KWS Sports Update

In PE, we’ve had a large number of successes in sporting fixtures over the last few weeks.

In rugby, we’ve had a full on few weeks with consecutive Saturday fixtures against Sandringham, Samuel Ryder and Sir John Lawes either side of half term. All games have been highly competitive and there have been some outstanding performances and commitment, most notably from our Year 7 and 8 teams in all those games. We have 2 remaining games – against Verulam (date yet to be confirmed) and Beaumont, although Year 7 have a tournament at Nicholas Breakspear School this Saturday. There will be no training for all other year groups this weekend. 

We’ve also had a series of netball fixtures. Our Year 9A side had an excellent win against Malborough with Imogen D identified as the player of the match. Our Yr 7A and 8A squads have also had fixtures vs St Albans High School, with Scarlett and Sophie identified for impressive contributions.Year 11s suffered an unfortunate loss to Roundwood in the district cup, losing narrowly 18-21, but with Eva-Rose M being our stand out player. 

We have also made positive strides in football. Our U13 girls and boys are both through to the next round of the country cup. Our U13 girls won 1-0 against Adeyfield, with Georgia R recognised for an excellent performance. Our Year 8 boys played some fantastic attacking play scoring 5 as they booked their place into the next round. Lots of excellent performances but Ed J, Ethan H (scored a hatrick) and Juan J-B were key players in us being such an attacking threat.

Finally, we also wanted to recognise Ethel M in Year 7 competing in the Eastern Regional Copper Gymnastics Championships against a tough field. She placed 3rd overall and was also crowned regional floor champion. Well done on an excellent achievement.

Mr Alexander

Norfolk Manor Adventure trip

Last week, we took the wonderful year 7s to Norfolk to develop students’ social skills and to build new friendships. The students had the opportunity to try exciting activities such as kayaking, fencing and caving. The experience offered students a safe and supportive environment to try new activities outside of the classroom. 

For a lot of our students, this was their first time away from home for longer than a night. But we noticed students becoming more independent throughout the experience.

During the 3 day trip, we saw how much students valued time with friends to build or strengthen friendships. Relationship building is what we encourage for residential trips. In groups we spend the day working in teams to solve brain teasers, encouraging peers to overcome fears and jumping into lakes. 

The trip gave both students and staff a chance to connect and get to know each other. I think myself and everyone involved can agree that this experience was a positive one. Here’s what our students said:

 ‘’I made lots of friends and enjoyed every bit of it. From jumping into the river to caving. It was all amazing. I could see everyone smiling and enjoying the time together. I recommend manor, it is a fun place to go and visit.’’ – Taya B

‘’I really enjoyed spending time with new and old friends as it was a great time to get to know each other and find things out that we didn’t know before.’’ Lori C

‘’The trip was so fun and the food was good. 10 out of 10! ‘’ Ryan C

Miss Rebecca Alexis 

Head Of Year 7

2023 Bebras Challenge!

This week all students in Computing lessons took part in the Bebras challenge. The Bebras Computing Challenge introduces computational thinking to students. Each participant answers questions that focus on computational and logical thinking. Students in the top 20% of the Country go through to the next round. Good luck all!

“Beyond Year 11” Drop Down Day

On the “Beyond Year 11” drop down day, we had lots of great opportunities to have sessions with different colleges, universities and companies offering apprenticeships, to look at careers and education opportunities post-16.
Firstly, my form had a speaker from Parker Hannifin (Gail Anthony), a manufacturing company, who talked to us about how their creations were used all around the world and what an apprenticeship would look like with them.
Next, we had Sarah Wigmore from Oaklands College presenting their different courses and a plumber, Darren Manning, talking about his own job teaching there.
This was followed by Renee Ramsay-Nicol from Computacentre who gave us an engaging task of creating an internet-safety TikTok video in a small group.
Another talk was from was Alison Moore from the University of Hertfordshire, who talked to us about university life and the benefits of going to university.
We also had Nick Baker and Charlotte Jones from Compco Fire Systems, who gave us a small talk about what they did and then a practical task of solving a problem and identifying possible risks, dressing one team member up in a builder’s uniform!
Lastly, we had a presentation from Mr. Laing, who talked to us about all the plans for our Sixth Form. He showed us all the possible courses and what differences and privileges there would be for us there.
Overall, it was an extremely engaging and interactive day that made me think deeper about what I wanted to do  post-16, and helped me get a clearer idea of possible choices for the future.
Annalisa R (Y11)

Diwali at KWS

This last week we have had an array of activities to mark Diwali at KWS including the very popular (and what has now become annual) event of Rangoli. Students really enjoyed themselves using the decorative sand to make traditional patterns one lunchtime while listening to some traditional music chosen by older students who celebrate Diwali at home as well. A big thank you to Miss Tailor for helping facilitate this.

Using the theme of “Being the Light” at KWS, I composed some form time activities looking at opportunities for students to “be the light” at school and across their communities in varying situations; doing the right thing, speaking up for others, helping and being positive in what can sometimes be difficult situations. We also looked at how Diwali is celebrated by not just Hindus but also by Sikhs and Jains as well, and explored each of the celebratory reasons.

As well as this, we were treated to some beautiful decorations in the dining hall where HCC laid on a Diwali inspired menu and students enjoyed a film from the Indian Film Industry looking at one man’s journey looking deep within his own identity and outlook in life. Thank you Mrs P Kaur for organising this.

Students were also able to access an array of inspiring literature by Indian authors touching on the theme of “being the light.” in the library this week. Thank you to the library staff for organising this as the students really enjoyed this.

I hope all of our families who have been celebrating Diwali over the weekend have had a fantastic time with their loved ones. It’s been lovely hearing about it from the students and I shall leave you with some photos of our week of celebrating Diwali at KWS.

Miss Annie

3G Pitch Update – November 2023

I am pleased to say that our 3G pitch is progressing well and we are on track for the pitch opening in January 2024. The fence posts are now up and the lighting columns are currently going up. The final stage which is the carpet being laid is likely to take place over the next couple of weeks. Wheathampsted Wanderers our partner club are gearing up to start using the pitch from January.