In this issue... ...and lots more

Autumn 2014
In this issue...
100 years since the start of World War One
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King Charles I School
Comberton Road
Kidderminster
DY10 1XA
www.kingcharlesschool.co.uk
[email protected]
Indi
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ip
KCI
Cou
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Cup
Win
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...and lots more
HEADLINES...
As we draw to the end of the autumn term there is much to celebrate in addition to the festivities.
We hope that you find our termly newsletter informative and interesting. Every term we produce a
newsletter, which will include student writing and photographs of our work. We wish to always
include news about students' successes out of school in our newsletters and we would be delighted
to hear from you. Please email Mrs Hardy at [email protected] with your
information.
I would like to congratulate all those students who worked so hard to achieve their GCSE, AS and A Level results this
summer and to staff and parents/carers who supported them. It is wonderful to see so many of our Year 13 students able
to pursue their chosen course or employment route. We are now aiming to significantly improve upon these results with the
current Years 11 to 13 and are confident we can.
All the staff, governors and I have very high expectations of what we can achieve at King Charles I School. As I explained in
my ‘welcome letter’ at the beginning of the academic year we will continue to improve until we reach our aim of becoming an
outstanding school. Our priorities will be:
1.
2.
3.
continuing to improve the quality of teaching: our aim is for all teachers to consistently teach good or better lessons as this is what all our students deserve.
continuing to improve the GCSE, AS and A Level results.
ensuring each student has an attendance of at least 96%: as we all know good attendance can lead to good
achievement. Thank you to everyone for their help and support in improving attendance across the school during
the last academic year.
I feel that it has been a very successful term as we are well on track with all our objectives. The quality of teaching is
continuing to improve. We are predicting that the Year 11, 12 and 13 students will significantly improve upon the GCSE, AS
and A Level results achieved in 2014. This will be a just reward for all the hard work and effort they are currently putting in.
The attendance for students in Years 7 to 11 is currently 96.2%. At the same stage last year, the attendance was 95.7%.
This represents a significant improvement. I would like to thank the students, their families and the staff as improvements
like this are always a team effort. As we all know good attendance can lead to good achievement.
There are several members of staff who will be leaving us at the end of term: Mr Davies (deputy head of maths), Mr Williams
(head of social sciences), Miss Gravelines (assistant head of Year 7/teacher of modern foreign languages) and Mrs Harrison
(business manager). I would like to take this opportunity to say thank-you and wish all our colleagues every happiness and
success in the future. Mrs Buckley (teacher of technology) has also just begun her maternity leave. We have appointed Mr
Nangalia as the new deputy head of maths and Mrs Mandher as the new head of social sciences. We have also appointed
Mr Beasley and Miss Smithers as academic mentors for maths.
The school will close for students at 12.30 on Thursday 18th December and will reopen for all students on Monday 5th January 2015. The new term will see us welcome several new members of staff: Mr Osborne (teacher of maths), Mrs
Bennison (teacher of modern foreign languages), Mrs Salsano (business manager), Mrs Allen (assistant headteacher /
teacher of modern foreign languages) and Mrs Jukes (assistant headteacher/teacher of social sciences). I am delighted
these teachers have chosen to work at King Charles I School as I am very confident they will contribute significantly to the
schools’ improvement journey.
I would like to congratulate all those students who have done so many great things during the term and look forward to hearing about many more after the holiday. Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your support of the
school and wish you a happy and restful holiday season.
Stephen Brownlow
Headteacher
It is only when you get the resp
onsibility of helping to put the
newsletter together, that you
realise just how many varied and
outstanding opportunities the staf
f and students have at King
Charles. I hope you enjoy reading
about some of them in this term
’s edition of our newsletter.
The hard work is paying off and
we are excited about the future
for all at school. 2015 is only
‘around the corner’ and I would like
to wish you all a peaceful Christm
as and prosperous new year!
Chris Gibson –Editor
100 years since the start of World War One
Our annual trip to the First World War
trenches departed on Wednesday 15th
October for three days. Not only did
students get to walk through actual First
World war trenches but went to some of
the biggest memorials and cemeteries,
Tyne Cot and Thiepval. Being part of the
very moving ceremony held every night at
the Menin Gate set the tone for the rest
of the trip but a highlight was buying the
delicious Belgian chocolate in Ypres.It
has been great to get students using their
knowledge from the trip in lessons on the
Battle of the Somme.
Thanks to Mrs Morgan for organising the
trip this year.
Kidderminster Heritage Day on 13th
September also commemorated World
War One and I was very proud to see
Year 9 and 12 work on display in the town
hall amongst displays of local people who
lost their lives, models of the trenches and
weapons.
Next term will see the history
department off to the Imperial War
Museum in London which re-opened in
the summer after an extensive
refurbishment.
Old Carolians remember their fallen
FORMER pupils of King Charles I School joined together on the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month
100 years after the outbreak of the First World War.
A group of Old Carolians met in
their old school hall at Woodfield,
in Bewdley Street, which is now the
town’s register office, for a service to
commemorate past pupils who gave
their lives in military combat.
The service was conducted by Canon
Paul Brothwell with the names of the
fallen in the First World War read out
by group president Richard Woolley
while vice president Ken Ryder read
out those who lost their lives in the
Second World War.
Also remembered were former Girls
High School pupil Isobel Squires who
lost her life in the Second World War,
Darryl Cope who fell in the Falklands
War, and Richard Brandon who was
killed in Afghanistan.
Mr Woolley placed a wreath at the
memorial window and the service concluded with the reading of several traditional passages.
The readings included one from Harry Patch, the last survivor of the First World War soldiers, who died in 2009 at the age
of 111.
KCI Combined Cadet Force
Remembrance Sunday:
Being a part of King Charles 1st
Combined Cadet Force for a number
of years means we have had many
great opportunities open to us. We
collectively agree that this is one of
the highlights of the year. Being able
to represent our school and contingent
brings us a great sense of pride and
achievement.
Remembrance parade is the day
that we as cadets are able to pay our
respects to those that have fallen due
to the ferocity of war. As we march
through the town as a platoon, we have
a sense of respect and admiration for
those who have fallen. Many dedicated
onlookers are retired service men and
women both on the streets and in the
church.
We remember the fallen and each cadet feels as honoured as the next to take part in a vital role in the remembrance of our
fallen heroes. We all take pride in making sure that our kit is immaculate when marching through the streets alongside the
Reserves, ACF and ATC as our parents and relatives look on proudly. We feel honoured that we have had this opportunity
to play our role in this day of remembrance.
Birmingham Tattoo
The Birmingham Tattoo is held in the NIA each year and
welcomes many different military bands and personnel from
all over the globe. They perform their signature pieces in front
of thousands of people and our job is to ensure the show runs
smoothly. These jobs can range from controlling when the
gates open and close for the acts to enter the arena to setting
up the jumps for the fly ball dog teams.
Long days and heavy rehearsals means it’s a full weekend
of work but time flies by! The atmosphere is contagious and
pulls us back year on year. Everyone sings on the way home
and gels us together as a team. Meeting the different military
groups such as the Norwegian Guard Drill Team, who presented amazing rifle drill and were really friendly, broadened
our horizons on our ideas of what being in the military means.
This opportunity is by far the best we have ever had and are
extremely privileged to have the chance to be a part of this
experience.
Central camp
Apart from having a week off school in the summer, central camp is an amazing experience for all of the cadets who go.
Stories are still being told from camps over 2 years ago because we gain knowledge and friendships that will last for a long
time. Adventure training is always a highlight because it brings the platoon together and gives us the chance to overcome
activities we wouldn’t normally have the resources to do. From coasteering off the beaches of Newquay and being pulled
across a huge valley by just a rope to kayaking, walking in the Lake District and mountain biking around a lake!
When we are not busy testing our limits, we are being taught new ways to attack and offend against potential enemy fire.
Tactics such as section battle drills and harbour drills enable us to extend our knowledge in military scenarios. As we have
no access to ranges here at school, we all treasure the opportunity of range days to practise and hone our shooting skills
that we learn at cadets. Competitions are organised to push us to our limits and bring out our competitive sides to achieve
our goals. Last year, we came 2nd in a Drill which was too close to call and earned full marks in an inspection by the Major.
We also came 2nd out of 10 in the air rifle section of the competition and considering we have no access to this at home,
we were extremely proud of this achievement! Every few years the camp offers us extra activities such as clay pigeon
shooting and paintballing which every cadet looks forward to!
The central camp experience brings the whole platoon together like a family. We come back closer than ever and are
friends for a long time to come.
It is an opportunity of a life time and would recommend it to anyone!
The Armed Man by Karl Jenkins - A Mass for Peace
On 28th of September 19 Students and 6 staff sang at the Royal Albert Hall in London to commemorate 100 years
since the start of the First World War. The concert, organised by Sing UK, was huge with more than 600 singers from
Britain, France, Germany and Belgium. The Royal Albert Hall was nearly full to capacity. We were even lucky enough
to have Karl Jenkins there himself to hear his creation performed live at such an amazing event.
On the day we gathered together outside the school at 6:15 in the morning (not the most popular time) to catch a
coach into London. We then had our first rehearsal with all the choirs and the Philharmonia Orchestra. We had had
several rehearsals with the rest of the local choirs in Worcester but the difference was incredible. The Philharmonia
orchestra, one of the top orchestras in the world, both thrilled and inspired us. The concert was amazing and with a
standing ovation at the end we couldn’t have been happier. Some of the students and teachers who took part in The
Armed Man have some thoughts on their day.
Conner Hartley told us his experience was ‘the most
fantasticand inspiring musical event he had ever had the
chance to perform in and he was honoured to have
taken part’ Mrs Foster said it was one of the highlights
of her career as a Music Teacher and she felt privileged
to be involved. Lauren Griffiths said it was a pleasure
to take part in and that it was a day she would never
forget.Louise Caldwell – ‘I was so lucky to have taken
part.’Chole Taylor – ‘It was unbelievable that we had
the chance to sing in the Royal Albert Hall. The
performance was unforgettable and will stay in my
memory forever.’
Written by Emily Harrison Year 11
Art - Anselm Kiefer Visit ...Year 12 & 13
Anselm Kiefer is a German artist well known for his work with varied
materials and unconventional subjects. On Monday 24th November As and A2
level art classes visited his exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts, to discover
more about his style of art work. The first task of the day was to look through
some of Kiefer’s famous pieces– to understand the meanings and themes
behind it. The artists who ran the workshop helped us to uncover the themes
of Nazi ruling, death and destruction but also life and growth. By using these
unorthodox subjects it has
allowed Kiefer to highlight the past and bring it to the present – inferring that
people must not forget the past.
After discussing some of his work we then moved to the main exhibition area
where his work was being displayed. Looking at Anselm Kiefer’s work for
ourselves allowed us to create our own interpretation, whilst also showing us
the wide variety of materials he used in each piece. The materials include ash,
wood, sunflowers, metal, lead, clay and straw. We then picked one piece to l
ook at in more depth, which we then later discussed as a group- helping us all
o understand an individual piece of Kiefer’s.
After experiencing his work, we had the chance to create our own version of his work. Taking inspiration from Anselm
Kiefer’s art lead to us creating pieces including many materials - like dirt, straw, charcoal and paint.
In my unit 3 topic I am looking at Gunther Uecker who is also a German artist, as they are both working with themes related
to war it has allowed me to create a link between the two and further my knowledge on the subject – and therefore the art
movement during that time. Having witnessed Kiefer’s pieces first hand, it has inspired me to use more materials in my
work and to use a layering effect like he does.
Would you dare?
A Level PE and Leisure Studies Arete Outdoor Education Centre experience
In October year 12 students and the year 13 Leisure Studies students participated in a 3 day residential outdoor education
experience to Llanrug to support their A-Level courses. During the trip students experienced a range of activities such as
white water kayaking as well as sea sevel traversing also night time orienteering. These experiences pushed students to
perform intense activities requiring skill, focus and precision. The Kayaking encounter meant that the students had a chance
to participate in racing down rapids and battling through strong currents and headwinds. The sea level traversing required
students to cling to and climb up 50ft cliff faces and jumping off cliff ledges into the sea. All of the participants overcame
fears and anxieties during these experiences and would actively seek the opportunity to perform these activities.
Bushcraft 17th - 19th September
Year 12 experienced, what they say as the most unusual yet rewarding trip they had been on so far! Bushcraft entailed
learning new skills such as building shelters, making fires, cooking outdoors, first aid, reacting to emergency situations as
well as communication and teamwork. We left the school site at 8:00 a.m. to get to our camp in the Cotswolds at 10:00 a.m.
We arrived to a lovely warm fire and got comfy on our log seats. We were taught how to make a sustainable fire and then
proceeded to cook lunch in our newly formed tribes. The year was split in half, 40 students in each camp and then into 4
tribes which would battle it out over the three days. This forced us to
venture out of our comfort zones. After lunch we headed on a long walk
down to our next activities - archery, catapults, and team building
exercises. After a few hours of activities we made pizzas in traditional
pizza ovens. We even chose what toppings we wanted, which wasn’t
expected in the middle of the forest! In the evening we played capture
the lantern and predator, and soon found that some people were far
better at it than others.
On the second day we camouflaged ourselves with camo face paint,
leaves and twigs to play games where we had to be stealthy and unseen.
We did first aid work and had to save a team member by making
stretchers out of just what we had with us. Some casualties needed
some practice on how to act dead! We were taught how to make tent
pegs out of sticks and then had a chance to make and whittle our own. We then used these to help us build our shelters, which we then
slept in overnight - well some of us did! During the evening, our
instructors told stories around the campfire, which had us on the
edge of our logs!
We woke up and ate pancakes around the fire before setting off
for our final challenge. We had to use all the skills we’d learned
over the camp and save a casualty from a mock plane crash,
acted out by our teachers. We then had to make a shelter for a
match only to have a cup of water poured over it! The same
match was then used to make a signal fire. We headed back to
our camp for the last time where we cooked burgers and figured
out riddles which had been playing on our minds since the first day.
It was a lovely end to the three days. We had an emotional speech from Mr. Davies before leaving our camp behind and
heading home.
It was challenging for all and let us experience things out of our comfort zone, it is definitely a trip I would recommend!
Quotes:
“I enjoyed bushcraft; it was an amazing experience. I bonded with people I never thought I’d even talk too” Josh Bayliss
“It was quality, an experience I will never forget” – Alex Williams
“Shelters were fab, best night sleep ever!” anon
Eurospace Visit
41 students from Year 8 to Year 10 had a
brilliant time at Eurospace in November.
The group, accompanied by Mr Smith,
Mr Arch, Mrs Lloyd, Mrs Owen and
Mr Yarnold braved a chilly ferry crossing on
Thursday morning and eventually arrived
at the Eurospace centre in Belgium in time
for tea on Thursday evening (on our way
through France and Belgium we stopped
off to stock up on chocolate). After a tea of
spaghetti bolognese students made up their
beds (some had never done this before!)
and we settled into our dorms for a
well-earned sleep. Eurospace is an all-inone space discovery centre where students
can experience astronaut training and learn
about the universe. The good thing was
that we didn’t have to get on a coach each
morning because you sleep there too!
Over the course of the two days at the centre students worked together in groups on activities such as the multi-axis chair
(can you draw in a straight line whilst being spun around really fast?), the anti-gravity wall, rocket making (they went about
300ft in the air!) and moonwalking.
On Friday evening the group headed to a nearby medieval village for the most
fantastic pizza. Mr Arch’s French speaking skills came in very useful and the
waitresses were suitably charmed so as not to mind 41 hungry KC1 students
in their restaurant. Mr Smith then led the group up a hill in
the village of Bouillon to a large medieval castle. Here we
were met by some locals in medieval clothes. As it was so
dark students were handed flame torches to help us see
our way around the castle. Whilst the teachers watched the
students carefully, to make sure no-one set themselves on
fire, we were led around the castle and given an excellent
tour and some local history. We didn’t encounter any ghosts
but did find out about the dungeons and how they defended
themselves from attack.
Saturday’s activities saw groups working in the Apollo mission simulator. Each student
took important roles, such as flight director, launch director and publicity officer so that they
could complete a mission to put a satellite in space. This involved some problem solving
and the need for ecellent communication skills as they gave instructions to the pilot and
co-pilot (who were working in the moving shuttle simulator)!
Thankfully, despite one or two hitches, the satellites were
deployed in orbit. Saturday was the last day of activities and
all students were presented with certificates of achievement
by the Space Centre instructors.
Once we were packed ready to leave the next day we had
out tea and made our way to the local bowling centre. King
Charles took over the small alley and students had great
fun playing against each other and ordering ice cream and
snacks. Despite a funny incident, where a Belgian lady
started
bowling in a Year 8 girl’s Ugg Boots (Mr Arch’s language
skills to the rescue again), everyone made it back to the
centre in one piece.
On Sunday morning the students were up early tidying their rooms and deciding which socks belonged to whom.
The dormitories were inspected and we were on the road for our ferry crossing.
The journey back was a little quieter than the journey there and the students were kept amused with some singing from the
back row and the Alvin and the Chipmunks movie (Mrs Lloyd and Mrs Owen put earplugs in at this point). We managed to
get an early ferry home and everyone was glad to see the parents waiting outside the gates at about 7.00pm on Sunday
evening. Everyone was tired but it had been a brilliant trip!
Oxford Trip
On November 7th 2014, a select few of year 11 student had the honour of going to Oxford University to learn about
A-levels and our future. We set off at around 8 o’ clock on a foggy, overcast Friday morning and hauled our sleepy
heads onto a school mini-bus. After a long two and a half hours, we found our way to the beautiful city and were
warmly welcomed by a friendly man (who was coincidently from Kidderminster)!
After getting all settled, we had a nice talk from three University students. The first man talked about his
subject, ‘international relations.’ The second talked about neuroscience, focusing on the eye. The third one spoke
her words of wisdom about William Shakespeare and the play, ‘Taming of the Shrew.’
Feeling a bit peckish, our group headed off on a long pilgrimage to another college in the heavy rain, with frowns
on our faces and rumbling stomachs. After what felt like a marathon, we finally arrived at the college where we
stumbled across the dinner hall; a Hogwarts- style diner that was bustling with life and character. When we finished
stuffing our faces, we headed off to a room where we participated in an activity. We had a look at different degrees,
focusing on the entry requirements and to see if these would be appropriate for us individually. From this, we found
that ‘Viking Studies’ is definitely the most interesting and unusual! (Who would do this?)
Following this, a timid university student gave us a tour around the college, giving us an insight on the church. It
was beautiful and warm. We saw the students’ leisure room (featuring a pool table and comfy sofas), and had a
glimpse at the headmaster’s house, where new students can have a drink with him on one of their first few days.
We trekked back to the other college in the pouring rain and sat down in the theatre room for a nice closing
ceremony. The overly optimistic man believed we could all, one day, be a part of Oxford University. Haha!
After filling in the survey, we staggered to the mini-bus and drove back to Kidderminster, watching the rain blur out
the scenery with sleepy happiness.
All in all, we enjoyed the day greatly and learnt a lot about Universities and life after school.
Written by Gemma Stevens and Hannah Cresswell.
Here’s IT!
Open evening was a great success for the IT & computing department this year with prospective pupils and their families
flocking to the IT room to play music using fruit and vegetables! This was done using a Makey Makey invention kit. With it,
everyday objects can be turned into touchpads and combined with a computer to provide input. Playing a keyboard using
bananas kept many of our visitors (and not just the young ones) occupied.
Also on offer was the opportunity to see aspects of the new computing curriculum on show; from competing with a
program in maths skills, to building your own version of the Flappy Bird app using block coding. It’s an exciting time for
this subject and that was reflected in the enjoyment had by all at open evening.
Music - Rush Hour Concert
Wednesday the 26th November was the first rush hour concert of the year. Family and friends were greeted by drinks and
refreshments before the concert. Year 7 and year 8 pupils performed their solo pieces in front of the audience. To open
the show was the school band playing ‘I Love Rock and Roll’. The Band includes students from Upper Site. Instruments
featuring were: guitars, drums, trumpet, tenor horn, flute, clarinet, cello and violins. There was an excellent quality of
playing, a variety of music and the concert was a great showcase for instrumental playing in the school. We enjoyed it
very much and we hope the audience did.
Students taking part were;
Jasmine Morris
Amy Bah
Lucy Ludlow
Jack Crutchley
Ben Ludlow
Joel Workman
Reece Babbington
Ben Horobin
Maisy Gillard
Holly Fisher
Daisy Mawby
Shanice Bates
Laura Potts
Chloe Bradley
Rebecca Swann
Jasmin Wagner
Eden Fallon Davies
Weronika Konopka
Jessica Harris
Rebekah Workman
Daredevil take to the skies for KEMP Hospice
Emily Pawson, who is a sixth
former, took part in a tandem
skydive for Kemp Hospice.
Her fundraising efforts saw her
collect around £500 in less than
three months.
The money Emily raised will help
support KEMP’s Mason Road
hospice to provide specialist
care and support to patients,
families and carers in the Wyre
Forest, as well as surrounding
areas in Shropshire and
Worcestershire, who are dealing
with life limiting illness and
bereavement.
The Hospice’s sole aim is to help
patients maintain independence
and provide assistance as they
adapt to their changing abilities,
enabling many to continue living
their lives to the full, for as long
as possible.
Emily, who is studying A-levels in
English, Business Studies and
Psychology, said: “I took part in the skydive as I wanted to give something back to my local charity. I wanted to
gain some independence in raising as much money as I could for KEMP Hospice.
“It made me push my fears aside and all for a great cause. It was such a life changing experience.”
Success in NFCE Creative Arts
Steff Robinson,
Luke Stock,
Shaun Preece
and Jo Barker
year10 with
their pet
monsters
The moderator for the NCFE Creative Craft course was visiting the school last
month. She was extremely impressed by the work Year 10 and Year 11 have
produced. In fact the practical work was among some of the best she had ever
seen!
Year 10 have kicked off the course by making small plastic and pine table lamps with Mr Lewis and with myself they
have designed and made their own pet monster that were inspired by Minercraft. Students built and soldered an
electronic circuit containing a tilt switch to fit inside the monster so it lights up when you move it.
Year 11 are currently completing their own small design project. These include storage in the form of boxes and game
holders as well as products for the garden like bird boxes and bird bath.
Well done to all the creative craft students for their hard work, and a special thank you to Mr Hardy, Mr Hough and Mrs
Hare and the teaching assistants for their support in these lessons.
Shelby Doswell Yr11
With her oak treasure chest box
Mrs Pimm
Business Studies
Chocolate Heaven
A level business studies students were able to see what really goes on behind the doors at Cadburys, when they were
given a behind the scenes talk on the marketing approach of this international brand. Obviously a little taste testing had to
be endured, just to check the quality and then it was back to school to apply what they learnt to the rebranding of products
for their A level coursework.
Why do we make the choices we do?
10 A level economists took the opportunity to work with lecturers and researchers at Birmingham University to consider
the behavioural decisions we make on a day to day basis and their impact on us as individuals and society as a whole. The students found this growing area of economics to be fantastic and AS student Owen Scott was picked out by the
event leader as having a real natural ability in this area.
Charity Event
Our very own fundraising teenager is hoping to help those less fortunate than
herself by taking part in a charity expedition to Borneo in 2015.
17-year-old Leah Ingle needs to raise £2,000 to go on the Raleigh International
expedition to work alongside remote communities on sustainable development projects.
So far, Leah has been able to collect about £700 after organising various
fundraising events including quiz nights and car boot sales.
Leah said: “I have always wanted to give back to the world and help those
who are less fortunate than me and I believe this expedition is the way to do it.
“I also believe it will be an amazing experience and help me view the world in
a different way as I will see the way in which others live.”
The King Charles I School student said she aims to help protect vulnerable
environments as well as taking part in a physically and mentally challenging
adventure phase, immersing herself in the local culture and wildlife.
“I will be helping the poor communities in Borneo by building community
facilities and helping them gain places nearer to clean water,” she said.
“I will also be heading to the rain forest, helping the environment, which will
also include days where I will be trekking.” Leah does not yet know the programme she will be following while in
Borneo, as it differs from time to time depending on what needs doing in the community.
She said: “What I do know, however, is that I will be helping those less fortunate than us.
“I may not be able to change the world, but I could potentially change the world for one person, and that’s what life is all
about.”
For more information, or to donate to Leah’s fundraising efforts, contact her by email on [email protected]
Come dine with me
The Year 11 catering groups have been working hard on their exam
pieces. Their task is to make a two course meal following the
celebrity chef’s influence of making meals that link to healthy eating
guidelines. At present they are researching possible ideas and then
they will be making their ideas in exam conditions in February, the
11 and the 13th. The students will be told the exact time closer to the
date. Their dishes will be served using a formal table setting.
6th Form debates
The 6th form students have been battling it out in an inter-tutor group debating competition. Winners of the Year
13 competition were 13B with Alice Webb and Yacob Sivatan proving themselves to be formidable speakers on
topics which included bringing back the death penalty and making higher education free for all. The Year 12
competition is reaching its final stages with hotly contested topics which have included “It is irresponsible to
provide IVF to women in their 50s” and “ No prisoner should have the right to vote”. All the debates were well
received and stirred a lot of response from the audience!
Drama- Press Release
King Charles I School Performing Arts Department are excited to announce the Start of Something New!
Rehearsals are now underway for the school production of High School Musical which will be debuting on Tuesday 3rd
February 2015 and will run until Friday 6th February 2015.
Miss Warrington head of drama said “The standard of students auditioning was exceptional and they have now got ‘their
heads in the game’ and are ‘soaring’ through songs and dance routines in rehearsals in preparation for opening night.”
Tickets are £2 adults and £3 adults and can be purchased from the school.
We’re breaking free!
Textiles
The Year 11 textile group have been working hard on their exam pieces. Their task is to make a new and innovative
costume for a west end play of their choice. The shows that the costumes are being designed for include, Robin Hood,
Chicago, Hairspray the Queen of Hearts, Moulin Rouge and, We Will Rock You. Two students have decided to design a
specific item for the tourist industry replicating the Britain at its best! They are busily designing and at present are
starting the production phase.
Library
Three author visits this term.
We are always looking for ways to further encourage students to enjoy reading for pleasure and therefore this term the
students have been given the opportunity to meet three authors. In early October a group of Year 7 students went to see
the radio presenter, Simon Mayo, who has written a series of books about a boy called Itchingham Lofte, who is an
element hunter. The talk was held at Nunnery Wood High School and began with the Science Department demonstrating
various experiments. Simon Mayo then gave a very interactive talk and then pupils were given the opportunity to purchase
copies of his book and get them signed by Simon Mayo himself. In addition, the publishing house had run a competition
beforehand based on the periodic table and one of our students won.
The second talk was held at King Charles and the whole of Year 9 and Year 7 were given the opportunity to hear and meet
the inspirational, local author, David Massey. In addition to the talk, David Massey also ran two workshops, based on
character, for Year 9 pupils. He was extremely impressed with the students. In an email he thanked the school for making
his ‘visit such an enjoyable experience’ and stated that he ‘was VERY impressed with how the students behaved and with
the amazing quality of writing produced in both workshops’. David Massey also ran a competition based on the workshops
and the winner was Jessica Brett for her ‘short piece of creative writing that was packed with emotion and tension and
which gave an impressive sense of the dilemma her character was facing’. Lastly, a group of Year 7 pupils went to The Hive in Worcester to hear and meet the author, Steve Cole. This talk was a
high energy, interactive talk, which was packed full of spy gadgets, as he was launching his new book about Young Bond. Students were also able to purchase the book and have it signed by Steve Cole himself.
All of these visits have helped to encourage the students interest in literature and reading for pleasure. We have found
that the students’ interest in reading is stimulated when they are able to meet the actual authors behind the creation of the
books.
Vocational Learning
Shelby is a Driving Force on the Vehicle Maintenance Course
Shelby Doswell chose to do the Motor Vehicle Maintenance (Level 1) course run by Kidderminster College through her
school diverse curriculum activity. She is now in her second year of the two year course and through her hard work and
determination Shelby was nominated by her course tutor for the
“Diverse Curriculum Vocational Learning Award” for demonstrating a high
level of personal motivation to her continued training and development.
On Monday 17th November Shelby was invited to attend Kidderminster
College’s Awards Presentation Evening where she received her certificate
and prize. Although Shelby is the only female on the course she is proving
to be a very capable car mechanic proving that this is not an occupation
that is exclusive to males. Shelby says that she enjoys both the practical
and theoretical aspects of the course and enjoys getting underneath a car
with a spanner in her hand. Shelby said that the things she has
learned on the course will be helpful if she chooses a career
as a car mechanic and will also enable her to do work on the
cars of family and friends.
Maths
Some new and old faces in the mathematics department at KC1
You may have noticed some new members of the maths department this year. You may have also recognised some
familiar faces too.
Miss Turner joined us in September.
Miss James may have worked with some of you in her maths intervention role last year. She is also teaching maths this
year.
Some of you may have noticed Mr Beasley is back. He is no longer a cover supervisor and is now an intervention
mentor working mostly with Years 10 and 11.
Mr Jervis, who was new in September, is also an intervention mentor working with Years 10 and 11.
We also have Miss Smithers who started in December. She will be an intervention mentor working with Years 7 and 8.
The Intermediate Maths Challenge – a chance to show off your mathematical knowledge
On Thursday 5th February 2015, ninety of our best mathematicians from Years 9, 10 and 11 will
be sitting The Intermediate Maths Challenge. The UKMT Individual Maths Challenges are lively,
intriguing multiple choice question papers, which are designed to stimulate interest in
mathematics in large numbers of pupils. The paper contains 25 multiple choice questions. Of
these, the first 15 are more accessible whilst the final 10 will provide more food for thought.
Gold, silver and bronze certificates are awarded to 40% of participants nationally. The most successful participants are
invited to enter follow-on rounds.
You will be given a letter if you have been selected to take part in the challenge. Well done and good luck to those
individuals who have been asked to participate!
Keep a look out for our Intermediate Maths Challenge Hall of Fame!
Advice & Support Centre
Welcome to ASC, KC1’s Advice and Support Centre.
Here you'll find advice and support for a whole
range of issues. Sometimes you can sort out a
problem on your own. But if you have a worry you
can't cope with, don't bottle it up.
School is a large part of your life so it's important
to feel happy here. Sometimes you might have
problems at school which are worrying you…
•
•
•
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Having friendship/relationship problems?
Finding school work/independent learning difficult?
Worrying about exams or future learning choices?
Experiencing problems outside of school that make it hard to
concentrate?
It can really help if you talk to someone in your family, a carer, one of your friends or maybe a teacher, or you can contact
asc at any time. If you wish for any further information, please come along to see us during break or lunchtime.
Lower site ASC is located in the Harradine (next to the head of year’s office)
Upper site ASC is located behind the Science Theatre.
Jane Bartlett, Lindsey Bates, Michael Foster (ASC Team)
Business & Enterprise Activities
Cattleya CIC short listed for UK Award
Across Britain, new and exciting emerging businesses
entered the Lloyds Bank 2014 Enterprise Award for
successful entrepreneurs. From hundreds of applications, our
student run business Cattleya CIC, were shortlisted as one of
the top businesses to go through to the regional heats held in
Nottingham.
Cattleya provide delicious bespoke cocktails and healthy
smoothies for business and community events using exotic
fruits imported from Colombia.
The search for Britain’s best student started in May with the
chance to win great prize packages of up to £50,000 as well
as Senior Executive mentoring for students. Cattleya CIC are
delighted to have been selected for the Best Enterprise Award
and pitched their business on Tuesday 23rd September at
Nottingham Trent University to a panel of judges, including
local business leaders, Lloyds Banking Group and Public figures.
Quote from Mark Garnier MP “This is an excellent achievement and really reflects the hard work that the students have put
into the company. It is great to see students involved in social enterprise and the high calibre of young people that we have
in the Wyre Forest”.
Young Enterprise Employability Skills Workshop
To develop those skills that are highlighted by employers and the CBI (Confederation of British Industry), to give students an
insight into the world of business and work, year ten gifted and talented students attended a two hour workshop facilitated
by Young Enterprise.
Students were challenged to set up a business focusing on marketing, branding and events management. They were given
the opportunity to take part in the Young Enterprise Company programme, giving them the chance to set up and run their
own business and are currently working with two business advisors from Bishop Fleming Accountants and Parkinson Wright
Solicitors.
Delegates Experience a Taste of Colombia at
Newman University
To celebrate Global Entrepreneurship week, students involved in Cattleya
were invited to exhibit their company at the
Social Enterprise Fair held at Newman University on 19th November 2014.
This was to raise awareness of social enterprise amongst academic staff
and students at the University and to serve alcohol-free drinks and tasters.
The day was a great success, our students provided academic staff with
additional perspectives on social enterprises and informed University
students about the routes and options in contributing to, working in and
starting their own social enterprise. This included a guided tour of the
University and the opportunity to take part in a variety of Employer led
workshops. Delegates were in awe of the alcohol-free cocktails and tasters
prepared using exotic fruits from Colombia, whilst helping a village there to
reduce its economic dependency on growing plants for drug production.
Students excelled themselves at the Business Networking Challenge
As part of Global Entrepreneurship Week, students had great fun when they were tasked with creating an exhibition stand
for a business networking event. They were required to come up with an idea to change the world and to look at ways to
market and sell their idea to employers. Employers commented on their professionalism and creativity. They were impressed
with their innovative ideas and marketing materials.
The event was facilitated by Ijm Media. Quote from Jayne Green “It was a pleasure to work with the students, their entrepreneurialism and enthusiasm shone through”. The exhibition stands were judged by local employers, the winning team are
pictured above with their business idea ‘Solar Lane’.
Founders’ Day
The foundation of King Charles I School was remembered
recently in the annual Founders’ Day Service held at St
Mary’s Church, Kidderminster. The school, the only High
School in the United Kingdom to bear the name of King
Charles I, was founded in 1609 by Thomas Blount, then Lord
of the Manor in Kidderminster. This year’s service, led by Rev
Rose Lawley, was attended by Cllr Stephen Williams, Chair of
Wyre Forest District Council and Cllr Michael Price, Mayor of
Kidderminster together with other civic dignitaries,
members of the Old Carolians Association, former
Headteachers, School Governors, staff and students. The
address was given by Rev Chris Allen from Bewdley on the
theme of ‘doing the right thing’.
Art Trip - Tate Britain
On the 4th November 2014, the KC1 art department
visited Tate Britain, which is situated in London. It’s an
art gallery which is a part of the Tate network of galleries
in England, with Tate Modern, Tate Liverpool and Tate St
Ives.
There was a variety of artist work found at the gallery
ranging from paintings to life size objects.
We were handed the task of completing six drawings
which related to our mock exam theme and consisted of
paintings, drawings and sculptures.
We were given the opportunity to pick artists’ work either
from the modern section or pre twentieth century works.
By visiting the gallery it helped to develop our ideas an
understanding of art
associated with force
because after we drew
the art works, we
analysed them in depth
and see how the artist’s
work linked with different
forces such as: force
through media e.g.
bright colours,
relationship, war,
balance.
India Trip
Going to India is a once in a lifetime opportunity,
so when we were given the chance, we all
grabbed the opportunity. So many memories
were created, memories that we will never forget.
Our trip started off with an 8 hour long plane
journey to New Delhi, luckily for us it was a
night flight, so we got some much needed rest,
although that didn’t stop us from being shattered
by the time we got there. After we got to New
Delhi we caught a connecting flight to Amritsar,
where to our surprise, Lokesh, a teacher from
JNV Bring Khera (our Indian partner school) was
waiting for us.
We had another six hour journey to look forward
to, however luckily we visited the Golden Temple
which gave us a welcome break from travelling.
The temple was gold plated and surrounded
by glistening water.
We visited the kitchens where we sat on the floor
and got given a plate of Indian food consisting of
bread, curry and rice pudding.
After a long coach journey we arrived in Bhatinda,
where the school was situated. We stayed overnight
in a hotel and woke up bright and early so we could travel to the school. When we got to the school we got an incredible welcoming. The whole school were stood in extremely strict, disciplined lines and they all clapped in unison as we
approached. We met all of the teachers who were all very nice, and we then proceeded to the principal’s office, where
he gave us an overview of what we would be doing in our time there. As it was a Sunday, a religious assembly was held,
they sang hymns, which were all sung to perfection, and they played both their national anthem, and ours, as a symbol
of welcoming us. We ate breakfast, lunch and dinner at the principal’s house, which was in the school. The school was
one of all of our favourite parts, everyone was so welcoming and grateful that we had come, it was truly humbling.
We went back to the school the day after, where we had a free time to meet and get to know some of the pupils. Alex
played cricket with a P.E group, India, Lily and Connor all worked on their performances to perform later on that day.
Our entire trip was incredible, however one of the most stand out and famous parts was visiting the Taj Mahal, one of the
Seven Wonders of the World. We arrived just in time for sunrise and we viewed the Taj Mohal, in its true beauty.
The week that we spent in India was by far one of the best weeks in all of our lives, and will treasure all of the experiences and memories forever!
By Alex Hollis.
Cross Country
The District Cross Country Championships held last Friday at Wyre Forest Country Park. The weather was
horrid, yet our students battled the elements and performed outstandingly well. Three of our runners have made
it through to the County Cross Country Championships early next year, they are Lachlan MacPhail who took on
Year 8 and 9 boys and performed fantastically well coming 3rd in his race. Emma Elwell who completed her last
cross country race for KC1 as she is in year 11, came 2nd in her event. Finally, Erin Hart who once again
completed against students her own age and the year above came 5th. A huge well done to everyone who
participated.
Results are as follows.
Year 7 Boys
Position
Harry Stephens 25 Dominic Brett 22 Edric O'Kell King
23
James O'Neill 38 Year 8/9 Boys
Position
Lachlan MacPhail 3 Chris Telling 15 Dennis Digie 34 Year 8/9 Girls
Ruth Webber Anna Webber Jess Brett
Brooke Harris Sydney Harris
Year 10/11 Boys
Joe Beer
Dan Nash
Jared Pearman
Jack Griffiths Year 10/11 Girls
Hannah Banfield
Erin Hart
Emma Elwell Katie Griffen Anna Kirwan Position
9 10 24 29 Year 7 Girls
Position
Eden Fallon-Davies 32 Willow De-Morney Lloyd 15
Position
33
34 21 7
38
Position
18
5
2
22
14
Other Sports News…
Indoor Athletics
Congratulations to the Year 7 and 8 boys and girls competing in the indoor athletics event in October.
Year 7 and 8 girls both finished 4th
Year 7 boys finished 2nd and the Year 8 boys finished 3rd.
Some excellent running and field events by all. Well done.
Netball
Some good wins had by U14,U15 and U16 team in the first half of the season over Wolverley and Baxter.
Good luck to Year 7 and 8 for their games this half term.
Callum O’Reilly
Callum is a talented student for rowing. During the summer he competed in the Junior National Championships in a double with Sam Branford. They managed to come second over the 2000m distance. This is a
fantastic achievement and the P.E department congratulate and wish him all best for his future successes.
Sam Branford and Callum O’Reilly in action competing at the Callum rowing at Shrewsbury Regatta May 10th 2014, after winning in
National Schools Regatta May 23rd 2014
the double on Saturday he also won in the single on Sunday.
Football News
Worcestershire schools county cup
U13 - Beat Malvern Chase 6-1 in the quarter final at home to make it through to the semi final where they are
due to play Droitwich.
U15 - Beat South Bronsgrove (7-6) on penalties to make it through to the semi final where they are due to play
TGA Worcester.
U16 - Beat Trinity High school 4-0 to get through to the semi final.
ESFA NATIONAL CUP - U15 boys Through to the 4th round (of 10 rounds), Tie to be played against Dame
Elizabeth Cadbury school on Tuesday 2nd December.
Girls’ Football
The U14 girls football team have had another great start to this season. With wins over Sandwell academy 10-0
and Q3 academy from Walsall 9-0 in the National cup.
They unfortunately had a tough game against a team from Birmingham drawing 3-3 then 1-1 in extra time and
then losing out on penalties.
A very good run in the National cup and are still currently in the County cup Semi finals.
Well done!!
Beat Bullying Campaign
As part of the national anti-bullying week Blount’s college have been engaging in a scheme of work where they have
created poems and posters as part of their anti-bullying campaign.
School council representative Eliott Orban said “As a college we feel strongly that bullying should not be tolerated. Our
aim is to make all students aware of what we can do as a community to stop bullying. Our message is clear ‘Sort it!
Report it’
Attendance
As a school, we have been working hard to improve our attendance. This time last year it was 95.7%. It now stands at
96.2% - this will equate to hundreds of additional lessons being attended by our students across the school. A huge well
done to Blounts, who currently have the best attendance across the school and to 8C2, who, as a tutor group are the
most impressive, with a superb attendance of 97.7%!
Dates for your diary
Monday 5th January 2015 - Start of Spring term.
Monday 16th February - Friday 20th February 2015 - Spring half term.
Friday 27th March 2015 - Term ends
Monday 30th March 2015 - Staff PDD Day