KESPA KONNECT - Autumn

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1 KESPA KONNECT - Autumn Issue 20 Autumn 2015/16 kespa@kesw.org A message from your KESPA Chair Lindsay Dalton-Wood (Wakefield U6th) Welcome to the Autumn edition of KESPA Konnect. So far we have had a very enjoyable Autumn term. We hope all parents, guardians and staff had an enjoyable half term break. As always, KESPA has been attending KES Open Days, meeting prospective new parents. One parent said This is the first Open Day where current parents have been present to meet and chat, and it s so good to be able to do so. This is great feedback and an excellent achievement for KESPA. On the 27th September KESPA ran a very successful BBQ, Art and Live Music event to welcome new and current parents, staff and pupils. There were over 80 people attending. The talent on display was awesome from the Musical to the Artistic. The feedback from all who attended was fabulous. As always we are looking for more Parents to volunteer either In this issue: This year s KESPA BBQ, Art & Music Event - pictures and report are on Page 2 KESPA Bombay Dreams Ball - pictures and report Page 3 News, activities and events - see Pages 4 to 7 for details Committee dates and details - see Page 8 by joining the committee or to be a helper/volunteer at events. Please do not feel if you volunteer you are committing yourself to hours and hours of graft! We are a very friendly group with each parent contributing what they can, when they can. This is why we need more volunteers, as the saying goes many hands make light work. If you are interested please contact me on kespa.chair@kesw.org. We hope to see many of you at the Santa Run on 16th December, at which KESPA volunteers will be providing hot chocolate and Donuts for the runners and supporters. All parents are invited to run as well as the pupils. If you haven t watched this event before, the sight of hundred s Santa's racing across the grounds of King Edwards is certainly one to behold! Finally we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. King Edward s School Parents Association ( KESPA ) mission statement: To promote a partnership between parents, pupils, staff and governors that will assist the school to fulfil its vision for the education of the pupils in the school.

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5 Events Autumn 2015 SUCCESS FOR KESPA S BBQ & VISUAL ARTS EVENT SUNDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER 2015 KESPA once again struck lucky with the weather for their first event of the academic year a BBQ and live music event; this year with the addition of a fabulous art display from the lower school. Guests were treated to some truly wonderful ensemble and solo pieces from the lower school which made for a really fun afternoon. For King Edward s this was an excellent chance to showcase the new talent at the school and it was wonderful to see such confident performances from some of the youngest and newest pupils. Budding artistic talents were also on show and, given that we were only two weeks into the new term, to produce such a delightful display of artwork was equally impressive. For KESPA this was a chance to meet some of the new parents and advise them how we, and they, can help to keep the partnership between staff, pupils and parents, open and informal. We were encouraged by the number of parents who made a point of offering their support and assistance. Some of the hugely talented senior school musicians were also on hand later in the afternoon and they continued singing and playing all through the afternoon. The pupils enjoy this event as it is very informal. Thank you to all who came to watch, listen, perform and help. This is a definite annual fixture for KESPA so we will order the sunshine again for September 2016!

6 Events Autumn 2015 KESPA S BOMBAY DREAMS BALL FRIDAY 22TH MAY 2015 KESPA once again pulled the cat out of the bag on Friday 22nd May with their sumptuous Bollywood Dreams Ball. KESPA Ball Committee had done an amazing job transforming Piccadilly into an elegant organza draped reception area, where guests quaffed fruit laden cocktails and were invited to have their photo taken with a special stylised backdrop. Moving into the Dance Studio there was a buzzing bar with Indian themed background music. Soon it was time for dinner and going through, guests found the Exhibition Hall transformed to a wowfactor ballroom, with twinkling lights, with an elegant theme of marigolds and bejewelled tables, and a backdrop video of Bollywood films playing. Dinner was unrushed with 3 delicious courses plus cheese. In between courses we were entertained by Bollywood Dancers performing energetic dance sets and then everyone was invited to join a workshop to learn some Bollywood moves, which was both enlightening and hilarious in equal measure. Guests danced the night away to the sounds of Visage Party Band, featuring young singer Dee Freer of Ministry of Sound fame. Keen for feedback I asked one of the Sixth formers what her favourite part of the evening was we loved the transformation of the Exhibition Hall it was just so amazing and magical, and the Bollywood Workshop was awesome. The Ball represents the culmination of many months hard work and planning. (Note for your diary, Friday 27th May 2016 for the next KESPA Ball).

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9 Events Autumn 2015 KESPA S BOMBAY DREAMS BALL FRIDAY 22TH MAY 2015 KESPA once again pulled the cat out of the bag on Friday 22nd May with their sumptuous Bollywood Dreams Ball. KESPA Ball Committee had done an amazing job transforming Piccadilly into an elegant organza draped reception area, where guests quaffed fruit laden cocktails and were invited to have their photo taken with a special stylised backdrop. Moving into the Dance Studio there was a buzzing bar with Indian themed background music. Soon it was time for dinner and going through, guests found the Exhibition Hall transformed to a wowfactor ballroom, with twinkling lights, with an elegant theme of marigolds and bejewelled tables, and a backdrop video of Bollywood films playing. Dinner was unrushed with 3 delicious courses plus cheese. In between courses we were entertained by Bollywood Dancers performing energetic dance sets and then everyone was invited to join a workshop to learn some Bollywood moves, which was both enlightening and hilarious in equal measure. Guests danced the night away to the sounds of Visage Party Band, featuring young singer Dee Freer of Ministry of Sound fame. Keen for feedback I asked one of the Sixth formers what her favourite part of the evening was we loved the transformation of the Exhibition Hall it was just so amazing and magical, and the Bollywood Workshop was awesome. The Ball represents the culmination of many months hard work and planning. (Note for your diary, Friday 27th May 2016 for the next KESPA Ball).

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13 News and Activities Autumn 2015 KESPA Drop in Coffee Mornings The Piccadilly café has been a great success. An ever expanding group of parents meet for a chat and a coffee after drop off on Wednesdays, but are of course welcome to meet up at the café anytime. As one parent said, Piccadilly is cosier every day and has a lot to offer. We are always made to feel welcome and enjoy delicious types of coffees and teas. We invite all parents to join us for a drink and a chat. It is a great way to meet other parents and to hear more about what is going on within the school (our children have a way of keeping things to themselves...!) House & Year Group Events KESPA Christmas Drinks you are warmly invited to join us for drinks after the Santa Fun Run on Wednesday 16th December (venue tbc). House Dinner your House Rep will be in touch with you shortly with details of Christmas get togethers for parents and guardians to co-incide with the House Dinner events. Hope you can come.

14 News and Activities Autumn 2015 Café Scientifique Careers Initiatives Mrs Malak Ben Gaiber kindly came into school a couple of months ago and gave a fascinating talk about her career as a psychologist. If any parents would like to volunteer to give a talk to pupils about their profession and career, please contact Emma Harrison by development@kesw.org A Big Ask for a Christmas Tree. We have been asked to see if any parent or a group of parents would like to sponsor or donate a Christmas Tree to King Edward s for Taste at Christmas taking place on the 13th December from 10am until 4pm. Please contact Deborah Hillyer by marketing@kesw.org

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17 News and Activities Autumn 2015 Café Scientifique Careers Initiatives Mrs Malak Ben Gaiber kindly came into school a couple of months ago and gave a fascinating talk about her career as a psychologist. If any parents would like to volunteer to give a talk to pupils about their profession and career, please contact Emma Harrison by development@kesw.org A Big Ask for a Christmas Tree. We have been asked to see if any parent or a group of parents would like to sponsor or donate a Christmas Tree to King Edward s for Taste at Christmas taking place on the 13th December from 10am until 4pm. Please contact Deborah Hillyer by marketing@kesw.org

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21 News and Update Autumn Top Tips For Parents 5th Form Survival Guide (by anonymous parent who has survived!) 1. Start the Summer before The 5th Form starts in the Summer holidays. All the children will have been given guidance on what to revise it all starts here! 2. Ensure s are checked and weevle is used The children are sent regular s on what to revise and a lot of the notes are on weevle a site where teachers can post useful information that is accessible to the children wherever they are. 3. Know your exams At the start of the year ensure you know which subjects your children are taking for GCSE or igcse, the different exam boards and whether they are doing higher or foundation level (maximum result achievable Grade C). These exams will be confirmed after the mock exams in January (and Christmas revision!) 4. Select your revision guides Ask what revision materials are available to buy through each teacher, some children prefer different revision guides to those put forward by the school. 5. Encourage order and retention of revision notes Revision should be ongoing. What I found was that the revision notes completed in one holiday were not kept and the whole process started again! Each revision folder seemed to disappear, and a new one started (especially after the Easter holidays) 6. Look at BBC Bitesize I would recommend the BBC bitesize website, it has lots of accessible information bitesize/gcse/ 7. Past paper completion is a must The past papers for science on the Cambridge website are very good; 8. Communicate with teachers I found communication with each teacher was invaluable and replies were prompt and informative. addresses are available on the Parent Portal. 9. Be patient Above all remember that the hormones are flowing and your children may not be as forthcoming as you would like. 10. It can t be all work and no play This year is not just about studying, it s about friendship and having fun. A united front on exams can in fact be very bonding. It is a tough year for parents of a 5th Former, but we survive and hopefully the children do to! If anyone else would like to do an article on top tips on how to survive any year group from 1st Form to the U6th, or any other things you as parent would be interested in, please kespa@kesw.org

22 Forthcoming Events Autumn 2015 Diary Dates Date: Wednesday 16th December 2015 Time: 2.45pm Event: Santa Fun Run Venue: Pavillion This annual event is great fun and for a worthwhile cause, raising funds for Ri-Diamo and Surrey Young Carers. KESPA volunteers will be providing hot chocolate and donuts for the runners and supporters. Everyone welcome. Do feel free to join KESPA Committee and Volunteers for Christmas drinks after the Santa fun run. Days: Wednesdays Time: From 8.15am Event: Coffee Mornings! Venue: Piccadilly Café The Piccadilly Café is a wonderful forum for meeting other parents and catching up with what is going on within the school. More and more parents are joining our Wednesday and Friday coffee mornings... Please join us when you can for a drink and a chat. Everyone is welcome! Date: Saturday 27th February 2016 Event: KESPA Quiz Venue: Dining Hall Don t miss out on the annual KESPA quiz! Parents, staff and pupils come together for a testing but light hearted evening. Fun and very informal with supper provided, a work out for the grey matter! Date: Friday 27th May 2016 Event: KESPA Ball Date for your diary, further details in due course.

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25 Forthcoming Events Autumn 2015 Diary Dates Date: Wednesday 16th December 2015 Time: 2.45pm Event: Santa Fun Run Venue: Pavillion This annual event is great fun and for a worthwhile cause, raising funds for Ri-Diamo and Surrey Young Carers. KESPA volunteers will be providing hot chocolate and donuts for the runners and supporters. Everyone welcome. Do feel free to join KESPA Committee and Volunteers for Christmas drinks after the Santa fun run. Days: Wednesdays Time: From 8.15am Event: Coffee Mornings! Venue: Piccadilly Café The Piccadilly Café is a wonderful forum for meeting other parents and catching up with what is going on within the school. More and more parents are joining our Wednesday and Friday coffee mornings... Please join us when you can for a drink and a chat. Everyone is welcome! Date: Saturday 27th February 2016 Event: KESPA Quiz Venue: Dining Hall Don t miss out on the annual KESPA quiz! Parents, staff and pupils come together for a testing but light hearted evening. Fun and very informal with supper provided, a work out for the grey matter! Date: Friday 27th May 2016 Event: KESPA Ball Date for your diary, further details in due course.

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29 Event and Committee details Autumn 2015 Committee dates for Autum 2015/Spring 2016 Thursday 19th November 2015, 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start in the Bertie Mawer Room. Saturday 16th January 2016, 10.15am for a 10.30am start in the Bertie Mawer Room. Thursday 4th February 2016,7.15pm for a 7.30pm start in the Bertie Mawer room Saturday 19th March 2016, for a start in the Bertie Mawer room KESPA Committee 2015/16 Chair: Lindsay Dalton-Wood Wakefield U6th Form kespa.chair@kesw.org Secretary: Alison Phillips Ridley 4th Form kespa.secretary@kesw.org Treasurer: Paul Challinor Wakefield 3rd & 5th Form kespa.treasurer@kesw.org Vice Chair: Della Challinor Bronie 4th Form kespa.vicechair@kesw.org STAFF ATTENDEES: John Attwater: Headmaster Vicki Rendall : House Mistress QMH House Reps. 2015/2016 Lucinda Laylor Ridley 3rd Form kespa.ridley@kesw.org Ralph Naidoo: QMH 2nd Form kespa.qmh@kesw.org Sue Hashami: QMH 1st Form and 3rd form kespa.qmh@kesw.org Nicola Negus: Grafton 5th Form kespa.grafton@kesw.org Claire Garrett: Queens 4th Form kespa.queens@kesw.org Della Challinor: Tudor 4th form kespa.tudor@kesw.org Rosemary Williams: Edward L6th kespa.edward@kesw.org Fay Hampshire: Wakefield 4th Form kespa.wakefield@kesw.org TBC: kespa.elizabeth@kesw.org

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