The Kingsley School Summer 2012 Newsletter

TheKingsleyNews
ISSUE 31
SUMMER 2013
THE NEWSLETTER OF THE KINGSLEY SCHOOL, ROYAL LEAMINGTON SPA
IN THE PINK FOR CHARITY RACE
AMAZING ART
ALIEN INVASION
P2
NEW
HEAD GIRLS
P11
P10
SMILING
SWIMMERS
P13
IN THE PINK
NOT A COLOUR OFTEN ASSOCIATED WITH KINGSLEY!
Students, staff, governors and parents ran, walked – even
skipped and occasionally cartwheeled - around the Kingsley
sports fields to raise nearly £5,000 for Cancer Research UK.
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The whole school – from Prep to Sixth Form –
took time out of lessons to complete the Race
for Life, determined to cross the finishing line
motivated by the event slogan “Cancer, we are
coming to get you!”
“power walkers”. But if there was ever a race
about the taking part not the winning this was
it and everyone who crossed the finishing line
was proud to receive a medal in recognition of
their achievement.
Pink tutus, t-shirts, cowboy hats and fairy
wings were among many items of nonregulation Kingsley blue clothing worn for the
event – and not just by the females taking part!
The younger Prep pupils did a shorter “Mad
Mile” but most were so full of enthusiasm for
the event they would probably have managed
the full distance had there been time to do it!
The 5km course was packed with people at the
start of the race but the elite runners quickly
took the lead and started to lap some of the
In a Senior School assembly a few days before
the Race for Life, students were asked to raise
their hands if they had been touched by cancer
or knew somebody who had been. Everyone
did.
Most participants had a close relative or friend
in mind as they completed the course and many
paid tribute to that person on a handwritten sign
pinned to their clothes.
“The Race for Life was a fun event with a
serious message that brought out the best in
the Kingsley community. Well done to everyone
for getting involved and special thanks to Miss
Windsor and the PE team for organising it,”
says Head teacher Ms Owens.
PREP SCHOOL
PONDERINGS...
It has been another year of exciting changes for the
Prep School in terms of new opportunities and
many new activities and hopefully this edition of
The Kingsley News will give you a snapshot of
what the boys and girls have enjoyed. Here are a
few of my favourite Kingsley moments:
Winning the WordSpace Discover Writing
Competition, which judged the Prep School to be
the best creative writing project on the theme of
“Discovery” in the UK. This was a new venture
for the Prep School, with the boys and girls
experiencing an action-packed week of writing
challenges.
This year we have seen some healthy rivalry
between our four houses, whether it has been on
the sports field or trying to win the House
Swimming Gala, but our new Inter House Maths
Quiz proved a big hit and will certainly earn a slot
on next year’s calendar.
Our new Charity Reps in Year 6 have come up with
some fresh ideas for fundraising and once again
we have had a particularly profitable year, which is
surprising given the economic climate. Cake
Sales, Non-Uniform Days, a Virtual Pet Show and
a visit by horse, all contributed to our charity
successes. This is surely a testament to the
generous and charitable nature of the children and
the wider school community.
Despite unseasonal and inclement weather, our
sports teams have competed hard and had lots of
fun in the process. During the netball season,
Kingsley teams have participated in several new
competitions with excellent results in the IAPS
Netball Championships and in the High Five
Netball Tournament. We have had fantastic
swimming results ... Rebecca Burden in Year 5
qualified for the IAPS Swimming Championships
Finals in Sussex, where she came 10th in the
country in 25m Butterfly. As this was the first time
Kingsley had entered the Championships, we are
immensely proud of Rebecca’s achievements. And
in our first ever entry in the Kenilworth Festival One
Mile Schools’ Challenge, Prep girls were 2nd and
3rd – another great success for Kingsley.
Another interesting feature of this year has been
the involvement of Prep pupils in the new
extracurricular activities on offer – whether it has
been Cheerleading Club, GEMs Maths Club,
Young Writers’ Club or Performance Club –
everyone has been engaged and busy.
Life in the Prep is full of magical fun-filled
moments. We wouldn't have it any other way! The
boys and girls have worked hard and played hard
and are looking forward to a good rest over the
summer holidays - as the new academic year
ahead promises to be just as busy!
Miss Anne Hornsby, Head of Prep School
ALIEN INVASION
An alien invasion of the Prep School playground
marked the start of Discovery Week during which
children from Foundation to Year 6 took part in roleplay activities and completed written work related
to space.
When they arrived at school on Monday morning,
Prep pupils found a cordoned off area on the
playground with chalk outlines on the floor to mark
where a space ship had landed. What appeared to be
green slime was labelled as an exhibit and further
evidence had been bagged up. At break, the Kingsley
forensics team, dressed in white boiler suits, were
on site ready to dust for evidence and Year 6 acted
as reporters, questioning children about what they
had seen.
space. Everyone sampled space food – Neapolitan
ice-cream – to which there were mixed reactions!
The children wrote space logs, planet reports and
drew up duty rosters for their space mission. The
lights were switched off and NASA photographs and
constellations were projected on to the ceiling.
Every year group took part in themed classroom
activities and there was a competition to design a
persuasive poster or leaflet for a travel-agency,
advertising trips to the moon!
A special assembly was held to share experiences
and examples of work from a week in Prep School
which was “out of this world”!
During the week all Prep pupils had the opportunity
to visit the Kingsley Space Station and dress up as
astronauts and aliens to role-play a trip into outer
STOP PRESS
The work produced by pupils during Discovery Week has won a
national competition for creative writing. Judges of the WordSpace
Discover Writing Competition chose the initiative as the best writing
project on the theme of “discovery” and have awarded Kingsley with
£3,000 worth of prizes.
They were looking for new and exciting ways of encouraging all children
to write with the emphasis on innovation, inspiration and inclusivity. As
well as winning library furniture and writing resources, the school will be
visited by best-selling children’s author Tom Palmer as part of the prize.
Thank you to Miss Griffiths for organising this.
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WORLD BOOK DAY
AUTHOR VISITS
Best-selling children’s author Cathy Cassidy –
one of the 2013 World Book Day authors stopped off at Kingsley during her UK tour to
celebrate the launch of her new book.
WE LOVE BOOKS AND READING…
Years 5 and 6 Prep pupils took part in a national
competition designed to encourage children to read
as many different books as they could in ten weeks.
At the end of the period Kingsley’s total was 438!
All participants had to read books from nine different
genres and formats and answer questions about them
online. They were also encouraged to make their own
choices and recommend titles to friends.
Three girls - Sanyukta Shukla (Y5), Molly Quelch
(Y6) and Amelia Quelch (Y5) – were responsible for
reading nearly half the total number of books finished
in Prep and they were presented with book vouchers
as a reward. Sanyukta read over 100!
All pupils who completed the challenge received a
certificate and were entered into the national online
competition to win books.
Pupils from three local schools joined Years 5
and 6 to listen to a talk by Cathy and take part in
a question and answer session with her. Kingsley
girls were thrilled to meet Cathy, whose books
they love to read, and they were queuing up to
get her autograph.
Before she left the school, Cathy had a chance
to look at some of the fabulous art work on
display. She was very impressed by our
students’ work and even took a few photos of her
favourite items as she says she is always looking
for inspiration for her next book cover!
TAFFY TELLS TALES
The first UK Laureate for Storytelling Taffy Thomas MBE visited Prep as part
of the Stratford Literary Festival. Generally regarded as the most experienced
storyteller in England, he transfixed the boys and girls with his tales and
riddles.
Taffy wears an amazing tale coat which is covered with images linked to his
stories. This is a work of art in its own right and is a continual source of
inspiration to Taffy and his audiences.
Kingsley pupils were intrigued by Taffy and his tale coat and found his visit
to be both entertaining and inspiring. Before leaving the school he set all the
children “homework” to tell or listen to a story!
REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE AND READ!
Clever children in the Prep School came up with the
perfect event to celebrate World Book Day, which
happened during Climate Week – a book swap! By
recycling good reads they ensured that unwanted
books were reused and, at the same time, fellow
pupils would be reading a new story.
All classes from Foundation to Year 6 voted for their
favourite authors and there was a house quiz about
characters from well-known children’s books. Older
pupils took part in The Biggest Book Show on Earth,
an online event involving over half a million children
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from around the world who watched authors
including Francesca Simon, Anthony Horowitz,
Lauren Child and Tony Robinson celebrate the joy of
reading and talk about their top tips for writing and
illustration.
Head of Prep Miss Hornsby says: “Reading and
recycling are two things we take very seriously at
Kingsley. The children enjoy doing both so our joint
event was the perfect combination for the boys and
girls who all have new books to read and have done
a little bit to help the environment.”
PREP PUPILS GO BACK IN TIME
Years 1 and 2 Prep pupils had a taste of life in a Victorian school when they visited
St John’s Museum in Warwick.
Once the girls had put on their white pinafores and the boys were looking smart
in their sailor collars, the children were marched in silence into the classroom.
They addressed the teacher as 'Ma'am' and had to sit with straight backs on hard
wooden benches.
Monitors gave out slates and pencils and lessons began. After handwriting and
reading practice, the children were asked to count on an abacus. One of the boys
was slouching and was given the back straightener as a punishment!
During the lesson, two visitors arrived – Kingsley teacher Mrs Machin was a very
strict looking 'patron' and Mrs Hall, the 'vicar’s wife' called to check up on the
welfare of the children. Fingernails were inspected ('Cleanliness is next to
godliness') and impeccable manners were the order of the day. 'Drill' took place
outside where the children performed various exercises, including marching
around the courtyard, doing lunges and star jumps.
After experiencing life as Victorian school pupils, the children had a chance to see
models of a wealthy Victorian house and compare it with that of a poor family. They
were asked to be 'detectives' and had to work out where the toilets were in the houses
(none?!) and how Victorians would bathe, keep their beds warm and cook.
The children dressed up as servants or rich folk to discover all the jobs that
needed doing. There was polishing, beating the rugs, warming the bedpans,
emptying the 'gazundas'......the list was endless!
Everyone agreed it had been a wonderful morning and the resounding comments
were that 'the classroom was the best bit!' Lots will be remembered, having
experienced life in Victorian times.
IT’S NEVER TOO
COLD TO STUDY
HISTORY!
History came to life for Year 6 girls when they braved
the elements to spend a snowy, cold day walking
around the open-air Black Country Museum. It was
the perfect end to a unit of work on Victorians,
despite the near Arctic conditions.
Girls learnt about Victorian inventions and
discoveries, daily life for the rich and poor, education
and working conditions. They went inside carefully
reconstructed shops and houses and were given talks
about what it was like to live at the time. The girls
asked lots of probing questions and the guide was
very impressed with their knowledge of the period!
This is a report of the visit by Year 6 pupil
Emily Jewel:
TIME TRAVEL IS POSSIBLE!
At nine o’clock in the morning on Friday 25th
January, Year 6 pupils from The Kingsley School
boarded a coach. The pupils were travelling to the
Black Country Museum in order to learn even more
details about their current history topic, The
Victorians!
After arriving, they met their tour guide, Lindsey, who
was dressed as a middle class Victorian lady. Lindsey
said, “Kingsley is one of the best schools I have ever
had on tour!”
One of the pupils’ activities was visiting a rich Victorian
house. The lady there was dressed in traditional
Victorian clothes. She told the Kingsley girls about a
real Victorian family who had once lived there.
The girls visited a Victorian school where they were
given a lesson by a very strict teacher. They practised
their handwriting on slates and wrote in chalk.
Everyone had their hands and nails inspected
because, as the teacher lectured, “Cleanliness is next
to godliness!” The Kingsley girls were extremely well
behaved, of course!
The Mines were another one of the fantastic activities
on offer at the museum. After a series of health and
safety briefings they headed down the mine. On the
way they saw mannequins doing the jobs of Victorian
workers. One of the most memorable moments was
the fake mine explosion which scared many of the
girls, but not brave Georgia Morgan, aged 10, who
claimed, “It was nothing!” Clara Olexa, aged 10 ¾
commented, “I was really scared!”
The final and best part of the trip was the visit to the
sweet shop. Fruit pips were the favourite along with
the addictive sherbet! After all this excitement,
everyone was shattered and ready for bed, even
though it was only half past two! Helen Lavery, aged
10 ½ stated, “It was the best school trips I have even
been on!”
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MAD SCIENCE
A toilet roll, a plunger, a hairdryer and a toy
elephant were among the diverse selection of
everyday objects used in a series of experiments
during a Mad Science workshop for Prep pupils.
Presenter Mark Watson brought science alive for
the young audience with these household items
and the help of pupils and staff. He covered
topics ranging from jet engines to acids and
alkaline in two fun-filled and interactive
sessions.
LEARNING ABOUT PLANTS
In their Science lessons Year 3 girls have been learning
about how plants grow. To get some first-hand
information about this and some tips to ensure the
sunflower seeds they have planted do well, they visited
the temperate glasshouse in Jephson Gardens in
Leamington town centre. Laura the ranger told the Prep
pupils all about the different plants and the conditions
in which they flourish, giving the girls plenty of
information to complete their project work back in
school. In Foundation and Reception the girls also got
back to nature when they made miniature gardens.
Afterwards he complimented Kingsley boys and
girls on their enthusiasm and good behaviour
saying “They were absolutely fantastic and very
keen to volunteer.”
MOTHER’S DAY
ASSEMBLY
HATS OFF TO EASTER
PARADE WINNERS!
The mothers, grandmothers and mother figures of
children in the Prep School attended a special event
to celebrate Mother’s Day. They joined their sons and
daughters at a special celebration assembly during
which all year groups performed songs, poems and
artistic items on the theme of mothers. Each year
group then welcomed their mothers into their
classrooms where they presented them with handmade gifts and cards.
Regulation uniform headwear was replaced with
hats covered in chicks, rabbits, eggs and spring
flowers for the annual Easter Parade.
After a seasonal assembly celebrating Easter and
the arrival of Spring, children from classes in
Foundation, Reception, Years 1 and 2 paraded
around the playground for their Easter hats to be
judged.
Head teacher Ms Owens chose a winner from
each year group. They are pictured here (from
left to right) Daisy Davies (F), Krisha Baden (Y1),
Ben Putt (Y2), Isabella Saunders (Y2) and
Alexandria Fitches (R).
FROM RIDING SCHOOL TO
PREP SCHOOL
School lessons replaced riding lessons for a horse
called Turbo who was guest of honour for a special
assembly in Prep School.
The Welsh cob spends his days being ridden by
children with physical and learning disabilities at the
Lowlands Farm Group of the Riding for the Disabled
Association, a wonderful organisation which Prep
boys and girls have been fundraising for.
Turbo was accompanied by Ro Pudden from
Lowlands Farm in Shrewley and Lizzie Parsons from
RDA. They told the Kingsley pupils about the work
of the charity and answered questions about horses.
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As well as presenting a cheque for over £600 to Mrs
Pudden, the school gave Turbo a Kingsley Riding
Squad rosette to display in his stable.
The events organised by Prep pupils to raise money
for RDA included a virtual pet show, a cake sale and
a non-uniform day.
SWINGING, CLIMBING AND JUMPING…
Class 4GA visited the Kingswood Residential Centre
in Albrighton, Shropshire on 15th-17th May. The girls
in Mrs Adair’s form enjoyed two days of exciting
physical challenges and team activities. Emily
Mortimer wrote the following thoughts about the trip:
When we arrived at Kingswood on Wednesday we
had our picnic lunch and were told who we would be
sharing a dorm with. I was in Blue Frog with 11 of
my friends. The first activity was a team challenge. I
was in the Funky Monkey group. We swung on
ropes, wriggled through tyres, climbed up and over
the A-frame and flew along the zip line. After this, we
went go-karting - all I did was smash into the safety
tyres!
On day two, it was tall tower climbing, abseiling and
the zip wire. We climbed up the metal ladders to the
top of the tower. Trembling, I got to the edge of the
platform. I was petrified looking down at everyone
below. I built up my courage and jumped. It was
amazing, the air against my face and the adrenaline
going through my body. After this, we did I-Venture,
where we made our own film on the computer.
The fun continued on day three with more film
making and archery. I only managed to hit the floor
with my arrows – I thought this must be a bonus
point!!!!
Finally, there was just some time for the gift shop
before setting off home and arriving back at Kingsley
exhausted, but happy.
YEAR 6 FRENCH TRIP
The highlight of Year 6 – and for many girls their time
in Prep – is a trip to France. The following account
by Annie Harper Radley and Helen Lavery
describes some of the highlights of this year’s visit
across the Channel:
It was an early start, but the adrenalin of the amazing
trip ahead of us was buzzing around the coach. The
minute we pulled into France, we were all certain that
the breathtaking view and stunning weather had
already made our trip one to remember.
On the first day in France, we kick started the week with
an emotional but mesmerizing trip to Ranville
cemetery. The obvious highlights for many of us were
finding family names engraved into embellished
headstones. Our teacher, Miss Griffiths, even found
her family name! Following our studies, it was an
amazing experience for us to meet Madam Gondre, an
inspirational lady, whose café and family have an
interesting story to tell. In fact, their café was the first
building to be liberated by British in their area. So
many of us had lots of questions including:” Do you
remember the sounds of the gliders, crickets and
Germans?” asked Jenna, Charlotte asked, “where did
you hide your family’s champagne?” Also Clara
questioned, “How did you feel when your café was
liberated?” Madam Gondre replied to all giving very
detailed answers. Our question time with her was
memorable and very interesting.
Have you ever wondered how long the Bayeux Tapestry
is? Well we did, but that was before we went to France.
Now, all our questions have been answered as we
visited the Bayeux Tapestry and had a digital guide of
it. Afterwards Annabel exclaimed that the tapestry was
“gobsmackingly long!” It was disappointing though that
the last few stitches had mysteriously gone missing.
This visit was many people’s highlight and many of us
bought miniature tapestries, unfortunately not to scale!
And now for the class favourite, the … Goat Farm!!!
We all had a huge desire to hold a baby goat, and to
everyone’s delight; we were all given the chance to do
so. We were allowed to try goat’s cheese, drink milk
straight from the goat and Catherine was even able to
ride an enormous goat. We all had an amazing time,
and look back on our visit and smile!
We would like to thank Mrs Machin and Miss Griffiths
for accompanying us on this memorable trip. Our
biggest thanks though have to go to Miss Hornsby
who made this fantastic trip all happen, she has been
amazing and has made Year Six a year to remember!
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BEAUCHAMP HALL HAPPENINGS
MATHS LESSONS GO GLOBAL
Maths lessons went global at Kingsley when students in Years 7, 8 and 9 took
part in World Maths Day.
Sixty four girls used class time and, in some cases,
their own time to complete the 50 challenges in order
to qualify for a certificate – some even started at 8.15
in the morning they were so keen!
They all logged on to the online challenge – the
second event of the World Education Games – to test
their mental arithmetic skills against students of a
similar age around the world.
Last year, over 5 million students took part in the
event, which is now the world’s largest online
education initiative.
Top performers in the 14-18 section, which included
very difficult questions, were:
• Abi O’Meara
• Alice Meixner
• Millie Hobson
As well as competing against the clock, Kingsley girls
also faced the challenge of being the first in a group
of worldwide students to get the correct answer.
In the 11-13 age range the top five highest scoring
students were:
The IT suite was buzzing with excitement as our girls
saw their names rise nearer the top of the Hall of
Fame and they waited in anticipation to find out how
they measured up against the best maths students
around the world.
• 1st - Jess Harper Radley
• 2nd - Sophie Walsh
• 3rd - Lily Hodges
• 4th - Tanya Saunders
• 5th - Lizzie Westley
CHALLENGING MATHS
COMPETITION
Year 10 girls Hannah Schofield, Rucha Selke,
Molly Hughes and Athena Headlam represented
Kingsley in the regional heat of The UK Team
Mathematics Competition organised by the Further
Maths Support Programme at Warwick University.
They were one of 16 teams who faced a series of
challenges covering problem solving, team
working, speed maths, and logic puzzles. It is the
first time that Kingsley has taken part in the
competition and the girls performed very well,
achieving a very creditable position overall.
Maths teacher Mr Smith says: “Year 9 girls are
warned - four of you will be competing next year,
start calculating now!”
MATHS GOLDEN GIRLS
Excellent results by Years 6 to 8 in annual
challenge.
Three girls have been awarded gold certificates
after achieving top marks in the Junior Maths
Challenge - a difficult test of logical thinking and
problem solving skills organised by the UK
Mathematics Trust. Congratulations to Isabelle
Rhodes (Y8), Georgia Lloyd (Y8) and Lily
Hodges (Y7) for performing so well in these
annual multiple choice tests against the clock.
Silver certificates have also been won by Year 8
students Simran Khela, Emily Pettigrew and
Maddie Williams, with the following girls all
achieving a bronze award:
PUBLIC SPEAKING
WINNERS
Congratulations to Year 9 girls Lily Holbrook, Emma
Heritage and Eliza Brown who have won the
Intermediate category of the Youth Speaks competition
hosted by the Rotary Club of Warwick. They spoke
confidently and convincingly on the theme “It’s ok to
be different” and answered challenging questions from
the floor quickly and fluently.
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Year 8: Alexx Parkin, Erica McCallum, Blaise
Hughes O’Sullivan, Charlie Webster, Tanya
Saunders.
Year 7: Katie Neale, Maaria Jeewa.
For the first time ever Year 6 Prep pupils took
part in the challenge and performed well. Special
congratulations to Georgia Morgan, Annabel
Suckling and Kumari Botlagudar who have all
been awarded a bronze certificate.
BEST ESSAY IN EUROPE
Year 10 student Rucha Shelke has been awarded the
European Regional Winner prize in the “Write Stuff”
writing competition organised by car company Tata.
Children of Tata employees were invited to creatively
express their thoughts on the selected theme through
drawing, collage and creative writing.
Her 1,000 word essay on the theme “The Journey is
the Destination” was chosen as the best entry in her
age category and she travelled to London with her
family to be presented with her prizes by the CEO of
Jaguar Land Rover Mr Ralf Speth.
Rucha (14) enjoys writing and has previously been
a runner-up in the same competition. Her winning
essay is about a tennis player preparing for a major
championships and how this “journey” is vital to
their success.
FORENSIC SCIENCE
Girls from all year groups enjoyed some extra
science tuition in March when special lunchtime
sessions were organised to mark national Science
Week. The theme was Investigation and Discovery
and Kingsley students learned all about finger
printing and DNA. They had a special incentive to
make sure their DNA models were accurate as they
were made out of wine gums, jelly babies and
strawberry laces sweets which could all be eaten
once they were correct!
Although she doesn’t play tennis herself, Rucha
decided the scenario was perfect to interpret the
essay theme. The judges obviously agreed!
The Tata Young Expression 2013 competition was
held in association with Tata Network Forums in India
and overseas (including Jaguar Land Rover).
TEXTILES STUDENTS
FELT GOOD!
Local textiles artist, Emma Price, visited Kingsley to show Years 10 and 12
textiles students how to make felt. The girls spent the day learning about wool
fibres and having a go at the addictive activity of making felt. They all created
several stunning and unique samples using the beautifully soft and colourful
merino wool. Throughout the following weeks, the students developed their
pieces of hand-made felt using free-motion machine embroidery and
embellishment. They all agree it felt really good!
CLASSICS TRIP
The Classics Department organised a trip to Italy for a group of students from Years 7 to 10. The places they visited included Pompeii, Naples Museum, the Villa at Oplontis,
Mount Vesuvius and Herculaneum. As well as looking at ancient historic sites, the girls toured the Amalfi coast and took time out to paddle in the sea. They will always
remember the beautiful scenery and memorable sights, but one of the highlights of the trip was the juicy oranges in the daily packed lunches which were freshly picked from
trees belonging to the hotel owner! Here is an account of the trip by some of the girls who went:
On Friday 22nd March, years 7-10 got up at 1am for a
five day trip to the Bay of Naples. After an early morning
flight, we landed at Naples Airport and were welcomed
by a sunny and warm climate. We hopped onto our bus
and were transported to the Villa of Oplontis which is
thought to have belonged to the wife of the Emperor
Nero. It was a magnificent villa with wonderful wall
paintings and a swimming pool, which was rare in
Roman times.
the top we could see all round the Bay of Naples. Later
that day we also visited the museum of Naples where
we saw many wall paintings and statues from Pompeii
and Herculaneum.
We had an unexpected shopping day on Monday
because we couldn’t go to Capri as the water was very
choppy. Before our departure home, we visited
Herculaneum but sadly many of the main villas were
shut. Even so, it was a very interesting and amazing city.
The next morning, we woke up to beautiful views of the
Bay and delicious croissant filled with local marmalade
and chocolate. After an hour’s drive we arrived at
Pompeii. We toured as much of the magnificent city as
we could, visiting the renowned Amphitheatre, Baths
and the bodies.
We then flew home and were welcomed by parents
waiting for their gifts (and their girls!). It was a fantastic
trip packed full of interesting and jaw dropping scenery
and facts. It was a privilege to see all that we are learning
right in front of our eyes.
On Sunday, we were very lucky to have glorious weather
as we walked up Mount Vesuvius and when we reached
Abi O’Meara, Alice Meixner, Jess Harper
Radley, Milly Bracher & Hannah Pope.
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THE KINGSLEY COMMUNITY
BISHOP VISITS KINGSLEY
Days after using his maiden speech in the House of
Lords to pay tribute to the vital role of women in
Coventry and Warwickshire, the Bishop of Coventry
visited Kingsley.
The Right Reverend Dr Christopher Cocksworth
spoke at a whole school assembly about making his
debut in the House and taking part in his first debate
there on International Women’s Day. He told the girls
that this is an important date in the calendar which
has its roots in the movement to give women around
the world the right to vote.
“One day when you are old enough to vote you will
be indebted to them,” he said.
Bishop Christopher described what it was like
entering the House of Lords for the first time and
kneeling to pray in the historic chamber, which he
described as “moving”. He ended the special
assembly by urging everyone to think about
the answers to three questions he believes are
fundamental to human life. The school choir sang
part of the Vivaldi Gloria before Bishop Christopher
went on a tour of Kingsley.
Head teacher Ms Owens said afterwards: “We are
very honoured that Dr Cocksworth took time out of
his very busy schedule to share his thoughts with us
during our Monday morning assembly. It was a
wonderful way to start the week.”
COOKING FOR
COMIC RELIEF
Teachers and admin staff at Kingsley took part in
The Great Kingsley Bake Off to raise money for
Comic Relief. Just like on the Mary Berry TV
programme, they faced a technical challenge
before creating their own “Show Stopper” cake or
gateaux with a Comic Relief theme. The Bake
Off was organised and judged by teachers Mrs
Lepoidevin and Mrs Hermitage.
On Comic Relief day the normally blue Kingsley
uniform was enhanced with red accessories –
ranging from socks and tights to hair ribbons and
scarves - as Prep School pupils and students in
the Senior School and Sixth Form were allowed to
wear a red item in exchange for a donation.
Year 4 mums also dusted down their PE kits to take
part in a netball match against Kingsley staff,
whose team included some of the male teachers!
IN MEMORY OF GRACE
The Kingsley community was shocked and saddened
to hear of the untimely death of former Year 7 student
Grace Locke who died of sudden heart failure on 21st
May 2013 at the age of 12. She left Kingsley in March
this year when she returned to boarding school in India.
Grace loved bright colours and the school sent a
wreath reflecting this to her private family funeral. A
Memory Book and Tree have been started and contain
many messages from her friends and teachers, which
will be shared with her family in due course.
SCHOOL SHOW WINS AWARD
Kingsley’s production of Hairspray, performed last year, has been named one of the best youth productions in the West
Midlands in 2012 by the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA). A cast of 60 students, led by Katie
Maxwell (Y11) and Becky Inchley (Y10) took part in the musical which is set in Baltimore in 1962. Despite being a
foot-tapping fun show, Hairspray deals with the serious theme of integration and how one teenage girl, who is considered
to be an outsider by her peers, is able to change people’s attitudes towards racial equality. Head of Performing Arts
Mrs Walton received the prize- for the best named youth production in District 5 of the West Midlands - on behalf of
Kingsley at an awards evening celebrating all amateur theatre winners in the region. Wearing another hat as a Director
of Rugby Operatic Society she was also presented with a second award for best musical for a production of Trial by
Jury and The Sorcerer which featured a group of Kingsley girls dancing as sprites.
There was a 100 per cent pass rate in the latest LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) exams
taken by girls from Prep, Senior School and Sixth Form with 20 distinctions and 14 merits. Special congratulations
to the following students who have been awarded a bronze medal for acting:
PERFORMING TO PERFECTION
9
•
•
•
•
Matilda Worlidge
Charlotte Barrow
Ella Worlidge
Henrietta Richardson
•
•
•
•
Angelica Oxley
Madhuri Hickling
Rebecca Owen
Claudia Dublin
• Clara Hofstetter
• Danielle Dauvin
ART COMPETITION WINNERS
Prizes have been awarded for the first ever annual
Kingsley Art Competition, which was open to all
students from Prep to Sixth Form. The theme was
animals and entries ranged from models and
collages to oil paintings and drawings.
Congratulations to Zara Azad (Y8) whose oil painting
of a leopard was chosen as the overall winner from
the 72 pieces of artwork that were entered in the
competition.
The age category winners are:
•
•
•
•
KS1 - Matilda Walker (Y2)
KS2 - Sarah Phillips (Y3) and Olivia Allen (Y6)
KS3 - Georgia Astley (Y7) and Zara Azad (Y8)
KS4 - Laura Suominen (Y11)
Head of Art Mr Lax was impressed with the standard
of work on show, all of which was completed by
students in their spare time. He says: “The competition
gave students a great opportunity to come together and
share their talents. It is overwhelming to see so many
different interpretations of the 'animals' theme in so
many different materials and produced to such high
standards. All participants can be extremely proud of
their achievements and I look forward to launching the
competition again next year."
Local artist Brian Marshall, who has given a
watercolour master class at Kingsley, announced the
winners and presented their prizes during a special
assembly to celebrate the school’s amazing artistic
talent.
ENJOYING THE BEST
SNOW IN 20 YEARS
The Kingsley School is different things to different
people, but everyone associated with it agrees that it
is a great place to learn, teach and work.
As part of the process of developing a new school
website our PR & Marketing Co-ordinator Mrs
Radley asked Years 5 and 6 Prep pupils, all Senior
School and Sixth Form students to choose one word
to describe Kingsley. In total 55 different adjectives
were used from awesome and adapting to warm and
wonderful - with one girl writing “one word can’t
describe how amazing The Kingsley School is!”
• Kind Innovative Nice Girls who are Super Lovely
and Excellent in their Year groups (Kumari
Botlagudur Y6)
• Kind Inspirational Never-say-never Girls Smiling
Lots in Every Year (Lily Hodges Y7)
• Kingsley has Independent Nurtured Girls who
Succeed in Life Every Year (Jessica Middup Y13)
• Kingsley Is Never Giving Someone Low
Expectations. You can do it! (Emma Caldwell Y13)
Kingsley staff were also asked what they think is the
best thing about the school. Some of the highlights
from their responses are:
Some of the most frequently used words included:
•
•
•
•
Friendly
Welcoming
Amazing
Fun
•
•
•
•
Family
Caring
Happy
Supportive
All girls were also asked to describe Kingsley using
the letters of the school name. The five winning
acrostic sentences are:
• Kingsley is Nurturing Gifted Students’ Learning
and Excelling Year after year (Chloe Walsh Y8)
• “It is a lovely working environment. Kind,
hardworking staff and delightful motivated
students. We all care for each other.”
• “Being able to teach a subject I love and enjoy so
much in an environment where pupils listen
attentively, cooperate willingly and demonstrate a
desire to succeed.”
• “Lovely polite classes full of enquiring minds.”
• “Students and staff respect each other and work
hard.”
• “Staff as well as pupils are encouraged and
supported to achieve personal goals.”
The annual Kingsley ski trip in February half term
involved 30 students from Years 7 to 12 and four
members of staff, who were lucky enough to enjoy the
best snow there has been for 20 years in the French
resort of Alpe d’Huez where they were based.
Set on a plateau at 1,860 metres and rising to a summit
of 3,330 metres at Pic Blanc, this is the perfect location
for skiers of all abilities.
The trip was a great success with all students making
great skiing progress while they were away. Beginners
were off the nursery slopes by day three and were able
to ski confidently on green and blue slopes across the
resort, while the intermediate and advanced skiers in
the group travelled across the whole resort and were
able to ski the longest black run in the world from Pic
Blanc to the valley floor, 16km away.
Other activities the girls took part in during the trip
included outdoor swimming, ice skating, a high ropes
course, floodlit night skiing, bum-boarding, karaoke,
quiz and disco.
Ski party organiser Mr Edwards says: “The girls were
all impeccably behaved and were a credit to themselves,
parents and the school. Thanks must go to Mrs
Hamilton, Miss Windsor and Mrs Edwards for
supporting the girls so effectively. We now look forward
to skiing in California in 2014!”
10
SIXTH FORM NEWS
HEAD GIRLS
IN WITH THE NEW...
Two new Head Girls have taken up their duties at
Kingsley. They are Lydia Kelly (16) from Harbury and
Amy Fearn (17) from Leamington who will be
supported in the role by deputies Anya Brown and
Zoë Robinson.
As well as studying for their A Levels in the coming
academic year, the girls will raise money for charity,
attend and speak at school events, represent Kingsley
in the local community and take responsibility for
allocated roles in school.
The other members of the Sixth Form Leadership
Team are: Kiran Baden, Alice Edwards, Emily
Huxtable, Sarah Jones, Lucy Meek and Katie Smart.
Head teacher Ms Owens says: “All the girls in the
Sixth Form Leadership Team are to be congratulated
on their appointments, it is a great achievement. They
have undergone a thorough selection process to be
successful which has given them invaluable
experience for the future.”
The appointments were announced as the Lower
Sixth Form left for a study skills course at Balliol
College in Oxford.
OUT WITH THE OLD...
Outgoing Head Girls Vicky Inchley and Izzy
Pickard reflect on what has been a very busy
year for them both:
Although we have heard this said by previous Head
Girls year after year, we didn’t believe quite how true
it would be – our time as Head Girls has absolutely
flown by! It seems like yesterday we were just
applying and now, in retrospect, we are so proud of
what has been achieved in a relatively short space
of time.
At the start of our year we set ourselves several
objectives, some of these included improving
integration within the school and fundraising at least
£1,000 for charity. However, above all we promised
ourselves we would do our utmost to enjoy the
experience. Looking back, we are delighted that
we have achieved these goals and surpassed some
of them.
This has been more than a professional journey; it
has been a rewarding personal experience for us
both. We first became close friends in the Prep
School and our relationship has remained firm since.
Our experience as Head Girls has not only reinforced
this bond but also, through requiring us to work
together almost as business partners, we have
discovered things we never knew about each other.
Unquestionably, we have loved this year and have so
many things to be grateful for. Attending and
speaking at such a diverse range of events has not
only been a privilege but invaluable experience. On
top of this, one of the perks of the job has been
meeting a wide spectrum of interesting people from
charity representatives to business women as well as
governors, visitors and parents of the school.
However, more so it has been a fantastic opportunity
to develop and form relationships throughout all
three sections of the school.
11
Without a doubt the highlight of our year has been
our Charity Day which took place in October 2012 in
aid of our chosen charity Because I am a Girl. We
were amazed at the success the day brought – around
150 petitions were signed to abolish forced marriage
and over £1,000 were raised, already exceeding our
target. Kingsley’s first ever Charity Cup was also
awarded; a legacy which we hope will be continued
by the next Head Girls. However, in our opinions, the
most rewarding part of the day was experiencing so
many different age groups coming together and
responding, in true Kingsley style, with such support
and enthusiasm to all the challenges.
Notably, one of our final achievements was being
invited to speak at a Mercedes Benz launch event in
Northamptonshire. The money raised from this
pushed up our final total to over £3,000, which is
enough to send around 33 girls in developing
countries to school for a year. We feel very privileged
to say we have changed 33 girls’ lives! We would
like to thank Prep parent Mr Hunt for facilitating this
for us.
We are so grateful for all the support we have
received and have countless people to thank, chiefly,
the rest of the Sixth Form Leadership Team who have
worked so hard and made this year so much fun.
Moreover, we have been fortunate to have had the
guidance of Mrs Bailey and Ms Owens along with
many other teachers who have helped us along the
way. They have made us feel more than just Head
Girls but part of a real, effective team which is moving
the school forward.
One of our main tasks this year has been to convince
everybody of what a unique and incredible school
Kingsley is, above all we hope we have achieved this.
Looking back, this school has given us both so much
and shaped us into the people we are today – to have
successfully passed on this message would be one
of our biggest achievements. We believe we speak
on behalf of everyone when we say we have loved
our time here and will miss it hugely when we leave.
Finally, good luck to the new Sixth Form Leadership
Team. Set yourselves ambitious goals and work hard
but ensure you make the most of it. We can’t wait to
hear about what you achieve!
“We are so grateful for all the
support we have received and
have countless people to thank,
chiefly, the rest of the Sixth
Form Leadership Team who
have worked so hard and made
this year so much fun.”
VISIT TO BALLIOL COLLEGE
Sixth Form Leadership Team member Lucy Meek (Y12) is responsible for public relations and is keen to
promote life in the Sixth Form. She has written the following report:
Year 12 students were joined by members of staff
on an overnight stay at Balliol College, one of the
University of Oxford’s oldest college’s, established
in 1263.
The girls were able to get a taste of what lies ahead
of them after Sixth Form by staying in the halls of
residence, attending lectures and eating in the
historic dining hall.
The lectures included advice on exam and revision
technique, given by Kingsley staff and a talk and
presentation about taking risks in life. Kingsley
students were taken on a tour of the college by a
former Balliol student who was able to give first
hand advice and information about university life.
The girls found the motivational speeches and
lectures on exam technique and revision to be
particularly useful, especially as it was before they
took their AS exams.
LEARNING ABOUT
JAPAN
Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholar Kaoru
Uehara took time out from her studies at Warwick
University to speak to Sixth Form students about
her country, Japan.
YOUNG ENTERPRISE
VICTORY
Young Enterprise is a national education charity which
helps young people learn about business and the world
of work and every year Lower Sixth students take part
in a competition the organisation stages to design,
produce and sell a product.
This year, after much deliberation, Kingsley students
founded the company ‘Iris Clothing’ and produced
unique items of clothing and accessories.
As well as producing a range of t-shirts and bracelets,
the girls had to conduct market research and fundraise.
They were given help by business advisors and learnt
a lot from the experience including new skills, improved
team working abilities and an understanding of running
a company.
The Kingsley students’ hard work paid off when they
won the award for Best Presentation at the Young
Enterprise regional competition.
Kaoru is studying for an MSc in Intercultural
Communication for Business and Professions
and is being sponsored to do this by the Rotary
Club in her home town. As part of the arrangement
she is required to give presentations about
Japanese culture.
The Kingsley sixth formers enjoyed seeing pictures
of beautiful buildings, landscapes, clothes and
food – but not so impressed by the image of
schoolgirls on their hands and knees washing a
floor. Apparently in Japan all students have to clean
the school building – even the toilets – every day!
Kaoru spoke about many aspects of life in Japan
and ended her presentation with a brief mention
of the tsunami the country suffered in 2011 in
which 15,000 people were killed and 320,000 lost
their homes.
“I thank deeply from the bottom of my heart all
countries around the world, including Great
Britain, who have given us support after this
disaster,” she said.
THE END OF AN ERA
Parents of girls in Years 13 and 11 joined their daughters for two special
celebration assemblies to mark the start of exams and the end of an era in the
Sixth Form and Senior Schools at Kingsley. These bitter sweet occasions featured
recollections and performances by the girls with “guest appearances” by some
staff. There were lots of tears and hugs as well as laughter and smiles and grateful
thanks from the students for the support and understanding of staff over the
years. Gifts were handed out to form teachers and heads of year, the most unusual
being a unicycle to Miss Windsor!
In the Kingsley tradition “Year of 2013” cakes were specially baked by the catering
team who provided tasty buffet lunches for parents, students and staff to enjoy
after both assemblies. With their GCSE and A Level exams looming the girls in
Years 11 and 13 then started their study leave.
12
SPORT
FREYA SKIS TO
SECOND PLACE
IN ENGLISH
CHAMPIONSHIPS
BEST EVER BADMINTON
Kingsley’s Badminton Squad produced their best-ever
performance at the Warwickshire Schools’ Restricted
Doubles Tournament , winning two gold medals, three
silver and one bronze.
Sports teacher Mrs Close says the excellent result
shows that the girls’ commitment to training has really
paid off and she congratulates everyone who took part.
The medal winners are:
GOLD MEDAL
• Erica McCallum (Y8) and Ellie Sinclair (Y8) – U13 doubles
• Lucy Green (Y10) and Georgina Goode (Y10) – U15 doubles
SILVER MEDAL
Year 9 skier Freya Eaton has maintained her
status as a national athlete by being selected for
the England Alpine Squad U16 category for the
2013/14 season.
• Karina Baden (Y5) and Olivia Allan (Y6) – U11 doubles
• Tabatha Sinclair (Y7) and Grace Whitley (Y7) – U13 doubles
• Georgina Goode(Y10) and partner – U17 mixed doubles
In preparation for next year she has already
attended a fitness camp at Surrey University and
is training weekly with a high level fitness
trainer. The hard work continues in July when
she travels to Italy and Austria for more training.
Freya competed at the 17th Annual English
Alpine Championships in Bormio, Italy
delivering strong overall performances in all her
disciplines. She was second overall in the U16
category - one of the toughest groups in the
championships.
She took part in the Slalom, Giant Slalom and
the Super G races in timed runs against 60 of
the best qualified young female skiers in Great
Britain.
Freya (14), whose skiing achievements earned
her title of Young Female Sports Person at the
Warwick District/Courier Awards in 2011, spent
most of the winter training and juggling school
work. Prior to the championships in Bormio she
was training in Leogang, Austria and Canada
and then racing in France and Switzerland
before going to Austria to prepare for her next
races in Meribel, France.
Kingsley’s Head of PE Miss Windsor says:
“Kingsley is very proud of Freya’s sporting
achievements and the school is doing all it can
to support her skiing by liaising with her tutors
when she is abroad to ensure she keeps up with
her work. She is a very focussed young lady
who deserves to be successful.”
“I have seen her in action and was truly in awe
of her phenomenal control and prowess on the
slopes.”
BRONZE MEDAL
• Lucy Green (Y10) and partner – U17 mixed doubles
SWIMMING SUCCESS - KINGSLEY’S OWN WATER BABIES!
Prep pupil Rebecca Burden (Y5) qualified for the finals
of the IAPS (Independent Association of Prep Schools)
Swimming Championships in May. She competed in
the U10 girls Butterfly final after qualifying for the event
in a personal best time during the preliminary rounds.
This was the first time that Kingsley Prep had entered
the competition and Rebecca had to compete against
some very strong swimmers. She performed well,
narrowly missing the placings for the final, coming 4th
in her heat. After this competition, Rebecca is ranked
10th nationally in this event.
Senior School students Grace Whitley, Emily
Pettigrew, Lizzie Westley and Alexx Parkin made both
B finals, finishing in 11th place overall and the Prep
School team of Rebecca Burden, India Marvelly,
Amelia Quelch and Molly Quelch all achieved personal
bests in their selected races, despite stiff competition
from other swimmers.
Members of the Kingsley School Swimming Squad
joined elite swimmers from the Midlands region to
compete in the 27th Bromsgrove Invitational
Swimming Relays at Worcester Swimming Pool. The
event hosts the region’s best swimmers in U13 and U11
events in medley and freestyle relays. This year twentyfive schools took part and a great result was achieved
by our Kingsley swimmers.
TOP THREE PLACES FOR PREP RUNNERS
Kingsley Prep athletes Helen Lavery (Y6) and Lara Whitmore (Y5) did the
school proud when they came second and third in the Schools’ Challenge
one mile girls’ race organised by Kenilworth Runners as part of their
annual Festival 10k event.
The girls were part of a ten strong team from Prep who completed the
course in Abbey Fields. The others were: Emily Jewel (Y6), Annie Harper
Radley (Y6), Clara Olexa (Y6), Charlotte Grant (Y6), India Marvelly (Y5),
Sanyukta Shukla (Y5), Freya Warner (Y5) and Divya Rose Hickling (Y5).
A total of 41 boys and girls from local schools took part in the race.
STOP PRESS
• Mrs Close has taken on the role of PE subject coordinator in the Prep School.
• After school rounders and athletics clubs at the games field have been very well attended and will be extended
to winter sports from September.
• Competitive fixtures and competitions continue to increase - 12 pupils took part in an Aquathalon (swim and
run) at Pingles Leisure Centre in Nuneaton for the first time and won a fantastic five medals.
13
ONLY TEAM TO GO CLEAR
The Kingsley Riding Squad won two classes at
the inter schools show jumping event held at
Kings Equestrian in Bromyard – and they were
the only team to have three clear rounds. In the
70cm class a team comprising Amy Newcombe
(Y8), Hollie Jones (Y7) and Sophie Phillips (Y7)
took the top honours with Sophie placed first and
Amy second as individuals. The 80cm class was
also won by Kingsley with a team of Amy
Newcombe, Sophie Phillips, Hannah Gardener
(Y8) and Georgia Henry (Y9). Sophie was again
placed first as an individual with Amy third.
“Over 50 riders took part in both classes so for
Sophie and Amy to come in the top three in both
events was a fantastic performance from both of
them,” says Kingsley Riding Squad Manager Mrs
Jessett.
RIDING SQUAD NEWS
JESS REACHES INTERNATIONAL RIDING FINAL
Kingsley squad member Jess Beards (Y13) has
reached the National Schools’ Equestrian Society
national championships. Her win in the novice 24
dressage class on her horse Ruby Tuesday at the joint
Kingsley/Princethorpe inter-schools’ event makes her
eligible for the championships, which is one of the
highlights of the riding year.
Kingsley’s show jumping team of Amy Newcombe (Y8)
on Heidi, Sophie Phillips (Y7) on Ridgehill Buffy, Hollie
Jones (Y7) on Poppy and Megan Watts (Y7) on Dylan
were placed second in the 70cm class and have also
qualified for the nationals.
Other Kingsley girls who were placed during the two
day event are:
Hannah Gardener, Georgia Henry and Charlotte
Northwood (Y12) took part in the 90cm class; with
Charlotte achieving an excellent clear round. She
also rode in the 100cm class as an individual,
jumping well and only getting four faults – an
excellent debut performance from her for Kingsley.
HUNTER TRIALS
• Amy Newcombe: 5th dressage preliminary 12 class,
4th team dressage, 3rd 70cm show jumping, 6th
80cm team show jumping.
• Jess Beards: 4th team dressage.
• Hannah Gardner (Y8): 4th team dressage, 6th 80cm
team show jumping.
• Hollie Jones: 4th combined training competition.
• Megan Watts: 6th 80cm team show jumping.
• Imogen Forster (Y7): 6th 80cm team show jumping.
ATHLETICS ACHIEVEMENTS
Kingsley secured a clean sweep of victories in the
Junior Girls throwing events In the Track and Field
Cup against Princethorpe, Alcester Grammar and
Rugby High School. Many congratulations to:
Following a first or second place finish at qualifying
competitions the following students have been
selected for the District Team at the Warwickshire
Athletic Championships:
• Emma Chamberlain (Y8) – 1st javelin
• Ellie Sinclair (Y8) – 1st discus
• Holly Doogood (Y8) – 1st shot
• 3000m – Caroline Furey (Y10)
• Discus – Lucy Green (Y10)
• 200m and Relay – Holly Doogood (Y8)
Kingsley’s Riding Squad performed well at the
Winchester House Hunter Trials where a team
comprising Amy Newcombe (Y8) Georgia
Henry (Y9) Megan Watts (Y7) and Hannah
Gardner (Y8) were runners up in the 2’6” class.
All girls completed clear rounds but had time
penalties against them. In the same class,
Georgia was placed 4th and Hannah 9th as
individuals and Isabelle Rhodes (Y8) completed
an excellent clear round. Congratulations also
to Imogen Forster (Y7) who was individual
runner up in the 2’9” class.
TERM DATES 2013 / 2014
Autumn Term 2013
Spring Term 2014
Summer Term 2014
• INSET DAY – Monday 2nd / Tuesday 3rd September
• INSET Day – Monday 6th January
• INSET Day – Monday 28th April
• Term begins (Prep/Y7/Y12) –
Wednesday 4th September
• Term begins – Tuesday 7th January
• Term begins – Tuesday 29th April
• Half Term – Monday 17th to Friday 21st February
• Bank Holiday – Monday 5th May
• Term begins (all other years) –
Thursday 5th September
• Term ends – Friday 4th April (3.50pm Prep,
4pm Senior School)
• Half Term – Monday 26th to Friday 30th May
• Term ends – Friday 11th July (12.40pm)
• Half Term – Monday 21st October to
Friday 1st November
• Term ends – Wednesday 18th December (12.40pm)
14
Musings from the Head’s Office
Small school... Big Smiles... Great Achievements… Six words which sum up Kingsley; although I am the proud leader of
this wonderful school, I still marvel how much can be achieved in such a small community and how all that is achieved
is done with a unique Kingsley spirit and with beaming smiles.
15
As another academic year passes by in the blink of an
eye, I like to take stock of girls’ many successes
throughout the year - too many to list but so many of
which are recorded in this and previous newsletters.
I’m writing this on one of the (few?) summery days in
June and it feels almost like yesterday that I was
watching the delightful LAMDA showcase - which was
in fact in March - followed by the excellent Easter
concert. And now, here I am once again nearing the
end of term, hearing the girls’ excited post-exam
chatter about summer plans and holiday destinations,
as they bustle by my office door!
Throughout the year there have been so many
examples of charitable giving – the incredible
“Because I am A Girl” day for Plan UK in the autumn
term; Pudsey Bear and Comic Relief Day; Prep
School’s commitment to Riding for the Disabled (see
page 5), following the visit from Sophie Christiansen,
Paralympic equestrian athlete and gold medal winner;
and individual smaller and more personal campaigns
such as Georgia Lloyd’s fundraising for the charity
Sense and Mrs Machin’s cycle ride from Paris to
London for the Motor Neurone Disease Association all showing impressive levels of ‘Kingsley kindness’.
One of the key events this term which has confirmed
my pride in the strength and spirit of our close-knit
community has been the Race for Life event. It really
was a joy to be part of - a truly uplifting experience; the
energy and atmosphere produced one of those
‘moments’ that only Kingsley school can create! At
relatively short notice, the whole school rallied
enthusiastically to Miss Windsor’s cry of ‘Let’s fight
cancer together!’ and each and every girl (and Prep boy)
showed our small school’s spirit at its best and not only
co-operated but, if you’ll pardon the pun, went the extra
mile. Everyone took part and joined in the fun. Whether
the aim was to compete or just to complete - to run or
just walk (as in my case!), there was not one single
moan, even when the tell-tale dark clouds hovered
ominously above. Everyone had a smile on their face.
Over £4000 was raised for Cancer Research UK in total,
an absolutely incredible achievement. I hope everyone
is justly proud, as I am, of the sheer enthusiasm of their
individual contribution and for the fundraising.
Great achievements have by no means been solely
confined to the charitable events of the school,
however, with successes to shout about in all aspects
of school life: drama; music; art; sport; public
speaking and enterprise competitions; and indeed
preparation for the intense examination period,
whether routine end of year or public GCSEs or A
Levels. I have no doubts that the summer will bring
the well-deserved results that the girls have worked
so hard for and will justify the conscientiousness,
commitment and general cleverness that they all have
as a result of their learning and attitude towards
academic life here at Kingsley.
Written and edited by The Kingsley School
recently (sporting a Kingsley blue Bob the Builder hard
hat and blue high vis jacket, might I add!). I have seen
that work is in fact ahead of schedule, showing that
once again due to everyone’s teamwork and effort, we
have even more achievements to come.
The next couple of weeks will be very busy, and I hope
that the sunshine will last and, once the holidays
arrive, we can bask in all Kingsley’s glory and take
some well-earned relaxation, ready to continue the
smiles and successes into the new academic year in
September.
I have been equally impressed by the staff this term,
not only by the countless extra revision sessions which
they have found time to run, but with the flexibility and
adaptability that everyone has shown during the
preparations for the building work that is now well
underway. Having been across to the Sixth Form block
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