The Kimberley School Newsletter October 2016 | Page 2

Dear Parents and Carers, I can’t believe that it is coming to the end of my first half term at The Kimberley School. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with everyone connected with the school community – thank you to everyone who has made me feel so welcome. Of course the section of the community that matters the most is the students. It has been a pleasure starting to get to know them and seeing them working hard in lessons. They are a credit to you and the school – and there are many examples of their great work throughout this newsletter. I am determined that every single child should leave this school with the best set of qualifications that set them up for a successful future. Many of you will be aware that in order to ensure this happens, we have introduced a Kimberley School GCSE target for every student in every subject which is based on them making outstanding progress from Key Stage 2. I am currently working with the teaching staff to ensure that they adjust all of their planning and assessment so that it enables students to achieve this very aspirational target. You will find out more about this throughout the year as we start to send reports to you on your child’s progress. Two years ago, Ofsted said that progress had to be better across the school. There has been some success since then but there is still much more to do. I want the very best for your children and I am looking forward to working with you in the coming years to achieve this. Thanks again for making me feel so welcome in the school. Andrew George Head Teacher The Kimberley School PTA Over the last year, The Kimberley School PTA has been busy raising money for our students. From providing refreshments at school events, the hugely successful Spring Fair, Christmas Concert and Summer Fashion show, the volunteer parents of the PTA have been raising hundreds and hundreds of pounds that is all put back into improving our school. Since the Spring term, well over £600 was spent on a variety of projects, including: ™™ Purchasing equipment for the popular Duke of Edinburgh course giving opportunities to Year 10, 11 and Sixth Form students. ™™ Funds for greenhouse equipment for the Year 7 Nurture group to support their gardening projects. ™™ Money towards a two day camping trip for a group of our SEND students. ™™ Photography equipment for the A level course. In the words of the Mr Fullwood: “We have bought a pull down backdrop, two large lamps and a range of modifiers such as soft-box, snoot, beauty dish and reflector. Mr Field, Miss Wardle and I have just completed an afternoon of training in how to use this equipment and it opens up some very exciting possibilities for our A level course.” Mr J Whellan Science Faculty If any parents and carers of students are interested in supporting the PTA, please email [email protected] or contact the school via your child’s tutor.