Keep up to date with all the latest news happening in school at the moment.

• Science Museum, London.

  Thu 30 Jun 2016

  The Year Fours ventured to South Kensington for what would be their final outing as members of the Lower School. The children had a fantastic time at the Science Museum, absorbing all the exciting activities, displays and experiences around them. They immensely enjoyed a presentation about the science that lies between explosions, understanding the relationship between various elements, i.e. oxygen, fuel and heat. This tied in nicely with their recent topic: Volcanoes.

   

  The children witnessed the history of electrical household appliances, such as the vacuum cleaner - marvelling at the fact the an early model was the size of a refrigerator! Many children observed VHS players for the first time, asking, "How big were the Sky HD+ boxes back then?" Year 4 had a fabulous time and many cannot wait to take their families back to the Science Museum over the summer to enjoy the new exhibitions.

  

• London Youth Games

  Thu 30 Jun 2016

  On Thursday 30th June, nine Year 6 pupils (Alex, Xavier, Kairo, Ramel, Chelsea, Abi, Ruby, Caitlin and Rataniya), represented the London Borough of Hillingdon at the London Youth Games for athletics.  There were thirty-three boroughs participating in four disciplines:  Vortex Howler, standing long jump, 600M run and 75m sprint.  Our children performed very well in all of the events and thoroughly enjoyed being able to compete in the Crystal Palace Stadium.  

  

• Trip to Bankside

  Fri 24 Jun 2016

  The weather was especially kind as Year 4 marched through Bankside and its surrounding areas, absorbing a range of artwork at the Tate Modern and the immense beauty of St Paul's Cathedral. 

   

  Admiring many of Salvador Dali's and Pablo Picasso's masterpieces, the children also witnessed many alternative styles of art - for example, Cildo Meireles' Babel 2001, a gargantuan tower made up of analogue radios:

   

  Within this piece, each radio within the tower has been set to a different frequency with its volume set to the minimum level at which it's audible - this relates to the biblical story of the Tower of Babel: a tower tall enough to reach the heavens. Affronted by the structure, God caused the builders to speak in different languages and, ceasing to comprehend one another, became divided and scattered across the earth. According to myth, this inability to communicate became the cause of all mankind's conflicts.

   

  The children appreciated various art forms and had great fun trying to decode their meaning and purpose. Many children were bemused when presented with a rather simplistic canvas, but built a greater depth of appreciation when unpicking its purpose.

   

  Year 4 questioned why many of the buildings surrounding the stunning St Paul's Cathedral were more modern and contemporary. Some children knew that this was in part due to World War 2 and its devastating impact upon Bankside - destroying much, but leaving in tact the cathedral itself; as some would believe, God works in mysterious ways. 

  

• Harry Potter Studio Tour

  Fri 24 Jun 2016

  Whitehall's Year 5 children immersed themselves into magic on Friday 24th June as they visited the Harry Potter Studio in Hertfordshire.  This trip was arranged to inspire the children in the areas of reading, writing, design and construction as well as enable them to see first hand the props and sets which they have read about whilst studying the books in school.  It was a trip which was thoroughly enjoyed by all and one the children will certainly remember!   

  

• Silver Service!

  Thu 23 Jun 2016

  Last Thursday afternoon, Year 6 - staff and children alike - transformed the Studio into a trendy, sophisticated and charming eatery. Year 6 invited their future secondary teachers, as well as their teachers of the past, to enjoy a unique dining experience.  

   

  An incredibly-diverse three-course meal was laid out for all to enjoy - a luncheon that will live long in the memory. A spicy butternut squash soup was guzzled down, receiving many a compliment. Afterwards, a choice of vegetable lasagne and Thai curry with rice were offered; both dishes were devoured in an instant! For dessert, a chocolate bread and butter pudding and a scrumptious Eton mess excited tastebuds far and wide. 

   

  Despite the cuisine hitting amazing heights, it was the Year 6 students who stole centre stage. Stellar service, impeccable manners and appropriate etiquette were on view for all to see.

   

  Guest, Mr Cumming, admitted: "I would pay to come here!"  Mr Nathan added, "I've been invited to many of these over the years - this was far and away the best one!" A teacher from Stockley Academy stated it best when she proclaimed, "Who needs Michelin-starred restaurants, when we have Whitehall Junior School!"

• Nigel Livine, GB athlete, at athletics training

  Wed 22 Jun 2016

  The Year 5 and 6 children were very lucky at their athletics training session after school on Wednesday night as they were joined by Nigel Livine, a GB athlete, who offered his expertise and helped train them in sprinting and relay techniques.  The children benefited greatly from having their session led by him and really enjoyed asking him questions about his own training and successes in sport.  It was wonderful to have such an inspirational sportsman agree to support our children in their own performances.  

  

• Inter-Schools Runners-Up

  Fri 17 Jun 2016

  Whitehall's football team got yet another silver medal when participating in the Inter-schools London Cup, on Friday 17th June. Lavished in beautiful sunshine (despite the pessimistic forecast), the spectators were treated to one-touch, fast-flowing and - at times - electric football. Scoring plenty at one end and keeping clean sheets at the other, WJS made it through to yet another final. Unfortunately, despite coming back from a goal down Whitehall lost to a 'golden goal' during extra time. Final score 2-3.

  

• We have achieved the Gold Award again!

  Fri 17 Jun 2016

  Congratulations to all the children, staff and coaches who work so hard in embedding sport and leading a healthy lifestyle into our daily lives at Whitehall.  Due to our dedication, we have been recognised for all the hard work we do again this year and have achieved 'Sainsbury's School Games' Gold Mark again.  Well done to all!

  

• Stockley Academy Sports Event

  Fri 17 Jun 2016

  On Thursday 16th June, ten children attended a sports event organised by Stockley Academy where they competed against children from other schools in rounders, netball and football.  The children had a fabulous time and did so well in the three disciplines that they came away with a silver medal!  Well done team!

  

• Street Dance

  Thu 16 Jun 2016

  We are very fortunate to have a past pupil of Whitehall, who now owns her own street dance company, coach our children every Tuesday morning before school for dance.  It is a very popular club that has resulted in many of our children now attending street dance outside of school at the weekends.  On Thursday 16th June, the children, who participate in the club, put on a performance for the whole school and parents to see what they have achieved.  They all performed amazingly!