April 2015

Kingsmead Newsletter April 2015 OFSTED recently confirms.. Kingsmead is a ‘Good’ school (March 2015) Congratulations to all students, staff and parents.. we’ve done it AGAIN!

In this issue: Student News Sports News Primary Liaison

Since Ofsted’s last visit here three years ago we have been very PROUD to be graded as a ‘Good’ school. We’ve always been determined through on-going careful PREPARATION and of course the POSITIVE attitude, good behaviour and POLITENESS of our students, never to let this slip.

Literacy News

We resolved that, whenever they came again our Ofsted visitors would continue to be very impressed…and they most certainly were!

School Closes

By the time you receive this newsletter of course, all parents will be in possession of both the posted copy of the recent ‘Ofsted Report’ and the covering letter from Mr Bryant, our Headteacher. We are sure you will agree that it made very encouraging reading. It is not the intention to repeat it all here – but it was pleasing to note the very many positive comments of the inspection team. The judgement of ‘Good’ in all five inspection areas was very gratifying.

It caused us to reflect that we who are so involved in the day-to-day life of the school, be it as students, staff, parents or governors are perhaps not always aware of how GOOD it all looks when open to rigorous, independent outside scrutiny.

What we must not do and will not do, however, is to ‘rest on our laurels’. There are still challenges ahead and the journey toward ‘Outstanding’ is now underway.

For the moment, however…….very well done to all!

House Information Keep in Touch

Term Dates

Thursday 2nd April 3:00pm Staff Training Days Thursday 16th April & Friday 17th April School Opens Monday 20th April 9:50am May Day Bank Holiday Monday 4th May School Closes Friday 22nd May 3:00pm School Opens Monday 1st June 8:50am School Closes Friday 17th July 12:00pm

Student News The ‘Great Kingsmead Bake Off’ Back Again!

On Thursday 26th of February, Kingsmead held its second live final of the 'Bake Off'. This Inter-House event had proved both popular and successful last year. This year saw a very strong field of twelve candidates and it was great to see an equal number of boys and girls who had made it to the final!

Students were faced with the task of baking a sponge cake of their choice. Many had practiced their culinary skills at home... but the pressure was on to re-create it in a live final under timed conditions!

Students chose to make a wide variety of cakes ranging from 'Red Velvet' to 'Lemon Drizzle Cake' and classic 'Victoria Sponge' to 'Marble Cake'.

There was a great atmosphere in the Food Technology rooms where the final was held. Some of the competitors brought a ‘supporters club’ with them and it was lovely to see so many staff come up to encourage them. After some very hard work from the students the cakes were ready to be judged.

Gill from the Kitchen and Mrs Robins, Teacher of Food Technology, were our well qualified judges who kindly offered to help make some very tough decisions. All of the cakes looked and tasted amazing... but there had to be a winner!

This year first place was awarded to Joshua Teirnan Y11, of Coppice House. He baked an amazing 'Checker Board Cake', decorated with milk and white chocolate squares and chess pieces that he had made himself. It really was a ‘masterpiece!’ He was closely followed by Sophie Nutting Y11 of Wimblebury House, who baked an impressive triple layer 'Lemon Cake', with home-made lemon curd and lemon cream topping.

In third place was Aaliyah Parker Y7 of Coppice House, who made a 'Chocolate Cake' decorated beautifully with strawberries and in fourth was Lily Cocks Y7 of Hayes House, who’s 'Piñata Cake', was decorated and filled with colourful sweets.

Other finalists included:Louie Smith Y8, Luke Rowlands Y9, Travis Goodhead Y8, Travis Bishop Y8, Abbie Phipps Y8, Georgia Rose Y9, Diogo Baptista Y7 and Caitlin Gavrolovic Y7.

The organiser of the event Mrs Greenwood, Head of Littleton House congratulated all the finalists, “Well done to all and congratulations to you all for making it to the final twelve. You are all very ’Star Bakers!’ Keep up the great work!”

Student News The Kingsmead Challenge Club A fantastic 'Show and Tell Presentation' arranged for the 'Challenge Club' took place on 25th February.

Students were given the challenge to create a ‘Diorama’ (a three dimensional model/display) on the theme of 'Discoveries in Science'. The topics chosen were varied and diverse.

Students were invited to tell the audience about their research and describe the models they had created.

They answered questions about their discoveries and described how they had made their models.

Maisie Radford Y8 and Danielle Anslow Y8, created a model to demonstrate 'Nuclear Fission'. They explained about splitting the atom and the potential for sustainable energy. Megan Pee Y7, offered a model and description of the 'Tomb of the Pharaoh Tutankhamen' and its discovery. It was lavish and beautifully painted. Hannah Jones Y8, had built a section of the 'Great Wall of China' and produced a booklet giving details of the construction and history of the Wall. Megan Renshaw Y8, had crafted four beautiful birds with majestic plumage, to explain to us Darwin’s 'Theory of Evolution'. Ellie-Mae Perkins Y8, Keeley Holland Y8, Macey Ball Y8 and Charlie Evans Y8, showed us two scenes of the 'Twin Towers' and 'Ground Zero'. They explained the controversy about whether the damage could really have been caused by the two planes, as suggested by ‘conspiracy’ theorists. Bryony Roberts Y7, had researched ‘Pangea’ and the theory that Earth was originally formed as a single land mass and how what is now called 'Continental Drift' is gradually separating this land into the shape of the continents as we know them today.

This followed neatly into the model created by Sam Arrowsuch Y7, Sam Harris Y7 and Liam Hollyhead Y7, which looked at how 'Tectonic Plates' move, how volcanoes are created and the destruction they can cause. Theirs was a very physical demonstration, in which they delighted the crowd by pouring vinegar into the top of their volcano and then spooning bicarbonate of soda into the bottle too. Egged on by the audience, they gradually added more, until a lovely lava flow of froth poured down the side towards the village at the bottom. The 'Solar System' was demonstrated by Harvey Wright Y7, Jonathan Pearson-Key Y7 and Jacob Straw Y7, who explained about planets, orbits and how the solar system is ever expanding. The final presentation was by Luke Pilsury Y8, who had researched 'Astronomy' and how the many different layers of gases around the Earth affect our search into space. Luke had created a model to explain the 'Hubble Telescope' which demonstrated how these layers affect the clarity of image which can be viewed when looking into space.

Everyone presented their research and ‘Dioramas’ to the audience in a very clear way, impressing their peers with how different their topics and models were. It was very difficult but each student was asked to pick and vote for their favourite three projects. The winner is to be announced. Watch this space!

Mrs Harrison, School Librarian Health and Social Care Conference Y10 Health and Social Care students attended the 'Annual Skills for Care Conference' in Newcastle Under Lyme on 13th March.

Students watched a theatre production that introduced some important issues within Health and Social Care, such as abuse of vulnerable adults, care of service users with mental health conditions and whistleblowing.

They were involved in workshops, where they had an opportunity to act out scenes to explain how they would deal with issues of abuse and also discussed how abuse can be prevented when caring for adults. The opportunity to meet with a range of Colleges, Universities and Employers within the sector, in order to discuss future career options was available to all students.

Mrs Fittes, Subject Leader Health & Social said “The students gained a great deal from the day. They had an insight into some of the key issues surrounding care of vulnerable people and the problems that can occur if a patients dignity is not considered.”

Student News Fame 2015 It all began way back in September 2014, an eager bunch of students set out on the road to ‘Fame’. They began by learning a demanding dance routine and performing this in an ‘open audition’. From this, a second round of casting auditions took place focusing on the students’ abilities in Drama. And so, the cast was born!

We are very fortunate at Kingsmead to have such dedicated students who are willing to give up so much time to attend rehearsals and learn not only new dance routines but also, for many speaking parts, copious amounts of lines!

'Fame' is based on a Performing Arts School in New York City in the 1980s. It tells the story of several students who attend this high school. Among them is the ‘fame-obsessed’ Carmen, ‘ambitious’ actress Serena, ‘wisecracking’ Joe, ‘quiet’ violinist Schlomo, and the ‘talented but dyslexic’ dancer Tyrone.

This year saw the debut of Taylor Allen, a Y10 student in the leading role of Tyrone. He performed the role with flair and good humour. A shy performer at first, his confidence grew with each performance. Erica Shirley Y12, played an emotionally charged Carmen, who swung between confidence and fragility. Erica’s rendition of LA was a tear-jerker. She was well cast as the fiery Hispanic Carmen. The ‘lovers’ Nick and Serena, Robert Ellis and Sabrina Chin both Y12, gave polished performances. Not only was their duet of Let’s Play a Love Scene harmonious, their acting was both faultless and believable. Liam Allen Y11, gave a rendition of Joe Vegas which was so comical it had the audiences laughing out loud. His comic timing was spot on. He will be one to watch in the future!

Saturday night’s standing ovation brought the week’s events to a fitting end. Roll on next year guys!

The Production team and I would like to congratulate all of the students, musicians and stage crew for their hard work and commitment. You were wonderful to work with and make our job worthwhile!

Mrs J Davies Producer

GCSE PE students visited 'Loughborough University’ A group of Y10 and Y11 ‘GCSE’ PE students had a fantastic day exploring the facilities of the best Sports University in the country!

They were assigned to Reanne Martin, an outstanding basketball athlete who is studying Sport and Exercise Science. She plays for 'Leicester Riders'. Reanne offered a unique insight into the day to day life of an elite athlete at university.

The students also took part in a dodgeball practical workshop which was thoroughly well received by all. Their final workshop focused on nutrition. This provided students with an opportunity to appreciate the link between elite sport and the impact nutrition has on sports performance.

Thank you to Loughborough University, Reanne and the students for making the day hugely successful!

Mr Farrell, Teacher of PE

Student News Phoebe’s Shooting Success Story Continues...

In the last edition of the Newsletter, we reported on Y11 student, Phoebe Taylor’s National recognition in her sport of shooting. The success continues! During the weekend of 17th and 18th of January, Phoebe took part in the 'Geoff Partridge Memorial Match' at Aldersley. Due to Phoebe's recent shooting scores of 340/400, she competed in the Class C Category.

However, Phoebe far exceeded this score topping the group with an amazing 371 points out of 400. She beat her nearest competitor by 28 points. With the points she attained Phoebe finished seventh out of all the Junior competitors, 1 point behind fourth, fifth and sixth place and would have finished fifth in Class A. Due to her success, Phoebe will be promoted to Class B. We wish Phoebe every success when she represents the 'Great Britain Junior Air Rifle Squad' in Oldenburg, Germany in April. She will be competing in the ‘10m Air Rifle’ and ‘50m Three Positions Target’ events against teams from Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium and Holland.

Phoebe who is a member of the 'Rugeley Rifle Club' started shooting a year ago.

Phoebe's long term aim is to take part in the '2018 Commonwealth Games' on the Gold Coast, Australia and the '2020 Olympics' in Tokyo.

The Oscars arrive at Kingsmead!

Our new 'Chroma Key Room' has been extremely successful and well used since it's launch in September.

Staff and students are able to book a lesson within the room and create their own movie with a background of their choice.

Mr Cope, Assistant Headteacher launched 'The Oscars' and received over two hundred entries. The winners were invited to a ceremony held during lunchtime on Friday 13th February and presented with their own 'Oscar Statuette' after walking the 'Red Carpet'.

Congratulations to: Best Picture - Miss Craddock’s; Sports Update Best Director - Mr Cole’s Tutor Group; BGT Assembly Best Use of Visual Effects - HK's Silent Movie; Olivia, Elle & Shannon Y7 Best Sound Track - Travis Goodhead; Geography Ecosystem Young Enterprise Trade Fair 2015 As part of the ‘Young Enterprise Company Programme’, students design and manufacture new products and then make them available for the public to purchase.

Included in the program is attendance at the ‘Regional Trade Fair’, which took place on 7th March. Students were judged on their design ideas, business acumen, presentation and customer service skills.

Whilst the overall winner of the South Staffordshire area has not yet been announced, our students won the prestigious ‘Customer Service Award’, based on the responses of mystery shoppers.

Mr Taylor, Teacher of Business Studies said, “The group have developed a really mature understanding of how to run a business, which has included designing ideas, marketing and conflict management!”

Literacy Literacy at Kingsmead The Literacy drive at Kingsmead continues to go from strength to strength!

The so-called'Nifty Fifty' initiative was successfully launched earlier this year. Students are enjoying the 'Reading Recommendation Tree' based in the Learning Study Centre. This gives students and staff the opportunity to recommend books they have read.

Come along and have a look!

The Accelerated Reader Programme Y7 are all involved in ‘Accelerated Reading’, a programme where they read books and then take comprehension style quizzes on the books they have read.

War of the Words We are proud to announce more of our students are now 'Published Writers!'.

As part of the 'Literacy Drive' in school, students were invited to enter their 'Conflict' poems into a 'Young Writers' competition.

Authors Jay Harrison Y7, Callum

Jacob Straw in L-ABT has scored way above anyone else in the whole of his year group with 366 points. Congratulations to Jacob! As a reward he has been awarded six books of his choice.

In his words, this is how he did it…..

“The reason for me having so many points in the ‘Accelerated Reader Scheme’ is because I have found many great books (in my opinion) that give high amounts of points. The best way to get points is to find a genre or author that you like and then continue to read those books while enjoying them.

Read the books thoroughly so you can a get high percentage on the tests and get the most points from your reading. Only if you enjoy reading the books will you be able to do well on the tests and then you will want to move on to another book.”

by Jacob Straw Y7.

Summers Y7, Lauren Pearse Y7 and Tayla Tudor Y8, all had their poems published in the book 'War of the Words'.

A fantastic achievement well done!

World Book Day - Author visit to Sixth Form For ‘World Book Day’ this year, Kingsmead Sixth Form Literature students were fortunate enough to meet the author T. S. Harvey, the writer of the ‘Four Seasons’ series. During the session we listened to the author describe her journey through school and how it led to her writing her first ever novel ‘The Tin Man’. We also learnt about the intricacies of publishing a book, and how to target and advertise to a particular audience. We were then able to ask T. S. Harvey any questions we had as potential future writers. This opportunity was amazing for both the aspiring writers and avid readers amongst us, as we finally had the chance to learn about writing a book from someone with first-hand experience.

As I had already read her book ‘Winter of Discontent’, it made it a particularly enjoyable experience for T. S. Harvey and myself. We discussed the style of writing, characters and plans for the rest of the series.

She also donated two copies of her book to Kingsmead and encouraged us to use it for ‘Book Crossing’; the process where once someone had finished reading it, she hoped they would give her some feedback and then pass the book to someone else.

Georgia Hawkins Sixth Form Student

Initiatives and Rewards Challenging our Students Our aim at Kingsmead School is to challenge all students. This includes the more able.

Opportunities to stretch the understanding of the more able occur regularly in the classroom. This often takes the form of selecting more demanding, complex tasks for these students to complete in lessons. Students are increasingly encouraged to work on tasks beyond their current 'National Curriculum' stage, as a means of engaging and challenging them.

Rewarding GOOD attendance This term has seen the first presentations of the new ‘Attendance Awards’. The shields are to recognise the high standards of attendance achieved by students. On this occasion, the honours went to Valley and Wimblebury Houses.

Mr Bury, Assistant Headteacher surprised students and Heads of House during their assemblies to present the House Captains with the shields.

More able students can also test their understanding as they teach other members of the class what they have learnt. This 'peer teaching' is supported by class teachers, extremely popular with students and is proving to be a huge success!

Students also have the opportunity to take part in the recently launched 'Challenge Club'. Challenge lists are currently being developed to recognise and reward those students who are self-motivated. The lists are designed to encourage ‘A Level’ learning habits and transferable work skills. For example: Students who attend the 'Debating Club' can win points. Similarly, those who ask staff for help with a complex concept in a subject can also win points!

On the 30th April, Kingsmead is holding a 'Futures Fayre'.

This will provide all students with the opportunity to speak to local businesses, professional people and a range of universities. There will also be the opportunity for more able students to speak to representatives of the prestigious 'Russell Group Universities' at this event.

Wimblebury House had the most students achieving 100% attendance for the Autumn term. Fifty eight students achieved 100%.

Valley students were the 'Best Attenders' for the Autumn term, achieving an overall attendance percentage of 95.1%.

Students have also enjoyed a ‘Pizza Party’ to acknowledge their excellent attendance and the ‘Attendance Team’ are looking forward to presenting more prizes in the future.

Congratulations to all students and watch this space!

Primary Liaison & Y7 Intake …….An ‘on-going’ story…

Since our last Newsletter we have continued to welcome and be welcomed by pupils and staff of a number of our local primary schools.

We are particularly eager to maintain our curriculum/teaching links with our feeder schools while for their part our primary colleagues are more than happy to work with us as we forge ever closer links with their pupils.

Examples of some very positive links recently includes Geography lessons with West Hill Primary School, who with Miss Goodwin and Mr Cole, have engaged in ‘Discovering Hednesford’ sessions. Drama sessions with Mr Truby proved very popular at both Gorsemoor and St Peters primary schools – their pupils were very responsive.

Meanwhile, MFL sessions with Kingsmead’s Mrs Gaston resulted in the creation of some fantastic Easter Eggs with Y5 pupils.

At the time of writing ICT, Art and Science sessions are planned with various year groups at Five Ways, Hazel Slade and Pye Green Valley primary schools. Watch this space for further details in the next issue.

Preparing for September’s Y7 Intake…

If you have secured a place to come to Kingsmead in September 2015 you should:

Be aware that we are planning some Saturday morning sessions for Y6 students. Included will be a Y6 ‘Challenge Group’, as well as sessions in Drama, Music, Technology and Sport. Be looking forward to our Induction Days, which will be towards the end of the Summer term.



Have received the Kingsmead ‘Welcome Pack’ - please read it carefully and complete the forms enclosed.



Start to make yourself familiar with what we mean by the ‘Kingsmead Learner’. The poster (alongside) will help to give you an idea of what we want a ‘Kingsmead Learner’ to look like.

We will certainly have opportunities to explore this further before you start with us in September. We are looking forward to welcoming you!

Sports News Kingsmead U13 Girls Hockey Team are in the National Finals again!

The 'Midland Finals' were held at ‘Cannock Hockey Club’ on Friday 13th March. Kingsmead had a tough draw, having to qualify from a group with Bromsgrove, Oakham and Fernwood Schools to reach the Quarter Finals.

They started comfortably with a 3-0 (Chenoa Rainer 2 and Lily Walker 1) win against 'Fernwood School' which proved to be the easiest tie in the group.

Then came 'Bromsgrove' which was a much tighter game and a reflection of the 0-0 result. We needed a win or a draw in our final game against 'Oakham' to ensure qualification in the quarter finals. The girls were up for the challenge and came out 2-0 winners with goals from Lily Walker and Chenoa Rainer.

So, to the Quarter Finals against 'Ecclesbourne School'. This proved to be less of a challenge than all the previous games and the girls dominated throughout with a 4-0 win. All goals came from Lily Walker. The semi-final against 'Royal Grammar School Worcester' was a much more tense affair resulting in a 0-0 draw, which had to be decided on flicks. First round of flicks and it was still a draw. The second round saw Sophie Lyons making a great save and all Kingsmead girls scoring their flicks. Kingsmead were through to the Final and had qualified for the 'National Finals' again!

The Final against 'Loughborough High School' was a very even end to end game and again resulted in a 0-0 draw. Unfortunately the flicks didn’t go our way this time with one attempt hitting the post allowing Loughborough to win 3-2. Although there was disappointment in not becoming Champions the girls had an absolutely amazing day with fantastic performances throughout. They should be very proud of their achievement in becoming Runners Up and qualifying for the ‘National Finals’.

Miss Craddock, Lead Practitioner PE Netball News Athletics On Tuesday 3rd February students travelled to ‘Fenton’ in Stoke to take part in the 'Athletics County Final' where we finished ninth.

Mr Perry, Curriculum Leader said “Well done to all who took part. No medals but plenty of smiles!”

U12 Staffordshire County Rugby Tournament The Y7 Rugby team competed in the 'Staffordshire County Tournament' on Wednesday 18th March with over thirty secondary schools in attendance.

In a tough group the team qualified for the shield tournament and with some emphatic wins over local rivals including Erasmus Darwin Academy 20-0, achieved a creditable overall third place!

The students were fantastic ambassadors for Kingsmead and played with respect and maturity.

Congratulations to all involved!

Mr Farrell, Teacher of PE

Y8 Girls Netball team travelled to Chase Terrace on 19th March to play in a ‘District Tournament’.

The girls won all the games in their group and went on to beat ‘The Friary School’ in the Semi Finals. The girls played exceptionally well but lost to ‘King Edwards School’ 6-2 in the Final.

Catch up and keep in touch with all the latest sports news at http://kingsmeadonline.net/ sport and follow us on Twitter @KingsmeadPE

House Information Coppice House As another school term draws to a close, it is a time for reflection; what a lot Coppice House has packed into this term! It is great to see Y11, Y12 and Y13 Coppice students working hard to complete ‘GCSE’ and ‘A Level’ work in preparation for the Summer exams. School is full of determined students revising, as well as enjoying designing ‘Easter Eggs’ for an Inter-House competition.

Coppice students have been having fun competing in the ‘Great Kingsmead Bake Off’; well done to those who entered and many congratulations to Joshua Tiernan Y11, for his welldeserved first place! His cake was a checkerboard design and incorporated chocolate chess pieces. Move over Mary Berry!

Thanks As Easter draws closer, it is Election time – Coppice House is looking for Y10 and Y9 students to fill the shoes of the retiring House Captains, Deputies and Prefects.

On behalf of all Coppice Staff I would like to thank Y11 students; Maisie Cole and Joshua Tiernan, House Captains; Abbie Duffin and Daniel Skerman, Deputy House Captains; Community Representative and Lead Prefect, Ben Hawthorne and Lucy Wassell; Prefects: Matthew Taylor, Jordan Reay, Reece Shore, Aiden Stone, Abbie Davidson, Sophie Freeman, Kayleigh Wright, and Molly Arrowsmith for their tireless work and support during their year in office. I wish all Y11’s much success in their examinations and future plans, be it Kingsmead Sixth Form or further afield.

Sports Many congratulations go to Megan Ellis Y11, for her ‘Boxing’ success in her recent competition. Also many congratulations go to Aiden Stone Y11, for his selection to train at ‘Walsall FC’. Coppice are proud of all their sporting successes including Tanaka Katsukunya Y10, ‘Walsall FC’, Connie Meredith Y9, ‘Kingsmead’s highly successful Hockey Team’ and not forgetting Olivia Green Y9, who as a ‘Junior Dog Handler’, has competed at ‘Crufts’.

Well done to all of our sporting heroes!

Wishing all a chocolate filled Easter!

Mrs J Davies Head of House

Students with consistently high ‘Attitude to Learning’ Y7 Olivia Bowman Elle Cartwright Courtney Hill Aaliyah Parker Kimberley Tamplin Lewis Tamplin Millie Woollaston Lewis Woolley Y8 Molly Ashman Piper Craddock Natasha Hyden Ethan Rogers Y9 Joseph Banks Abbie Davies Olivia Green Leo Slinger Jenna Wood Y10 Natalya Birch Jack Cartwright Abbie Duffin Katie Garraton Chloe Husselbee Libby Jones Rebecca Knott Grace Pike Chloe Sproson Phoebe Woolley Y11 Ben Hawthorne Lucy Wassell

House Information Hayes House It has been a varied and busy term for Hayes House, with students involved in many different activities both inside and outside of school. Y11 have been working hard in preparation for their approaching ‘GCSE’ exams, setting a great example for the younger students, as they work towards academic success.

Special mention must go to the following students for their talent and dedication to their chosen hobbies and activities outside of the classroom: Chloe Hoskins Y9, is an avid ice skater who has been participating in the sport for three years under a private coach at ‘Cannock Silverblades’. She will be entering her first competition this April. Kai Lycett Y11, has kept himself busy playing for the school football team and also ‘Heath Hayes Football Club’. They have won the ‘Division 1 Lichfield District League’ multiple times. Kai now plays in the ‘Midland Junior Premier League’, travelling all around the Midlands to play his favourite sport. Jack Fisher Y10, enjoys sailing and is a member of ‘South Staffordshire Sailing Club’. He currently races in local youth competitions. Last but not least, Meghan Hill Y10, is part of a dance school in Cannock and takes part in an annual show at the ‘Prince of Wales Theatre’. This is just an overview of some of the fantastic achievements and personal development skills in which many Hayes students are involved.

Well done and keep it up!

Erica Shirley Y11, also deserves special mention as the leading light of a very talented cast in this term’s production of ‘Fame’.

The consensus was universal – Erica captivated the audience, leaving no one in any doubt that a very bright future awaits her.

Well done to Erica and of course, the cast and the fantastic work put in by Hayes’ own Miss Keyte and all who helped with the production. A triumph, not only for Hayes House members but for Kingsmead school as a whole.

With Sport, Music and Drama high on our list of achievements, what else could there be to add? Why not culinary skills? The hugely popular ‘Bake Off’ competition has demonstrated the baking abilities of many of our students. Our talented Hayes finalists Caitlin Gavrilovic Y7 and Lily Cocks Y7, represented Hayes in the whole school final and did an incredible job.

Once again, the students of Hayes House have demonstrated superbly their varying skills and Mr P Bradbury enthusiasm for success. I wish them and our hard working Tutor teams a well-deserved and enjoyable Head of House Easter break.

Students with consistently high ‘Attitude to Learning’ Y7 Samuel Chatting Georgia Glynn Ben Gough Liam Hollyhead Ellie Lee Adam Phillips Alicia Turner Y8 Rhiannon Bickley Eleanor Cartwright Daniel Dorkins Jack Harley Caitlin Jarvis Maisie Radford Megan Renshaw Y9 Megan Birch Jarrod Maddocks Ben Marshall Rianne Martin Y10 Owen Baker Paige Collins Elle-May Greenfield Megenta Hiscock Sophie Hollyhead Mollie-Mae Hudson Amber Johnson Amy Lynk Brett Pike Y11 Phoebe Brickley Jamie Greenwood Grace Hewitt Isabella Howe Heather Matthews Oliver Thacker Georgia Wilson

House Information Littleton House Welcome to the Easter edition of the Littleton Newsletter. We have started the year well and are back to our winning ways! Littleton won the first Half Termly Cup, which puts us in a good position to achieve our goal of winning the hat trick of House Cups for the third consecutive year.

Our House Council have continued to meet to discuss topics that matter to our students from the various Tutor Groups. They also prepared and delivered an interesting assembly on the word ‘Persistence’ and how it can help students achieve their potential. Well done to all Council members and actors who were involved in the role plays within it.

Compassion UK—As some of you know Littleton House are proud to sponsor an 8 year old girl named Bernice who lives in Ghana, through a charity called ‘Compassion UK’. The money raised through school non-uniform days goes to help her and her family and allows her to go to school. She writes to us throughout the year via a translator to let us know how she is and what she has been doing. Thank you to Jodie Burke Y7 and Stephanie Wainwright Y8, who have both written back to her with information about Littleton House and how we are getting on. If any other students would like to write to her please let me know.

Exam Time—Our Y11’s received their mock GSCE results in January. I hope this will spur them on to either achieve the same, if they were on target or better if they didn’t quite get the grades they were hoping for. I am sure that along with the Y12’s and Y13’s they have put a revision timetable together to enable them to revise hard over the Easter holidays ready for their exams in the Summer.

Student Achievements—Congratulations to Beth Jones Y12 and Ronan Mitchell Y11, who both performed extremely well in their lead roles in ‘Fame’ and also to Sophie Woods Y11, Sarah Dickson Y10, Stephanie Wainwright Y8 and Abigail Phipps Y8 who had chorus parts and were dancers in the production. In terms of swimming, well done to Morgan Upton Y8, for coming third in the breaststroke and Eleanor Cumbley Y7, for swimming 1000m.

Finally, we will be holding our Achievement Assembly in the last week of term. It will be great to reward all those students who have consistently worked hard and those who have reached their target grades in their latest Progress Check.

I hope you all have a lovely Easter break and students are recharged and ready for a busy Summer term.

Mrs K Greenwood Head of House

Students with consistently high ‘Attitude to Learning’ Y7 Ellie Harris Samuel Harris Adam Nelson Megan Vincent Y8 Arran Baldwin Kelly Bodley Chloe Redding Owyn Roberts Amandeep Singh Stephanie Wainwright Y9 Kyra Campbell Amber Crisp Brandon Stokes Y10 Hannah Baker Amie Heath Caitlin Tsang Amber Woodhouse Y11 Lewis Byrne Gemma Parr Charlie Tittley Shannon May Scott McAllister

House Information Uxbridge House

Welcome to another edition of the school’s Newsletter and most importantly, a big welcome to the Uxbridge page! I must sound like a broken record hailing the numerous achievements of our students in Uxbridge.

Previously I have written about not only sporting and academic achievements, but fundraising successes and even Leah Aldred’s Y11, triumph in being a ‘World Record Holder!’

You may remember from the New Year edition of the Newsletter that for the second year running Molly Skelding Y9, raised money for ‘Macmillan Cancer Care’ by holding a cake sale for her neighbours. Cerys Berrow Y10, is in the process of organising a ‘Macmillan Fundraising Evening’ in the forthcoming months. This really is indicative of the caring and generous nature of our students as a whole. I wish Cerys the best of luck with her evening. In recent months two of Uxbridge’s budding stars have had the opportunity to perform at the ‘Prince of Wales Theatre’ in Cannock. A big congratulation to Robert Ellis Y12 and Paige Mynett Y8, on their successes. Meanwhile, House Captain Charlie Walker Y11, achieved a Grade 6 for his abilities as a pianist.

As well as achievement outside of school, I always like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the many achievements in school. This includes the number of Achievement Points that each student has been awarded. This brings credit not only to themselves but also to their House! Congratulations to our top three in each year!

First place in Y7, is Diogo Baptista with 488 points, closely followed by Bryony Roberts 434, Alex Mowe 412. Top of the Y8 Achievement Point haul is Lily Walker with an amazing 665 points so far, Travis Goodhead 583 and Paige Mynett 416. Y9 is topped by Jasmine Rainer with 358 points. Amy Newman is a close second with 306 and Emma Guest with 302. The top three in Y10 take the following order; Dylan Ottey 476, Heather Smith 360 and Lauren Roberts 303 and finally, the House Captains are leading by example in Y11 with Natalya Bubalo and Charlie Walker with 618 and 505 and in third place Jade Shirley.

Ending the Achievement Point summary with the Y11’s seems fitting as this will be their last Newsletter entry before they take their exams and leave for the Summer. Some will return to our Sixth Form and some will seek pastures new.

Whatever their decision, I can only say what a pleasure it is to have been their Head of House. A special thank you goes to the Y11 Prefect Team, Tutor and Sports Reps and of course the two House Captains; Natalya and Charlie for all their help over the past year. Y13 face the same situation whether it be preparing to embark on University life or entering the world of work – either way, good luck! With my teacher hat firmly on I urge you to maintain your focus for one final push and continue Mr M Cavanagh revising – it will be worth it in the long-run. Finally, to anyone Head of House sitting an exam in the forthcoming months – good luck!

Students with consistently high ‘Attitude to Learning’ Y7 Diogo Baptista Erin McVinnie Chenoa Rainer Bryony Roberts Y8 Daniel Bates Rachel Harris Jordan Ketland Madison Taylor Lily Walker Tom Walters Y9 Millie Bates Carl Corns Megan Grantham Emma Guest Sophie Mercer Charley Ottey Jasmine Rainer Conor Rigby Molly Skelding Y10 Amy Beech Ryan Davies Amy Dyas Kyle Gardner Dylan Ottey Heather Smith Emily Upton Natalie Wain Callum Warren Y11 Fern Nelson Charlie Walker Holly Woods

House Information Valley House I would like to provide you with an overview of the outstanding Valley House assemblies this term.

Achievement Assembly – this assembly rewarded students for their excellent Attitude to Learning and Achievement during the Autumn term, congratulations go to Amy Spooner Y7, Amy Griffin Y11, Aime Howe Y10, Charley Beech Y7, Caitlin Cockayne Y8, Kezia Robinson Y8, Charlie Hill Y11, Tom Horton Y11, Lois Brindley Y9 and Craig Richards Y7, who received the ‘Head of House Award’ for commitment to their studies.

Bake-Off—Three lucky judges, were able to sample the fantastic cupcakes that were made by students. Luke Rowlands Y7 and Louie Smith Y8, were the winners and went on to compete against the other House winners in the ‘Bake Off’ final.

Gratitude—this assembly was produced and delivered by students in V-JDR who explained the meaning of ‘Gratitude’ and why we should show this in our lives.

All students who took part deserve credit for the outstanding character shown in delivering the assembly to the rest of the House.

House Charity—In February, Hannah from ‘Katharine House Hospice’ in Stafford came into our assembly to thank students for their fundraising efforts last term.

In addition to receiving a cheque for £187, Hannah spoke to the students about how the money would be used by the Hospice as well as the importance of fundraising efforts to help support them. The money was raised from the ‘Christmas Fayre’ and the ‘Give Care not Cards’ activity.

Students have recently been attempting to create the best decorated egg, not only to win Easter Eggs for themselves but also to raise money for ‘Katharine House’ as they donated to enter the competition. There will be more news on this in the next Newsletter.

House Council Update—Tutor Reps recently met with Mrs Seargent, Lead Tutor for Valley House, to discuss a variety of topics such as; Tutor Time activities, homework and how we can help support our House Charity in the future.

Thank you—This is the final newsletter before Y11 students take their exams. I would like to thank Y11 students Liam Allen and Lacey Stevens for being fantastic House Captains and also Charlie Hill, Isabelle Rogers, Casey Jones, James Greenhill, Elleshia Larner, Sophie Wattis, Vicki Egan, Olivia Dakin, Hollie-Bea Martin and Bethany O’Sullivan who performed their role as Prefects with great distinction this year.

I would like to wish everyone connected to Valley House a Happy Easter and hope you enjoy a restful break.

Mr R Broomhall Head of House

Students with consistently high ‘Attitude to Learning’ Y7 Emily Harley Ellie Jones Neahve Jones Cullen Peaty Craig Richards Y8 Madison Griffiths Abbie Newton Kieran Ramah Kyle Ramah Louie Smith Bethany Webb Y9 Abigail Grice Reece Hawkins Jai Ramah Louise Smith Hollie Spooner Mitchell Wright Y10 Oliver Butler Isobel Cummings Hollie Davis Ellie Merricks Elisha Pearce Daniel Robinson Drew Roden Jess Smith Thomas Stevens Ethan Thronton Emily Wilkinson Y11 Liam Allen Ashley Dempster Charlie Hill Casey Jones Myles Pearson

House Information Wimblebury House

Yet another busy term has almost passed in the Wimblebury calendar. First of all I would like to say a big thank you to Mr Higho and the Wimblebury Tutors for looking after our House so brilliantly whilst I was indisposed.

We raised money for our charity ‘Breatheasy’ by running a fantastic popcorn stand at the ‘Christmas Fayre’. To continue our fundraising each classroom has a ‘Small Change Chooseday’ collection box, where students can drop any small change they have collected into the box every Tuesday. We also had two finalists in the ‘Great Kingsmead Bake Off’; Travis Bishop Y8 and Sophie Nutting Y11, who came second overall so a big well done to her!

I would like to give my thanks to our Wimblebury Prefects, who I know enjoyed a meal out at ‘Spice Bazaar’ as a reward for their efforts. We are currently choosing and training new Prefects from Y10 to take over the role after the Easter break. A huge thank you has to go to our Y11 House Captains; Liam Pinson and Kayleigh Ghent who have been outstanding in carrying out their duties and roles.

A special mention needs to go to the following Wimblebury House students for excellence in extracurricular activities; Morgan Watkins Y10 and Connor Appleton Y10, who are ‘Swimming Instructors’, Lewis Powell Y9, who is a ‘County Golfer’, Matthew Hill Y9, who is in the ‘ATC 1872 Squadron Air Cadets’, Sam Nicholson Y7, who is a ‘County Swimmer’, Jay Harrison Y7, who is now a ‘Black Stripe, Taekwondo’, Chloe Heeley Y10, who competes in ‘Acrobatic Gymnastics’ at National level and Oliver Cooper Y9, who is now the ‘Midlands under 46kg Boxing Champion’. That is just a sample of the outstanding students in Wimblebury House and I look forward to mentioning more of them in the Summer edition of the Newsletter.

We have had several House Reps’ meetings this term and are currently working on ideas for activities at the end of term and ideas for our Summer charity activity in 2016. Any fund raising ideas from parents are extremely welcome.

I would like to take this opportunity to formally wish good luck to all the Wimblebury students taking exams over the Summer and say goodbye to Y13 and Y11’s who are not staying into Sixth Form. Take advantage of extra revision and support on offer to prepare for the exams and then enjoy your Summer break. I look forward to seeing big smiles in August on results days.

Enjoy the Easter break, please eat loads of chocolate and lets have an action packed trophy-winning Summer term!

Ms A Evans Head of House

Students with consistently high ‘Attitude to Learning’ Y7 Olivia Elcock Jamie Obee Lauren Pearse James Sephton Y8 Isla Henley Roan Lilly Thomas Pinson Georgia Thompson Y9 Byron Morrell Megan Nicholson Lewis Powell Ashleigh Radford Cara Slade Katy Wilcox Y10 Jay Boora Milly Edwards Chloe Heeley Joshua Lilly Simran Kaur Lucy Radjenovic Emily Watson Y11 Kayleigh Ghent Scarlett Oakes Emily Phillips Liam Pinson

Future Events Y7 Progress Evening Thursday 23rd April 4:30pm —7:00pm

Contact information Kingsmead School Kings Avenue Hednesford

Y12/Y13 BTEC Drama Performance Tuesday 28th April 7:00pm Y8 Progress Evening Wednesday 29th April 4:30pm—7:00pm Y13 Leavers Assembly Friday 22nd May Primary Sports Day Tuesday 23rd June

Cannock

Y10 History Trip to Rome 23rd—26th June

Staffs

Sports Day Tuesday 30th June

WS12 1DH 01543 512455 office@kingsmead.staffs.sch.uk

Y6 Induction Days Wednesday 24th June & Wednesday 1st July Y6 Induction Evening Wednesday 1st July 6:00pm—7:30pm Y11 Prom Thursday 2nd July

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Y12 Work Placement Week Monday 6th—Friday 10th July