From the Head Teacher...
Friday, 9th September 2011
Dear Parents and Carers,
A warm welcome back to all students as we start yet another academic year at QK. I am looking forward to another fantastic and busy year at school.
Our exam results this year were again excellent, with 89% of students gaining 5 A*- C grades – an improvement on last year’s results. Our A-level results were also strong with the vast majority of our Year 13 students gaining a place at University, despite the shortage of places this year. Well done to all of them and we wish them all the best as they move on to the next stage of their education.
A big thank you to all parents who attended their child’s Progress Review and Target-Setting meetings. Please take time to talk to your children seriously about their achievement and the levels and grades that they are aiming for at the end of this year.
And finally Eid Mubarak to all Muslim parents!
Jo Shuter, CBE
Headteacher
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Friday, 22nd July 2011
Dear Parents and Carers,
We are now at the end of another successful and productive year at QK. I would like to offer enormous thanks to students, parent/carers and staff who have worked so hard and contributed so much this year. Without your commitment QK would not be the vibrant, close knit community that it is. A fond ‘farewell’ to all those staff and students who are going on to pastures new, we will miss you, and we hope you will keep in touch with us.
Progress Review will take place on Thursday 8th September. It is absolutely essential all students and parent/carers attend this appointment. It is one of the most important events in the school calendar. Expectations and goals will be set, with every student being made aware of what is expected of them and any problems anticipated in achieving these targets discussed.
I wish everyone a restful and peaceful holiday, and look forward to seeing you all in September. For those families celebrating Eid during the holiday, I send warm wishes to you and your families.
Jo Shuter, CBE
Headteacher
Friday, 15th July 2011
Dear Parents and Carers,
We are almost at the end of another eventful, productive and exciting year at QK School. Hasn’t it gone so quickly?
We say goodbye to a number of staff this year, who are moving on to pastures new. Many have gained promotion at other schools, some are moving to other parts of the country, whilst some are changing career or travelling. I wish to offer my sincere thanks to those staff. They have all made a huge contribution to the success of QK and I wish them the best of luck for the future.
Annica Sundberg –Svensson Hasmin Aranguran
Vernon Small Surabh Gupta Nicola Butler
Jane Panhort Kim Hutchinson David Mann
Andrew Marchand Paul Axford Sean Highton
Des Benjamin Millie Shuter Nora Krasniqi
Amy Ward Jason Kaye Manjinder Johal
Mojda Hasheyman
Sadly, we are also saying Goodbye to Ms Sheel who has been with us for 9 years. Many of you will know Ms Sheel initially through her work as Director of Learning and later as Assistant Headteacher. Ms Sheel has worked tirelessly throughout her time at QK. She maintained excellent relationships with students and parents, and was respected by her colleagues. She often worked with some of our most challenging students and worked continuously to help them achieve their full potential. We wish her every success for the future.
On Wednesday we held our annual Sports Day for Years 7, 8 and 9 at Paddington Recreation Ground. It was an absolutely tremendous day – the weather was just perfect – no rain and not blazingly hot! There was lots of healthy competition and some fantastic athletic performances. School records were beaten in many events and even world records were set! Staff also took part in 2 different staff relay races. Year 11 staff won the year team race with P.E. winning the subject relay race.
The first day of the new term for Years 7, 10 and 12 is Wednesday 7th September. Progress Review for all students is on Thursday 8th September. Normal lessons will resume for all students on Friday 9th September.
Finally, I hope everyone has a wonderful Summer break, and we look forward to seeing everyone rested, refreshed and ready for another hardworking and exciting year at QK.
Jo Shuter, CBE
Headteacher
Thursday, 7th July 2011
Dear Parents and Carers,
Congratulations and well done to Year 7 and 8 students who completed their internal exams this week. Their conduct during the exams was exemplary. They worked so hard in the run-up to the exams and I am sure all their efforts will pay off.
Year 9 students completed a week of core lessons in which the focus was on preparation and getting a head start for their forthcoming GCSE’s.
This week we are delighted to welcome our new cohort of Newly Qualified Teachers who will be starting their teaching career with us. They are a highly qualified group of vibrant young professionals who will be a huge asset to our school community. We are very lucky they have chosen to work at QK and we look forward to a successful productive year.
I would like to remind parent/carers that all students are expected to be in school until the end of term – Friday 22nd July. Holidays during term time will not be authorised. If you are planning a holiday please ensure they are not taken during the school term. The first day of the new term for Years 7, 10 and Sixth Form is 7th September. Progress Review for all students is on 8th September. With normal lessons for all students on Friday 9th September.
From September we will be operating a split lunch break for students. This is a result of the loss of playground space due to the BSF building works. Years 7, 8 and Sixth Form Students will continue lunch at the normal times. Years 9, 10 and 11 will have lunch at 12.00 until 12.50 and continue with periods 4, 5 and 6 after lunch. I am sure the older students will adapt to the new times,and I do not foresee any problems.
Jo Shuter, CBE
Headteacher
Friday, 1st July 2011
Dear Parents and Carers,
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to parent/carers for their understanding of my decision to close the school on Thursday due to the industrial action taken by teachers. I know this was a huge inconvenience to many parent/carers. However, the proposed changes to the pension scheme will have a detremental impact to those who contribute and in the long term may deter young graduates from joining the teaching profession.
After a very persuasive presentation to SLT from Year 9 students regarding dress code for the KS3 NRA. I have decided Year 9 students do not have to wear their school uniform to this event. It has been agreed girls may wear smart and appropriate dresses with the boys either in suits or trousers and shirt.
You will shortly be receiving a letter outlining arrangements for Sports Day on Wednesday 13th July. Can I remind you that students must come to school wearing their compulsory QK P.E. uniform. This should be QK white t-shirt and dark blue or black shorts (or track suit bottoms). Students failing to wear the correct kit will remain at school with a designated member of staff. It would be fantastic to see as many parent/carers as possible attending Sports Day. This is always a very exciting day which both students and staff enjoy immensly. Please do come along and support your sons/daughters
A reminder that Year 7 and 8 students will be sitting internal exams next week. Year 7 and 8 students will be dismissed at 2.30pm throughout next week.
Jo Shuter, CBE
Headteacher
Friday, 24th June 2011
Dear Parents and Carers,
Thank you to all the parent/carers who attended the Year 8 Parents Evening on Tuesday. It was a marvellous turnout, thank you for your continued support.
On Friday we welcomed year 6 students joining us in September. This is always a most enjoyable day for students and staff. It is so nice to see the excitement and eagerness of our new students, who on the whole, cannot wait to join us in September. They enjoyed their taster lessons, and the experience of meeting their form tutor and classmates. Thank you also to the parent/carers who stayed for the assembly. We look forward to seeing them all again in September when they join the QK Community.
With regard to the proposed NUT strike action on 30th June. You will receive a letter/text at the beginning of next week to confirm the situation.
A reminder we are holding an Evening Reception on Thursday 30th June, to support QK House. The event runs from 6.30-8.00pm. Please do come along and support this new and much needed Charity. You will be given updated information on how far things are progressing and how you can become involved. If you work for an organisation or know someone you think may be interested in donating money, time or getting involved in other ways, please come along and speak to the key members of staff who will be around on the night. Refreshments will be available and the evening will feature performances from QK students. We very much look forward to seeing you there.
Jo Shuter, CBE
Headteacher
Friday, 17th June 2011
Dear Parents and Carers,
On Monday we welcomed back Year 12 who will be attending lessons for the coming three weeks. During this time, Year 12 students will be making a start on their A2 work, beginning to plan their future for after Year 13, and are attending a variety of workshops including, UCAS Course Searches, Trading Game and activities run by Google and the Brokerage City Link. They will also have an opportunity to visit universities and attend Open Days.
Many thanks to parent/carers who attended the Year 10 Parents’ Evening on Tuesday. As usual, attendance figures were exceptional. Thanks again for supporting your sons/daughter and the school at these key events.
On Thursday 23rd June our music department is hosting its’ annual Summer Concert - starting at 6pm in the Drama Centre. The students are working very hard with their instrumental teachers to prepare their pieces. I am sure they will really appreciate the presence of parents/carers and all members of the QK Community, coming along to show their support and enjoy what is always a superb display of musical talent.
Headstart Day on Friday 24th June, sees year 6 students who will be joining us in September spend the day at QK. They will meet their Form Tutor and fellow members of their Tutor Group. They will also have ‘taster lessons’ throughout the day. Parents/carers are encouraged to stay for the coffee morning and meet with the Year 7 Transition Team, who will be available to answer any questions regarding the transition process.
QK has an extremely active and well-established Student Voice. To ensure that the entire school is aware of the extensive work of Student Voice, each year we have an ‘Awareness Week’. All Yr7, 8 & 9 tutor groups will take part in a session (over the course of a double period) where they will find out about what Student Voice is how it works and how they can get involved. Each session will consist of a presentation and a number of interactive workshops which will be focused around the key skills Student Voice aims to develop (leadership, initiative, communication, problem solving & teamwork).
Students will be given more information regarding their Student Voice session next week in registration
Advance Warning:
As you are probably aware, there is a strong possibility that various teaching unions will be holding a national strike on Thursday 30th June. I have not had confirmation from any official sources that this is definitely happening. However I will let parent/carers know either via text message or letter as soon as I have confirmation either way.
Finally, on Thursday 30th June, we are holding an Evening Reception to support the QK House fund. The event runs from 6.30-8.00pm. Please do come along and support this new and much needed Charity. You will be given updated information on how far things are progressing and how you can become involved. If you work for an organisation or know someone you think may be interested in donating money, time or getting involved in other ways, please come along and speak to the key members of staff who will be around on the night. Refreshments will be available and featured performances from QK students. We very much look forward to seeing you there.
Jo Shuter, CBE
Headteacher
Friday, 10th June 2011
Dear Parents and Carers,
I look forward to seeing all parents of Year 10 students at Parents’ Evening on Tuesday 14th June. Parents will receive the End of Year Report, a summary of students’ grades this year, a guide to the next few weeks including the Pre-Mock exam timetable and, of course, be able to speak to all subject teachers about how Year 10 students have progressed during their GCSE courses. Year 10 students have their Pre-Mock exams in two weeks time so you will also be able to discuss how to help your son/daughter to revise for these.
Advance warning: The Year 8 Parents’ Evening takes place on Tuesday 21st June.
We welcome back Year 12 AS students on Monday now that they have finished their external exams. Students will be beginning their A2 courses in all subjects and will be set work for the holidays. 100% attendance is expected from all students.
May I remind all parents that holidays in term-time will not be authorised by the school or the Education Authority. Missing school is not acceptable and harms your child’s education. Students who do miss school are likely to be referred to the Education Welfare Officer and/or taken off roll.
Jo Shuter, CBE
Headteacher
Friday, 27th May 2011
Dear Parents and Carers,
Last Friday we said our Goodbyes to Year 13 students at their final National Record of Achievement event. It was an inspiring afternoon. Students and staff related many stories of their time at QK – some happy, some sad and many outright hilarious! It was a wonderful afternoon and quite emotional. We wish all our Year 13 students every success for the future in their chosen path. We are hosting a Prom for Year 13 this evening at QK – I hope they will all have a wonderful evening.
This week year 9 students enjoyed a variety of ‘taster lessons’ in preparation for them making their subject choices for GCSE. The feedback from students was very positive. They enjoyed immensely the opportunity to explore subjects not previously studied and enabled them to make more informed choices during the option process. Year 9 parents accompanied their sons/daughters throughout the day on Friday for their Options appointment. It was a tremendous turnout by parents – thank you for showing so much support to your sons/daughters and to the school.
After half-term Year 10 and Year 8 Parents Evening will take place. You will receive your appointment letter the first week back after half-term. These evenings are of huge importance. You will be given the chance to meet with all subject teachers and receive information regarding the academic progress of your sons/daughters. All parents are expected to attend, and we look forward to meeting you on the night.
Year 10 will begin their mock exams on Monday 27th June – that is only 3 weeks away! Please ensure you encourage students to revise as much as possible over the coming weeks. Half-term presents an ideal opportunity for students to revise at least 3/4 hours every day. I can assure you, steady and constant revision will make a significant difference to student achievement and ultimately their overall results.
Finally have a restful and productive half-term.
Jo Shuter, CBE
Headteacher
Friday, 20th May 2011
Dear Parents and Carers,
First of all, I would like to say how fantastic the Year 11 NRA and Prom were last week. It was as wonderful as ever to see our students reach the end of their five years at QK and to celebrate their achievements at the NRA, then the Prom. The girls arrived dressed in the most magnificent gowns, with the boys looking equally stunning in smart suits, waistcoats and ties. We look forward to welcoming many of them back into the Sixth Form after some excellent exam results!
Our first annual Welcome Evening for the parents and students who will be joining the QK Community in September was on Wednesday with the second next Wednesday. As ever, it was lovely to meet so many parent/carers who are keen to support their sons and daughters with their transition into secondary school.
On Wednesday year 7 – 10 participated in a range of activities as part of enrichment day. Year 7 took part in a sustainability project involving independent research and collective teamwork. Year 8 had a very lively and interesting debate – Needs VS Wants trading game. Year 9 looked at the issues surrounding ‘the rich VS ‘the poor, and year 10 spent the day learning about Health & Safety in the workplace – its origins and purpose.
Yesterday afternoon Year 9 students received the results of their Pathway Tests. This was done in a formal setting – mirroring the way they will receive their pubic examination results in the not too distant future! The next step for them will be to choose their subjects for GCSE. Pathway interviews and taster lessons for all year 9 students are being held next Thursday and Friday. The taster lessons give students the opportunity to sample a wide variety of subjects and to make more informed choices during the options process. This is a important time for year 9 students and they are all very excited and looking forward to the new challenges ahead.
Jo Shuter, CBE
Headteacher