A whole host of activities took place throughout the week of 12th-16th November at Kingsmead in support of this year’s Children in Need appeal. Tutor groups were tasked to come up with their own ideas to raise money and all sorts of activities were held which included cake sales/guess the spots on the cake, face-paint your teacher, lunchtime cinema and cafe, sponsored silence, fancy dress and a spot the biscuit competition.

Year 12 students who left Kingsmead this summer were welcomed back to the school for a “Big Reunion” evening on Thursday 15 November. Students were joined by parents, staff and governors to celebrate their individual and collective GCSE successes and for the presentation of academic awards. The evening began with music provided by Year 10 GCSE Music student Scott Fudge who performed 'Waltz for Emily' on the saxophone.

Year 7 students took part in an exciting event on 14th November when the BAE Systems Schools Roadshow, supported by the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force, visited Kingsmead. Throughout the one hour show students were shown - in fun and fascinating ways – how Maths is used in everyday life, including examples of the practical application of mathematical techniques within BAE Systems, the RAF and the Royal Navy. Students were invited to participate in some of the demonstrations and problem-solving games, one which included a paramotor and paper cups!

A Bake Off competition was held by the Humanities Department on Monday 22 October, which challenged students to get creative and produce a cake based on a topic they have covered this term in either Geography, History or RE lessons. It was a tough job for the judges to choose, and taste, the cake entries which were of an exceptionally high standard, but after much debating the Stonehedge Cake (complete with homemade jam filling) was declared the winner, closely following by the Volcano Cake with Smartie lava filling.

Kingsmead invited colleges from across Somerset for a lunchtime 'drop-in' event on Friday 19th October. The event was well attended by students in Years 9, 10 and 11 who found out more about the Post-16 options available to them.

In support of this year’s “Restart a Heart” day, which took place on Tuesday 16th October, Year 10 and 11 students undertook training sessions to learn vital life-saving and CPR skills. Thank you to members of Wiveliscombe Community First Responders for giving their time to come into school.

On Wednesday 10th October Year 7 students spent the day outside of the classroom at the 1610 Sports and Activity Centre based at Hestercombe on a Team Building and Activity Trip. The day was an opportunity for the students to spend quality time with each other and their Form Tutors, taking part in a variety of different challenges including tug of war, the water drain game and ball challenges.

Year 10 students had a change from their timetabled lessons on Friday 28 September when they took part in a Careers Day. They spent the day in 30 minute taster sessions which gave an overview on various employment sectors, including the types of jobs available in that sector, what sort of person they would suit and the qualifications required. Visitors covered careers from Construction to Cosmetic Surgery! Year 10 finished the day better informed about a diverse range of careers and clearer about the pathways available to them upon leaving Kingsmead.

A group of Kingsmead students have enjoyed a fantastic first session on their outdoor education programme with The National Trust on the Holnicote Estate, Exmoor.

Kingsmead held its annual presentation evening on Wednesday 12 September to celebrate the achievements of its students during the previous academic year. The event was attended by students, parents, staff and governors and awards were presented for academic subject and sport accomplishments. Headteacher and Leader of Student Support Commendations were also awarded together with the following school trophies