What a buzz we had on Thursday 11th July as all of our new Year 7’s entered KWS ready to meet their new form tutors and classmates. After a Headteacher’s welcome assembly they all went into their form bases for the day to get to know each other and go through our KWS expectations as they embark on this schooling chapter.

A big thank you to the PE department led by Mr Alexander who orchestrated a lunch time event for all the new starters where they chose between various PE activities which proved a big hit as always.

Feedback included many compliments to the catering company who served delicious meals including all dietary requirements. All students with allergies/intolerances were taken to meet our kitchen staff, reassured that their needs will also be included into the daily menu.

Some parents were also keen to let me know how happy their child was after initial nerves and that they are now joining onto our beneficial Summer School programme in August for new Year 7’s.

Thank you to all staff involved,
Miss Annie

KWS Transition Lead

Wednesday 26th June 2024 saw our Inaugural Year 11 Prom and it proved to be an absolute spectacle of an event, sending our first ever KWS year group off in real style.

As the hottest day of the year dawned, our fabulous prom committee and various teams across the school set to work. There was a hive of activity throughout the day as tables and chairs were delivered, the marquee, entrance and steps were decorated, sound, lighting and a bar were rigged up, before the last minute addition of flowers, balloons, the buffet and arrival drinks. 

The scene was set… and from 7pm Year 11 arrived, and wow did they do so in style!! Some in sports cars, others walked, one came on horseback, some appeared sounded by purple smoke flares, one drove in on a tractor and another group arrived accompanied by a drummer – all a delight to watch and it was fantastic to see so many parents and staff there to greet them – thank you for all your support. 

Arriving through the glitzy red carpet entrance students had their photographs taken before headed up the steps into the marquee for an arrival drink. Across the evening students spilled out onto the lawn (aka our reseeded rugby pitch) and enjoyed catching up with staff and peers alike. Whilst students enjoyed the buffet the Year 11 tutor team were comparing notes for our best dressed awards.  A very close and tricky one to call – huge congratulations to the winners Michael, Thea and Jasleen – but we have to say they all scrubbed up very well indeed. The photo booth was a huge hit with long queues all evening and many enjoyed the disco, dancing the night away.  

The students behaved impeccably and were a real joy to spend the evening with. We have had fantastic feedback from students, parents and staff alike on the evening which is lovely to hear.  As one of our Year 11 boys put it, a “decent” night – high praise indeed!  

Huge thanks to my fellow prom committee members Amy Francis, Zoe Anderson, Dean Inns and Emma Barnard for all the planning and preparation (not to mention sweat on the day) as well as Abigail Grainger, Lauren Freeman and Keris McCormick for their help decorating and Chrissy Dicks for the beautiful flowers. A big shout out to James Vaughan, Archie Vass and James Bullock without whom the event would not have been possible, alongside Herts Catering, DJ Big Craig, Herts and Essex Marquees, Perfect Personalised Parties (photo booth) and W Fuller and Son (security).  Photographs care of the talented Celine Hare and Chris Burke, with further footage to follow from the Rawlings – thank you to all for giving up your time to support our event.   

Zoe Coomber – Assistant Headteacher

During last week’s celebration assembly we were honoured to be joined by Chris Silby one of the founders of The Ollie Foundation and Bob Fergson, Chair of St Albans & Harpenden local committee who attended on behalf of Cancer Research UK. 

We were delighted to present both charities with a cheque of the money raised during our house charity fortnight. We raised a total of £622.95. 

OLLIE is a charity dedicated to delivering suicide awareness, intervention and prevention training by empowering professionals and young adults in their own communities to lead suicide prevention activities. OLLIE wants to create a society where no one feels that suicide is their only option. 

Cancer Research UK (CRUK) is the world’s largest independent cancer research organisation. Cancer Research UK funds and conducts life-saving research into various types of cancer. It also provides information, support and advice for people affected by cancer, and their families. 

We would like to thank everyone from the KWS community who contributed and we look forward to working more closely with both charities. 

On Wednesday, students visited the Bank of England Museum.

Across Year 10 Business, our students are studying the role of finance, the impact of technology increasing on businesses and the economy, and how this is having an impact on the consumers who are making the choice to purchase goods and services.

In Business, the economy and money rules all. Money and the way we use it has changed in recent decades. With digital and contactless payments on the rise, the choices we make, as individuals and businesses are having an impact. Futureproofing the economy to meet our needs, now and in the future, is the job of the Bank of England. 

Students were able to explore the changes in history, how it has impacted the bank, what the bank does and what banks can do to ensure they can keep to their inflation target rate of 2%. 

They were all so incredibly brilliant, presented KWS in a positive light, and portrayed interest in the role of the bank.

I am so unbelievebly proud of the effort they have put into their course so far.

A special thank you to our unbelievable staff that assisted in the trip too!

Mrs Saleem-Carrington