KHS Summer Newsletter 2023

SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL
DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY
Words by Mr Gardner, Head of Music
The music department celebrated the summer solstice with their annual
Summer Festival and BBQ on 21 June. More than 80 pupils from across the
school performed over two hours of live music for the informal outdoor gig;
bringing together musicians and singers from Years 7 to 13, KHS alumni as
well as our outstanding visiting and class-based music teachers.
The 26 different performances represent a new record of gig material, ranging
from Mozart’s Sull’ Aria sung by Jasmine D (Year 11) and Miss Ní Mhathúna,
to the senior choir performing the entire version of Bohemian Rhapsody,
complete with Brian May’s guitar solo played by Matthew S (Year 11).
Notable standout items were the junior string ensemble being joined by ten of
our Year 9 and 10 singers to open the show with One Day Like This (by Elbow);
Paul Ibberson (our specialist woodwind teacher) creating a remarkable mash
up of the Charlie Brown theme for the junior woodwind ensemble, Amelie G
(Year 11) showing why she has gained a place at the BRIT school by putting
an astonishingly powerful vocal for Somewhere over the Rainbow over our
18-piece jazz big-band, directed by specialist bass teacher Max Kahn.
The Soul Band’s Gimme, Gimme, Gimme, and the coolest slow-jazz-soul
version of I Want You Back sung by Lucy L (Year 11) was an inspiration to all
our aspiring rock, pop, blues and soul singers.
Speaking Up in English
Words by Ms Milgate, Head of English
Pupils in Years 8 and 9 have relished the opportunity to develop their speaking and listening skills this term. After learning about
the perils faced by stranded boys in Lord of the Flies, Year 8 pupils explored a character or theme of their choice and delivered
interesting presentations to rapturous applause from their peers.
Similarly in Year 9, pupils used their knowledge of Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers to deliver mature speeches on a diverse range of
topics, from Britain’s class system in the 1970s, to whether Edward and Linda’s relationship can ever be forgiven. Congratulations
again to Year 8 and 9 for all their hard work and for facing their public speaking fears this half term; we look forward to next year
already!
The First KHS D&T Exhibition
Words by Miss Hall, Head of Design & Technology
The first Design & Technology Non-Exam Assessment (NEA)
Exhibition was held in the workshop during the evening of 25th
April to showcase our GCSE and A-Level work. For the first time
since 2019, the exam board have reinstated the assessment and
marking of practical skills and the pupils were keen to celebrate
this and show off what they had been making.
Most parents visited the event and enjoyed looking at the variety
of exciting and innovative projects on display. The pupils proudly
talked about their work with the parents and received many
compliments on their high level of making skills.
Food Glorious Food!
Words by Mrs Earle, Head of Food and Nutrition
It has been a busy, productive term in the Food and Nutrition department. GCSE and Sixth
forms pupils completed their practical assessments and moved on to revising theory for the
summer public examination series.
Year 10 pupils have been getting to grips with how to carry out a food science investigation;
experimenting with artificial sweeteners to see whether it is possible to reduce the sugar
content in cakes without adversely affecting the result. Year 9 have completed core content
on nutrition and food science as well as further developing their preparation, cooking and
presentation skills and techniques.
In KS3, Year 8 have embarked on the Enterprise Challenge to develop products for sale
at the end of year fair. The baking club continues to be popular a choice to enjoy sweet
products which only feature in moderation in the main curriculum.
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