Events & News

Head of The Junior School's Blog

Week commencing Monday 20th February 2012

I hope that the pupils enjoyed a relaxing week during the half-term break and that they have returned to school feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the remainder of the term with renewed vigour.

Some of the highlights of the next few weeks include the J2 Play, the Informal Concert and a whole-school visit to the Royal Philharmonic Hall in Liverpool

On Tuesday 7th February, we had a visit from Mr David Reeves of the Children’s Air Ambulance Service.  He returns again this week to launch the ‘Leap into Action’ campaign:  The Children’s Air Ambulance aims to provide a helicopter transfer service to help hundreds of seriously ill children every year, who urgently need specialist care.  It will cost £1.5m to launch the Children’s Air Ambulance.  Every child deserves the best chance of survival and recovery and we aim to support this worthy cause.

On the following day, Mr John Lavery, Head Coach of the Cheshire Jets, conducted an Assembly and outlined details of a Cheshire Jets Match Day clinic for Junior School pupils.  The afternoon will include a basketball coaching session, a snack and tickets to the BBC Championship Game against Newcastle Eagles. Letters and vouchers have been distributed.  If interested, please return all forms with an appropriate cheque asap.  Sealed envelopes with the pupil information can be placed in a box located in the Junior School Office.  Final deadline to return forms is Wednesday 22nd February.

At the invitation of school caterers, Chartwells, we took part in the ‘On Your Marks, Get Set, Cook!’ competition.  It proved great fun!  Two teams of pupils, led by Mrs Rudd and Mr O’Neil, competed against the clock in front of the entire Junior School to create the best healthy dish they could from mystery ingredients.  The session was designed to help the pupils learn basic cookery techniques and find out more about healthy eating and nutrition.  As well as practical cookery tips, the teams also looked at things like the origins of food and their nutritional value – fun and educationally rewarding, too.  In a closely fought contest, the ‘red peppers’ led by Mr O’Neil, secured a narrow victory!

We were delighted to welcome into school Mrs Janet Webster, as assessor from Investors in People (IIP).  I am most pleased to announce that our application was successful.  I always believed that we were worthy of such an award and we proved it!

Two school governors, Messrs Davies and Hassett, spent the day with us prior to the break, talking to staff and pupils and ‘shadowing’ a couple of classes.  Again (as expected!) our visitors were highly impressed, not least by the pupils’ confidence, relationships (including with their teachers) and by the general atmosphere which prevails within our special and closely-knit community.  The governors also liked the way achievement is celebrated in the Junior School, together with the staff’s ability to cater for pupils’ individual learning needs.

This week’s ‘attractions’ include J1 and J2 visits to Techniquest; an Assembly based on Climate Change and Renewable Energy; J1/J4 ‘buddy’ meetings; an array of sports fixtures in swimming, hockey, netball and soccer; the commencement of our ‘Recitals’ assemblies.

If your child is playing at one of our ‘Recitals’ assemblies, you are very welcome to join us (Fridays at 8.50 am).  Mrs Roberts will issue details to pupils.

Our informal concert, ‘A Celebration of Pupils’ performance in Speech, Music and Drama’, will take place in the Consterdine Hall during the morning of Wednesday 29th February.  Further details will be forwarded to you within the next few days.

On Thursday 1st March, we celebrate World Book Day.  This is a non-uniform day and pupils are encouraged to come to school in a costume depicting their favourite book character and donate £1 to charity.

Friday 2nd March sees The Perse School, Cambridge, visit us for their annual soccer tour.  A busy programme is planned, culminating in the King’s v Perse soccer matches on Sunday, played for the ‘Tour Trophy’.  My grateful thanks to those parents who have so kindly agreed to act as hosts for the weekend.

Congratulations:

• Oliver Williams, Luke Watson and Alex Hirst (all J4D) participated in the Bonus Round as part of the UK Primary Maths Challenge.  All boys displayed a good level of determination and sound mathematical skills.  Results will be posted on the Mathematics Association website in mid-March.  Well done.
• Laura Scott has passed her Grade 2 Piano examination with Merit.
• We are finally in receipt of the certificates marking our pupils’ success in achieving Grade 2 with Distinction in the Trinity Guildhall Group Drama awards.  Well done to the following pupils who earned this commendation:  Elliot Anthony, Anna Chadwick, Charlie Clarke, Ben Davies, Emma Giddis, Annabel Jackson, Akila Mohan, Erin Morgan, Dan Samarji, Laura Scott, Alistair Smellie.
• Joseph Webb earned his Gold award for skiing during the half-term holiday.

Sketchbook of the Week:

Marcus Evans for his research pages on junk sculpture.

Fantasy Football League:

 Managers of the Month for January:

 Sports Results:

 AJIS Sportshall Athletics:

On 7th February a team of thirty pupils took part in this event, which was held at Robin Park, Wigan.  All pupils displayed a pleasing attitude and enjoyed the day, during which a high level of core athletics skills were observed.  A large number of schools took part and many of our pupils did very well to be placed in fourth or fifth position.  The following pupils performed exceptionally well and gained medals:

U10 Netball v The Grange:
U10A won, 3-1.
U10B drew, 3-3.

U11 Netball v The Grange:
U11A won, 2-1
U11B won, 5-0

All J4 girls were given the opportunity to play.  Great!  Abbie Evans scored all five goals for the B team.!

U11 Football v Altrincham Prep.
U11A lost, 0-1
U11B lost, 1-6

What’s On This Week:

Week commencing Monday 6th February 2012

We are about to embark upon a very busy week … ie, even busier than the norm!

During the early part of this week, an assessor from Investors in People (IIP) will be in school. Several years ago, the Senior School underwent assessment for the award and the outcome was successful. This time, the Junior School is also to be involved. We believe that we are worthy of such an award … now to prove it!

J3 examinations take place this week. These are always useful indicators of pupils' rates of development and individuals' academic standing amongst their peers.

As a little light relief, the pupils are to take part in 'On Your Marks, Get Set, Cook!' Working with the 'Fun into Food' team, two teams of pupils compete against the clock and in front of an audience of fellow pupils to create the best healthy dish they can from mystery ingredients. The competition gets pupils excited about food and eating and also provides students with hands-on cookery experience. The team stay for the lunch service to continue to educate pupils about healthy eating. Pupils get some hands-on cookery experience and improve their skills at food and fitness workshops with help from the 'Fun into Food' team. The sessions are designed to help the pupils learn basic cookery techniques and find out more about healthy eating and nutrition. As well as practical cookery tips, the teams also look at things like the origins of foods and their nutritional value. It should be great FUN and educationally rewarding, too. No excuse for J3P's cakes not tasting extra good now when they run their cake sale on Wednesday.

The 'Leap Into Action' campaign for the Children's Air Ambulance Service is coming to King's on Tuesday. We have been selected to represent Chester and West Cheshire in the launch of a bespoke helicopter transfer service for critically ill children, due to come into operation at the end of the year.

On the same day, we take part in the inaugural AJIS Indoor Athletics competition. We have high hopes of returning with some medals!

It is good that Governors take an active interest in what goes on during a normal school day. Friday sees us host our annual Education Day. On this occasion two members of the governing body will be 'shadowing' JS pupils to learn a little more about their daily routine. It promises to be an interesting day. I am sure that Messrs Davies and Hassett will be impressed.

As ever, a number of sports fixtures appear in the calendar. Hopefully, the weather will be kind and allow all fixtures to go ahead as planned.

We were very disappointed that our home soccer matches versus Stockport Grammar School were postponed due to frozen pitches. You will be aware that our groundstaff are excellent (just look at the pitches!) and we rarely have cause to call off home matches. However, despite the weak sunshine last Friday morning, the ground remained 'like concrete'. Such a pity as four matches were scheduled. Similarly, the U10 fixtures at Merchant Taylors lost out to frost.

Last week we celebrated National Story Week with numerous staff members holding storytelling sessions during the lunchbreak. The children really enjoyed themselves, as did the staff.

Miss Jaimie Crowther, who left our VIth form last year, spent last week shadowing Mrs Benson and J2B. She had a marvellous time and the experience has reinforced her desire to become a teacher.

Please do try to come along to the Comedy Night arranged by the KSPA for Friday 24th February. I'm not joking … it should be a really good evening.

Do consider, too, joining the KSPA 200 Club, details of which have been sent to you. In recent months I have won £15!

Any unnamed lost property remaining in school at the end of this week will be disposed of.

Pupils' appearance is important to us and I hope to you, too. A small number of our pupils would benefit from a half-term haircut. I would be obliged if this could be arranged. Thank you.

Have a good half term break.

Good Work:

• James Fahmy, Isabella Jones, Aeneas Dennison – 'Christian Worship'
• Archie Barker – 'Fun at the Seaside'.

Sketchbook of the Week:

Dawn Holt, J3O, for her beautiful still-life painting. Her use of colour in the fabric on the table, and in the background, is superb.

Congratulations:

• Oliver Williams, Alex Hirst and Luke Watson have qualified for the National Finals of the UK Primary Maths Challenge.
• Fraser Murdoch, ex-Junior School pupil and captain of one of Mr Malone's successful AJIS Cup-winning soccer teams, has been signed on professional terms by Crewe Alexandra FC. Fraser has already represented Scotland at schoolboy level.
• William Standing gained 5th place in the Wirral Triathlon.

Sports Results:

U10 Soccer v Manchester Grammar School:
A team won, 7-1
B team lost, 1-3

U9, U10 and U11 Swimming v Birkenhead High School:
All three age groups secured convincing victories.

U10 and U11 Netball v King's Macclesfield:
U10A won
U10B lost (by one goal)
U11A and B both suffered defeats.

What's On This Week:

Week commencing Monday 30th January 2012

There are days when I know I have the best job in the world, made possible by our super pupils. Last Friday was such a day. Magical times included:

• Assembly – an uplifting story of Martin Luther King, superbly led by J4D, followed by a wonderfully sung hymn, 'Shine, Jesus, Shine'.
• Swimming with J2B – all pupils worked so hard on their diving. Two boys were finding the technique difficult but they kept trying. A girl offered them support. Lovely to see! Another boy offered me his hair gel, which, of course, I had to use!
• Football practice with J4 girls – such enthusiasm and not wanting to come in, despite the heavy rain. So many girls thanking me for taking them out. Fantastic!
• J4 House cross-country – everyone trying their best. Encouragement for those with less ability. Two pupils who struggled but were determined to finish. Brilliant!
• Checking the 'Intentions' box, prior to leaving for home and noting a J3 girl asking for us to think about her classmate who is ill in hospital. Heartwarming!
• On Saturday morning, I had the pleasure of watching one of my former AJIS Cup-winning soccer teams (now U14s) playing. Wow! Mouth-watering! (Birmingham City won, too!).

Thank you one and all.

We celebrate Story Telling Week in school over the next few days with sessions taking place on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Isn't it great being read to? Even now, in my tender years, I still enjoy it!

We are delighted to welcome Miss Jaimie Crowther to the Junior School. Jaimie left the VIth form of King's last year and wishes to become a teacher. We have arranged for her to 'shadow' one of our own staff members this week. I wonder who it will be?

Another visitor is to be Revd Ian Thomas, who returns once again to lead an Assembly.

The sports fixture list is extremely healthy this week. Please do refer to the calendar for scheduled matches. We have eight teams out representing the school on Friday! Not bad!

I hope that the small number of parents who attended the E-Safety meeting last week found it worthwhile. The feedback I have received was most supportive. What a pity there weren't more people there to appreciate the points raised. PC Karl Williamson has now also addressed pupils in J3 and J4 and will talk to our younger age groups this week.

February 7th is Internet Awareness Day. You may like to know that the CEOP button at the bottom of our home page navigates to both CEOP reporting and 'Think U Know',both mentioned during the e-safety presentation.

As reported previously, some JS staff took part in the Santa Dash to raise funds for 'The Hospice of the Good Shepherd'. Messrs Griffiths and O'Neil (I was busy on the day of the event!!!) handed over a cheque to the charity during a recent Assembly. The Hospice's mascot, PAWZ, also came along to meet the pupils!

The KSPA is organising a 'Curry and Comedy' night to be held in school. Do come along. It promises to be a great night.

Unfortunately, Mandarin Club, will not operate for a while as Mrs Hao has had to return to China due to family illness.

The large amount of lost property that we have accumulated will be displayed this week. Any items remaining by Friday will be disposed of.

Good Work:

• Lucas Leon – Legotec 'Fairground ride';
• Harrison Wright and Jake Wundke – Legotec 'Wind Farm';
• Jonathan Carty – Poetry observations;
• Louis Adams and Isabella Jones – Puppets made in DT.

Sketchbook of the Week:

Jack Goodrich for his superb still-life drawing.

Sports Results:

J4 House Cross-Country:
1st – Lindans – 294
2nd – Shepherds – 350
3rd – Evans – 351
4th – Falles – 389

The boys' event was won by Liam Shortall (7.52), with Greg Travis second and Sam Flory third.
The girls' event was won by Sophie Taylor (9.17), with Isabel Thomas second and Laura Scott third.

U10 and U11 Girls' Hockey v Queen's:
U11A team – lost (by a few!)
U11B team – won (by one!)
Both U10 teams lost.

What's on This Week:

Week commencing Monday 23rd January 2012

It was a great pleasure to view the J3 Tudor projects, which were on display in the Consterdine Hall. The quality was very high and the range of topic chosen most varied. A great effort from our J3 pupils. Very well done!

I hope that a large number of parents will be able to join us on Tuesday evening for our E-Safety Meeting, led by PC Karl Williamson, who will also address J3 and J4 pupils on Friday.

J4 House competitions take place in soccer and cross-country, whilst inter-school fixtures are planned in soccer and hockey.

Auditions for the J2 Play have been taking place and parts will be announced soon. Miss Anderson does extremely well to ensure that all pupils make a contribution but there will likely be some disappointed as some pupils will have more significant roles than others. The play will take place on Friday 23rd March in the Vanbrugh Theatre starting at 7 pm. All those taking part will be allocated two free tickets. Additional tickets may be purchased via the Box Office. Further details will follow at a later date.

Our giant model of King Henry VIII has taken a short holiday to the seaside! He has been transported to Blackpool for some marketing work in connection with the TV programme "Britain's got Talent". Those involved in preparing Henry certainly fall into this category.

Notification of forthcoming events:

Monday 6th February: 'On Your Marks, Get Set, Cook!' Working with the school caterers' 'Fun into Food' team, two teams of pupils compete against the clock and in front of an audience of fellow pupils to create the best healthy dish they can from mystery ingredients. The competition gets pupils excited about food and eating well and also provides them with hands-on cookery experience.

Tuesday 7th February: 'Leap into Action' campaign for the Children's Air Ambulance. The King's Junior School has been selected to represent Chester and West Cheshire in the launch of a bespoke helicopter transfer service for critically ill children, due to come into operation at the end of the year.

Saturday 10th March: The Junior School will be taking part in the Chester Festival of Performing Arts. For the second year running the venue is The King's School and more than forty of our pupils will be participating in the competition. The pupils will perform solo dramas, group dramas, recite poetry and read from their favourite authors. Adjudicators from all over the North West will be present and each child will receive feedback on their performance.

Saturday 12th May: A workshop, sponsored by NWGT, is to be held at the Junior School. The 'Macbeth Challenge' will be led by Mrs Vanessa Gibson and Mrs Jo Benson. As well as our own members of staff, experts have been invited from the world of Drama in Education, Dr Nick McGuinn (University of York) and Trinity Newspapers' Mr Neil Benson. This promises to be a very challenging day which will bring together the world of Shakespeare's dark play with the world of journalism, as the pupils investigate the 'Drama in Journalism'.

Congratulations:

• The J3O cake sale raised £91.45. Thank you and well done.

Trinity Guildhall music Examinations:

Congratulations to the following pupils on their recent success:

Good Work:

• William Moore – 'The Dragon of Death'
• Christen Daniels-Peralta – 'Christian Worship'
• Raef Watts – excellent work in spelling.
• Solomon Meredith, Claudia Smith, Tom Chappell, Heather Black and William Maunder for full marks in recent tests.

Sketchbook of the Week:

Oliver de Blainsin for his beautifully composed and carefully executed still-life drawing.

Sports Results:

Swimming v Merchant Taylors' (A)
We suffered a defeat against notoriously strong opponents but it was pleasing that a number of J1 pupils were given the opportunity to take part. They did well.

I was delighted that a King's parent made special mention of the excellent manner in which our pupils conducted themselves throughout the event. It's always very important to create a favourable impression, be it in victory or defeat. Well done!

U11 Boys' Hockey v Altrincham Prep (A):

U11A, Lost, 0-3
The team played very well and had just as much possession as Altrincham Prep but their goalkeeper was outstanding and is the Manchester United goalkeeper! Man of the Match was Harry Langley (new to hockey this year).

U11B, Won, 4-0
(Shortall 2, Flory 1, Bellis 1)

Thanks to Mr Bennett, whose input during the course of the day was much appreciated.

U9 Soccer v The Grange (A)
I know that a number of pupils were disappointed by the postponement of fixtures brought about by frozen pitches in Hartford. However, the safety of our pupils is always our prime consideration.

What's On This Week:

Week commencing Monday 16th January 2012

The pupils of J3 enjoyed taking part in the Cheshire Jets Basketball team's 'Hoops for Health' Roadshow. There was certainly enthusiastic participation taking place as I looked on!

Revd Ian Thomas, School Governor, will visit to lead an Assembly.

We look forward to sampling the baking skills of J3O as they prepare for their cake sale.

Sports fixtures take place this week in soccer, hockey and swimming. Please refer to the calendar for details.

May I remind parents that, due to the Entrance Examinations taking place in both the Junior (7+) and Senior Schools (11+), the school will be closed on Monday 23rd January.

As notified previously, we are to hold e-safety meetings for pupils and parents. The parents' session will be held on Tuesday 24th January at 7 pm and I would urge you to attend, if at all possible. Whilst the topic is not a serious issue here in the Junior School, I would strongly recommend that you make yourselves aware of the potential difficulties which can arise in this area. Parental response, to date, has been poor; I would urge you to come along … we hope to be able to provide you with a cup of tea and a biscuit! I have also attended such meetings in my role as a parent and have found them to be extremely informative and eye-opening! Please do come along if at all possible.

Parents with children in J1 and J2 will be aware that we have slightly amended the collection arrangements at the end of the day. As a school community we are extremely keen to ensure that the car park environment is as safe as it possible can be. With this in mind, we may need to amend collection arrangements further for all Junior School pupils at the end of the day. Parents will obviously be kept informed of any further changes we may need to make.

J2 pupils will soon commence auditions for their annual production … yet to be announced! The play will take place in the Vanbrugh Theatre (what an experience this is!) at 7 pm on Friday 23rd March. All participants will be allocated two free tickets. Additional tickets may be purchased via the Box Office. Further details will follow at a later date.

J3 parents should have been notified that the examination week for J3 pupils has been put back by one week until Monday 6th February. Apologies if this causes any inconvenience.

I am sure you are aware that, as a regular part of our Assembly on Mondays, we say 'Intentions' for pupils, staff or pupils, who have requested that we share a moment or two of reflection to consider those in need or to celebrate others' joy. Requests may be placed in the 'Footprints' box in the Library. Please do feel free to support this initiative or to examine the list of intentions read thus far this year and which is displayed adjacent to the Junior School Office.

Letters sent home:

J3 parents – Change of arrangements to J3 Exam Week

Congratulations:

• Isabella Jones has passed her Pianaoforte Pre Prep and Music Theatre Grade 1, both with Merit.
• Sebastian Corry has been signed on a one-year contract with Tranmere Rovers FC.

Good Work:

• Callum Kingsley for his very good scores in spelling tests.
• William Saunders has made excellent progress with both his reading and his spelling.

Sketchbook of the Week:

Ellie Saunders for her sensitive still-life, which utilises colour to great effect.

Sports Results:

Soccer v Manchester Grammar School (A)

U11A, Won, 4-1 - Match Report
U11B, Won, 3-2

… and Birmingham City won 6-0 away, too! What a great weekend!

What's On This Week:

NB WHOLE-SCHOOL CLOSED on Monday 23rd January for ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS

Week commencing Monday 9th January 2012

A Happy New Year to you all. I hope that you and your families had a good Christmas and were able to enjoy valued time together. My best wishes for a healthy and prosperous year ahead. May I extend a particularly warm welcome to families who have joined King's this term.

I trust that our super pupils are well rested and prepared to tackle, with renewed vigour, the exciting challenges that await them this term.

Entrance procedures are scheduled to take place soon for 11+ candidates and for prospective Junior School candidates. Please may I remind you that the whole school will be closed on Monday 23rd January as a consequence. J3 have core subject examinations at the end of the month, too.

We are able to boast the usual array of sports fixtures, including a variety of House matches. Planned events for the term include: charity cake sales; a whole-school trip to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra; World Book Day; The Perse School soccer tour to Chester; the Bexwyke Lecture at Manchester Grammar School; an 'On Your Marks, Get Set, Cook' cookery exhibition; a visit from Dee Water; a trip to Techniquest and a visit to Erddig.

The J2 play and the Informal Concert are likely to be two of the term's major highlights. Details will follow in due course.

J3 pupils are to take part in the Cheshire Jets Roadshow this week.

Just prior to breaking up for the Christmas holiday, the pupils and staff made a recording of the Military Wives song, which we forwarded to local radio station, Dee 106.3. Our recording was aired on the morning of 19th December and was dedicated to our local Mercian Regiment.

Those of you who were fortunate to be able to attend the school Carol Service at the Cathedral will agree what a memorable occasion it was. I thought our choir sang beautifully, whilst J4 pupil, Robin Fryar, read the First Lesson with calm assurance, belying his tender years. Very well done … I felt very proud. Interestingly all student readers (and parent) had Junior School connections … we must be doing something right!

We are to hold e-safety meetings for pupils and parents. The parents' session will be held on Tuesday 24th January at 7 pm and I would urge you to attend, if at all possible. Whilst the topic is not a serious issue here in the Junior School, I would strongly recommend that you make yourselves aware of the potential difficulties which can arise in this area.

My grateful thanks to the large number of you who responded so positively to our initiative in supporting underprivileged and disadvantaged children from our local community through the purchase of games and toys. It really did make a difference for these children. Thank you.

We have been advised by our Senior School colleagues of some disruption to lessons taking place in classrooms adjacent to the J1/J2 collection point at the end of the school day. We are looking to see how we might improve this situation.

Should a decision be taken not to open the school due to severe weather, we shall attempt to notify parents via our website. Such information will be posted under 'Notices' on the home page. We shall also aim to notify local radio stations, Dee 106.3 and Heart 103.4. The website Noticeboard will also be used to advise parents of fixture postponements, wherever possible.

I am aware that a number of Junior School pupils attend Badminton Club after school on Wednesdays. I have been asked to notify you that the West Cheshire Badminton Performance Centre is currently recruiting new players to join its raw talent squad, which meets at King's School on alternate Fridays.

Anyone in J1 – J4 interested in selection should contact Kay Vickers (Tel: 07811 362932, email: kay.vickers@cheshirebadminton.org).

Lettters sent home:

E-safety meeting for parents (All, via e-mail)

Congratulations:

• Isabella Jones (J1R) was voted 'Gymnast of the Month' at her local club;
• Lily McNamara (J1T) won a dressage event over the holidays on her pony 'Micky'.

Recent successes in the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music exams include:

Fantasy Football Managers of the Month (December):

J1, Euan Porter, Pipers Athletic
J2, Lily Walker, Lilypool
J3, William Roberts, William's Wanderers and Oliver Paul, The Red and White Devils
J4, Oliver Williams, Ollie's Obliviators
Parent, Mr Walker, Never Walker Loan
Staff, Mr Malone, Keep Right On.

(The cream always rises to the top!!! Keep Right On!)

Good Work:

• Emil Esrubilsky, Max Dunbavand, William Madden and Joe de Blainsin for their 'Russian Dolls'

What's On This Week: