Friday 12Th February 2021 Dear Parent/Carer

Friday 12th February 2021

Banbury Road Kineton Warwickshire CV35 0JX T: 01926 640465 F: 01926 640872 E: [email protected] Dear Parent/Carer, W: www.kinetonhighschool.org.uk

Headteacher: Ms Helen Bridge BA MA Fantastic News for Kineton High School!

I am excited and incredibly pleased to announce that Kineton High School will be among the first group of schools selected for the Government’s building programme. It is excellent news for our students, present and future who’ll benefit from a purpose built, multi-million-pound new school and sports facilities, including a new sports hall, fitness suite and gym as well as a floodlit multi use outside sports area. It is anticipated that work will begin in the Autumn Term 2021.

For the Trust, there is additional news in that Southam College will also be the recipient of new main buildings from the same DFE funded project.

Stowe Valley Trust Statement from the CEO, Ranjit Samra:

We are hugely delighted and excited that two of our secondary schools, Kineton High School and Southam College will be amongst the first 50 schools in the country to be rebuilt as part of the Governments new schools rebuilding programme. Our schools have served their communities admirably over the last 60 years, but the prospect of new modern learning facilities is something we are all very excited about. The huge investment of finance and time which is going into the design and creation of these new schools is going to ensure that we have buildings which will lift students' aspirations and be landmarks of distinction and pride for our communities. This announcement is the culmination of almost a year long dialogue between the DFE, Stowe Valley Trust leaders and Headteachers of Kineton and Southam. Congratulations and thank you to these leaders for making this 'once in a lifetime' opportunity a reality! This news is now in the national press https://schoolsweek.co.uk/revealed-the-50-school-rebuilding- projects-selected-to-split-1bn-capital-cash/. We will share further information in the near future.

This has been another extraordinary half term, though unfortunately our community is becoming all too familiar with remote learning. I’d like to commend our students for their resilience and continued determination with online learning, notably those in Years 11 and 13 who are also still awaiting news from exam boards about the way in which their final grades will be awarded this year.

Our community has really pulled together to support our learners this term and new protocols and routines around remote learning and live lessons have been positively received by students, parents and our staff. I must thank parents for your continued support and also the staff who’ve been on steep learning curves and adapted their teaching admirably to the intensity of ‘Team’ screens! For a good number of students, this model of learning is proving really successful.

Stowe Valley Multi Academy Trust Registered Office: Southam College, Welsh Road West, Southam, Warwickshire CV47 0JW Achieving Personal Best Registered in England No: 10445759. A Company Limited by Guarantee

Congratulations to our Creative Writing competition winners! Mrs Heggs, our Head of English was hugely impressed with the quality of writing. Recorded readings of the stories will be on the website soon after the half term.

Students and staff appreciated an afternoon away from screens on Wednesday 3rd February to take part in a Winterwatch activity. Thank you to all the students who sent in photographs.

I wish all our families a restful, safe and enjoyable half term break.

Yours sincerely,

Ms Helen Bridge Headteacher

Half Term Activities:

 PE challenges: there are lots of challenges and activities to keep students busy over half term. Details can be found on our website here.

 Ebooks: we have our own eBook platform, so students can have access to books 24/7 on their phones, tablets or laptops. It’s easy to get started:

1. Download the App (search for ePlatform by Wheelers) or click here 2. Find your library (Kineton High School) 3. Log in (students use your school computer log in) 4. Borrow an eBook and enjoy! 5. Don’t forget to complete your Accelrated Reader Quiz

 World Book Day: is Thursday 4th March and we are planning a number of events online with author Bali Rai, plus competitions and quizzes. More information to follow.

This year the £1 book tokens are digital and they will be valid from Thursday 18th February. Unfortunately, the tokens can't be used to purchase the books online, but if parents are going to WH Smiths, Tesco or Sainsburys they should be able to just show the book token on their phone.

Further information and activities can be found on their website here and the link for the token is here.

 The Day: We have a free trial (until 22nd February) of The Day, a great resource which is used by schools around the world to:

•Keep students up-to-date with global news •Improve whole-school literacy •Foster positive debate and discussion

Please click here to access it.

 Interactive Futures: The Leamington Spa video games hub will next week give parents, children, students and more the opportunity to discover how to forge a career in one of the fastest- growing industries in the UK. And there’s even the opportunity to learn how to create a video game!

Interactive Futures is a FREE virtual event that takes place during Half Term week, from Tuesday 16th to Saturday 20th February. While the Tuesday will focus on topics related to those already working in the industry, the rest of the week is dedicated to careers, learning – and fun! Click here for further details and how to book tickets.