Donate in memory of Jessica Baker

April Update

The groundworks for Jess's climbing wall were successfully completed during the Easter holidays, despite the awful weather at that time. The steelwork for the wall is in production at the moment. Rockworks are hoping to come to school to start the installation of the climbing wall in the week commencing 17th June. They hope to complete the climbing wall before the end of June 2024.

Details about the formal opening of Jess’s climbing wall will be announced in due course.

March Update

We have completed the tender process and are working with Rockworks to install a red sandstone effect climbing wall. There will be 2 auto-belay lines with 4 different marked routes of increasing difficulty, and 1 rope climb route on the side of the installation.

The groundworks will be completed during the Easter holidays in preparation for the metal frame structure to be installed. We expect the climbing wall to be completed during the Summer term. Details about the formal opening of Jess’s climbing wall will be announced in due course.

January Update

We've now received technical drawings of the frame structure and anchoring system for the wall as well as an indicative image of what the frame would look like. The next step is for the surveyor to come out and carry out full site inspection before producing site-specific technical drawings. We will then receive up to date visualisations of the wall and the surrounding area as the wall itself goes to the factory for construction.

Dear members of our immediate and wider school community,

Following the critical incident on Friday 29 September which resulted in Jessica Baker tragically passing away, the school have worked closely with her family and friends to identify a project that we collectively believe to be the most fitting way to honour her memory.

Unequivocally kind and empathetic, Jessica was a dedicated friend who was a well-liked and respected member of our school community. She was an unassuming, polite and conscientious student who exemplified the values of our school. Jessica was also a keen sportswoman, representing her House and the school in numerous competitions, and demonstrating an unwavering love of - and commitment to - rock climbing, where she had previously represented Wales in national competitions.

Recognising her insatiable appetite for climbing and her desire to enthuse others in this area, WKGS aim to convert part of their existing quad into a vibrant climbing wall area in the hope of bringing joy to many for years to come.

The project will include the installation of a 20ft climbing wall, the replacement of the existing paving with a rubberised surface, extending the gating and fencing around the area and the design and mounting of a memorial plaque.

Donations to West Kirby Grammar School Fund (Registered Charity No. 514834) will be ring-fenced for this project in memory of Jessica.

With kind regards,

Mr S Clarke

Headteacher

West Kirby Grammar School