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Message from the Principal
Ofsted 26 & 27 April 2016
As legislation dictates, your child will have brought home a copy of our recent Ofsted report on Wednesday and we have also placed a link to the report on our school website. I would like to thank all parents and carers that took the time to complete the ParentView survey during the inspection and all of the students who spoke to any of the inspectors over the course of those two days. We believe the report to be a fair and accurate reflection of our school community and we will now continue to address any areas for improvement highlighted in the report. Exam Booster Sessions Feedback from students and teachers shows that they welcome the opportunity for booster sessions prior to public examinations. I am pleased to be able to report that the following sessions have been arranged to support our students this summer: Year 11 attendance For the last five or more years we have not allowed students to go on study leave before their examinations as academic research suggest that this is not productive for the student. The message is that all students need to attend all lessons until they complete the last examination or piece of coursework in that subject. For example, if you son/daughter is studying geography then they need to attend all geography lessons until the final examination on 8 June. As you will be aware, a number of examinations have already finished (e.g. Art, English, French, ICT, Construction). In certain circumstances we are allowing students to come into school later in the morning or go home early. The table below shows only when this will be allowed. After half-term all students will have a part time timetable and only come in for the lesson where there is still an examination to be taken. It is important that students arrive in full uniform and sign in and out of school in the Sports Foyer area.  Ramadan Please be assured that If you son/daughter is fasting during the period of Ramadan we will be offering a separate room and facilities to allow them to observe this important religious time and also ensure that they are in the right condition for afternoon examinations. Booster sessions Geography will be offering a booster morning on Tuesday 24 May. Students will be having extra lessons prior to their first examination on Tuesday afternoon. As ever, I am very grateful to parents and carers for encouraging their children to attend, the students for coming along and the members of staff for making themselves available for these important sessions. Prom Students have been collecting prom vouchers as a reward for their effort and attendance to revision lessons. The deadline for handing in the prom vouchers is Friday 27 May by lunchtime in Reception. Please note that for these vouchers to be claimed against the cost of the prom students must attend all lessons up to the last exam in that subject. Best wishes
Richard Lord Good luck messages from staff
   Air Cadet Visit
The Peterborough Air Cadets came into school on Wednesday. They spoke to a vast number of students during lunchtime about the opportunities on offer to them.
Students were interested in the adventures available both nationally, internationally and within the community. The two Air Cadets discussed the Duke of Edinburgh Award, the flying hours undertaken and the parades they had taken part in. It was great to see students from all Year groups getting involved and asking questions. Well done to everyone that attended. Mr Billitt Governors’ Learning Walks
We would like to acknowledge and thank our Governing Body who freely and willingly give up their time in support of our school.
It is heartening that Ofsted (April 2016) has rightly recognised the commitment and drive of our Governing Body. Alongside regular meetings and interviews Governors have participated in a number of ‘Learning Walks’ with senior colleagues. These have allowed them to gain a valuable insight into the quality of learning at Ken Stimpson and offer appropriate challenge and support. Progress Evening Review
As you are aware, we hold an annual Progress Evening for each Year group. This gives parents and carers the opportunity to come in to school and speak to teachers about the progress their child is making and the learning that has been taking place in various lessons.
In order to make these experiences as rewarding as possible, we would like your views on what we do well at these events but also how we can improve them in the future. We have devised a short questionnaire to collect your views and would be very grateful if you could take the time to complete it. Just follow this link: http://goo.gl/forms/t2dirEXxy6GQoIzK2 Thank you in advance for your views. Mr Corner Trampolining
Last week we hosted the Peterborough Schools Trampolining Competition which saw competitors from the across the city take part. We entered a 17 man squad into the competition. Students performed in a variety of different categories by age and ability.
Students had to perform a set routine and a routine of their own choice. Notable achievement came in the advanced Year 9 and 10 competition where Elle Forrest came third and Rebecca Bloy came first. In the Elite competition Tamzin Millard came third. The top 8 scores were then added together to decide the placing of each of the schools that took part. In a close team competition we came second just behind the overall winners Arthur Mellows.  I would like to thank all the schools that took part and the students for the hard work and effort they put in. Mr Gray KSCS Student secures Parliamentary Work Experience
Work experience with Stewart Jackson MP and his staff for three days at Portcullis House, Westminster was truly a great experience. It really opened my eyes and gave me much insight in British Politics and the machinations of an MP in their daily business.
Stewart Jackson has two staff working for him, his researcher and office manager, Chloe and his caseworker, Michael. Stewart shares an office with fellow MP Chloe Smith. From working in Stewart’s office, I could see that the bulk of Stewart’s time, other than his work on legislation and scrutinising the Government on the Public Accounts Committee, is spent corresponding with constituents and solving their problems. The highlight of my work experience was being to watch Prime Ministers Questions (PMQs). It was a short experience but it was thoroughly enjoyable watching opposing sides of the House of Commons deliberate and question one another’s antics. I was able to spot almost all the Government Ministers including the Rt Hon David Cameron MP, Rt Hon George Osbourne MP, the Leader of the Opposition Jeremy Corbyn and many other MP’s, including the Speaker of the House; John Bercow. For that brief 30 - 40 minutes I had never felt as strongly about politics as I did sitting up above in the public gallery.
 One of the main things I learned about forming a political career is that the best thing to do is to start as early as possible. Work experience with your MP is a great place to start. Since my work experience, I have begun getting involved in the community and assisting in party affiliations. Anyone else who also has an interest in politics should do the same, regardless of what party you would support. Daniel Speechley Exam Revision
The clock is ticking for all GCSE students in terms of their revision. To make the most of the time available to you, remember to use both of the following online applications:
Mr Swift Attendance
Success continues to hold the lead. The other Houses are not far behind. Every student can help their House by coming to school daily. If you are not feeling well, you will still need to come into school as every day counts. Any illness for 2 days or more will need a doctor's certificate, so that we can authorise the absence.
"Nothing is IMPOSSIBLE, the word itself is I'M POSSIBLE" Audrey Hepburn Sharon Blackledge
What's happening at KSCS?
Events and visits in the school over the next fortnight:
Thursday 26/05/2016
Year 5 kwik Cricket Competition 9.30am-12pm.
Friday 27/05/2016
Break up Half Term.
Monday 06/06/2016
School Opens.
Tuesday 07/06/2016
Year 8 HPV1 Vaccinations
Wednesday 08/06/2016
Year 9 HPV2 Vaccinations
Thursday 09/06/2016
Year 10 Harry Potter Trip
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