4th November 2016

Now that the mornings-  and particularly evenings - are becoming darker, can I urge you to check that your son or daughter considers the safety issues when travelling to and from school.  Some of the simplest checks have been pointed out to me by members of the public. These are:

• Wear a helmet and have lights fitted to your bicycle.
• Be aware the Werrington centre car park in not a through fare – use the designated paths to walk and cycle to and from school.
• Being considerate that cars may not be able to see you even if you can see them.  Do not swerve between cars and do not assume a vehicle can see you.
• Be considerate of others in the Werrington centre by dismounting and walking with your bicycle until you are away from the centre.

As part of a long standing tradition, we will hold our Remembrance Assembly on Friday 11 November to mark our respect for those who gave their life, or contributed to the Wars, from World War 1 to the present day.

Charity events are at the heart of our students. I am so proud that they play a large role alongside members of staff in annually raising a considerable amounts of money for key nominated charities.  We will be launching our Children in Need assemblies next week to explain to students how we will play our part in raising money for Children In Need.  There will be a more detailed explanation by Mrs Bamber (Head of Art) in next week’s newsletter.

Alongside new staff I feel you may wish to know more about the Leadership Team members who work tirelessly to continuously lead on improving the school.  This week Mrs Wallace and Mrs Boughton introduce themselves to you.

I am pleased to share with you the Year 11 after school intervention schedule.  Please note that the Business Studies session will not commence until January.  I trust that you will find this useful in supporting your child to attend these invaluable booster sessions.

Finally, I have included both the Year 11 subject evening and Year 7 Tutor Consultation letters (Click on these to download) for your reference and as a reminder that you should receive this via your son/daughter by Tuesday next week.  For the Year 11 subject evening you can use the online parent booking system (details which can be found on the letter) to book appointments with your son/daughter’s teachers.

Best wishes

Bryan Erwin
Acting Principal

During the summer, I spent four weeks undertaking a research placement through the Nuffield Foundation in which I worked with a team of scientists in the Cambridge University hospital. The aim of the project was to assist in research regarding the production of blood platelets outside of the human body. The idea behind producing these platelets involved growing stem cells in sterile dishes and encouraging them to turn into platelet-producing cells using a range of proteins and chemicals.

Once the correct cells had been created, they were passed through a vessel known as a bioreactor and platelets could be produced and collected. I learned many valuable skills from the experience such as the ability to culture stem cells, use high-tech laboratory equipment and maintain a sterile working environment while handling the cells. I produced a poster and lengthy report of my findings during the placement which led to me receiving a Gold CREST award at a ceremony recently.

• November 14              Year 11 English spoken language exam (2 weeks)
• November 21              Year 12 Pre Public examinations begin
• December 5                Year 11 Pre Public examinations begin
• December 6                Year 11 Subject Evening 4-7pm
• December 7                Year 7 Tutor Consultation afternoon 3.30 - 5pm
• December 21              Term ends (school closes at 12.45)

Mrs Wallace, Acting Principal

How long have you been at KSCS?

I have been at Ken Stimpson since 1999.  When I first arrived I was a teacher of Drama and then as the years have progressed I have taken on additional responsibilities such as Head of Subject, Head of Faculty and Head of Year.  

What are my leadership responsibilities?

My responsibilities currently are reflecting and reviewing the self evaluation process as a school in order to help us to continue to grow and improve.  Having an overarching responsibility on faculties evaluating and reviewing how they are going to help students to achieve the best they possibly can.  Along with this I work with the schools Middle Leaders in working as a team, analysing the new schemes of learning and examintion courses at Key Stage 4 and ensure that their training needs are met.

I complete the strategic data analysis which looks at individual student achievement and have an oversight of the OFSTED schedule and the schools internal monitoring.  Currently I am investigating an exciting new venture which will help our students to gain an edge in life and looking at how to build up a progamme that will help our students to build up five life attributes such as leadership, organisation, resilience, initiative and communication.

What you teach?

The subject I have taught at school is Drama and Theatre studies to all years from 7 to 13.

What you struggle to understand/dislike?

I struggle to understand when people are not tolerant of others and when people choose not to be nice to others.  I feel life is too precious and that everyone in the world is important in their own way and we should all respect that. 

What you like most about KSCS?

Ever since I have joined the school I have felt priviledged to be part of this community.  The feeling of working so closely with many students, staff, parents and the local community to make a difference in so many young peoples lives.  It is the most amazing feeling to hear when our students do well in their lives and when they are happy.  The personal conversations you have with each individual on their own achievements and as a teacher that is all you want, the best for every young person.

Mrs Harinder Boughton, Assistant Principal

What are your leadership responsibilities?

My main responsibilities is that I line manage the Modern Foreign Languages, PE, Performing Arts, SEND Faculties, Behaviour for Learning Strategies - both Rewards and Sanctions, our  Connect VLE, KS3 Strategy, Lower School Line management (Years 7/8), Vertical Tutoring....amongst many other things.

Whilst my favourite responsibility will always be the GCSE, AS, A2 Business Studies teaching.

How long have you been at KSCS?

Over 12 years.

What you teach?

GCSE and ‘A' Level Business Studies

What you like?

Last year I have gone back to two of my hobbies, playing the clarinet (trying to get my level 8 exam passed this academic year - please do not tell Mr Norman!) and hockey for a local Cambridgeshire team.  Furthermore, I enjoy reading novels in school holidays and the cinema, any Marvel movies are a big hit with my family, if you have not gone to see Dr Strange - I recommend it! 

Then the passion in my family is travelling and the USA is one of our favourite places and we have been lucky to visit the last two summers.  I have two favourite places in the world "The Grand Canyon" and "Lake District". Although, in the future I have my eye on Japan, Hong Kong and China - some major saving needed over the next couple of years to make this a reality.

What you struggle to understand/dislike?

Most of the students I teach will say at the moment in terms of global issues I struggle with USA politics and, issues and debates about Brexit!

What you like most about KSCS?

The community and supportive environment at KSCS amongst staff and a place where we try to ensure that all of our students can truly reach their full potential...then to infinity and beyond! 

Take care and I wish you all well for this academic year.

Each house was split up into groups where different students were assigned to different events. Each house competed against the others. The sports encouraged them to build up their teamwork, communication and relationships with their house. Our sports leaders were in charge of setting up the equipment for the events, running the events, encouraging the students and helping them along the way.

Overall we’d like to thank the sports leaders who assisted on the day, their involvement meant that they were a step closer to completing their sports leadership qualification. We would also like to thank the PE faculty for arranging the event and organising the activities. Another part of the team we’d like to thank is the members of staff who came to support the students.

Alicia Garman & Jada-Rose Albert-Pascal

Year 4 Sports Hall Athletics

Before the half term, Ken Stimpson held the annual Year 4 Sports Hall Athletics competition for the local feeder primary schools. We had four schools participate in the competition in two sessions which the Year 10 Sports Leaders assisted. The events included running, jumping and throwing. All the schools participated and engaged with the activities with the first session being won by William Law Primary School and the second session won by Werrington primary School.

The Sports Leaders showed a high level of enthusiasm and created a positive atmosphere. The enthusiasm of the Ken Stimpson students cheering on all the schools, as well as all the high participation levels of the students contributed to the days being a huge success. We would also like to thank everyone, including the members of staff from Welbourne, William Law, Werrington and Norwood Primary Schools for helping to make the day possible.

Emily Costello and Sasha Nicholson, Year 10 Sports Leaders.

We took 33 Year 11 students, all of whom are currently studying Construction. Students were split into groups of ten or less. Each group had a full programme of activities for the day including Electrics, Plumbing, Mechanics, Tiling and Bridge Building. Some even got to drive a mini digger! It was a great opportunity to learn about some of the varied careers in the Construction industry, use existing skills, learn new skills and gain an insight into college life. Every one of our students enjoyed their day and were a credit to our school with their attitude and enthusiasm. Many are now clearer about which course they are interested in when they finish next year. Medals were awarded at the end of the day to students who had stood out in a particular activity so special congratulations to Laura Harris for mechanics; Callum Bennett for electrics and Paulius Damijonaitis for reciprocal frame building. Thank you to Mr Breen and Mrs Harvey for all your support on the day and special thanks to Mrs Patman for all your help in organising this trip. 

Lorraine Gregg
Learning & Progression Mentor