Mr Pavis' Video Newsletter: Friday 27th February

Welcome back to the second half of the spring term — and what a start we’ve had already. This week I wanted to reflect a little more on the idea of stretch and challenge, something that has been a real focus for us over the last 18 months. Whether inside the classroom or through our expansive curriculum and Aspire programme, we are constantly looking for ways to push our students academically, broaden their character, and help them grow in confidence and ambition.

We’ve seen some tremendous successes already. Ellie-May and Aiste represented Kingsley at the Devon and Cornwall Young Chef of the Year finals — and I’m delighted to say that Ellie-May won. An incredible achievement, and now she progresses to the next round with hopes of reaching the national finals. Meanwhile, our Year 11 geographers were out at Slapton Sands this week, undertaking fieldwork on coastal erosion and rural studies as part of their coursework — a perfect example of academic stretch and challenge in action.

Today my office has been transformed into our very own Dragon’s Den, where students from Sport, STEM, Arts and the Earth Centre are pitching their ideas to the PTA. I’m hugely grateful to the PTA for supporting this initiative — it’s a brilliant opportunity for students to develop enterprise skills, present with confidence, and take ownership of their ideas. It can be nerve-wracking pitching to a panel of “dragons”, but it’s exactly these experiences that build resilience and ambition.

Over half term and into this week, we’ve also celebrated some outstanding sporting achievements. Jesse won gold representing Scotland at her European tournament — an extraordinary accomplishment. Willow attended GB squad surfing training, and Connie secured bronze at the National Judo Championships. We had Reece and Johnson representing the England Lambs U18s against Bath, while John and George have both been selected for the Exeter Chiefs development squads. Our U14 girls’ rugby team are competing at the Ilfracombe tournament today and will also represent Bideford Rugby Club in the Kingsley Cup on Sunday. Meanwhile, our U14 rugby team are in London at the ISA National Finals — we wish them the very best of luck.

Midweek fixtures brought more drama. The U18 rugby team narrowly lost to Millfield by just one point in a nail-biting match. Our U18 and U13 footballers both faced tough opposition this week, with Charlie earning Player of the Match for the U13s. In netball, the U15s finished a very respectable fifth in the North Devon Schools Tournament, with Izzy named Player of the Tournament after strong wins over Pilton and Shebbear. Our U14s and U15s also competed against Shebbear this week, with Willow recognised as Player of the Match in her fixture.

The weekend promises to be just as busy. We have over 15 students competing at the ISA National Cross Country Finals in Birmingham, our Swell Chasers heading out in search of waves, boarders off to watch Bolton Wanderers take on Exeter and enjoying climbing and driving range sessions, and Year 7 students competing in the South West Tumbling competition. And for those who still have energy left, the Bremco League cross country continues on Sunday.

As ever, thank you for your continued support. Please do look out for information regarding road closures near North Down Road next week. Other than that, I wish you all a wonderful weekend and look forward to speaking to you again soon.