Mrs Fenwick, Head of Mathematics, 30 March 2026

Mathematics is often seen by students as a difficult subject filled with formulas, rules, and calculations. Many learners ask the same question: “When will I ever use this in real life?” As a maths teacher, one of my main goals is to show students that mathematics is not just about numbers on a page, it is a powerful tool for understanding the world around us.

To help students learn more effectively, my team of maths teachers and I focus on conceptual understanding before introducing complex procedures. Instead of jumping straight into formulas, we encourage students to explore patterns, ask questions, and discuss their thinking. When students understand why something works, they gain confidence and become more willing to tackle challenging problems.

Engagement is another key factor in successful maths learning. A classroom where students are curious and active is much more effective than one where students only listen to explanations. We use math puzzles, brainteasers, games, and encourage our students to take part in competitions. These activities help students see mathematics as something exciting rather than something to fear.

One of the most important messages I try to share with my students is that everyone can improve in mathematics. Being good at maths is not about being naturally smart; it is about practice, effort, and persistence. When students believe they can improve, they become more willing to try difficult problems and learn from mistakes.

Teaching mathematics is not just about helping students pass exams. It is about helping them develop logical thinking, problem-solving skills, and confidence in their abilities.

At Kingsmeadow we teach maths in a meaningful and engaging way, helping our students to see it not as a difficult subject but as a fascinating language that helps us understand patterns, solve problems and explore the world, and I’m very proud of how our students recognise this and come to their lesson prepared to work hard and enjoy their learning.

Mrs McGarry – Head of English, 15 March 2026

It’s a busy time in the English department as we approach the end of the spring term.  Our Year 11 and 13 students have completed their mock exams and are preparing themselves for their final examinations, supported by staff and peers; Year 7 and 8 students have been reading widely both at home and in Accelerated Reader lessons and, with almost two weeks left to achieve their reading targets, are still in with a chance of qualifying for the termly reading celebration event, hosted by Miss Brown and Miss Jefferson. Year 9 students have just completed their key assessments and are beginning to study literary tragedy – an exciting unit of work that will prepare them for the rigour of GCSE English literature by allowing them to contemplate the human condition and explore thought-provoking themes such as fate and morality; whereas Year 10 students are already versed in tragedy and are now beginning their journey of conflict, ambition and fate within the play, ‘Macbeth’. 

Outside of lessons, some Year 9 students were given the opportunity to work with authors from Dingy Butterflies on the ‘Travel Through Tyne’ project this term, and this gave them the chance to reflect on the River Tyne through the ages in their creative writing.  Much fun was had by all and the work produced demonstrated both insight and writing skill.  Similarly, students in Miss Graham’s extracurricular creative writing group continue to flourish, submitting and being shortlisted for regional, national and even international creative writing competitions. Well done to all those who attend the group on Monday afternoons. 

As this year is the National Year of Reading, we’ve been encouraging staff and students to recommend their favourite books and stories to inspire each other to ‘Go All In’ and read or discuss creative narratives.  With this in mind, some Year 12 students visited our weekly tutor reading sessions and shared their favourite texts with Key Stage 3 students.  Also, on World Book Day, students were asked to explore their reading journeys to date in English lessons, thinking about which literary journeys might intrigue them next. Independent reading is hugely beneficial in terms of vocabulary, comprehension, attention and wellbeing, and, therefore, we support the national campaign aimed at helping everyone to rediscover their love of reading.  And, with this in mind, we look forward to the redevelopment of our library this year, which will house an impressive array of fiction and non fiction texts that will, hopefully, inspire the next generation of readers to think creatively, compassionately and critically.  Look out for further updates soon!