Monday 21st March 2011:
by His Grace, the Most Rev. & Rt. Hon. Lord Archbishop of York, Dr. John Sentamu
Woodchurch High School was honoured and proud to welcome Dr. John Sentamu (Archbishop of York), and Keith Sinclair (Bishop of Birkenhead) to school to officially open our £25 million new build. Woodchurch High School was selected by Wirral Borough Council as the BSF Single Pathfinder School for Wirral, due to its proven track record, being graded ‘Excellent’ by Ofsted in 1999, then ‘Outstanding’ in 2005, 2008 and 2009. The school has also been recognised nationally for its inclusive practices. School was proud to welcome members of the Local Authority Children and Young People’s Department, local community, politicians, dignitaries from the council, Esther McVey, MP, and other friends of the school for the opening.
There was a Celebration Service, during which the Year 10 GCSE Music Group sang ‘Let it Be’ and the winner of the Year 8 ‘Woodchurch Has Talent’ contest, Jessica Hornby, sang ‘Black-Bird’. The Head Boy and Head Girl each read a passage from the Bible.
During the assembly, Mr. David Armstrong, the Interim Director of Wirral’s Children’s and Young Peoples Department, spoke about the school, and paid tribute to pupils. He was followed by the Bishop and then the Archbishop, who both gave inspiring talks, which were both poignant and enjoyable. The Headteacher, Ms. Rebekah Phillips also spoke of her pride in being the Headteacher of such an outstanding school.
The assembly concluded with pupils from Woodchurch High School and Meadowside School presenting the Archbishop with a stole they had made, incorporating wool from the Woodchurch High School sheep.
Following the assembly, the Archbishop then unveiled the commemorative plaque.
