Katherine Warington School
  • KWSixth
  • Box Office
  • Systems for Parents
  • Quick Links
    • Arbor – Parent Portal
    • ClassCharts
    • SOCS
    • Evolve
    • Parent Evening System
    • Safeguarding
    • Free School Meals
  • Contact Us
  • Menu Menu

Year 12 Work Experience – what they did!

September 25, 2026/in Whole School/by Chrissy Dicks

During last term our Year 12 students ventured out on a week’s work experience.  Students went to a wide variety of places & here is some of the feedback:

 

In July, Alex took part in a week-long work experience placement with the UCL Mechanical Engineering Department on their Professional Services pathway. Alex gained insight into professional services administration and academic roles within a university department.

He learnt about the research of PhD students and visited a range of specialist laboratories: an Engine Lab, Biomaterials Lab, Fluid Lab – where he observed a tank test and the Electric Propulsion Lab. In a practical activity with the IT team, he dismantled and reassembled a laptop, analysing its internal components.  Alex said of his experience: ‘My work experience was fascinating, I learnt how organisation within a department/firm is key to ensure the proper running of daily operations. I saw first hand how technology has become such a key part of the world of professional services and further education. I would recommend the work experience to anyone interested in engineering or finance in further education or for a career path.’ 

Find out more about the UCL Mechanical Engineering work experience programme here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/engineering/work-experience-ucl-mechanical-engineering

 

Thomas spent a week with the students of St Helen’s Primary School.  The school commented that Thomas had a calm and pleasant manner with the children and was proactive, using his initiative to support the children with their learning. He was a good role model to the children and a great help in the classroom. The children have enjoyed having him in their classroom.

 

At Luton Council, Aishmeen worked with the finance department.  She showed great enthusiasm, learned quickly, and adapted well to every task she was given.  She worked with various finance teams e.g. Debtors, Creditors, and Accounting, and she saw different tasks every day. She was very keen to learn more.

 

Leah spent time at Claire Wilson Childminding where she engaged beautifully with the children, drawing alongside them during their play. She read stories, helped with lunch times, water play, bottle feeding and craft activities.

 

Branna was at Fragomen, where she was really engaged and inquisitive, and attended a number of meetings and calls – and even a client webinar.  It was clear that Branna had a real interest in geopolitics and the work that the advisory practice in the firm does. 

 

Our current Year 12 and Year 10 students will begin looking at places for work experience in the next few weeks; if anyone is able to offer places then please do contact Miss Dayton (Sixth Form manager) – f.dayton@kwschool.co.uk.

https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Media-11.jpg 1200 1600 Chrissy Dicks https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/smlogo.png Chrissy Dicks2026-09-25 09:07:372026-09-25 09:07:37Year 12 Work Experience – what they did!

Reading Challenges in the Library

September 25, 2026/in Whole School/by Chrissy Dicks
As the term gets underway, we’d love for students to get involved in our various Reading Challenges, and there are recognitions and prizes up for grabs. In Year 7 we are running the Big Purple Challenge, where the goal is to read 10 books over the academic year; 6 from our list, and 4 free choice books. The challenge is fully explained and supported in the year 7 library lessons. We love to hear about what you’ve been reading, and we enjoy rewarding our year 7s as they tick off the books on their list, so do come and engage with us in the library and get into great reading habits from the very start of your KWS journey.
In year 8 we’re embracing the National Year of Reading, and encouraging you to read a different genre of book each month. Some have an obvious connection with the month, so in February we linked up with Valentine’s Day and the genre was Romance. This September we’re celebrating the return to school by reading a book with a purple cover, which is, of course, our school colour. Add a book review to our board to get a recognition, and be in with a chance of winning a prize. And remember, ebooks and audiobooks also count, so have a look on the ePlatform to find something great to read, and then drop in and tell us all about it.
https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Purple-Pink-and-Blue-Modern-Minimalist-Gym-Summer-Fitness-Challenge-Announcement-Poster-Instagram-Post.jpg 1200 1600 Chrissy Dicks https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/smlogo.png Chrissy Dicks2026-09-25 09:07:242026-09-25 09:07:24Reading Challenges in the Library

Donations of Plants for Our Gardening Club

September 25, 2026/in Whole School/by Chrissy Dicks

For our gardening P7, we would be grateful for any herb plants or bee-attracting plants that you might be able to donate. If you can help, please drop these off to the school reception, or ask students to bring them to the food room.

Thank you in advance,

Mrs J Tyler.

https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Herb-plant.jpg 1200 1600 Chrissy Dicks https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/smlogo.png Chrissy Dicks2026-09-25 09:07:142026-09-25 09:07:14Donations of Plants for Our Gardening Club

KWS Student Mentoring Programme

September 25, 2026/in Whole School/by Chrissy Dicks
 The KWS student mentoring programme launched successfully this week.
Year 13 students began coaching Year 11s, while Year 12 students are paired with Year 10s. It was wonderful to see strong relationships and support networks already developing.
Well done to all students involved for a fantastic start.
https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IMG_5456.jpg 1200 1600 Chrissy Dicks https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/smlogo.png Chrissy Dicks2026-09-25 09:06:482026-09-25 09:06:48KWS Student Mentoring Programme

Work Experience with UCL Mechanical Engineering

September 11, 2026/in Whole School/by Keris McCormick
In July, Alex B took part in a week-long work experience placement with the UCL Mechanical Engineering Department on their Professional Services pathway. Alex gained insight into professional services administration and academic roles within a university department.
He learnt about the research of PhD students and visited a range of specialist laboratories: an Engine Lab, Biomaterials Lab, Fluid Lab – where he observed a tank test and the Electric Propulsion Lab. In a practical activity with the IT team, he dismantled and reassembled a laptop, analysing its internal components.
The week concluded with students sharing their experience with their peers and being presented with a certificate.
Find out more about the UCL Mechanical Engineering work experience programme here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/engineering/work-experience-ucl-mechanical-engineering
https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Media-1.jpg 1200 1600 Keris McCormick https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/smlogo.png Keris McCormick2026-09-11 10:17:112026-09-11 10:17:11Work Experience with UCL Mechanical Engineering

KWSixth Update: A Strong Start to the Term

September 11, 2026/in Whole School/by Keris McCormick

Welcome back! Here are the latest announcements and updates for our Sixth Form community.

A Fantastic Start for Year 12 A huge well done to our new Year 12 students for a brilliant start to the term. The focus, maturity, and positive attitude displayed in classrooms and study spaces across this first week have been outstanding. It is fantastic to see everyone settling into Sixth Form life so quickly and setting such a strong precedent for the year ahead.

Thank You to Year 12 Parents & Carers Thank you to all the parents and carers who joined us for the Year 12 Information Evening on Tuesday. Strong partnerships between home and school are essential to student success at Key Stage 5, and we greatly appreciate your time and engagement.

For anyone unable to attend, or for those who would like to review the presentation, the event slides are attached to this newsletter email.

Year 13: UCAS Predicted Grades Reminder A key reminder for Year 13 students and parents: the formal report detailing UCAS predicted grades will be sent home on Thursday 8th October. 

These next few weeks are critical. We encourage all Year 13s to maintain total focus, work closely with their subject teachers, and put maximum effort into their current assessments and independent study to ensure their report reflects their full potential.

Thank you The Sixth Form Team

https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/kw6-updated.png 1200 1600 Keris McCormick https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/smlogo.png Keris McCormick2026-09-11 10:17:042026-09-11 10:17:04KWSixth Update: A Strong Start to the Term

Welcome back to the Library

September 11, 2026/in Whole School/by Chrissy Dicks

Welcome back everyone! We hope you all had a lovely summer break, and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone back in the library, enjoying all we have to offer in the 2026-27 academic year. Our team are ready and waiting to see you all, and to help you pick out books that you want and need, and hopefully something new to challenge and delight you. We’d like to welcome all our new students, especially the new year 7 cohort, and the new joiners in year 12.

Our library is open every break and lunch time, and also after school, until 4.30pm Monday to Thursday, and 4pm on a Friday. Everyone is automatically a member of the school library, so drop in and get browsing. And don’t forget that you can access audiobooks and ebooks via the ePlatform on your Chromebook. All students who are new to the school will be shown how to access and use our ePlatform; it has a wealth of books for inspiration, enjoyment, and of course, books and textbooks to aid your studies. We also have a printer and various other resources for all year groups to use, including our KWSixth students. And do look out for various library-based activities throughout the year, we always have lots going on.

We also have some great opportunities for students to get involved in the library. We have a Reading Ambassadors scheme and a Student Library Assistants team. If you think you might be interested in either of these roles then have a look at the information on Class Charts, or drop into the library and ask us for more information. We look forward to seeing you all in the library soon.
https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/100_0911.jpg 1200 1600 Chrissy Dicks https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/smlogo.png Chrissy Dicks2026-09-11 10:16:442026-09-11 10:16:44Welcome back to the Library

KWSixth Summer Tea Party 3rd July 2026

July 17, 2026/in Whole School/by Keris McCormick

It was a pleasure for our year 12 students to organise our second KWSixth community tea party for local senior citizens.

We enjoyed a game of bingo, performances from students across the school and lunch served by the year 12 ambassadors.

It was a fantastic occasion. A massive thank you to the KWS canteen staff and the year 12s for organising.

https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/tea-party-1.png 1200 1600 Keris McCormick https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/smlogo.png Keris McCormick2026-07-17 10:17:412026-07-17 10:17:41KWSixth Summer Tea Party 3rd July 2026

House Cup 2025-26: Final Standings!

July 17, 2026/in Whole School/by Keris McCormick

What an incredible year of energy, team spirit, and fierce competition we have had for the 2025-26 House Competition!

From athletic prowess on the rounders field to the absolute concentration required for the classic egg and spoon race, not to mention the brilliant display of creativity in the Talent Show and the Christmas Card competition—it has been wonderful to see our students rewarded with house points for such a wide variety of talents.

A massive thank you to our new staff and student Heads of House for their fantastic support and leadership throughout the year!

📊 How Was the Winner Decided?

Points were accumulated across a diverse mix of academic, behavioral, creative, and athletic challenges. Here are all the areas where students earned points for their houses this year:

  • Academic & Behavioral: Most student recognitions, highest student attendance, and fewest behavior consequences.

  • Creative & Performance: The Talent Show, House Writing Competition, and the Christmas Card Competition.

  • Sports & Physical Activity: Sports Day, House Rounders, House Badminton, and the Sustain Run & Walk.

  • Fun & Novelty Events: The Student Quiz, the classic Egg and Spoon Race, and the highly anticipated Staff Curling!

🏆 The Final Standings

With all of our new and traditional criteria taken into account, the competition was incredibly tight this year. Every single point was hard-earned. Here is how the leaderboard looks at the finish line:

Rank

House

Points

1st

🥇 Nightingale

168

2nd

🥈 Keller

158

3rd

🥉 Tesla

147

4th

Ali

145

5th

Franklin

103

6th

Armstrong

93

A massive thank you to all the students, staff, and organizers who made these events such a spectacular success! Enjoy the victory, Nightingale, and to everyone else—rest up, because the journey to the next House Cup starts soon! 🎉

https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/logo.png 1200 1600 Keris McCormick https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/smlogo.png Keris McCormick2026-07-17 10:17:322026-07-17 10:17:32House Cup 2025-26: Final Standings!

Work experience with Parliament

July 17, 2026/in Whole School/by Keris McCormick

Last week, Jess H and I had the incredible opportunity to undertake a three-day work experience placement with our local Member of Parliament, Victoria Collins MP, and her dedicated team. Working alongside the office staff and students from other schools, we were fully immersed in parliamentary politics and local campaigning.

We began our first day by working on constituency casework. Casework involves handling the correspondence and emails that constituents send to Victoria regarding local and national issues. This gave us a firsthand look at the range of challenges facing our community. We learned how an MP’s team works behind the scenes to help resolve problems for residents.

On the second day, we travelled to Westminster for an unforgettable day in London. We began with a tour of the parliamentary estate, followed by the opportunity to watch the historic Speaker’s Procession. Afterward, we headed to the House of Commons gallery to observe a live debate, where we spotted several high-profile politicians in action. A highlight of the day was sitting down for lunch with Victoria to discuss her role, followed by an afternoon task where we drafted Early Day Motions (EDMs), which are formal proposals used by MPs to draw attention to specific campaigns or events.

For our final day, we became campaign interns with the Liberal Democrats. We got a taste of grassroots politics by participating in a phone banking session, calling previous supporters to see if they would be interested in volunteering for upcoming local campaigns. It was an engaging and eye-opening experience that allowed us to speak with a wide variety of people holding diverse political perspectives.

Overall, this experience was incredibly rewarding. We gained insights into how our democracy works, showing us that politics is just as much about helping people on a local level as it is about debating in the House of Commons. We left with a much deeper appreciation for public service and skills for the future.

Syan B
Year 12
Politics Subject Ambassador
https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/HOP.jpg 1200 1600 Keris McCormick https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/smlogo.png Keris McCormick2026-07-17 09:44:382026-07-17 11:51:49Work experience with Parliament
Page 1 of 58123›»

More News

  • Katherine Warington School Celebrates Exceptional Third Set of KS4/GCSE ResultsAugust 20, 2026 - 11:23 am
  • Katherine Warington School Celebrates Exceptional First Set of KS5 ResultsAugust 13, 2026 - 10:05 am
  • Absence Reporting ReminderJanuary 8, 2026 - 2:59 pm
  • Attendance Rewards – Autumn TermJanuary 8, 2026 - 2:41 pm
  • Anti-Bullying Week 2025November 14, 2025 - 12:55 pm
  • Absence Reporting ReminderOctober 7, 2025 - 2:09 pm
  • Attendance Rewards, Review & Absence Reporting ProceduresSeptember 10, 2025 - 1:36 pm
  • Grand Summer Attendance Prize DrawJuly 17, 2025 - 4:01 pm
  • St George’s DayApril 25, 2025 - 11:20 am
  • Attendance Rewards – Form WinnersFebruary 28, 2025 - 11:31 am

Upcoming Events

October

mon05octAll Dayfri16Y9 Option Change Window 1 - ZCO/TPA

Time

October 5, 2026 - October 16, 2026 (All Day)(GMT+01:00)

CalendarGoogleCal

wed07octAll DayUKMT Senior Maths Challenge (Y12/13) - AWE

Time

October 7, 2026 All Day(GMT+01:00)

CalendarGoogleCal

thu08octAll DayY13 Reports Home

Time

October 8, 2026 All Day(GMT+01:00)

CalendarGoogleCal

November

mon02novAll Daythu05Y11 Mock Exams - MPH

Time

November 2, 2026 - November 5, 2026 (All Day)(GMT+00:00)

CalendarGoogleCal

mon02novAll Daywed11GCSE Eng & Maths Resit Exams - MPH

Time

November 2, 2026 - November 11, 2026 (All Day)(GMT+00:00)

CalendarGoogleCal

mon02nov11:30 am12:30 pmHolocaust Education Trip - Follow Up Seminar - JBO

Event Details

Time currently TBC

Event Details

Time currently TBC

Time

November 2, 2026 11:30 am - 12:30 pm(GMT+00:00)

CalendarGoogleCal

View Full Calendar

Quick Links

  • Arbor Parent Portal
  • Classcharts
  • Free School Meals
  • Safeguarding
  • SOCS

Trust Information

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

Contact Us

Katherine Warington School,
Lower Luton Road,
Harpenden,
Hertfordshire,
AL5 5FH

Telephone: 01582 314777
admin@kwschool.co.uk

© Copyright 2026 Katherine Warington School | Proudly built by Lemongrass Media - School Website Design | Staff News
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Mail
  • Rss
Scroll to top
X