On a crisp autumn morning, a group of excited Year 8 students embarked on a journey to Pineapple Studios for a unique workshop with two cast members from the acclaimed musical “Hadestown.” The anticipation was palpable as the students, buzzing with energy, arrived at the iconic studio.

The workshop was led by none other than Tiago, the Dance Captain of “Hadestown,” and a fellow cast member. Tiago’s expertise and passion for dance were immediately evident as he introduced the students to the world of musical theatre. The session began with a warm-up, followed by a dance routine taken directly from the choreography for the show and the song “Living it up on top”. Tiago’s enthusiasm was infectious, and the students quickly found themselves immersed in the rhythm and movement.

Throughout the workshop, the cast members shared insights into their experiences on stage, the rigorous training involved, and the importance of teamwork in a production as dynamic as “Hadestown.” The students were captivated, asking questions and eagerly participating in the activities. It was an opportunity to learn from professionals who live and breathe the art of performance which are a core part of our Performing Arts offer.

After the workshop, the excitement continued as the students made their way to the theatre for the matinee performance of “Hadestown.” The show, a modern retelling of the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, left the students spellbound. The powerful performances, stunning staging, and hauntingly beautiful music created an unforgettable experience.

Seeing the cast members they had just met perform live on stage added a special layer of connection and inspiration. The students left the theatre with a newfound appreciation for the hard work and dedication that goes into creating a West End production.

This was also the first time that our Sixth Formers acted as leaders on our trip supporting the staff as well as taking part in the workshops.

This extraordinary day at Pineapple Studios and the theatre not only enriched the students’ understanding of musical theatre but also ignited a passion for the performing arts that will stay with them for years to come.

KWS Library Reading Challenge winner.

The first winner of this academic year, who took part in the KWS Library Reading Challenge, was announced this week, with a lucky year 7 student winning a book.

The reading challenge is for years 7 and 8 and they complete a bingo-style card by submitting a review of a book from the genre indicated on the card. They read a book of their choice within that genre (either a print book or an eBook) or they can listen via an audio book. Each review submitted gains a recognition point for the student. Completing a full line on the bingo card will earn them three recognitions, and a “full house” nets the student 5 recognition points. Everyone entering goes into a draw to win books or a Waterstones voucher. So, if you’re in year 7 or 8, pick up a bingo card from the library today, and get reviewing!

New library staff

We’re delighted to announce that two new members of staff have joined the KWS Library team as Library Assistants. Mrs Evans will be in the library on Tuesday, and Mrs Dibbs on Wednesday. Do pop in and say hello!

We have had a great few weeks of sport at school since the return from the half term break:

Gymnastics

Well done to all students that participated in the British gymnastics and trampolining competition. 13 medals were won and 9 children progressed through to the Zonal round in Hinckley, Leicester on 26th January. We entered 2 teams and both Girls’ Intermediate (Year 7-9) and Boys’ Elite (Year 7-9) teams progressed to the next round too. They all performed their absolute best and were a credit to themselves and the school. Thanks very much to all parents who supported on the day and Lara Washburn for entering us and training the team.

Continuing with the trampolining theme, huge congratulations to Matthew P in Year 9 for competing in the British Trampolining National Age Championships recently in the 13-14 year old category. Unfortunately Matthew did not make the finals, but he thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to compete on the same stage as recent Olympians, Bryony Page and Zak Perzamanos. Competing at this level is an achievement in itself as Matthew only took up trampolining 4 years ago. Well done!

Netball

A great effort but unfortunately a loss for the Year 7 Purple Team vs Beaumont. Player of the match was identified as Yazmim M.

Well done to both the 8A and 8B netball teams in their matches vs Marlborough. The B’s won 21-5 and the A’s won 21-3. Outstanding performances in particular from Maisie and Isla. 

An entertaining game for the 9A team in their cup match V SJL. A narrow loss but lots of positives to take from it. Heidi G was recognised as the stand out player for KWS. 

Well done to the 9B and 8A netball teams in their league match vs St Columbus. The Year 9s lost 17-12 and the Year 8s won 15-11. Special mention to Isla G and Amelia S for their excellent application. 

Football

A massive well done to the U13 girls football team who enjoyed their Wednesday morning at the Watford FC’s dome at their training ground. They competed in a range of matches against other schools in Hertfordshire and then finished the morning off with an anti-bullying workshop. The girls finished 3rd overall.

A superb game for the U13 girls team vs Sandringham. A 7-2 win for KWS with a variety of goalscorers. Sophie K was outstanding throughout. Thank you to Erin H in Year 10 for her fantastic refereeing too!

A brave and determined performance from the U16 girls in the county cup against last year’s winners Sandringham. An unfortunate 3-2 loss, but the girls did themselves proud, including two great goals from Gracie A in Year 11.  Ali C was also acknowledged for some brilliant saves.

The Year 9 boys football team progressed through to the next round of the county cup after a 2-0 win over Dame Alice Owen’s School. Goals from Will C and Ed J proved decisive.

The Year 9 boys side followed up their win in the county cup by progressing into the 4th round of the National Cup after a solid 2-0 victory away at Saffron Walden County High School. Ed J notched twice with two well taken goals, but everyone in the squad is contributing a great deal. Well done boys! Unfortunately the Year 8 boys bowed out of the national cup after a tough game against Simon Balle.

On Tuesday, the Year 12 boys football team travelled to Onslow School in Hatfield. The squad performed excellently and won emphatically, the highest scoring game in KWS history, including a very well taken goal by Jamie and goals by Lewis, Patrick, Josh, Jack and Krrish. The facilities at the school were top tier, which the boys took advantage of excellently. Special shout out to Jack S, who scored 2 goals on his debut for the school after a 2 year goal drought. The squad are very much looking forward to the next round when we play Parmiters School, which will be a good challenge for the squad.

Finally, we look forward to a set of rugby fixtures tomorrow morning away at Dame Alice Owen’s School.

As part of our ongoing commitment to providing the best possible education for our students, we are currently evaluating how we nurture the values and skills that students need to succeed in the wider world.  One element of this is to gather parental feedback on the values and skills that they think are most important for success in the wider world and to identify current strengths and potential areas for development.

To that end, could I ask all parents/carers/guardians of KWS students to take five minutes to complete the attached form (this will be sent through Classcharts and email too). The closing date for submissions is Friday 29th November 2024.

The KWS Leaver – Values and Skills

Kind Regards,

Mr G Livesey Jones