WHAT A JOURNEY

Head Girls Emily M and Molly H gave an outstanding final speech at our Senior School Open Day in May, sharing some of the many highlights of their Kingsley journeys from Prep through to Sixth Form. Here is a copy of their speech in print for you to enjoy.

Molly: I started my Kingsley journey in the Prep School in 2008, at the age of four. Emily: And I started mine 11 years ago, also in the Prep School - a place where I felt supported, cared for and valued as an individual, and grew in confidence (but not in height - I managed to wear the same blazer the whole time!).

Molly: Going back to 2014, I was in your shoes and trying to make the same decision as you. I didn’t think Senior School could be anywhere near as exciting as Prep, but I was wrong. The trips, the teachers and the experiences I had in Senior School are ones I will never forget. I honestly wish I could go back and re-live it all again, even the exams! Emily: I remember looking forward to being in Year 7, but also thought the transition would be a challenging one. However, it was much easier than I had anticipated. In the September, the entire year group went to the Pioneer Centre for a week of team building activities and outdoor pursuits. It was an exciting start to the year and helped us to bond with each other and our teachers.

Molly: Starting Senior School can definitely feel quite daunting, with new peers, new classrooms and new teachers. Kingsley operates a ‘buddy system’, pairing Year 7 pupils with pupils in Year 8. My buddy really helped me to settle in and find my way around. Emily: The Key Stage 3 curriculum is broad and offered me the chance to experience a wide range of subjects. This is supported by Kingsley’s varied extra-curricular programme, which includes many different clubs and activities. Students also have the opportunity to take part in some brilliant productions. Our latest production, Made in Dagenham, was a huge success. I have particularly enjoyed competing in sports fixtures, including netball, hockey, rounders and athletics. We had a fabulous weekend away playing netball at Condover Hall.

Molly: I have also enjoyed competing in sports, including county rounders and hockey matches. In enrichment, ‘Just Dance’ is great fun and a firm favourite amongst students and staff! I have been rock climbing on many occasions for the physical section of my Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Taking part in DofE was an incredible experience and one I would highly recommend (read more on pages 59-60). Emily: Outside of school I trained as a rhythmic gymnast, competing both nationally and internationally. I spent many hours a week training to compete at this elite level. The support I received from the school and staff enabled me to excel in my academic studies too. I also enjoy dance and train with the Motionhouse Dance Company, where I’m a member of the Youth Board working to promote events and develop the company. Molly: Kingsley offers a small, nurturing environment and supports students to gain the best grades possible. In the summer of 2020, I completed nine GCSEs, achieving no less than a B grade. I also obtained my Latin qualification in Year 9. Emily: During my GCSEs, my teachers stretched my academic abilities further than I had thought possible, but they still made the lessons exciting and enjoyable. I achieved ten GCSE’s - three grade 9s, three grade 8s and four grade 7s.

Molly: In October 2019, Emily and I were invited to attend the Round Square International Conference in India. It was a life-changing experience. Along with six other Kingsley girls, and accompanied by our Headteacher and Assistant Head, we travelled to the Emerald Heights International School in Indore where we were joined by individuals from 200 other schools from across the world. During the conference we heard from well-known and respected speakers, completed a mini-marathon with a famous Indian blade runner, and took part in a community project at a local cancer hospital. This was a fantastic experience for both of us that really helped us to grow in confidence and better understand our place in the world as global citizens. Students of all ages have the opportunity to take part in events and activities through Kingsley’s Round Square membership, and our Round Square Coordinator, Mrs Rogers, encourages everyone to get involved. Emily: Not only did our trip to India help us to grow in independence and confidence, but we got to learn more about each other - particularly during the eighthour flight together! We really bonded as a group and one of the highlights of the conference was performing the Spice Girls’ ‘Wannabe’ in front of 2,000 students and teachers! During our time at Kingsley, there have been many other opportunities to take part in international trips, including skiing and water sports trips, awe and wonder trips (to countries such as Iceland) and World Challenge expeditions (read more on page 65). Molly: We both decided to stay at Kingsley for Sixth Form. I am currently studying Economics, Politics and PER (Philosophy, Ethics and Religion) at A-level, and achieved A grades in all three subjects at AS level. I am very lucky to have spent my whole childhood at Kingsley and couldn’t have imagined being anywhere else. I have grown within the school’s happy and supportive community, but Kingsley has also grown with me, offering me new challenges and the chance for me to spread my wings at every stage of my education. The school is amazing at adapting and changing to the future of learning, whilst still holding its roots and its core values close to its heart.

“Emily and I were invited to attend in the Round Square International Conference in India. It was a life-changing experience... we heard from well-known and respected speakers, completed a mini-marathon with a famous Indian blade runner, and took part in a community project at a local cancer hospital.”

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Emily: The Sixth Form teachers have an open-door policy, so you can pop into the staff room whenever you have a question or need a chat. Student-staff relationships are excellent in Senior School and this doesn’t change in the Sixth Form. The teachers have a genuine desire to support you and they go out of their way to help you achieve your goals. I am now in Year 13 and studying Geography, Psychology and Physical Education at A-level, having achieved A grades in all three subjects at AS Level. Kingsley has undoubtedly brought out the best in me and I am looking forward to what the future holds.

Molly: I am currently revising for my A-level exams. I’m also in the process of applying to be an Air Operations Control Sergeant in the Royal Air Force. Kingsley has always had a strong careers education programme and prepared students well for life after Kingsley. There are many workshops throughout Senior School and Sixth Form. At our Futures Fair (read more on pages 55-56) I was able to talk to representatives from the RAF faceto-face and find out lots of useful information about the application process. Emily: I am hoping to study Sports Psychology at Loughborough University, and plan to go on to do a Masters. As I come to the end of my Kingsley journey, I have spent a lot of time reflecting on what I will miss the most. For me, Kingsley has always been a home away from home, with supportive staff and a unique atmosphere that has allowed me to challenge myself beyond what I had ever thought possible. I will miss my Kingsley family and all of the smiles. Molly: Over the years, Kingsley has enabled us to flourish through a careful balance of supporting us and challenging us to succeed and achieve our goals. The teachers want you to be the best version of yourself and are right there with you every step of the way.

Our Heads of School for the 2022-23 academic year are Sophie C and Saarah H. They will be supported by our new Sixth Form Leadership Team - Abi L, Morgan B, Georgina B, Matilda M, Sasha G, Kelly T, Amy B, Grace G and Charlotte G. We wish the girls all the best in their new roles.