Senior Leadership Team Update
Making it easy to be good!
Welcome back to another important term at KEVI. We have been focussing on a return to our routines and standard operating procedures which are so important to us because they really do make it easy for everyone to be good here. All lessons at KEVI start with our 90 second rule which means every student is expected to be ready to learn within that timeframe: KEVI 6 equipment on desk; books out and open; bag under the desk. Our Learning Traits make it really easy to develop the habits which will lead to success:
- Track the teacher
- Respond like a scholar
- Answer questions
- Inform the teacher if you don’t understand
- Target your personal best
- Sit up and listen
These consistent routines and standard operating procedures are the grease in the gears of KEVI which really do make it easy to be good here. This week we were delighted to hear from a visiting supply teacher who said: “the routines and consistency really do make it so easy to teach good lessons here because everyone just knows what to do and what is expected.”
One of the highlights of the week was judging the wonderful entries in the House Pumpkin Carving Competition. Thank you to everyone in the community who took the time to enter and well done to Mercury House who were the winners. We have also enjoyed the start of Rowvember this week and there is a real ambition for KEVI to win this DRET-wide competition to row the most miles. As a small school, victory will not come easy, but if every member of the school plays their part we can reach the target of 500 miles which should give us the gold medal. In other sporting news, there is a sense of anticipation building in Year 9 as they prepare for the next round of the National Cup which is being played at Spilsby Town Football Club on Tuesday afternoon. Good luck to the team!
Finally, we would like to say congratulations to all of the Sixth Form students who applied to be Head Boy and Head Girl before half term. The interviews were, without exception, of the highest standards and each one of the students who applied were a credit to themselves. Our successful students were:
- Head Boy: Derran
- Head Girl: Finola
Have a great weekend.
Mrs S Jones - Executive Principal & Mr M Wilkinson - Acting Head of School
Attention Year 11 – save the date!
We are looking forward to our Sixth Form Open Evening which takes place on Tuesday 15th November at 6pm. Come along and find out about how you can be supported to achieve your dreams in our KEVI Sixth Form. Whether your aspirations are university or an apprenticeship there are courses, and support, to help you get there.
Values
House assemblies this week have been on the theme of resilience. Behind every story of success resilience is a common feature. Success in any field does not come easily and that is why we encourage all of our students to develop the resilience needed to cope with setbacks and disappointment.
In Sixth Form assembly we looked at the story of Charles Bolden who is a former US Marine General who was appointed by President Obama to lead NASA and then led four missions into space as an astronaut. He gives a simple message about how to achieve success. However, his story is also one of resilience because of the challenges he faced as an African-American growing up in a time of racial segregation in the south of America. Resilience in the face of challenges is a common theme behind every success story. Please do take the time to discuss how you deal with setbacks and challenges in life.
Why we do what we do -Academy Rationale
This week we talked to students about moving around the academy with PACE and PURPOSE. This was to ensure that students are maximising their learning time by getting to their lessons quicker and reducing the congestion on the stairs and in the corridors. At KEVI, we walk on the left, with feet behind feet, (in single file), so that we can ensure traffic flows quickly and nobody gets injured when there is a lesson changeover.
Keeping our children safe
We have been made aware that there have been instances within Spilsby and Skegness of young people using nitrous oxide. (also known as Balloons, Chargers,Nos, Noz Whippits or Laughing gas.
Taking nitrous oxide can cause:
- feelings of euphoria, relaxation and calmness
- fits of giggles and laughter – hence the nickname ‘laughing gas’
- sound distortions and hallucinations – when you see or hear things that aren't there
Nitrous oxide can also:
- give you a severe headache
- cause dizziness
- stop you thinking straight
- cause short-lived but intense feelings of paranoia
It is usually found in small canisters as above. It is becoming increasingly popular with young people in the UK and is readily available to buy online. Laughing gas is often categorised as a ‘legal high’. The law states that;
- It is illegal to sell nitrous oxide to anyone under the age of 18.
- It is illegal to supply for human consumption (penalty is 7 years in prison or unlimited fine)
- It is not illegal to possess nitrous oxide.
Although parents should not categorise this behaviour as high-risk drug taking, you may be concerned that your child has taken something intoxicating.
Although you may be worried, it’s important to remember that they have not broken the law by possessing it. It’s a good idea for you to raise these issues with your children to ensure they understand the levels of risk, how best to stay safe – and how to look after their friends too.
Stay calm and open-minded when you talk to your child about drugs. Remember to look at the FRANK A-Z of drugs to make sure your knowledge is up-to-date and accurate.
House News
Pumpkin Carving
Our pumpkin carving contest saw a wonderful selection of designs to choose from.
Well done to everyone who brought their pumpkin in.
A special well done to Scarlett and Thomas in 7 Mercury who won the competition for their house!
In 4th place was Apollo, 3rd place Minerva, 2nd place Arete and 1st place Mercury! Well done!!
After a full term of house competitions the current scores are:
- Minerva in 4th place with 725 points.
- Apollo in 3rd place with 805 points.
- Mercury in 2nd place with 840 points which means....
- Arete is in 1st place with an amazing 910 points.
Well done to all the houses!
Miss C Eyre - Games Master
Revision Guide
Subject Revision
For majority of the subjects your child is undertaking at GCSE and A-Level the main resource for revision will be their exercise book or revision guide provided by their teachers. However there are also many websites that are available free of charge which can help revise and self-quiz. Over the coming weeks the newsletter will suggest which website are viewed as particularly valuable by the different subjects.
Science
- Seneca - Free Homework & Revision for A Level, GCSE, KS3 & KS2 (senecalearning.com)
- BBC Bitesize - GCSE Science - BBC Bitesize
Geography
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 year 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 next 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
As a parent/carer you can help by:
- Telling your child how important school is
- Praising your child’s achievements and celebrating their success
- Organising non-urgent medical appointments after school
- Helping your child get into a routine at breakfast and bedtime
- Encourage healthy eating and exercise
- Organising your child’s equipment, PE kit, bus fare etc the night before school
- Taking time to talk to your child about what they have done in school and any problems they might have.
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
Firework Safety
As the fireworks night approaches, the night sky will be lit up with firework displays and I hope you are all able to enjoy the celebrations. But please be mindful that will all the sparkle, it’s easy to forget that fireworks can be dangerous if not used correctly and responsibly.
Please use the link below to access some really great advice that will help everyone to stay safe while celebrating.
Mr A Carrington - Vice Principal
Sixth Form Update
The last week of term was very busy in 6th Form. Year 12, as part of their PSHCE were able to attend a Wayne Stevenson Workshop, with a focus on relationships and sex education. Topics covered include substance misuse, sexual health and effects on fertility, risks, regrets, consequences and associated factors. The session started with ground rules, such as, you only speak for yourself and your circumstances and to listen and use appropriate language. This was a fun and interactive session designed to be informative but at the same time tailored to the age and needs of the students taking part. Erin Lowe told me afterwards that it was “interesting and fun”, Olivia Huggins used the word “educational” and Daniel Wright said it was “focussed and detailed”.
Year 12 and 13 students also went to the Winter Cup at Nottingham University in the David Ross Sports Village, feedback from staff was that they were an invaluable help as they were allocated younger year groups to work with and coach in football and netball. They threw themselves into the day and again made us very proud of them.
All of year 13 students had individual, 40-minute-long careers advice meetings with an external careers advisor. This is a vital part of the next steps and decisions that have to be made over the next few months. Our internal deadline for the UCAS forms to be submitted is by the end of this term and the students are working on these daily now as they perfect their applications.
Finally, on the last day some of our year 12 and 13 and I, took part and supported our house in the house event “I’m a teacher get me out of here”. The challenges were as expected and involved eating amongst other things meal worms on crackers, snails and the most revolting drink, made up of indescribable ingredients which I could not face but Derran Chuck (year 13) and Ruby Markiewicz (year 12) managed to drink it to gain points for their house
Mrs P Prince - Head of Sixth form
Gino's Update
Price List – November 2022
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
Young Teens and Alcohol: The Risks
For young people, alcohol is the drug of choice. In fact, alcohol is used by more young people than tobacco or illicit drugs. Although most children under age 14 have not yet begun to drink, early adolescence is a time of special risk for beginning to experiment with alcohol.
While some parents and guardians may feel relieved that their teen is “only” drinking, it is important to remember that alcohol is a powerful, mood-altering drug. Not only does alcohol affect the mind and body in often unpredictable ways, but teens lack the judgment and coping skills to handle alcohol wisely. As a result:
Teens who use alcohol are more likely to be sexually active at earlier ages, to have sexual intercourse more often, and to have unprotected sex than teens who do not drink.
- Young people who drink are more likely than others to be victims of violent crime, including rape, aggravated assault, and robbery.
- Teens who drink are more likely to have problems with school work and school conduct.
- The majority of boys and girls who drink tend to binge when they drink.
- A person who begins drinking as a young teen is four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than someone who waits until adulthood to use alcohol.
The message is clear: Alcohol use is unsafe for young people. And the longer children delay alcohol use, the less likely they are to develop any problems associated with it. That’s why it is so important to help your child avoid any alcohol use.
Word of the Week
Integrity
Integrity: abstract noun – the quality of having honour or strong, moral principles
Origin: -integer (Latin: whole) and -integritie (Old French: pure, blameless, innocent).
He chose to help out his tired father, despite wanting to go out to play football, showing real integrity.
Although she might lose friendships, her sense of integrity directed her to tell the teacher what had actually happened.
Integrate: verb - to unite two things whole as one. They integrated the two teams to form one whole new one.
Integer: noun – a whole number. Fifty-one, sixty-seven and one hundred and eighteen are integers. Two and a half is not.
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 7th November - we will be chanting our 6 times table
Miss H Broughton - Head of Maths
Accelerated Reader
We are delighted to announce our new Library opening times. Students can access the Library now before the Academy day from 8:30 and at both breaktimes and lunchtimes. It is staffed by Miss Villiers who is now our Librarian and is ready to help guide our students towards book choices which suit their needs.
Each Year 7, Year 8 and Y9 student who has taken the Star Reading Test now has an up to date reading age. English teachers are sharing these individually with students along with information on which book level would best help to increase their reading fluency. In the library, Miss Villiers supports out students to make strong book choices and at home, you can check the level of 180,000 books by simply searching the internet for “A R Bookfinder uk”.
It is wonderful to see our students stretching themselves through their book choices, and increasingly, books with more challenging ideas are being selected. This week TJ Taylor-Young, 8 Mercury, has completed his reading of Joseph Heller’s Catch-22 and recommends it to others saying:
“Catch-22 is a war novel and faces the problem of being sent on many perilous missions. I understand the meaning of the phrase “catch 22” now because if Yossarian takes up a mission it proves that he is insane and doesn’t have to go, but if he doesn’t take up the mission, it shows he is sane and must go. Yossarian battles with his sanity throughout the novel and represents the struggle that those in the armed forces have to face. The most disturbing part of the novel is where Yossarian attempts to save the life of a young man, Snowden, but what follows is a graphic description of his death which is unforgettable for any reader. Catch-22 is a powerful novel which tackles the ideas of trust, honour and survival.”
KEVI20 will take place Period 4 week commencing 7th November
Ms K Davis - Head of English Department
Sports News
This week was the first week of term 2 at KEVI which saw the Rugby Talent Development Day take place for our Under 13 Boys. This was a fantastic opportunity for our boys to work with Northampton Saints Rugby Coaches to develop their skills further.
The beginning of term 2 also sees the start of Rowvember at KEVI with a month of none stop rowing taking place. Pupils are competing against each other and every other pupil in DRET Secondary Schools to record the best distance in their year groups.
Mr M Foster - Sports Enrichment Officer
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