A group of students from Years 10 and 11 visited Bristol on Wednesday 13 November in support of their GCSE studies of Art, Drama and/or Music. The group spent time in the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery to browse and gain inspiration from the diverse range of fine art on display. They then headed to the Bristol Hippodrome to watch a matinee performance of The Lion King musical. This was a great opportunity for the students to experience and enjoy a professional live performance of a multi-award winning show.

Year 12 students who left Kingsmead this summer were welcomed back to the school for a “Big Reunion” evening on Thursday 14 November. Students were joined by parents/carers, staff and governors to celebrate their individual and collective accomplishments and for the presentation of academic and sporting leadership awards. The evening began with music provided by Year 10 GCSE Music student Molly Arscott who performed the song ‘Come Out and Play’ by Billie Eilish.

On Saturday 9 November a group of 50 Kingsmead girls from across Years 8-11 travelled with staff to Wembley to watch the England Lionesses in action. The trip was organised as part of the ‘this girl can’ initiative running in school and as a treat for girls who took part in the scheme last school year, giving them the opportunity to watch women competing on the international stage. The game, England v Germany, saw the Lionesses football team return to Wembley Stadium for the first time since 2014, watched on by a record-breaking crowd for a Lionesses home international of 77,768!

In commemoration of Remembrance Day on Monday 11 November, students from our Core Council represented Kingsmead at the War Memorial service held at Wiveliscombe Recreation Ground. Meanwhile in school, a 2-minute silence gave the opportunity for all students and staff to stop and reflect on the importance of the day. Further time for discussion, on why this day is held each year, took place during afternoon tutor-time.

Two new yellow recycling bins are now on the school site for students and staff to use for recycling of their empty crisp packets. The bins are clearly labelled to show what packets can be placed in the bins.

On Monday 23 September Year 7 students spent the day outside of the classroom on a team building and activity trip, based at the 1610 Sports and Activity Centre at Hestercombe. The day was a great opportunity for the students to spend quality time with each other and their new Form Tutors, taking part in a variety of challenges including an assault course, leaky pipes, tug of war and problem-solving activities.

Mr Williams and Mrs Judith Jackson, our Chair of Governors, welcomed new Year 7 students officially to Kingsmead at a special assembly at the start of September. The Year 7 cohort were challenged to make the most of every opportunity and to become the very best that they can be over the next 5 years, and were invited onto the stage to hand in their triangle of partnership agreement. The triangle of partnership is the lynch pin formed between school, students and parents/carers to support students to make the best possible choices. Thank you to all of the parents/carers who were able to attend, we look forward to working with you all.

Kingsmead Book Club met for the first time this term on Wednesday 18 September and we are delighted there are four groups of keen readers from Years 7 to 10. Students meet every two weeks to discuss a book they have all read. We are extremely grateful to Kingsmead PTA whose donations help to buy books to run this club. New members are always welcome at our book club, just contact Mrs Seymour in the English Department for more information.

Year 10 and 11 students had the opportunity to attend a career’s talk with a paramedic from the South Western Ambulance Service on Wednesday 18 September. The students were able to find out more about career paths in the medical sector and ask paramedic Emma questions about her role and training. Many thanks to Emma and the ambulance service for visiting Kingsmead.

On Thursday 12 September students and their parents had the opportunity to attend our annual ‘Supporting Your Child to be Successful in Year 10 and 11’ evening. During the evening school staff were available to talk to students and parents regarding all aspects of school life, from pastoral care to post-16 options.