The Kingston Academy Open Day Today

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YoungSuccess
Posts: 342
Joined: Sat Jul 26, 2014 11:40 pm

The Kingston Academy Open Day Today

Post by YoungSuccess »

How many of you here are coming?

Lets all come and support Kingston's very own new school / academy. This new academy is such a welcome relief for parents in Kingston and I have a good feeling about it. The headteacher is ambitious. Children who choose to join TKA in Sept 2015 will be the pioneering / founding students and will look forward to a lifetime of invitations to comeback for annual events etc etc. That's exciting - like those war veterans!

From Their Website;

Open Evening
When: 14th October 2014 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Where:North Kingston Centre, Richmond Road Kingston upon Thames, Greater London KT2 UK

We are very much looking forward to welcoming you to our Open Evening on 14th October.

The event will take place on the site of The Kingston Academy, Richmond Road, KT2 5PE. The evening will begin at 5:30pm and end at 8:30pm.

We recommend that all visitors attend one of three available time slots at 5:30pm, 6:30pm or 7:30pm. Please register your preference here:

The Kingston Academy Open Evening Booking Form

The evening has been designed to offer parents and prospective pupils an insight in to The Kingston Academy. There will be a main exhibition space providing information on the school’s curriculum offer, pastoral structure, pupil support, enrichment programme, community partnerships, admissions, recruitment opportunities and proposed facilities. Head Teacher’s talks will take place throughout the evening.

Members of the Kingston Educational Trust will be available all evening to respond to specific questions.

http://www.thekingstonacademy.org/event ... ance_id=10" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Last edited by YoungSuccess on Tue Oct 14, 2014 9:13 am, edited 3 times in total.
tiffinboys
Posts: 8022
Joined: Fri Nov 11, 2011 11:00 pm
Location: Surrey

Re: The Kingston Academy Open Day Today

Post by tiffinboys »

Thanks, YS for bringing this up. Hope this school becomes one of the best option for North kingston children.
Matrix
Posts: 43
Joined: Thu May 01, 2014 8:52 am

Re: The Kingston Academy Open Day Today

Post by Matrix »

I am wishing the Kingston Academy every success. It is most certainly much needed. I couldn't attend the open evening but wondered if anyone can answer my questions?

To what extent will the inevitable building works disrupt the Yr 7s when they get there?

How many teachers will the Yr 7s have in their first year?

Will there be additional buses arranged up Richmond Rd?

What will the quality of teaching be like?

What language choices will there be?

Will children be able to take 3 separate sciences?

What extra curricular activities will there be?

Will children be in sets and for what subjects will they be set?

What pastoral provision will be available to Yr7s?

Will there be a canteen serving hot food?

Thank you!!
YoungSuccess
Posts: 342
Joined: Sat Jul 26, 2014 11:40 pm

Re: The Kingston Academy Open Day Today

Post by YoungSuccess »

Matrix wrote:I am wishing the Kingston Academy every success. It is most certainly much needed. I couldn't attend the open evening but wondered if anyone can answer my questions?

To what extent will the inevitable building works disrupt the Yr 7s when they get there?

How many teachers will the Yr 7s have in their first year?

Will there be additional buses arranged up Richmond Rd?

What will the quality of teaching be like?

What language choices will there be?

Will children be able to take 3 separate sciences?

What extra curricular activities will there be?

Will children be in sets and for what subjects will they be set?

What pastoral provision will be available to Yr7s?

Will there be a canteen serving hot food?

Thank you!!
Hi Matrix,

I am able to answer some of your questions, but you will get much better answers by emailing the Headteacher , "Sophie M. Cavanagh" . She is very keen to answer parents concerns. You can email - enquiries@thekingstonacademy.org and it will be passed on to her.
Last edited by YoungSuccess on Wed Oct 15, 2014 8:32 am, edited 1 time in total.
tiffinboys
Posts: 8022
Joined: Fri Nov 11, 2011 11:00 pm
Location: Surrey

Re: The Kingston Academy Open Day Today

Post by tiffinboys »

If you went there, YS, what's your view and what was emphasized by HT and other staff?
Phoenixgreen13
Posts: 19
Joined: Wed Apr 30, 2014 10:41 am

Re: The Kingston Academy Open Day Today

Post by Phoenixgreen13 »

What would be the pros and cons of sending dc to KA. Most of the local children would have sat for grammers and hopefully the school encourages academia.
YoungSuccess
Posts: 342
Joined: Sat Jul 26, 2014 11:40 pm

Re: The Kingston Academy Open Day Today

Post by YoungSuccess »

Phoenixgreen13 wrote:What would be the pros and cons of sending dc to KA. Most of the local children would have sat for grammers and hopefully the school encourages academia.
tiffinboys wrote:If you went there, YS, what's your view and what was emphasized by HT and other staff?
Hi Phoenixgreen13, I thought too that most local children would have sat for grammars, but I was shocked to know that one in of the biggest primary school in North Kingston, only a small number of boys and girls tried for the Tiffins and Sutton GS! It goes to show how probably true the Tiffin School claim was about not getting enough local applicants. That primary school doesn't do anything or breathe a word that promotes or encourages parents and children to aim or even try for GS. I think they should.

On the pros and cons, I thought I combine with TB's question too.

Pros;

1. The Headteacher is ambitious, experienced and formerly a deputy from a very good school - Graveney School.

http://www.kingston.ac.uk/news/article/ ... s-success/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

https://www.linkedin.com/pub/sophie-cavanagh/26/70/563" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://uk.ratemyteachers.com/sophie-cavanagh/126105-t" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

2. She was a former OFSTED inspector! So I suppose she knows what it would take for a school to be outstanding.

3. Her emphasis is on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) subjects, but she made it clear that she wants the school to cater for wide interests - she is big on music and languages too.

4. Being a specialist in Sports, she is ambitious on that front. The Academy will be using the Hawkers Centre / YMCA a lot for their activities, which is just across the road. During the open day, the specifically invited the Kingston Rowing and Rugby - giving me the impression that the academy will have a very much "Public School" ethos. A Karate club appears to be already very established in the Hawkers centre (YMCA) and an instructor from there is ready to start a club at the academy. The Oriental / Eastern instructor looked the part and the demonstration was impressive! I was told though that the club will not just teach Karate , but also Youth personal development and coaching., very interesting and useful.

5. I felt that the very first batch of students will be really taken care of and be trained as mentors - there is a special
"mentoring" formula / system that she explained which I thought was very special - I will try to dig it out and add here later.

6. The pioneering students will have the privilege of being the founding students, the most senior in the whole school, mentors and automatically trained as leaders. They can look forward to annual invitations, front seats, special receptions and speeches for the rest of their lives! :D Like those war veterans!

The Cons are the obvious ones ;

1. New and unproven.

Requires a leap of faith - but personally, all the above will counter this concern.

2. Slight delay in completion of the building refurbs and construction.

This is probably the biggest concerns from parents, but looking at the very very experienced architect firm that handling it, it looks reassuring. They seems to be specialist in schools refurbishment and construction. See their portfolio here - http://www.astudioarchitecture.com/projects/education" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Will try and add more info as I dig them out.


TB - I copied this from TKA's website, which I think its is useful.

http://www.thekingstonacademy.org/about ... principles" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Moderator, if that is not allowed, please just edit out.

CREDIT SOURCE - The Kingston Academy website;

"Guiding Principles

The Kingston Academy, a school with …

An inclusive ethos where all are welcome to the school and everyone is valued for who they are and what they offer.
A focus on learning to learn, which will be at the heart of our pedagogy to ensure that all of our students will learn more effectively.
The strongest possible emphasis on communication that will ensure that our students are able to interact freely and with confidence with as wide a range of audiences and across as many forms of expression as possible.
A curriculum that promotes STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects to ensure our students have a deep and rich understanding of the world around them.
A belief in the power of new technologies and the online world to develop our students as digital citizens and to enhance, support and stimulate the learning experience.
Purposeful and challenging learning across the curriculum that will help to ensure that all of our young people are able to succeed to their highest potential.
A strong global dimension that will enrich our students’ learning and broaden their knowledge of other people and cultures.
Successful partnerships and links to external institutions and industry experts to support our students.

The Kingston Academy, a school that …

Provides effective pastoral care to ensure that all students are well-known and understood, and which will support all of our young people to enable them to perform as well as they possibly can.
Promotes healthy lifestyles to provide our students with sound advice and guidance and opportunities to engage in a range of physical activities that will offer something for all.
Prepares young people for life beyond the boundaries of the school and after our students have moved on to the next phase of their lives.
Provides an outstanding educational experience for local children.
Nurtures and challenges children’s intellectual and imaginative capacities asintelligence is not fixed and aspirations matter.
Empowers learners and their teachers by bringing tools (mobile technology/devices) into the centre ground of activity. The use of these technologies will be commonplace as ‘Digital Literacy’ will be an overarching aspect of school life.
Strives to maximise students’ potential for later schooling, post-school education, training and employment and for the quality of life itself so that they can contribute to and enjoy living within a society.
Encourages students to take a lead in shaping their own learning.

The Kingston Academy, a school where …

Aspiration knows no bounds, from which outcomes are outstanding and whose reputation is unparalleled.
Purposeful and challenging learning will be the cornerstone of the school’s success and excellence.
Parents matter and make a difference.
All students will enjoy learning, make excellent progress, attain high outcomes and be helped to become confident individuals and responsible citizens.
Learning pathways are tailored to students’ individual talents and special needs, and progression of learning is closely monitored.
All students will benefit from strong leadership, an inclusive ethos and practice, excellent teaching and a broad and balanced curriculum in a local school.
The physical environment impacts positively on learning.
Young people are challenged to risk failure, to collaborate, to reflect on their experiences and learning and to learn to overcome adversity and difficulty.
Students will be encouraged to raise concerns for themselves and on behalf of others with confidence.
Sport and physical development are celebrated and friendly rivalry is seen as natural and healthy.

The Kingston Academy, a school which offers …

A safe place for young people to interact with others, learn, play, research, explore and discover for themselves (including in online spaces).
A strong sense of identity for all its students, with an emphasis on their understanding of their valued place as a young citizen contributing to the wider world.
A diverse, enriched curriculum. A significant proportion of our curriculum time will be devoted to the STEM subjects; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, but will be taught alongside more traditional subjects such as English, Humanities, Languages, and the Expressive and Performing Arts.
World class exam results. Students will study qualifications that are of genuine value and be encouraged and supported to maximise their potential.
Regular assessment. Whilst the school will place a strong emphasis on stimulating, engaging and nurturing students, it will regularly review students’ progress and development, and personalise learning where necessary.
Highly qualified, professional teaching staff who have a passion for teaching and learning. Teachers who can enthusiastically convey their subject to all students and create enjoyment and excitement.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for all staff. In the interest of life-long learning, our valued staff will participate in their own personal and professional development to enhance their knowledge and skills and keep abreast of new technologies, methodologies and pedagogical practices, in order to enrich the daily lives of students.
Rewards for those students who achieve highly, sustain good and respectful behaviour, complete all activities with admirable effort and maintain high standards throughout their school career."
Last edited by YoungSuccess on Sun Feb 15, 2015 10:12 pm, edited 1 time in total.
loopylou
Posts: 403
Joined: Wed Feb 24, 2010 9:08 am

Re: The Kingston Academy Open Day Today

Post by loopylou »

I thought too that most local children would have sat for grammars, but I was shocked to know that one in of the biggest primary school in North Kingston, only a small number of boys and girls tried for the Tiffins and Sutton GS!
I don't think it is lack of encouragement or information. Quite the opposite in fact. People in the area are very aware of grammar school expectations and are aware that only high ability children tend to enter and even many of those fail to secure a place. Without wishing to sound harsh, it is pointless entering a child who is much below that standard to sit against children who are not only many sub levels higher at school but have often been prepared for the exams months in advance.
Parents experience going through primary school, seeing who passes each year, and see that the chances are fairly slim even for the top 5 or 10 children in each school. I know that in our primary there is frequently shock at the children who do not make it through yet are known to be streets ahead of their peers.

The new school in Kingston is certainly very welcome and hopefully will prove to be a great success.
loopylou
Posts: 403
Joined: Wed Feb 24, 2010 9:08 am

Re: The Kingston Academy Open Day Today

Post by loopylou »

Perhaps it could be viewed as defeatist but many just see it as being realistic. If a child is not at a secure level 5 across all subjects by the end of Year 5 and is unable or unwilling to do some degree of preparation in advance of the tests, experience tells local parents it probably isn't worth entering. More so now since English has become such a big part of the tests because it used to be possible for a child who excelled at maths to win a place just on that basis alone.

I am thinking particularly of families I know where a very bright oldest child has failed to get in or even failed to get past stage 1. They don't then enter younger siblings for the same test having experienced firsthand just how difficult it is. In addition, parents in lower year groups tend to know who the stars in each Year 6 group are and when some of those children fail to get a grammar school place (as happens each year), it is disheartening all round. If the boy who got a gold maths challenge award cannot get in to the local grammar then what hope does their child have? - that line of thinking.

There are already far too many clever and motivated children who don't pass. That's no reflection on them. Just a consequence of the numbers applying and the tendency for those who apply to be mainly very high ability and well prepared children from a wide geographical area. It is something that is perhaps lost on this forum a bit where success stories outnumber other news and results posted tend to be high but back in Year 6, news will carry that once again a range of very bright children who were expected to pass have not passed or have not been invited back for round 2.

On the diversity issue, you are correct that this does put some off applying as they feel the makeup of some schools is too narrow. I am not sure how that could be addressed though to encourage more applicants.
YoungSuccess
Posts: 342
Joined: Sat Jul 26, 2014 11:40 pm

Re: The Kingston Academy Open Day Today

Post by YoungSuccess »

I thought I help them promote their effort;

TKA supports local effort to assist with the ebola crisis

TKA are pledging our support for a local fundraising campaign to help tackle the ebola crisis in the West of Africa. As you will be aware, communities have been blighted by the virus, with thousands of deaths and many children orphaned. Worse is likely to come: in the coming weeks and months the crisis could develop into a pandemic, with the World Health Organisation fearing that between 5,000 and 10,000 new cases could be seen each week by the start of December.

AfC have created a ‘Kingston and Richmond Schools Fundraiser’ page on the website ‘JustGiving’. Money raised will be sent direct to the Disasters Emergency Committee’s Ebola Crisis Appeal. The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) is an umbrella group comprising fourteen UK charities working on disaster related issues and includes charities such as Oxfam, Save the Children, and World Vision.

Friends of TKA will be able to donate direct to the JustGiving page. Donations through JustGiving are secure, safe and the site ensures that all money is sent directly to the DEC. Please see the following webpage to donate and for further information: https://www.justgiving.com/Achieving-for-Children/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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