Mr Pavis' Video Newsletter: Friday 30th January

It’s been another action-packed week here at Kingsley, filled with creativity, competition, and community spirit across every corner of the school.

This week’s video comes from outside the soon-to-be Connect Centre — the new home that will unite our existing Grenville and Edgehill Centres into one incredible facility. The project is well underway and scheduled for completion later this year, bringing together our specialist support teams under one roof to create an inspiring new hub for learning, wellbeing, and growth.

In the classroom, students from Years 9 to 11 took part in the UKMT Intermediate Maths Challenge, showcasing their problem-solving skills and logical thinking — we can’t wait to see the results. Meanwhile, we’ve been welcoming prospective Sixth Form students from schools across North Devon for interviews and tours, with a fantastic level of interest for September 2025 entry.

Two exciting new courses were also announced this week: NCFE qualifications in Coastal Adventures, available from September to both GCSE (Year 9) and Sixth Form (Year 11) students. These hands-on courses combine sport science, environmental study, and adventure learning, building on the success of our Surf Academy and Coastal Adventures Programme. Interested students are encouraged to speak to Aym Dupuy for more details.

Read here about the new programme!

Students in our Connect Centre have been busy too, working with the Earth Centre on creative projects — making natural paintbrushes and pencils from found materials. It’s been a great way to connect art, sustainability, and outdoor learning in one practical activity.

In sport, it’s been a week of exceptional performances. At the Southern Schools Trampoline Championships, Alexia placed an impressive 5th, while our gymnasts dominated the South West Milano Championships with five team golds — in the U11, U13, U15, and U19 girls’ events, plus the U11 boys’ category. Individual golds went to Harriet, Ellie, and Faye, silvers to Zion, Boris, Willow, Imogen, and Tiger, and bronze to Max — a phenomenal set of results.

Our netball teams have continued their strong form, with the Year 7 and 8 teams both winning against Shebbear — congratulations to Sophie and Lina, Players of the Match. The U15 A team also secured victory against Holsworthy, with Grace named Player of the Match, while the B team put in a spirited performance with Dylan earning recognition for their efforts. At the ISA South West U13 Netball Championships, Kingsley finished an impressive fifth overall, just shy of the top four — a testament to the incredible progress the programme has made in recent years.

On the football pitch, the U15s and Seniors both faced tough competition against Trinity and came away with narrow defeats, but with plenty of positives to take forward into their next fixtures. In rugby, our U14 Sevens performed superbly in the ISA South West Championships, securing five wins and three losses, with Jacob named Player of the Tournament. Our U18 and U7 rugby teams also took to the field against Exeter College — the U18s narrowly missed victory, while the U17s celebrated a great win, with Harrison and Ollie earning Player of the Match awards.

Looking ahead, it’s another packed weekend at Kingsley. Our Ten Tors training teams will be out on the moors, the Swell Chasers will be heading to the coast in search of waves, and rehearsals for Mary Poppins continue in full swing — tickets are on sale now for what promises to be a spectacular show. We’re also looking forward to hosting the Remco Cross Country this weekend — weather permitting!

A huge well done to everyone for their hard work, teamwork, and achievements this week. Have a brilliant weekend!