It's been a hectic, productive and exciting term 1 and as we head into half term it's a good opportunity to pause, reflect, and say a few thankyous.
Term 1 is always a bit of a vertical take-off and steep learning curve for many joining the school in Year 7, Year 12 and for those who are new to the staff. Although it's not quite the same incline for old hands - that's the 'young' and the more 'vintage variety' - it is still a shock to the system to leave behind the tranquillity of summer and be rudely awakened and thrust back into the busyness of life at King Edward's. So firstly, a well done and a massive thank you to everyone for making it through to half term and reaching that important halfway mark before the final push for Christmas: sorry I know I shouldn't mention it but only 85 days to go!
It has been an amazing and action-packed few months and you can read of some of our successes and achievements on the various blogs below: there is so much to report that we have held some stories back for after half term. My thanks to everyone involved in all of the different activities, events, clubs, societies, sport, trips and enrichment opportunities that have been running this term. My thanks also to all of those weary parental taxi drivers out there, as a father of four I share your pain!
You may have seen my text regarding pastoral matters, so this is also a good opportunity to thank the new King Edward's Support Hub team [KESH]. We have a dedicated team of multi-disciplinary professionals working across counselling, emotional behaviour, additional needs and many more fields supporting students. Please do have a look at their regular newsletter via the link in the text above. The team will be focusing on the Anti-Bullying Alliance's Anti-Bullying Week 14th -18th November to educate all in our community about the importance of our key British values of respect, and tolerance for others.
Looking ahead we have an a busy term 2 ahead which includes our Sixth Form Open Evening on Tuesday 8th November. This will provide us with the opportunity to showcase all that we offer here and for parents and year 11 students to speak face to face with staff and students and find out more about our Sixth Form. You can see more at www.kevigs.org/sixthform or by contacting:
We will also be busy preparing for our Winter Concert, end of term Carol Service, the CCF Christmas Awards Dinner, and our Academic Awards Evening. I am happy to report that there is much to celebrate with some incredible achievements in our first set of proper public examinations since 2019. We look forward to welcoming you to some or all of these events.
Finally, the looming spectre of OFSTED has been concentrating our mind as we dedicate large amounts of time to preparing paperwork and arranging administrative details for the next inspection of King Edward's. Since the 1st of September 2021, 739 secondary schools have been inspected across the country, the majority have been downgraded, and only 53 have been rated Outstanding. Once we get the call I will be in touch.
Finally, my thanks to everyone in our community, students, staff, parents, governors and everyone who makes up team KEVIGS.
My very best wishes for a relaxing half term.
James Lascelles
Headmaster
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