STAFF BOOK CLUB

For our Staff Book Club, staff agree on a book to read and arrange to meet up in our school library during home learning club once a half term to discuss it; this allows students to see us as reading role models and it benefits our wellbeing too. Everyone has their own perspective so the discussions are varied and interesting.

In June/July we read: The Girls Who Disappeared  by Claire Douglas

We all enjoyed the book and discussed the various theories we had had as we read the book. We were impressed with how the two narratives eventually combined, but felt the ending was a bit rushed.

Twenty years ago: One rainy night, Olivia Rutherford is driving three friends home when a figure in the road causes her to swerve and crash. Regaining consciousness, she finds herself alone in the car – her friends have vanished. THEY ARE NEVER SEEN AGAIN.

Now: Journalist Jenna Halliday visits the close-knit community of Stafferbury to persuade Olivia to talk and solve the mystery of the girls’ disappearance.

Our Staff Book Club summer read is – Penance by Eliza Clark

ACCESSING KWS EBOOKS AND AUDIOBOOKS OVER SUMMER – EPLATFORM

Don’t forget, you can use the elibrary when you can’t come into the library for printed books. Visit the KWS library tab on your Chromebook and follow the instructions on the page to sign in and access a huge amount of books.

SUMMER READING CHALLENGE

The Summer Reading Challenge has begun! Visit your local library or go online to get involved.
https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/

Happy Summer Reading everyone!

On Friday 12th July the KWS Dance Company were fortunate enough to take part in a Dance Masterclass taught by Clare Gower a second year student at the prestigious Urdang Academy. Clare has an impressive background in the performing arts and dance, having performed in TV from a young age.

The students were taken through some body conditioning exercises before learning some choreography in both Contemporary and Commercial Dance. The masterclass ended with a Q and A session, allowing the students to ask about the industry and Clare’s journey.

Thank you to Clare and a well done to all the students in KWS Dance Company, for such a fantastic masterclass!

Miss Patterson

What a buzz we had on Thursday 11th July as all of our new Year 7’s entered KWS ready to meet their new form tutors and classmates. After a Headteacher’s welcome assembly they all went into their form bases for the day to get to know each other and go through our KWS expectations as they embark on this schooling chapter.

A big thank you to the PE department led by Mr Alexander who orchestrated a lunch time event for all the new starters where they chose between various PE activities which proved a big hit as always.

Feedback included many compliments to the catering company who served delicious meals including all dietary requirements. All students with allergies/intolerances were taken to meet our kitchen staff, reassured that their needs will also be included into the daily menu.

Some parents were also keen to let me know how happy their child was after initial nerves and that they are now joining onto our beneficial Summer School programme in August for new Year 7’s.

Thank you to all staff involved,
Miss Annie

KWS Transition Lead

Wednesday 26th June 2024 saw our Inaugural Year 11 Prom and it proved to be an absolute spectacle of an event, sending our first ever KWS year group off in real style.

As the hottest day of the year dawned, our fabulous prom committee and various teams across the school set to work. There was a hive of activity throughout the day as tables and chairs were delivered, the marquee, entrance and steps were decorated, sound, lighting and a bar were rigged up, before the last minute addition of flowers, balloons, the buffet and arrival drinks. 

The scene was set… and from 7pm Year 11 arrived, and wow did they do so in style!! Some in sports cars, others walked, one came on horseback, some appeared sounded by purple smoke flares, one drove in on a tractor and another group arrived accompanied by a drummer – all a delight to watch and it was fantastic to see so many parents and staff there to greet them – thank you for all your support. 

Arriving through the glitzy red carpet entrance students had their photographs taken before headed up the steps into the marquee for an arrival drink. Across the evening students spilled out onto the lawn (aka our reseeded rugby pitch) and enjoyed catching up with staff and peers alike. Whilst students enjoyed the buffet the Year 11 tutor team were comparing notes for our best dressed awards.  A very close and tricky one to call – huge congratulations to the winners Michael, Thea and Jasleen – but we have to say they all scrubbed up very well indeed. The photo booth was a huge hit with long queues all evening and many enjoyed the disco, dancing the night away.  

The students behaved impeccably and were a real joy to spend the evening with. We have had fantastic feedback from students, parents and staff alike on the evening which is lovely to hear.  As one of our Year 11 boys put it, a “decent” night – high praise indeed!  

Huge thanks to my fellow prom committee members Amy Francis, Zoe Anderson, Dean Inns and Emma Barnard for all the planning and preparation (not to mention sweat on the day) as well as Abigail Grainger, Lauren Freeman and Keris McCormick for their help decorating and Chrissy Dicks for the beautiful flowers. A big shout out to James Vaughan, Archie Vass and James Bullock without whom the event would not have been possible, alongside Herts Catering, DJ Big Craig, Herts and Essex Marquees, Perfect Personalised Parties (photo booth) and W Fuller and Son (security).  Photographs care of the talented Celine Hare and Chris Burke, with further footage to follow from the Rawlings – thank you to all for giving up your time to support our event.   

Zoe Coomber – Assistant Headteacher