Week 2 has been simply wonderful. Aside from our core business of working hard, thinking hard in order to remember more in all of our lessons, the Extend clubs are now all in full swing! This week we welcomed a new fitness club organised by Miss Steele and Miss Herbert but led by Sportily. To see the students incredibly red-faced but beaming as they left the session was fantastic! I know they are looking for even more members so do encourage participation in this club. Our Y11s enjoyed a study skills workshop supported by St James’s Place but the pinnacle of the week was our inaugural STEPs Awards event where we were joined by students and their families on Wednesday afternoon to recognise their achievements in the previous term.
Assemblies
This week we have been talking about Martin Luther-King in our assemblies. The focus has been on Dr King’s legacy in striving, via non-violent means, for equality, justice and harmony for all, regardless of race. Students have been challenged to consider what they wish to achieve in the future, what might their ‘dreams’ include? Alongside this, with our STEPs in mind, students have been asked to reflect upon their response when they feel something is not ‘right’.
Student STEPs Awards
At the end of our first STEPs Celebration Event on Wednesday afternoon, I took a moment to reflect and found myself smiling in pride of the wonderful young people who were brought together to celebrate the recognition that they so deserved. One proud parent took his own moment to describe how such recognition of personal character meant as much, and maybe even more, than any academic assessment and given both the diversity and endeavours of the students who were represented here, this seemed such a valuable perspective. These awards, based on staff nominations (and final decisions being made by their Heads of Year!) brought together 30 students who, between them, exemplify the personal qualities and characteristics that embody each of our 6 STEPs.
It was a genuine privilege to see these wonderful young people, across each year group, brought together in such a way and to see the pride of their families. As I commented at the end of the event, I am always humble enough to recognise that whilst, as a school, we do our very best to instil the core values of our STEPs, we only work with them for a few hours each week and the influence of the upbringing that you provide beyond this, as families, really does shine through your children.
I am really looking forward to our next round of STEP Awards at the end of the spring and summer terms and bringing together more of our students and their families to celebrate the importance of the personal qualities that so many of our young people epitomise so strongly.
Mr J Morland
Assistant Head, Character Development
YEAR 10 – The Lyric Theatre “Hadestown”
Last week our Y10 students studying music and drama headed to London. First stop was to Covent Garden where we were treated to the talents of London's street performances. The Opera, Jazz and folk music on offer were second to none and the students were delighted to talk to and take photos with the artists.
Next, to the main event: Hadestown. A new musical telling an 'old story' of love and human failures inspired by the Greek tragedies but set in 1920s New Orleans. The Year 10 drama students were able to analyse the set, lighting and costumes ready for their exams next year and the music students were awed by the quality of the Jazz which was intertwined with chain-gang beats. Overall, it was an inspirational experience which created many career-based conversations and opened a lot of eyes to new aspirations.
Watching Hadestown at the Lyric Theatre in London was an incredible experience. The theatre felt cozy and welcoming, with beautiful decor that set the mood perfectly.
The music was great from the beginning-emotional and energetic. The cast was full of passion, especially Orpheus and Eurydice. The set and lighting made you feel like you really were in the underworld, and the songs were still in my head afterward.
It was one of those nights that is always remembered, and the Lyric Theatre was the perfect venue to see this story staged. - Xavier N
Year 10 Fine Art
Year 10 Fine art students are studying Natural forms. They have produced a wide range of drawings and paintings of shells & sea urchins and have also produced a clay sculpture inspired by Lisa Stevens (British from Bristol) and Courtney Mattison (American). This is a new project and I have been so impressed by their resilience (clay can be very unpredictable and difficult to work with) and their ambition to produce such original, detailed, beautiful outcomes.
Exploring Careers in the British Army: A Talk for Students
Today students at had the opportunity to hear from a speaker with extensive experience within the British Army. The talk, delivered by Lieutenant Colonel Fielder offered a fascinating insight into the wide range of roles available within the army and the opportunities for personal and professional growth.
He shared his journey from his work at Sandhurst to his various roles within the Army, including his experience arranging the deployment of thousands of soldiers and their teams. He also spoke about his current position at Bovington Army Camp and his time working in the Army Correction Centre. Students were intrigued by the different aspects of army life, beyond the traditional image of a soldier.
The speaker explained the importance of apprenticeships within the army and outlined the GCSEs and A-levels required for different roles. He also highlighted a remarkable opportunity where the army can sponsor individuals through university, while they work toward a specific role within the armed forces.
One of the most exciting parts of the talk was hearing about the speaker’s extensive travels as part of his deployments, and how the army supports its personnel in pursuing other passions—such as competing in events like the Olympics.
This careers talk provided students with a broader understanding of the army, showing that it is not just about being a soldier but also about supporting various roles and communities, both at home and abroad.
We would like to thank Mr Fielder for sharing such valuable insights and inspiring our students with the many opportunities that exist within the British Army.
Do you have an interesting career you'd like to share with our students? Do you feel you could inspire the next generation as they explore future career paths? If so, we would love to hear from you! Please get in touch if you would be interested in participating in our careers talks for our Kingshill students.
Kingshill Reads
Hot off the press, Kingshill Reads – Issue 5 is now available by clicking here! This termly newsletter is packed with reading recommendations to ensure you’re never without a great book. We’d love to hear about what you’re reading. If you have any suggestions for future editions, please do share them with a member of the English Department. Happy reading!
New Staff Member
I am thrilled to introduce myself as part of the Kingshill School community. With 22 years of experience in PE teaching and a passion for sports like netball and basketball, I am excited to bring my enthusiasm and expertise to the classroom. Outside of school, I’m a dedicated follower of rugby and cricket, inspired by my two sporty sons, and I regularly attend fitness classes—many of which I love incorporating into my teaching.
Starting my teaching journey at Kingshill 22 years ago during my training, it feels wonderful to be back where it all began. I am incredibly grateful to both staff and students for the warm welcome I’ve received. I look forward to meeting all of my teaching groups across the two-week timetable and working together to inspire a love of sport, fitness, and well-being.
Kind regards
Mrs. Barton
Head of Year (incoming Y7) & 2nd in charge Girls’ PE
Kingshill Shines on Stage
We’re thrilled to share that Faye, one of our talented Year 11 students, has secured a main cast role in the Phoenix Revue panto production of The Adventures of Robin Hood! Faye is playing the role of Much and has been absolutely smashing it, impressing the organisers with her dedication and performance—especially as the youngest cast member.
Faye has been working hard since September, rehearsing lines, songs, and dances two evenings a week at Bingham Hall. Alongside Faye, several other Kingshill students are part of the support cast and ensemble, making this a truly special production for our school community.
If you’re looking for a family night out, the show runs from Friday, 24th January, to Sunday, 26th January 2025, at Bingham Hall. Tickets are available here. Let’s show our support and fill the audience with Kingshill faces!
Break a leg, Faye, and congratulations to all involved!
Swimming Sensation
Last weekend, Lucy competed in the first part of the Wiltshire County Swimming Championships held in Salisbury. She competed in 9 events after beating the required qualifying time at galas held in Summer and Autumn 2024.
Lucy won two of the events and is now Wilshire County 12 year old girls champion 2025 for 50m freestyle and 50m breaststroke! She also won a silver medal for 100m freestyle, bronze for 50m backstroke and bronze for the 200m Individual Medley. As well as picking up 5 medals, Lucy achieved the South West regional championships consideration time in 4 events, allowing her to race at the next level in the spring with the best swimmers from across the South West region of England.
She’s back racing in the pool early February for the final part of the county championships, competing in 3 more individual events and joining teammates from her club (including Amelia C in Year 11) for the county relay competition. Well done, Lucy!
Parent Call Out
If there are any parents interested in organising a carshare from the Brockworth, Gloucester area as an alternative to using Stage Coach 882, please contact Reception.
Closing Remarks
As you relax over the weekend, maybe take the time to select one of our recommended books and if your young person is doing something for a club or the community, and you wish to share, do let us know – we take great delight in celebrating the successes of our students.
