Parental Bulletin - 20th March 2020

Parental Bulletin
20th March 2020

The Knights Templar School
Headteacher:
Mr T. Litchfield, G.G.S.M.
Park Street
Baldock
Herts SG7 6DZ
Email: admin@ktemplar.herts.sch.uk Tel: 01462 620700
www.ktemplar.herts.sch.uk Fax: 01462 620701
Dear Parents and Carers
PARENTAL WEEKLY UPDATE – 20th March 2020
(available on our website)
I would like to thank you all for your support this week. It has been one of the most challenging in my time as a
Headteacher. Staff colleagues have pulled out all the stops to be adaptable and ensure that we were able to
manage the school and deliver our lessons as well as we can – I am very grateful to them all.
As you can imagine we are severely depleted as a staff body and the government decision to close schools has at
least brought some clarity to the next few weeks and possibly months.
Students (other than those coming into school as children of key workers) should not come into school until we
re-open. The most recent scientific advice on how to further limit the spread of COVID-19 is clear. If children can
stay safely at home, they should, to limit the chance of the virus spreading.
That is why the Government has asked parents to keep their children at home, wherever possible, and asked
schools to remain open only for those children who absolutely need to attend.
I have sent a number of communications home this week, which I hope make it clear of my expectations of
students working from home. Please can I ask you to go through the document ‘Remote Working Guidance’.
I will be emailing you regularly to update you and in the first instance this is likely to be everyday next week.
We will get things wrong, so please bear with us. This is a new experience for us all.
We have put together some ‘final assemblies’ for the Year 11 and the Year 13 students today. These will not be
able to replace the planned final days for these students, but we
hope that it will create some memories.
I am very grateful for all parents/carers who have donated food for
the local food bank – a wonderful response. This initiative will
continue over the next few weeks, so please do continue to
donate.
Thank you once again for you continued support.
Kind regards,
Tim Litchfield
Headteacher

KTS Science Week 2020
Last week saw the annual KTS Science Week taking place with a variety of activities delivered at break and lunch
times, taking science to the streets! Once again, making ice cream was a huge hit with the students and other
crowd pleasers included coke and mentos, methane bubbles and the magic or science sessions.

I would like to thank Mrs Dineen and every student that contributed to the first KTS Science Fair. This was a massive
success with the judges being blown away by the quantity and quality of the work produced by students
from years 7 to 10. I would also like to thank Ms Barker, Dr Kerr and our Science link governor, Mrs Pauline Poole
for taking the time to speak to students and make what proved to be very difficult decisions.
Mr Grove, Head of Science
Parents of year 10 and 11 students
The Science Department stocks revision and practice books which we sell to students at a much cheaper price than
would be found in a book shop. These can be paid for via WisePay or by taking cash to the Reception room. All
books can be collected from the Reception, once payment has been received.
Combined Science students only need one book at a cost of £10, while separate science students have the Biology,
Chemistry and Physics books on offer, at a cost of £5 each.
Chemistry Olympiad
Four KTS Year 13 students undertook the Royal Society of Chemistry Olympiad competition this year.
Luke Bandy achieved a Silver Award, equalling the highest level KTS students have achieved in previous years.
Matthew Craven and Christopher Saunders received Bronze award certificates, which Jake Lemoir narrowly missed
out on. All four deserve recognition for their hard work preparing for and entering an extremely challenging chemistry
competition.
Dr Woodrow

KTS LIBRARY NEWS this week
World Book Day itself is over, but there is still chance for students to use their World Book
Day £1 Vouchers in exchange for a £1 World Book Day book – the deadline is Sunday 29 th
March . Vouchers can also be used towards the purchase of a full price book.
THANK YOU EVERYONE! The total sales from our World Book Day Book Fair was well over £400, a fantastic result.
Our North Herts Schools Book and Author event at the Boys School Hitchin due to be held on 17th
March sadly had to be postponed. However, undaunted, we created our own KTS event for our
Book Shadowers Group. We discussed, debated, and voted on our own favourite shortlisted title.
The KTS results were in line with the other North Herts Schools voting The Girl who speaks bear
(Sophie Anderson) and A Good girl’s guide to murder (Holly Jackson) clear winners in the younger and older category
respectively. An impromptu visit by Matt Dickinson, international speaker, author and (Everest!) climber
meant that we were also treated to an inspiring talk too! Matt shared with us some of his heart-stopping experiences
when climbing the world’s most challenging mountains provoking discussions about risk taking and human
fear. The group loved it! We plan to invite Matt back to Knights Templar in the future. Some of Matt’s
books will be available in the School Library soon, including Mortal Chaos #1 in series, Lie Kill Walk Away, The
Everest Files Trilogy . Thank you, Matt, for making the event so very special!
ONLINE ACTIVITIES & RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE :
If you are looking for some inspiring free learning resources and activities for children, there are lots available.
Here are some of our favourites :
The British Library has a link to a video clip of famous illustrator Axel Scheffler drawing a Gruffalo; further
links include Axel’s tips on how to draw and paint endangered species. Axel’s teaching is just perfect for
younger children to watch and listen to and then have a go themselves! https://www.bl.uk/childrensbooks/videos/axel-scheffler-how-to-draw-a-gruffalo#
Twinkl is an educational website for schools and parents, currently offering a month’s free access to resources
for EYFS, KS1& KS2.
Knights Templar subscribes to World Book online, offering exclusive access
to its resources – for Knights Templar Staff, Students and their parents
and carers only. There are encyclopedias on the site
for Kids, one for Secondary School students and an
Advanced one for 6 th formers, plus World Book Early
Learning.
www.worldbookonline.com/wb/Login
Username : knightstemplar password : chapman
The National Literacy Trust has created a Family Zone. Split up by age group below,
you will find ideas and guidance for simple activities that will engage your
children at home, while also benefiting their reading, writing and language development
https://literacytrust.org.uk/family-zone/
Dorling Kindersley has some super online interactive resources for parents and carers to
use with their children. https://www.dkfindout.com/uk/parents/
PS : If you and your children haven’t yet joined your local public library, may we encourage you to do so – it’s free and
you can also access ebooks from there.
Mrs Evans, Mrs Martin and Mrs Boddy, KTS Library

DofE with a Difference
As nearly all community-based activities have been cancelled for the time being, we are aware that this will
cause disruption to plans for Volunteering, Physical and Skill sections.
In the circumstances, changes to the planned activities for Volunteering, Physical and Skill section are allowed. I
would encourage all KTS DofE participants to explore what they can do for these sections that would enable
them to complete sections. This may be the opportunity to take up a new hobby for the Skill section.
The DofE website has some answers to Frequently Asked Questions and some ideas for alternative activities.
These will be added to over the next few weeks.
https://www.dofe.org/coronaactivitytips
I am also aware that many students in Year 9 will have completed the time required for sections if they started
in September/October. Please get these Sections signed off by assessors. Assessors can complete reports
online at www.dofe.org/assessor.
Obviously some activities, particularly the Expedition section and Residential (Gold only) will be impossible to
progress over the next few weeks. As soon as we are able, we will review plans for the Expedition section for
all levels of the award. It would be fantastic if this was the last section that the majority of students need to
complete.

Design and Technology: Remote learning……
My Jam Making Lesson
I also learnt about pectin which helps the jam to set.
I it also tasted sweet and smooth as we had to make
sure that it had set properly.
Students and parents have been committed to
learning. Students at home have been researching
and cooking at home!
Keep helping and cooking at home- send in your
pictures to:
CMolinari@ktemplar.herts.sch.uk
GWelch@ktemplar.herts.sch.uk

Careers Hub
Looking for careers advice outside of school. You can always email Miss McGuigan
(nmcguigan@ktemplar.herts.sch.uk) Why not follow us on Twitter @CareersKts.
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/explore-careers
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/careers
https://amazingapprenticeships.com/
https://www.ychertfordshire.org/
Apprenticeship news
Amazing Apprenticeships are running live broadcasts to help student get to grips with apprenticeships
check them out at https://amazingapprenticeships.com/live-broadcasts/
Thinking of an apprenticeship at post 16 or 18 then check out the latest parental pack from
Amazing Apprenticeships. https://amazingapprenticeships.com/app/uploads/2020/02/
Parent-Pack-February-2020.pdf
An up to date vacancy list of apprenticeships across the UK can be found here https://
www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
Audi Apprenticeship programme
Want to work for one of the world’s leading automotive
brands? Audi is an exceptional brand that
is continually progressing in providing the latest
innovative technologies and solutions to the challenges
their customers are facing every day. Audi
are fuelled by a passion to create the ultimate customer
experience, and are looking to invest in individuals
who can help them achieve their ambitious plans.
Our apprenticeship programme
The Audi Apprenticeship Programme is an incredible opportunity to learn and earn through gaining a nationally
recognised qualification. There are a variety of paths which Audi apprentices can take such as being a Service
Technician, a Parts Advisor or a Service Advisor. All Audi apprentices work in an Audi Centre, an environment
which enables them to apply all of their new skills and knowledge in practice.

What you'll need
To qualify for the programme, candidates must have achieved GCSE (or equivalent) Grades 9 – 4 in English, Maths
and Science. In addition, ideal candidates will have a passion for customer service and new technology and a desire
to learn. There has never been a more exciting time to join Audi and drive your career forward with the Apprenticeship
Programme. Find out more and how to apply here.
Future careers – Labour market information
Don’t forget to have you checked out our labour market information widget at the bottom of the careers page on
the KTS website (https://ktemplar.herts.sch.uk/Student-Area/Careers/) you will find labour market information
on your potential future career choice. Just select your chosen career to see the average UK earnings and you
can compare up to 3 sectors/choices at a time!
Medical supplies
If we hold medical supplies for your child, they will be available at reception to be collected during the day tomorrow.
We have reviewed these today and most will be out of date by our potential return. When we return
to school please contact the medical officer to arrange for safe storage in school.
WisePay refunds
If you have any refunds due, please e-mail the finance team at finance@ktemplar.herts.sch.uk , specifying what
items you would like a refund for. As you can appreciate, it may take a little longer for any trip refunds to be
processed, so please bear with us.
Students eligible for Free School Meals
There will be a national voucher scheme made available for the parents of children eligible for Free School
Meals and until this is implemented we will be working on an interim local solution. We will notify all eligible
parents as soon as we have details.

Message for Year 13 from Mr Raymen
Good morning all,
I am truly gutted that I am having to self-isolate today as a result of my daughter developing some nasty symptoms.
While my priority, of course, is my family, I am deeply saddened by the fact that I won’t be with you on your last day
of education at KTS.
I’d love to say that the last 2 academic years have been completely smooth sailing and a joyous time throughout but
let’s face it, that’s not entirely true!
There have been tears…so many tears. There have been friendship issues, arguments, teacher disputes and for some
of you, there have been some exceptional challenges in your personal life along the way.
Of course, there have also been some wonderful moments during your time in the Sixth Form. The quiz nights, D of E
expeditions, the Dinner Dance (some of your memories of that might be a bit hazy), trips in the UK and abroad and
perhaps most notably, the Borneo expedition.
While I fully appreciate your very mixed emotions since the news that exams will not be taking place, you must keep
in mind that your achievements at KTS are far greater than any set of exam results. I can hear you collectively roll
your eyes when I tell you that the academic knowledge, skills and critical manner of thinking that you have developed
throughout your studies is something that you will need throughout life and certainly for the next stage of your
education…but it’s true. We still have no definitive criteria for how we will allocate exam results but what is certain is
the hard work and determination that you have shown throughout these 2 years will put you in the best position to
receive the grades that you deserve. Your day-to-day endeavours have not been for nothing.
Beyond the classroom, your achievements in sport, drama, music and community events is something to be very
proud of. Your engagement with mentoring, the House System, Macmillan Coffee Morning and helping out in lessons
has been superb and is a testament to your wonderfully ‘pro-school’ attitude. You really have contributed so much to
our school and Sixth Form community. It is fitting that your last day is an Interact charity event.
Earlier in this email, I alluded to the fact that some of you have had some immense personal challenges in your lives.
You may be looking at the list of successes and achievements in the previous paragraph and thinking that none of this
applies to you. Remember, for some of you just getting yourself into school and working resiliently despite the challenges
you face is an exceptional achievement in itself.
Before I wrap this up, I want to take a moment to speak about Miss Ward. For those of you who attended KTS between
years 7-11 you will have had lots of interaction with Miss Ward as your Year Leader- some of you more than
others no doubt…and not always for a good reason! I worked alongside Miss Ward as a Year Leader and PE teacher
throughout her time with you and I can assure you that you were incredibly lucky to have such a hard-working, dedicated
and caring member of staff as your Year Leader. Her genuine love for you as a year group is unquestionable
and she is a massive part of the wonderful cohort of students you have grown in to. Miss Ward is someone who absolutely
deserves some special acknowledgement from you for the role that she has played in your lives.
Finally, I want to say that while this is technically your last day at KTS, it is not your final goodbye to the school. The
awards evening in September is always a special event but I promise you that we will work tirelessly to put on a
spectacle and occasion that gives you a fitting send off. I really do encourage all of you to attend this event.
Good luck for the future, look after yourselves and each other. It has been an absolute pleasure.
Mr Raymen.