Kingshill Newsletter - 27 Jun 25
Proud moments, Paris memories, and a community that shines together!
Dear Parent/Carer
Another fabulous week has been enjoyed by the school community both here and in Paris. An enormous thank you to the staff who supported our Y8 and Y9 students in France this past week; we have heard so many positive reports about our students and the brilliant impression they left on all they encountered in Paris. This week saw the end of the mock exams but the exam baton was further handed to our Y8 and Y9 students who have been completing end of year assessments – it was a real delight to see so many of them revising with their flashcards in social times and maximising their time waiting for the bus – I am sure their ambition will pay off!
Whether due to the sunshine, exams, a simple love of school, we hit an attendance high again this week with 93.8% - I do hope this continues over the final weeks of term, with so much going on, the students do not want to be missing out! Thursday evening welcomed our new Y7 parents and carers and our Y10 student leaders supported the event by articulating our STEPs and demonstrating our winter uniform – the feedback from the parents has been incredibly heart-warming; they left the event knowing and feeling a part of something very special.
Today, our students heard first hand about our Ofsted grading and we were able to celebrate and praise them for being their brilliant selves – they should have all left the assemblies feeling an enormous sense of pride. Writing about pride leads me to tell you about our first Pride picnic held today to recognise the end of pride month – it was a wonderful occasion where a large part of the school community came together celebrating our uniqueness and individuality. It was also fabulous to see many of our students choosing to wear their cadet and other service uniforms to mark Armed Forces Day this Saturday.
Finally, we ended the week on a high with our House Assemblies. Apollo were the winning house and enjoyed the first assembly of the afternoon – as winners they then went onto the field to enjoy some rounders in the sun – a lovely way to celebrate. Watch out for our first ever whole school assembly on the last day of term where the overall House Winners will be announced!
Assembly
This week, the theme of our assemblies was UK Armed Forces Day, which takes place this Saturday. I was humbled to celebrate and show our respect for the armed forces — including recognising reservists, veterans, service members’ families, and our students who represent the armed forces through the cadets. We honour your high standards and the sacrifices you make in carrying out your duties with distinction. This Saturday, we salute you all for your service to our country.
Find a local event near you by visiting
https://www.armedforcesday.org.uk/
Mr Stillman
Assistant Headteacher: Unlocking Potential
Paris Trip – A Magical Adventure!
Our recent trip to Paris was truly unforgettable! From world-famous landmarks to sweet treats and a touch of Disney magic, our students made memories to last a lifetime. We kicked things off in style with lunch at the Eiffel Tower, taking in breathtaking views of the city while enjoying a delicious meal. The excitement continued at Disneyland Paris, where students (and staff!) embraced their inner child and soaked up the magic of the park. One of the highlights was a hands-on chocolate-making class — a delightfully messy and tasty experience that everyone loved. There was also time to explore and enjoy a bit of shopping, with students showing off their bargaining skills and finding the perfect Parisian souvenirs.
We're happy to report that everyone behaved brilliantly and represented the school with pride. And while we almost lost a few in the crowds (just for a moment!), we returned home with everyone accounted for and full of stories to tell.
Merci, Paris — until next time!
Author Visit – Anna February
Today we enjoyed our third and final author visit of the year. Anna February, author of The Hive, is a STEM editor by day and a fantasy and YA author by night. Anna delivered a fantastic escape room style murder mystery workshop with a small group of Year 9 students before captivating the whole year group with a talk all about her gripping new book. Anna also gave us some intriguing insights into the writing and publishing process. Year 9 were a fantastic audience and enjoyed asking Anna some thoughtful questions.
Library Visits
In June, we have been trialling public library visits. A class of year 7’s and 7 and 8 nurture groups were selected for this opportunity. This was so they would know where they could visit and continue their reading in the summer holidays or enjoy an event. Lisa, the librarian, was enthusiastic about the range of books available as well as what other opportunities the Cirencester library had to offer, such as free computers, events during the summer holiday https://gloslibraries.uk/events , labs https://gloslibraries.uk/lab throughout Gloucestershire and eBooks and eAudio https://gloslibraries.uk/digital-services
The students showed pride in their school by behaving impeccably throughout. They took home a variety of books ranging from one about Lewis Hamilton to a murder mystery. As a result of the visit at least five student new membership visit another day. Cirencester is one of over 30 different libraries in the county and us easy to join online Join | Gloucestershire Libraries
Pride Picnic Celebration
We wrapped up Pride Month with a vibrant lunchtime picnic, enjoying sunshine, student performances, and a strong sense of community. It was a joyful celebration of inclusivity, respect, and self-expression. Thank you to everyone who took part — let’s carry the spirit of kindness and equality with us all year long!
GCSE Drama: A Bold Step Into Year 11
Today, our GCSE Drama Year 10 students officially stepped into their Year 11 journey as they performed their Devised Pieces for Component 1. The starting point for all performances was the thought-provoking quote by Mark Twain: “Never let the truth ruin a good story.”
After watching Hadestown, studying Medea, and attending a workshop with the theatre company Splendid, the groups set out to transform and reinvent classic Greek myths — putting their own modern spin on the ancient tales. An audience of impressed Year 9s watched in awe as the GCSE groups performed bold reimaginings of Theseus and the Minotaur, Medusa, Narcissus, King Midas, and Pandora’s Box. The performances were filled with creativity, emotion, and energy. The students demonstrated incredible responsibility, ambition, resilience, and pride, along with genuine kindness and support for one another throughout the process.
Blossom reflected, “It was an enlightening experience that boosted our confidence and got us ready for Year 11.” Darcy shared, “I’m so proud of everyone!” Izzy added, “I’m really grateful to everyone in both classes for their inspirational pieces... bring on Year 11!!” And Amity said, “The Year 9s now know what to expect – it’s a crazy process, but really fulfilling.”
Well done to all our young performers — Year 11 has officially begun!
Y7 Pirate
Through the lenses of the incredible ‘The Companies’ our Year 7s were introduced to ideas behind theatre design. Through evaluating the breathtaking staging of the National Theatres interpretation of Peter Pan, they discovered the importance of design in the creative process of storytelling. They gained knowledge in lighting sound and set before being given the challenge of creating pirate costumes. They showed an abundance of ambition and pride in their efforts to create the “meanest crew of treacherous, tyrannical, cutthroats that ever sailed the high seas” below have a look at their best “killing faces”. Congratulations to Grace W Mason M and Jasper P who all won considerable loot (points) for their retrospective Houses.
More School Cricket Success – Year 7 & 8 Teams Shine at Thomas Keble School
It’s been another super week for our younger Kingshill cricket teams. Two Year 7 teams, as well as our Year 8 team, displayed ambition, pride, and teamwork in impressive wins over Thomas Keble School.
On Monday, our Year 8 team produced a fantastic chase to win an entertaining 100-ball match. Thomas Keble set a strong total of 105 on a quick outfield, but Kingshill responded in style, reaching 107 in just 61 balls. Ethan H (25*) and Harry J (28*) both retired after confident innings, while captain, Dan P, contributed well before being caught by an excellent bit of fielding. The highlight was Jenson B, who amazingly hit two consecutive boundaries to finish unbeaten on 8 from just a few balls. Four of our boys, including Jenson, proudly made their hardball debuts and performed brilliantly, showing great ambition and teamwork throughout.
Then on Tuesday, our Year 7 teams followed up with two confident victories. The A team dominated, winning by 66 runs after posting 103/2 and then bowling superbly, limiting Thomas Keble to just 37. James W delivered a remarkable “quad-trick” – four wickets in four balls – before Sid J took a fifth from the next delivery. James finished with 5 wickets in 12 balls. The B team also impressed led by Leo M and Henry O, winning by 11 runs (112/4 vs 101/5). All the players contributed brilliantly with both the bat and ball in their hands.
Our Under 15 team (Year 9/10 players) host Westminster School on Friday, as they visit Kingshill on a tour from London.
A great week of Cricket - well done to all involved.
Mr Hamblin
Year 7 Rounders Tournament – Semi Finalists!
On Wednesday after school, the Year 7 Kingshill Rounders Team took part in the Year 7 tournament, kindly hosted by Thomas Keble School. Representing Kingshill with energy and determination were Grace, Maiana, Eleanor, Ava, Emily, Chloe, Ruby, Ella, and Anastasia.
The girls got off to a strong start, narrowly losing their first match against Stroud High by just half a rounder. Despite the result, their sharp fielding and positive teamwork were a real highlight. A special mention goes to Ruby for her outstanding batting in this game.
Bouncing back brilliantly, the team went on to win their next two matches against TK and Rednock. Ella and Chloe impressed with their consistent batting performances, while Emily and Grace demonstrated a strong and reliable bowler–backstop partnership that helped keep the opposition scoring low.
Their third pool game ended in a tense draw against Maidenhill, and the team anxiously awaited the final standings. Thankfully, results went in our favour and the girls secured a place in the semi-finals, facing a strong SWR side. In a tight and competitive match, every player gave their all, working hard to contain the opposition’s attack. Sadly, Kingshill were edged out by 1.5 rounders.
Despite the loss, the girls should be incredibly proud. They showed great ambition, teamwork, and played with real pride throughout.
Well done, Team Kingshill!
Mrs Barton
Epic Weekend at Strategy & Evolution
Last weekend, Y7, Elliot H, took on an incredible challenge at the Strategy and Evolution event in Cirencester Park with his local Scout group—and what a weekend it was! Elliot’s team placed an impressive 9th out of 313 teams, competing against over 2,300 Scouts from across the region. The event pushed participants to their limits, involving more than 20 physically and mentally demanding challenges spread across the park’s vast terrain. In scorching temperatures, Elliot walked over 20 kilometres, showing outstanding determination, teamwork, and resilience throughout the event. Strategy is not just a physical feat—it's about planning, problem-solving, and pushing boundaries, and Elliot rose to the occasion brilliantly. This is a tremendous personal achievement and a fantastic example of the ambition and perseverance we value at Kingshill.
Performing at Y.O.U.T.H. Market
One of our Year 11 students, Rowen E, captivated audiences at this weekend’s Y.O.U.T.H. Market with her stunning vocal performance. Taking to the stage with confidence and talent beyond her years, Rowen wowed the crowd and represented Kingshill School with poise and passion. Her performance wasn’t just about music—it was part of her ongoing efforts to raise funds for an exciting and ambitious adventure: Exercise Mountain Storm, an upcoming RAF Cadets expedition to Canada. This expedition will offer Rowen the chance to challenge herself in a completely new environment, building skills in leadership, resilience, and outdoor survival—all of which align brilliantly with the values we promote at Kingshill.
If you’d like to support Rowen’s journey, her GoFundMe page is still open and you can donate by clicking here. We look forward to hearing more about her musical achievements and cadet adventures ahead.
We Will Rock You – Less than 2 Weeks!
We’re just under two weeks away from our big production performance — and excitement is through the roof! Tickets are selling fast, so don’t wait! Grab yours by clicking here — this is a show that’s guaranteed to rock the house!
Holiday Free School Meal Voucher Scheme – Summer 2025
Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) would like to make eligible families aware of the holiday Free School Meal (FSM) voucher scheme that they are currently offering. Applications for FSM vouchers for the summer holidays 2025 will be open from midday on 24th June 2025 until midday on 8th July 2025. Voucher emails will be sent from week commencing 14th July. Please remember to check your junk/spam folders during this period as sometimes the vouchers end up there. If you have not received your vouchers by 21st July, please submit a query HERE
Activities Day – Wednesday 2 July
Year 7, 8 and 9 students who are in school on Wednesday will be participating in activities such as sports games, building a catapult and baking cupcakes. This is a non uniform day and students should wear appropriate clothing for physical activity and the weather. Year 7 will also spend time on the I Can, I Am bus promoting positive wellbeing. Students will be able to purchase food or bring their own lunch as normal.
Early Closure – Bus Schedule
A reminder that at the end of the Christmas and Summer term, we close the school at 1.20pm. The morning will be lessons as normal followed by a whole school celebration assembly in the Sports Hall before we say farewell for the summer holidays. For those students travelling by bus, we will provide you with details of how this will affect you via ParentMail.
Bus Passes
We have noticed an increase in students asking us to request them temporary bus passes from GCC as they have forgotten them. Please can you ensure that your child has their bus pass on them at all times. If their current bus pass has been lost, you will need to purchase them a new one via this link - Replacement School Bus Pass | GDPR Information and Statement – Gloucestershire Forms
Keeping Cool in the Heat
With temperatures rising, we’re making a few adjustments to help everyone stay comfortable during the hot weather during the first half of next week.
Monday & Tuesday will be PE Kit or Uniform Combo Days – students may wear their PE kit, their school uniform or a combination of both, at their discretion. For example, they could wear their PE shorts or skort with the summer polo shirt. Comfort is key as classroom will be much warmer than usual. Be sure your child brings their water bottle!
Wednesday will be a Non-Uniform Day, so students can dress in weather-appropriate clothing for Activities Day.
Thursday we're expecting rain and cooler temperatures, so we’ll be back to normal uniform from then.
Thank you for your support in helping everyone stay safe and cool during this heatwave!
Closing Remarks
We wish our Y7s all the best as they prepare for their residential next week – it sure will be quiet without them in and around the building! Y8 and Y9 students can look forward to Activities Day on Wednesday and Y10s have their Employability Day to look forward to, we also have the ‘I Can, I Am’ bus site leading on workshops promoting mental health for Y7 and Y8 students – yet another busy week for us all!
With 15 school days left of this academic year – let's make each and every one count!
Mrs Jo Lindley
Headteacher
Returning Week: Week A
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