LWC News

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Dispelling the Myths around Dyslexia….

One in ten of us in the UK is believed to be dyslexic. But many cases go undiagnosed and the condition is often misunderstood.

This week is Dyslexia Awareness Week, with the theme being “What’s Your Story?”

LWC Lower Sixth student, Kitty has been sharing her own experiences in a BBC Sounds documentary called Dyslexia: Language and Childhood. She’s been telling us a little more about her life with the condition.

“I always struggled with spellings and times tables,” Kitty explained. “When I was 11, it was confirmed that I had memory issues which explained my difficulties with some maths and spelling. But the report also showed I was way-ahead in other areas like problem-solving, verbal skills and long-term memory.”

Kitty’s struggles before her diagnosis led to her becoming anxious that she wasn’t doing as well as her friends at school. But once it was confirmed that she was dyslexic, her outlook changed: “It helped me to understand that my brain works hard, but differently,” she continued. “I realised that I’m not stupid. This meant that with help, I could find strategies to make things easier. I was also glad to discover that I can solve problems more easily than many.  I want to help people to understand that it’s normal to learn differently, even if it’s frustrating and can knock your confidence.”

Kitty is in no doubt that her diagnosis has shaped her. “I have to work harder than others and so it’s made me more resilient,” she admits. “The downside is that it has left me struggling with self confidence sometimes. I also find exams tough. But I have since learned that straight 9’s don’t define you. I also think it’s made me more empathetic towards others.”

When it comes to things that have made the difference in managing her dyslexia, Kitty cites, “Working on strategies to help my memory, having understanding teachers, getting great support from extra lessons and being surrounded by understanding friends.”

You can read more about dyslexia and how to support your child in this Parent and Carer Information Pack from the British Dyslexia Association, alongside these Top Tips for Supporting a Dyslexic Child.

Albie’s on the Rise….

Remember the name Albie Salter. Because chances are you’ll hear it again….even Tom Hanks says so.

2^nd Former Albie has just become the youngest person ever to be selected for a place on the Coram SSF (Shakespeare Schools Foundation) Youth Board.

The cultural education charity works with young people across the UK to help change lives using the power of Shakespeare. The organisation is behind the world’s largest youth drama festival.

“We had to write a poem, script or song inspired by a quote from Hamlet,” Albie explained about the application process. “So I wrote a song called ‘What We May Be.’ I’m also an artist on Spotify, so I released the song on there too and Coram really liked it.”

Albie has also tasted success in front of the camera recently. He stars in new film, Here which is released in the UK in January, but premieres in the US later this month. “I play Tom Hanks’ brother,” he casually remarked. “He was in all of my scenes. He’s such a nice guy.”

When asked what you talk to one of the most famous actors on the planet about, off-camera, Albie revealed, “I can remember on my last day of filming, everyone said bye and he came to me and said ‘you know this won’t be the last film we do together.’ That was the last thing he ever said to me.”

Watch this space….or a big screen near you.

Recycle Week…

British households created nearly 26 million tonnes of waste last year; the equivalent weight of 260 large cruise ships. Of this, less than half was recycled.

During Recycle Week, we’ve been taking a closer look at the work being done by the LWC Recycling Centre, as part of our on-going commitment to go net-zero.

The centre was introduced in 2017, following investment to bring waste collection in-house. It now allows LWC to recycle as much as possible; cardboard, metal, electrical equipment, batteries, plastic, food waste, glass and hardcore.

Head Porter, Richard Wilkins was tasked with setting up the facility and added, “We’re even able to recycle classroom tables and chairs; the tops are removed so the metal legs can be recycled and the tops can go into mixed waste.”

So far this year, more than 16 thousand tonnes of recyclable waste has passed through the centre; preventing more than 55,000 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent from being released into the atmosphere.

LWC continues to forge ahead with green strategies. From the introduction of wildflower meadows and renewable energy sources, to the decision to no longer plough or coppice. Much of this change is driven by our students who are passionate about ensuring the 1200 is enjoyed by generations to come.

Back with a Bronze!

It’s been three decades since an LWC CCF shooting team took part in a competition at the South East Cadet Skill at Arms Meeting (CADSAM).

The shooting team is now back in more ways than one, having secured a bronze medal and a quarter final place in last weekend’s event.

Congratulations to Team Captain, Izzy alongside Will, Charlie and Ted.

We look forward to seeing what comes next!

Raising Resilience…

Performance psychologist, Charlie Unwin has been a platoon commander in Iraq, worked with Team GB Olympians and coached members of the special forces.

Now he’s sharing the lessons he’s learned along the way with LWC parents and guardians in the next of our Parental Engagement Webinars.

On Monday (14^th October), Charlie will offer strategies for helping our children to build resilience in an increasingly challenging world.

“I think there’s a lot of competition for our attention now,” he states. “Which means it’s more difficult to apply ourselves with the presence that we need for immersive experiences. When you sit down in an exam for several hours, that becomes an immersive experience. It’s something that we need to practice and prepare for and therefore requires us to self-regulate and self-discipline.”

He’ll be explaining why pressure can be good for us and why we need to work with our own unique personalities in order to achieve our goals.

You can sign up for the webinar here and read Charlie’s full story on our website.

Half Term Camps…

Looking for something to keep the kids active and entertained over half term? We are hosting three different camps at LWC during the break:

Next Level Camps are back from Monday, 28^th October – Friday, 1^st November. Children from 4-14 are immersed in activities designed by education specialists, from a Halloween escape room to swimming, rubgy and an egg drop challenge! To book or find more information, click here or email. LWC staff and parents should use the code VNB707 at the checkout for 20% off

If hockey is more their thing, Activate Camps are offering a 3-day camp for 8-16 year olds. It will run on Monday 28^th, Tuesday 29^th and Wednesday 30^th October. Further details can be found and bookings made here.

And finally, Pentathlon GB South is running a 2-day pentathlon camp at LWC for 8-16 year olds on Thursday, 31^st October and Friday, 1^st November between 9.30am and 3.30pm.   Laser shooting, fencing, running and swimming are all on offer and the camp welcomes beginners alongside more experienced pentathletes. The cost is £60 for one day or £110 for two and bookings can be made here.