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National Spanish Competition Success

December 12, 2025/in Whole School/by Keris McCormick

Our year 7 students have been showcasing their incredible Spanish skills in a nationwide competition organised by Languagenut. The competition involved schools from across the country completing vocabulary, grammar, and cultural challenges and we are thrilled to share our fantastic results!

A huge congratulations does to Pankhania D (year 7) who achieved an astonishing 1,334,200 points, placing them among the top student competitors in the country!

As a school, KWS is currently ranked in the top 5% out of a total of 2500 schools nationally, which is a brilliant achievement and reflects the hard work and enthusiasm of our Spanish Learners.

https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Spanish-Speaking.jpg 1200 1600 Keris McCormick https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/smlogo.png Keris McCormick2025-12-12 12:51:442025-12-12 12:51:44National Spanish Competition Success

Your invitation to the KWS EDI Parent Forum

December 12, 2025/in Whole School/by Chrissy Dicks
Dear parents/guardians,

As part of the KWS Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) vision, we invite you to an EDI Parent Forum, with me and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT). This platform allows parents/guardians to share their experiences at KWS and provide feedback on our EDI delivery. We ask for your input in making KWS more inclusive and equitable across all protected characteristics. Past topics have included LGBTQ+ experiences, support for calendar events (like Diversity Week), prayer facilities, and allergy accommodations.

Although this date is still quite some time away, we would ask you to think about any items you would like to raise, or any suggestions you may have, in order for us to facilitate a more equitable culture at KWS.
Details are as follows:
Date: Wednesday 11th February 2026
Time: 4.45pm
Location: room 004 (next to the library), KWS.
Wishing you all a safe and warm winter break,
Annie Khaliq
KWS EDI Lead
https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/smlogo.png 0 0 Chrissy Dicks https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/smlogo.png Chrissy Dicks2025-12-12 12:27:512025-12-12 12:27:51Your invitation to the KWS EDI Parent Forum

KWS Politics Weekly – National vs School elections: should the UK change the electoral system?

December 12, 2025/in Whole School/by Keris McCormick

Recently at Katherine Warington School, students from years 7 to 12 went to the ballots to select their 4 preferred candidates for the Head Student role. A perfect example of young people getting involved in a semi-political system, one that arguably has the most direct effect on their daily lives.

As a politics student, I couldn’t help but compare the system in which Head Students are elected in KWS with how MPs are elected in the national Parliament. Currently, we use First Past the Post, a form of voting in which the candidate with the highest vote share takes the seat, even if they did not win a majority. Although it is responsible for producing several stable governments like Conservative rule (1979-1997) and Labour (1997-2010), it is possibly one of the least proportional systems to be in use, in other words, it doesn’t represent the views of the people entirely.

So what are the different options? First Past the Post isn’t the only electoral system used in the UK. Scotland uses the Additional Member System for elections to the Scottish Parliament. Each person gets two votes in order to select representatives for single-member districts (SMDs). There is also a fixed number of other “additional members” that are elected from a separate list to make the seat share more proportional to the votes cast for party lists. Wales adopts a similar model for its elections (until 2026), while Northern Ireland uses the Single Transferable Vote, a highly proportional system that gives voters greater choice and ensures that a wider range of political views are represented.

Despite this, each system has its own positives and negatives. AMS and STV tend to reflect voter preferences more accurately, but they often produce coalitions. These are governments that are made up of two or more parties (this was seen in 2010 with the Conservative-Liberal Democrats coalition government). Systems like First Past the Post typically deliver clear winners but often mean seat share does not reflect vote share. This was seen in 2024 when Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour Party won the most disproportionate victory in recent history, winning 63% of seats on merely 33% of the public vote.

When we look at these alternatives through the lens of the Head Student election, it becomes clear how the method of voting shapes outcomes. Our approach of allowing students to select multiple candidates resembles a a system almost proportional rather than a traditional single winner contest. This arguably brings wider support, and promotes a more representative and inclusive leadership team. It mirrors wider debates in British politics about how best to balance fairness and clarity

Ultimately, the choice of which system to use is incredibly important. It influences who holds power how effectively different voices within a community are heard. Whether in Westminster or within a school’s student leadership, the structure of the vote is a powerful determinant of democratic legitimacy.

Syan B

Politics Subject Ambassador

Katherine Warington School

https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/smlogo.png 0 0 Keris McCormick https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/smlogo.png Keris McCormick2025-12-12 09:00:312025-12-12 09:00:31KWS Politics Weekly – National vs School elections: should the UK change the electoral system?

KWS Sport

December 12, 2025/in Whole School/by Chrissy Dicks

Trampolining

Outstanding Results for Katherine Warington’s Trampoline Squad in Hitchin

Katherine Warington’s trampoline squad delivered an exceptional set of performances at the regional competition in Hitchin on 23 November. Across multiple age groups and levels, our athletes showed real composure, skill and determination, bringing home several podium places and securing strong qualification results for the next round.

In the Year 10–13 Boys’ Advanced category, Will E impressed with two confident routines, earning 2nd place and securing his spot in the next round. In the Year 10–13 Boys’ Elite group, Riley W delivered an outstanding display to take 1st place, posting one of the top scores of the entire event. The success continued with Jude D’S, who claimed 1st place in the Year 10–13 Boys’ Novice competition, ensuring another qualification for the school.

In the younger groups, Dylan W achieved a strong 3rd place in the Year 7–9 Boys’ Intermediate class, while the Year 7–9 Boys Novice category saw excellent performances from Dylan G (2nd) and Theo V (5th). Alongside teammate Archie D, their combined results mean the Year 7–9 Boys’ Novice team has qualified for the next round in Wales.

The Year 7–9 Girls’ Intermediate category produced two podium finishes: Violet R in 3rd and Sophie D in 4th, both securing individual qualification. A special mention also goes to the Year 7–9 Girls’ Intermediate team of Violet R, Sophie D, Rosie T, and Ivy T, who finished 3rd in the team event. Unfortunately, due to a rule change this year, only the top two teams progressed, meaning they missed out on qualification despite a very strong performance.

Those progressing to the next round are:

Riley W

Will E

Jude D’S

Dylan W

Dylan G

Theo V

Violet R

Sophie D

Year 7–9 Boys’ Novice Team: Dylan G, Theo V and Archie D

With multiple podium places, strong team performances, and nine qualifiers overall, this was an outstanding showing from the entire trampoline squad. Their dedication and teamwork continue to shine, and we look forward to cheering on those heading to the next round in Wales.

A huge well done to all competitors – your hard work is paying off, and the whole school is proud of you!

What stood out most on the day, however, wasn’t the individual scores or group results, but the way the children supported and encouraged one another throughout the entire event. Their team spirit, resilience, and positivity was a credit to the school.

We also got to proudly wear our brand-new club sweatshirts, generously sponsored by Henry Clear, owner of the local company Countrifi Network. 

Rugby

Well done to all the Year 9 and 10 girls who represented KWS in their first ever 15 a side game against Samuel Whitbread. The girls were awesome and did some great tackling throughout. We are so proud of you!

Well done to all the boys who represented the school at rugby against SJL, Samuel Ryder and Beaumont. Year 9, led by tough tackling Daniel P, have continued to be a hugely competitive side that have put in a number of dominant performances. Years 7 and 8 have also shown grit throughout these games. For Year 8, special mention to Archie, who has consistently led the side with a superb attitude and a fearless approach to the game – both in and out of possession.

We also wanted to share the fantastic success of Year 10 Will C in rugby. He has been selected from approx. 260 boys for Jamie George’s U15 PDG Saracens squad. This opportunity will mean training sessions until May 2026, inter county PDG matches and a residential next Easter. 

He has also been selected to play in an international tournament in Lisbon, in February 2026 for a 7s team he first played for this summer. We are extremely proud of Will’s tenacity and dedication.

Football

An entertaining game for our U12 girls’ football team with a 2-0 friendly win vs Sandringham. Goals scored by Alice T, and Layla E being recognised as the game’s outstanding player.

Well done to the U14 girls’ football team, who beat Queens’ School 3-1 in the county cup.  The girls are now in the quarter finals and will face STAGS. Goals from Sophie, Amelia and Kayla.

Our Year 8 boys’ football team had a superb comeback victory against Simon Balle in the county plate. Gabriel N scored a last gasp goal to seal the win and a memorable comeback. 

Commiserations to our Year 9 boys’ football team for bowing out of the national cup with a narrow round 5 defeat. On a challenging surface, the boys lost 3-2, but they can be hugely proud of the achievement of getting down to the last 64 schools in the country.

Congratulations to our Year 10 boys’ for a good win in the county cup against Verulam. Hat tricks for Finlay R and Ed J. They have their national cup round 5 fixture on Monday. Year 11 boys unfortunately suffered a 3-2 defeat in the county plate, despite a very spirited performance.

Our senior boys’ team won 2-1 against Beaumont in the county plate last week. The boys defended resolutely and scored some excellent goals. Goalkeeper George G-H and Josh H put in solid displays, meanwhile Ollie T scored a superb goal to win the game.

Netball

Well done to all girls who represented the school brilliantly in netball over the last few weeks. 

The U13B team suffered a 4-8 loss to Beaumont B, with player of the match being Sophia J. The U13A on the other hand won 12-7 to Beaumont A, providing an excellent performance. Player of the match was Emily C. Then, the U12A team progressed in the District Plate versus St Columba’s, winning the game 12-7, with player of the match being Tilly.

Congratulations to both the U12B & U13B netball teams for winning their fixtures versus Townsend. The U12Bs won 9-2, with Emelia D being given player of the match, meanwhile the U13Bs won 8-6, with player of the match being Sophia J. Well done girls.

Our U12A netball team had a great fixture against STAGS. Each game they continue to show improvement and won 10-8. Tilly S again won player of the game. 

Well done the U14B and U15B netball teams versus St Columba’s A teams. Unfortunate losses for both teams, but some great spirit and play throughout. Outstanding players were Heidi & Emily.

Basketball

Well done also to the Year 8 boys’ basketball team, on a narrow 22-20 defeat against Aldwickbury. The boys were up against it from the start but showed great perseverance.

Sports Leaders

Well done to all Year 7 sports leaders who helped support with a primary school badminton event. Brilliant ambassadors for the school. Great work. 

https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1000091983.jpg 1200 1600 Chrissy Dicks https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/smlogo.png Chrissy Dicks2025-12-12 09:00:172025-12-12 12:19:53KWS Sport

KWSixth Subject Fayre 4th December and Form time subject talks.

December 12, 2025/in Whole School/by Keris McCormick

On Wednesday 4th December, our year 11s participated in the Subject Fayre in the Sixth form, to find out more about the subject offer at KWSixth. The year 12 subject ambassadors hosted the event superbly, showcasing their work and enthusing the year 11s about what they will experience when they become sixth formers. We also welcomed Hertfordshire University who gave information about university life for those year 11s interested in what the future holds for them beyond KWSixth.

The Subject Fayre is being followed up this week and next, and into January, with form time subject talks. These informal Q and A sessions with the year 12 subject ambassadors give the year 11 students the opportunity to find out in more depth what the subject entails, so they are in the most informed position possible to complete their application.

The KWSixth open evening is being held on Wednesday January 14th 2026, starting at 6pm. All internal applicants are welcome, as well as students from other schools.

KWSixth application deadline is Monday 2nd February 2026 – please go to the KWSixth section of the website for details of the application process. 

https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/CLA-newsletter-1-.png 1200 1600 Keris McCormick https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/smlogo.png Keris McCormick2025-12-12 09:00:042025-12-12 09:00:04KWSixth Subject Fayre 4th December and Form time subject talks.

Year 13 Mock Exams

December 12, 2025/in Whole School/by Keris McCormick

We wish our year 13 students the best of luck as they continue their mock exams in these final two weeks of term. We see months and months of hard work and dedication to their subjects coming together in these crucial two weeks. We are very proud of their efforts and the manner in which they have conducted themselves so far in the exam period. Best of luck to all!

https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/smlogo.png 0 0 Keris McCormick https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/smlogo.png Keris McCormick2025-12-12 08:59:532025-12-12 12:38:15Year 13 Mock Exams

A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Tickets now on sale!

December 12, 2025/in Whole School/by Chrissy Dicks

Katherine Warington School proudly presents a fun, fresh and magical production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Join us for an evening of comedy, chaos and fairy mischief as four young lovers, a band of enthusiastic amateur actors, and a whole host of magical creatures collide in the enchanted forest. Our production mixes Shakespeare’s classic story with modern humour, lively music, exciting choreography and a few unexpected twists!

This is a family-friendly show full of laughter, energy and adventure and perfect for all ages.

Tickets are now on sale. Book early and don’t miss the magic!

Tickets can be purchased via this link: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/katherinewaringtonschool/1978732

 

https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/smlogo.png 0 0 Chrissy Dicks https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/smlogo.png Chrissy Dicks2025-12-12 08:24:042025-12-12 12:39:14A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Tickets now on sale!

Unit 4 Business Events – Staff Football Match

December 11, 2025/in Whole School/by Chrissy Dicks

The Staff vs. Students football match, masterfully organised by our Year 13 Sixth Form Business Students, was a massive hit, successfully bringing together students and staff for a thrilling afternoon. The event was managed entirely by the students, who oversaw everything from logistics to marketing, making it a spectacular success before the kick-off.

The fixture itself was an instant classic, finishing in an unbelievable 8-8 draw – a score-line that perfectly captured the ferocious back-and-forth action, with hat-tricks from Mr Lawrence, Mr Offeh, Mr Jones, and many more!

Beyond the goals, the real success was the organisation by our Year 13 Business Students, who demonstrated exceptional teamwork and planning skills.

Blake P and George G-H, Year 13, the lead organisers, reflected on the experience:

“We had an incredible time organising this event, and we were able to see how many elements were required to put a successful event together.”

A huge congratulations to the Year 13 team for a fantastic event that truly brought out the best in staff and brought our school community, students and staff together!

https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/image0.jpeg 1200 1600 Chrissy Dicks https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/smlogo.png Chrissy Dicks2025-12-11 14:47:172025-12-11 14:47:17Unit 4 Business Events – Staff Football Match

Disability History Month

December 11, 2025/in Whole School/by Chrissy Dicks

December saw assemblies being delivered by a group of Year 7s and 8s, raising awareness about Disability History Month. Macy R, Sasha H, Emaan S and Yasemin F delivered assemblies to all year groups, talking about how barriers to equity stem from 3 areas: attitudes of people, physical environmental factors and organisational barriers, such as policies and laws. Well done to our speakers for delivering a very important topic to ensure our school understands that there are many people in all our communities who may have visibly obvious or hidden disabilities, and that we must ensure we eradicate stigmas and barriers.

https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_5139.jpg 1200 1600 Chrissy Dicks https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/smlogo.png Chrissy Dicks2025-12-11 14:47:072025-12-11 14:47:07Disability History Month

Library Book Fair

December 11, 2025/in Whole School/by Chrissy Dicks

We were absolutely delighted with the buzz created in the library last week, when we held our first Scholastic book fair. We had lots of students dropping in to browse the selection of books and stationery, with many buying books for themselves or buying Christmas gifts for others. And congratulations to the students who won a £5 voucher to spend at the fair after their written submissions convinced us that they were a worthy recipient of the prize.

The sale raised £225 in commission for the library, allowing us to stock some wonderful new titles for all students and staff to borrow in the New Year. We’d like to thank all students and parents for their support of the book fair, and of the wonderful library here at KWS. 

As our post boxes fill with cards bringing festive cheer we would like to take the opportunity to request that you save the stamps, cut them out, and bring them in to us to collect and then send on to the RNIB. The RNIB can sell them to collectors of rare stamps to raise funds for the charity, with the remainder being sold for recycling. The RNIB kindly provide our library with Braille books for our visually impaired students to use.

As the end of term is now fast approaching, we would like to remind everyone that Christmas is a wonderful time for reading. Curling up near the fire or the twinkling Christmas tree, with a hot chocolate and a good book – there’s no better way to relax during the festive season. So please do drop into the library to make sure you have a great book, or two, to get you through the holidays. The Reading Agency is currently offering a mini-reading challenge for the Winter season. www.wintermini.org.uk You can earn badges and certificates, so why not challenge friends and family to join you? And if you complete the challenge, you are entered into a free prize draw to win yet more books! 

Everyone at at the KWS Library would like to wish all our students and their families a wonderful Christmas break, and we look forward to welcoming you all back in 2026, for more reading adventures.

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Harpenden Secondary Education Trust

Company Number: 09238779
Registered in England and Wales
Registered Address: Katherine Warington School, Lower Luton Road, Harpenden, Herts, AL5 5FH

Chair Of Trustees: Jenny Howarth, j.howarth@kwschool.co.uk

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