Kingsway News - December 16

Kingsway News Newsletter | December 2016Merry Christmas!

A Message from the Headteacher Make Your Mark Ballot – L. BalfeWishing all our families best wishes for the coming This year a total of 978,216 young people from every corner of thefestive season. country took part in the annual Make Your Mark ballot. The ballot decided what Members of the UK Youth Parliament should debate andI hope you will enjoy reading about all the amazing vote on to be their campaign for 2017. The debate then took place onactivity that has taken place at The Kingsway Friday 11th November 2016 within the House of Commons.School over the last few months. Over a thousand Kingsway students voted in #makeyourmark.It’s been a fabulous term with Year 11 students Kingsway’s priorities are: Tackling racism; Curriculum for life; Protectworking hard towards their GCSE exams. Staff have been working the NHS; Teach first aid in school; Votes at 16; Transport; Mentalhard too; but with changes to exams, now, more than ever before, health; Body image; Sexual harassment and Youth service.students have to take responsibility for their own success.We will be providing lots of opportunities for students across the On Wednesday 23rd November, Ren Hall, Children’s Rights andschool to revise, get support and learn new skills in the new year. Participation Officer for Stockport, came in to school to present a certificate to The Kingsway School for contributing more votes on theSo as 2017 looms and 2016 draws to a close, I would like to wish Make Your Mark ballot than any other school or college in Stockport.all the best to colleagues leaving us at the end of this term: MsPendlebury leaves us after covering Ms Bradbury-Cheetham’smaternity leave and Mr Rogers, Deputy Headteacher. Mr Rogersleaves us to take on the post of Principal at Newcastle Academy. Hehas been a much-valued member of the school’s Leadership Team forfive years and, along with the staff and students, I would like to thankhim for his contribution to The Kingsway School.Merry Christmas everyone! GCSE Presentation Evening – K. Guess Mrs J. Lowe, Headteacher There was a good turnout of ex-students, parents, friends and teaching staff for this year’s GCSE Presentation Evening. The Kingsway Association Everyone was present to celebrate the success of the class of 2016 and see them receive their GCSE certificates. What is The Kingsway Association? We are a small group of parents who meet four times Mr Barry Thompson, who is a local businessman and charity fund- per year to decide how to spend parent donations for the raiser, gave an entertaining speech and also handed out over 50 benefit of our children. Department Awards for effort and attainment. This year alone, we have spent over £20,000 on a range The audience also listened to an entertaining speech from Eleanor of resources including a set of Chromebooks, a new sofa for the Swallow and Joe Corbelli who were last year’s Head Girl and Boy. resource base, a set of hand drills for Design and Technology, an The audience were also entertained by the Year 7 choir who sang electronic drum kit and a set of rugby goal posts. ‘Faded’ by Alan Walker. Next summer our Chair, Toni Nikeas and Treasurer Nicky Collins will step down, as their children leave the school. We are now desperately Former students Kate Urwin and Ben Attfield gained the highest seeking more members. Our meetings last around an hour and points totals in last year’s are attended by the Headteacher who gives us an update on school GCSE results. They received news. If you would like to join us at our next meeting on Monday 13th engraved glass trophies from February 2017 at 6:30pm, please email the address below. Mrs. Lowe in recognition Regardless, your donations are always welcome and really do make a of their outstanding difference. From Mothers’ Day cakes to Badges for the Head Boy and achievements. Girl, your contributions are always appreciated. For more information on joining us, or donating, please email: tka@kingsway.stockport.sch.uk The Kingsway School wishes the class of 2016 the very2 best for the future.

Christmas Fayre – K. Guess In Memory of Tom Briggs – M. BurgessThe major fundraising event for this term is the Christmas Fayre, where Tom Briggs, who graduated from The Kingsway School in 2015,the Houses will compete against each other to win the Kolweny Cup. passed away suddenly last December. He was a fantastic young manThe Cup is awarded to the House that raises the most amount of with a passion for cycling and all things to do with bikes.money on the last day of term. All of the money from this fund raisingevent goes to our sister school in Kenya. In memory of Tom, The KingswayAll students have had an assembly which outlined what the students School, donated £2000 tocould do to help their House: Wythenshawe Wheelies. The money• Donate items for the bring and buy stall was raised by students taking• Pay their £1 non-uniform money part in a 12 mile sponsored walk.• Get actively involved with preparing and manning the stalls at the The photo shows one of six bikes bought with the money. Christmas Fayre.Last year we managed to raise an amazing £3799 and the Kolweny Wythenshawe Wheelies is aCup was won by Lowry for the second consecutive year. They raised fantastic charity which enablesover £800. people of all abilities to enjoy ridingThe House Captains choose how the House spends the money. Last a bike. Our resourced studentsyear they contributed to a variety of activities which included painting attend weekly and love the freedomthe school in Kolweny, paying a teacher for 14 months, purchasing 68 bike riding gives them.pairs of pumps, numerous school uniforms and 23 goats. Tom’s family have also received an award in Tom’s name from the The Order of St John. Tom was an organ donor and the award was in recognition of this. His family received a certificate and medal at a ceremony held at Chetham School of Music. I was very honoured to have been invited to attend. Tom continues to make us proud. Resourced School Update – J. MuggProm 2017 – K. Guess Duke of Edinburgh updateOur ex-Year 11 students would have definitely got an A* for partying Last year’s Year 11 students triumphantly completed their silver award by sending bags they had made to the Numwa School in Zimbabwe. The women’s group that support the students at the school were delighted and very impressed with our students’ efforts.and particularly dancing. They looked amazing at their Prom which Sensory Garden updatewas held at the Town Hall Ballroom at the end of June. The Sensory Garden is nearing completion! The timber borders have been built and this year’s Year 11 (silver)The senior students helped to organise the event which included a DofE students shifted an impressive one ton of top soil to fill the borders. They have planted bulbs and started purchasing some of thethree-course meal, a professional ProThe Kingsway School Presents: plants that will fulfil the requirements of the garden’s sensory needs.photographer and an excellent DJ who Critmer2ia017featuring: Plants have been chosen to flourish during school term times so wecertainly knew how to get everyone on Attend9a3An%bceove will all be able to enjoy the delights of the garden. We are hoping thattheir feet. ptehranteN5romlamteosre the garden will be ready for a grand opening in the Spring term. Students involved this year are: Ummar Hussain, Jorden Lomas,Next Year’s Prom will be at the same tthoanSSoNCnoemvoisirte Zayyan Helal and Katrina Woodsvenue on Friday 23rd June 2017. Thisyear’s senior students have already On trackvisited the venue and have chosen Meriftos rtheir menu and the colour scheme.A place at the prom is byinvitation only. In order to be invited exclusiNoonsthe students must achieve thefollowing Prom criteria: 3

GCSE Grades are Changing – J. Weil Anti-Bullying Week 2016 – A. MooreGCSEs in England are being reformed and will be graded with a new After great success in obtaining a Diana award for the work our Anti-scale from 9 to 1, with 9 being the highest grade. English literature, Bullying Ambassadors did last year, The Kingsway School is happyEnglish language and maths will be the first subjects to be graded in to announce that we are continuing our work within the school andthis way from August 2017. coming up with brand new ways to help our students feel comfortableThe subjects with the highest numbers of candidates (e.g. arts, and safe around school.humanities, languages) will follow in 2018 and most others in 2019. During Anti-Bullying Week, 14-18 November,GCSEs are being reformed to make them more challenging and to some of our Year 9 students went out to localkeep pace with employers’ and universities’ demands. primary schools (pictured here with pupils from Outwood Primary School), to deliverIn the new GCSEs, a 5 is regarded as a good pass and a 7 is equivalent assemblies on what we do here at Kingswayto the old A grade. and our focus for this year, which is ‘Diversity’. Diversity is a very broad term and here at The Kingsway School weTo see how the numbered grades compare to the current A* to G encourage tolerance, understanding and acceptance for our studentssystem, see: http://bit.ly/9to1grades to embrace everyone.More information about when subjects will switch to the new grades This year The Kingsway School is expanding our understanding andis available on the Ofqual website, see: http://bit.ly/9to1subjects acceptance of social communities within school and have formed an LGBT community.Autumn Assessment Data & Review Day– J. Weil As part of anti-bullying week, our teachers dressed up as people who have changed the world. Pictured below are Mr Hemmings as EarnestAutumn assessment data for students in Years 7 to 10 Hemingway, Miss McClay as Amelia Earhart and Miss Houlden aswill be released on Friday 16th December (a paper copy Emily Davidson.will be issued to students to take home and this data will Additionally on the Friday, students came to school dressed in abe available online via the Parental Engagement Portal). coloured top to makeYear 11 pre-public exam results will be released on Thursday 12th a human rainbow,January and their autumn assessment data will be released on Friday showing that at The13th January during Review Day appointments. Kingsway we are now making our voices heardReview Day is scheduled for Friday 13th January. On Review Day, when stamping outparents/carers are invited into school for an appointment with the homophobia and anyform tutor to talk through progress, attendance and behaviour other form of bullying.information and to set targets for the rest of the academic year. Year 9 Anti-Bullying Assembly – V. HouldenStudents must attend the meeting, preferably with their parents/carers. Students attend school only for the meeting and spend the Cristian MJC delivered a motivational talk to Year 9rest of the day working at home on work set by their subject teachers. students in November, talking about his ownPlease be aware that we can provide supervision in school for families experiences of bullying and school.for whom this presents child care issues. A separate letter aboutReview Day will be sent home in December. Attitude to Learning – R. Knott Cristian MJC is a medical student studying in London. Alongside this he is an aspiring musician and runs his With the increasing demands of GCSEs, we’re own business, promoting music events for under 18s. putting more emphasis on students developing their resilience and independent learning. A Cristian came to into school to speak about his own ‘Growth Mindset’ is important – knowing that life story and how the Year 9 students could learn from this. Some obstacles can be overcome with focussed effort elements of his talk included his reflections on how he was bullied as and that relying on talent is not enough. a child and how this made him feel. He also talked about resilience The Kingsway Certificate recognises those at school and how his hard work paid off and helped him become learners with these attributes at the end of the successful today. year. The criteria for earning the certificate are Students were treated to his talk as well as hearing some of his shown, right. songs. They were also able to meet Cristian and ask him some questions at the end of the session.4

Music Department News – P. LawtonYear 7 Showcase One of the highlights of the tour was the opportunity to visit Venice. This is a city everyone should visit – and it certainly didn’t disappoint.On the 14th (THEKIN) and 15th (GSWAYC) of November, our Year 7 Filled with great architecture and steeped in history, the maze ofstudents took part in the Music Department’s annual ‘Year 7 Showcase’. canals that divide this magnificent city were really a sight to behold.Once again, this featured each form performing two songs, which they Students had some free time in the city to explore (and buy somehad worked on in music lessons, followed by a massed performance souvenirs), taking in sights including: St Mark’s Basilica, Doge’sfeaturing all of the forms who performed that evening. Palace, and the world-famous Rialto Bridge and Grand Canal. The setting of many great movies, Venice is without a doubt a breath-takingBoth nights were completely sold out, and the support from families city that should be on everyone’s list of cities to visit.and staff was overwhelming. The students sang with confidenceand passion, despite it being the very first time some students had We also had a fantasticperformed in public at all. opportunity to watch a live Opera. Arena di Verona isFeaturing a wide variety of songs, both old and new, the evening was a Roman Amphitheatrea resounding success, and the feedback has been extremely positive. built in the first century.The Music Department would like to thank all of the Year 7 students, It is still in use today andwho contributed to the performances each evening, for their dedication is internationally famousand enthusiasm. 2016 has been quoted as “The best one yet” and we for the large-scale opera performances given there. Built in 30 AD, itlook forward to further performance opportunities in the future. is one of the best-preserved ancient structures of its kind. An open-air performance of Aida with an 80-strong orchestra and a cast of over 100Supertones Tour 2016 was a truly magnificent spectacle, and the students were thoroughlyIn July, the Supertones embarked on their engaged throughout the whole 4 hour (!) performance.biennial tour. Following the hugely successfultours to Paris and Barcelona, this year’s was The final day gave us an opportunity to use the large outdoor pool atto Lake Garda and Venice in Italy. Once again the hotel, allowing us a day of fun and relaxation before the long coachthe weather was definitely on our side, with ride home. An amazing bunch of students made this tour the best onetemperatures exceeding 30°C every day! to date, and the department is already looking forward to our next tourThe students had the opportunity to perform in 2018…in villages overlooking the lake, as well as at a holiday camp,entertaining the guests. All performances went extremely well, and THE SUPERTONES ARE RECRUITING!the responses from the audiences were extremely positive. If you would like to be a part of the Supertones, have the opportunity to perform at our events, and even joinAs well as having the opportunity to perform in beautiful settings, we us on our next tour, come and join us on a Friday afterwere also able to make the most of our time in Italy, and had a jam- school in B17.packed itinerary to keep us busy. This included a day at Gardaland,which is ranked in the world’s top 5 theme parks. There was Kingsway Instrumental Music Servicesomething for everyone, with 8 themed areas and rides ranging from The Kingsway School is committed to offering all students theboating lakes to white-knuckle rides! We also spent a day in Aqualand, opportunity to learn a musical instrument. Through our team of great teachers we offer quality lessons at an affordable price. the local waterpark. Again, this had something for everyone, Apart from being great fun, learning an instrument or singing helps from lazy rivers to kamikaze to foster many of the attributes and skills vital to success: Playing slides. Another scorching day a musical instrument relieves stress, makes you smarter, improves meant that suncream was an your social life and helps build confidence. It teaches patience, fosters absolute must throughout the creativity, improves memory and develops discipline. day! At Kingsway we can provide tuition on any instrument types: Strings, Guitar, Woodwind, Brass, Percussion/Drum Kit, Voice, Keyboard/ Piano and Music Theory. We also provide the opportunity to play the instrument that you learn in an appropriate ensemble. For more information please contact the Music Department. 5

PE News – PE DeptAs we entered the mid-season break, all years’ boys’ football teams Rugby training will continue after Christmas on Broadway field (3pm -are through to the next round of the cup and Year 7-10 teams are 4.30pm), all players, all abilities welcome:looking good to qualify from their respective leagues in to the knock-out stages, so we are hopeful of some silverware this year! • Tuesday – Boys, Years 7 and 8 • Wednesday – Boys, Year 9Great effort and attitude shown from all pupils on the football teams. • Wednesday – Girls, all Years • Thursday – Boys, Years 10 & 11Keep training hard and the positive results will follow. Boys’ FootballBoys’ and Girls’ Rugby Clubs are well attended, but more pupils are Year 8: The team are undefeated in both League and Cup so far thisalways welcome. Teams are competing well against other schools and year. With some excellent performances against St James, CHHS andgetting some high scoring results. Again, keep up the hard work! Stockport School, the team are in a great position to win the league and to continue their run in the cup.We are proud to announce the option to purchase a bespoke With a solid squad of players, whopersonalised KukriSports GCSE Sports studies polo shirt for have shown their commitmentGCSE/OCR students. Ask your PE teacher for details. through Year 7 and into Year 8, the team have started to show someKeep your eyes on the PE Twitter account, @KingswayPE, for notices real quality in attack, winning 9-0about fixtures and extra-curricular clubs. against St James and 4-2 against CHHS. After a shaky first halfGirls’ Rugby against Stockport School at home, Kingsway were able to turn on the pressure and finished the gameIn September an excited group of Year 8 girls attended Manchester with a 7-3 win. Fixtures will start again in February.Rugby Club for the girls’ RugbyDevelopment afternoon to develop Year 9: The boys have worked incredibly hard over the autumn termtheir Rugby knowledge and skills. and that hard work has been paying off, there is a great feeling withinAfter receiving a coaching session the squad of friendship, determination and commitment and the longfrom RFU coach Julian Gilding, the and intense training sessions have been worthwhile.girls progressed onto some games The team are reaping in the benefits as we are still unbeaten so farwhere they were able to develop this year, after four games we have won all four scoring 10 goals andtheir contact skills by practicing conceded none, an amazing achievement for any team and we havetheir tackling technique on each other safely and in good spirit. hope of heading all the way to both finals. Well done boys!To build on the growing interest of Woman’s Rugby and at the girls’request, we now have a Girls’ Rugby club after school on Wednesday Girls’ Trampolining(Broadway field) open to all year groups and all abilities. Sessions are 26 students competed both individually as well asdelivered by Bryan Fisher, a coach from Manchester Rugby Club. part of a team at the 2016 Bolton Tariff in November.Next competition is on 3rd March 2017: Year 7/8 Girls’ Rugby The Kingsway School’s best individual result wasRefresher & Games 1-3pm at Manchester RFC. Chloe Andrews (pictured) who came 3rd. The best team results were: Lillie Holdom, Megan Boys’ Rugby Cobane and Kadie Simms who came second in one It has been a busy term with League fixtures and friendly matches for team competition, and Emily Fairlie, Millie Castle, The Kingsway School’s Rugby teams. Notable successes include: Hannah Mulroney and Cara Saint, who came second in a different team competition. Year 8 Rugby: The Year 8 team continued where they left off last year with some excellent performances against Stockport School and Other competitors were; Charlotte Pearson, Scarett Dean, Estefany Marple Hall High School and a great win against Harrytown RC High Fuguett-Gutierrez, Lily Fogwill, Leah Ridgway, Iona-Mae Jones, Neve School at Heaton Moor Rugby club. Myers, Ailyn Fuguett-Gutierrez, Scarlet Aubert, Kate Rogewrs, Rory With two of the most difficult games out of the way, the Year 8 team Taylor, Chloe Aitken, Annabel Taylor, Ella Best, Amber Wilson, Evie will continue their fixtures against Priestnall School, Hazel Grove High Longman, Shannon McGarry, Olivia Ashmore. School and Cheadle Hulme High School in January. Indoor Cricket Year 10/11 Rugby: The Year 10 and 11 Rugby also had a good start Boys’ indoor cricket started after October half term and will continue to the year with a comprehensive win over Hazel Grove High School. until summer. Great performances all around, with man of the match being awarded to George Dickinson.6

Drama Production – R. Hemmings Art & Design News – T. Whadcock-JonesYear 11 GCSE Drama students put on a production of DNA by Dennis Artist Workshop 2016Kelly, a dark comedy about a group of friends who perform a terribledeed which they decide to cover up... Artist/Designer Alex Frazer delivered a practical workshop to our YearPerformances were sold out for both nights, and the students did a 11 GCSE students over two days in October.fantastic job. The resilience they displayed throughout the rehearsalprocess was something to be proud of, and they’re all feeling much The aim was:more prepared for their GCSE Drama performance examination in • To directly inform the current GCSE ‘ArtsApril 2017.The cast were: Katie Mitchell, Jasmine Lukeson, Anna Castle, Emilia and Words’ scheme of learningFagan, Teegan Taylor, Hannah Gaskell, Saskia Vandenberg, Emily • To provide an opportunity to workAlbutt, Will Kennedy-Walsh, Georgia Hinds, Dexter Barry, SalmaRakha, Harris alongside a practising artistAshraf, Alisha Read • To increase student knowledge andWalker. Productiondesign & technical understanding of the artist’s creative andassistance was by professional practiceDexter Barry and • To engage in a unique focussed day ofTajwar Al-Islam. practical activity Alex introduced lino printing and stencilling techniques using a combination of font designs and visual imagery as a basis for development. The days proved most productive, enjoyable and educational for both staff and students alike. As expected, student conduct was impeccable.Attendance – Every Day Counts! – N. Allen Open Evening 2016 The Art and Design Department enjoyed a tremendously busy andResearch shows that attendance and punctuality are the most productive atmosphere during Open Evening on Thursday 13 October.important factors in school success.The Kingsway School believes that good attendance is vital for students Approximately 25-30 fabulous Year 11 students were available toto achieve their full potential. All students should aim for attendance provide parents and prospective Year 5 and 6 pupils with an insightabove 95%, because good attendance: into the GCSE course from their own personal experiences. For most• Helps students understand that school is important and education students, Open Evening provided an opportunity for them to continue with coursework: some students arrived in the Art rooms at 12.30 and is valuable left seven hours later, having worked solidly for the entire duration.• Develops students’ sense of responsibility Ex-Kingsway students Chloe Worswick and Katie Brown returned and creates positive patterns for the future to deliver sgrafitto and printing workshops which proved extremely• Aids learning popular with our enthusiastic younger visitors! The department received very positive and complimentary commentsFurthermore tackling absence: from parents – impressed with the quality of the student work on• Makes children safer display and the conduct of our young people.• Reduces anti-social behaviour• Reduces the risk of children becoming Cell-ebrating Science Homework – M. Hall involved in crime, and alcohol and substance abuse When Year 7 students were asked to make a model of a cell for their science homework, one student surprisedAt The Kingsway School good attendance is rewarded in numerous everyone by bringing in a cake!ways. For example students with 100% attendance attend a special Emma Payton (7A) was the first, but not thesurprise celebration at the end of each term. Year 11 students with only one – more cakes arrived in Mrs Hall100% attendance are put in a draw to win £200 towards their School and Mrs Murray’s classes. What a greatProm. Half-termly postcards are sent to students who have 100% example of effort with homework!attendance. Form tutors and Pastoral Heads of Year also positivelyreinforce good attendance throughout the year. And NO the teachers haven’t eaten all theIf you believe there are any issues which are affecting your child’s cake! The students in the class shared it.attendance, please contact your child’s Pastoral Head of Year who candiscuss any concerns with you in detail. 7

Careers and Post-16 News – S. Flood We are delighted to have achieved the Inspiring Year 10: Post-School Options IAG Gold award, the highest national standard Students have been advised of their post school options: Sixth Form, for careers education. It is a nationally validated College or an Apprenticeship. An Apprenticeship is a suitable option quality award that is given to schools which meet if a student knows what career path they want to follow. There the range of criteria, focusing on quality, diversity may be an apprenticeship route into their specific area of interest and raising the aspirations of young people. which ensures that students still gain relevant qualifications, work experience and get paid. Some Apprenticeships will even fund The latest careers and post-16 opportunities offered include: apprentices through university. A lot of information, including useful websites, can be found on page 113 of their planner. Year 11: Stagecoach (Manchester) Engineering Visit Year 11 students, interested in pursuing a career in Engineering, Year 9: Barclays ‘IT Girls Allowed’ Event were invited to visit Stagecoach in October. Over the last 4 years, Barclays Technology Centre in Knutsford invited Year 9 students to we have built up a strong and successful working relationship with attend their ‘IT Girls Allowed Event’ in October. Stagecoach, which has also seen some of our students starting Barclays have identified a significant lack of females entering IT related Apprenticeships with them post-school. careers and their objective was to give students an insight into the variety 14 students had the opportunity to tour round the depot and see what of careers available to them should they wish to choose GCSE ICT. happens within a Mechanical/Electrical Engineering environment. This was a full day of activities combining both presentations with Two young current Apprentices (one female) were there to give the ‘hands on’ activities. A current Barclays apprentice explained what students an honest view of their experience to date. she does on a daily basis and how her career with Barclays is the best Following on from this very successful visit, work experience has been decision she has made! arranged for 4 very interested students over the forthcoming holidays The students learnt many – which will look fabulous on their CVs and college applications! different aspects of IT related careers: Cryptography A similar visit is planned in February for interested Year 10 students. (code breaking) which was challenging but a lot of fun, Year 11: College Presentations programming robots and also designing new products! This term, Year 11 students have had College presentations from Companies such as Barclays are pro-actively promoting the Aquinas, Loreto, Xaverian, Cheadle and Manchester Colleges. These opportunities for IT-related careers and focusing significantly on girls. were in preparation for the open events hosted by each college and Something to think about as Year 9 students choose their GCSE options. designed to inspire students to start thinking about which college they would like to apply to for a post-school place. Year 9: ‘Speed Dating’ Carers Event Year 11 students have all been advised that college applications Our annual ‘Speed Dating’ Careers Event took place in November for should be made by Christmas. In the New Year we plan to do Year 9 students. This evening has been designed with the objective of some apprenticeship workshops for those students who are also assisting our Year 9 students to think about possible career paths and considering this route. the GCSE subjects that would help them pursue this route. Over 30 different professions/trades gave up their time to present to our Year 10: Careers Library Inductions students. They each gave an overview of their work, how they got into it, All Year 10 students have recently visited the Library for a Careers what a normal day is like and what subjects would be useful for specific Induction. The more research students do now about their Post-16 jobs. They also gave some information as to the routes into their careers, Options the easier the decisions will be over the next 12 months. i.e. college and university or Apprenticeships or both. The Library has a specific Careers Area which has lots of information about colleges, Apprenticeships and Universities, this is available for The evening was fun, enthusiastic the students to use during breaks if they wish to do some research and enjoyed by students/parents about their options. and volunteers. It was very well attended and we had excellent There are lots of activities scheduled over the next 18 months to assist feedback from all involved. Year 10 students with these very important decisions, details of which We hope this may have helped are available on page 113 in students’ planners. This gives you an students think more clearly about overview of what your son/daughter will be doing at certain times of their GCSE options! the year and will enable you to support the process.8

Year 9 Speed Dating – Can You Help? – S. Flood Inklings Creative Writing Club – J. HeilWe are always looking for new volunteers to support this evening, Once a week, eager young writers from across The Kingsway Schoolwhich takes place in November. meet to hone their skills and take part in creative writing activities.If any parents would like to be involved in next year’s ‘Speed Dating’Careers Event, please email s.flood@kingsway.stockport.sch.uk, put At Inklings Creative Writing Club, all‘Speed Dating Careers’ in the subject and please include a little detail forms, styles, and genres are on theabout your work and your job title. table, as students create moving poetry, fantastical stories, heart warming tales,Rewarding Our Students – K. Guess and epic sagas. Some come simply to enjoy developing their own writing andWe are always keen to reward students for working well and making some to seek help to improve theirgood choices. The School’s merit system encourages the students to skills for class work and home work.collect merits which will then enable them to take part in an activity of There are others with more ambitioustheir choice on Rewards Day Out, Thursday 20th July 2017. ideas in mind! A few dedicated studentsSo far, the following activities have been booked: attend in order to craft pieces of writing especially for local, national, and sometimes international• Chill Factore • Namco Funscape • Soccerdome competitions, in the hopes of getting to see their name in print. • Cookery Workshop• Alton Towers • Multi-Media Day Our aspiring authors have produced some incredible work and have a ...Plus more TBC! whole raft of projects in progress: everything from creating complex• Pottery Workshop • D&T Workshop parallel universes to compelling cautionary tales. They write with feeling in support of victims of bullying. They write with imagination in• Blackpool Pleasure Beach hopes of entertaining the masses. They write anything and everything that springs into their minds, and are making us incredibly proud inThe students get regular updates on how many merits they have on the process.KOL and also from their form tutors.Year 11 Rewards Inklings is a friendly and supportive group where all year groups and abilities are welcome. There is always room for more and weBy the time Years 7-10 go on their Rewards Day Out, invite any aspiring writers (and anyone who just enjoys creating aour Year 11 students will have left us. great story) to join us every Thursday in The English Zone, 3-4pm.We have therefore been trialling a new initiative for Bring your own work or come and take part in one of our manyYear 11 students which gives them the opportunity competitions. See Mrs Heil for more details.to cash in their merits for chocolates.This has proved to be very popular and is likely tocontinue in the next year.NLP Student Diploma Awards – J. Maxey Literacy Intervention Week – J. HeilCongratulations to Olivia Atkins, Beth German, Conor Richardson The end of November saw the return 9and Ionee Joshi, who were all issued with the Neuro Linguistic of our Year 7 Literacy InterventionProgramming (NLP) Student Diploma last July, as part of an Alternative Week. A select group of students wereProgramme, which they had been working on with Maureen Fearon, off timetable all week, working onwho is a personal development coach. literacy skills in the library.The qualification, which only students in the UK achieve, will At the end of the week, parents ofgain them great interest at interviews as many employers love those students who took part were invited in for a celebration event to see the idea of young people the work the students had produced, understanding goal setting and and to watch them be presented with self-management. The final certificates and prizes to reward their element of the program saw efforts. the students with very little planning and preparation time, Pictured is Olivia Betts, recieving her present to the class what NLP award from Mrs Lowe and Miss Heil. is, which they all did admirably. Well done to everyone who took part!

Wintertime Safeguarding – J. Maxey Walking to and from school: Severe weather overnight: If the school has to be closed, a message will be read out on local As winter approaches and the nights are getting darker much earlier, radio stations. Closure will also be communicated by text message we are talking to our students about travelling to and from school to parents/carers, messages on our main school switchboard, on our safely. Please can you share the key messages below with your child: website and through our Twitter account. If any student arrives at school unaware of the closure, a member of staff • Do not walk home alone – always walk with a friend or group will be there to help. Students may phone parents/carers without charge • Work out a safe route to and from school to decide whether they should return home or wait to be collected. • Keep to well-lit roads and avoid taking short cuts or passageways • Let your family know of any changes in your plans because of an If the weather deteriorates during the day: • The school will be closed early only in extreme cases. extra-curricular involvement • The decision to close the school will be made by the Headteacher • Do not have your electronic devices out and visible • Download ‘Find my iPhone’ (or a similar app) so that you may be and senior colleagues. • Decisions about early closure will be communicated to staff and found if lost • Do not use phones or iPods whilst crossing roads. Try not to use students as soon as this is appropriate. • After consulting the bus companies, students who use school buses ear or headphones as you won’t be able to hear oncoming traffic or people approaching you will be told of any change to normal routes (if this occurs) so they • If you see anyone acting suspiciously make your way to the nearest can decide the best way home. public place, e.g. a shop, and report your concern • Students being collected from school or with other arrangements • Do not approach anyone who you do not know will be allowed to phone home for advice on what to do. • Students who can walk home will be sent preferably in family groups If your child has concerns about walking home alone, they should go or in the company of other students who live near each other. directly to their Year Office for support. They should not leave school if • School will be kept open with staff on hand until the last student they are concerned. has left. Please remind your child of the dangers of talking to strangers. If you How parents/carers can help: witness any behaviour that concerns you in this regard, please report • Check the radio / website/ Twitter /text messages for information it to the police: 0161 856 9807/101/ or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 communicated by the school. Snow and bad weather procedures: • Assume school is open if the radio/ website/ Twitter text messages On rare occasions, particularly in winter, the weather can be so severe do not announce otherwise. that getting to and from school becomes hazardous. It is also possible • Plan ahead with your child what to do in a bad weather emergency. that the weather will deteriorate during the course of the day so that it is • Only call the school in bad weather if you really have to – calls in necessary for students to leave the premises a little early in order to do so more safely. prevent calls out! We are aware that bad weather by its nature is disruptive and can cause anxiety. Therefore any action due to poor weather will be Safeguarding Information – J. Maxey posted immediately on our website, communicated by twitter and text message to parents/carers. Please be aware that if many parents/ Mrs .J Maxey, Assistant Head Teacher, is the Designated Safeguarding carers ring the school it can be difficult to answer the calls as the Lead within the school. If you have any safeguarding concerns about a lines can quickly become jammed. student at The Kingsway School, Mrs Maxey can be contacted directly, Decisions about closing or via Miss Carrigan, at any time using the email addresses below: the school or sending students home early j.maxey@kingsway.stockport.sch.uk will not be taken lightly, z.carrigan@kingsway.stockport.sch.uk we will endeavour to open the school when it There is an updated Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is practicable to be able ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ which applies across the whole to do so. school and this can be found on our website: www.kingsway.stockport.sch.uk in the About section, under Policies.10

School Hours and Supervision – J. Maxey Speed Kills! – N. HammersleyBefore school: We have received a complaint from a local resident regarding the speed of drivers on the local roads leadingThe official opening hours for students are between 8:30am-3:00pm. to The Kingsway School. Please remember that HighHowever, we are aware that a number of families may need to drop Grove Road has a 20 MPH speed limit.their children off earlier. Can we please appeal to parents to help keep our students safe by adhering to this speed limit.Students are able to access the school from 7:45am – this is when theelectronic gates will be opened. Cycling Safety – J. MaxeyStudents must go to the Foxland canteen, sign-in in the designatedfile and stay in the canteen until 8:00am when they can access Several members of our community have reported that Kingswayother areas of the school. However, please be aware that students students have been riding their bikes in a reckless and dangerouswho arrive early and are not doing an arranged activity will not be manner on the way to and from school. Not only are they aresupervised in the canteen. endangering their own lives but they are also putting other road users at risk. Two of our students have been knocked from their bikes recently.After school:The library is open until 4.15pm for The concerns raised include: riding down the middle of the road;homework club, this is a supervised activity traversing across the road in front of vehicles; mounting theand a first aider will be running the club. pavement; cutting across adjoining roads without due care; notStudents must sign-in and out of the library concentrating on their surroundings; riding in large groups; riding atand must leave the site as soon as the club speed and riding hands-free.is finished. I would advise that if students are to continue riding their bikes to andAfter school, students can leave via any from school they should undertake appropriate road safety training. Indoor/gate up until 4.30pm. After this, the the meantime, I hope parents will have the appropriate conversationsmember of staff holding the after-school to help ensure your child is riding safely to and from school.activity will escort them out of eitherBroadway Main Reception or Foxland Main Reception. If this reckless and dangerous behaviour continues to be reported to the school we will have no other option than to ban persistentStudents are required to be off site by 4.30pm unless there is a perpetrators from bringing their bikes on to the school premises.regulated extra-curricular activity in which case the member off staffresponsible will escort them off the premises at the end time. Bike Security Students arriving during the school day: – P. NaughtonIf students arrive between 8:40am and 3:00pm, they should go to Please could parents ensure that if their child is cycling to school,Student Services on the Broadway Campus and use the intercom to they are equipped with a suitable bike lock?gain entry to the site. Over half the bikes (some of which are nearly new) are currently being left unlocked.Students leaving during the school day: The bike sheds are locked by staff during the school day, however we cannot be responsibleTo increase the safety of our students whilst on site, students will for any thefts of unsecured bikes at the start and end of the school day.not be able to leave school without prior agreement and notification.Students attending appointments or needing time off site will need Keep in Touch!to obtain a red card from their Year Office, providing proof or a signednote in their planner from a parent/guardian. Students are not Don’t forget to follow us for the latest school updates:permitted to leave the school during the school day without beingsupervised by an adult. @kw_sch /thekingswayschoolIf parents/carers need to collect their child they will need to use theintercom at the gate of the main receptions. The main receptions F urthermore, the Parental Engagement Portal allows youare Broadway Reception on High Grove Rd and Foxland Reception on to access attendance, assessment, merit and timetable dataFoxland Road. about your child/children. You can log in by clicking on theThe Student Service entrance on Broadway Road is for students only. Parental Engagement Portal section on the homepage ofParents should not attempt to come in this way to get to other areas Kingsway Online: www.kingsway.stockport.sch.ukof the school. 11

Key Dates Follow us for the latest school updates: @kw_sch /thekingswayschool Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday SundayJanuary 9 10 11 12 13 14 15Back to school Y8 Student Council Yr11 Mock Results Day Review Day16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Y7 Student Council23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Student Council Y9 Options Evening INSET Day30 31 February 1 2 3 4 5 Y11 Student Council6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Y10 Student Council Y11 Parents’ Evening13 14 15 16 17 18 19Y11 Exams start Y9 Student Council Y9 Parents’ Evening Y11 Exams end20 21 22 23 24 25 26Half Term Half Term Half Term Half Term Half Term27 28 March 1 2 3 45Back to school Y8 Student Council World Book Day 10 Battle of the BooksY7 Music Trip (provisional) Evening Risky Business Week6 7 8 9 11 12Risky Business Week Risky Business Week Risky Business Week Risky Business WeekY11 Art ControlledAssessment Y7 Student Council13 14 15 16 17 18 19Science Week Science Week Science Week Science Week Science Week Y7 Parents’ Evening GCSE Music Performance Student Council Y8 English Rewards Day 2420 21 22 23 25 26 Y10 Mock Interviews Y10 Mock Interviews Y10 Parents’ Evening27 28 29 30 31 April 1 2 Y8 Parents’ Evening Charity Day Easter Holidays Begin Y11 Photograph The Kingsway School Foxland Campus Broadway Campus Headteacher Mrs J. Lowe Foxland Road, Cheadle, SK8 4QX High Grove Road, Cheadle, SK8 1NP www.kingsway.stockport.sch.uk Tel 0161 428 7706 Tel 0161 428 7706