Mr Pavis' Video Newsletter: Friday 5th December

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Kingsley! This week has been full of festive spirit, creativity, community and sporting success across all age groups.

The week began with two wonderful performances from our youngest pupils in Early Years, Nursery, Reception, and Years 1 and 2 — the annual Nativity play and Sleeping Beauty. Both productions brought plenty of laughter, music and Christmas cheer to the theatre. A huge thank you to all the children and staff who made them so magical.

Over the weekend, senior school students were also hard at work in the theatre, rehearsing for Mary Poppins, which will take to the stage in February. Tickets go on sale in the new year — definitely one to mark on the calendar. Meanwhile, Years 7, 8 and 9 shared their creativity this week in the Arts Showcase, featuring drama, music and art from this term’s work, all contributing to their Bronze Arts Awards. Thank you to all the parents who came along to support.

The Sixth Form also showed off their culinary skills in the annual Inter-House Christmas Bake-Off. Congratulations to Woolacombe for taking the win — and thank you to everyone for the incredible cakes that have fuelled staff all week and raised money for charity. Speaking of giving back, our Health and Social Care students spread some joy in the community by visiting Bluebell House Care Home — a thoughtful act that truly captured the Kingsley spirit.

In English, Mrs Richards and the department hosted an exhibition in the library showcasing creative writing and literacy projects from across the term. The displays were fantastic and reflect the growing reading culture throughout the school.

We also saw our students take to the stage for the Inter-House Public Speaking Competition, where Croyde came out on top after a brilliant morning of speeches from Years 7–13. The whole school gathered in the theatre from 9:30 to 12:30 to watch — an amazing celebration of confidence and communication.

In sport, our swimmers made waves at the ISA National Finals in London’s Olympic Pool, earning 1 gold, 7 silvers, and 2 bronze medals. A special mention goes to Elise, who set a new ISA National Record in the 200m freestyle relay — an outstanding achievement. Our cross-country team also performed brilliantly at the BREMCO event, with Eva, Henry, Ben, and Blake all representing Kingsley with pride.

On the pitch, our U15 girls’ football team played Shebbear, with Izzy named Player of the Match. The U13 girls also played an exciting fixture against Bideford College, ending in a thrilling 2–2 draw. Well done to all involved — it’s fantastic to see girls’ football and rugby thriving at Kingsley. The Senior Boys’ Football team, unbeaten all season in the National League, faced Luckton in a friendly this week. While the match ended in defeat, it provided plenty of learning for the season ahead.

The Senior Netball A and B teams both took victories over Shebbear — congratulations to everyone involved, and especially to Lily and Evie, who were named Players of the Match.

Looking ahead, our Sixth Formers have their Christmas social this evening at The Commodore Hotel — we wish them an amazing night! Our boarders are also heading off on festive trips this weekend, with the boys on a residential in London and the girls travelling to Plymouth for the Christmas extravaganza.

Tomorrow brings the Kingsley Christmas Fair in the Sports Hall — a highlight of the year and a perfect chance to find gifts and support local stallholders. Next week, we look forward to the Prep School Christingle and our whole-school Carol Service at St Mary’s Church, Bideford, on Thursday at 2:30 PM.

What a way to round off the term — a true mix of talent, kindness and celebration. Have a wonderful weekend, and see you at the Christmas events next week!