THOUGHTS OF THE YEAR

THOUGHTS OF THE YEAR MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Today’s footprint is tomorrow’s legacy.

I welcome you to the first edition of ‘ The Book ’, a memoir of events past.

K ings’ is so much more than chalk and talk , it truly is about embracing the whole child, broadening horizons and providing students with the confidence to push themselves out of their comfor t zones and to quite simply ‘give it a go’.

‘ The Book ’ is an oppor tunit y for reflec tion as well as an oppor tunit y for our pupils to get a little taste of what ’s to come in their years ahead at K ings’.

Whether you’ve been with us for one year or six years, you are par t of a legac y, one that can be recorded and revisited in years to come. And what a year to begin, so many incredible memories to look back on, the spor ting prowess, the bordering on professional produc tions, the Duke of Edinburgh expeditions that pushed some to the absolute ex treme, but despite the personal challenges whether that be in the classroom or out in the wilderness no one ever gave up! Why? Because resilience is a given, a behavioural trait that K ings’ students exude.

Our pupils make a difference ever y day and the key to their individual success is in obser ving communit y spirit and embark ing on a shared journey. Within K ings’, it is evident that no goal is considered met, unless it is met for ever yone. Ever y student makes it their job to ensure no one is lef t behind. Whoever you are, whatever you want to be, it is achievable.

I sincerely hope you enjoy flick ing through the first edition of ‘ The Book ’ and that you get as much pleasure reflec ting on the memories made in 2019-20 as I have.

Rebecca Gray Principal

As a new member of the team at K ings’ S chool Al Barsha, one of the best ways I have been able to witness the sk ills and talents of a lot of children in a ver y shor t space of time has been through the expressive and per forming ar ts. Our Ar ts Week was a remark able spec tacle which saw ever y child in the whole of the primar y school share a piece of ar t work as par t of a truly beautiful whole -school exhibition. Additionally, our class assemblies and per formance showcases have demonstrated the courage and braver y our children demonstrate from as young as 3 years old, who stand up in front of their peers and parents with a confidence that belies their years, and is incredibly impressive to witness. Additionally, I am incredibly proud of the tenacit y and perseverance our children have shown during the online learning period, and I look for ward to seeing them continue to shine across the curriculum as we move into another school year.

Sarah Reynolds Primary Headteacher

I am never fond of endings. I t means having to ack nowledge that something has finished and come to a close. This has been a strange academic year for us all and it is ending even stranger. A journey that we star ted together has ended apar t. Our ending this academic year means many of us will not get the chance to say our goodbyes in person with some of our closest friends and respec ted teachers. However, I believe this is a good thing because saying “goodbye” means going away ; and going away means forgetting. S o instead of saying goodbye, let me make this easier by saying “ hello” in advance for the nex t time we get to see you, whether this is in S eptember on the school gate or sometime else in the future. I n the meantime, celebrate the year that we have enjoyed together and here’s to a happy star t.

Have a great summer.

Michael Bloy Secondary Head Teacher

Reflec tions are an oppor tunit y to really appreciate what we have here at K ings’ . This past year has not been a t ypical year but one that continues to demonstrate the strength of our K ings’ values. These unfor tunate times are a test of our culture and it has been lovely to requalify that our values are not just printed and displayed around the school but prac tised by staff, students and our wider communit y. The learning, albeit on a new platform, has continued to be of the highest standard and our students continue to surpass our expec tations with their ambitious attitude toward their subjec ts. I k now our teachers and leaders are desperate to welcome our students back into the classroom where there is no substitute for bringing together young minds to debate, challenge and suppor t each other in their learning. Have a wonder ful restful summer, stay safe, and we will be ready for you in September!

Scott Johnson Deputy Headteacher, Secondary

Whenever I am asked to sit down and reflec t on the past academic year, I am always amazed at what our school is able to achieve, and this year has been par ticularly impressive. For me one of the big successes is how well we have worked together as a school communit y to make our online learning programme work . The creativit y shown by both staff and students is unbelievable; from ar t competitions, to live debates, from spanish cook ing to an online olympics we have tried it all! I have been par ticularly proud of the work of our student leadership team, as they have sought to lead and inspire us all through their week ly themed assemblies and challenges. I am look ing for ward to seeing you all nex t academic year and hope you have a restful and enjoyable summer.

Louise Rolf Deputy Headteacher, Secondary

Another fantastic year here at K ings’ S chool Al Barsha! I t has been a joy, as always, to be par t of the team and to now look back and reflec t on all we have achieved as a school communit y this academic year. S ome key highlights of mine include the wonder ful day of celebration we shared for I nternational Day. I t is always humbling to see our growing school communit y come together to share in and celebrate the different cultures of our peers through song, dance and of course, the incredible food! The Foundation Stage is always a proud highlight of mine, each academic year, as we look at the progress of our youngest students and how they have grown in their confidence and independence throughout the year. The positivit y and resilience our school communit y has shown during this academic year is something to be really proud of.

Rebecca Tennant Deputy Headteacher, Primary