Newsletter

It cannot be 7 days since I last wrote one of these!!  I have that sense where it feels as if nothing has happened and yet so much has been across my desk and through my mind.

One of the best parts of this week has been my visits to some classes.  I was in Year 1 for a Supersonic Phonics session, remembering my actions for various sound combinations and decoding some CVCC words.  In Year 8 history we were considering whether country borders are set more by geography or history? A Year 3 session with Fr Mark about Candlemas was enlightening (thank you!) and in Year 7 maths we were converting between mixed numbers and top heavy fractions.

Another highlight was this morning’s Pre-Prep Open Day where the children in Year 2 were fabulous representatives through a group song and several older ones who have been with us from way back in the youngest years, took some parents around. It was a happy and upbeat event.

There has been a good amount of music this week with most of it being off site at the Taunton Music Festival. Well done to all who have been performing.  Next week we have a chance to listen to them ourselves as there is a concert on Tuesday night which will feature the orchestra, choirs, ensembles and several soloists.  Do come along if you can – 6pm in the Arts Centre.

Then on Thursday night we have the sold out Friends Quiz Night and I know the crew have been working hard to prepare. No doubt this will be another great fun evening where there is equally no doubt that unanticipated shortcomings in our knowledge will be exposed. There is a teachers’ team, I see, and one member was heard today saying: “I’ll be fine as long as there’s lots of Disney in there!” Let’s hope the Chief Pelican is reading this.

We welcomed a good number of prospective families into Pre-Prep this morning for our Open Day event who all seemed to enjoy their visit and left with a very good idea of the education we provide. Thanks, must be given to Year 2 who joined me in the Pemberton Room to greet the families and confidently shared some of their thoughts about what they most enjoy about school.  The families were then given a tour by some of our senior Year 7 and Year 8 children who were in Pre-Prep themselves a few years ago.  Upon their return from their tours, I received many complimentary comments about what they had seen as they visited classrooms; happy, confident children who were immersed in their respective tasks.  They were also impressed with the maturity of their tour guides who brilliantly demonstrate what our littlest people could one day become through the King’s journey.  What a team!

If you require day prep provision for your child next week please book them in using the link below. The booking form will close at 9.15 am on Monday; if you need to make a late booking or make any changes after this time please let us know by emailing SchoolOffice@kingshalltaunton.co.uk.   

If your child uses School transport and you need to make any changes next week please email Transport@kingshalltaunton.co.uk to let us know.

Hi, my name is Delilah and I am this term's Deputy Head Girl.

This term is a remarkably busy term, as many things are going on. The Year 6’s have many rehearsals taking place so that they can perfect their production. They are working extremely hard on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory this term. I expect no more than perfection, as last year's production was outstanding thanks to the help of Mrs Keirle and Mr Eyers.

This week there is also the Year 8 CE mock exams. These exams play a role in our understanding of the actual exams, for progression into our next school and although they are only the practice exams they are still very important. It is also important that you take care of yourself and take breaks during your revision.

Wishing everyone good luck for both the Year 6 production and the 8 CE exams.

Year 5 are certainly having a very busy Lent term and can’t quite believe that it is almost half term already! 

They are very involved in all their lessons.  Here are some of the exciting things they have been doing: 

• Maths – Making Cappuccino cakes in Maths to practise using grams and kilograms. 
• DT – Cooking is adored by the children, so they are always keen for Friday last lesson and Mrs Keirle loves the classroom smelling of muffins and cakes. 
• History - 5K are preparing an election campaign to decide who becomes King of England in 1066, when Edward the Confessor died and left no heir.    
• English – studying The Highwayman by Alfred Noyes 
• Geography – Creating fun Geographical time dials. 
• PSHE – Circle time as a year group to discuss Mental Health.  Speaking is only allowed when you hold Bobball! 
• Games is always a favourite and PE has been gymnastics which the children have enjoyed. 

Other exciting things taking place this week in the tutor room include, Ottillie’s and Thomas’ fantastic Crochet, everyone having a go at being teacher and writing the date on the board and Henry being the last to recite a poem off by heart 

Happy days! 

This week in the history department we have had a very excited 6K desperate to show off their newspaper articles on the murder of Thomas Becket. Headlines full of alliteration, excellent drawings and some very amusing witness interviews. 

Year 7 were tasked with creating a headstone for the deceased Edward VI where they made a judgement on the most significant events in his reign. Hebe in 7S has created an actual headstone complete with ivy and fallen leaves! Very creative. 

Please click below to see this week's sporting updates via our King's Hall Sport Twitter feed.

For ages 10-14

10:00am - 3:00pm

Run at King's College, the Flourish hockey camps are for those hockey players who want to take their hockey to the next level and have a focused attitude towards doing so. 

The course will be led by England Hockey Level 4 and Great Britain Advanced Coach Programme qualified coaches with a wealth of experience in the talent pathway. All staff have an enhanced DBS check and hold first aid qualifications. The camp will focus on each individual player. They will be supported through various sessions focusing on pitch-based technical and tactical scenarios. 

Players will be encouraged to develop their own action plan going forward. You will need to bring your own packed lunch, snacks and plenty to drink. You will also need to bring appropriate clothing for the weather: indoor shoes, your own sticks, shin pads and gum shields (compulsory). Goalkeepers will also need to bring their own kit.

Former King's Hall pupil Harry Besley will be driving an electric RIB (eRIB) around the coast of Britain during the summer months, raising awareness of the issues around combustion engines and showing that there are environmentally friendly alternatives this will also be a World Record attempt.

He will begin his journey at Lyme Regis Harbour in around July/August 2023, to coincide with the summer holidays as Harry is still currently studying in Wellington sixth form in Somerset.

Harry believes that powerboats need to stop using fossil fuels. This is his way of having an impact. An initiative that will lead the way in inspiring collaboration between companies, organisations and people to help drive change. Harry's role is the skipper of the Challenge boat, marketing and passage planning, including actions to mitigate risk and maximise safety.

Harry will be 17 when he attempts the record. His youth gives him the perspective of someone whose future is at risk, and he’s serious about making this Challenge a reality. 

Our Mission is to develop the knowledge and understanding of the requirements for eBoat charging and to demonstrate the capability of an electric propulsion system. 

Please click the links below for more information and to support and follow his journey.