Kenilworth School Newsletter 4 March 2011

Africa Week

The deadline for applications to Castle Sixth Form was on the Friday of the week before half term. I am pleased to say that we have received a large number of applications from students both in year 11 at Kenilworth and from other schools. The interview process is due to begin next week and will last for the next three weeks.

This year we have 6 students in the Sixth Form who have conditional offers from Oxbridge. We also have a larger number of students than ever before who have gained offers from their first choice university. Following on from the Friday Club support which has been offered to year 11 students for the last two years, an equivalent study support opportunity has been provided for sixth formers. I hope that students will take advantage of the additional support that is available to them from individual teachers or departments in the run up to the public exams next term.

I have written in a previous newsletter about the reintroduction of the House system this year. Although it existed previously, the main focus of the House system was to develop competition in sports. Now, we are aiming to focus on rewarding competition, effort and team work across all areas, both in lessons and around the school. We have also introduced a House Leaders’ programme, which allows students to excel in House events across different faculties in the curriculum. As the system becomes more embedded, pupils will earn more points, either for themselves or for their House. We held the first House Assemblies this week and these were a celebration of our pupils’ successes in the House events that have been organised throughout the last term. Many earned vouchers for excellent effort and achievement and gained recognition for outstanding attendance. The House assembly therefore, was a celebration of our pupils’ successes and the first opportunity to engender a team spirit.

In the interests of safety and Child Protection, can all visitors please make sure that when they come into school, they report to the reception at Leyes Lane, where they will be asked to sign in and given an identity badge. All of our staff have been trained in Child Protection, and our nominated Child Protection officers are Mrs Jewitt and Mr Reeve. If any student is concerned about the behaviour of another person in school, they should report it to someone in school or if they are concerned about the behaviour of an adult in the community, either on their way to or from school, they should return to school and report it to an adult or to their parents at home. In the interests of safety, I would always advise pupils where possible to walk home with another student.

We are a safe community but there is no harm in always being aware of potential risks.
Thank you for your continued support.
Yours sincerely
H.H.S Abbott
Headteacher