive conversations
    • When and how to seek additional help
    • School and community pathways available to families

    Early understanding and open, caring communication can make a meaningful difference in a young person’s life.

    Workshop Details

    • Date: Tuesday 3 February 2026
    • Time: 10am–12 noon
    • Venue: The Moorings Sociable Club, Arnott Close, Thamesmead, SE28 8BG

     

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Contact Us

Birchdene Drive
Thamesmead
London
SE28 8RF