Here is my speech from the wonderful Senior School Speech ...

Here is my speech from the wonderful Senior School Speech Day occasion today.

Thank you to Sophie and Luca for their invitation to talk to you and give my report on the school

year that we are celebrating.

Thank you, too to Mr Daniel Wellings, our proprietor for joining us today.

Thank you and welcome to our guest of honour, Mr Richard Dunne. We are very much looking

forward to hearing from you both later on this afternoon.

Normally at this point any headteacher would have a wealth of material to talk about. I’d be able

to recall exciting overseas trips and tours. I’d have a plethora of competitions and fixtures to

mention, and hopefully a large number of instances when a winning team brought home the

silverware. There’d be memories of plays and concerts and visits to venues near and far, and the

diary would be opened and past glories remembered.

I’ve got none of that! I can’t even congratulate years 11 and 13 on the stoicism they showed

through their exams.

Instead, I can use words like “pandemic”, “lockdown” “unprecedented”, but I’m sure, like me, you

feel these words are overused and exhausted.

So, I had to think differently for this talk.

In these times when our life experiences have been stripped away and reduced to the bare bones,

I decided that would be my approach. I came across a story about the great American author

Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway is famous not only for his “colourful” lifestyle but also for the

way in which he used language very economically, but with huge impact. His writing is described

as “iceberg style”, in that there is a huge amount unsaid under the surface of his words.

Hemingway is reputedly credited with inventing the six-word story. Whether this is apocryphal or

not, I don’t know, but it’s a good story.

The six-word story is just that, a story which is told in just six words. The example credited to

Hemingway is this “For sale: baby’s shoes, never worn”. I’m sure if we allow our imaginations to

play over that then we can build a whole narrative into those six words.

I introduced the concept of a six word story to my year 10 classes, and asked them to write a six

word story about their experiences this past year. The results were as varied and imaginative as

they are, and I’d like to share some of their stories with you.

On lockdown itself:

Lockdown is the best thing ever I barely survived the lonely lockdown Lockdown gave me much more sleep Many days spent alone in lockdown Once My room, now my prison. Are friends more than just voices

On learning via zoom:

Zoom meant two hours extra sleep The many crashed computers was annoying Looking at screens, I’d rather not (overseas boarder with significant time difference to UK) Eating dinner late because of zoom

On returning to school after lockdown:

Hated lockdown, loved the school return Returning back to school was tough Masks on, 2 metres, no zoom

On life post lockdown:

Masks now hide my best friends I wished I hugged you tighter Fed up with masks: can’t breathe Time to socialize …no, I’ll pass Vaccines work, don’t listen to twitter Please promise me covid’s not forever

I found some of these poignant and rather sad. I do feel that this age group have had a

particularly tough time through this pandemic, and the rest of us have a duty of care to ensure

that they are not emotionally, socially or academically disadvantaged by this dreadful time.

I want to end my time with you by looking to the future with some positivity. And I would simply

like to pay my tribute and record my thanks to the colleagues who I have worked with during my

time at Kingsley. I would like to give my thanks to teaching and support staff for never being

anything other than positive, proactive and “can do”.

As a staff team, we have faced some incredible challenges – professionally you have been called

upon to work in a fundamentally different way with minimal preparation time, and often in the

background there have been some very significant worries about our own health and that of those

we love. To put aside personal worries and go from teaching groups of young people in

classrooms to managing new, complicated communication technology AND a group of young

people takes a phenomenal commitment, and this staff team did just that, incredibly successfully. I

have two more six word stories to share with you that encapsulate that

On the school’s response to lockdown:

The school that kept on going Kingsley school never took a break

So, I am coming to the end of my time at Kingsley, and preparing to return to my beloved

northern fells. I know that the school is in excellent hands with a very able, capable and

committed staff team, who I know will ensure Kingsley has a very bright future.

So, in conclusion - My six word story would be

Impressive Kingsley! Terrific kids, phenomenal staff.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Mrs Gill Jackson [email protected]

If you were unable to watch Speech Day live earlier today, here is the YouTube link::

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcGSEFApewU

Prep School Sports Day

My thanks to Miss Braunton, the PE staff and the whole Prep School team for giving our pupils

a wonderful sports day on Monday. The cheering from parents was missed, but the pupils and

staff did their best to be noisily enthusiastic!

To see all the photos from Prep Sports Day please click on this link.

Beach Outing The reception class went to the beach this week to celebrate their year together. They built sandcastles and worked together to build a channel for water to run down between the two moats. What a lovely trip for the class.

Prep School Prize Day My apologies for any inconvenience caused, but we will be moving our virtual Prize Day from Thursday to Wednesday at 2pm as we will be changing the format. This year there will be broadcasts by year group, which will be shared post the event for families to watch at their leisure. Full details to follow next week.

RHS Rosemoor This week we had an educational outing to RHS Rosemoor – the children had a wonderful time.

Enjoy your weekend! Andrew Trythall [email protected]

Day Date Time Event

Mon – Fri 28th June – 2ND July Senior School activity week

Mon – Wed 28th June – 30th June Year 10 work experience

Wednesday 30th June 2pm Prep School Prize Day – to be shared with parents post event

Thursday 1st July 2.30pm School production: ‘The Exam’ by Andy Hamilton – pupils only

With the number of cases creeping up slightly in the South West please could we remind all families of the following: Symptoms in your Household If any member of your household is showing COVID-19 symptoms you should keep your child at home until you have had confirmation of a negative PCR test result. Positive Test result Should anyone have a positive LFT test, parents must book a PCR test as soon as possible and contact Mrs Lisa Price ([email protected]) once the result is known. In school, we will continue with the added measures to make school as safe as possible for pupils and staff alike. This includes increased use of face coverings in the senior school and twice-weekly Lateral Flow Testing (LFT) to enable pupils and staff to be tested for coronavirus. Thank you for your support in keeping us all safe.

. On Thursday, pupils from years 9 -13 have been exploring the amazing Eden Project. For those of you who are not familiar with the Eden Project, it's a series of massive biomes that control the climate inside in order to grow lots of plants from around the world. Pupils today enjoyed the Tropical and Mediterranean biomes and the joy of seeing such an enormous array of summer flowers and plants outside.

The day was action-packed, plenty of fun for everyone, with some great learning too! The links with Kingsley Earth Centre are tremendous. Mr Hickson (Ecology Zone Manager at school) was on the trip and spent time with pupils discussing various ideas that could be replicated back at school.

LFT tests were done by everyone before we left school, masks were worn on the coach and fantastic social distancing measure were in place at Eden, which has left everyone feeling confident that is was a safe trip too! Thank you so much to Mr Whaley for organising the day, such a wonderful treat after such a challenging year. Also, thank you to Mr Whaley, Mrs Jackson, Mrs Gosai, Mr J McCaffery, Mrs Wallace, Mr Hickson and Mr Philips for accompanying this trip today.

I challenged the pupils on the Eden project trip to take a photograph that really captures the essence of the Eden Project and how we should be working with nature in harmony. This photograph, taken by Molly Turner in Year 10 is absolutely wonderful. I first noticed the water droplets, their shape and structure. I then noticed the leaf structure and thought how beautiful they were. It wasn’t for some time until I spotted the reflection of the Eden Biome above them! An amazing photograph – thank you so much for sharing Molly. Mr Steve Whaley

Next week is fun activity week at Kingsley! Here is the kit list we would like pupils to observe during this week:

If anyone has any questions please let me know. It’s going to be a great week!!! Mr Simon Mathers [email protected]

This week’s Music assembly, in which we celebrated World Music day - Lili H, Sophie, Ethan, Joseph, Maddie, Gaius and James from Year 7 played a piece of Gamelan - the indigenous Music of Java and Bali from Indonesia - that they had created themselves.

James (Year 12), Music prefect played a piece of Music on guitar written by Swedish virtuoso guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen. It's great to be able to have Music assemblies again, as restrictions are beginning to lift. Mr Leigh Crossman [email protected]

Come and join the Kingsley staff team! Our vacancies can be found on our website: https://www.kingsleyschoolbideford.co.uk/about-kingsley/current-vacancies/

5/6P have been making ancient

Mayan pyramids from cardboard as

a mini DT project. They sized and

cut the card themselves and stuck it

all together using the hot glue gun,

before applying a final coat of shiny

paint.

Mr Pryce

Speech and Drama lessons and LAMDA Examinations

Kingsley School is proud to offer Speech and Drama students the opportunity to take LAMDA examinations in Acting, Musical Theatre, Speaking Verse and Prose, Miming, Devising Drama, Reading for Performance and Shakespeare. Over many years, Kingsley School has forged many links with LAMDA. We have a 100% pass rate and approximately 90% of our students Distinctions. The LAMDA examiners have been impressed with our staff, setup and the high standards of student’s achievements.

Our LAMDA Courses take the form of a combination of private and group lessons and the exam.

Students will initially choose pieces to perform with the help of their teacher. They will then work through the variety of technical and interpretational skills necessary to deliver their performance pieces in their Speech and Drama lessons. Alongside they will be also working on the knowledge component of the course. This is the part of the exam where they have to answer questions about

their pieces and how they have developed their ideas for performance.

Speech and Drama lessons are a very positive experience for our students. However, if you are not sure whether it is right for you, you can sign up to talk to one of our Speech and Drama teachers and sign up for a taster lesson.

ABOUT LAMDA EXAMS

A LAMDA exam is the speech and drama equivalent of a music grade, which begin at basic levels and culminates at Grade 8. The exams use performance to develop self-confidence, physical presence and a strong speaking voice. They are about achievement and empowerment. Their main aim is to provide all people with the opportunity to improve self-expression, self-assurance and, most importantly, have fun. Learners come from all over the world, and are from all cultures, backgrounds and abilities take LAMDA Exams every year. What unites them is their enthusiasm for the English language and a desire to develop the skills they need to be a success. There are three introductory exams for younger children, who can start aged 5. Then there is an Entry exam followed by Grades 1 to 8. When appropriate children can skip a grade. All levels of LAMDA exams are accredited as recognisable equivalents to standard qualifications: Level 1 exams (Grades 1-3) are the equivalent of low grades at GCSE, Level 2 (Grades 4 and 5) high grade GCSE and Level 3 (Grades 6, 7 and 8) have the equivalent UCAS points of AS and A-Levels.

Unfortunately, due to lockdown, our LAMDA Examination dates this year were cancelled. However, we have managed to book a date for the future. We have booked our next LAMDA EXAM date for October 14th, 2021.

If you are interested in starting Speech and Drama lessons, please liaise through Mr. Crossman ([email protected]) The Speech and Drama teacher for the Preparatory School is Angela Frewin and the Senior School teacher is Michele Borsten. Fees are £70 per term for prep pupils and £100 per term for senior pupils.

Facebook: Kingsley School Bideford Twitter: @KSBideford Instagram: @kingsleyschool Linked In: Kingsley School Bideford YouTube: Kingsley School Bideford

This term there will be a school production of The Exam by Andy Hamilton on Thursday 1ST July in the school theatre at 2.30pm. The cast with be supported with a pupil and staff audience for this performance. The Exam is a funny but serious look at the pressures faced by pupils today, both at school and at home. For the cast, please see the slightly revised rehearsal schedule below: Sun 27th June 11.30am – 1.00pm (Break for lunch) 2.30pm to 4.30pm – whole cast We will not be rehearsing on Sat 26th June. Mrs Michele Borsten – Head of Drama [email protected]

Applications are now open for September 2022 scholarships.

Kingsley offers scholarships in a wide range of areas for entry into Year 7, 9 (13+) and 12 (16+).

to girls and boys who show exceptional existing ability and also to those who show high potential.

All awards are entirely merit-based and given on the basis of an audition or other appropriate

assessment and an interview with the Headteacher.

Children can apply for more than one scholarship if they wish. For more details, please contact our

Admissions Team on 01237 426200 or by email at [email protected] or

visit our website: https://www.kingsleyschoolbideford.co.uk/admissions/school-scholarships/

EXCITING NEWS!! This summer, Kingsley School Judo

Club is expanding with a brand new

Satellite Club in Bude.

This Community Programme provides

an excellent opportunity for

everyone. But, more importantly, it

allows Kingsley School Judo to reach

out to enable more people to enjoy

the experience of Judo.

We are holding a taster weekend

open to anyone wishing to try out the

sport - you may be surprised just have

much Judo can offer you in terms of

fitness, improvements in your

confidence, and so much more.

The Session will take place on Friday

20th and Saturday 21st August from

10am to 12noon for children aged 7 -

13 years old.

Venue - Morwenstow Community

Centre, Shop, Bude, EX23 9SL

Our plan is to hold regular weekly

club sessions commencing -

Wednesday 8th September from 6:30

to 7:30pm

The Main Coaches will be Mike and Louise Newton.

Mike is a well-established coach and recently joined our Kingsley team. He has a wealth of

experience as the former Norwegian National Coach. Both hold British Judo Association Coaching

Licences and have all the correct First Aid and Safeguarding Training Certificates.

Both Mike and Simon Ward will operate the link and continue developing Judo for the local

Community.

So come along if you want to

* Have fun * Get fit

* Develop your confidence!

More info on the taster sessions will be available from Simon Ward

[email protected]

To sign up, simply follow this link:

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=mjqhXeO5jkaGmzvBDjAE_quUlmHwpwRN

izv83mD4CCZUN0ZJVUk4VlA2TjJJNDdUUERIVUpMRjFIMy4u

Mr Simon Ward [email protected]

All timetables for the next academic year are currently being written and will be shared with parents via the parent portal over the summer break. Mrs Chrissy Hamilton [email protected]

Garlic, chilli and tomatoes - all growing in earth centre at school

Face Value: Portraits from the Arts Council Collection from 13 July – 26 September at the Burton at

Bideford

Face Value brings together more than 45 original works by some of the country’s most celebrated twentieth century and contemporary artists, including Barbara Hepworth, David Hockney, L.S. Lowry and Chris Ofili.

Designed to appeal to people-watchers and art lovers alike, Face Value focuses on the varied styles and techniques artists employ to depict the human form. The exhibition works by 34 different artists working in a variety of media from drawing and painting to collage, sculpture, photography and film.

Face Value documents an age-long obsession with portraiture and asks us to consider how and why images of people have continued to fascinate artists and viewers throughout time. We learn how portraiture is rarely about simply capturing a likeness; portraits are also about place, popular culture and politics. The exhibition includes traditional seated portraits alongside more casual scenes of people at work and at leisure – in the barbers, at the beach or heading off to the pub. It’s not often that we have the opportunity of getting so close to another human being, of studying facial expression and glimpsing into what it means to be human.

The display spans over a hundred years, from Walter Sickert’s 1906 ‘Head of a Woman’ to

Claudette Johnson’s 2018 portrayal of the form, figure and strength of Black womanhood in ‘Figure in Blue’. Further highlights from the exhibition include: David Hockney’s ‘Portrait Surrounded by Artistic Devices,’ ‘Study for ‘Christopher Isherwood and Don Bachardy’’ and ‘We Two Boys Together Clinging; works by three Turner Prize winners – Chris Ofili, Antony Gormley and Howard Hodgkin – as well as a further four Turner Prize nominees including Tracey Emin who uses self-portraiture to raise questions surrounding sexuality and gender. The show also features original drawings and paintings by Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore.

Face Value has been made possible through loans secured from the Arts Council Collection, the world’s largest loan collection of modern and contemporary British art.

Director, Ian Danby, says,

“We hope this exhibition will bring audiences from all over the country featuring, as it does, works from some of the greatest artists of the last century. It features many well-known works and a particularly personal “We Two Boys Together Clinging” by David Hockney.

Team Burton – Burton at Bideford, Kingsley Road, Bideford, Devon EX39 2QQ | 01237 471455 |

Arts Lab is our regular programme of drop-in art workshops on Tuesdays at The Burton throughout the school holidays. Family-friendly, ecologically minded activities with found materials, natural pigments, clay, sculpture and much more! Join us for some creative holiday fun in Victoria Park outside The Burton. Our drop-in sessions are all free but we appreciate donations to help support our work. No booking required - sessions will run from 10:00am-12:30pm and from 1:00pm-3:30pm on the following dates: Tuesday 3 August Tuesday 10 August Tuesday 17 August Tuesday 24 August Tuesday 31 August Coming soon – the return of Mini Arts Lab – our creative arts session for pre-school children on Tuesdays during term time. We are looking forward to seeing you soon! Team Burton – Burton at Bideford, Kingsley Road, Bideford, Devon EX39 2QQ | 01237 471455 |

Kingsley has secured 'Sport England Bounce Back from Covid' funds to enable new starters, aged 9-17,

to try judo for the first time. New starters can try judo free for a month and also receive a 90-day British

Judo Association insurance licence.

For more details or to book a place, please email Judo Coach Simon Ward

[email protected]

This is open to Kingsley students and pupils in our local North Devon and North Cornwall community.

Venue: The Dojo at Kingsley School, Northdown Road, Bideford, EX39 3LY

Diary Date: Saturday 11th September - the North Devon Hospice #Nightwalk - registration is now open.

The Nightwalk is going to be a little different this year. Rather than being based on the Tarka Trail, it will take place at RHS Rosemoor. The team organising this brilliant event have said: "On the night you will go on a journey of escapism, meandering through the wonderful woodland. The walk is shorter than usual (around 4km), so this makes it more accessible for everyone. Plus, it also means the whole experience will be much richer and far more immersive, with surprises all along the way. Relish being together, after so long apart. Be part of something bigger, and walk taller than the trees, knowing you are walking for something so vital. It’s time to be together again, so let’s enjoy it." Kingsley is very proud of our long-term association with the North Devon Hospice and is honoured to be sponsoring this event once again this year, alongside several other brilliant local businesses and organisations. To register your place please click on this link: https://www.northdevonhospice.org.uk/support-us/events/nightwalk/