West Craven High School

AI Academy: A Day of Innovation and Discovery Our students recently took part in an exciting AI Academy day, a hands-on experience exploring the world of artificial intelligence, machine learning and future technology careers. The day began with a big question: is AI actually magic? Students quickly discovered that the answer is no, AI works by spotting patterns in data and making predictions. They put this to the test using interactive tools like Quick, Draw!, where an AI guesses doodles in real time. As the day progressed, students explored generative AI, learning how to write effective prompts to create images. A highlight was the prompt battles, where they competed to see who could produce the most creative and accurate results, learning just how important precise language is when working with AI. Students then stepped into the role of AI engineers, building their own image recognition models to classify games controllers and even training an AI to play a golf game using data they collected themselves. In the final session, students designed and created their own AI-powered Scratch projects, choosing from a range of creative and technical challenges. They proudly shared their work with their peers and voted for their favourites to round off the day. Throughout the experience, students developed valuable skills including problem solving, creativity, data literacy and critical thinking while also gaining an insight into exciting careers in technology, from Machine Learning Engineer to AI Ethics Researcher.

Supporting Our Year 11 Students Through Exam Stress With exams now underway, we know this can be a challenging time for our Year 11 students and their families. Managing stress is just as important as revising, and we want to support you in helping your child feel calm, confident and prepared. The NHS has produced some helpful advice for parents on how to recognise signs of stress and support young people during exam season. We encourage you to take a look at the guidance and use the tips to support your child at home. Click here to find out more:

Out-of-School Achievement A huge congratulations to Bella on her fantastic athletics success! Bella competed in the Lancashire Track & Field Championships at Stanley Park, Blackpool, where she ran an excellent race in the U18 women's 800m, finishing in an impressive 3rd place. Following this achievement, Bella has been selected to represent the Lancashire Team once again – an incredible honour – and will proudly compete for her county for the third consecutive year at the Northern Inter-Counties on 25 May in Shildon, County Durham. We are extremely proud of Bella's dedication, talent and continued success, and we wish her the very best of luck in her upcoming race!

Join us for a Creepy and Kooky Musical Adventure. Book your tickets NOW! Places are limited.

The Addams Family Experience – Summer Show 2026 We are delighted to invite families and members of the local community to our summer production of The Addams Family Experience! Our talented students have been working incredibly hard alongside Stage Door Youth Theatre to bring this exciting and entertaining musical to life, and we cannot wait to share it with you. Tuesday 14th July 2026 6:00pm – 7:00pm West Craven High School This is a free event, and everyone is welcome to attend. To help us manage numbers, please book your tickets in advance through our Eventbrite page. Please follow the link below to register for your tickets. We look forward to seeing you there and celebrating the fantastic achievements of our students! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/west-craven-high-school-presents-the-addams-family-experience-tickets-1989377095445?aff=oddtdtcreator

Today marks the start of GCSE exams for our amazing Year 11 students! We want to wish each and every one of you the very best of luck as you begin this important journey. You have worked incredibly hard, shown resilience, determination and commitment throughout the year, and now is your time to shine. Remember to stay positive, believe in yourselves, and give each exam your best effort. We are all incredibly proud of you already and will be cheering you on every step of the way. Good luck, Year 11 you've got this!

This week's school newsletter is now live! In this week's edition, you can read about: Our Stars of the Week A curriculum update from English The Pendle Education Trust Sustainability Fund event Year 11 exam booster sessions starting Monday Cooking lessons Students learning about life in Barnoldswick during the Second World War A Year 10 pastoral update Student prefect applications for Year 10 Our "We Are a Reading Academy" initiative Out-of-school achievements and much more! Read the full newsletter here: https://www.westcraven.co.uk/page/?title=Parent+E%2DBulletin&pid=103

Year 11 Exam Booster Sessions – Starting Monday 11th May As part of our continued support for Year 11 students during the GCSE exam period, we're launching a programme of exam booster and revision sessions from Monday 11th May. These sessions will run throughout the week and are designed to help students feel confident, prepared and ready for their exams. A range of subjects will be supported, with morning booster sessions, alongside revision and support taking place during the school day. To help students start the day positively, breakfast will be provided from 8:00am, with booster sessions beginning at 8:15am. We encourage all students to take advantage of these valuable sessions for final revision, exam practice and preparation. View the full timetable here: https://www.westcraven.co.uk/page/?title=Exam+Information&pid=82 #GCSEs #Year11 #RevisionSupport #ExamReady #WCHS

Calling all Year 10! Ready to step up? Become a West Craven Prefect! Do you want to be a role model, represent the West Craven Way and make a real difference in school life? This is your chance! Why apply? Gain leadership experience Be a voice in school events – including Y11 Prom Support younger students Boost your college and job applications Earn respect from staff and students Enjoy perks like a prefect badge, tie... and even a lunch queue pass! What's involved? 2 break duties a week Supporting school events Modelling outstanding behaviour Being a proud ambassador for West Craven How to apply: Pick up an application form from your form tutor and return it to Ms Janjua by 22nd May. Make your mark. Lead the way. Become a Prefect.

West Craven Students Shine at Sustainability Fund Event A huge well done to our students from West Craven High School who recently took part in the Pendle Education Trust Sustainability Fund event. The event brought together schools from across the Trust to pitch innovative ideas aimed at reducing their carbon footprintand our students represented us brilliantly. Amy, Summer, Eva, and Evan delivered an impressive proposal focused on encouraging more students to cycle to school as a way of reducing emissions and promoting healthier lifestyles. As part of their plan, they identified that our current bike shed is in need of repair. The students proposed using funding to refurbish the space, including installing new panels and creating a more welcoming and secure area for bikes. Alongside the improvements, they also plan to lead a student-led campaign across school. This will include assemblies, posters, and leaflets designed to raise awareness and encourage more students to choose cycling as a sustainable alternative to travelling by car. We are incredibly proud of their creativity, confidence, and commitment to making a positive difference to our environment. Well done to everyone involved!

Pendle Education Trust Sustainability Fund Event Students from across Pendle Education Trust came together for an inspiring and impactful Sustainability Fund event, hosted at Nelson and Colne College. Student representatives from West Craven High School, Colne Primet Academy, Casterton Primary Academy, Castercliff Primary Academy and Pendle Primary Academy all took part, pitching innovative ideas to reduce their school's carbon footprint. In a "Dragons' Den"-style format, students presented their proposals to an expert panel of judges, including representatives from Silentnight, Reed Recruitment and Taylor Shaw Catering Services, alongside Nelson and Colne College and the CEO of Pendle Education Trust. The creativity and passion on display were exceptional. Students shared a wide range of ideas, from promoting cycling to school and reducing car usage, to developing school gardens, composting initiatives and other environmentally conscious projects. We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our judges for generously giving their time and for their contributions to the Sustainability Fund. Their support and expertise play a vital role in helping bring these student-led ideas to life. It was a fantastic day that truly highlighted the commitment of our young people to sustainability and environmental responsibility. We are delighted that funding has now been awarded, enabling students to bring their ideas to life and make a real difference within their school communities. We look forward to seeing these projects develop and the positive impact they will have across the Trust.

Year 11 Prom - final call for tickets! Deadline for purchasing tickets is this Friday!!! Year 11 Prom – Class of 2026 Join us for a special night to celebrate the end of your high school years and make unforgettable memories with your friends! Date: Thursday 25th June 2026 Venue: Crow Wood Hotel, Burnley Arrival: 6:30pm Event Time: 7:00pm – 11:00pm Ticket Price: £40 - buy now on ParentPay! Includes a two-course meal, welcome drink, and DJ entertainment Dress Code: Formal attire Don't miss this incredible evening – we can't wait to celebrate with you!