22nd April 2016

It was wonderful to see the students at High Tech High so totally engaged in their learning.  I was shown around the school and the neighbouring schools by four Year 10-aged students.  I was very impressed with the enthusiasm that they showed for their own learning.  Equally impressive was the pride that they showed in their school.  I was particularly struck with the maturity and confidence that they exhibited during the tour.  They made the benefits of their school’s ethos and, in particular the merits of project based learning, very clear.

Examples of project based learning

Here are just a couple of examples of current projects at the school.  The students work in groups with very little upfront input from their teachers.  I asked one of the students how the groups were decided and he explained that students were allowed to suggest a number of students with whom they would like to work over the course of the year.  He went on to say that it was not always possible to work with your friends but that this was good preparation for the world of work.  Once again, a thoroughly mature outlook from this student with regards to his studies.  The aim is to ensure that students have ‘mastered’ the topic by the end of the project.

Students work on their cross-curricular projects for a number of weeks or months and their work culminates in a formal presentation.

A number of staff at Ken Stimpson have been trained in developing meaningful projects with students and we are really keen to develop this even further.  One practical idea that we have taken from High Tech High is the display of students’ work.  Mr O’Neill has used this as the basis for our annual Exhibition of Learning.

Stunning displays of students’ work:

Best wishes

Richard Lord
Principal

I am pleased to announce that ten of the twelve students went on to complete their 1,500 word ‘mini dissertations’, on the topic of ‘Consequentialism and Deontology: Do the ends justify the means?’ In early February, Mr Kenefec and I escorted seven of these students to Royal Holloway, University of London for the graduation event where they were presented with their certificates during a graduation formal ceremony. 

To further celebrate the success of this group of young people further our school governing body made the decision to jointly award all ten ‘Brilliant Club’ graduates the Governor’s Award for last term.  Vice Chair of Governors Ian Robson presented students with their certificates at the Full Governing Body meeting and congratulated the students on their achievement.  The Brilliant Club graduates were:

• Michael Balasal
• Anais James
• Ella Platten
• Keely Spelman
• Shay Clarke
• Thomas Fox
• Tyler Rayment
• Ellie Richardson-Owen
• Dylan Wright
• Michaela Zigova

The students are pictured with Michelle Webster, the PhD student who mentored them with their dissertation. 

We are very proud of these students and hope they will continue to strive for academic excellence as they continue their studies.  We fully expect they will all aim high and will one day be returning to leading universities to take up a university place in the future.

A hat trick of triumphs for Ken Stimpson as Legacy are named Peterborough Young Enterprise Company of the Year!

I am delighted to share the news that on Wednesday evening Legacy, our Young Enterprise Company represented the school at the Young Enterprise Peterborough Area Final at the Future Business Centre, in the newly installed section of Peterborough United’s football ground.  The students did superbly and not only won Best Company but also picked up the awards for Best Presentation and the Environmental Award.  Managing Director Megan Lynas was also personally recognised by the judges and named Businessperson of the Year.

Prior to the event the team had submitted their Annual Company Report and Accounts to the judges.  On the night the team they had to set up a trade stand and make a 4 minute presentation outlining their achievements over the past 6 months.  Prior to the awards ceremony the teams and assembled guests were addressed by winner of The Apprentice 2015 and Peterborough businessman Joseph Valente who shared some words of advice with the young entrepreneurs.

Legacy’s success is particularly pleasing for Centre Lead Mr Abbott and Business Advisor Ray Rankmore as this year represents the third year in a row in which Ken Stimpson has been named Best Company, following the previous success of Atlantic Enterprises in 2014 and Eminence in 2015. The team now go on to the County Final in Cambridge next Wednesday where they will be joined by Peterborough Runners Up, Incepto (from Wisbech Grammar School) and the winners and runners up from the Cambridge and Huntingdon heats. This was an incredible achievement for Legacy in the face of strong competition from the Peterborough teams. Very well done to the team and let’s hope for another similar outcome at the County Final next week. Look out for next week’s KSCS Newsletter to find out how we do!

Kevin Abbott
Assistant Principal

English booster session 

With only  one week left until the English Language exam (Tuesday 3 May  1.00pm start) the English staff have planned two separate booster sessions:

If your son/daughter is taking the core paper then the booster session is on Thursday 28 April 3.20 - 5.00pm (Mrs Gray’s Teaching Room) 

If your son/daughter is taking the extended paper then the booster session is on Saturday 30 April 10.00 am - 12.00pm (Assembly Hall). 

We encourage all students to attend these session.

Best wishes messages from staff

Good luck Year 11 and Post 16.  Remember this is the end of a chapter that will open many doors into the next chapter.  As long as you have tried your hardest you can hold your head up high and be proud. -Mrs Wallace

Good luck to all of year 11 in all your exams - not just Maths! Make sure you put in the hard work now so you have no regrets in the summer. I really look forward to sharing in your success come results day! -Mr Hussain

Mr Erwin
Vice Principal