WELCOME FROM THE HEAD OF MIDDLE YEARS
Dear Parents, Guardians and Pupils,
I am delighted to welcome you to the Middle Years and am very much looking forward to sharing your journey through these formative years. The Middle Years are such an important part of life at King’s: a time where ambitions are built, resilience is mastered, and kindness can flourish. It is also a time when pupils are becoming more independent, trying new activities, and taking on more responsibility. This helps them to make decisions and work out just who they are and what they want to be. Achieving independence is an essential part of a pupil’s journey, and we aim to help our pupils grow successfully by fostering a curious, caring, and confident approach.
Progressing into the Middle Years is an exciting time, but understandably one that might make some pupils feel nervous or worried. I expect that pupils new to King’s and the Houses have lots of questions about school life, so we have put together this handbook to try to answer some of them before you arrive. It is designed to introduce life in the Middle Years and includes important information about pastoral care and school routines. We hope it is useful and helps make the transition straightforward.
Learning is at the heart of what we do; we want our pupils to be actively engaged and motivated to achieve high academic standards but also build skills to prepare them for a bright future. As part of this, we offer a wide range of subjects in the Middle Years curriculum and encourage pupils to involve themselves fully both inside and outside of the classroom. We do not expect pupils to know everything from the first instance but encourage them to be curious, embrace those brow-furrowing moments in lessons, ask questions, challenge themselves, and get stuck in because we never know where it may take them. Our expectations of all our pupils are high in the Middle Years. We will both support pupils in their meeting of these expectations and hold them accountable, in line with our school policies. Effort and enjoyment are the most important parts of success. Pupils need not be afraid to ask for help from their teachers; we are passionate about our subjects and cocurricular offerings, but more importantly we are passionate about supporting pupils to develop.
Naturally, we hope that pupils will want to expand their horizons by getting involved in as many of our co-curricular activities as they possibly can. The range of activities is too wide to describe here, but there really is something for everyone. From weekly clubs to trips abroad, the opportunities are vast and add to the feeling of King’s as a warm and vibrant community. Balancing these commitments is important and Year Group Tutors will help guide pupils on societies or clubs to join.
I hope that you are really looking forward to joining King’s or moving up into your House – we are certainly looking forward to getting to know you and hope that you will be very happy in the Middle Years. If you have any queries or concerns, then the Year Group Tutor is the person to contact in the first instance.
Should you have any immediate queries before September, then please do get in touch via elow@ksw.org.uk.
Best wishes,
Mr Edward Low Head of Middle Years
Mr Edward Low Head of Middle Years
S ENIOR SCHOOL STRUCTURES
PASTORAL STRUCTURE IN THE MIDDLE YEARS
Mr Edward Low Head of Middle Years
House Tutors LR-U6th
Year Group Tutors LR-U6th
Health Centre Nurses
Mrs Emma Rossiter
Mrs Alison Odam
Mrs Jo Walters
Counsellors
Dr Kate Mason
Mr Michael Siglioccolo
Mrs Natasha Rae-Dean
SENIOR LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE AT KING’S
Dr Alison Oliver Senior Deputy Head
Mrs Katie Beever Deputy Head Academic
Mr Gareth Doodes Headmaster
Miss Harriet Dyke Designated Safeguarding Lead Deputy Head Pastoral
Miss Georgina Mason Director of Finance and Business Development
Mr Adam Winter Director of Operations
Chaplain Dr Mark Dorsett
Mrs Rebecca Kent Assistant Head of Middle Years
USEFUL CONTACT NUMBERS
In addition to the raft of information in our handbook, you can find additional information on our Lower Years Hub. Here you will find a link to our virtual tour, information on getting to King’s, details of the school uniform, a short video from our Lower Years Pupils, essential tips for settling in, how to express an interest in music lessons and how to sign up to our school newsletter and social media channels.
Reason for contacting the School Who should I contact?
Illness/Emergency/Planned Medical/Dental Appointment
School Office
Year Group Tutor- please copy them in to any absence emails
Contacting the Lower Years Team Mr Edward Low Head of Middle Years
Mrs Rebecca Kent Assistant Head of Middle Years
House Tutors
Health Centre
Senior Leadership Team
Contact Information
absence@ksw.org.uk
01905 721704 01905 721700
See list of email addresses
elow@ksw.org.uk
rkent@ksw.org.uk
Please see House specific information Page 10
Mrs Emma Rossiter
Mrs Alison Odam
Mrs Jo Walters
Mr Gareth Doodes
Dr Alison Oliver
Miss Harriet Dyke
Mrs Katie Beever
Miss Georgina Mason
Mr Adam Winter
COMMUNICATION
If as parents or guardians you have any concerns about your child, then please do contact your daughter/son’s Year Group Tutor in the first instance. Early communication is essential to build an effective partnership between school and home and we welcome the opportunity to work closely with you should you have any queries or concerns about life at school or your child’s well-being or progress; we aim to keep parents and guardians fully informed on all matters relating to their children.
The King’s Worcester Firefly website is a key source of information about life in school and offers a variety of information about dayto-day life at King’s. More information on this can be found on page 16.
health@ksw.org.uk 01905 721711
headmaster@ksw.org.uk or you can make an appointment to meet with the Headmaster via his secretary, Mrs Fiona Cook, on: 01905 721740
aoliver@ksw.org.uk
hdyke@ksw.org.uk
kbeever@ksw.org.uk
gmason@ksw.org.uk
awinter@ksw.org.uk
You will receive a weekly newsletter from the Headmaster which provides a roundup of school news. Once a year, you will receive a copy of the school magazine, The Vigornian.
You are also encouraged to follow us via our social media channels.
‘King’s Worcester’ @kings_worcester
‘Kings Worcester’ @The King’s School, Worcester
SCHOOL INFORMATION
THE SCHOOL DAY
Example Lower RemoveTimetable
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
8.30am Registration and Assembly
9.05am PE Maths English Biology Drama 9.45am
10.20am Short Break
10.40am Physics Physics Biology Drama English
11.20am Spanish Chemistry Maths
12.05pm Geography English Spanish Maths Chemistry 1.05pm
1.20pm Lunch and Long Break
2.25pm History History Geography Games Spanish 3.05pm PSE
All pupils should arrive at school before 8.30 am each day, when registration takes place in Houses. Pupils should not generally enter the school site before 8.00 am. There is no official supervision prior to then and therefore we require that pupils are not on site, unless they are in a supervised activity.
Travelling to and from school Bicycles can be brought to school. They can be kept at the rear of the Choir House building during the day and must always be
ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCE
If your if your child is ill, please leave a message on the School’s absence line - (01905 721704) or email absence@ksw.org.uk - on each day of their absence - copying in the relevant Form Tutor if emailing.
If your child has a medical appointment which cannot be arranged outside school hours please email their Form Tutor in advance.
If a pupil needs to miss school for any reason, such as a family holiday in term-time, family event such as a wedding or funeral; public performance or participation in sport, parents and guardians must contact the Headmaster, in plenty of time and well before arrangements are finalised. The Headmaster will take into account the pupil’s prior attendance record and the reason for the request. Please be aware that he is not legally or contractually bound to grant the request. Any absence of more than ten days may only be granted in exceptional circumstances under the terms of the legislation about compulsory school attendance.
locked when left on school premises. When on site, pupils need to walk and push their bike, rather than ride through the site.
Please impress upon your son or daughter the need to walk safely but quickly to school either from home or after a journey on public transport. We advise that pupils should use public routes when they walk to and from school and that they should always walk with friends.
Please be aware that if a pupil misses school without prior permission, or if he or she stays away for longer than the agreed term, this absence will be recorded as unauthorised. In some instances, the school will seek advice from the local Education Welfare Officer if pupils are missing school for unauthorised reasons.
Lateness
All pupils must arrive for registration by 8.30 am. Afternoon registration takes place at 2.25 pm in their Period lesson. If pupils arrive after 8.40 am they will be marked ‘Late’. If a pupil is frequently late, his or her parents and guardians will be informed.
CATERING
The School offers a lunch with choices of soup, hot main courses, salads, sandwiches/wraps, jacket potatoes, pasta dishes, desserts and fruit. There are, of course, vegetarian, vegan and halal options.
It is assumed that pupils will be having a school lunch unless confirmed before the start of term that your child will bring a packed lunch (which will be eaten in the Dining Hall) and return any lunch pass issued.
If your son or daughter has allergies or special dietary requirements, please contact your child’s Form Tutor or the Catering Manager (01905 721793). Items containing nuts are clearly marked and the School is used to catering for special diets.
VALUABLES AND LOST PROPERTY
If your son or daughter loses something, he or she should check bag racks and the changing rooms (particularly at the fields) before then going to Lost Property. Valuable items (such as wallets or mobile phones) will be kept in the School Office if handed in.
Please ensure that your son or daughter names all items of uniform, sports kit and other possessions (such as watches, books, shoes, bags, calculator and mobile phones). Unnamed items are taken to the Lost Property Store in the Annett building. Pupils can ask the School Office for the key.
OPEN MORNINGS
All pupils are expected to act as a guide at least one of our Open Morning events each year. We believe that pupils derive a significant benefit from showing their school to others: the process enhances their communication skills and fosters pride in their achievements. We therefore request that pupils are available on these days and we will communicate dates accordingly..
If a pupil suspects that an item of theirs has been stolen, they should inform their Form Tutor who will contact the Senior Deputy. The School keeps a register of such incidents.
Money and items such as mobile phones should be kept in bags or in their blazer pocket. During Games lessons, all valuables must be kept in bags or blazer pockets. Parents and guardians need to be aware that pupils are responsible for the security and safe use of all their personal property and for property lent to them by the School. School lockers are available for allocation on request via the School Office.
PUPIL WELL-BEING
Pastoral care at King’s takes a supportive approach, fully integrated and interwoven into the fabric of teaching and learning, the School’s organisation, and its engagement with the world beyond the school gates. Through our focus on the development of the individual, we aim to provide a genuinely caring environment where pupils can thrive and develop as curious and confident members of the King’s community and a broader society. Our ethos emphasises mutual respect, openness, and warmth; it is the quality of relationships within the School that makes the pastoral care at King’s so special.
Responsibility for Pastoral Care in the Middle Years
The Form Tutor has overall responsibility for the pastoral and academic development of their tutees. Work in the Forms is overseen by the Head of Middle Years, Mr Edward Low, and his Assistant Head, Mrs Rebecca Kent. Alongside the Form Tutors they create age-appropriate induction and transition models as well as having a holistic overview of pupil well-being and happiness in the Lower Years. The pastoral staff are extremely experienced in dealing with challenges affecting this age group and work collaboratively to ensure all pupils feel happy, safe and valued in the Lower Years.
The Deputy Head Pastoral is ultimately responsible for pastoral care and development at King’s.
PSHE and RSE
Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education is a programme of learning through which children and young people acquire the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to manage their lives. PSHE develops the qualities and attributes pupils need to thrive as individuals, family members and members of society.
In the Lower and Upper Remove, selected teachers lead weekly PSHE lessons. Fifth Form have sessions led by their Year Group
Tutor in House. Pupils also have the experience of PSHE days where they work with external experts, on topics such as Mental Health, Careers, Finance and Relationship and Sex Education.
The PSHE programme of study for pupils in the Middle Years covers a range of topics including:
• Physical Health
• Mental Health
• Relationships
• Sex Education
• Careers
• Drugs, Alcohol and Addiction
• Citizenship
• Diversity and inclusion
• Finance
In the Sixth Form, students also take part in weekly Key Skills sessions. These cover vibrant areas of life for 16-18-year olds, including finance skills, well-being, research writing, festival safety, cancer prevention, cooking and other PSHE, higher education and 18+ options related topics. The Key Skills programme also incorporates our EPQ sessions as well as visits from external speakers.
OUR PASTORAL SUPPORT STRUCTURE
King’s is a happy school; we believe that all pupils can be successful in an environment which is caring, optimistic and encouraging. Our dedicated network of support structure at King’s is integral to ensuring pupils are fully cared for during their time here.
A uniquely nurturing and supportive pastoral House and Form structure
Dedicated and experienced staff who provide help, support and guidance
Health Centre
Counselling Team
Chaplain
Learning Support Team
The Head of Lower Years, Middle Years and Sixth Form provide added support and ensure a smooth transition
A set of parentfocused seminars providing valuable insight into adolescent behaviours and pressures
A well-rounded and structured PSHE Programme of Study
OUR NURTURING HOUSE STRUCTURE
King’s is proud of its strong House tradition and loyalty, which creates our enviable sense of community. Our Houses provide a framework for friendships across all age groups. Each term, Houses run a variety of activities and internal competitions covering debating, sport and charity events, which ensure that there is always something in which pupils can take part.
Pupils new to Lower Remove, Upper Remove or the Sixth Form will join one of eight Houses, which will be their pastoral base throughout their time at King’s. The Year Group Tutor has overall responsibility for the pastoral and academic development of their tutees, and they are the first port of call for parents and guardians who wish to discuss their child’s experience at school or academic progress.
House Tutors work alongside the Year Group Tutors and oversee the happiness, development, and integration of all pupils in the House.
The pastoral staff are extremely experienced in dealing with challenges affecting teenagers and work collaboratively with the Head of Middle Years, Head of Sixth Form and the Deputy Head Pastoral to ensure all pupils feel happy, safe and valued in the Middle Years and Sixth Form.
HOW TO CONTACT THE HOUSES
Pupils join Houses in the Lower Remove. All Year Group Tutors and Form Tutors can be contacted by using the staff member’s first initial and surname followed by @ksw.org.uk House House Tutor Email
Castle
Mr A Deichen adeichen@ksw.org.uk
Chappel
Mrs N Sears nsears@ksw.org.uk
Choir
Creighton
Dr R James rjames@ksw.org.uk
Mr W J Joyce wjoyce@ksw.org.uk
Kittermaster
Mrs C Neville cneville@ksw.org.uk
Oswald
Miss G Ormandy gormandy@ksw.org.uk
School
Mr T Pearson tpearson@ksw.org.uk
Wulstan
Dr M Poole mpoole@ksw.org.uk
THE HEALTH CENTRE
The Health Centre plays a pivotal role in ensuring our pupils are well cared for physically and emotionally, providing an environment where pupils are supported through medical concerns. The Nurses are also able to provide support with emotional difficulties within the department and signpost pupils to appropriate support. Fully-qualified nurses are on duty fulltime throughout the school week. The rooms in the Health Centre allow the nurses to deal with medical and emotional issues which occur in the course of the school day. If a pupil feels unwell before the start of the school day, parents and guardians are requested to keep him or her at home, and not to send their child into school in the hope of a quick recovery.
Pupils with special medical problems such as asthma, allergies, diabetes, and epilepsy will have an individual care plan drawn up with them if needed. This will also be applied to all visits and trips.
Nurses can administer medication according to the Medication Policy, which is available on Firefly.
If pupils are unable to participate in PE or Games, they should bring a note from home in the first instance. Off-Games notes can be given in emergencies and for issues that arise during the school day
COUNSELLING SERVICE
The School’s Counselling Service is in addition to the already wellestablished provision for pastoral care, guidance, and support for pupils in the school. Our counsellors are highly experienced in working with young people and families and British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy accredited. They are available to work with pupils when they are experiencing problems or concerns which may be easier to share with someone other than a member of staff. All that is shared by the pupils will be treated in confidence - if the counsellor is concerned for the pupil’s safety or that of others then they abide by the BACP code of ethics, which could mean the sharing of relevant information with other agencies to ensure that all children are appropriately safeguarded.
Pupils can request to see the counsellor or can be referred by a member of staff. Parents, guardians and pupils can also contact their Form Tutor or Year Group Tutor for further information.
FURTHER PASTORAL SUPPORT
Parents and guardians or pupils with pastoral concerns should contact their Form Tutor, Year Group Tutor, House Tutor, the Head of Lower Years/Middle Years/ Sixth Form or the Deputy Head Pastoral to look at further options for support and intervention, as required.
If someone is behaving towards your child you live with in a way that is upsetting them, do please encourage him or her to tell someone in their Pastoral Team at School.
If parents and guardians have any concerns about their child’s welfare or would like any advice on dealing with issues involving their child, they are welcome to contact the Form or Year Group Tutor. Any question, concern or complaint about the pastoral care or safety of a pupil must be notified to the School as soon as practicable.
If a pupil wants to make a complaint about something, for example the way he or she is being treated, the first thing to do is speak to a member of staff he or she trusts, or use the online reporting forms on Student Voice.
It’s very difficult as a parent to watch children go through adolescent challenges and we are extremely grateful for the support that our son
receives at King’s. The pastoral support is outstanding and clearly rooted in genuine care and affection for the students.
Existing Year 10 Parent
PSHE AND RSE
The aim of PSHE and RSE at King’s is to allow pupils to develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to live a happy and healthy life in today’s world. The programme is designed to challenge pupils with aspects of moral and social responsibility at each stage of their development so as to offer an environment in which to discuss issues affecting both adolescents and also those in the wider community.
PSHE at King’s helps pupils to realise the nature and consequences of discrimination, teasing, bullying and aggressive behaviours (including cyber-bullying), use of prejudice-based language, and also how to respond and ask for help. It also aims to support pupils to make responsible, informed decisions related to drugs, alcohol, and sexual consent, to understand the causes, implications and sources of help for mental and physical health problems, and to guide them in their career planning and financial future. It is integral equipping our pupils for what lies ahead, and to encourage balance and confidence in line with the School’s principles.
This course is central to all aspects of school life – its thinking, planning, teaching, and organisation – and as such has a positive influence on pupils’ learning and relationships throughout the whole school community. Provision of PSHE is explicitly designed to contribute to the process of growing up and the preparation of pupils for responsibility in adult life, by promoting fundamental British values and by passing on enduring, universal values which help to nurture pupils’ integrity and autonomy so that they become responsible and caring citizens capable of contributing to the development of a just society.
To see the PSHE and RSE policies and programmes of study, please head to the department page on Firefly https://kingsworcester.fireflycloud.net/pshe
E-SAFETY AND USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN SCHOOL
One of the School’s primary safeguarding principles involves protecting pupils online; it is a requirement of government legislation that we closely monitor pupils’ online activity.
Our school monitoring software tracks screen activity on school owned devices and/or school WIFI. Specifically, the software identifies and captures key words associated with bullying, swearing, racism, pornography, gambling, extremism, grooming and other concerns. The system automatically takes and sends a screenshot of any inappropriate material to the Designated Safeguarding Leads who will then deal with the information accordingly. Pupils are aware that the system is in place and sanctions may be applied for those who breach our AUP (Acceptable Use Policy).
Mobile Phones
Mobile phones are not allowed to be used in the Lower Years, except with the permission of and in front of a teacher or other adult working at the school.
Mobile phones will not be required for use in lessons. Any devices pupils bring into school must be both switched off and kept out of sight.
SCHOOL POLICES
The latest School polices can be found on our website at ksw.org.uk/policies
FOUNDATION SCHOOL RULES
The School Rules are drawn up to assist in making the School an orderly and safe environment, to give a sense of security to everyone in the School, to ensure respect for others and their property and to make clear the distinction between acceptable and unacceptable behaviour.
Unacceptable behaviour disrupts the learning of others and infringes on the rights, safety or learning on any member of the school community. The School requests that all parents read through the School Rules with their children and expects them to work with the School in the interests of all pupils to encourage positive behaviour. A full list of the School Rules can be found on Firefly, along with the Behaviour Management Policy.
The School Rules apply on school trips, including educational visits and sporting events. They also apply outside of school premises, for example when pupils are on the way to and from school and when they are wearing school uniform.
UNIFORM GUIDE AND RULES
At King’s, our school uniform plays a key role in promoting a sense of confidence and belonging, as well as being an outward expression of equality within our school community. Our uniform is designed for pupils to be smart and business-like in their formal, day-to-day activities. Whenever King’s pupils are wearing their uniform, they are representing the Foundation, and so are expected to wear their uniform with pride and to the highest standards. While students in our Sixth Form do not wear uniform, they must conform to the Sixth Form Dress Code, set out in our separate guide.
MANAGING BEHAVIOUR
While our main focus is on what pupils are getting right and highlighting the good, it is essential for pupils to understand that we do not tolerate poor behaviour, and will deal with it appropriately.
A key form of communication between members of the teaching staff is via behaviour points. Behaviour points are not, in themselves, punishments, and should never be presented as such.
They are intended to inform a pupil’s Year Group Tutor about their well-being, attitude, or behaviour. Where pupil behaviour is unacceptable, they provide information for the pastoral staff about severe or persistent incidents or issues. These may be shared with parents as appropriate.
Disciplinary sanctions, such as Detentions, are applied when a pupil’s behaviour falls below the standard which could be reasonably expected of them, whether because of failure to follow a school rule or an instruction by a member of staff. Sanctions should be seen as a constructive measure to bring an improvement in the pupil’s behaviour or learning by a) stopping the inappropriate behaviour; b) allowing the pupil to make a better choice next time; and c) showing other pupils what is/ is not acceptable in school. Pupils may be required to attend a detention, either after school or on some weekends or nonteaching days. The School will give parents 24 hours’ notice.
Further information may be found within the Behaviour Management Policy on www.ksw.org.uk/policies.
MIDDLE YEARS MATTERS
THE ACADEMIC AIMS OF THE KING’S SCHOOL ARE:
1 That every pupil fulfils his or her academic potential;
2 That teachers and pupils pursue excellence in teaching and learning;
3 That our pupils develop a love of learning, both individually and with others, and acquire a wide range of learning skills; and
ACADEMIC MATTERS
King’s Worcester is academically ambitious and offers a wide ranging and stimulating curriculum. It is designed to instil a lifelong love of learning and ensure that pupils have a broad and balanced education. When pupils move into the Middle Years, the challenge and academic demands of each subject will grow and provide opportunities for richer and deeper understanding.
At King’s pupils study 10 GCSEs. These are selected in the Spring Term of the Lower Remove. All pupils are entered for the GCSE or IGCSE examinations, most of which are taken at the end of the Fifth Form. Pupils study these courses throughout the Upper Remove and Fifth Form; however, some subjects do begin the teaching of their GCSE curriculum in the Lower Remove.
The subjects that all pupils take are English: both Language and Literature, leading to two IGCSEs; Biology; Chemistry; Mathematics; a Modern Foreign Language: at least one of French, German or Spanish; Physical Education and Games (non-examined); Physics; PSHE and Religion and Philosophy (non-examined).
In addition to these core subjects, pupils also choose three from the following: Art; Classical Civilisation; Computing; Design and Technology; Drama; French; Geography; German; History; Latin; Music; Physical Education; Religion and Philosophy and Spanish.
HOMEWORK IN THE MIDDLE YEARS
Pupils in the Middle Years will likely notice an increase in the expectations of homework. At King’s our expectations are high, and teachers will set homework each week in line with the homework timetable. We want pupils to achieve their very best, and regular homework is known to lead to improved grades, more resilience, effective time management and the development of independent study skills. In the Lower Remove, each piece of homework is designed to take 25 minutes, and in the Upper Remove and Fifth Form, 30 minutes.
We know that when pupils move into the Middle Years, managing the change in expectations can be a challenge, so we encourage pupils to speak with their Year Group Tutor and House Tutor to help them manage their time.
4 That we create an environment in which pupils are confident in their ability and increasingly ready to take responsibility for their own learning.
We aim to offer a curriculum that supports these academic aims. It is also our aim that our curriculum is intellectually challenging and offers cultural, spiritual and physical development which will prepare our pupils successfully for their future beyond school.
REWARDS AND PRAISE
Offering rewards and praise is one of the fundamental ways in which we encourage a sense of belonging, community and ownership. We care about embedding intrinsic motivation in all of our pupils and actively encourage them always to try their very best.
A range of different rewards are applied over the year by teachers for outstanding behaviour, effort and academic achievement. They are accessible to all pupils and are given out in many areas of school life.
When a pupil produces a good piece of work in relation to his or her abilities, Merits are given to reward this effort. Headmaster’s Commendations are given for exceptional pieces of work or for sustained quality in work. Postcards home and other direct contact with parents also recognises outstanding effort or achievement.
We also actively celebrate pupil success via the school news on our website, in our e-newsletter and on social media.
ACADEMIC REPORTING
Reporting plays a vital role in helping children achieve their potential at King’s. Reports will provide communication about a pupil’s progress and offer a chance to celebrate achievement, look for new challenges and take action to address any problems that may emerge. Reporting at King’s primarily takes place via grade reports, full reports, and parents’ evenings.
Effort Grades
At the core of the reporting system at King’s is the focus on pupil effort. In association with good teaching, it is the critical factor in ensuring the best possible academic outcomes. We therefore place great emphasis on effort in our reporting system by providing an effort grade in each reporting event and closely monitor these grades for each pupil over the academic year and as they progress through the School.
Attainment Grades
While attainment grades provide helpful information about where a pupil stands academically at that moment in time, it is widely recognised that both low and high attainment grades can have a demotivating effect. We therefore only provide attainment grades once each term.
Summary
• Effort grades, attainment grades, exam results and full reports are issued throughout the academic year.
• Reports go to pupils in school and via email to parents/ guardians at home.
• After each report, there are individual discussions between the pupil and their Year Group Tutor to celebrate achievements and plan for future progress.
• Parents’ Evenings offer the opportunity to discuss pupil progress with subject teachers. Pupils in the Lower Remove (Year 9) and above are invited to attend with their parents.
• There is also an end of year Pastoral Parents’ evening to discuss the pupil’s performance throughout the academic year.
Examinations
In the Middle Years, pupils will continue to sit end of year exams. In the Removes, these will be an opportunity for pupils to consolidate their learning of the year, trial different revision strategies and study skills as well as providing pupils with a taste of formal examinations. The examinations in the Fifth Form will be their formal GCSE or IGCSE qualifications.
CAREERS
As the Lower Years is a great time to develop interests, it is also an important time to start thinking about the bright future pupils will want for themselves. We have an excellent careers team, who are available to meet with pupils and offer them advice. Additionally, in the Upper Remove pupils will be considering their aspirations and researching career pathways. In the Fifth Form, pupils are also offered the opportunity to complete a Morrisby profile and work with the careers team to enhance their self-awareness alongside increasing their knowledge of possible future pathways. In this everchanging world, a tool such as this can be very powerful in helping pupils to keep their doors wide open.
IT SYSTEMS
Pupils have access to plenty of computers in the Library and ICT rooms. When they use a school computer, they should make sure that they are familiar with the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) for IT. Please see the E-Safety section for further information regarding our school monitoring.
When pupils start their education journey at King’s, pupils and parents are issued with access to our school Firefly website portal. This website is our central school portal and one with which we encourage you to become familiar. It is the key source of information about life in school, offering a variety of information about day-to-day activities such as current menus, school policies and also the school calendar.
New parents will be sent a link to access Firefly once their child starts at King’s. Firefly can also be accessed via our Quick Links section on the footer of the King’s website (www.ksw.org.uk).
Alongside this, pupils are also issued with a Microsoft Office 365 account. This cloud-based solution will allow them access emails and work on any device in and outside of school. It also offers access to a plethora of Microsoft applications including Word, PowerPoint, Teams and Outlook, applications which pupils will become familiar with during their time at King’s.
THE LIBRARY
The School Library is a beautiful and welcoming space, with thousands of books, and comfortable places to study or read. We are open from 8.00 am to 5.50 pm (5.30 pm on Fridays) and the Librarians are always here to help – whether that is to find the next favourite book, or to research a topic. In addition to books and online resources to support with schoolwork, we provide books to support well-being, and to inspire interests. The diverse fiction collection is aimed to provide as much choice as possible. It is constantly updated and includes graphic novels and manga. We are very happy to take requests! There is also an e-Library of eBooks and audiobooks which is accessed from the Firefly dashboard (as is our School Library catalogue Oliver).
Library displays feature new books, and promote themes such as Empathy Day, Book Awards, and Black History Month. Resources include magazines and subject specific publications in addition to computers, laptops, and a printer/photocopier/scanner. We also sell school stationery at cost price. There is a popular halftermly reading group (WRAITH) for each of the Lower and Middle Years and Sixth Form. We also organise author visits, and activities and events throughout the year. At the start of Lower Fourth, all pupils receive a full induction to the Library and will also visit us during form times. We look forward to meeting everyone.
OUR CO-CURRICULUM
It has long been a central aim of The King’s School Worcester to provide a rich, stimulating and varied co-curriculum. All pupils are encouraged to participate in the programme of activities and opportunities that comprises our co-curriculum, as it provides an invaluable contribution towards personal, moral and social development and encourages life-long interests and healthy, creative and fulfilling habits of body and mind. With some 100 clubs and activities on offer – in addition to our enviable programme of sport – pupils at King’s are able to learn new skills, embrace fresh challenges and realise their ambitions.
150+
pupils are actively engaged in CCF on a weekly basis
SPORT
100+
Co-curricular clubs and societies
Sport is very strong among our pupils and benefits from significant expertise and commitment from our staff as well as some outstanding facilities. Our breadth of sporting opportunities extends across the whole year with Basketball, Swimming, Rowing, Kayaking, Sub Aqua, Cross-Country Running, Climbing and Fencing. Our winter team sports – Netball, Rugby, Hockey and Football – and our outstanding programme of summer sports - Cricket, Athletics and Tennis –demonstrate an excellence and a level of inclusion of which we are justly proud. At the beginner, intermediate and elite performance levels, we offer support, challenge and routes to achievement and success.
30+
Annual Residential Trips
250+
Annual Day Trips
SOCIETIES AND CLUBS
Other activities on offer include Young Enterprise, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, Music, Drama, Debating, Art, Dance, Community Service, Model United Nations and The Combined Cadet Force. They take place during lunchtimes and after school, and there is also a range of weekend events. Some activities are also based at the Old Chapel, the School’s outdoor centre in the Black Mountains. Community Service is a strong feature of life at King’s. A number of our pupils volunteer to read with local primary school children and visit older members of our local community. Alongside this our pupil-lead charity committee hold annual charity events to raise money for local and national charities.
TRIPS AND EXCURSIONS
Trips, fieldwork, and expeditions provide enormous benefits to our pupils, so our co-curricular programme includes a diverse range of trips and expeditions to ensure that all pupils have the opportunity to experience memorable educational visits and opportunities.
Trips take place at weekends and during half-term and main school holidays. A Classics trip to Italy, History trip to France, Disneyland Paris Dance tour, Rugby tour to South Africa, Netball and Hockey tour to Barbados and Cricket tour to Sri Lanka are just a few highlights. We also make sure that there are many valuefor-money trips within this country each year across a wide range of subjects and activities, such as the annual Art trip to St Ives in Cornwall.
MUSIC, LAMDA AND DANCE
The School has two orchestras as well as small ensembles such as flute and guitar groups, three choirs, a Wind Band and Jazz Band. Many concerts are held throughout the year, most of which take place in the magnificent College Hall; our popular Open Mic Nights also take place every term, allowing pupils to showcase their musical passions.
Music lessons are also available, and we have over 25 peripatetic teachers who offer lessons across a wide variety of musical instruments. If you wish your son or daughter to learn one or more musical instruments or to have singing tuition, please contact the Director of Music, Mr Simon Taranczuk, or complete the form on the Joining King’s Hub. Music lessons usually take place in lesson time on a rotational basis so that pupils do not miss the same lesson each week. Each year we stage ambitious pupil productions to full houses, as well as more intimate pupil-led performances including the work
of our GCSE and A-level cohorts. We offer technical theatre and design as options alongside acting and directing at every level. Weekly practical clubs for all ages foster a spirit of creativity and curiosity, allowing pupils to develop their talents in the supportive company of like-minded individuals.
King’s Dance outside of lessons is particularly strong, with opportunities available for boys and girls of all ages. Entry to the Senior Company is by audition and is aimed at pupils who wish to train and perform at a high level. The School also has a Junior Dance Company and runs many other development clubs, including Street Dance and Ballroom Dance.
Additional LAMDA Speech and Drama lessons or Dance lessons can be organised, individually or in pairs. Please contact the School Office if you would like to arrange LAMDA lessons for your child and Ms Kym Lane (klane@ksw.org.uk) if you are interested in Dance lessons.
MAP OF KING’S
The King’s School 5 College Green Worcester WR1 2LL
t: 01905 721 700 e: info@ksw.org.uk
The King’s School, Worcester: A company limited by guarantee, registered in England. Registered office: 5 College Green, Worcester WR1 2LL. Company No: 4776324. Registered charity No: 1098236. The information, terms and conditions set out in this prospectus and all occasional papers may be amended from time to time, and their provisions, subject to any such amendments, shall continue to apply for the whole period during which a boy or girl continues to attend the School, irrespective of his or her age.
