From the Head Teacher...
Friday, 3rd February 2012
Dear Parents and Carers,
Sixth Form parents’ evening will take place on Tuesday 7th February. You should all have received your letter and appointment time. This is an extremely important meeting for both Year 12 and Year 13 students. Year 12 students will receive information on the progress required to continue into Year 13. This will also be the last opportunity for Year 13 students and parents to discuss their grades and expectations for their chosen university places. All students and parents are expected to attend. Parents will be required to authorise and sign exam entries.
For those Year 11 students who have not completed a 6th Form application, please ensure you do so by Wednesday 8th February. This is the absolute deadline; if you have any queries regarding the form or application process please speak with any of your teachers or directly with Matt Bush – the 6th Form Administration Manager.
The January exam season is now over! Well done to all students in Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 for working so hard over the month of January. I realise this has been an anxious and stressful time for you all. However, you will reap the benefits of your hard work when you receive your results. Needless to say the hard work is not over. The public examinations start in May, and as you are aware there is still much work to cover. With a realistic planned timetable for study and revision, you will reduce the stress many students experience in the lead up and during public examinations. Please speak with your subject teacher if you feel you need help planning your revision in the coming months.
Senior Management Team (SLT) Mentoring for Year 11 students has now been completed. Hopefully Year 11 students have enjoyed these sessions as much as SLT. Year 11 students are a great group of young people. Some of SLT have been mentoring these students from Year 7 and have established firm, trusting relationships. We have seen them grow and flourish from very young, sometimes, nervous students into confident young people. We know the mentoring sessions have benefited you greatly judging by the feedback we have received from you. As discussed in many sessions, hard work and staying focussed are the key to your success.
Well done Year 11.
Jo Shuter, CBE
Headteacher
Friday, 27th January 2012
Dear Parents and Carers,
Thank you to all parents/carers who attended the Year 11 Parents’ Evening on Tuesday. It was exceptionally well attended. If you were one of the few parents who were unable to attend, please contact Mr Tobin to arrange to come in and sign your son/daughters exam entries and to ensure a place in QK Sixth Form. Please contact Joe Tobin
Sixth Form Parents’ Evening will take place on Tuesday 7th February. You should have already received a letter with your appointment time. As always, all parents are expected to attend.
The QK Bus Service will give priority to Year 7 students. Other year groups may use this service is there is space available.
Jo Shuter, CBE
Headteacher
Friday, 20th January 2012
Dear Parents and Carers,
Thank you to all Year 7 parents who attended the Parents’ Evening on Tuesday. Please keep reminding your child about the advice from teachers regarding how to improve their levels in the different subject areas.
Year 11 Parents Evening is on Tuesday 24th January. You should have received your letter with your appointment time by now. This is the last Parents’ Evening for all Year 11 before they sit their GCSE Exams.
The Year 11 Results Event was held on Tuesday. Students were given their results from the mock exams they sat in December. This event prepared students for what they can expect on their actual GCSE results day in August as it was organised in the same way. Overall, results were good, but as expected, there is always room for improvement. Parents/Carers can discuss their son’s/daughter’s results at Year 11 Parents Evening next week. It is therefore vital that all parents/carers attend.
Year 11 students who want to continue their studies at QK Sixth Form should have already submitted their application form. Students will be interviewed by their SLT Mentor during the next couple of weeks. During this interview students will be asked what their plans are for the next academic year. Their mentor will discuss the students’ application to Sixth Form, their suitability to Sixth Form study and confirm their most appropriate course choices. If students do not want to apply to the Sixth Form at QK then alternative options will be discussed.
Following the completion of these meetings and the submission of all applications, students who are being offered a place in the Sixth Form will be sent offer letters. Students who have been offered places will then be asked to enrol at the end of the Summer Holiday / start of the new Academic Year to confirm their subject choices (in light of GCSE grades) and register as a Sixth Form student
Please can I reminder parents/carers that the QK Bus Service is available from Monday to Friday for Year 7 students, picking up from (Lilestone Street), Lisson Green at 8.30am, arriving at QK for 8.45pm and departing QK at 3.45pm (outside the Upper Car Park entrance) aiming to return to (Lilestone Street), Lisson Green at 4.00pm. Other year groups may use the bus service if there is space.
Finally, may I remind all parents that due to staff training there is a late start on Tuesday 24th January with students arriving at 9.50am.
Jo Shuter, CBE
Headteacher
Friday, 13th January 2012
Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome back and Happy New Year to all parent/carers’ and students. I hope you all had a restful break.
Last term was extremely productive and successful, culminating with our Ofsted Inspection and the school being given an “Outstanding” judgement yet again!
Ken Livingstone – the previous Mayor of London, visited QK to talk to Year 10/11 and 6th Form students. He spoke of his career in politics and his time as Mayor of London. He expressed his views on how London could be shaped in the future and its importance in the national and international community. He then opened the floor to students for a question and answer session. As always our students were articulate and probing. They showed a true understanding of local and national issues, especially current problems affecting young people. University fees, student loans and youth unemployment were the concerns most of our young people were questioning Mr Livingstone on.
Thank you to Mr Livingstone for coming in, and thanks to our wonderful students for participating in this full and frank exchange.
As always, we strive to maintain the premises for the wellbeing and safety of students and staff. Just before the end of term, 2 new covered shelters were erected in the lower playground and back quad Previously, when it was raining, students would be directed to the drama centre during break and lunchtime. We can now allow students to stay in the fresh air when it is only raining lightly.
Next Friday Year 11 students will be given their results of the mock exams they sat before the Christmas break. This event is planned and managed in the same way students will receive their ‘real GCSE’ results this summer. Year 12 & 13 students will also receive their results next week. Overall results were very good with students performing well in all subjects. Staying focused over the coming months, setting and sticking to revision targets and taking on board the advice given by teaching staff, will ensure your sons/daughters do even better in the public examinations starting in May.
This advice also applies to students who are currently sitting public exams and re-sits throughout this month.
May I also remind Year 11 students who have not submitted an application for 6th Form to do so as a matter of urgency. QK 6th Form places are highly sought after by students from other Westminster Schools, and from other neighbouring boroughs such as Camden and Brent.
The deadline for applications is Monday 16th January.
A reminder, Year 7 Parent’s Evening is next Tuesday 17th January 2012. You should have already received your letter regarding appointment times. This is an ideal opportunity for you to speak with your son/daughters subject teachers to find out how they are progressing, and to discuss any issues you may have. All parent/carers are expected to attend.
Finally, I would like to remind all parents/carers who are, or have previously been in receipt of Free School Meals to speak with someone in the school office team, to ensure that you are receiving your entitlement to a free school meal for your son or daughter.
A major part of our schools budget is based on the number of students we have on roll who are entitled to Free School Meals. If you are unsure if you are entitled, please do hesitate to call the school office and get advice.
Jo Shuter, CBE
Headteacher
Friday, 9th December 2011
Dear Parents and Carers,
WE ARE AN OUTSTANDING SCHOOL - AGAIN!!!
As you probably know already, on Wednesday and Thursday we were inspected by OFSTED, the Government agency that visits schools and grades them on the quality of education they provide for students.
QK was graded as Outstanding (Grade 1) overall and in virtually every area – 83% of lessons were judged good/outstanding. This is an absolutely fantastic achievement for all of us at the school – the staff, the students and you, the parents. A big thank you to those students and parents who were interviewed by the inspectors and were able to talk so articulately about how much the school means to them.
The Lead Inspector Mr Peter Gale was incredibly impressed by the work that we do at QK to support students, both academically and pastorally (the care and guidance that they receive here.) He said, ‘’It was a privilege to be at this school‘’ adding that his experience at QK had made him want to be a Headteacher in a school just like QK. He had never been in a school where the ethos was so clearly about Every Child Matters.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff at QK for their continuing hard work and commitment to the school and students – we are lucky to have them!
Our annual Winter Concert took place last night. The evening was a huge success, with a range of performances from students across the school being enjoyed in very festive surroundings! Students receiving instrumental tuition at school performed a range of pieces on the piano, trombone, flute, violin guitar drums, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet and various woodwind instruments. Many thanks to all the parents who attended, giving magnificent support to the students and the Music Department staff. Special thanks to Ms Stevens, Ms Young, Mr Perkins and all the peripatetic instrumental teachers who worked so hard to make the evening a success.
Many students also have public exams in January such as Science and Math. I hope that they will be working hard over the Christmas break to make sure they are fully prepared.
A reminder that normal school operates for all other students next week until Friday when, as usual, students will leave school earlier after the fun of the Staff Christmas Pantomime!
This will be the final QK News of 2011 so I would like to take this opportunity to wish all students and parents a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful and Happy New Year.
School starts again for students on Monday 9th January.
Jo Shuter, CBE
Headteacher
Friday, 2nd December 2011
Dear Parents and Carers,
On Tuesday we welcomed year 11 students and parents/carers to our 6th Form Open Evening. It was exceptionally well attended this year. Please make sure applications for 6th Form are submitted as soon as possible- ideally before we break-up for the Christmas holiday. 6th Form places at QK are highly sought after by students from other schools. Please do not be complacent – we need your application form as soon as possible in order for us to plan subject classes and staffing.
Students in Years 11 and 6th Form will be sitting mock exams in December. Study leave for these students will start on Monday 12th December. Students only attend school when they have an exam.
Please encourage you sons/daughters to revise at least 2 hours each evening to ensure they achieve maximum results. You can help them enormously by making sure they have quite space to revise. Getting at least 8 hours sleep, drink lots of water and eat healthy meals at proper intervals. The school library and the 6th Form Learning Centre is always available to students for revision.
During exam time, lessons will continue as usual for students in years 9, 10 and 6th Form BTEC students.
As you are aware 6th Form students are expected to come to school smartly dressed. Wellington boots and trainers are not allowed. Please remind your sons and daughters who are in
6th Form of the dress code.
I would like to remind parent/carers that all students are expected to be in school until the end of term – Friday 16th December. Holidays during term time will not be authorised. If you are planning a holiday please ensure they are not taken during the school term
Jo Shuter, CBE
Headteacher
Friday, 25th November 2011
Dear Parents and Carers,
Thank you to all parents/carers who attended your sons/daughter’s Progress Review appointment. As always, attendance at these information events was excellent. For the small number of you who were unable to make your appointment, you will be contacted by your sons/daughter’s Director of Learning to arrange a convenient time.
As a result of the national strike action being taken by teachers and local government employees unions next week, the school will be closed for students on Wednesday 30th November 2011. Please accept my apologies for any inconvenience this closure will cause to parents/carers.
Sixth Form Open Evening is being held on Tuesday 29th November from 6.00pm. It is important that all Year 11 students attend this information evening. There will be a great deal of information and advice available to both parents and students. This will enable students to make the best decisions about which subjects they should pursue in Sixth Form. QK Sixth Form is a hugely popular choice for AS/A2 subjects, not only for our own Year 11 students, but for other students across Westminster, Camden and Brent. Sixth Form admission is a highly competitive process; therefore it is essential all Year 11 students and parents attend this evening.
Finally, students in Years 11/12 and 13 will be sitting mock exams in December. Please encourage them to revise for at least 2 hours each evening to ensure they achieve maximum results. You can help them enormously by making sure they have a quiet space to revise. Students should get at least 8 hours sleep, drink lots of water and eat healthy meals at proper intervals. The school library and the 6th Form Learning Centre is always available to students for revision.
Jo Shuter, CBE
Headteacher
Friday, 18th November 2011
Dear Parents and Carers,
Last week the school underwent a Local Authority Key Stage 3 Teaching and Learning Review. The purpose of the review was to support the school in maintaining its “outstanding” Ofsted judgement in light of the new evaluation schedule and the enhanced inspection requirements
The main findings of the review were excellent. The teaching and learning at Key Stage 3 at Quintin Kynaston School is at least good and in key subject areas, is clearly outstanding
I would like to offer a huge thanks to the Inspectors who carried out the review, also to students and teachers who performed wonderfully.
On Friday 11th November, QK held a 1 minute silence as a mark of respect for those who have lost their lives in conflicts throughout history and across the world. The students honoured the 1 minute silence with considerable maturity and respect.
You should now have your child’s Progress Review appointment time. It is absolutely vital that you attend this appointment with your son/daughter. You will be given important information regarding your son/daughter progress and given an opportunity to discuss any areas of concern you may have.
The Children in Need fundraising weekend kicked off at QK this morning with many students coming to school in their pyjamas and donating £2 to the appeal. Pudsey “spotty” food was sold throughout the day in the school dinner and Joannas. We will update you next week with the total amount raised.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this worthwhile cause.
Jo Shuter, CBE
Headteacher
Friday, 11th November 2011
Dear Parents and Carers,
Thank you to Year 7 parents/carers who attended our coffee morning and coffee evening this week. As this was such a successful event, we are planning similar events in the future. We will keep you informed.
The school will be closed on Monday 14th November for staff training. Year 11 students who are sitting their GSCE maths exam will come to school as normal. They will be dismissed immediately after their exam. Normal registration is at 8.50am for all students on Tuesday 15th November.
We have had confirmation that the major teaching unions and local government employees unions will have a national day of action on Wednesday 30th November. These unions are striking over major changes to their pension rights. QK School will close on that day. Apologies to all parents/carers for any inconvenience this may cause.
Jo Shuter, CBE
Headteacher
Friday, 4th November 2011
Dear Parents and Carers,
I am delighted to inform you that as from 1st November, QK School achieved Academy Status. The main advantage for us as a school community becoming an Academy is that we receive additional funding directly from the government. This will enable us to buy in services previously provided by the local authority. QK currently works closely with agencies and organisations from outside the school and this work plays a huge part in enabling us to remove barriers to learning. As an Academy, we can ensure that reductions in services provided by the local authority do not have an impact on the work we and that QK Students continue to receive the best possible support.
To mark our Academy status, plans are underway to hold a celebration event in time for our September intake. This will also coincide with the 10th Anniversary of my Headship at QK. We will keep you informed as plans progress and we hope that all the QK Community will join us in celebrating a fabulously successful 10 years.
Progress Review is on Thursday 24th and Friday 25th November. You should already have received a letter informing you of this event, and you will shortly receive your appointment time. This is an extremely important meeting which all parents/carers are expected to attend. You will be informed of your son/daughter’s progress and can raise any concerns or ask questions relating to any aspect of your son/daughter’s education at QK
Sixth Form open evening will be held on Tuesday 29th November. A presentation about the Sixth Form for parents and students will begin at 6pm in the Drama Centre. Later, parents/carers will be invited into the sports hall where each department will have display boards set up with information about each subject available in the sixth form.
Finally, many thanks to those parents/carers who attended the High Attainers Evening last night. As always, we are grateful for the huge support you offer to students and the school community.
Jo Shuter, CBE
Headteacher