Mrs Moon, Head of Business and Computing, 9 June 2026

It has been a brilliant year in the Business and Computing department, and there is much to celebrate as we head into the summer term and next academic year.

Our Key Stage 4 iMedia and Computing students have taken part in an exciting AI workshop this term, exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming the modern world through hands-on activities and real tools. Meanwhile, Key Stage 3 classes have been building their knowledge of cyber security and are now competing against one another in a year group competition. It has been fantastic to see the enthusiasm and healthy rivalry on display.

We are also incredibly proud of our Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 Business and iMedia students, who have successfully completed their coursework to a very high standard. The effort and creativity they have demonstrated throughout has been outstanding.

In taking our learning opportunities outside of the classroom, our Key Stage 5 Business students enjoyed an excellent visit to Vertu Motors earlier in the year, gaining a fascinating insight into how a major UK business operates in a competitive market. Planning is also well underway for our Key Stage 3 Disneyland Paris trip, and we are beyond excited to announce that Key Stage 5 Business students will be heading to New York next year for an incredible opportunity to experience business on a global stage.

A special mention must go to our Year 11, 12 and 13 students, who are sitting their external examinations this term with real focus and determination. As we eagerly await their results, we have every confidence that their hard work will be reflected in their grades.

We are all so proud of everything our students have achieved this year. There is so much still to look forward to, and we cannot wait for what comes next.

Mrs Vincent, Head of History, 5 June 2026

History is so much more than a list of dates, dead people and battles to be memorised it is some of the best stories in the world!

At Kingsmeadow, History is about inspiring students, not boring them with facts and statistics about the olden days, but sparking their imagination, encouraging questions and debate, making the past relevant to today.

This year our KS3 students have engaged in studies and enquiries that include deadly diseases, wicked witches, serial killers, weapons and warfare and much more. The students have excelled beyond simply absorbing information, but being able to research, argue, analyse and appreciate changing attitudes over time. Skills that are transferable into the real world and not just in the history classroom. 

In a world of technology, smartphones and social media it is important to bring the stories of history to life and Year 11 were given the opportunity to do so with their participation in the Holocaust Educational Trust Programme, Testimony 360. Students across the year group were privileged to engage with the story of holocaust survivor Manfred Goldberg, using virtual reality technology and eyewitness testimony to ask questions and interact with survivors of the Holocaust without leaving the classroom. 

At KS5 this year 6 students were given the opportunity to participate in the Lessons from Auschwitz Project, interacting with Holocaust survivors, members of the Jewish community and visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial in Poland. An experience that although emotionally challenging, took textbook history into a personal reality, reminding us that every victim had a life, dream and family.

I am so very proud of all of our history students at Kingsmeadow and look forward to sharing more exciting stories from history next year.

Mrs Dawson, Head of Geography, 12 May 2026

Inspiring the next generation of global thinkers

Geography continues to thrive at Kingsmeadow School as we move through a busy and exciting summer term. Our Year 11 students have now begun their GCSE examinations, drawing together two years of learning on topics such as climate change, coastal systems, urban development and global inequalities. It is always rewarding to see students applying their knowledge to real-world issues and demonstrating the analytical and evaluative skills that Geography develops so effectively.

Further down the school, Year 10 are preparing for their upcoming fieldwork to Lanchester and the River Browney in the coming weeks. This investigation will allow them to apply classroom theory to a real river environment, collecting and analysing data to understand fluvial processes and human impact. On a side note, it also allows students to visit the famous butchers in Lanchester Village who do the most amazing food!

Earlier in the academic year, our Year 7 students undertook geographical fieldwork during the Autumn term, gaining their first experience of collecting primary data and exploring their local environment through a geographical lens. Year 8 students have been working hard on topics including India, rivers and Russia, developing their knowledge of both human and physical geography, as well as data interpretation and map skills.

The Spring term was also an important milestone for our Year 9 cohort, who selected their GCSE options. Geography remains a popular choice, reflecting both students’ enjoyment of the subject and its relevance in today’s world. 

At Sixth Form, our Year 12 students have undertaken field trips to Newcastle, Amble and the Lake District, gaining invaluable practical experience and enhancing their understanding of urban, coastal and mountainous environments……all good experiences to help them decide on their enquiry question for their NEA (Non-Examined Assessment).

At Kingsmeadow School, we are proud of the curiosity and global awareness our students demonstrate. Geography encourages them to question, to evaluate evidence carefully and to consider their role in shaping a sustainable future.

As the academic year progresses, we look forward to celebrating the achievements of our students….. we know they will do themselves proud!

Mr Reid, Head of Modern Foreign Languages, 29 April 2026

As we start the summer term, our Spanish teachers continue to focus on providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to secure academic success. At Kingsmeadow Community School, we are proud that Spanish is studied by all students at GCSE, and that learners of all abilities and backgrounds achieve highly. In 2025, 78% of our students achieved a grade 4 or higher, surpassing the national average. The impact this has on shaping students’ future pathways is something that inspires us greatly.

This week, our year 11 and 13 students will sit their Spanish Speaking Exams. We have been impressed by students’ application of knowledge as they refine their speaking skills, revisit key vocabulary and practise examination techniques. We know that consistent effort and regular revision will place them in a strong position for success, and we look forward to supporting them.

Further down the school, we want to help students see that language learning opens doors to travel, employment and greater understanding of the wider world. In the lead-up to the Easter holidays, students in Key Stage 3 engaged in cultural learning focused on how Easter is celebrated in Spain, learning about the significance of Semana Santa and the vibrant religious processions seen in cities such as Seville. 

Learning a language not only develops communication skills, memory, problem-solving ability but cultural awareness — all of which are invaluable for future success. We look forward to another successful term as students continue to embrace the challenge of learning a new language.

Mr Fenwick, Head of Science, 20 April 2026

We inspire curiosity in our science lessons, because science is more than a subject taught in school – it is a way of understanding the world. From the way plants grow to how electricity powers our homes, science explains many of the everyday phenomena around us. As a teacher, my goal is not only to teach facts and theories but also to inspire curiosity and build a growth mindset in science learning.

Curiosity is at the heart of scientific discovery. Many of the greatest scientific breakthroughs began with simple questions such as “Why does this happen?” or “What would happen if…?” When students develop curiosity, they begin to explore ideas more deeply and become active learners rather than passive listeners.

Encouraging curiosity in the classroom helps our students to develop important skills such as critical thinking, observation, and problem solving, and our team of science teachers achieve this by making their lessons highly engaging through hands-on learning. Our students actively participate in experiments and investigations, and this helps them to understand and remember scientific concepts.

At Kingsmeadow we also work hard to encourage the scientists of the future by showing our students the many opportunities that science offers. Careers in medicine, engineering, environmental science, and technology all rely on scientific knowledge. By sharing real-world examples and stories of scientific discoveries, we motivate students to explore future careers in science.

Teaching science is about more than covering the curriculum. It is about encouraging students to ask questions, investigate ideas, and develop a lifelong curiosity about the world around them.

When students see science as a process of discovery rather than just a subject to study, they begin to appreciate the excitement and importance of scientific thinking. And that curiosity may one day lead them to become the scientists, innovators, and problem-solvers of the future. 

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!