16th June 2017

I will leave the PE department to describe the match details in next week's newsletter; I have a habit of not watching the second half and missing the best bits!  Congratulations to the team and to the staff involved; Mr Jennings and Mr Hopkins for their team effort and effective coaching.  I have passed their CV’s to Arsenal just in case they have a change of heart regarding their manager! On a serious note, it proves what you can do when you put your mind to something and work as a team.

In terms of working together, last week three of our Post16 students, leaders on our Student Council, received awards for the time and effort that they have spent making the school a better place.  Kayla Green, Laura Griffin and Michael Peacock were recognised by Werrington Neighbourhood Council. I wish to thank them for their contribution in working with other students to raise important issues that have improved our school.

Welcome to Year 10

This afternoon I addressed the Year 9 students as they were given their new timetables and introduced to the expectations required of them in Year 10. These expectations will allow them to succeed and gain qualifications that match their targets.  From Monday 19 June all Year 9 students will start their journey towards gaining their qualifications at the end of Year 11. The clock is ticking and so we feel it is important  to start these courses before September. A common misconception is there is always another day to do… The reality is that every day, every lesson counts and grasping what is required early is vital to your son/daughter’s success.  I wish to re-iterate that the main conversations we have as a school and you have as parents/students must be about learning and progress in the first instance. 

Year 11 Study Leave, Graduation Day

As Year 11 have now completed the majority of their examinations, I wish to remind you that they only need to attend lessons where they have an examination remaining. Whilst there are still some to be completed next week, the conduct, resilience and attitude of Year 11 has been exemplary throughout the process.  Please could I remind Year 11 students to sign in and out of the building for safety reasons.

Finally, to celebrate formally the end of Year 11 we have a Graduation Day, which will be held on Tuesday 27June. The event will start at 8.45am and run until approximately 11am. I always look forward to this event, as it is the finale to Year 11.  We expect students to attend in smart formal attire (no jeans, no trainers). The purpose of the morning is to celebrate the successful completion of our student’s studies at Ken Stimpson Community School. There will be a number of awards selected by class teachers and Heads of House. Certificates for these awards will be issued on the morning with an opportunity for House and Year group photographs. There will also be a number of prize draws for attendance and other achievements, with one lucky winner claiming an Apple ipad. We look forward to welcoming your son/daughter to this event.

Post 16 Induction

Post 16 induction for year 11 students commences on Thursday 29 June, until Friday 30 June. 

Bryan Erwin
Principal

With the forthcoming promotion of Year 9 students to their GCSE studies, we are issuing electronic End of Year 9 Reports on Monday 19 June. We would welcome any feedback on this method of reporting using the feedback form included within the email.

Mr Swift
Extended Leadership Team

• All students have access to www.hegartymaths.com and if they haven't previously logged on there is a step by step guide under student login on the website.
• Year 7 and 8 students can practice their times tables using www.ttrockstars.com
• All students have access to www.mymaths.co.uk which ranges from level 1 maths all the way through to 'A' level. The schools user name is: kscs and the password is: shapes
• Students have individual logins for ttrockstars and mymaths which if they are unsure of they can ask their maths teacher. With both of these, you, them and their teacher can see their progress.
• Sam Learning  (www.samlearning.com) can also be used not just to focus on maths but all subjects. The centre id is: PE4KS user id: six digit date of birth and initials and the password is the same as their user id. e.g 170475LD
• With maths in mind students have access to resources from KS1 through to 'A' level with the new addition of intervention resources to bridge the gap on key topics. Alongside the use of Numeracy Ninjas (a new initiative year 7 and 8 have started in tutor time to improve their numeracy skills) in school this could really make the difference to students understanding of maths.
• The end of year tests result will help guide us into choosing the right tier course for students.

Dates for the end of year exams:

Year 7: Mon 26 June, Weds 28 June (calc)

Year 8: Mon 26 June, Weds 28 June (calc)

Year 9: Tues 9 June (calc and non calc), Thurs 30 June (calc)

Year 10: Mon 19 June, Tues 20 June (calc)

All exams are in June and all equipment, black pens, pencils, protractors, compass, ruler, rubber, sharpener, calculator and highlighter will be required. None of this will be provided by the examiners.

Mr Donnelly
Mathematics KS3 Coordinator

On Wednesday 21 June 60 Year 10 students will be completing the second part of their Junior University Programme in school, led by graduates from Cambridge University. On Thursday 22 a small number of Year 8 students will be attending The Big Bang Fair in Coventry, an interactive science technology engineering and maths event  to inspire students to take these subjects at GCSE and beyond and potentially consider a career pathway in these fields.  On Friday 23 June the whole of Year 10 will be attending the Mission Possible Careers Fair at The East of England Arena at the Showground in Peterborough, this is a free event and transport has been funded by The Skills Service.  All permission letters were handed out this week and I should be grateful if you are a parent/carer of a Year 10 student that you return the letter by Monday 19 June.

Mrs Ayre
International Business Enterprise and Community Co-ordinator