| Motto | Laeti Gratias Deo Agimus (Let us thank God joyfully) |
|---|---|
| Established | 1919 |
| Type | Grammar |
| Headteacher | Ms Jo Pomeroy, MA |
| Location | High Road Woodford Green London IG8 9LA England |
| Local authority | Redbridge |
| DfE URN | 102852 |
| Ofsted | Reports |
| Students | 846[1] |
| Gender | Girls |
| Ages | 11–18 |
| Houses | Highams , Repton , Warner and Newton |
| Colours | , , |
| Website | www.woodford.redbridge.sch.uk |
Woodford County High School (WCHS) is a secondary all-girls grammar school in Woodford Green in the London Borough of Redbridge, England. The school opened in 1919.
Woodford's brother school is Ilford County High School.
Like most grammar schools, WCHS has seven Years (7–13). To gain a place in the school, children take the Eleven Plus exam. Woodford County High School has four classes in each year, and each year 120 girls out of the 900 who take the 11+ get a place at the school. There are four houses - Highams (green), Repton (blue), Warner (yellow) and Newton (red).
The school building was the site of the Highams Manor, built in 1768. The grounds of the school were designed by Humphry Repton, who gives his name to one of the school's houses.
The school has a long history, being a hospital, in which the likes of Florence Nightingale worked, as well as a means of accommodation for Winston Churchill during the World War II. It was also once owned as a house, during which it was owned by the Warner family, who also held ownership of many properties in Walthamstow.
Higham Hall, the Main Lobby (which is now the office) and the winding staircase were designed by William Newton.
The school history is learnt by students in year 7 for the first half-term of the academic year.
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The "School Birthday" is celebrated annually around 29 September. On this day, former students of the school (called "Old Girls") visit and a marquee is erected on the back terrace. During the morning there is an assembly, attended by the whole school as well as visitors where the Silver Badges read speeches on a topic of their choice. In 2009, this topic was "Notable Women in History", whilst in 2010 the topic was, "New Beginnings". A cake competition is held, where students can enter cakes for one of four categories: Junior Novelty, Senior Novelty, Junior Traditional and Senior Traditional. The cakes are judged during morning breaktime and the winners announced.
Periods 3 and 4 take place as normal, although are usually considered 'fun' lessons, after which pupils return to their form rooms to do fun activities with their form prefects (Year 13s). After lunch, each year is allowed to wear non-uniform and does a separate year activity — aided by Year 12s. The activities are:
Throughout the school year there are competitions between the four houses. The biggest and liveliest of the year is the House Drama Festival which takes place in November. For the House Drama festival, each House performs a play — usually a musical. Dramas such as Legally Blonde, Mamma Mia and The Lion King are performed, during which pupils can opt to sing in a chorus, principal chorus, or take on a main role. Awards given include Best Junior Actress, Best Senior Actress, Best Support Actress, Best Chorus, Best Orchestra, Best Costumes, Best Scenery, Best Publicity, Best Props and Best Actress. The event is judged by former teachers of the school. House Drama Winners 2010 : Highams, The Lion King
Other house competitions include the 5 penny race in October a few years ago it was won by Repton. During this, students lay out 5 pence coins collected during the year, in lines along the back terrace. The house with the longest line wins. The money goes to a charity which deals with children with leukaemia, in memory of a former pupil. In the lead-up to this, individual classes will begin to collect money in boxes that are handed out by the head girls.
A widely popular and anticipated event is 'Department Fortunes', during which teachers from two-three different departments will gather in teams to take part in a live quiz, held by a sixth former, while pupils watch. Admission is 20p, and just as in the TV show, 'Family Fortunes', pupils would have previously been quizzed on subjects such as 'Favourite TV show' and the point of the game would be for the teachers to guess on answers, and really, to see how well the teachers knew their own students.
Woodford County holds an annual Asian society play showcasing writing, producing, directing, acting and dancing, all done entirely by the pupils. All proceeds go to charity. In 2006, 'Colours, Compromises and a Couple of Ladoos' was performed, loosely based on the comedy My Big Fat Greek Wedding.
During the summer term, pupils can opt to take part in another drama, which is organised by the judges of Inter-house drama. In 2011, the play 'Annie' was performed.
An annual 'Prize-giving' is also held, during which pupils who have worked hard during the previous year are awarded prizes. In 2010, the prizes were awarded by Baroness Andrews, O.B.E
During Harvest, another competition is held between houses, in which classes are all required to produce a 'Harvest Window'; a decoration for a window that promotes Harvest-themed subjects.
Another major competition which takes place in February is 'inter-house' dance where every class prepares a dance routine which they will later perform, on stage, in front of the rest of the school.
Gaudeamus, and Forty Years On are the school songs. It is unknown why these two songs were picked. The songs are traditionally sung on the school birthday, and the last day of all terms.