Weekly Newsletters

It is a testament to the care of our students who excel in supporting not only this event but many others, to raise money for charities close to their hearts.

This week was Global Enterprise and International Education week.  In recognition of this, the languages faculty put on three wonderfully creative break time events which Miss Frith, Head of Modern Languages, will explain in next week’s newsletter

Health and safety of well over 1200 students and staff is always the top of the priority list to ensure everyone is safe and secure. This term we have carried out two evacuation drills which are required by the Fire Service.  Furthermore, we also plan to carry out a lock down walk through next week.  This is different to an evacuation drill as it focusses on how we would cope with an emergency situation on site.  Staff and students will be taken through the necessary steps to remind them to keep safe in the event of a dangerous intruder, or any other situation whereby we could not evacuate the school.

I realise that this may be a situation which some students may find difficult to cope with and for that reason we will provide additional support when the walk through takes place.  Mr Treliving will coordinate this support together with the Heads of House.

Finally, I am pleased to report that we a trialling the deployment of our Post16 Supervisors within the vicinity of the school and Werrington Centre at the end of the school day.  They will help to remind students about their safety and wellbeing as they journey home.  Moreover, PC Frank Martin started with us on Friday 4/11/16 for 1 day school placement; he is our main port of contact during the school week.  Last Friday he gave students reflective stickers for their coats and bikes. 

Stay safe and keep up the excellent attendance record which stands overall for the school, above the national average, at 95.5%.  Attendance = Achievement!

3 Peaks Expedition Challenge Thursday 20 July 8 days

We have only one place left on the 2017 expedition. This year we are going to climb the three highest mountains in the UK:

• Ben Nevis
• Scafell Pike
• Snowdon
• As well as include Canoeing and Caving

The Cost of the trip is £650 for eight days including travel, accommodation and specialist mountain leaders.  If you are interested and you child is in Year 8 or above, then please contact Mrs Ayre either by email (a.ayre@kscs.org.uk) or by telephone 01733 765950  by no later than Friday 25 November.

Best wishes

Bryan Erwin
Acting Principal

How long have I been at KSCS?

This is my second year at KSCS – previously I have taught in France (where I obtained my Bachelors and Masters degrees), the USA (acquired second Masters), Thurrock, Essex and Norfolk in the UK. I have held a variety of roles, from Second in Department, Acting Head of Department to Head of Department. I am also an Examiner for Eduqas/WJEC and Cambridge Examinations.

Leadership Responsibilities.

Currently I am Head of English and Assistant Principal with whole school responsibilities including school wide Presentation and quality of language.

What I teach.

I teach English Language and Literature, and Creative Writing.

What do I struggle to understand/dislike.

The word “can’t”. Everybody CAN attempt and learn from their mistakes.  We must not be afraid to fail and take risks.  If we don’t even try, then we will never know what we are capable of achieving.

What I like most about KSCS.

The students. I love the mix of cultures and backgrounds among the students, and how they all get along so well together. 

I have been teaching at Ken Stimpson for 20+ years and it has been a joy working with wonderful students, parents and the wider community.  I continue to relish each day with a new and different challenge our youngsters present. With outstanding facilities and resources, Ken Stimpson is one of the best schools to work in and envied by many staff in the city. 

Amongst my roles, I work with dedicated and committed staff in Art & Design, Business and ICT, Design & Technology, and Mathematics. I also work closely with Jenny Purdy and the Aspire Team to help raise standards in attendance, behaviour as well as academia. Other aspects of my role include the school timetable, enabling students to choose the best KS4 Pathway at the end of Year 9. 

The best part of working at Ken Stimpson is the daily interaction with the enthusiastic students and friendly staff.  My main teaching subject is Science with specialism in Chemistry. The most satisfying moment is when you witness the fruits of your input into a child’s life resulting in him/her gaining an apprenticeship or a university place or employment. What frustrates me most is when a student stops trying and then distracts the learning of others. With the ‘Good’ Ofsted judgement behind us, I want to contribute towards Ken Stimpson reaching even greater heights and achieving success for our young people.