Serious Fun
The inspirational co-curricular programme at Westholme helps pupils develop important life skills, but it also gives the school community the opportunity for some serious fun
Delivering an all-round education provides pupils with many and varied skills and attributes, as well as the advantages of being academic high achievers.
At Westholme School, the mission is to develop the whole child through a wide range of world class opportunities, inside and outside the classroom.
Students develop robust life skills that allow them to thrive and succeed whatever their interests, as Principal Paul Taylor explains: “Pupils develop their skillsets and personalities so that they are ready for the challenges of later life. Our pupils also learn to take responsibility for themselves and for those around them, fostering values that generate young people who are ready to make an impact on the world around them.”
A rich programme of co-curricular activities at Westholme has been developed to complement the academic provision.
“Whether it’s in performing arts or sport or one of many other opportunities, these are often the times when pupils develop their personalities and what we at Westholme know as the 21st century essential skills,” adds Mr Taylor, who was previously Head of Kings’ School Al Barsha in Dubai.
“We focus on the all-round development of every individual child and ensure that the right level of support and challenge is in place.”
Focusing on new experiences, Westholme’s co-curricular programme includes visits from inspirational professionals as well as a whole host of opportunities for pupils to become involved in various activities including the performing arts.
ASTRONAUT TIM PEAKE
During World Space Week, astronaut Tim Peake recently spoke to Westholme Prep along with pupils from 25 local primary schools about his space travels.
Sharing first-hand experiences, Tim recounted his path from a sky-gazing child to British Army pilot and then to becoming the sole British astronaut selected by the European Space Agency.
His young audience was captivated as he told stories of his time aboard the International Space Station (ISS) during 2015-16, where he saw 16 sunrises and sunsets daily and took part in the thrilling challenge of an eight-hour spacewalk.
He spoke about the food he ate on board and the numerous events he took part in from space that were televised back on earth, including a countdown to the London Marathon, presenting a Brit Award and kicking off the rugby Six Nations.
Concluding with a lively Q&A session, he ignited students’ interest further with his hope of joining an all-UK crew on a future mission.
“It was incredibly exciting to have Britain’s first ISS astronaut join us at Westholme,” says Mr Taylor.
“Tim’s visit left lasting impressions, encouraging young minds to explore their full potential.”
ALADDIN JR
Lower Senior performing arts students certainly explored their full potential when they showcased their musical and theatrical talents in the dazzling Aladdin Jr. The audience in Westholme’s Croston Theatre were thrilled by the magical adventure – the story of Aladdin is a tale packed with courage, adventure and magic, and the talented students gave it their all!
The stage looked fantastic with lighting effects and a backdrop that transformed the space into an Arabian landscape. The students captured the atmosphere of the story perfectly and there was even a flying carpet!
With such a high-calibre, co-curricular programme, Westholme pupils are given the opportunity to flourish, to discover what they enjoy and find where their talents lie.
Mr Taylor concludes: “Our mission at Westholme is to develop better students and better people. This is serious work, but our community of pupils, teachers and parents also have serious fun.”
Westholme School
Wilmar Lodge, Meins Road
Pleasington BB2 6QU
01254 506070
