It is hard to believe that we are already halfway through this half term – it is whizzing past. Now that sporting fixtures, Extend clubs, and trips and visits are underway, it really does feel like the academic year is in full swing. There has been much talk about the Unlocking Potential strategy following assemblies and parent events over the last few weeks and students are demonstrating real ambition to achieve their full potential both in and out of lessons.
I have begun my weekly student voice meetings which allow me a real insight into how our strategies are impacting on the daily lives of our students. I love hearing their honest reflections and huge pride they have for their school. These meetings, alongside the student council meetings allow us to address concerns or misconceptions quickly as well as spend a wonderful moment with our students!
Parent Forum Registration
We warmly invite you to our next Parent Forum on Wednesday, 4th October from 9:00 to 10:30am. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the inner workings of our school and engage with other parents and staff. Items on the agenda for this meeting will be Behaviours and Edulink.
Whether you are a long-standing member of our school community or one of our new parents, this forum is especially valuable for gaining insight into the school’s daily activities. Your input and presence are always appreciated, and we encourage you to attend.
To confirm your attendance, please register by clicking here.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Friends of Kingshill | AGM
Calling all parents/carers of Kingshill School. Join us at our first Friend of Kingshill (AGM) meeting on 9th October from 9:00 - 10:00am, where you can enjoy a cup of tea, biscuits, and learn more about how you can get involved with our wonderful community!
The Friends of Kingshill is our active Parent/Teacher Association, dedicated to supporting the school and raising funds for additional items that enrich our pupils' experience. We are always looking for enthusiastic parents to join us and contribute in any way they can!
Come and get a taster of what we are all about as you consider joining our committee! Volunteers consistently find that being part of the Friends is a fantastic way to engage with the school and connect with other parents. We’d love to have you join us!
We look forward to seeing you there! Register by clicking here!
Breakfast Service
As a reminder, the kitchen team are please to let you know that they will be launching their breakfast service on Monday 30th September. This will be available daily in the Dining Room between 8am and 8.30am.
Assembly
This week, to celebrate the European day of languages, the assembly presented to students in years 7-10 was on Diversity and Languages. Students were surprised to learn about the diversity at Kingshill where we have more than 30 students who are able to speak a second language. Kingshill has speakers of 18 different languages! Polish is the second most common language spoken in the UK and in Kingshill. To celebrate this, in the assembly, Polish students took part in a quiz about Poland against a teacher. Unsurprisingly, the students got all answers correct.
Students at Kingshill are happy to show respect to other cultures and enjoy learning about each other.
Mural in the Making
Following the environment projects of last Summer, this week we had the pleasure of hosting a graffiti artist who you can see has truly transformed our very tired pebble dashed render into something of beauty. The students had a real treat watching the image unfold over the week and enjoyed asking and learning about the artform.
Meet the Tutor Evening
Thank you to all the parents and carers who supported our event this Tuesday evening. 75% of the year group were able to attend and heard the important key messages for this term and had the opportunity to meet the tutors. Edulink is now live for all parents. If you are concerned about an N code for attendance, please ask them to visit our attendance officer Ms Kelly to rectify the issue or contact her directly at: attendance@cirencesterkingshill.gloucs.sch.uk.
Homework: Supporting at Home
Do ask your young person about the homework they have and when they are planning to complete it. Once completed, encourage them to record on Edulink that it has been completed. The teachers are not using this function to record incomplete homework, instead they are using the behaviour section. If you receive a notification for missing homework, do encourage them to complete it. If a student misses a deadline five or more times in a term it will result in a lunch detention and if this happens again it will result in a senior lunch detention. Even if a deadline is missed we still expect the homework to be completed.
If there are difficulties completing homework on time, do let the teacher of the subject know and if you would like your young person to receive support in completing homework here in school, do encourage them to attend homework club. Homework Club takes place in the library Tuesday-Thursday from 3.20pm-4.20pm.
Sparks Maths
Some of our students were presented with a special Sparx Maths badge last week. These were awarded for having achieved the most XP points in their year group on Sparx during the last academic year. XP points are earnt on Sparx when tasks are completed. This could be for homework, Independent Learning and book work accuracy. The more Sparx a student completes, the more XP points gained. Congratulations to Alemnji, Ellie & Edith for showing extremely high levels of Resilience & Ambition and we hope that your wear your badges on your blazer with Pride.
Maths Faculty
Y8 Chelsea’s Story
On Tuesday, all year 8 students had the opportunity to watch Chelsea’s Story, an interactive drama that focuses on child sexual exploitation. Gloucestershire Safeguarding in Education Team offer this presentation to all year 8s across the County. It is not an easy story to watch unfold, however, the impact is immense. The students were fully engaged throughout. It is so important for them to understand the reality of risk and how they can best protect themselves. We will continue to explore this theme through their PSHE and Drama lessons. This will allow time for the students to sound out any concerns or questions that they might have about this valuable area of safeguarding.
Debbie Christopher, Deputy Headteacher | DSL
School Council Meeting
One of the highlights of my week was working with the full School Council for their first full meeting of the year. This involved 30 students from across all year groups who were supported by our Year 11 Senior Students. Subsequent meetings will explore their separate strands of focus including the environment, classroom experience and charity. I very much look forward to seeing their plans evolve and the impact they have on the whole school community.
Mr J Morland, Assistant Headteacher
Y11 Post 16 Information
Yesterday evening, Mrs Hicks, Careers Advisor and I were delighted to see so many Y11 students and their parents attend our Post-16 Information Evening. This was designed to support their thinking about life beyond Kingshill School and the realities around applications for 6th Forms and colleges. In a world that is increasingly competitive, it is never more important to have plans that are both ambitious and realistic!
Mr J Morland, Assistant Headteacher
Proud Moment at the Midland Road Relays
A member of staff had the pleasure of attending the Midland Road Relays where she ran into a familiar face—Rachel, a former Kingshill student. Rachel is now competing for Swindon Harriers and studying sports physiotherapy at Hartpury University. It was wonderful to see Rachel thriving and pursuing her passion. She’s a lovely young lady who fondly remembers her time at Kingshill and wanted to pass on her best wishes to the school community. Moments like these remind us of the lasting connections we build here at Kingshill and the impact we have in shaping greater futures.
Brothers Shine in Birmingham
Harry and Joey had standout performances at the Midland Road Relay event in Birmingham. Harry, along with teammates James and Finley, helped secure a dramatic victory after Finley’s final-stage comeback. Meanwhile, Joey contributed to the under-13 boys' team, finishing 10th. With 19 teams competing across various age groups, the Harriers demonstrated strong performances, making it a memorable day for the club. They are now off to compete in the National Road Relay Championships on 5th October in Birmingham.
Year 11 Netballers in Action
Our Year 11 netballers competed at the Schools County Netball Tournament this week. They played 5 matches throughout the afternoon in a pool group that included Bournside, Cleeve, Pittville, Sir William Romney and Westonbirt. The girls demonstrated great resilience against strong opposition, supporting and encouraging each other to ensure everyone came away having played their preferred position at some point during the afternoon. It was a great start to the netball season and the girls are looking forward to further fixtures over the coming term.
A special recognition to Estella who was voted Player of the Tournament by Mrs Hussey and Mrs Jones. Well done!
Year 10 Rugby v Deer Park
Kingshill Y10 started their season with a competitive game v Deer Park. Our players showed fantastic spirit in a highly contested game. Despite missing a few key players, Kingshill played some excellent rugby, scoring out wide with 4 of the 6 tries as well as driving through the middle twice. Kingshill came out victorious 40-12 and we look forward to next Tuesday’s game against Farmors. Notable performances from Benjamin with 2 tries and 2 try-saving tackles, and our prop, Olly who scored a try and the conversion to the joy of the supporters on the sideline.
Mr Hamblin
Year 8 Rugby Team
On Tuesday afternoon our Year 8 boys Rugby team travelled to Deer Park to play their first rugby game of the year. Playing against a competitive side, we showed Resilience and Pride throughout but ended up conceding 6 tries and scoring 2.
It was fantastic to see so many students who had not played rugby before when they joined us in Year 7 representing Kingshill and we look forward to seeing them develop throughout the season.
Special mention to Dan for showing both Responsibility and Kindness whilst captaining the side and Harry for showing outstanding Ambition throughout the game!
Student Success at the Wales and West Show
We’re always thrilled to share the exciting achievements of our students in and out of school including one of our Year 9’s at the recent Wales and West Show! Rebecca took part in the challenging Derby class, which featured 21 jumps, including a steep hill, jumps at the top and bottom, and a bridge to cross. While she wasn’t placed in this class, Rebecca did an incredible job guiding her pony, Romeo, through the unusual course, building his confidence along the way. It’s a challenge she’s eager to tackle again next time.
In addition, Rebecca competed in the British Novice 80 cm pony class and came first place! This remarkable result means that Romeo has now earned enough points to move up to a JC grade pony – a fantastic achievement for both of them!
With many more shows coming up this winter, we look forward to following their progress and cheering them on!
Closing Remarks
As we wrap up another eventful week, we are incredibly proud of all the activities and achievements our students have been involved in. Whether in the classroom, on the field, or representing our school in competitions or events, their dedication and enthusiasm continue to shine. We will continue to foster and celebrate these accomplishments, encouraging every student to strive for their personal best.
