Facilities
We are very fortunate at Westholme to be able to offer first class facilities to our pupils.
In many subjects, where specialist facilities are required, lessons are held in dedicated rooms. Subjects include: Art and Photography, Technologies (Food, Textiles and Resistant Materials), Information Technology, Modern Languages, Drama, Music and Science.
The Westholme Theatre
Westholme School boasts a professional sized theatre, including a Green Room, superb lighting equipment and a large, versatile stage. These provide first class facilities for Drama and a wide variety of extra-curricular activities.
Music
Music is a very strong feature here at Westholme and all lessons are held in dedicated classrooms. By September 2012, our newly extended facilities will be in operation and will include well equipped teaching and individual practice rooms.
Lessons on a wide variety of instruments are offered, so pupils can make a choice which best suits their personal taste and aptitude. They also have the opportunity to join any of our very popular and successful school orchestras, bands and choral groups.
Sport
Our sports facilities are extensive, including a large all-weather pitch, sports field, sports hall and indoor swimming pool as well as netball and tennis courts.
Information Technology
Our ICT facilities are up to date, with excellent open-access provision of computers and access to the internet. All classrooms are fitted with interactive whiteboards to encourage the use of ICT in all lessons.
Technologies
We have a full range of technology rooms specifically designed and equipped for a whole range of design work. Pupils are encouraged to obtain as much practical experience as possible and to work with a wide variety of materials and processes in Food, Textiles and Resistant Materials.
Library
The well-stocked library is situated at the centre of the school and offers an impressive range of facilities. The spacious accommodation comprises an area of large tables which easily accommodates a whole class, a separate computer room and a comfortable seating area for pupils wishing to read. There are extensive views over Mellor and the distant hills, making the library a very pleasant room for studying and browsing.
The library contains about 13,000 books plus DVDs, magazines and newspapers and a cuttings file. All computers have internet access and there is a computerised library catalogue. A photocopier is available for pupils to use. University prospectuses and other careers material are kept at the back of the library. A separate room contains modern language resources, computers, audio machines, televisions and DVD players.
The library has a full-time librarian and the Network Manager and ICT technician are also based in the library to offer ICT support to staff and pupils.
New stock is regularly bought for the library and the latest titles are displayed and added to information leaflets. Scholastic book fairs are held each year and these are always popular. As well as generating enthusiasm for books, they add to the library stock in commission! Apparently we are one of the top secondary schools for the amount spent at these fairs!
World Book Day is always celebrated in the library with either competitions or visiting speakers. In the past, authors such as Susan Price and Sherry Ashworth have come to speak to pupils and give workshops with some classes. Westholme always enjoys a dressing up day and we have dressed as book characters on more than one occasion. In March 2012, we celebrated World Book Day and the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Dickens by dressing up as Dickens characters.
Quizzes are always popular and the library Christmas competition has become one of the annual rituals of the school! There is great rivalry in the Sixth Form common room between competing teams!
The library is truly at the centre of learning at Westholme and offers a wonderful resource to all pupils.
Westholme's new Senior Boys' School from September 2012!
