A big thank you to Jerel U and Becky D in year 13, who came into the year 12 assembly last week to speak about two fantastic opportunities:
Jerel spoke about LEAF pathways (a networking platform set up to promote apprenticeships in law, engineering and finance) and promoted the next event they are organising, the Apprenticeship Bootcamp on 11th October. More details can be found here: LEAF PATHWAYS – Empowering Students in Law, Engineering & Finance
Becky spoke about the fantastic Gonville and Caius Raising Aspirations course she participated in last year, which is now open to the current year 12s. She spoke about her own experiences on the course and how it helped to set her up for her own application to study PPE at Oxford University. Details can be found here: Cambridge Higher Aspirations Scheme | Gonville & CaiusÂ
The deadline for applications is Friday 17th October.
On Monday 6th and Tuesday 7th October, over 110 students took to the stage to audition for this year’s KWS school production, A Midsummer Night’s Dream – a bold and imaginative re-telling of Shakespeare’s classic comedy with a modern musical twist.
The Performing Arts department was blown away by the enthusiasm, talent, and creativity shown across all year groups. Students auditioned for a variety of roles – from actors taking on Shakespeare’s iconic characters, to singers and dancers bringing energy and sparkle to the show’s vibrant pop-inspired soundtrack.
A huge well done to everyone who auditioned – the standard was incredibly high, and the team was thrilled to see so many students getting involved. The final cast list has been announced (on the Performing Arts notice board), with rehearsals taking place on Thursdays from 3 – 5pm.
Make sure to save the dates – performances will take place on Thursday 29th and Friday 30th January 2025. It’s set to be one of our most exciting productions yet!
It was wonderful to introduce our brand-new KWS Student Council during last Friday’s celebration assembly. Each member has been selected through a rigorous process – including a letter of application, a speech or statement to their form group, and a form tutor nomination.
We’re incredibly proud of their dedication and enthusiasm, and we look forward to working closely with them throughout the year to build on the outstanding achievements of last year’s council. Exciting times ahead for student leadership at KWS!
Mr Laing
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https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/council-1.webp12001600Keris McCormickhttps://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/smlogo.pngKeris McCormick2025-10-09 14:17:152025-10-14 08:21:58Student Council 2025/2026
Young Professionals are excited to invite you to an exclusive online parent/guardian event designed to provide valuable insights into how you can support your child in making informed career choices when they leave school/university.
This is a fantastic opportunity for you to learn how to help your son or daughter gain a foothold in the world of work with the many major brands (mentioned below) from various sectors who will be joining us for the event.
This event will touch upon applying to corporate roles and the application process, commercial awareness and how young people can develop these skills as well as highlighting degree apprenticeships, what they are and key deadlines to make applications.
There will also be breakout room sessions with sector-specific panels and workshops that you and your child can participate in throughout the evening. Please note that to join the breakout rooms, you will need the Zoom app on your laptops or phones.
Law:Â Mishcon de Reya, Clifford Chance, A&O Shearman, University of Law
Business/Finance:Â KPMG, PwC, BDO, CIMA, RSM
STEM:Â Wates, RAF, The Army, National Grid
This event will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the career and work experience prospects for your child in sectors such as Finance, Data, Technology, Law, Engineering, and different Corporate Functions.
The whole session will be led by the direct hiring managers at these global firms, so you’ll learn from the very best on how to support your child as they transition from education to the professional world with leading brands.
We would encourage you to join this event with your child to get the most out of this session.
Over the last few weeks we have been busy establishing this year’s KWS Student Council. Year group assemblies marked the launch of the Student Council for the new academic year. We received over one hundred applications for the positions and this week, tutors and students have been selecting their form group reps. A massive thank you to all students who have applied. The Student Council offers an excellent opportunity for students to build leadership skills, strengthen communication and teamwork, and develop the values we hold highly at KWS: creativity, organisation, independence, and bravery. We look forward to announcing our Student Council for the academic year ahead at next week’s Celebration Assembly.
https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/kws-logo-1.webp12001600Keris McCormickhttps://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/smlogo.pngKeris McCormick2025-09-26 10:19:042025-09-26 10:19:04Student Council 25/26
Exciting news from KWSixth as we enter three teams into this year’s Dragon’s Apprentice Challenge. Here are some images of the launch event held this week at JFK school in Hemel. Good luck to all three teams!
The Challenge pairs teams of Year 12 students with local business people (a Dragon) and each team is then matched with a local charity or community group. They are then tasked with developing business strategies and delivering their ideas to turn £100 of seed capital into £1,000 or more, with all profit generated going directly to the team’s charity.
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 Look out for their fundraising events which will be happening over the next few months.
https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IMG_3624.webp12001600Keris McCormickhttps://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/smlogo.pngKeris McCormick2025-09-26 10:18:552025-09-26 10:18:55KWS enter the Dragon’s Apprentice 25-26
This week saw Period 7 in full swing across the school, running Monday to Thursday from 3pm to 3.30pm. All our students get to select their Period 7 options each term – from Year 7 right the way through to Year 13. So what do they get up to in this time?
Year 7, 8 and 9 participate in one Mind, one Body and one Soul session each week. For our new Year 7s, they can choose from a range of 12 Body options, including exciting new additions of golf and rugby; alongside 12 Mind and 10 Soul options, including Warhammer Painting, Greek, Origami, Spheros, Harry Potter Club, Creative Journaling, Team-Building and Portrait Sketching!
In Years 8 and 9 we have some exciting new additions this term such as Song Writing, Word Puzzles, Indian Culture, Short Story Club, Fashion Drawing, Using VR to step back in History, Meditation and Taskmaster! On a Thursday students in Years 7 to 9 return to their forms during Period 7 for Independent Study – a great time for students to engage with home learning or extra revision, whilst being supported by their tutor.
Our Year 10s get to choose two Period 7s a week, which run on Monday and Thursday. On Tuesday they all complete a structured course of Community, Careers and Study Skills (CCSS) sessions which supports them in preparing them for Work Experience and their first Mock Exams. On a Wednesday some Year 10 students now receive one to one mentoring from our Year 12 students, whilst others complete Independent Study. After Christmas Further Maths starts as a Period 7 for those keen to take on this additional GCSE.
In Year 11 students choose one Period 7 a week, on a Thursday, joining in with Year 10 for many Body options or picking from exciting new options such as Big Questions, Canadian History, Making Bracelets, Military History Club, Singing for Fun, Decoupage and Match of the Day. Monday is Independent Study for all Year 11s, who are supported by their form tutor to complete home learning and revision. Tuesdays and Wednesdays see Year 11 in a mix of activities: either one to one mentoring from Year 13 students, Further Maths lessons, focused subject intervention sessions or completing more independent study in this important year.
Our thriving 6th Form a play a key part in Period 7, leading activities for younger years – opting to either mentor Year 10/11 students one to one, support them with Independent Study sessions or support a sports or language Period 7 session for them.  They also get to choose one Period 7 to participate in themselves each week: their options include Circuit Training, Science Journals, UCAS support and some Life Skills courses in Finances and DIY.
Our aim with Period 7 is to give all our students more choices and more opportunities, perhaps finding a life long hobby or interest along the way. As staff we get to share our passions with students – from gardening to chess, calligraphy, yoga and oh so much more. For more information on what we offer, please see our Period 7 page.
https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/P7-1.webp12001600Chrissy Dickshttps://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/smlogo.pngChrissy Dicks2025-09-26 10:18:462025-09-26 10:18:46Period 7 now in full swing – from Year 7 to 13
Inspire the Next Generation – Train to Teach at Katherine Warington SchoolÂ
Have you ever thought about a career in teaching? Katherine Warington School has recently been recognised as a ‘Golden Thread School’ by Alban Teaching School Hub, for the high quality teacher training and development that we provide.
‘Katherine Warrington School demonstrates outstanding provision for teachers and leaders through their investment to professional development at all stages of their careers. By joining KWS you will be part of a vibrant, professional community, committed to the highest standards of teacher development, in collaboration with the training provision of the Alban Teaching School Hub and the National Institute of Teaching. The school promotes a positive culture of continued investment in their staff throughout their career and I highly recommend this school for a guaranteed supportive and inspiring career in teaching. KWS was recently acknowledged for their outstanding commitment to professional development in their awarding of a Golden Thread plaque, marking provision for teachers and leaders at all career stages.’
Karen Taylor-Paul, Director of Alban Teaching School Hub
David Martin, Headteacher and Amy Francis, Initial Teacher Training Lead, celebrate Katherine Warington School being recognised as a Golden Thread School for its commitment to teacher training and development.Â
Our doors are open to parents, graduates and members of our local community to join one of the most rewarding professions.
Teaching isn’t just a job – it’s a chance to make a real difference every single day. Whether you’re looking for a fresh challenge, a meaningful career, or an opportunity to inspire young minds, we can help you start your journey right here at Katherine Warington School, where you will receive:
High-quality, hands-on training within a supportive school environment, partnered with the expertise of Alban Teaching School Hub and their ITT programmes.Â
Experienced mentors to guide you every step of the way.
A welcoming, inclusive community where you’ll feel part of something special from day one.
Why Choose Teaching?
Make an Impact – Shape the lives of young people and leave a lasting legacy. Job Satisfaction – No two days are the same; every day brings new energy and purpose. Career Progression – From classroom teacher to leadership roles, the opportunities are endless. Financial Support – Training bursaries and support are available for many subjects. Work–Life Balance – Enjoy school holidays while still building a fulfilling full-time career. Community Contribution – Play a vital role in the growth and success of our local community.
If interested, we can arrange visits, school experience days or just a chat about the options open to you.Â
https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/amy-David-3jpg-1.webp9211349Chrissy Dickshttps://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/smlogo.pngChrissy Dicks2025-09-26 08:50:312025-10-15 13:37:37Katherine Warington, A Golden Thread School
Congratulations to Kaylee F (Y12) for participating in the Final Round of the International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition 2025. Kaylee passed the qualification and pre-final stages before joining us at KWS and successfully completed the Final Round at school last week, scoring in the top 25% of participants internationally.
A huge well done to her for showing such great subject knowledge, passion for an area of exciting and cutting edge science, and willingness to dedicate learning time to extra-curricular endeavours. Y11-13 especially should be on the look out for opportunities outside of our extensive curriculum offering to give them plenty to talk about for future 6th form/ college, university, apprenticeship and job applications.
Katherine Warington School (KWS) is delighted to announce that it has been awarded a Certificate of Merit by the Harpenden Society for its outstanding All-Weather Pitch. The award recognises the significant contribution the facility has made to both the school and the wider community since its opening in early 2024.
The state-of-the-art pitch, which provides a high-quality playing surface in all weather conditions, has been a transformative addition to the school’s sports facilities. It has significantly enhanced the physical education curriculum for KWS students and provides an excellent venue for competitive sports and extracurricular activities.
“We are incredibly proud and grateful to be recognised by the Harpenden Society with this prestigious award,” said Dean Inns, School Business Manager. “The All-Weather Pitch was a major project for us and wouldn’t have been possible without the financial support of the Football Foundation, and this award is a testament to the vision and hard work that went into creating a facility that benefits so many. It has been a game-changer for our students, allowing them to train and play sports year-round, regardless of the weather.”
Beyond the school’s gates, the All-Weather Pitch has become a valuable community asset. KWS has partnered with local sports clubs to ensure the facility is utilised to its full potential, providing a much-needed resource for the community. A prime example of this partnership is the collaboration with Wheathampstead Wanderers, a local football club.
The Harpenden Society’s Certificate of Merit is awarded annually to projects that demonstrate a high standard of design and a positive contribution to the local environment and community. The selection panel commended Katherine Warington School for the thoughtful design and the extensive community access provided by the new pitch.
“The Katherine Warington School All-Weather Pitch is an excellent example of a project that serves both its primary users and the wider community,” said Ron Taylor, Awards Secretary of the Harpenden Society. “The Harpenden Society was impressed not only by the quality of the facility but also by the school’s commitment to making it accessible to local groups. It is a deserving recipient of our Certificate of Merit.”
https://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/DSC_6883.jpg12001600Keris McCormickhttps://kwschool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/smlogo.pngKeris McCormick2025-09-25 17:27:182025-09-26 09:36:07Katherine Warington School Receives Certificate of Merit from the Harpenden Society for its All-Weather Pitch
 
