The Interact Club hosted a very professionally run quiz and games night on Friday 19th September for members of the school and local community, and to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

A fish and chip supper, supplied by Godfrey’s of Harpenden was enjoyed half way through and the school bar was open for liquid refreshments too.

The quiz was won by a team of our Trustees and members of their families.

Music and games finished the evening off well.

Ben W, Becky D and Elvin Y from y13 (pictured) helped organise a great evening.

This week, we were proud to welcome our new Year 12 cohort, marking a milestone as Katherine Warington becomes a full school. Our Year 12 students have already demonstrated an impressive attitude and strong work ethic in their first few days, making an excellent first impression. We extend a particularly warm welcome to those students who have joined us from other schools, and we look forward to seeing all of our year 12 students achieve success as they embark on their sixth form journey with us.

Mr Laing

The morning air in Newcastle was a crisp mix of anticipation and nerves. My number was pinned, my laces were double-knotted, I had all the gadgets needed. Some would say, “all the gear and no idea”. I was just one of thousands, but for my Dad and I, this was more than a race; it was a mission. Each stride was for a cause that mattered, with every penny raised a testament to the generosity of my family, friends, colleagues and parents of students at KWS.

The first few miles were a blur of jostling bodies and nervous energy, but as the pack spread out, the true spirit of the Great North Run revealed itself. It wasn’t just about the runners; it was about the crowds. The streets were lined with a continuous, deafening wall of cheers. Children held out hands for high fives, giving out sweets, while others offered slices of orange and cups of water. It was the moment a woman pressed a freezing cold ice lolly into my hand that I truly felt it – the collective, overwhelming kindness of strangers. It was the best ice lolly I have ever had!

We got a bit excited early on having been well under our target time which meant that we were going to feel it later on. When we found it tough, we thought of those who had supported us: family, friends, the parents of students at KWS, and my fellow staff members. Their generosity had already pushed me past my £500 goal, and that knowledge was a powerful fuel.

The final mile felt like a lifetime, but the sight of the sea and the promise of the finish line were everything. We dug deep, the sound of the crowd a thunderous roar urging us forward, as well as a dark cloud with heavy rain catching up on us. Crossing the line was a moment of pure emotion – exhaustion, relief, and an immense sense of gratitude. The Great North Run isn’t just a race; it’s a shared experience, a celebration of human spirit.

For everyone who contributed, your support meant the world. We’ve raised over £500, but there’s still time to help a great cause.

If you’d like to support the fundraiser, you can still donate here: https://ajbellgreatnorthrun2025.enthuse.com/pf/garry-jones? 

If you want to find out more about the cause and help raise awareness, please visit: https://www.thecalmzone.net/ 

Thank you all for your support! It is now time to rest my knees!

Mr Jones

Episode 5 of KWS talks is available to listen now on Spotify and Youtube. It involves Becky and Tristan talking to two year 12 students about what their first year as sixth formers has been like.

If you would like to listen, please click the links below:

This year, we’ve been thrilled to see our school house system thrive with some exciting adaptations designed to offer even more opportunities for pupils to contribute to their house’s success! Our goal is to foster a stronger sense of community and healthy competition, and we believe these changes are truly making a difference.

We’ve broadened the criteria for earning house points, now taking into account a wider range of pupil achievements and positive contributions. This includes:

• Most Recognitions: The traditional way to earn points through participation and effort in house events.
• Fewest Consequences: Recognising and rewarding houses with consistently good behaviour and adherence to school rules.
• Academic Programme: Celebrating those who complete a pupil academic programme.
• School Quiz Performance: Encouraging teamwork and knowledge sharing during our popular school quizzes.

These new metrics mean that every pupil, regardless of their strengths, has a chance to play a vital role in their house’s standing. Whether through excelling in Academics, demonstrating exemplary behaviour, or shining in a quiz, there are now more avenues than ever to support your house! We’re already seeing fantastic engagement and enthusiasm from pupils across all houses.

And what a nail-biting finish to the year it was! The competition for the coveted House Cup was incredibly close, with just one point separating first and second place. After a year of incredible effort, teamwork, and dedication from all our houses, we are delighted to announce that this year’s overall House Cup winner is Nightingale! A huge congratulations to Nightingale house for their outstanding achievement!

Final standing were: 

1. Nightingale 
2. Ali
3. Tesla 
4. Armstrong
5. Franklin 
6. Keller