The outside of Kingsmead’s Science Block building is proudly displaying a new piece of artwork created by students and staff. The large 16 x 12ft mural was created during last year’s Challenge Week by art students now in Year 9. The mural focusses on the school’s core values of Aspiration, Care, Respect and Determination with images to represent every subject and support area available to students in school. The mural is an artistic view through the eyes of the students and their daily life at Kingsmead.

Kingsmead students who take part in Forest School and those who are part of the Outdoor Education Partnership with the Holnicote Estate on Exmoor have been busy tree planting as part of the National Trust Riverlands Project. The students have planted a variety of trees & shrubs including Wayfaring, Alder Buckthorn, Field Maple, Dogwood, Guelder Rose, Hawthorn and Blackthorn in small coops in an area behind Bossington beach where new priority habitat for nature is being created. Shrubs such as Alder Buckhorn & Dogwood provide a valuable food source for Brimstone and Green Hairstreak butterflies while Hawthorn & Blackthorn provide berries and fruit for wintering birds such as Redwings & Mistle thrush.

20 Kingsmead students competed at the Schools County Cross Country Championships held at Aldon Hill, Yeovil on Saturday 19 January. This followed qualification by the students at the Taunton Area Trials held in December where over 30 Kingsmead students ran. There were some great performances from Kingsmead: Tom Heal earning bronze and 3rd place, Noah Heal 6th, Charlotte Brown 8th and Will Ladd 11th. The students, with William as reserve, now go on to represent Kingsmead and Somerset in the Regional Competition which will be held in Bath at the beginning of February.

On Wednesday 16th January three student teams took part in the first round of the Rotary Youth Speaks Competition, held at Danesfield School in Williton. The teams, each consisting of three students, were required to present a speech to the judges and audience on a topic of their choosing to strict timescales before answering questions put to them.

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.