A thriving academy at the heart of the community, enabling pupils to realise their true potential - 'Excellence Through Endeavour'. Ofsted rating: 'Outstanding'
Kennet's Design & Technology Department have been busy making wash bags to transport used scrubs and face visors to support local healthcare workers. We are hoping to get more material to continue the assembly line.
#KennetCommunity
#SupportOurNHS
#KennetDT
Following Mrs Piper's address to exam-affected pupils today, we want to share how proud we are of their mature and thoughtful response in this unprecedented situation.
#KennetCommunity
#Proud
We're so proud of our Year 13 cohort on achieving some incredibly impressive results. 25.4% of A Level grades at A*/A & 66.4% of vocational grades at Distinction*/Distinction. These results overall have put Kennet Sixth Form in the top 10% in the country!
#Proud
#BetterNeverStops
Congratulations to our Year 11 cohort for what can only be described as a truly exceptional set of GCSE results! 95% of pupils achieved 5+ passes across the board, with 26% of all grades being 7-9 (A*/A equivalents). Time to celebrate your hard work! See you in Sixth Form.
#Proud
We always share
@WestBerkshire
's SEND Newsletter, but felt this particular issue needs highlighting as it features Ottilie, a pupil in our Physically Disabled Resource. Inspired by Captain Tom Moore, Ottilie embarked on a big walk raising over £1,300 for
@GreatOrmondSt
.
#Proud
Something amazing is happening... teachers, support staff, parents and others from the local area are working together to protect our community. We are now halfway through testing our pupils for Covid-19 prior to returning to school next week.
#Proud
#StrongerTogether
Key Stage 3 pupils (Years 7, 8 and 9) and staff joined forces to commemorate
#RemembranceDay2018
, creating their own poppy in the school field by holding up coloured paper. Massive thanks to
@c3duk
for kindly donating their time and equipment!
#LestWeForget
Headteacher, Mrs Piper, treated staff to an end of term ice cream (socially-distanced of course!) to show her appreciation of their commitment to Kennet pupils during the past year.
#StrongerTogether
#RollOnSummerTerm
Congratulations to Sixth Former Charlotte. Not only is she currently ranked No.1 in Europe & No.2 in the world at Under 18 Hammer, but has now secured a place on
@TeamGB
! She will be representing Great Britain next weekend at the prestigious Halle International.
#BetterNeverStops
We've been busy creating our mass Covid-19 testing facility - training volunteers & trialing the testing program in school ready for our pupils' safe return. Today, over 70 staff members were tested. Thanks to our
#KennetCommunity
for their exceptional response.
#StrongerTogether
This delivery has certainly put a smile on our staff's faces this morning! Thank you so much to the family for their generosity and appreciation. In the words of our highly intelligent pupil - calories do not count in schools on Fridays - yum!
#KennetCommunity
#StrongerTogether
8 weeks of testing; 7,500 test administered; 2,800 volunteer hours devoted (not incl. staff); and 2,000+ home test kits distributed. It was only fitting for our very own matron to have the final COVID-19 test in our makeshift 'Nightingale' Test Centre.
#StrongerTogether
#SoProud
Congratulations to A Level Music student, Theo, on winning
@BMaestros
Robina Dallmeyer Award which enables musicians to have tuition with a professional musician. Theo's wish is to arrange lessons with
@owenfarr
, arguably one of the leading Tenor horn players in the world.
Our Design & Technology staff are making laundry bags for local frontline workers. If you have any clean, spare pillow cases, duvet covers or suitable material, we will make much needed scrubs too. Donate by dropping them into our school reception.
#KennetCommunity
#SupportTheNHS
Kennet pays tribute... as marks of respect, ‘In Flanders Fields’, voiced by a Year 11 pupil, was broadcast ahead of a minute’s silence today. Year 7 pupils also paid tribute by creating a giant poppy on the school field.
#LestWeForget
Staff and pupils took part in Kennet's Christmas Jumper Day in memory of Emma, who sadly passed away recently. What a turnout we had - from Christmas trees to reindeers; presents to elves - our donations reached just shy of £2k for
@BCRT
. Wow! Thank you
#KennetCommunity
What a treat! It was great to welcome former pupil and Paralympian
@louisesugden13
back to our Physically Disabled Resource. Para-Powerlifter Louise inspired pupils with her Tokyo 2020 Paralympic experiences and medal.
#GoingForGold
We're celebrating fantastic results with our Year 13s this morning! With such determination and focus, our pupils have achieved impressively well, and we applaud them as they move into the next phase of life thanks to the strong foundations they have laid.
#Proud
Today saw the official opening of our allotment. Over the last year, keen pupils and staff have worked their magic, transforming an unutilised area into an outdoor learning environment. Check out the before and after - we're sure you'll agree, it's an amazing achievement!
Following our recent Ofsted inspection, we are pleased to say that Kennet School remains Outstanding. Ofsted were positive about so much of Kennet life but, as we always say,
#BetterNeverStops
.
A copy of the full report can be found on our website .
Huge thanks to The Red Box Project for donating free sanitary products to Kennet School. This campaign aims to break menstruation stigma. It provides girls access to sanitary products at school so they don't miss out on their education.
#PeriodPoverty
We are delighted to have won this year's 'Active Secondary School' Award at the 7th Annual Award Ceremony for
@GetBerksActive
, which recognised Kennet School’s success in creating an active culture for pupils and staff alike.
#KennetPE
#HealthyMe
It's wonderful to have the buzz back at Kennet! Thanks to everyone involved in supporting remote learning. However, hats off to our pupils for demonstrating resilience, patience and determination on an industrial scale.
#WelcomeBack
#StrongerTogether
#Proud
Well done to the
#KennetCommunity
who, yet again, continue to pull together and demonstrate our Kennet values (Courage, Endeavour, Integrity, Kindness, Resilience and Respect). Next step - remote learning from Monday!
#BetterNeverStops
#Proud
#StaySafe
Today, we celebrate our Year 13s reaching the end of their Kennet journey. In true school spirit, they dressed in style and are ready to unleash their potential on the world!
Good luck, class of 2023 - we will miss you.
#GoForIt
#TeamKennet
On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, we will remember them. Teachers paused their lessons and pupils put down their pens as the entire school fell silent to remember those who lost their lives.
#RemembranceDay2020
#LestWeForget
Congratulations to our very own Aimee on winning three gold medals at the recent Junior Track National Championship Results 2023 for Cycling Ireland: Junior Women Sprint F200; 500m TT; and Scratch Race.
#Proud
Mr M Cole, Chair of Kennet School Academies Trust, has appointed Ms G Rigg as Headteacher, following an incredibly rigorous recruitment process last week which involved pupils, staff, governors, directors and Trust members.
#Congratulations
Kennet pupils have been showing their support for the local community in collecting donations for
@WestBerksFoodB
. Their generosity filled over 76 crates = 1033.6kgs = 2,171 meals and gives vital aid over the festive period and into 2021.
#CommunityMatters
Congratulations to dedicated sportsman Thomas Woodrow on being shortlisted for the
@BerksBucksFA
Grassroots 'Supporter of the Year' award. This is in recognition of his match attendance, despite injury, watching every match his team played this season.
#ExcellenceThroughEndeavour
Today,
#KennetPDR
received a special delivery. Following months of fundraising (and match-funding from
@thegoodexchange
), we purchased a MotoMed bike. This allows our physically disabled pupils more independence to complete their physiotherapy - they can't wait to get started!
The 39th Kennet Games, our event for physically disabled children in and around the local area, took place on Saturday - a day full of competition and smiles. Joined by
@Thatcham_TownFC
, competitors thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Thanks to all who made this event possible.
At the end of what will no doubt be remembered as an historic term (and year), we wish you an enjoyable, restful break. Thank you for all your support and contribution to our school in 2020. We look forward to welcoming pupils and staff back to school in January.
#MerryChristmas
What a pleasure it has been to teach these inspiring young pupils who we've seen grow into responsible, fulfilled adults, with the skills and confidence to make a difference wherever their future paths take them.
#KennetSixthForm
Huge congratulations to former pupil, Charlotte Payne, on making her World Athletics Championships debut in hammer throwing! (Budapest 2023)
@lottypayne
#GoForGold
If you see anyone wearing costumes around Thatcham & Newbury today, don't be alarmed... it's our Year 12 fundraising day where pupils dress up to raise money for charity. This year it is in aid of
@MindCharity
, so if you see them (e.g. our
@PotNoodles
) please give generously.
Three sell out performances... three standing ovations... our summer production of Grease was truly electrifyin'! Our actors, behind the scenes teams and musicians from all year groups were faultless. The months of hardwork, dedication and teamwork sure paid off!
#KennetDrama
Today we're celebrating Year 13! Decked out in fancy dress, the cohort were greeted with cheers by Year 7, who formed a guard of honour for them to walk through. Later, there will be a celebration assembly, awards and time to socialise with their friends.
#KennetSixthForm
Final preparations are underway for our first ever livestream event -
#HouseMusic
- allowing families to witness pupils' talents from the comfort of their own homes. All Houses have rehearsed and can't wait for the competition to commence. May the best House win!
#KennetGoesLive
Congratulations to our Year 11 cohort for an outstanding set of GCSE results! Time to celebrate your hard work and unwavering dedication. See you in Sixth Form and enjoy the rest of your summer.
#GCSEResultsDay
#Proud
Having carried out a full risk assessment of the school site, travel conditions and the availability of staff to provide adequate supervision in light of the current adverse weather conditions, the school will be closed today. We will review again tomorrow and update you ASAP.
Congratulations to Alice who has been invited to join
@BMaestros
inaugural Youth Advisory Board. Check out her application video where she talks about her focus on inclusivity and sensory disability:
#Proud
#BetterNeverStops
Kennet's Lip Sync Battle is back! Teachers and students went head-to-head this lunchtime to raise money for
@centrepointuk
. Well done
#KennetSixthForm
for organising this hilarious event for such an important cause, and Mr Killeen/Ms Du Preez for being crowned overall winners!
Huge congratulations to pupil H Chard who, following seven years of dedication, determination and passion, has been offered a two-year scholarship with
@OfficialSTFC
. He is a shining example of our school motto 'Excellence through Endeavour'.
#proud
Our
#KennetCommunity
has been gathering emergency supplies for those fleeing Ukraine. We've sorted medicines, clothing, blankets, toiletries, baby products and more into over 60 bags to be dispatched shortly, demonstrating our core Kennet value - kindness.
Congratulations to James, Holly & Oliver on their
#Oxbridge
offers (James: PPE at
@UnivOxford
, Holly: Experimental Psychology at
@UnivOxford
& Oliver: Maths at
@hilda_beastoxf
). We look forward to more of our pupils receiving offers from their first choice universities.
#Proud
On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, we will remember them. In honour of
#RemembranceDay
, teachers paused their lessons & pupils put down their pens for 2 minutes silence today. Our Cadet Force laid a wreath whilst a pupil played 'The Last Post'.
#LestWeForget
It was Year 11s last day today - what a fantastic year group! We look forward to tracking their progress over the coming years and witnessing them achieve amazing things. Clearly, we couldn’t let them go without the obligatory shirt signing...
#ExcellenceThroughEndeavour
#Proud
We celebrated with Years 11 & 13 today as they embarked on their next chapters. They continued to show
#ExcellenceThroughEndeavour
throughout the last two years, which will hold them in good stead for wherever life takes them next.
#BetterNeverStops
#Proud
Thank you to
@SamBenjaminNow
for running the first accent workshop with Kennet's
#BugsyMalone
cast! Pupils learnt Sam's tips and tricks to perfect the New York accent and had a lot of fun experimenting with facial expressions, sounds and more along the way.
#KennetDrama
And that's a wrap! Another academic year full of achievements for pupils and staff alike. Congratulations to Headteacher Mrs Piper on being appointed CEO of the Kennet School Academies Trust from September, when Ms Rigg takes the reins as Acting Headteacher. Have a great summer!
Congratulations to Aimee, Year 12, who has officially set a new National Record in the Junior Women 200m flying start in track cycling. She secured an exceptional time of 12.748 seconds - placing her at
#1
for Ireland! Do we have a future Olympic medalist in our midst?
#Proud
Competition was fierce during this year's Sports Day, with the leaderboard going back and forth across the day, making for a tense reveal at the end. The hot weather was matched by some sizzling performances throughout, but one House stole the show. Well done
#StDavidHouse
!
Following on from our
#HealthyMeHealthyUs
challenges for all on Frog, Kennet staff took on a live, gruelling workout yesterday morning with Miss Marriott - a great way to start the day.
#KennetCommunity
#StayHealthy
Congratulations to
#StFrancisHouse
, crowned House Drama winners 2019, whose commemoration to our lost heroes touched the hearts and minds of both audience and judges. Well done to all our pupils and staff involved.
#KennetDrama
#WeWillRememberThem
As one door closes, another opens... today, we celebrated with Year 13 as they reach the end of their Kennet journey - ready to unleash their potential on the world! We also planted a tree in memory of fellow pupil Emma, who was sadly missed today.
#GoForIt
#Proud
Over 100 pupils from Years 7-13 came together in harmony to deliver this year's Winter Concert. The audience were treated to 14 pieces of music, covering a range of genres - what a way to kickstart December!
#KennetMusic
Congratulations Mehrin, Deryn & Erin for being accepted at
#Oxbridge
universities (Mehrin: Engineering at
@WorcCollegeOx
, Deryn: Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic, at
@CorpusCambridge
& Erin: Law at
@wadhamoxford
).
We look forward to the difference you'll make in the world!
#Proud
As a cohort, Year 11 embody Kennet's motto
#ExcellenceThroughEndeavour
and we congratulate them on achieving an excellent set of GCSE results (). We look forward to witnessing their growth in Sixth Form and beyond.
#Proud
#BetterNeverStops
Our two-week Summer School is underway, providing lots of fun and educational activities for our incoming Year 7 pupils…
@BBCNews
even paid us a visit to witness the Government’s £200 million funding in use, supporting those whose learning was impacted the most by the pandemic.
Pupils and staff alike love a good Sports Day, and this year did not disappoint! Competition was tight, but, for the fourth year in a row,
#StDavidHouse
were crowned overall winners. Well done to everyone who took part and all who supported this fantastic event!
Year 7 pupils embarked on exciting trips today - either camping in the New Forest or exploring France. Both trips have arrived safely and are starting to embrace their adventures!
#KennetTrips
Despite current restrictions, Kennet rose to the challenge and
#HouseMusic
was successfully streamed live. Pupils blew us away with their endless talent, sanitising equipment and socially distancing - all whilst performing live! Congratulations to winners
#StFrancisHouse
Year 7s took part in our Copper Mile challenge yesterday. The aim was to put 1p/2p coins in a line that stretched to one mile. All money donated will go to
@GOSHCharity
in memory of pupil, Jack, who sadly passed away this term after a lifelong battle with a heart condition.
We've seen some amazing pieces of art entered into our House Art Competition. Despite lockdown, pupils rose to the challenge (once again) and what talented artists they are! Well done
#StFrancis
on their triumph.
Check out our exhibition for yourself:
We are delighted to have been awarded 'Transformational Practice', the highest accolade of recognition to be given to schools who have applied for the
@ssat
Exceptional Education Framework. This particular strand was 'Engaging with Evidence and Research'.
#BetterNeverStops
Happy International Admin Day to our incredible administrative staff at Kennet School! Your hard work and dedication not only keeps our school running smoothly everyday but is vital to our success. Thank you for all that you do!
#AdminAppreciation
#ThankYou
Shielding elderly locals received some much needed Christmas cheer today. Health & Social Care students have worked tirelessly over the past few weeks creating individual gift packages, filled with cards, personal touches, goodies & Christmas sparkle.
#KennetCommunity
#MerryXmas
Following the latest Government guidelines, our Year 11s & 13s celebrated their time, friendships and achievements in their own bubbles at Kennet last week. Whilst it wasn't 'prom' in the traditional sense, we were pleased to enable them one last hurrah!
#Prom2021Revisited
Whilst we await formal guidance to schools from the Government, Kennet School remains open tomorrow, Thursday, 19 March 2020, as planned. Please continue to follow the Public Health advice regarding self-isolation.
We appreciate your support and will keep in touch.
Congratulations to Kennet's Table Cricket team, who recently won the Berkshire County Table Cricket Competition for the second year in a row. Our team now have the opportunity to represent Berkshire at the regional finals being held at Stoke Mandeville - watch this space!
Thanks to
@WoodlandTrust
who accepted our application for their 'free tree pack'. Kennet's Eco Committee eagerly welcomed the free delivery and were out in force, appropriately equipped, to plant over 100 trees across the school campus.
#GetInvolved
#GoGreen
Kennet Community learning together... we couldn't be more proud of teachers, pupils and parents, working hard to ensure learning continues in these unprecedented times.
#ExcellenceThroughEndeavour
What a fantastic Sports Day! From high jump to hurdles; boccia to track races, there were so many ways for our pupils to take part. Competition between Houses was relentless, resulting in multiple standout performances. Well done to the overall winners
#StDavidHouse
.
Our PTA is amazing. Their dedication and enthusiasm fundraising for our school is infectious and clearly pays off! On behalf of all the Kennet community, THANK YOU for the incredible £20,000 donation.
Check out what's in store for this year: .
#GetInvolved
Congratulations to Isobel & Luke on being crowned Head Students 2022/23 after this year's
#KennetSixthForm
Hustings. As part of the school's senior leadership, they will serve as role models, represent pupils' voices & work with the Head on school developments.
#BetterNeverStops
Another sold-out evening of exceptional performances... House Music was an outstanding showcase of the true capability of Kennet pupils to work together, be creative and knock the audience's socks off. Congratulations to
#StMichaelHouse
who won the event!
#KennetMusic
What a beautiful day to walk the Golden Mile! Once a term, all pupils walk a mile at tutor time, giving them the ability to walk, talk and improve their wellbeing.
#KennetHealthyMe
We are delighted to have been awarded 'Gold'
#ShakespeareSchool
status in recognition of our commitment to providing inspiring opportunities, encouraging community engagement and embedding personal development into pupils via our extensive creative arts programme.
@SSF_UK
Well done to Patch and Emma on being crowned Head Boy and Girl 2021/22, following this year's
#KennetSixthForm
Hustings. The duo will now work with the Head on school developments, serve as role models and represent pupils as part of our school leadership team.
#Proud
Congratulations to Seb who achieved a silver medal in the English Schools' Championship Intermediate Boys' hammer throw, with a distance of 55m 52cm. This qualifying throw sees him representing England in the upcoming Home Countries School Internationals (15 July). Good luck Seb!
We are delighted to have secured a place on the prestigious
@ssat
Leadership Legacy Project.
Miss J Auger, mathematics teacher, will form part of an impressive group of future education leaders from across the country designated as SSAT Leadership Fellows.
#betterneverstops
We are thrilled to announce the return of Mr Tamale as Assistant Headteacher (Head of Sixth Form). We want to express a huge thank you to Mrs Odenwälder for her dedicated service and wish her well for her new life in Cornwall!
Well done to all pupils whose superb 'environmental' artwork bagged this year's "best Secondary" display at this year's
@Berkshire_show
! From illustration to sculpture; textiles to photography, they did us proud.
#BerkshireShow
#BetterNeverStops
As expected, our swimming gala created quite the splash... despite tough competition, pupils showed determination and skill, supporting team mates throughout a number of races. Well done to
#StPatrickHouse
who lifted the trophy and, of course, to everyone who took part!
#KennetPE
It's Work Shadowing Day for Year 10s, who are observing someone in their role to understand how they do their job. This year, they're with tradesmen, nurses, accountants, hairdressers, signalmen at
@LOrealParisUK
@NHSEngland
@networkrail
,
@WestBerkshire
to name but a few.