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  • A Legacy of Loyalty: Honouring Our Long-Serving Staff at Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys

    Published 30/10/25

    A Legacy of Loyalty: Honouring Our Staff at Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys

    At Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys, our success is built on more than just academic achievement, it is built on people. Behind every lesson, every milestone, and every student success story is a team of dedicated staff, many of whom have devoted a decade or more to the school and its mission.

    A School with Deep Roots

    Founded in 1912, Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys has been a cornerstone of education in Thamesmead for over a century. Throughout its history, the school has evolved with the times, but one thing has remained constant: the loyalty and passion of its staff.

    Staff Who Stay, Shape, and Inspire

    A significant number of our staff have been with the school for 10, 15, even 20+ years, contributing not only to academic excellence but also to the school’s unique culture of care, consistency, and community. These long-serving team members include teachers, pastoral leads, support staff, and senior leaders, many of whom began their careers here and chose to stay because of the school’s values and vision.

    Impact Beyond the Classroom

    Long-serving staff bring consistency, experience, and valuable mentorship that support both students and newer colleagues. Their presence reinforces the school’s culture, ensures continuity, and helps uphold high standards year after year.

    Celebrating Our Team

    From classroom teachers to office administrators, every staff member has played a vital role in shaping the lives of thousands of young people. Their dedication is the heartbeat of our school and we are proud to celebrate them.

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  • Wishing You a Restful Half Term Break

    Published 24/10/25

    Wishing You a Restful Half Term Break

    As we wrap up this half term, we want to thank everyone across our Polymat schools - students, staff, and families for your continued energy, commitment, and positivity.

    We hope you enjoy a safe and relaxing break, filled with time to recharge and connect with loved ones. Don’t forget, there are plenty of free local activities happening throughout the week that we’ve shared previously - perfect for keeping minds active and spirits high.

    FREE Activities in Greenwich & London in half term

    Also, a reminder that various locations across Greenwich are offering free lunches for children during the break. It’s a wonderful initiative to support families and ensure everyone has access to nutritious meals.

    Take care, stay safe, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!

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  • Important Notice: Changes to the School Day - Week Beginning Monday 3rd November

    Published 24/10/25

    Dear Parents/Carers,

    Please note the following adjustments to the school schedule for the week commencing Monday 3rd November:

    • Monday 3rd November:
      Early finish for all students except Year 11.
      Students will be dismissed from 12:00pm.

    • Tuesday 4th November:
      Late start for all students.
      Students should arrive by 10:10am for registration at 10:15am.
      School will finish at the usual time.

    • Wednesday 5th November:
      No early finish.
      Students will be dismissed at 3:20pm,
      except Year 12, who will finish at 1:50pm.

    • Thursday 6th & Friday 7th November:
      Normal school timings resume.

    Thank you for your continued support.

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  • Barcelona Trip - October 2025

    Published 23/10/25

    Barcelona Cultural Trip

    In early October, we had the pleasure of taking 23 students on a four-day cultural adventure to Barcelona. Each day was packed with enriching experiences that gave our students a deeper appreciation of Spanish history, architecture, and culture. 

    Highlights included:

    • Exploring the breathtaking Sagrada Família
    • Touring the iconic Camp Nou stadium
    • Visiting the historic Olympic Stadium
    • Admiring Gaudí’s famous houses, including Casa Batlló and Casa Milà
    • Dining at a variety of local restaurants, enjoying authentic Spanish cuisine each evening
    • Discovering the oldest hospital in Barcelona, steeped in history
    • Strolling down the vibrant Las Ramblas
    • Immersing ourselves in art at the Picasso Museum
    • Riding the Telefèric de Montjuïc for panoramic views of the city
    • Experiencing the lively atmosphere of Mercado de la Boqueria
    • Relaxing by the Port and beach, soaking up the coastal charm

    These experiences go far beyond the classroom. Cultural trips like this foster independence, ignite ambition, and help students see the world - and themselves - in new ways. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many already asking, “When can we go back?”

    A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the staff who coordinated and attended the trip. Your dedication, planning, and support made this experience truly special for our students.

    We are so proud to offer opportunities that shape not just academic success, but lifelong memories and personal growth.

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  • Woolwich Polytechnic Sixth Form Open Evening - Monday 3rd November 2025

    Published 20/10/25

    We’re excited to be hosting two Sixth Form events on Monday 3 November:

    🕓 Afternoon – Internal Open Event
    This exclusive event is for current Year 11 students at Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys and Girls and their parents/carers. 

    🌙 Evening – External Open Evening
    This event is open to external applicants interested in joining Woolwich Polytechnic Sixth Form. You’ll have the opportunity to speak with staff, learn about our curriculum, and discover the enrichment opportunities available.

    👉 Please make sure you select the correct drop-down box below depending on whether you are an internal or external student when registering.

    We can’t wait to meet you all and share what makes our Sixth Form such a vibrant and ambitious place to learn and grow!

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  • Enjoy FREE activities in Greenwich & London this October Half Term 2025!

    Published 20/10/25

    Discover Free Local & London Events This October! 

    We know how important it is to keep families engaged, inspired, and entertained - especially during the half term. That is why we have put together a fantastic list of free events happening locally and across London!

    From creative workshops and nature walks to museum exhibitions and youth activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're looking to explore South East London or venture into the heart of the city, these events are a great way to make memories without spending a penny.

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  • Lighting Up Our Community: Celebrating Diwali Together

    Published 17/10/25

    Lighting Up Our Community: Celebrating Diwali Together

    At PolyMAT, we understand how important it is to support and celebrate the rich cultural traditions of our diverse community. Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a time of joy, reflection and togetherness. Diwali is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in India and across South Asian communities around the world.

    How Diwali Is Celebrated:

    • Lighting diyas (oil lamps) and candles
    • Decorating homes with rangoli (colourful patterns made with powders or flowers)
    • Sharing sweets and festive meals
    • Wearing new clothes
    • Visiting temples and offering prayers
    • Fireworks and community gatherings
    • Exchanging gifts and spending time with loved ones

    To everyone in our school community celebrating Diwali, we wish you a wonderful time filled with light, love and laughter.

    Looking to join in the celebrations? Here are some free and local Diwali events happening in London:

    Diwali at Greenwich Peninsula

    • Peninsula Square, SE10
    • Saturday 18 October, 2pm–7pm
    • Garba dancing, Dhol drummers, Bollywood DJ sets, lantern-making workshops and a glowing evening procession.
    • Free entry – just turn up!

    Illuminate: Diwali at the National Maritime Museum

    • Saturday 25 October | 10am–5pm
    • National Maritime Museum, Romney Road, London SE10 9NF
    • Free Entry

    Diwali at Marble Hill House, Twickenham

    • Marble Hill House, TW1 2NL
    • Saturday 18 October, 2pm–7pm
    • Illuminations, Dhol drumming, Bhangra and Bollywood dance workshops, and a puppet parade.
    • Free entry

    Let’s celebrate the light within us and around us.
    Happy Diwali from all of us at PolyMAT.

     

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  • FREE accessible online grief support to children & young people

    Published 17/10/25

    Winston's Wish 

    We understand how important it is to support our young people who are facing bereavement. That is why we are highlighting the incredible work of Winston’s Wish.

    Winston’s Wish is a charity that offers free, accessible online grief support to children and young people (aged 25 or under) across the UK who are bereaved or facing the death of someone important.

    Support is available Monday to Friday, 8am–8pm via phone, live chat, email, text or WhatsApp.

    No appointments or waiting lists.

    Free online tools, guides, and tailored resources for those who need extra support.

    Resources also available for parents, carers, teachers and professionals supporting bereaved young people.

    Winston’s Wish is here to give hope and help to those navigating grief.
    winstonswish.org

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  • Wear it Pink - Friday 7th November 2025

    Published 17/10/25

    Dear Parents/Carers,

    Breast Cancer Now - Wear it Pink is a charity event that Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys have supported over the years, it is a charity close to our hearts as we have had several colleagues who have benefitted directly from their support.

    This year we will be holding our special day on Friday 7th November 2025, staff and students can wear something pink to school with a suggested donation £1. Students should hand in their £1 donation to Ms Hawgood in the Library when they enter school. Students will still need to wear their normal school uniform (blazer, trousers, school shoes etc) but are able to wear an item such as:

    • Pink socks
    • Pink tie
    • Pink shirt
    • Pink ribbon
    • Pink scarf
    • Pink accessories

    We will be sharing information with students throughout the week so that they understand how important it is for us to take part and support this cause.

    In addition to the ‘Wear it pink’ event we are also holding our very own ‘Staff Poly Bake Off’, staff will be asked to submit their entry of a homemade dessert to Learning Support before school. These bakes will be judged before break by three judges with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places up for grabs. We will then be holding a bake sale of these delicious desserts at breaktime for students and staff to purchase. Students will need to bring cash with them if they want to purchase any items from the bake sale.

    We will be sharing our activities and photos on the school website and social media platforms. We hope that you will support us in our promotion of such an important charity.

    Please speak to Mrs Hawgood for more information. 

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  • LARP Students Capture Nature at Green Oak Farm

    Published 17/10/25

    LARP Students Capture Nature at Green Oak Farm

    On Tuesday 30th September, Ms. Murray accompanied LARP Photography students on a field trip to Green Oak Farm as part of their Introduction to Nature Photography certificate.

    Students learned how to safely interact with farm animals and enjoyed meeting Lucy the Hen, Molly the Cow, and Pancake the Sheep. 🐔🐮🐑

    It was a fantastic day of hands-on learning and creativity. Special thanks to the LARP team for their support - especially Ms. Bird, who kindly drove the group to and from East Sussex.

    Well done to all the students, we are so glad you had such a great day out!

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  • Rooted in Care: Supporting Boys to Thrive and Succeed

    Published 17/10/25

    Rooted in Care: Supporting Boys to Thrive and Succeed

    At Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys, we believe that a happy and secure child is more likely to enjoy a successful and fulfilling future. The excellent results our boys achieve are not only a reflection of high-quality teaching but also of the personalised support we provide every student.

    At the heart of our approach is exemplary pastoral care. Our dedicated team of highly trained specialists closely monitors each student’s wellbeing, offering an open-door policy to address any concerns. We ensure our staff have the time and space to build meaningful, trusting relationships with our boys, supporting their social and emotional development every step of the way.

    Our Personal Development programme equips students with the tools to navigate both the real and virtual world safely and confidently. We teach our boys how to lead healthy lives, guided by our core behavioural expectations: to be ready, respectful, and safe.

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  • Beyond the Classroom: Enriching Student Life Through Extra-Curricular Opportunities

    Published 14/10/25

    We are proud to offer a diverse and enriching programme of extra-curricular activities, thoughtfully designed to inspire, challenge, and support students in exploring interests beyond the classroom.

    At the heart of our ethos is the belief that learning extends beyond academic boundaries and into the wider community. We actively encourage all students to engage in a broad range of opportunities that foster personal growth, creativity, and collaboration.

    Our extensive selection of after-school clubs includes sport, drama, music, art, and technology - all open to every student. These activities not only nurture individual talents but also provide platforms for students to showcase their achievements to audiences beyond the school environment.

    We maintain strong partnerships with a range of businesses, both locally and nationally, which actively support our enterprise initiatives. These connections enrich our students’ learning experiences and provide valuable insights into the world of work.

    Our well-established work experience programme, offered to students in Year 10 and Year 12, plays a vital role in helping them explore potential career paths. It also equips them with the skills and confidence needed to navigate the transition from school to further education or employment.

    Through these opportunities, students gain meaningful exposure to professional environments, helping them make informed decisions about their futures.

    Read More

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Contact Us

Hutchins Road
Thamesmead
London
SE28 8AT