We’ve had an action packed few weeks in PE in the lead up to half term.

Netball

Well done to the Year 7 netball team who played their first competitive match versus Marlborough. An unfortunate loss, but lots to take from the game. Player of the match was Abigail W. An amazing set of results for both the 8A and 8B teams versus STAGS. A’s won 11-9 and B’s 16-2. Sophie K and Emily W were identified as the outstanding players in the respective games. The 8B and 9B netball teams also had league matches versus Samuel Ryder. With Maisie and Eden G acknowledged for good game impact. 

Congratulations to the 9A netball team who progressed through to the next round of the district cup. An end to end game with Marlborough finishing 15-15 in normal time but 18-15 after extra time to KWS. Player of the match was Bella L. Moreover, well done to our year 9 netball teams in their matches versus STAHS and Beaumont. The girls improved massively throughout each quarter and their resilience and motivation was a credit to themselves and the school. Scarlett M, Rosie H and Isla G each get a mention for putting in particularly impressive performances. A special shoutout to Heidi G too, for her effort and enthusiasm throughout. 

Great work from the year 11 netball team versus Marlborough. A 9-9 tie but some great elements of play from the squad. This was then followed up by an excellent win over Beaumont B’s in the district league. Player of the match for both games was identified as Eden A.

Rugby

Well done to our Years 7-10 rugby squads against our annual fixture against Roundwood. A very impressive performance by our Year 9s, meanwhile Year 10s drew a very tight game. Further valuable experience for our Years 7&8 squads. This was then followed with lots of entertaining rugby by our rugby teams against Sandringham. Year 8 and 9 had very positive performances and big wins, playing some excellent rugby throughout. Year 7s showed a marked improvement and are getting better each game, meanwhile Year 10s battled back after a tough start to the game and showed heart throughout. Then, last Saturday we had a tough set of fixtures against Watford Grammar School for Year 7, 8 and 10. With torrential rain throughout, Year 8s in particular equipped themselves very well with some of the best rugby they have played since forming as a team. We look forward to more fixtures after the half term break.

Cross country

We concluded our cross country season at Verulam in the last few weeks. A top 5 place finish for Lucy H in the junior girls race. It has been great to see so many students competing in the different age groups and improving each week!

Basketball

Our Year 10 team had a superb win in the district league game versus SJL, scoring 55 points in the process and only having 5 points scored against them. A massive well done and it bodes well for the rest of the season.

Football

For the girls, the U13s had a brilliant first game in the County Cup versus last year’s winners Beaumont. The girls had some great chances, finishing 1-1 in the first half, but unfortunately losing 2-1 by full time. Superb performances in particular from Sophie K and Lucy H, meanwhile the goal scorer was Hannah D. 

Well done also to Alice and Lucy in Year 10 for representing Hertfordshire U16s in their match last weekend. It’s great to have KWS representation in county squads this year.

Moving onto the boys, this year we entered two age groups into the National Cup, with both having excellent wins. The Year 8 boys beat Brooklands Middle School 3-0, with 2 goals from Fin J and Thoas also notching. 

Meanwhile for the Year 9s, it was a hard fought win away at a very well respected sporting school, Bishop’s Stortford High School. Having gone 2-0 down, the boys overcame setbacks throughout to win and score 7 in the process. There was a valuable hat trick from Ed James, but the whole squad played their part in really digging in and showing character throughout. 

Tennis

Well done to Finlay R in Year 9, who has been selected to represent the Herts U14 tennis team (team of four) at the upcoming 12 counties event at the end of October in Corby. Good luck with this.

Finally, just a reminder that for any football training/lessons, all students must wear shin pads. Have a great half term. We look forward to more sporting action after the holiday.

Students and staff have been enjoying celebrating Diwali at KWS this week with a Rangoli workshop facilitated by Mrs Tailor and Mrs Schneider where students enjoyed working with coloured sand to create elaborate traditional patterns. As well as this, on Tuesday the catering staff showcased an Diwali-inspired menu including diya (tealights) shaped cookies! Thank you to HCL for your hard work, the students enjoyed the impressive array of foods showcased. We wish a Happy Diwali to all of our families who will be celebrating it over the half term break.

Next half term, we will be marking Islamophobia Awareness month as well as Show Racism the Red Card which will encompass form time sessions on misconceptions about Islam and antisemitism. I look forward to seeing our students get involved with the sessions in order to develop their knowledge and understand that there is no place for racism in our world.

Have a safe half term everyone,

Miss Annie

Last week, the Year 10 Spanish students had the incredible opportunity to travel to Águilas in the Murcia region of Spain for an immersive Spanish language and cultural experience. The trip was packed with exciting activities, providing us not only with language practice but also with a real taste of Spanish life! Each morning, we  participated in Spanish lessons with local teachers, improving our language skills in an engaging and supportive environment, learning important terms that you would use in life such as directions and body parts.

In the afternoons, we took part in thrilling water sports, from paddle boarding to kayaking, enjoying the beautiful Mediterranean coast. One of the highlights was our day trip to Cartagena, where we explored the fascinating Roman Theatre and Nautical Museums, learning about the rich history of the region. We were also able to go out shopping in the city, where we  were able to practise using Spanish in an everyday context, talking to Spanish shopkeepers, bartenders and passers by. This had to be one of my favourite parts, as I felt like a real Spaniard, and buying food, drink and clothes whilst talking in a different language felt amazing!

The educational experience didn’t stop there—we also embraced the art of salsa dancing, learning to dance right on the beach under the warm Spanish sun! In true Spanish style, we also got hands-on in the kitchen, competing in a Spanish cooking competition. We learnt about and made bolas de coco, which the Spanish made during the civil war when food was scarce, and these were decorated and  judged by the activity leaders, and the results were delicious! Throughout the trip, our Spanish activity leaders were fantastic, guiding us through all activities with enthusiasm and warmth, as well as hosting unforgettable fiestas! Their dedication ensured that every student had a fantastic educational and recreational experience.

We’ve thoroughly enjoyed embracing Spanish life and culture, and can’t wait to see the effect it’s had on our language skills!

Bobby S and Barney B – Year 10 students