SPORTING EVENTS
Here are just a few of our recent sporting heroes who have been performing extremely well and have achieved successes within their various sports.
In rugby, the under 14’s won their first round match in the Midland State Schools Cup, beating George Eliot school from Nuneaton. The Under 15 and under 18 teams both won their first round in the Daily Mail national cup matches and the under 16 team finished as runners up in the army sponsored Staffordshire Sevens. They qualified for the West Midlands competition at Kings Norton on October 7th where they came third overall, a very good result. Also, eight players have been chosen to play for Staffordshire – Luke Powell, Henry Hilder, Luke Massey, George Cotterhill, Alan Wilson, Philip Jones, Joseph Thompson and John Everton.
In tennis we have also had some exceptionally good results of late. Following victories over RisingBrookHigh School and HagleyParkHigh School, plus a “walk over” against WolverhamptonGrammar School, King Edward’s reached the final in the StaffordshireSchool’s Tennis Cups 2004 (Under 19’s). This was played at TiptonSportsAcademy against Newcastle Under Lyme Grammar School who have been the winners for the last two year. The team consisted of Stephen McDermott, Greg Massey, Luke Massey and Tim Travers. An exciting contest ensued but a fighting performance saw King Edwards edge out Newcastle by four matches to two to take the Staffordshire Champions Title. James Boynton and Andy Box played in earlier rounds.
Other recent achievers include Adam Christodoulou for his British Karting Championships successes and Dominic Lofters playing basketball for West Midlands during a recent three day visit to Dublin. Dominic has also been playing basketball for the “Burton Tournadoes” over the past year. Lizzie Brett continues to excel in her badminton – having recently won the Senior Staffordshire Ladies doubles and played for the junior team in the Silver European Tournament. She is also the Under 17 mixed doubles National Champion.
Becky Watkins has been selected to play rounders for the England under 15 squad, and has played netball for the CountyNetball under 16 squad. Stephanie Clegg also played county netball for the Under 16, was in the Under 17 England Netball final trials and was part of the team that won the U16 National clubs Netball Championship.
Another highly achieving pupil that must be mentioned is Adam Taylor who has been chosen to swim to represent Staffordshire and Greater Manchester Schools at the National English Schools Championships. He is a national age group qualifier at 200m, 400m and 1500m, freestyle.
Some of these students are photographed above – we congratulate them on their achievements – alongside the others mentioned who were not able to be in the photograph. Well done to you all and good luck for your forthcoming events.
DYSLEXIA FRIENDLY SCHOOL
King Edward VI School achieved Level One of Dyslexia Friendly School Status in January 2004. We are now working towards Level 2.
We would like to compile an up to date list of all students who have had a diagnosis of Dyslexia. We hope we are aware of any difficulties your child may be experiencing but we realise that some parents seek support/tuition from outside school. We would like to be aware of your child’s dyslexia so that we can be sensitive to their needs. Many students with dyslexia cope well in school without extra support and it is not our intention to single your child out or cause them any embarrassment. We would also like to know this in advance of any public examinations as simply producing a report, which recommends special access arrangements, is no longer acceptable to the Examining Bodies.
Access arrangement for examinations are a school initiative and have to be applied for by the school on the school’s recommendation and evidence of need and history of need. A report from an Educational Psychologist or the Dyslexia Institute in isolation is not enough. The school requires evidence well in advance of any exams so that the appropriate support, practice and planning can be made for students.
If your child has a diagnosis of dyslexia and you are unsure whether the school is aware of this, please contact Mrs. S. Wright, SenCO.
CLARIFICATION OF DATES
A reminder that Tuesday, 4th January 2005 will be a Training day for Staff. Therefore, pupils return to school on Wednesday, 5th January.
PART-TIME CLEANING STAFF REQUIRED
We always do our best to keep the school site and buildings as neat and tidy as we can—not an easy task with well over 1500 people on the premises every day. Our cleaners work very hard and do an excellent job, but we don’t have as many as we would like and always find it difficult to recruit new members to the team, despite advertisements, leaflet drops, etc. Do you know anyone who might be able to help us keep the learning environment for your children as clean as possible? We are constantly on the lookout for people who could work for a couple of hours after school, and an early morning shift might also be a possibility. Anyone who would like further information should contact our cleaner in charge, Anne Thompson, via the school Reception Office (01543 255714).
Kings Hill Road
Once again I am making my regular request to all parents to avoid driving up and down Kings Hill Road at peak school times. We are concerned to avoid traffic congestion and the consequent risks of an accident. The road, and the Leisure Centre area, can become very busy just before 9.00 a.m. and also at the end of the school day, so do please resist the temptation to add your own car to the problem. Thank you.
Parent Governor Ballot
Following the recent ballot, I am pleased to announce that we have two new Parent Governors—Christine Husbands and Lee Noble. Many thanks to everyone who participated in the process.
Year 13 Parents’ Evening
Year 13 Parents’ Evening is Thursday, 21st October. This is an important opportunity to discuss progress so far and the next steps that are necessary.
PTA
The Family Quiz on Saturday 2nd October was extremely successful with 21 teams entering and £218.00 profit being made for the school. Thank you to everyone who supported the event. Mr. Bowman was an excellent quiz master and we hope you all had a good time!
The next event in the PTA calendar will be the Hair and Beauty Evening on Tuesday 16th November at 7pm. A chance to get a new hair cut, make-over, manicure, nail art and aromatherapy or massage tips. All of these services, plus a drink, are included in the entry charge of just £2.50. Careers advice is also available to those who are interested in this area.
Don’t forget the Christmas Continental Market on Friday 26th November from 6.30pm in Bader Hall.