Lower School Information Booklet 2020
Contents
Daily Routine School Structure Friends The First Day New pupil Worries Letters Top Tips Top iPad Tips Clubs Sport Music The House system Junior House Merits ID Cards
School meals Sandwiches The Library ICT and iPads Homework KETA Buses Cycling Trips and Events Lockers Lost Property Charities Who’s Who Nursing Team Looking Back
Daily Routine There is a two-week timetable (Week A and Week B). The plan for the day during both weeks is as follows: 8.40 am 8.45 am
9.10 am – 10.00 am 10.05 am – 10.55 am 10.55 am – 11.15 am 11.15 am – 12.05 pm 12.10 pm – 1.00 pm 1.00pm – 2.10 pm 2.10 pm – 3.00 pm 3.05 pm – 3.55 pm 3.55 pm
Group period Full school assembly on Mon and Tues. Sectional assembly every other Thurs. Extended Group period on Wed and Fri Period 1 Period 2 Break Period 3 Period 4 Lunch Period 5 Period 6 End of day
There are many clubs and activities that take place during lunchtimes and after school - see the full list later on.
School Structure At King Edward’s everybody is placed in a Tutor Group, a Form and a House. You will be in a Lower School tutor group (L1 – L18) with about 7 or 8 Third Years and a similar number of Second Years. You will be in your Tutor Group every day for registration – so you get to know these people really well. Your Tutor Group also gives you your House: • • • • • •
L1, L2, L3 are all in Capon L4, L5, L6 are all in Lake L7, L8, L9 are all in Lawrence L10, L11, L12 are all in Reynolds L13, L14, L15 are all in Sylvester L16, L17, L18 are all in Watts
As well as your House and Tutor Group, you’ll also be in one of seven forms (eg: 3-1 or 3-2 etc). You will have most of your lessons with people in your form, but not all of them because you will be taught in different groups based on which options you chose (for Third Year - DT, Music, TS or Art) and which languages you are studying.
Friends When you first start at King Edward’s, you may not know anyone, but you’ll quickly meet loads of nice people and find friends to hang around with. It isn’t easy starting in a completely different school but remember that you’re not the only one in this position.
If you can, try to attend the early season hockey or rugby practices. There is hockey for the girls and rugby for the boys. It is a great way to meet people who will be in your class and year. It is good fun even if you have never played that sport before.
New pupil worries Everyone has worries when they start a new school. Here are some of the worries that previous new pupils had when they first started at KES. I’ll get lost and end up being late for my lessons… You’ll be in your Form for lots of your lessons, and your Form Buddy will take you to these. Sometimes you’ll have to go to a different place for languages or one of your options, for instance. When that happens, just pluck up the courage to ask anybody in your class, or anyone in the corridors, the way to your next lesson and they’ll help you. Also, all the teachers and other pupils went through this once – and we all got lost more than once! Don’t worry, if you are a little late in the first few days, your teachers will understand. I’ll lose everything… Every now and then people accidentally lose things – don’t worry. If you do lose something, like PE kit, then check the Sports Hall lost property or the caretakers’ office in the North playground. It costs 20p per item to get it out again and all the money goes to charity. Make sure your items are named as this will mean items will eventually find their way back to you. Finally, if you lose your ID card you can always get a new one (a small charge applies).
I’ll find all the work really difficult… You don’t need to worry about this one because you have already been selected to join the school. If you are finding it a bit tough just ask the teacher to go over the content that you are not sure about. They’re always happy to help. I’ll feel unwell during school… There’s a team of school nurses. You’ll meet them towards the beginning of term. If you are unwell then you should go to the medical room to see one of them. You can ask to leave a lesson if you need to. If necessary, they will phone home to let your parents know you are unwell, and they might arrange for your parents to come and collect you. Don’t be worried about asking to go and see them if you need to, they are there to help you.
I won’t make any friends… All the teaching sets at the start of Second and Third Year are different from before, so everybody is having to make new friends. Joining a club is a great way to meet some new people.
Here are a few letters written by pupils who joined KES in the Second and Third Year that may give you some other hints about settling in: Dear Future Third Year Pupil, Congratulations on passing your entrance exam! Now you’ve arrived at KES, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed and a bit scared, but I promise there is nothing to worry about. You might feel like you don’t know anybody, or that you will get lost, but your two buddies will be really friendly and make sure you know where your classes are. Even if you do lose your way, teachers are very sympathetic and understanding towards you if you arrive late! You have a lot of things to look forward to at KES. My advice is to join some clubs. There are so many on offer and you will be able to find at least one that interests you! Give it a try and you will meet people in your year who share your interests. You will have a session on using your IPad in school and your tutor and buddy will give you tips on how to keep your locker nice and tidy. Keep on top of your work, enjoy yourself and you’ll settle in really quickly. Good luck! Dear New 3rd Year, Congratulations on passing the exam! Welcome to KES. Now you may be nervous about starting at a new school, but from personal experience I can tell you that after no time you will feel as if you’ve been there forever. Of course some might fit in quicker than others but all the pupils make it super easy for you to settle in and feel comfortable. To begin with you may stay close with your buddy but over time you’ll establish your own friendships and be with your own group. Joining clubs is also helpful in making friends, as you meet people with similar interests as you and definitely eases you into talking to more people. Some good advice would be, spend some time making friends before beginning to focus more of your attention on school work. I found out that having friends definitely made lessons easier as you had people to walk around with and somebody to sit next to. Although, in some lessons there are seating plans.
Dear new lower school pupil, Well done on passing the exams- the hard bit is mostly done now, but I know you must be feeling anxious about starting KES. There is absolutely nothing to worry about: everyone is super friendly and welcoming and you are assigned a buddy to help you in the first few weeks. If you are worried about making friends - don’t be. Everybody is eager to get to know you and you’ll find a group in no time at all. There are so many clubs to join - I did cooking club when I first started and it was so much fun! If you’re a sporty person, you’ll love all the opportunities, especially junior house! However, don’t worry if sport is not your thing, you’ll still enjoy it! The school seems so big at first (I couldn’t even find my locker on the first day!) but you’ll soon get used to it and it’s such a nice change. Finally, just enjoy it! There are so many opportunities and there really is nothing to worry about.
Top iPad Tips • Make sure you download all the required apps before the term starts. Then you won’t feel nervous in the first few days. • Remember to charge your iPad every night. • Don’t rely totally on the Student Planner app. Set yourself reminders too and take home books for that subject if it’s a homework night. • Close non-relevant apps before school. • Prioritise using your iPad for school work, but don’t be afraid to use it at home too. • Don’t get distracted by it when you’re supposed to be doing your homework. • Don’t be afraid to ask a friendly Third Year, or the Digital Leaders in the Library, if you need some help. • You’ll use the iPad in lots of different ways – for revision, research in lessons and for receiving and doing your homework. Don’t worry if it feels strange at first or you find it takes some getting used to.
Clubs King Edward’s is a great place for clubs. With over 100 clubs and societies there is always a great range to choose from. Clubs run at lunchtime or after school. Some run all year and others just for particular terms. It is recommended that you try to join at least two clubs as it’s a great way to meet friends. There’s everything from Art to Wargaming and all sorts in between. There are many sports clubs, including a club for the main sport that you are doing in Games that term. You will only be able to be in a sports team if you turn up to practice after school. If you are not there that day it is most likely you will not be put in the match that week. There is a complete list of clubs on the School website (and the details may change from year to year), but to give you an idea of the range, these were the ones open to Lower School this year in the Autumn. You can see the full list here: https://www.kes.hants.sch.uk/school-life/co-curricularactivities/
Art-Character Design Club Astronomy Society Basketball Club Beekeeping Book Club Cactus Club Charities Commission Lower School Chemistry Clinic Chess Club Classical Society Cookery Club Dance - Ballet Dance - Tap Dance - Streetdance Debating & Public Speaking Society - Lower School Digital Leaders
Tuesday By arrangement Tuesday Friday Wednesday Monday
4.00pm 4.00pm 4.00pm 1.20pm 1.15pm 1.30pm
Art Dept Outdoors Sports Hall M9/the roof Library CL3
Wednesday
1.00pm
L12
Tuesday Every day Friday Wednesday Monday Tuesday Friday
1.00pm Lunchtime 1.30pm 4.00pm 1.00pm 1.00pm 1.00pm
C1 M5 CL5 Dining Room Dance Studio Dance Studio Dance Studio
Wednesday
4.00pm
E1
Friday
1.00pm
Div Soc
Monday A
1.15pm
Drama Club Film Club First Aid Club German Club Greek Club Green Team Greenpower
Tuesday Friday Monday Tuesday Friday Friday Wednesday
1.30pm 1.00pm 4.05pm 1.00pm 1.00pm 1.00pm 4.00pm
Highfield Philosophy Club
Monday
1.00pm
IT4 Hospitality Suite Dobson Theatre CL3 E2 L7 CL5 L12 DT Highfield Primary
Wednesday
1.00pm
H18
Wednesday Weekends, by arrangement Tuesday A
1:00pm
L2
All Day
Various
1.30pm
E4
Tuesday
1.30pm
L6
History Club - Lower School Japanese Kayak and Canoe Club Linguistics at Lunch Lower School Mandarin Club
Maker Computing Club Mindfulness
Wednesday Thursday by arrangement
4.00pm
IT6
1.00pm
H19
Music - Aural
Wednesday Thursday
Music - Big Band Music - Chamber Choir Music - Chamber Orchestra Music - Grade V Theory Music - Rock Academy Music - Senior Choir Music - Sinfonia Music – String Ensemble Music-Sting Sectionals Music Tech Club Paddleboard Club Photography Club Running Club
Tuesday Thursday
1.00pm 4.00pm 1.25pm 4.00pm
Monday
4.00pm
Recital Room
Wednesday Tuesday Friday Thursday Wednesday Monday Friday Various Thursday Wednesday
4.00pm 4.00pm 1.00pm 4.00pm 1.00pm 1.00pm 1.15pm 4.00pm 1.00pm 4.00pm
Practice Room Recital Room Recital Room
Scamp Club School Council Science - Crest Award Science – Junior Science Club Shakespeare Club Spanish Bilingual Club
Tuesday Friday Week B Thursday
1.30pm 1.00pm 1.10pm
MU2 Recital Room Recital Room MU3 Recital Room Recital Room MU1 SWAC M9 Field Southampton Water Activities Centre CL3 H10 J2
Thursday
1.10pm
J1
Friday A Tuesday
1.00pm 1.00pm
Stage Crew
Thursday
1.00pm
Monday
4.00pm
Thursday Monday Monday Wednesday and Thursday Thursday
1.30pm 1.00pm 1.05pm
E2 L4 Dobson Theatre/Art Table Tennis room DT Sports Hall P4
1.00pm
IT5
4.00pm
J2
Sailing Club
Table Tennis Club (Juniors) Technology Club Trampolining Club Ukulele Choir Video Game Club Wargaming
Weekends: see website for details
Sport Sport is a big part of life at School. In the Lower School you will have one PE lesson and a double lesson of Games every week. In PE you will do different activities. These can include basketball, fitness, gymnastics, rounders and athletics. In the Autumn Term boys play rugby and girls play hockey and in the Spring Term this switches to boys playing hockey and girls playing netball. In the Summer Term boys and girls play cricket. You can see from the clubs list that there are lots of different sport clubs that you can attend. There is pretty much something to do every lunchtime and after school if you want to get involved. If you want to join a team it is important to make sure you attend practices. These will be advertised on the website and on noticeboards in the East End of the building near the Sports Hall. Team lists are also put up here, so you should keep an eye on the boards for details of matches, which normally happen on Saturdays. The easiest way to get organised is to look on the website: sports.kes.hants.sch.uk, or download the KES Sports app.
Sports practice sessions take place weekly from 4.05 until 5.15pm. All are welcome to pre-season training. It’s a great way to meet people before you begin at KES – all levels of ability are very welcome. Fitness Suite There is a large gym with cardio and weight equipment which you can use at lunchtimes and after school on certain days. You will have an induction in a PE lesson and shown how to use the machines. You will then get given an ID card and must ensure you sign in and out.
Music at KES The Creative Arts are a fundamental part of life at KES. Joining in with music at school is a great way to make friends, enabling you to master skills such as teamwork and secure good habits of commitment, punctuality, professionalism and stage confidence. There are many ensembles, which rehearse regularly. You don’t usually have to audition, just check you are right standard for the group. There are lots of concerts, trips, workshops, events and even festivals throughout the school year. Music Lessons Everyone has the opportunity to learn a musical instrument or join the different musical groups at KES. You can also arrange to have music lessons here in School to learn a new instrument or improve your playing or singing. The cost is £19 per 30 minute lesson. You can learn piano, clarinet, flute, singing, violin, viola, cello, percussion, music theory and much more! Music lessons are timetabled during the school day but you shouldn’t miss the same lesson every time.
ACTIVITIES Senior Choir An upper school SATB choir Chamber Choir For advanced singers (this is our only choir that requires an audition) Big Band For more advanced jazz musicians Swing Band A Junior Jazz band for Grade IV/V standard players Rock Academy Offers opportunities and guidance for pupils forming rock bands Sinfonia For grade III to V players Symphony Orchestra For orchestral instrumentalists grade V and above Chamber Orchestra For advanced string players grade V and above Music Theory Club For pupils looking to improve their notation and music theory skill Music Tech Club For pupils looking to explore music production software and music technology Ensemble
Day
Time
Room
Teacher
String Sectionals Musical Theatre Club Symphony Orchestra First Year Choir Big Band Rock Academy Junior Swing Band String Quartet Chamber Orchestra Grade V Theory Club Sinfonia Chamber Choir
Monday Monday Monday Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Thursday
1.00pm 1.30pm 4.00pm 1.15pm 1.25pm 4.00pm 1.00pm 1.00pm 4.00pm 4.00pm 4.00pm 4.00pm
Recital Room Mu3 Recital Room Mu3 Recital Room Recital Room Recital Room Mu2 Recital Room Mu2 Mu3 Recital Room
CEF KS CEF TJH TC HK JMRB CEF CEF DE TJH CEF
Chamber Music In addition to the regular rehearsals, students meet in small groups to rehearse chamber music. They prepare for performances in assembly and at other events in school and in the community. Jazz and Rock Music A number of students have formed bands and the Rock Academy holds regular performances for players. Visiting Artists There are regular workshops and master classes with visiting artists, which you might be invited to join, which are really fun. It’s a good plan to make yourself known to the Music department early on so that you can join the groups you really want to be involved with. If you want to start lessons, contact Miss Barnett, the Music Administrator, who will be able to give you more information. You will find her in the Music Administrator’s Office up in the Music Department.
House System At KES there is a House System where all pupils (and most staff) are in one of six houses. In the second to fifth years, pupils are arranged in House Tutor Groups, and throughout the school there are House competitions in most sports, plus other activities like House Chess, the House Quiz and of course Sports Day where everyone competes in track and field events. Each House has a staff Head of House and two student Heads of House (a girl and a boy from the sixth form). The student Heads of House for September will be announced at the end of the Summer term but the staff Heads of House and the colour of your house are; House Capon Lake Lawrence Reynolds Sylvester Watts
Staff Mr Crichton Mr Miller Mr Brown Mr Penn Miss Barron Mrs Walls
Colour Yellow Dark Blue Red Green Light Blue White
Junior House Junior House runs on three Friday evenings after school, during the Autumn and Spring Terms, and it is compulsory to take part. There are usually A, B and C teams so everyone is involved. Loads of people come to watch and cheer on their House. It’s great fun and it is a good way to get to know other Third and Second Years in your House. Activity Rugby Hockey Netball Hockey
Dates 2020/21 11th, 18th and 25th Sept (9th Oct reserve) 26th February, 5th and 19th March
Who’s involved Boys Girls Girls Boys
Other House events, like the House Quiz, take place at different times during the year and you’ll get to hear of them from your Tutor.
Merits Merits are awarded for five different reasons; 1. Attainment 2. Effort 3. Improvement 4. Helpfulness 5. Other When you get a merit, the teacher who gave it to you signs the box on your merit card. When you get five merits, your Tutor signs the box on the right. At ten merits your Head of Year signs the box on the right. Your tutor signs again at fifteen merits. When you have twenty merits you need to tell your Head of Year so that you can have your card signed by the Head, Mr Parker. If you get enough merits for the Head to sign your card three times then you will receive a lovely pen. All the merits collected go towards the House totals for the Allen Grant Trophy. If you have produced an exceptional piece of work then you may be awarded a Digniora from the Head.
ID Cards Your ID card is very important at King Edward’s. It will be used as your lunch card, library card, bus pass and of course your identity card. Don’t worry, you’ll be shown how to use it on your first day. Cards are blue if you have school lunches and yellow if you have sandwiches. The school gates are operated by these cards. You simply scan your card and push the turnstile; it’s that simple. You must keep your card safe and in good condition (or it won’t work in the scanners). If you lose it you’ll have to pay £5 to get a new one.
School Meals Breakfast Every morning between 8.00am and 8.30am breakfast is served in the dining room. Really tasty cooked breakfasts are available at a reasonable price and are very popular. If you live quite a long way away and have to leave home early, it is lovely to be able to have breakfast here and it is a nice place to chat to your friends. Lunch Lunch break is from 1.00pm until 2.10pm. There are two lunch sittings; 1.00pm and 1.15pm. On Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays the Lower School have first lunch sitting and on the other days the Upper School have first sitting. Here’s an example of a typical day’s menu (and there are always vegetarian choices as well): Salad Bar; Selection of salads Pasta Bar; Pomodoro or Chicken Torino Jacket Potato; Baked beans and/or cheese, tuna, meatballs Soup; Home made and different each day Baguettes; Selection of rolls/baguettes on Tues & Thurs Main servery; Italian style chicken, pork casserole or creamy vegetables en croute served with new potatoes, minted peas or salad Desserts; Banoffee pie, custard, mousse, cookie, yoghurt or fresh fruit.
Sandwiches If you don’t want to have school lunches, then you can choose to bring in a packed lunch.
The Library The Library is open before and after school and you can also go during a break and lunch times. There is a great selection of fiction and non fiction books. If you would like to borrow one, you will just need to take it to one of the desks and you usually have about four weeks to read it. When you wish to return your book, take it back to the desk. If a book is overdue, you get a note in your group base to tell you. Do make sure you ask if there is something they do not have in the library and they will get it for you. You can also buy pens and other bits of stationery form the Library.
ICT (Computers) There are many computer rooms around the school. You are given your own login name, password and email address when you first come to the school. You can use the main IT room at break, lunchtimes and after school. You will be able to copy and save work to your own personal folder in a shared area on the school network. You can access this at home via the school website or directly from your iPad. It’s a really good idea to save your files from your iPad here and then you can access them when you need them. KES Website
This has loads of interesting and useful information on it – everything from fixture and team lists to the latest news and what’s happening that day. Some subjects place work on the website for you to download.
iPads All pupils will be using iPads in School. You will have already had a letter about this and a list of the apps that you will need to have installed. What will you use them for? You’ll be using your iPad in lessons, in most cases, in addition to textbooks and exercise books so you’ll still need to bring your pencil case with you. How you use them will vary depending on the subject but expect to be creating lots of content on it as the year progresses. What if you forget it or it needs charging? There will be a small number of iPads and chargers available to hire for the day, should you forget yours. These will be available from the library and you will be charged a small amount to borrow one for the day. They may not have all the apps that you need installed though so you can’t rely on these. There are answers to lots of frequently asked questions on the school website: http://ipad.kes.hants.sch.uk
Homework Every night you will receive up to three pieces of homework. Each one should take you up to about half an hour to complete. They will be set through the Student Planner app mainly. Make sure you are clear exactly what your homework is and don’t be afraid to ask the teacher if you’re not sure. Some homework tasks will have to be handed in the next day, others may not be collected for a few days. It is good to try to do your homework on the night it is set – if you don’t, you will be left with lots to do on the weekend.
KETA Buses Buses are one of the easiest ways to get to school. The buses are sorted by colours (your parents will have received something about this from School). There are sixth formers on every bus to make sure everyone behaves, help you if you need it and make it a friendly experience. At the end of the day the buses leave at 4.10pm and there are late buses which leave at 5.30pm. Be prompt – the buses generally leave on time. If you miss the late bus (but try not to!) then don’t worry; there is always a member of staff on duty to help you if there are any problems. Just go to the Crush Hall.
Cycling If you don’t take the bus to school then you can ride your bike, walk or travel by car. Cycling in groups or with a friend is especially great. King Edward’s has a bike rack so you can keep your bike locked up there. You will need to have your ID card activated so that you can open the gate on Kellett Road to bring your bike onto the school grounds – it won’t fit through the turnstiles. If you do cycle to school remember to wear brightly coloured clothing and use a light in the winter so that drivers can see you, and always wear a helmet.
Trips and Events Every year there are a number of trips on offer to Lower School students. Some of them are cultural, such as the language or history trips, others are more geared towards sports or leisure activities. This is the list of trips which ran this year for the Third Year, but the details may well change over the course of next year and it’s best to check the noticeboards/website often and ask your teachers for details: Language German Trip
Dates December
Details Aachen Christmas Market
Spanish Trip
Easter
CĂłrdoba
Trip/Event Geography Trip
Dates November
Details Natural History Museum
Science Trip
July
Space Camp Belgium
Details of all School trips can be found here https://intranet.kes.hants.sch.uk/tripsandvisits/futureplans
Most trips are advertised first in the monthly bulletin and tend to be oversubscribed and get booked up early – so find out exactly what’s on offer and pay your deposit as soon as possible to ensure you get a place. The Ski Trip and Watersports trips are already full but you can get involved next year. In the Fourth Year it’s worth knowing that there are more language trips, a ski trip, a watersports trip, a residential Geography trip and there can also be music or sports tours. If you miss out this year, don’t worry, there will be many other opportunities.
Lockers All Third Year pupils share a locker with one or two other pupils from their Tutor Group. Each locker has a combination lock so they are safe and secure. If you forget your code then the Mrs Canty can arrange for the code to be reset for you. Mrs Canty’s office is behind reception. The lockers are quite big and you can keep all your books, bags, coats, games kit, hockey sticks etc. in there. There is also a special kit room for large bits of sports equipment bags such as hockey and cricket bags. If you play a musical instrument then you will be able to keep it in a music locker. These do have a key so make sure you don’t lose them. Your Tutor will check your lockers regularly so you have to keep them clean and ordered.
Lost Property If you lose something like an article of clothing or sports gear, you can find it in Lost Property, which is the building opposite the kitchen. Lost Property is open every day at first break and there is a fee of 20p (which goes to charity) when you redeem an article. Glasses and pencil cases are kept in the Main School Office. Calculators, watches and valuables are looked after by Mr Collinson. Computer memory sticks will be passed to the IT department. If you lose your music locker key, you’ll be able to borrow one for the day. If you cannot find your key then you can buy a new one for £5. The most important thing to remember is to name everything; that way it will get back to you.
Charities Throughout the school year, many teachers and students set up fundraising tasks, which generate thousands of pounds each year. These can be anything from donut sales to fun runs to concerts. Some of the charities we support are in the UK and some are local to the School. Some charities are abroad such as the Goedgedacht project. This is a development programme set up to help farm workers, and their families in South Africa escape from the continuous cycles of poverty, which have trapped them for so many generations. You can also join Charities Commission to get more involved.
Who’s Who? Name: Mr N Parker Job: Head What subject do you teach? Music What do you enjoy most about KES? Wonderful, engaged pupils and friendly colleagues What are your hobbies? Playing the piano, walking and going to the gym What did you want to be when you were younger? A footballer, then a musician, then a teacher What is your favourite animal? Dogs, especially Max, my in-law’s pet! What star sign are you? Gemini Any advice for new Lower School pupils? Try new things, meet new people and be kind to those you meet along the way!
Name: Mrs L Henderson Job: Head of Lower School and Head of First Year What subjects do you teach? P.E., Games, Junior Science, Sports Science What do you enjoy most about KES? The people, both teachers and pupils. What are your hobbies? Climbing, netball, reading and canoeing What did you want to be when you were younger? A Physiotherapist What is your favourite animal? Dog What star sign are you? Aquarius Do you run any clubs? Netball, Cricket, Climbing, Second Year Camp and Duke of Edinburgh Any advice for new Lower School pupils? Get stuck in!
Name: Mr C Jackson Job: Head of Third Year What subjects do you teach? Junior Science and Biology What do you enjoy most about KES? Working with amazing staff and pupils What are your hobbies? Hockey and windsurfing mainly, but just about any activity involving the sea and waves. I’m just about to try hydrofoiling! What did you want to be when you were younger? RAF Pilot (and I nearly was!) What is your favourite animal? Small brown and white Cocker Spaniel with an amazing hairdo – answers to the name of ‘nutters’ What star sign are you? Gemini Do you run any clubs? Not sure yet, but am sure I’ll be on the hockey pitch! Any advice for new Lower School pupils? Take every opportunity that comes your way and be nice to each other – you can never have enough kind people in the world.
Name: Mrs L Burnett Job: Head of Second Year What subjects do you teach? Biology What do you enjoy most about KES? Working with polite, enthusiastic and motivated young people and watching them develop What are your hobbies? I enjoy fitness, cooking and travelling (and researching the next place to travel!) What did you want to be when you were younger? I used to want to be a primary school teacher but decided I wanted to enthuse people about my subject Biology too! What is your favourite animal? Cats! I have a pet cat called Pippa but I also love big cats and have spent time tracking them in the wild. What star sign are you? Pisces – I do love the water and scuba diving! Do you run any clubs? I run a partnerships club with a local primary school where we do fun science experiments – you may like to help out with this later on. You may additionally see me on DoE where I train Bronze Level participants. Any advice for new Lower School pupils? Remember you are not alone and staff and students are here to support you, please feel like you can come anytime to the Lower School Office for help and advice. Try as many new opportunities as possible – you may never know what might become your new hobby!
Name: Mrs E Walls Job: Assistant Head of Lower School What subjects do you teach? Geography and Games What do you enjoy most about KES? I enjoy working with enthusiastic students and having the opportunity to watch them thrive both inside and outside the classroom. What are your hobbies? I enjoy baking, playing netball, skiing and travelling. What did you want to be when you were younger? I have always wanted to be a Geography teacher. My Mum taught me Geography at school so it runs in the family! What is your favourite animal? Cats. The family cat is called Suzie and she has been with us for 18 years. What star sign are you? Aquarius. Do you run any clubs? In the spring term I run a netball team with training after school and matches on Saturdays. When you are in the Fourth Year you may come across me on Duke of Edinburgh, as I am a trainer and assessor for the Bronze Award. Any advice for new Lower School pupils? Try as many co-curricular clubs and activities as you can. They are a great way to meet new friends and experience something different. Do come to the Lower School Office at any time should you want any help or advice.
Nursing and Counselling Team There is a team of nurses lead by Mrs A Cox, a School Counsellor called Mrs Annie Davison and a School Chaplain. They are all friendly and supportive and they’re here to help. Their doors are always open. You’ll meet them during the new pupil lunch for new Second and Third Years early on in September.
Looking Back… “When I was about to go in on my first day, I was really nervous and I had been worrying throughout the entire holidays. I thought I wouldn't know anybody and wouldn't fit in. I was so wrong. I went in and knew lots of people that I had met before and recognised. It was a bit strange at first but it soon got easier to navigate around the school and now seems reasonably small. But if you try not to worry, it makes things a whole lot easier for yourself!”