Year 9 students had their Careers Day on Tuesday 11th December. Instead of their usual timetabled lessons students spent the day in 30 minute taster sessions finding out more about various industries ranging from Engineering and Construction to Sport, Music and Dance. Some students had to solve the riddle of the mystery guest by asking key questions to work out what he did for a living! There were also sessions covering apprenticeships, universities and finding employment.

The cast and crew of Kingsmead “Schools Will Rock You” performed three fabulous shows to audiences over the nights of 5th-7th December. Students from across Years 7 to 10 were involved in every aspect of the musical as actors, singers, dancers, musicians, back stage crew and technicians and are to be congratulated for all their hard work and dedication that resulted in a hugely enjoyable show. Recognition must also go to all the staff involved including Elizabeth Vassallo, Director/Producer and Huw Weston, Musical Director.

On Wednesday 28th November a group of Year 7 and Year 8 students took part in a day focussing on our ‘digital world’ and how students can improve their employability in the 21st century ‘digital economy’. The day, run by Lloyds Banking Group in collaboration with Weston College, took place at The Winter Gardens in Weston-Super-Mare, with Kingsmead being one of a number of schools in attendance.

Year 10 and Year 11 students watched a live theatre performance of 'A Christmas Carol' in school on Tuesday 27th November. The students are studying the classic novel by Charles Dickens for their English Literature GCSE and the production, taken straight from the original text, perfectly supports their classroom study of the book. Our thanks go to touring theatre company Quantum Theatre for visiting Kingsmead and putting on a hugely entertaining performance.

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.