Newsletter of King Edward VI School
Founded 1553
From The Head It is said that after every storm, the sun must surely shine. At KES this summer term, we have experienced this both literally and metaphorically. Literally, because as I look out over the tents that have provided year group ‘bubble’ shelters for the pupils this year, I can see that they are looking a little worse for wear after the May downpours. But metaphorically too, as we look to fill the final few weeks of the term with some of the joy and laughter that has perhaps been harder to inspire under the clouds of the long months of the pandemic. I am eternally grateful to the pupils, who have been optimistic and engaged and cheerful this academic year, regardless of circumstances. I am more grateful yet to my colleagues, both teaching and nonteaching staff, who have given every ounce of energy to nurture a joy in education and school despite all. It has been a long hard winter, but now the sun is shining brightly, thanks in no small part to their efforts and dedication. When I read this edition of KonnEctionS, it seems that normality
has been resumed. Our students have been getting involved in academic and co-curricular enrichment; they have observed some of the typical schoolleaver rites of passage; they have shown off their talent and creativity in live performances. It is easy to glean from this impressive list of endeavour that all is now well with the world. But of course, this hides the truth – that for every event described, many more hours of planning have been needed, so that there was a Plan A, Plan B and often a Plan C at the ready to cover all eventualities. It is these hidden efforts that need to be acknowledged. Without them, KES would have been a poorer place in this extraordinary year: because of them we have flourished and remained true to our values of academic rigour alongside a breadth of participation and opportunity. The pupils have remained busy because the staff have been busier than ever. There is much that I could choose to highlight here, but I want to select just one example. In June, our Fifth Years and Upper Sixth students, having completed their assessments
for the ‘teacher assessment grades’ which have this summer replaced traditional examinations, were invited to participate in a unique ‘Activities Week’. At the end of a year filled with uncertainty and pressure for these particular year groups, we wanted them simply to enjoy a week of sociable fun. The vast majority chose to join us and filled their week with water sports, music, debating, climbing or any of the other opportunities on offer. Even as we rushed towards the deadline for school submissions of student grades and conducted rigorous quality control checks and balances on the grades to be entered, so a myriad of teachers volunteered to give yet more of their time to making this all possible. It was a brilliant week, made possible by brilliant staff. Enjoy your summer, and enjoy this edition of KonnEctionS. Neal Parker Head
King Edward VI School Wilton Road . Southampton . Hampshire SO15 5UQ Telephone: 023 8070 4561
www.kes.hants.sch.uk