Creating a sense of belonging and a connection with our school has always been high on my list of priorities. This week, as we joined together as a whole school community to say farewell to our Y11 students, this was truly achieved, albeit with a box of tissues at the ready. The Y11 students wrote many messages to the staff who have supported them during their time with us. Aside from the gratitude, the messages centred around the feelings of being part of a family community where we are all here to look out for and after one another. The staff have since said, following our Y11 leavers’ event, that these are the moments that define why we choose to work in a school – on Wednesday, we witnessed firsthand greater futures having been truly shaped for our brilliant students. As they left our school site, with applauds from the whole school community, we and they were so incredibly proud of the amazing human beings they have become. A moment to treasure.
Assemblies this week
Taking pride in our school community was the theme this week. We talked about what community means and why it matters. We are part of a strong community at Kingshill and students recognised ways in which they participated to build this through extra-curricular clubs, charity events, sports teams, tutor time and social activities. The assembly celebrated how each one of us contributes to the school community in unique ways, and together we can create an environment where everyone can thrive.
Mr Trevor Lee – Deputy Headteacher
Inspiring Futures
It has been an amazing year where the Kingshill Students have been given numerous opportunities to listen to key speakers about “what a career in a chosen sector looks like” and what skills and what requirements you need to have to undertake a successful career within that industry. We have encouraged anyone from year 8 up to year 11 to sign up to the talks, even if it’s an industry they haven’t considered before. This year our speakers included a Pilot, Childcare provider, Cyber Security, Sport Psychology to name a few. They advised what skills and qualifications the students need to be successful in the careers. We invited the Year 7s for our final two talks that the year 11s weren’t able to attend.
Today we held our last careers talk of the school year. Mr Newman came in to talk to our interested students who wanted to find out more about Semi Professional and Professional Sport. 120 potential sport professionals signed up to hear about his journey to playing Cricket in Auckland, New Zealand for the past two years. During his talk he emphasised the importance of key subjects in school and how these have helped him. He then went on to talk about his travels and also the commitment he has put in over the years. His passion for sport means it doesn’t always feel like work. The students listened intently and asked excellent questions. Hopefully this opportunity will give them the ambition and inspiration to be successful in their future.
Ms Penny Hick – Careers
Y11 Leavers
On Wednesday of this week, we said farewell to our Year 11 leavers during a morning which will live long in the memories of all involved. After a welcome breakfast treat, kindly provided by the kitchen staff, the Year 11 students went into their final assembly where they engaged in a quiz which encouraged them to test how well they knew their peers, their staff and our school landscape. Between the laughter and fun of the various rounds of the quiz, Mr Edwards, Mr Morland and myself spoke to acknowledge the superb reputation they have earned as a year group and of the huge legacy they leave.
After the usual ritual of shirt signing and the accompanying mix of colour and noise, the rest of the school community came out onto the school field to form a ‘guard of honour’ to show their respect towards the Y11 students as they made their way to the back gate.
This was a real highlight of the school year and a day which such a superb year group so richly deserved – and one which we hope our younger students remember as one that they can look forward to experiencing in their own future!
A fantastic day was enjoyed by a group of Year 10s visiting the University of Oxford this week, where they embraced an exciting taste of higher education and life after Kingshill. They were welcomed with a talk from a University Ambassador who shared some myth-busting knowledge about Oxbridge and university study more broadly. The students were motivated by many encouraging tips on how to foster passion for your chosen subject and pursue intellectual curiosity. 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, rowing boats, tennis courts, accommodation and common rooms. They were particularly enamoured with the resident library cat, Isambard, who all agreed would make a wonderful study companion! During academic taster sessions in History and Maths, students practised key thinking skills for degree-level study and truly shone with their ambition and resilience. After lunch, students visited some of key sites in the historic city centre, including the Sheldonian Theatre, Radcliffe Camera, Bodleian Library and Christ Church meadow.
Our students were a complete 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
Y10 Rendcomb Taster Day
We had the opportunity to visit Rendcomb College for a sixth form taster day. Although Rendcomb, as a private school, wasn't an obvious choice for our next educational step, our curiosity led us to explore this option. The facilities were impressive, the students were friendly, and the classes were enjoyable. We were particularly captivated by the school's Griffin Theatre and are excited about the prospect of staging our school production there! The visit allowed us to explore new subjects, such as psychology, and experience sixth form life. We are very grateful to Kingshill for providing this chance to explore local post 16 options and make a fully informed decision.
Y10 Students: Abi, Flo, Ted, and Louie
Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme
After some staffing changes, we are pleased to be able to continue to offer the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme to current Year 9 students from the start of September 2024. More details of this superbly enriching scheme and how students can sign up to complete the Bronze Award will be published at the start of next term.
Mr Rowe – Head of Humanities
Parents’ Forum Update
This morning we welcomed parents for our 3rd and final Parents’ Forum of the academic year. These sessions spent together are invaluable as we hear how our strategies have landed within the home environment and the impact they are having. We welcome the questions that arise and the honest conversations that take place.
Today, we reviewed the results of the parent survey, which were overwhelmingly positive, surpassing the national average in nearly every category. We examined homework practices, incorporating parents' valuable suggestions and delved into the UP strategy, explaining how the STEPs are being tailored to align with its key components.
We extend our thanks to all parents who participated, offering feedback, questions, and suggestions. If this is a forum you would like to be part of, do look out for our next meeting date in September. Below are just some of the comments parents shared from today.
Matilda
A reminder to get your tickets for our school production of Matilda. Click here to book your tickets!
Parent Trustee Vacancy – Register Your Interest
We currently have a vacancy for a parent trustee. Make a difference in our school community by sharing your skills, insights, and passion to help shape the greater futures of our Kinsghill School students. Click here to learn more about the role of a parent trustee. To register your interest, or for more information, please email us at: atalevinukuleka@cirencesterkingshill.gloucs.sch.uk.
Closing Remarks
We will all be thinking of our Y10 students this weekend as they ready themselves for a final week of mock examinations next week. For the rest of the school community, after such a terrific and busy week – it’s time to stop and rest over the weekend, ready to go again with energy and enthusiasm on Monday morning!
