Dear Parent/Carer,
Monday morning saw our Y11s start the day with their first whole year group exam for English Literature. Although a little apprehensive as they lined up, it was a joy to see them as they came out of the exam. The Booster session devised by Mr Smith on Friday had prepared them well and had even accurately predicted some of the questions. Students have seen the power of these revision sessions and the importance they have during the exam season. We have been so proud of the Y11s in their ambition for these exams, resilience will be needed as they continue long into June. As sad as it is not to have the Y11 bustling around our corridors due to the exams, this week the baton is firmly being handed over to our Y10s. Mr Morland and I have interviewed 21 Y10 aspirant Head students – a mascara warning was needed; to hear the pride they have for their own successes but equally the determination they hold to support the school community was a humbling experience. Y10 parents’ evening was one of our highest attended events of the year – so many smiles were shared as teachers were able to demonstrate the ambition this year group has for their learning. Today we have welcomed the author, Fleur Hitchcock to our school who has spoken with our Y7 and Y8 students as well as students from Watermoor, Ann Edwards and Siddington - more on this opportunity can be found below. Last weekend students enjoyed a trip to see Inspector Calls and this weekend our first Duke of Edinburgh cohort set of for their expedition – we wish them well in navigating the selected routes!
House Mathletics Competition Adds Up to Success!
This week, our school was buzzing with brainpower as students from all Houses came together for the highly anticipated House Mathletics Competition. A celebration of BIDMAS, negative numbers, long multiplication and speed of thought, every student who took part showed Ambition and Pride!
The competition saw students across Year 7-10 tackle a variety of increasingly challenging mathematical problems, until each House has their 2 House representatives who will compete in the Inter-House Final on Thursday 12th June.
A huge congratulations to the following students who have qualified:
Apollo: Ben H and Caitlin Z
Jupiter: Marley J and Lara H
Neptune: Finn P and Callum L
Saturn: Josh F and Olly R-S
The House Mathletics Competition not only showcased our students’ numerical talents, but also their House team spirit. I look forward to crowning the school Mathletics Champion on the 12th June. Let the countdown begin…
What a Show! Kingshill’s Got Talent 2025
What an unbelievably talented bunch we have here at Kingshill! We’re absolutely thrilled to announce the winners of this year’s Kingshill’s Got Talent competition:
1st Place – Izzy G
2nd Place – Jasper K
3rd Place – Blossom B
But let’s not forget every single performer who took to the stage and made the night so special. From powerful vocals to captivating acts, the atmosphere both on and off stage was electric – filled with excitement, nerves, pride, and joy.
Our young people shone brightly, showing true Pride in their performances, incredible Resilience and Responsibility in their preparation, and unwavering Kindness to one another behind the scenes. Their Ambition was sky-high, as they gave it their all in a friendly competition, and they showed enormous Respect for each other, our guests, our fantastic external tech crew, and the beautiful Bingham Hall venue.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came along and supported the event – your cheers and encouragement helped make it a night to remember.
Next stop… We Will Rock You!
Tickets on sale soon – stay tuned.
With thanks,
Team Music
Head Student Updates
We were delighted to have 38 of our Year 10 students apply for the roles of Head Student, 2025-26! This speaks volumes of the ambitions of the year group and their sense of wanting to take on the legacies that have been established by previous year groups, in acting as role models for the whole school community and supporting the further development of our school’s culture and ethos!
Last week, we watched in amazement (and some hilarity!) as they worked in groups to build a tower made of spaghetti that could withstand the weight of a hard-boiled egg. This gave them an opportunity to demonstrate different aspects of leadership, all of which was observed by our current Y11 Head Student team who acted as observers and provided brilliantly insightful feedback on each group!
Based on their contributions to this challenge, we then shortlisted for formal interviews with myself and Mrs Lindley. These have been taking place during the past few days and it is not an understatement to say that we have been overwhelmed with a sense of respect and pride in the way that these young people have presented. They epitomised a sense of ambition and responsibility in how they described their determination to represent the school and spoke with such clarity and passion, about their own experiences and ideas. It is worth highlighting that you may have wondered why your ears were burning a little during the week because in response to my question which asked them to describe a leader they admired and why, so many of them described you, as their parents – or their grandparents and spoke so highly of the ways in which they respect you. All of this reinforces something I wrote about last week – that whilst we do all we can here in school to promote the values that are characterised in our STEPs, we always have huge admiration for all you do as families to instil the qualities that make your young people so inspirational to work with.
Whilst many of the year group are setting off on adventures in Munich and Iceland next week, we will be left with the enviably wonderful tough choices in planning the composition of our Head Student team, ready to launch at the start of Term 6. I have every confidence that whatever the structure of the team, all of them will develop their sense of being role-models and in providing superb leadership to the whole school community.
Mr J Morland
Assistant Headteacher, Character Development
Author Visit
Today we had the pleasure of welcoming award-winning author Fleur Hitchcock into school. Fleur delivered a captivating talk to Year 7 and Year 8 about the inspiration behind her fantastic books and even gave a sneak peek at the cover for her new book! After signing many books, Fleur then headed to the library for a very special meeting of our Books and Biscuits club. Books and Biscuits regulars had the opportunity to share reading recommendations with Fleur before settling down to what they love best...reading books while eating biscuits! Finally, to round off the day, students from Watermoor, Siddington and Ann Edwards primary schools were able to come and listed to Fleur. It was fantastic to see so many young and enthusiastic Year 5 and Year 6 readers. A brilliant bookish day was had by all and we're all heading into the weekend with plenty of creative inspiration!
Here’s what some of our students said:
“I really enjoyed the visit because Fleur was really inspiring and a great example that you can be anything you want to be as she is a great author with dyslexia. I love Fleur Hitchcock and especially her murder books.” - Millie F, Y7
“I liked it how even though Fleur Hitchcock’s dyslexic, she never gave up writing and tried not to get distracted.” - Maiana T, Y7
“I think, personally being a huge fantasy reader, that I got to see from a viewpoint. I’ve never really thought of murder and sci-fi. I think Fleur Hitchcock is a fantastic author and a great person to meet. I can’t wait to read more of her books in the near future.” - Mason, Y7
Y10 University of Oxford Trip
A fantastic day was enjoyed by a group of Year 10s visiting the University of Oxford on Tuesday, where they embraced an exciting taste of higher education and life after Kingshill. They were welcomed with a talk from a University Access Ambassador who shared some myth-busting knowledge about Oxbridge and university study more broadly. Following this, students appreciated a tour of the stunning grounds of Lady Margaret Hall, one of Oxford’s 30 undergraduate colleges, taking in beautiful gardens, tennis courts, accommodations, and the library. We were even treated to some magnificent choral performance as part of a fundraising Choir Marathon.
Here is what Sophie L enjoyed about the day:
“During our trip to Lady Margaret Hall, we were amazed by all of the activities we were privileged to experience. We had an eye-opening talk about everything Oxford has to offer, followed by a history lecture delivered by an LMH Master’s student, based on the question ‘Would you survive the Black Death?’, which was great history revision! We then went on a tour, seeing many historical sites within Oxford. We found out that LMH was the first college to open its doors to women—something that inspired us greatly. Overall, this trip opened my eyes to the endless possibilities of higher education and inspired me to show ambition in my studies and pride in representing our school.”
Our students were a joy and an asset to Kingshill, asking and answering questions with genuine curiosity, maturity and respect. Students will carry the positivity and inspiration from the day with them into their studies as they continue to foster their appetite for learning.
Miss C Jones
Inspector Calls
On May 10th, I had the opportunity to attend a performance of An Inspector Calls, a truly captivating and thought-provoking experience. Before the show, we enjoyed two hours of free time to explore the Bullring. Many took the chance to grab a bite to eat, do a bit of shopping, and enjoy the atmosphere of the area. The performance itself was nothing short of remarkable. Set in the early 20th century but resonating with modern themes, An Inspector Calls delves into issues of responsibility, class, and morality. The staging was visually striking with dramatic lighting that heightened the tension throughout the performance. The cast delivered powerful portrayals, bringing their characters to life in a way that captivated the audience from start to finish. In particular, the mysterious Inspector Goole kept us all gripped until the very final moment. Overall, it was a day filled with excitement, mystery, and plenty of food, making it a memorable experience for all who attended.
James S, 10D
New School Lunch Menu
The kitchen team are delighted to share the new menus with you - School Lunch Menu. As well as the two main meals, other options are available Tuesday to Thursday, including a jacket potato bar with toppings that include chilli con carne, chicken curry or sausage & BBQ beans; Mac & Cheese with toppings that include spicy pepperoni, BBQ chicken or chilli “non” carne; Carribean Rice & Peas and spicy potato wedges with toppings that include jerk pulled pork, reggae chicken or cauliflower jerk bites. All the details are available on our website using the link provided.
Welcome to the Team
We’re delighted to welcome a new member of staff to Kingshill – Nina, who brings a wealth of experience and a warm, caring approach to her role as Food Technician.
Nina lives with her husband and two children and has a diverse background working with adults with disabilities, the elderly, and pre-school children. Her broad experience makes her a valuable addition to our team, and we’re excited for the positive impact she will have within our school community.
Outside of work, Nina enjoys cooking, countryside walks, and spending quality time with her family and friends.
Kingshill Students Shine at District Athletics
Kingshill is proud to announce that seven of our talented athletes have qualified for the County Athletics Championships in Gloucester, following impressive performances at the recent district competition.
In Years 8 and 9, Ruby R and Eliza B both demonstrated exceptional stamina and determination in the 800m event, placing 2nd and 3rd respectively.
Our Year 10 and 11 athletes also delivered outstanding results. Josh P secured 2nd place in the Long Jump, while Oliver C leapt to 2nd in the High Jump. Luziana W earned 1st place in the 200m and will also represent the school in the 80m Hurdles. Harry B ran a strong race to finish 2nd in the 1500m, and Molly R dominated the Triple Jump, taking 1st place.
We wish all of them the best of luck as they go on to represent Kingshill at the County Championships.
Y7-Y9 Rounders: Kingshill vs Archway
Our Year 7, 8, and 9 rounders teams were excited to take to the field for their second fixture of the season, this time against Archway School. Spirits were high and all teams showed real determination and improvement.
Year 7 – Victorious
A huge congratulations to our Year 7 team who secured their first win of the season, defeating Archway with an impressive score of 17½ to 12½. This is a fantastic result in rounders and one the team should be extremely proud of. All 11 players showed confidence in their abilities and played with great awareness. Our focus going into the match was on understanding when to play it safe and when to take risks—something the team really grasped, allowing them to score big. Special mentions go to Grace for her sharp fielding and Ella for her strong batting performance. Well done, girls! Your dedication at Tuesday’s rounders practice clearly paid off - congratulations girls.
Year 8 - Valuable Learning Experience
The Year 8 team played a very competitive match, showing clear improvements in both their batting and fielding. Although they narrowly lost by six rounders, the team is closing the gap and showing real progress with each game. Throughout the match, our team demonstrated commendable resilience and sportsmanship. Every player contributed positively, showing improvements in their positioning and communication on the field. Standout performances came from Lexi and Freya for their work in the field, and Hollie for her excellent batting. A big well done also goes to Seraphina and Mollie for their impressive deep fielding efforts. While the result wasn't what we had hoped for, the progress shown by our Year 8s was evident to all. Their positive attitude in the face of tough competition speaks volumes about their character and commitment to improvement. We're proud of their efforts and look forward to seeing their continued development next week against SWR.
Year 9 Rounders – Narrow Defeat
Our Year 9 rounders team displayed tremendous heart and skill in their recent fixture against Archway School. The match began with an intensely competitive first innings that ended in a deadlock, with both teams demonstrating excellent fielding techniques and strategic batting. As the second innings unfolded, the contest remained incredibly close. Our girls showed remarkable teamwork and determination, maintaining their focus throughout. Despite their valiant efforts, we narrowly fell short to a strong Archway side in the final moments of play. The entire squad deserves recognition for their commitment and sportsmanship. Meg was outstanding at second base, making several crucial stumps and showing exceptional awareness in the field. Bethan’s powerful batting proved decisive in keeping us competitive, consistently finding gaps in Archway's defence. This performance, though resulting in a loss, highlighted the tremendous progress our Year 9s have made this season. Their positive attitude and growing tactical understanding suggest even better results are on the horizon. Well done to all involved!
We go again against SWR next Wednesday.
Kind Regards,
The PE Team
Year 7 Cricket Team
On Thursday 8th May, last week, our Year 7 cricket team played their first cricket game for the school. This was a County Cup match playing against a confident and experienced Cotswold team.
The game proved to be very competitive, as Kingshill posted a respectable 100 run total when batting first. In reply Cotswold scored 101 with only a few balls left in their innings - Kingshill 100 for 10 wickets from 120 balls (Max) / Cotswold 101 for 3 wickets from 111 balls.
The whole team showed fantastic spirit and all contributed well with ambition and pride. This performance was especially impressive as it was the first time five players, within this team, have played a full version of hardball cricket. Sid J took two wickets and Alfie H scored 41 not out with the bat. We look forward to more success as this developing team gain more experience throughout their time at Kingshill.
Y7/Y8 U13 Cricket
On Tuesday 13th May, this week, our U13 team played their first round match in the county cup. Playing against Deer Park, Kingshill fielded first.
Following some very impressive and controlled bowling from 8 different players within our team, Deer Park was limited to scoring 119 runs for 6 wickets from 120 balls (max). Harry J was the pick of the bowlers, with some fast and very accurate deliveries, achieving 2 wickets for 13 runs from his 18 balls.
Ethan H (Y8) and Alfie H (Y7) opened the batting, with Kingshill requiring a run a ball to win the game. After a great start and some sensible batting throughout the innings, our opening pair scored a 100 run partnership before Ethan retired not out with a fantastic 50 runs. Alfie (30 runs) was joined by Captain Dan P for the last few overs. This pair were then able to score the runs required, with a few balls left, to win the game and make the 2nd round. Kingshill scored 121 runs from 115 balls without losing a wicket.
Once again, following their success in winning the Gloucester indoor cricket festival last term, this team has delivered all our school STEPS with pleasing results. We look forward to reporting more success throughout the term.
Athletics Success
Congratulations to Luzíana W (10C) and Anaistasia W(8A) for their fantastic achievements on the track this week! Luzíana impressed in the U17 category, taking home a gold medal in the 100m with a time of 13.7 seconds and a silver in the 200m, finishing in 28.8 seconds. Anaistasia also had a strong performance, earning a bronze medal in the U13 200m with a time of 30.1 seconds. Well done to both athletes, we are very proud of you!
Closing Remarks
One more week before the half term – we wish our Y10 students a fantastic trip to Iceland and Munich and look forward to our end of term Break-aoke next Friday!
A quote from one of our student leaders ‘it is important to be here every day – you never know what you will miss out on!’
Mrs Jo Lindley
Headteacher
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