King Edward VI School
Start of Term Bulletin 11 September, 2015
T
he final weeks of the summer holiday finished with some weather better suited for rugby than the beach. Many students were a little pallid on their return to school but the positive side is that our pitches are in excellent condition.
CALLING ALL PARENTS & FRIENDS OF KES Once again this year we are inviting parents and friends of King Edward VI School to join forces with our School choir and orchestra for the Carol Service at Romsey Abbey on
Monday 14 December at 7.30pm
We have enjoyed some fine academic results, particularly at IGCSE with over 55% of all grades at A* and 82% at A* and A; 83% of A level grades were at A*, A and B with over 40% of the year group gaining 3 A grades or more each.
If you sing and read a little music we would be pleased to welcome you into our SATB choir. There will be a few evening rehearsals for those who need to learn notes and then one massed rehearsal for pupils and adults. If you have sung in our adult choir previously you will automatically receive full details about repertoire and rehearsals. If you are a new parent to the School and would like further details please email Mrs Freemantle on hf@kes.hants.sch.uk.
Our students have enjoyed a wide range of opportunities over the summer holiday including the Summer Camp in Swanage, the away leg of the Mutterstadt Exchange, the Geogedacht team in South Africa, the sports tour to South Africa, the trekking trip to the Himalayas and the Watersports holiday in France as well as various Duke of Edinburgh expeditions.
A Fifth Year Physics trip is being organised to Thorpe Park on 13 October and the whole year group is invited to take part in this fun and educational day out. Students will attend a workshop in the morning, which is directly related to the Kinematics and Dynamics topics studied in the IGCSE course and there will be time afterwards for students to experience some of the rides. The trip departs at 08:30 and will return at approximately 18:00.
We welcome a number of new staff this term. Mr Collinson is the new Assistant Head (Pastoral), Miss Champion and Ms Gadsbey will be teaching English, Mr Evans, Music, Mrs Kairis, Religious Studies, Mrs Kent and Mrs Penn, PE, Mr Jessep and Mr Rosenburg, Mathematics and Mrs Sheridan, Design Technology. Mr Dellar becomes Senior Deputy Head, Dr Waymark takes over as Deputy Head (Academic), Mrs Sheppard is the new Assistant Head (Registrar), Mrs Kelly the Head of Lower School, Miss Stone is the Head of the First Year and Mrs Platten the new Head of Mathematics.
Mysteries of Ancient Rome Lecture First and Second Year pupils are invited to attend a lecture at Cantell School which promises to be inspirational for any budding authors. Places can be reserved through your child’s Latin teacher and transport will be available. Click here for more information. CAR PARKING We would like to remind all parents that parking or obstructing the zig-zag markings outside the principal entrances to the School is a traffic offence. Please make a point of keeping these areas clear at all times, particularly when delivering or collecting your children.
I wish you a very good term and look forward to meeting you at various KES events. AJ Thould
Wellington Woe!
SPEECH DAY 2015 Friday 18 September at The Mayflower Theatre at 2.30pm
Sadly our recently completed pavilion was seriously damaged in July as a result of a burst pipe and it will not be available for use until the middle of September although thankfully the changing facilities were unaffected.
The Chief Guest will be Mandy Hickson, a former Royal Air Force Tornado GR4 pilot All parents are welcome Click here for invitation and more information NO LATE BUSES 1
Sailing
CLUBS AND SOCIETIES Co-curricular activities form an integral part of life at King Edward’s and we are very proud of the number of opportunities on offer. We would like our students to participate in at least two activities. Click here to view the extensive Autumn 2015 list of Clubs and Societies.
The School has recently formed a Partnership with Southampton Water Activites Centre (SWAC). SWAC are very generously offering all pupils, their parents and siblings 20% off any of their courses. In addition, they are offering KES pupils and their families the chance to learn to Paddleboard or Row. Courses are for 15-25 year olds and cost just £30. They will run after School for 4 weeks from 21 September. More information on timings, or bookings, can be made direct with SWAC on 02380 915753.
SITE MATTERS You may be aware that the next major building project at KES will be a new theatre, Art Department, enhanced Sixth Form Concourse and Upper School area. Planning permission has now been granted and you can take a look at the plans by clicking here.
In addition, School sailing will take place at SWAC on weekends throughout the year, using their range of dinghies and safety boats. Qualified KES staff will run the sessions alongside SWAC staff. Weekend sailing times are published on the notice board opposite J1 and on the School website. For more information click here.
HIGHER EDUCATION Work Shadowing 2015/2016 The Student Guidance Faculty will help Lower Sixth students find and organise work shadowing opportunities. Click here for details of how invaluable this opportunity is and how to participate in the 2015-16 scheme. Intending Applicants for Medicine The following opportunities have been offered to those Upper Sixth students who hope to make an application to one of the UK’s medical schools: 18 Sept: Deadline for UCAS applications and for registering for the UKCAT (on line) and BMAT (via examinations office) 29 Sept: BMAT practice. 19 Oct: A few remaining places for practice interviews.
Attention KES Equestrians If any pupil would like to represent the School in NSEA events this year, please email Mrs Munro, a KES parent who very kindly manages this for our pupils. Lorna.Munro@blakemorgan.co.uk NOTE FROM THE MEDICAL TEAM If a pupil sustains a significant injury, parents are asked to ensure that their son or daughter visits the medical room as soon as they return to School. If the pupil is incapacitated suitable arrangements will then be put in place to help them.
For BMAT practice and practice interviews please sign up with RMG or KJ.
COMMUNICATION Under normal circumstances parents may expect a response to communication within 3 working days during term time. Parents are asked to understand that staff are very busy and are not always in a position to respond immediately, though obviously any urgent matters will be prioritised. During School holidays, issues which require urgent attention should be directed to the Main Office or to enquiries@kes.hants.sch.uk.
HOMEWORK TIMETABLES Homework timetables can be found by clicking here and referring to the year group you require.
Parents’ Evening Dates Year
Date
Upper Sixth
Thursday 17 September 2015
First
Thursday 19 November 2015
Lower Sixth
Tuesday 24 November 2015
Fourth
Wednesday 2 December 2015
Fifth
Wednesday 3 February 2016
Third
Tuesday 23 February 2016
Second
Thursday 3 March 2016
SIXTH FORM INFORMATION EVENING Wednesday 21 October This evening is an occasion for Fifth Year pupils and external candidates, to find out more information about the subject choices on offer and wider Sixth Form life. Teachers and Sixth Form students from all academic departments will be present, so this is an excellent opportunity to find out more about A Level study and discuss your preferred options. There will be short presentations from the Head and the Director of Sixth Form, as well as a chance to hear from Sixth Formers about their choices and the academic opportunities available in the Sixth Form. 2
Turner Sims Southampton Tuesday 20 October 7.30pm
There are copies of both the Parents’ Guide and Sixth Form Parents’ Guide on the School website. These publications contain a wealth of information about life at King Edward’s. Click here to access copies of each Guide. If you would like a paper version, please contact the Main Office and a copy will be sent in the post.
Chamber Orchestra and Chamber Choir in concert with the Southbank Sinfonia. Programme to include movements from Beethoven Symphony 6, Dvorak New World Symphony First Movement and Overture to Barber of Seville by Rossini.
KETA TRANSPORT Temporary Bus Passes Pupils wishing to obtain a temporary bus pass to enable them to travel on a different route must arrange this through the Main Office giving at least 48 hours notice. Temporary passes will only be available on buses where there is spare capacity.
Tickets £8 via KESpay - click here to purchase. Charlotte Exchange Team Building This year’s Charlotte Exchange Team will be be taking part in a team building weekend at Lovaton on 2 - 4 October. For more information, please email Mrs Burnett on lcb@kes.hants.sch.uk
Staff and Parent Prayer Meeting A prayer meeting will be held on Tuesday 29 September between 1pm and 2pm in the Commemoration Room. This is an informal time with refreshments, followed by some updates, information and a time of open prayer. All welcome.
Procedure for if your child is ill and unable to attend school To enable us to be sure of the whereabouts and safety of our students it is important that you contact the Main Office (02380 704561) or by email absent@kes.hants.sch.uk as soon as possible, preferably by 8.30am, if your child is ill or is going to be late.
Expedition to Central America 2017 Following this Summers Expedition to India Himalaya, Mr Havers will be launching an Expedition to Central America for July 2017. This Expedition will be open to current Fourth and Fifth Years and as in previous years this will involve a 2 year period of training, fund raising and personal development.
If the illness is on-going please contact the Main Office each day that your child is absent.
More information is available here and detailed applications forms are available from Mr Havers.
We would also be grateful if you would reinforce the need for your child to report to the Main Office if they arrive late to School.
SPORTING NOTES
School Policies
Saturday fixtures Parents should be reminded that the School expects students to be available to represent the School if selected for Saturday sports fixtures. The full expectations document can be found here.
Parents can access all School policies on the website by clicking here. New Pupils’ & Parents’ Evening 24 September at 7pm
Sporting Success We are always very keen to celebrate sporting success at King Edward’s. If your son or daughter achieves success in their chosen sport at county level or higher please let the school know by emailing Mr Kent, Director of Sport on dk@kes.hants.sch.uk
Parents of new pupils are invited to the Sixth Form Concourse and Dobson Theatre where refreshments will be served. This is an informal evening, run by KES PTA, where parents will have the opportunity to meet with some staff, members of the PTA and, most importantly, the parents of other new pupils. Alongside this, Sixth Formers will be running a fun evening of activities for the new pupils to give them a chance to meet others. Click First Year, Third Year or Lower Sixth for more information. Parents of new Fourth Year pupils can click on the Third Year link for details but please note that there are no activities arranged for Fourth Year pupils.
Substance Abuse Talk for Parents Monday 5 October at 7.00pm - Dobson Theatre Bob Tait, of Drug Education UK is a former member of the Royal Navy Drugs Education Team and he has been working with the School on Drug and Alcohol Education for many years. He delivers sessions to our students as part of our PSHE programme. The talk will last for approximately one hour with time at the end for questions. 3
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Thursday 17 Sept Friday 18 Sept Thursday 24 Sept Wednesday 21 Oct Thursday 22 Oct Friday 23 Oct - Friday 30 Oct Monday 2 Nov Friday 6 Nov Tuesday 10 Nov Friday 13 Nov Monday 16 Nov
Upper Sixth Parents’ Evening Speech Day at Mayflower Theatre New Pupils’ & Parents’ Evening Sixth Form Information Evening INSET Day Half Term Autumn Term resumes KES PTA New Parent Wine Tasting KES PTA AGM Open Evening: School ends at 3pm INSET Day
Calling all Adult Singers!
Please note: A more comprehensive calendar, which is updated and reviewed regularly, is available on our website.
SHOE BOX APPEAL
Are you a keen and experienced singer? Would you be interested in singing in a concert alongside a professional orchestra? KES Chamber Choir will be performing extracts from Poulenc's Gloria in concert alongside the Southbank Sinfonia on October 20th and we are looking for adult singers to augment the number of singers. There would be a commitment to two evening rehearsals and a short rehearsal on the evening of the concert itself. If you are interested, please contact Miss Anderson at ima@kes.hants.sch.uk
The Charities Commission once again launches its Shoe Box Appeal on 21 September. Pupils are encouraged to fill a shoe box with presents and other useful items to be sent out to children in Romania, Moldova, Bulgaria, Ukraine and Albania. Leaflets can be collected from the Main Office with information about what may or may not be included. Please remember to attach your £2 for postage and do not seal the lids. Completed shoe boxes should be taken to the Main Office by 16 October. More information from Mrs Potter on rkp@kes.hants.sch.uk.
TERM DATES 2015 - 2017
FIRST YEAR TOY APPEAL FUN RUN The local Toy Appeal, run by Southampton Voluntary Services, has spread the festive spirit to thousands of children over the last few years. On Tuesday 13 October the First Year pupils, along with some Sixth Formers, will run a lap of the School as their favourite toy or character to help raise money to buy Christmas presents for those children in the South who may not otherwise get one.
Autumn Term 2015: Wed 2 Sept – Thurs 17 Dec (Half-term Friday 23 – Friday 30 Oct incl.) INSET Days: Tues 1 Sept, Thurs 22 Oct & Mon 16 Nov Spring Term 2016: Tues 5 Jan – Thurs 24 March (Half-term: Mon 15 – Friday 19 February) INSET Days: Mon 4 Jan, Friday 12 Feb & Mon 14 March Summer Term 2016: Tues 19 April – Friday 8 July (Bank holiday – Mon 2 May) (Half-term: Mon 30 May to Friday 3 June) INSET Day: Mon 18 April
Mindfulness Training Annie Davison, our School Counsellor, is a qualified Mindfulness Teacher for Teens. Mindfulness is training in concentration and self-awareness which can help young people respond better to the demands of performing well at school and with interactions with their peer group and family. Students who have participated in this training have said it has helped them, not only with stress, anxiety and relationships but also with concentration and sleep problems. This year, Annie will be running Mindfulness Courses, which will be open to students of all age groups. You can find more about it by clicking here to access details from the School website. More information about the specific course can be found at www.mindfulnessinschools.org.
Autumn Term 2016 Tues 6 Sept- Thurs 15 Dec (Half Term Friday 21 Oct - Mon 31 Oct incl.) INSET Days: Mon 5 Sept, Thursday 20 Oct and Mon 14 Nov Spring Term 2017 Wed 4 Jan - Friday 31 March (Half Term Mon 20 - Friday 24 February incl.) INSET Days: Tues 3 January, Friday 17 Feb & Mon 13 March Summer Term 2017 Tues 25 April - Friday 14 July (Half Term Mon 29 May - Friday 2 June incl.) INSET Day: Monday 24 April
If you, as parents, are interested in learning more about Mindfulness, then please contact Annie on ad@kes.hants.sch.uk. 4