Dates for your diary
- Tuesday 28/03/2023 - Mayor of Spilsby's visit
- Tuesday 28/03/2023 - Iceland 2024 Parents' Information Evening
- Friday 31/03/2023 - Rewards Assembly
- Saturday 22/04/2023 - SUMO - free course for parents, grandparents, carers and any adult supporting or working with children (see section below)
- Tuesday 25/04/2023 - DRET Spring Cup
- Wednesday 26/04/2023 - Year 8 Parents' Evening
More calendar dates can be found on the school website here
Senior Leadership Team Update
We’d like to start by saying thank you to all of our Year 9 families who have supported students to make their option choices this week. This is always a significant milestone in the journey from Year 7 to Year 13 as it can be seen as the beginning of pathways that will lead to university, apprenticeships, and future careers. We know that for a student to achieve their full potential they need their school and family to work in partnership and we are grateful to our families for engaging so well in the options process. We will now work through various timetable models with the aim of giving as many students as possible their first choice combination. However, we will not be in a position to confirm this until June so please be patient with us.
Also on the theme of future pathways we’d like to thank our Sixth Form team who organised a visit to a university fair in Sheffield this week. It is a really exciting time to work with Year 12 as they select which universities they will apply for and choose the subject they will study.
It has been a busy week for trips at KEVI with coaches taking students to different places every day of the week. Our Geography team took Year 9 students for a fieldwork study in Boston so that they could explore changes over time in the town. The goal of growing a broad base of knowledge is so that students are able to apply it to the real world. Especially in the era of the internet we need knowledge to make sense of what is around us in the real and online world.
We’d also like to say well done to students who represented us in the DRET Cross Country and All Stars rugby match this week. At both events our students were praised for being considerate, kind and respectful. As we always say, character is just as important as qualifications.
Have a great weekend.
Mrs S Jones - Executive Principal
Mr M Wilkinson - Acting Head of School
Design Technology SLGTA Construction Trades Training 2023
On Friday 17th March Design and Technology students were offered a chance to experience a range of construction trades at Stamford College. Students were split into two groups supported by Miss Henshall and Mr Smith and were required to wear a high visibility vest in addition to strong shoes or work boots. Additional PPE was provided subject to the activity's requirements.
The possibilities for post 16 training and future employment pathways were explored in a range of hands-on trades skills. Each session lasted for an hour with a short lunch break where students could meet and chat with students from other academies.
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Mr I Smith - Design and Technology Teacher
Year 9 Geography Trip
On Thursday 23rd March Year 9 students went to Boston town centre to conduct some geographical fieldwork as an introduction to practical geography. They looked at globalisation following a unit on the theory they completed last term. Students focused on comparing local and chain stores then explored the quality of the environment at five sites as well as how busy they were with pedestrian and traffic counts.
This was a great introduction to fieldwork for our students as they learn very quickly some of the pitfalls and they evaluated how the methods could be improved in the future. Students choosing geography will develop these skills further next year in their GCSE studies.
Stop, Understand and Move On (SUMO) – A course for adults to help support children
We are excited to announce that, after Easter, we will be hosting a free adult course at KEVI aimed at providing the necessary tools to help children develop resilience and embrace their wellbeing. The course will be delivered by two experts in their field, Ed and Sarah Scrase-Hollamby. They have a wealth of experience in working with families and their course follows the principles of bestselling author Paul McGee in his book SUMO.
Children do not always have the knowledge and experience to deal with challenges in life that involve emotions, self-worth, resilience and confidence. This course is open to parents, carers, grandparents, and any other adults who support or work with children in some way. It will explore and share new ways to help children (and adults) navigate through life.
The course will take place at KEVI on Saturday 22 April from 10:00am to 4:00pm. It is funded by Lincolnshire County Council which means that it is completely free to attend, and there is no limit to the number of people who can come along. All we ask is that you let us know in advance that you wish to attend. You can do this by emailing Mr Riley (priley@kingedwardacademy.co.uk) with the subject “SUMO” and include in the body of the email how many places you would like to book.
Here is a summary of the four sessions that will be covered during the day and the intended outcomes of each:
Me, you and the big world out there.
In this session we will explore the meaning of wellbeing. For us and our family what does this look like? How can we be in control of this and how can we help our children be in control of this for themselves too? We will look at the importance of learning to press ‘pause’ to self-regulate, think and make good choices.
Shall we think about that?
We think a lot. We spend almost all of our time thinking, however, is all of that thinking healthy and helpful or can it sometimes be unhealthy and unhelpful? In this session we will be learning how to tell the difference between the two. We will understand how our thinking is strongly linked to our emotions and actions. We will explore how our brain works for us but can also work against us.
Let’s Flip it and it is ok not to be ok
Following on from all the thinking we have done in the last session, this session is full of simple and practical tips and tools to help use when “faulty thinking” creeps in to help us to have healthy and helpful thinking patterns rather than unhelpful and unhealthy. We will also be discussing what we need to do when it all gets too much and how this time can provide us with the valuable opportunity to make choices about how we best move on.
I can’t, I won’t, I don’t
Have you ever felt like you were speaking a different language to other people? Have you ever felt frustrated that you are not heard or really listened to? This session investigates the idea of perspectives and how these can affect how we respond and react to one another. This final session is also about looking ahead, exploring why we put things off and how we can find ways to overcome those barriers especially when we believe in the power of yet!
Values
Courage & Honesty
“Honesty first; then courage; then brains – and all are indispensable.” Theodore Roosevelt
All students are currently receiving KPI 2 updates which show current performance for academic attainment and Attitude to Learning.
This document is available through MCAS and we ask that all families take time to review it at home. Having honest conversations takes real courage and we’d like to offer the following as conversation starters.
Please use the data to ensure conversations are focussed on the facts rather than feelings. Look for ATL scores that are below others and percentages that are above or below class averages or target grades.
- What is going well?
- Why is it going well in those subjects?
- What needs to improve?
- What actions are you going to commit to ensure that you improve?
- What help do you need?
Our goal for every single student is that they leave us able to live a life of deliberate choices. Choice, not chance.
Why we do what we do -Academy Rationale
Teaching and Learning
At KEVI we use a lot of evidence-based research to inform our planning and the way we deliver lessons. An educationalist called Barak Rosenshine has ten principles he recommends for effective teaching. We use his work to guide our delivery in lessons.
Throughout the rest of the year, we will explain the rationale behind each of the principles and how we use them in our lessons.
Principle 6 - Check for student understanding
The sixth principle may be the most important of the ten, as getting it right allows our teachers to implement the other nine effectively. The teachers take intermittent periods throughout the lesson to stop and gauge whether the students are understanding the learning material. They do this by asking students to summarise the information, asking questions about the material, what their opinion is, or asking them to make a presentation. By stopping every now and then, teachers can identify any misunderstandings students may have and clarify any points that the students are still struggling with.
House News
House Rugby started this week. Year 11 kicked off the competition on Monday lunch time. Tuesday led us to a draw with Arete and Apollo winning two matches each. Year 9 kept the competition lively on Wednesday and on Thursday Year 8 smashed the rugby with lots of supporters. The results will be revealed on Monday in assembly.
The Photograph Competition is now closed. A huge congratulations to 10Min and 10Mer who got 100% participation. The photographs will be judged this week and the results will be revealed after half term.
Next week we have Deal or No Deal. Arete will start the competition on Tuesday lunchtime to see how many points they can win. Wednesday will be Minerva's turn followed by Apollo on Thursday and finally Mercury on Friday. The House Champions are excited to earn their house some points!
Miss C Eyre - Games Master
Year 11 Update
Each student should have a revision timetable and should be completing two hours' independent revision per day. Please remember we have a programme of Period 6 after school lessons to support Year 11 students to prepare for their final examinations.
Saturday School
Here is the link for this week's Saturday School if you haven’t managed to sign up yet. This week we have four subjects to choose from: English Language and Maths.
The schedule for the rest of this term is below:
- 01/04/2023 - History, Religious Studies and DT
Easter School
We are delighted to be offering additional sessions during the Easter break as noted in the schedule below:
Please sign up to join our Easter School.
Thinking Ahead – My Future, My Choice
Attention Year 8 & Year 9!
- What are your future plans & career possibilities?
- What plans to do you have after you have completed your GCSEs?
- Do you plan to go on to further/higher education? If so what courses might you study?
- What career ideas do you have for the future at the moment?
In Years 7, 8 and 9 you will be learning new skills and knowledge that will give you the confidence to help you plan your next steps. This process starts with your careers education in school which will encourage you to think about your strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes. You will also start to make some important decisions that could influence your future career path as you will be choosing your subjects to study for GCSE. This process will begin for all Year 9 students early this year.
Each week we will show you examples of the various careers linked to the subject you are studying. This week’s career idea is . . .
KEVI Careers Support
Attendance
Attendance for last week was 90.7% which is a huge disappointment in comparison to the previous week. We advocate high attendance because of its benefit to your child’s academic success and development.
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House Attendance
If you would like to discuss your child’s attendance or need any support with attendance, then please contact Mrs Kwee or Mrs Ziller on 01790 756704 or tkwee@kingedwardacademy.co.uk to discuss ways to support your child's attendance.
Mrs T Kwee Attendance Manager
Table Talk
Respect
The definition of respect is having due regard for the feelings, wishes, or rights of others.
Young people today do regularly get accused of having a lack of respect; for their peers, their teachers, parents, environment, elders to name but a few. At KEVI one our values is respect and we discuss and encourage it through assemblies, roll call, tutor time and in lessons.
Our latest Ofsted report said “Leaders encourage pupils to live out the school values of ‘ambition, aspiration, courage, resilience, honesty and respect” and that “Pupils interact positively with staff”. We reward the demonstration of respect with Respect Cards that go into a draw in our weekly assemblies and the winners are celebrated.
I feel this stereotypical view of youngsters showing a lack of respect is inaccurate and that on the whole the students of KEVI show each other, the teachers and the school environment due respect.
Cory Anthony Booker is an American politician and attorney who has served as the junior United States senator from New Jersey. We try to instil in our KEVI students good character that is embodied in this quote.
Please take time with your children to discuss respect and what it means to them and you and maybe give and ask for some examples of when respect has and has not been demonstrated.
Mr A Carrington - Vice Principal
Seafood Chef of the Year Junior Competition
The Grimsby Institute is calling for all budding chefs in Years 9 or 10 to show their skills by producing a short video of them preparing a seafood-based meal for two which costs less than £7.50 per person.
The closing date is 28th April 2023 with the finals taking place on 19th May 2023.
Gino's Update
Price List – March 2023
Breakfast
- Bacon roll 95p
- Sausage bap (Wed only) 95p
- Large bacon roll £1.35
- Fruit – piece or small pot 40p
- Toasted teacake 50p
- Yogurt 45p
Break
- Bacon roll 95p
- Sausage bap 95p
- Large bacon roll £1.35
- Pizza slice 95p
- Toasted sandwich £1.35
- Cheese & ham bagel £1.35
- Toasted crumpet 40p
- Toasted teacake 50p
Break & Lunch
- Salad box £1.80
- Baguettes (small) £1.20
- Baguettes (large) £1.70
- Sandwiches £1.35
- Large roll £1.35
- Small roll 95p
- Tortilla wrap £1.60
- Crusty bread roll 30p
- Fruit – piece or small pot 40p
- Yogurt 45p
- Condiment sachet 10p
Lunch
- Main meal with 2 sides £2.10
- Vegetarian main meal with 2 sides £2.10
- Meal deal (meal, cake/dessert or small drink) £2.40
- Pasta pot £1.65
- Stir fry pots £1.65
- Curry, rice & naan bread pot £2.10
- Panini £1.40
- Pizza 95p
- Jacket potato with filling £1.70
- Cake/Cookie 60p
- Hot pudding 65p
Drinks (Breakfast, Break & Lunch)
- Fruit juice carton 65p
- Flavoured milk carton 65p
- Semi skimmed milk carton 65p
- Radnors fizz bottles 70p
- Large bottles water 80p
- Large bottles flavoured water 90p
- Yazoo milkshake £1.00
Angela Clark - Catering Manageress
Teen Support
The teen brain is in the process of maturing. In general, it's more focused on rewards and taking risks than the adult brain. At the same time, teenagers push parents for greater freedom as teens begin to explore their personality.
Teens who experiment with drugs and other substances put their health and safety at risk. The teen brain is particularly vulnerable to being rewired by substances that overload the reward circuits in the brain.
Why teens use or misuse drugs
Many factors can feed into teen drug use and misuse. Personality, family's interactions and comfort with peers are some factors linked to teen drug use. Common risk factors for teen drug abuse include:
- A family history of substance abuse.
- A mental or behavioural health condition, such as depression, anxiety or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Impulsive or risk-taking behaviour.
- A history of traumatic events, such as seeing or being in a car accident or experiencing abuse.
- Low self-esteem or feelings of social rejection.
Teens may be more likely to try substances for the first time when hanging out in a social setting. Alcohol and nicotine or tobacco may be some of the first, easier-to-get substances for teens. As alcohol and nicotine or tobacco are legal for adults, these can seem safer to try even though they aren't safe for teens.
Teens generally want to fit in with peers. So if their friends use substances, you might feel like you need to as well. Teens also may also use substances to feel more confident with peers. If those friends are older, teens can find themselves in situations that are riskier than they're used to. For example, they may not have adults present or younger teens may be relying on peers for transportation. If they are lonely or dealing with stress, teens may use substances to distract from these feelings.
Also, teens may try substances because they are curious. They may try a substance as a way to rebel or challenge family rules. Some teens may feel like nothing bad could happen to them, and may not be able to understand the consequences of their actions.
Drug use is thought to be common amongst teens, however, a teenage drug user is in a minority; only 8% of 11-14 year olds have tried cannabis, 4% nitrous oxide (Balloons) and 2% are regular smokers. The best place to find out more about drug taking is talk to Frank, the link is below, it is a non biased site that gives you information and support.
Word of the Week
Poignant
Poignant: adjective – creating a sharp feeling of sadness; causing a pang of deep feeling.
Word origin: pungere (Latin) to prick.
Leaving Y11 and my school for the final time was a poignant moment. The old photographs of my childhood raised poignant feelings in me. Visiting my grandparents’ home brought poignant reminders of my younger days which I spent there with them.
Poignancy: abstract noun – the quality of creating sharp sadness.
Revisiting my old primary school was a moment of poignancy.
Times Tables
Years 7 and 8 will be reciting their times tables to help embed them in their long term memory.
At the end of each lesson, they will stand behind their chairs in silence, preparing for themselves for the next lesson and just before they leave the whole class will chant the timetables assigned for that week.
Week commencing 27th March 2023 - we will be chanting our 7 times table.
Mrs H Johnson - Head of Maths
Accelerated Reader
It’s wonderful to see so many of our Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 students’ reading ages increasing with our current round of Star Reading tests! Students’ good reading habits and KEVI’s investment in reading time are starting to indicate a real improvement in students’ reading comprehension. A celebration of successes will follow next week when every class has had the opportunity to take their Star Reading test and we can look at the whole Key Stage’s progress. Keep up the good work!
Please encourage your child to complete their reading book and to take a quiz on it, especially if they have not yet taken a book quiz. We will soon start celebrating the hundreds of thousands of words our students have read: some students are on their way to a million words read since January!
KEVI library books are part of the 180,000 books which have Accelerated Reader quizzes linked to them. Should your child wish to read a book from home, you can check to see if it has an Accelerated Reader quiz linked to it by visiting www.arbookfind.co.uk.
KEVI 20 WC 20th March: Period 5
Ms K Davis - Head of English Department
Credits:
Created with images by LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS - "selective focus of yellow flag on number 22 in calendar" • LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS - "teenage girl holding smartphone near mother with digital tablet on bed" • MarekPhotoDesign.com - "Set goals, get results" • vegefox.com - "idee" • Pixel-Shot - "Answer sheet form with stationery on table. Concept of passing exam" • David Fuentes - "Luthier craftsman" • 9nong - "confident caucasian woman and african woman working together; concept of skin color tolerance, world peace, ethnicity understanding, good strong team, confident teamwork" • _jure - "Cuisine Culinary Buffet Dinner Catering Dining Food Celebration" • Stillfx - "Family working together as team" • tongpatong - "Multi-generation Female members of a family looking at a photo album together with their grandmother, family time" • Renat - "5 6 7 8 9 3d Numbers Shiny silver coins textures for designers. White isolated" • Pixel-Shot - "Open magic book on dark background"