Kingswinford Newsletter Summer 2025 by Windsor Academy Trust

July 2025

11 July 2025

DearParents/Carers,

Theendoftheschoolyearisﬁnallyuponus.Ithasbeenagreatendtotheyear,withtheweatherbeing kindforthesportsdayactivitiesallweek.We’vehadagreatsummerterm.TheYear11examswent brilliantlyandtherestoftheschoolhasthrivedinthegreatweatherwe’vehad.Thisweekwe’vehadour danceshowandtheannualawardsevening.Abusyendtoabusyyear(thisweeklastyearwealsohad Ofsted!).Anotheryeardone,andonethatweshouldbecollectivelyreallypleasedwith.Ourattendance, studentbehaviour,theopportunitiesweofferinsideandoutsidetheclassroom…whatwehaveandwhat wedoherisreallyspecial.Ourfamiliesplayahugeroleinthis-sothankyouforyoursupport.

I’mreallyproudoftheculturewehavehereatKingswinfordAcademy.Ready,RespectfulandSaferuns deepthrougheachofus.Thestudentsareacrucialpartofourbrilliantcommunityandarebrilliant ambassadorsforeverythingwestandfor.Ouryoungpeoplearebrilliant!

AttheendofthisacademicyearwesaygoodbyetostaffwhoareleavingKingswinfordAcademy.Moving topasturesnewareMissBassi.MrsHartgroves,MissHortonandMrsDodds.MissHortonhasbeenherefor sixyearsandhasbeeninstrumentalinthesuccessofdanceatKingswinford.MrsDodds,asIexplaineda fewweeksago,ismovingtoworkfortheWATcentralteam.We’realsolosingsomenon-teachingstaff. MrsHansonandMsJonesinPastoralarealsomovingtonewjobs.MrsGuest,ourofficemanageris steppingdown.Shehasbeenthefaceoffrontreceptionandthevoiceonthephoneforsomanyyears14intotal-andwillbereallymissedbythewholecommunity.Wewishallofourleaversbestwishesfor thefuture.

Finally,abigthanktoyouallforyourcontinuedsupportandencouragementofallouryoungpeopleat KingswinfordAcademy.Ifeelveryprivilegedandproudtobeworkingalongsidesomeveryspecialand talentedindividuals(youngpeople,staffandparents).I’mlookingforwardtooursummerGCSEresultsand toSeptember,whenwewillcontinuetohelpouryoungpeoplefulﬁltheiracademicandpersonal potential.

Wehaveoneﬁnalweektogo.Hundredsofstudentsnextweekareinvolvedineitherresidentials(athome andabroad),inPledgeactivitiesorinWorkExperience.Itisalwaysagreatendtotheacademicyearand wecan’twaittotellyoumoreabouthowitwentinSeptember.

PleaseenjoyourﬁnalNewsletteroftheacademicyear.Therearemanybrilliantthingstoreporton. Alltheverybesttoyouall.Ihopeyouhavealovelysummerbreak.

Bestwishes,

IanMoreton Headteacher

Upcomingevents-

● Year6SummerSchool-Wednesday20th/Thursday21stAugust

● Thursday21stAugust-Year11Examresultsday

● StaffINSET-Monday1stSeptember

● AutumnTerm-Studentsreturntoschool-Tuesday2nd September(detailsonthenextpage)

11 July 2025

NewYear7students

We are really looking forward to welcoming you to Kingswinford Academy in September. It will also be brilliant tohavemanyofyoucometooursummerschoolinAugust.

Firstdayofschool-Whattoexpect

When you arrive in September you will be directed to the school hall before going to your form room with your form tutor. You will be given a tour of the school before the other students arrive and will have an assembly led byMrMoreton,Headteacher.Youwillgetyourtimetablesandyourtutorwillgothroughwithyouthetimingsof thedayandhelpyouwithyourschoolorientation.Therestofthestudentswon’tbearrivinguntilbreaktime.

Below are some resources from two charities - Anna Freud and Young Minds - which will help with your child’s transition from Year 6 to Year 7. We recommend that you engage with this as it will give you some important informationabouttransitiontosecondaryschoolforyourselvesandyourchild.

AnnaFreudLink

YoungsMinds:Helpingyourchildmanagethemovefromprimarytosecondaryschool YoungMinds:StudentResources

Startoftermarrangements

WewelcomeallstudentsbacktoKingswinfordAcademyonTuesday2ndSeptember.

Year7shouldarriveby8.30am(andwillbedirectedtotheHall)

Allotheryeargroupshavealaterstartandshouldbeonsiteby11.15amandshouldgodirectlytotheirform rooms.

Schoolwillendat3.15pmasusual.

11 July 2025

PE News

Exciting New Link with Kingswinford Golf Centre Tees Off!

Our school is thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with Kingswinford Golf Centre!This fantastic collaboration has already proven to be a huge hit with students, who have thoroughly enjoyed getting into the swing of golf during after-school sessions.

The golf club’s friendly and professional staff have welcomed our students with open arms, offering expert guidance and a brilliant introduction to the sport. Whether complete beginners or budding golfers, everyone has had the chance to develop their skills and enjoy learning in a fun, active, and supportive environment. It’s been wonderful to see so many young people engaged and growing in confidence as they take on a new challenge.

We’re delighted that this is just the beginning. Our partnership with Kingswinford Golf Centre is set to continue and grow, bringing even more fantastic opportunities for our pupils in the future.

If your child is interested in golf lessons and would like to be part of the next group of students attending after-school sessions, please contact Miss Holder or Mr. Moore to register your interest.

11 July 2025

Well Done to OurYear 10 Boys – Dudley League and Cup Champions

Ahuge congratulations to ourYear 10 boys’football team, who have won the double and have been crowned Dudley League Champions and Cup Winners!

The team have shown outstanding skill, teamwork, and determination throughout the season, going from strength to strength with each match.Their hard work and dedication have truly paid off, and we are incredibly proud of their achievement.

Well done, boys – a fantastic result and a great reflection of your commitment both on and off the pitch.

11 July 2025

Our Dancers Shine atASPIRE Dance Day

Ahuge congratulations to our talented dancers who recently attended the ASPIRE Dance Day, where they had an incredible time participating in a range of dance workshops.The day was filled with energy, creativity, and a fantastic opportunity to develop their skills in various dance styles.

Our students were given the chance to learn new techniques, explore different genres of dance, and be inspired by some of the best in the field. Not only did they impress with their skills, but they were also a true credit to our school, showing excellent teamwork, discipline, and a positive attitude throughout the day.

Well done to all the dancers for making the most of this fantastic opportunity.

11 July 2025

ExcitingAchievement: Our School and PE DepartmentAchieve Gold in the School Sports Mark!

We are excited to announce that our school and Physical Education department have been awarded the Gold School Sports Mark for 2024/2025, a prestigious recognition that celebrates our commitment to physical activity and sports. This award highlights our ongoing efforts to provide high-quality PE lessons, extracurricular opportunities, and promote a healthy lifestyle. The PE department has worked hard to ensure all students, regardless of ability, have access to a wide range of activities, from competitive sports teams to inclusive extra-curricular clubs. The increase in participation across both boys' and girls' teams, as well as in activities like golf, darts and multisports clubs, has played a significant role in achieving this success.

Our students have demonstrated outstanding achievements in school, trust wide competitions and local sports competitions, showing incredible determination and teamwork. From winning the Dudley Football League to excelling in darts, swimming and athletics, our athletes have made us proud. We would like to thank the dedicated PE staff for their hard work, as well as the students and their families for their continued support.

11 July 2025

WAT TrustAthletics at the PrestigiousAlexander Stadium, Birmingham

We are thrilled to share the incredible success of our students at the recent WATTrustAthletics event held at the iconicAlexander Stadium in Birmingham. Known as the Commonwealth Stadium, this world-class venue has hosted some of the most prestigious athletic competitions, making it a truly special place for our students to showcase their talents.All 8 secondary schools across the trust came together to compete, it was a fantastic event with over 400 students taking part.

Our students delivered fantastic performances across a range of events, demonstrating skill, determination, and sportsmanship that made us all proud. It was inspiring to see their hard work and dedication come to life on such a grand stage.

Aspecial congratulations goes to ourYear 10 students, who achieved an outstanding 2nd place overall in their age group, a remarkable accomplishment for ourYear 10 students.

We look forward to more opportunities to compete and shine in such esteemed settings.

11 July 2025

Football Club

As the academic year comes to a close, we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible dedication shown by all the students who attended the football club. Come rain or shine, their enthusiasm never wavered, and their commitment has been truly inspiring. Beyond developing their football skills, their involvement has helped build confidence, leadership, and a strong sense of perseverance — all essential traits that support their personal potential. Well done to everyone involved!

11 July 2025

School Cricket is back!

Massive well done to our cricket teams for this academic year! It has been brilliant to see the passion and enthusiasm for the sport by so many students, and it has been thoroughly enjoyable to compete against our neighbouring schools. Shout out to ourY7/8’s Ismail, Vishal and Usman for their dedication and outstanding performance. Shout outs also to ourY9/10 team, notably Cameron, Ollie, Finley Pand Finley H for their passion shown over the season.

11 July 2025

Year 10 Students Get a Taste of Sports Science at Hartpury College

OurYear 10 GCSE PE students recently enjoyed an exciting and inspiring trip to Hartpury College, where they experienced sports science in action.The day was packed with hands-on activities, allowing students to put their classroom learning into practice.

Throughout the visit, students took part in a range of fitness tests designed to assess their strength, power, agility, speed and VO₂ Max.This interactive experience not only deepened their understanding of key theory topics but also brought the subject to life in a real-world setting.

In addition to the practical elements, students had the opportunity to explore college and university life.They toured the impressive campus and enjoyed lunch in the student union café, giving them a glimpse into the daily life of a sports science student.

The visit proved to be a real eye-opener for many, with several students now considering a future in sport or sport science.Afantastic day all round, educational, engaging and truly inspiring!

11 July 2025

Tag Rugby Fun at Worcester Warriors!

This half term a group of our students took part in an exciting Tag Rugby event hosted by Worcester Warriors. Held at the Sixways Stadium, home of the Worcester Warriors, the event brought together schools from across the region to enjoy a day of sport, teamwork, and fun. Our students represented the school brilliantly, showing fantastic energy, respect, and sportsmanship throughout the day.The students playedT1 rugby, which is a touch format of the game and involves a team of 4 boys and 4 girls on a smaller pitch.The aim is to encourage participation from individuals who would usually not choose to participate in rugby. As part of this, we took 12 students with little to no rugby experience to the finals day at Sixways Stadium, Worcester, where students were able to participate in multiple fixtures and develop their rugby skills and understanding.

Over the day students demonstrated excellent resilience against some tough teams and improved understanding of the game. Whilst the day was not a great success for us in terms of results, it was great to see students taking part and enjoying the opportunity. We look forward to taking part in more fixtures and supporting growing participation in rugby.

11 July 2025

Football Fever in PE Lessons!

To mark the beginning of the Women’s Euros in Switzerland and continue promoting girls' football, all students were invited to wear a football shirt of their choice during PE lessons. It was fantastic to see so many students getting involved, showing their support for their favourite teams and players, and getting into the spirit of this major tournament.

11 July 2025

WAT Girls’Football Tournament at the Wolves Training Dome

Our fantasticYear 7 andYear 8 girls recently took part in an exciting WATfootball tournament held at the Wolves Training Dome.The event was a brilliant opportunity for our students to showcase their skills, teamwork, and passion for the sport in a professional environment.The tournament was held in celebration of the start of the UEFAWomen’s EURO 2025, kicking off this month in Switzerland, with England proudly defending their title.The girls represented our school with pride and enthusiasm, well done to everyone who took part!

Our students came runners up - well done girls!!

11 July 2025

Wimbledon Court 1 Visit –ADay to Remember!

On Monday 1st July, we travelled to theAll England LawnTennis Club to watch live matches on Court 1, and it was an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

Students were thrilled to see some top tennis stars in action, and the level of play on Court 1 certainly didn’t disappoint. We watched some thrilling matches, including the World Number 1 Jannik Sinner. It was a fantastic opportunity for the students to witness top-level competition and soak in the excitement of a Grand Slam event. Well done to all students involved who were exemplary throughout the whole day.

11 July 2025

Sports Day 2025

We are incredibly proud to share the success of our annual Sports Days, held recently on the school field. It was a fantastic celebration of participation, teamwork, and school spirit with every student taking part and giving their best!

At our school, we believe that sport is for all, and this year’s Sports Day truly reflected that. Events were designed to be inclusive, giving every pupil – regardless of ability or confidence level the chance to join in, earn points for their house and have fun.

From classic events such as sprints, throws and long jump to fun challenges in table tennis, there was something for everyone. Our aim was simple, to create a day where every student could shine in their own way – and they did! Well done to all our students.

11 July 2025

Dance Show

OnTuesday 8th July, KingswinfordAcademy held their dance showcase at Brierley Hill Civic Hall which was an unforgettable celebration of talent, energy, and creativity. With a wide variety of performances, the evening featured everything from contemporary and street dance with solos, duets and group performances.

Students of all ages took to the stage, each bringing their own flair and passion. It was a particular delight to welcome and watch the brilliant performances from Brierley Hill Primary School and Belle Vue Primary School—both schools brought so much enthusiasm and talent to the showcase.

Aheartfelt thank you goes to all the staff who helped make the event such a success—your hard work and support behind the scenes made it all possible. Miss Horton was incredibly proud of every single performer; their dedication, teamwork, and confidence on stage made the evening one to remember.The atmosphere was electric, and the whole event was a wonderful celebration of our school community.

Student Senate - Residential

Ten students from KingswinfordAcademy joined 70 other students from the otherTrust Secondary school last week.They took part in group discussions around what could be included in the student pledge and presented to the team at Worcester University.

They then went over to pick their keys for their rooms and had another a team session paddle boarding, Kayaking, building a shed and lighting fire in the forest.

It’s been a fantastic senate residential - full of energy, inspiration, and connection.The students were absolutely buzzing with excitement and pride. It was truly uplifting and memorable.

You tube video https://youtu.be/phIro6aBL6k?si=OVqtxJeUElG98xBF

11 July 2025

On 5th June ,WindsorAcademy Trust opened the Confederation of School Trusts Conference with a spectacular 3 song performance with accompanying video of mass participation. Students from Kingswinford Academy joined forces with students from Windsor High School and Sixth Form to produce outstanding vocal, musical theatre and dance performances. Mr Cotterill, WAT Head of PerformingArts. The children were outstanding in both talent and behaviour and the CST has asked if Windsor Academy Trust will perform for them again in the future. The feedback from delegates is below.

“The performance brought me to tears and absolutely put front and centre what the day was all about. The children from WindsorAcademyTrust were absolutely amazing and should be commended. The performance by the children was an excellent opening.

What a treat to hear the musical performance at the start

The performance brought me to tears and absolutely put front and centre what the day was all about. The children from WindsorAcademyTrust were absolutely amazing and should be commended Agreat opening show from the pupils at Windsor. The performance by the children was an excellent opening.

What a treat to hear the musical performance at the start."

11 July 2025

July 2025

11 July 2025

WAT a Movie winner 2025

This year’s short film competition that was launched across the trust was won by our very own Kingswinford Academy student, Lucy Hatton.

Lucy, in year 9, entered the competition with her short film ‘Behind the Mask’in which she acts, directs and edits all herself.

Mr Cotterill, WATHead of PerformingArts, who runs the competition said “The standard of Lucy’s short film was incredible and worthy winner of this year's competition ”. You can watch the film here Well done Lucy!

Duke of Edinburgh Update

This school year we had an amazing 33 students enrolled onto the Duke of EdinburghAward scheme at KingswinfordAcademy.Taking part in a Duke of Edinburgh style expedition has always been an important part of our WATPledge and it is a vital way of helping our students build fundamental life skills outside the classroom. Our 22 BronzeAward students took on their expedition around Kinver Edge, whilst our 11 Silver students ventured to the Long Mynd and tackled extreme heat to complete their expedition section in record time. They learnt how to pitch a tent, navigate the local area using a map and compass, work together as a team and cook on a trangia.

The staff and local residents they met along the routes were so impressed by our students' politeness, respect for the environment and kindness to others.They were great ambassadors for our school. The students still have their Skills, Volunteering and Physical sections to complete before they will receive their certificates and be granted this prestigious award.

When we return in September, Mr Mrockso and Miss Wilkins will be recruiting a new cohort ofYear 9 and 10 students to take on this incredibleAward.

11 July 2025

Library Events

Easter Reading Challenge

Louis Sachar vsAnne Fine & DavidAlmond

The Easter break saw 36 students take up a holiday reading challenge!The students were challenged to read Louis Sachar’s Small Steps and eitherAnne Fine’s Flour Babies or DavidAlmond’s Skellig.They then had to critically compare the texts and detail which was their favourite and why.The responses back were beautiful with some really profound analysis of the stories; they were a joy to read.All students who completed the challenge won a book from the prize shelf and a bar of chocolate. Well done to everyone who took part!

11 July 2025

Independent Reading Raffle

When students are seen reading in the library during their social time, they get a raffle ticket; the more times they read, the more chances they have to win!The raffle is drawn at the end of each half term. Winners get a bag of sweets, a book related prize and can choose a book from the prize shelf!

11 July 2025

Lucky Dip Reading Challenge

The half term break saw yet another reading challenge! For this they had to pick a book, Lucky Dip style, from the box without seeing the cover.They got to stick with that book or had the option to ‘twist’and exchange it only once.This was an exercise in expanding their genre selection and taking them out of their comfort zone.They each read their selected book and filled in a slide detailing information about their book, a star rating and what their personal thoughts were on it.

We had a massive take up for this challenge and received over 130 responses back!The slides were excellent and it was great to see that, while a number of students said they wouldn’t have chosen the book themselves, they actually did enjoy breaking from their usual selection and would consider doing so again! We were extremely proud of the gusto in which the students approached this challenge and all were rewarded with a book of their choice from the prize shelf and a bar of chocolate. Brilliant work all!

11 July 2025

Matt DickinsonAuthor Visit

Author, filmmaker, and Everest conqueror, Matt Dickinson visited ourYear 10’s this term. He led a full year author talk in the hall and break out workshops for Fiction and Non Fiction Writers. Feedback from his sessions was positive and students were even stopping him in the corridor to continue engaging in conversation!The day seemed to inspire students not only in writing and filmmaking but also in taking adventures to unexpected places!

11 July 2025

WAT BookAwards

Three of our students were selected to take part in the WATBookAwards thanks to their continual hard work and excellent attitude to reading.

The students were invited to read a selection of books then attend Windsor High School for the final award ceremony.

They took part in a variety of competitions, listened to authors videos and collaborated with their peers.The award winners were Angel of Grasmere byTom Palmer and Calm by S.J. Baker. Each student was presented with a book to keep supplied by Peters Books.The students were brilliant and we are extremely proud that they are part of KingswinfordAcademy.

11 July 2025

B WareAuthor Visit

We have been fortunate to have Dudley BookAwards Children’s Category winner B. Ware visit ourYear 7’s for a whole day of events starting with a full year author talk!The workshops that followed included a Creative Writing session and then breakout Editing and Comic creating workshops.The students have loved the day and have created beautiful work that they can expand on in the future. Many of the students were awarded certificates for their excellent work through the day with PetrinaAmrevweatefa, Mohammed Rahat and Zara Fox winning the coveted B. Ware dragons! Well done to everyone!

11 July 2025

Unifrog LaunchesAcrossAllYear Groups!

We’re excited to announce the successful rollout of Unifrog for all year groups at KingswinfordAcademy. Unifrog is a powerful online platform that brings together every aspect of careers education, destinations planning, and personal development into one easy-to-use place.

FromYear 7 through toYear 11, students now have access to a wide range of tools that support:

● Exploring careers and pathways based on interests and skills

● Accessing up-to-date labour market information

● Building CVs and personal statements

● Recording meaningful encounters and work experience

● Comparing post-16 and post-18 options, including universities, apprenticeships, and vocational routes

This platform will play a central role in transforming our careers curriculum, enabling a more personalised, engaging, and forward-thinking approach. Students can now take greater ownership of their futures, supported by targeted activities in tutor time, lessons, and independent use.

We’re proud to be giving every student the tools to explore their ambitions and plan for success beyond school.

In the forthcoming year, parents and carers will also receive guidance on how to support their child’s Unifrog journey.

Students RaceAhead with STEM at Williams F1 Factory

Agroup of our students recently had the incredible opportunity to visit the Williams F1 factory, where they took part in a hands-on engineering challenge that brought science, design, and innovation to life.

As part of the experience, students were tasked with designing and testing their own F1 nose cone prototypes using a mock-up wind tunnel—right in the heart of one of the world’s most prestigious motorsport engineering hubs.Their designs were put to the test in front of none other than Williams’Head of Power Units, who provided professional feedback and insight into the demands of elite automotive performance.

This unforgettable experience gave students a real-world look into STEM careers—from aerodynamics to mechanical engineering—and sparked deep enthusiasm for performance technology, teamwork, and problem-solving.

For many, it was a transformative day that turned classroom theory into high-speed, high-stakes reality.

We’re incredibly proud of how our students represented the school and can’t wait to see where this inspiration takes them next.

11 July 2025

Inspiring Futures: University & College Visits Open Doors for Students

At KingswinfordAcademy, we’re proud to offer students a wide range of opportunities to explore their next steps through inspiring visits to further education settings — from world-renowned universities to dynamic local colleges.

This year, students have stepped into the historic halls of the University of Oxford and University of Cambridge, two of the most prestigious institutions in the world.These visits gave students a powerful insight into life at top-tier universities, with the chance to explore academic facilities, attend workshops, and speak with current undergraduates about what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

In addition, we’ve built strong links with University of Wolverhampton and Kidderminster College, offering students a hands-on view of a wide variety of practical and vocational pathways. From applied science and media to apprenticeships and technical courses, these trips ensure every student sees a route that suits their strengths and aspirations.

Whether dreaming of Oxbridge or exploring local opportunities, our visits help students make informed,confident choices about their futures — and show them what’s possible with ambition and hard work.

11 July 2025

Opening Doors to the Future:AYear of Post-16 Education Talks

Throughout this academic year, our students have had the valuable opportunity to hear directly from a wide range of post-16 education providers, helping them explore and understand the variety of pathways available to them afterYear 11 and beyond.

We were delighted to welcome representatives from Halesowen College, Dudley Sixth Form and College, Kidderminster College, and even the prestigious University of Cambridge.These institutions visited our school to deliver engaging talks and interactive sessions, speaking to multiple year groups about the exciting opportunities that await them.

The visits focused on demystifying the different routes available, includingA-levels,T-levels, vocational qualifications, andApprenticeships. Each session provided our students with valuable insight into what each pathway involves, what kind of learner it suits, and how it could shape their future careers and university prospects.

● Halesowen College and Dudley College gave detailed overviews of both academic and vocational routes, helping students understand the flexibility and variety of courses on offer.

● Kidderminster College focused on specialist vocational courses and apprenticeships, offering real-world examples of how students can “earn while they learn”.

● The University of Cambridge inspired all our students to consider that university by encouraging them to aim high, showing that with hard work and ambition, top universities are within reach for all.

These sessions were not only informative but also deeply motivational, encouraging students to think about their aspirations and the steps they need to take to achieve them. By hearing from a variety of providers, students were able to compare and contrast options and begin forming a clearer vision for their future.

We are proud to offer these opportunities as part of our ongoing commitment to high-quality careers education and guidance. It is our aim to ensure every student leaves school confident, informed, and excited about the next stage of their journey.

11 July 2025

Congratulations to Our King’s QuestAchievers!

We are incredibly proud to celebrate the hard work, dedication, and perseverance of our students who have successfully completed their King’s QuestAwards this year.

Ahuge congratulations to all those who achieved Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels — your commitment to going above and beyond both in and out of the classroom has truly paid off. Whether through acts of leadership, community service, academic excellence, or personal growth, each of you has demonstrated the values at the heart of the King’s Quest.

● Bronze awardees have taken their first steps in developing key life skills and showing responsibility.

● Silver recipients have shown continued determination and involvement across a range of activities.

● And our Gold achievers have gone the extra mile, becoming true role models within our school community.

We are so proud of everything you’ve accomplished — well done to every single one of you!Your achievements are a shining example of what can be done with drive, resilience, and a positive mindset.

Keep aiming high — the journey doesn’t stop here!

11 July 2025

Behind the Scenes with the NHS:An Inspiring Insight into Healthcare Careers

This term, a group of our students had the incredible opportunity to take part in a behind-the-scenes tour of the NHS, offering a unique and eye-opening look into the inner workings of one of the UK’s most vital institutions. The trip gave students a deeper understanding of the wide range of careers available within the National Health Service — far beyond just doctors and nurses. From paramedics to radiographers, porters to pharmacists, IT specialists to mental health workers, students were able to explore the huge team effort it takes to keep the NHS running every single day.

The visit included tours of various departments, interactive workshops, and even a chance to speak with current NHS staff about their day-to-day roles and career journeys. Students were particularly fascinated by:

● Emergency response coordination, showcasing how 999 calls are managed in real time.

● Diagnostic labs and imaging departments, which revealed how illnesses are identified and treated using cutting-edge technology.

Throughout the day, students were encouraged to ask questions, try on medical gear, and think about how their own interests and skills could lead them into rewarding careers in health and social care.

The trip was not only informative but also deeply inspiring. Many students left the visit feeling motivated and excited about the possibility of working in the NHS one day, having seen first-hand the impact and importance of its work.

We’d like to thank all the NHS staff who took time out of their busy schedules to share their knowledge and experiences. This was a memorable and valuable experience for all involved, and we look forward to building on these connections in future visits and careers events.

11 July 2025

AJourney Through Time: Exploring Careers at the Black Country Museum

This term, students enjoyed a fascinating and educational trip to the Black Country Living Museum, where they explored how careers and working life have changed over time.

The visit brought history to life in an engaging and hands-on way.As students stepped back into the 19th and early 20th centuries, they discovered what life was like for workers during the Industrial Revolution and beyond. From coal miners to chain-makers, shopkeepers to blacksmiths, they learned about the skills, tools, and challenges faced by people in a range of historical jobs.

Interactive workshops and live demonstrations allowed students to:

● Watch traditional trades in action, including forging metal, baking bread, and printing.

● Visit historical shops, homes, and workplaces, learning how entire communities were built around industries like ironwork and coal mining.

● Speak with costumed interpreters, who shared real stories from people who lived and worked in the Black Country.

The trip helped students make clear links between the past and the present, showing how career paths have evolved, how technology has changed the way we work, and how values like resilience, teamwork, and craftsmanship remain important today.

Students were particularly inspired by the stories of young apprentices, women entering the workforce during wartime, and the development of trade unions to support workers’rights. It gave them a deeper appreciation for the progress made in working conditions and career opportunities — and got them thinking about the jobs of the future.

The trip was a fantastic mix of history, careers education, and fun — and we thank the Black Country Museum staff for providing such a rich and meaningful experience. Our students came away with a new perspective on the world of work and the journey that’s led us to where we are today.

11 July 2025

Spotlight on Enrichment - Developing our students’personal potential

Instrumental tuition and grade examinations

Congratulations to all of the musicians who have taken grade examinations this term!You have proved how resilience, determination, commitment and a passion for something you really enjoy, has resulted in fabulous achievements! Well done in particular to Noah who achieved a Distinction in his recent Grade 4 MusicalTheatre Examination.

If your son/daughter would like to learn to play an instrument or have vocal tuition next year then you can sign up for lessons by accessing Dudley PerformingArts website (see the link below).

https://www.dudley.gov.uk/things-to-do/dudley-performing-arts/information-for-parents-and-young-people/music-less ons-in-schools/

It is proven that instrumental tuition supports skills that are transferable across all curriculum areas and achievements are highly recognised by universities. Music tuition also has supportive strategies that are conducive to positive well being and mindset as well as enjoying the benefits that Music has to offer. If you would like any further details in regards to instrumental / vocal tuition then please contact MissAbel.

Enrichment

This year we have seen over 12,000 attendees to our enrichment club programme. We have offered 44 varied clubs across this academic year and it has been wonderful to see the commitment, enthusiasm and engagement from our students in either nurturing and challenging their talents or finding new skills and interests to follow.Thank you again to our fabulous staff for providing such memorable experiences for our students. We really do believe that our students' personal potential is key to their success, as well as enriching their school journey. Below are some of the fantastic activities our students have been enjoying.

Here is a selection of some of the students in our enrichment clubs this term.

11 July 2025

Active Learning Week 14th-18th July

MissAbel, Mr Perry and a wonderful team of staff have worked very hard with the organisation of this year’s excitingActive Learning Week! Students were invited to attend one of our four residential trips - Disneyland Paris, Barcelona football inspired trip, Newquay watersports trip and Beaudesert OutdoorAdventure Camp.

This year, bothYear 7 andYear 8 students were invited to take part in our Pledge Week.The Pledge is a Windsor AcademyTrust initiative in which every school within our trust family, will offer 12 opportunities to experience a range of different activities or places to visit.This year, students will be going to Weston Super Mare, Blackpool, experience a Duke of Edinburgh style expedition, FirstAid, visit a theatre, visit a museum, Warwick Castle as well as having fun at West Midlands Safari Park.

Year 9s were offered to attend a residential trip or could opt into one of our Pic ‘n’Mix opportunities.These included surfing in Porthcawl,AltonTowers, Waterworld, Ninja Warrior,Thorpe Park, InflataNation, Dudley Zoo and many more!

For students following our ‘K’ford Project’, they had opportunities to explore their creative and academic skills in a range of activities from ‘The Science of flight and might’to ‘Totem Poles inArt’. We also explored ‘Game on!’in PE, VisualArts Poetry and ‘Global Detective:TheTradeTruth’in Humanities.

OurActive Learning Week is such a unique and exciting way to end the academic year and provides special memories for our students to enjoy!

Wat a Choir!

OnThursday 26th July, MissAbel took 21 students to perform at the ‘Wat a Choir!’event in Walsall.All 15 schools within the WindsorAcademyTrust performed a song to a packed out audience. Our school choir were outstanding and gave an incredible performance to much acclaim! MissAbel was so proud of the students not just from a musical perspective but their support and encouragement to each other and to the other schools was second to none.They were a real credit to KingswinfordAcademy. Well done to everyone involved!

11 July 2025

Kingswinford Choir within the community

On Friday 11th July, MissAbel took 7 students to perform at Blanford Mere’s 50th Celebration event. It was a lovely occasion and all 7 students performed a range of songs, which really supported the joyous occasion. Well done to Alice, Lola, Imogen, Eden, Priya,Arpita and Lydia.

Rock night at the River Rooms

OnThursday 17th July, one of our school Rock Bands, made up ofYear 11 students - Dan, Charlie, Blayze,Ayaan and Henry, performed at the Rock Night to a packed out audience! Well done for your outstanding performances which really did showcase your talents.

Kingswinford Shines in Maths Challenge Follow-On Round

We are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students at Kingswinford in the recent follow-on round of the Maths Challenge!

After excelling in the initial round, a group of talented students advanced to this next stage, where they tackled even more challenging problems designed to test their mathematical reasoning, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Their hard work and dedication truly paid off, with many students achieving impressive scores and earning recognition for their efforts.

The follow-on round pushes participants to think critically and approach problems from different angles—skills that are invaluable both in math and in everyday life. Our students showed great determination and enthusiasm throughout, proving that Kingswinford is a place where curiosity and perseverance lead to success.

We are incredibly proud of everyone who took part and congratulate them on their achievements.Their success is a testament to their hard work and the strong support from our dedicated teachers and staff.

Keep an eye out for future challenges—there’s plenty more opportunity for Kingswinford students to shine in maths!

11 July 2025

Sparx leaderboards

Throughout this year our students have been working exceptionally hard on Sparx Maths.Sparx has provided our students with independent learning tasks, tailored to their strengths and weaknesses. Students have also been using Sparx to support their revision, using the videos and tasks to recap their knowledge.

Below is the leaderboard showing the top 5 pupils measured by the number of XPpoints they have accumulated.The following students have earned an extra 5 house points each!

Year 7

Year 8

9 Year 10

11 July 2025

Lunchtime Chess Club Wrap-Up:AYear of Strategy and Friendship

As the school year draws to a close, the Lunchtime Chess Club is proud to reflect on an exciting and rewarding year of chess, camaraderie, and growth. What started as a small group of curious players has blossomed into a vibrant community of students eager to learn and challenge themselves.

Throughout the year, our members met every lunchtime in the library to sharpen their skills, compete in friendly matches, and solve challenging puzzles. From beginners taking their first steps to seasoned players mastering advanced strategies, everyone made incredible progress.

More than just a game, chess helped build friendships, encouraged critical thinking, and created a calm space for students to unwind during the busy school day.

A big thank you to all the students who joined us and made this club a success. We’re looking forward to more checkmates, challenges, and laughter next year!

If you’re new to chess or want to keep improving, the Lunchtime Chess Club will be back next term — ready for new players and fresh challenges. See you at the board!

11 July 2025

UniformPolicy

TherearenosigniﬁcantchangestoouruniformpolicyinSeptember.WearecompliantwiththeDfE’s desiretokeepbrandeditemstoaminimum.Thefullupdatedpolicyispublishedonourwebsite.

Inadditiontoourapprovedsuppliers,non-compulsoryitemscanbepurchasedfrommostsupermarkets.If youhaveanydifficultywithuniform,particularlyﬁnancial,pleasecontacttheschoolwhowilltreatsuch incidentsasconﬁdential.

–TheSportsShopKingswinford

–TotallyUniformKingswinford

–KingswinfordAcademySwopShop-Weoffersustainableopontoswopuniformwithschoolin replacementforanotherpre-loveditem,pleaseaskreceptionformoreinformation.

11 July 2025

ASPIREtoExcellence-OurExpectations

Ready,Respectful,Safeisourapproachtoeverythingwedoinschool. Wehaveworkedhardtoembedourroutineswithinallaspectsofour schoolenvironmentandthebeneﬁtscanbeseenthroughout.Wewould liketothankeveryonefortheircontinuedeffortandsupportwiththis.

StudentsMissingfromLesson

Wetreattruancyfromlessonsseriously;thisisofgreatconcern,asweare unabletoaccountforyourchild'swhereaboutsduringtheseepisodes. We haveworkedwithourcommunitytoensurestudentsareawareofthe consequencesshouldtheytruantfromlessons.Studentswillbechallenged inlinewithourbehaviourpolicy.InitiallythiswillbetimeintheRefocus Room.However,shouldtheissuepersistsitmayresultinpotentialsuspensionfromschool.Wetrustwecan replyuponyoutospeaktoyourchildabouttheseverityoftheissue;studentscannotachieveiftheyarenotin lessonsandthereforewillnotunlocktheiracademicandpersonalpotential.

ToiletPermission

Weencouragestudentstoaccesstoiletsbeforeandafterschool,duringsocialtimesand,wherepossible, avoidingtoiletuseduringlessons.Youareabletotrackyourchild'stoiletuseduringlessonsbylookingatClass Chartsand“ToiletPermission”.AsIamsureyouappreciatelostlearningdirectlyrelatestostudentprogressand wewelcomeyourcontinuedsupportintrackingyourchild'stoiletuseviaClassChartsandencouragingyour childtoaccessthetoiletsawayfromlessons.

MobilePhones

Wehavea“GatetoGate”expectationwithregardtomobilephones,studentsmustensuretheyareswitched offandplacedintheirschoolbag,attheschoolgatebeforeenteringtheschoolsite.Theymustremainswitched offandintheirbagsuntiltheyleavetheschoolsiteandareoutsideoftheschoolgatebeforeusingthem;this alsoappliestoallafter-schoolactivities.

Ifyouneedtocontactyourchildforanyreason,thismustbedoneviaschoolreception.

11 July 2025

Ifyoudoneedtoreportachildabsence,dosousing theStudybugsapp.

Ifitisanillness-relatedabsence,youwillalsobesent NHSadviceastowhetheryourchildshouldstill attendschool(oryoucancheckhere)

Absencefromschoolequalslostlearning;lostlearning directlyimpactswhatyourchildwillachieveintheirGCSE examinations,whichwillimpactupontheirfuture.It soonaddsupandmakesadifference.Weneedtowork togethertoensureouryoungpeopleattendbecauseit willultimatelyaffecttheirfuturesuccess.Asyouare aware,weuse‘Studybugs’toreportabsence.Theappwill sendyouNHSadviceonwhetheryourchildshouldstill cometoschooliftheyarefeelingill.

Pleasecheckyourchild'sClassChartsasTutorsare celebratingandsupportingimprovedandperfect attendancewithpositivepoints.Our“RewardsShop” opensregularly-yourchildisabletoexchangetheir pointsforrewardsoftheirchoice.