On Wednesday 22 November a group of Year 11 and Year 13 students attended the National Apprenticeship Show at the Newcastle Arena. The students were surprised and inspired by the number and diversity of employers represented at the event. The students got so much out of attending the event and it was fantastic to see them enthused rather than daunted about their next steps beyond King Edward’s. 

We’ve seen an increase, in recent years, of students interested in apprenticeship roles and this is shown within our destination data with more students taking up apprenticeship roles at a range of levels; right from Level 2 up to Degree-level. Taking advantage of events such as this and opportunities such as the UCAS Early Connect pilot is essential to support students and ensure staff are as educated as possible about routes and opportunities. The North East is lagging behind the rest of the UK in terms of apprenticeship-starts and here at King Edward’s we’re encouraging all students who have an interest in apprenticeships. 

Thank you to the Talent Team at Northumberland County Council for supporting us with the cost of transport.

Our Year 9 students were invited by the North East LEP to attend an awareness raising day in the beautiful Northumberland countryside. The creative industries sector contributed £109bn to the UK economy in 2021, equivalent to 5.6% of the UK economy. The LEP recognise that due to the fact that many people working in the sector may be self-employed or part of small enterprises, this can make it difficult for students to access opportunities in the sector, so organised the event as part of North East Ambition.

Students from King Edward’s alongside contemporaries from Dukes Secondary School had an inspiring key note from the Director of the Doxford group, Richard Shell. Hailing from Alnwick, Richard talked to students about enterprise and entrepreneurship, and the importance of seizing every opportunity. 

Following the opening key note, students separated into small groups to participate in a ‘speed dating’ type of event. Students had the opportunity to meet a whole host of people from different backgrounds, industries and job roles. There was a real focus on celebrating the North East as a creative and cultural hub, sharing important and informative Labour Market Information. 

Charlton Hall provided a pertinent backdrop to the event with its array of roles and opportunities. The event really explored the diverse range of roles and challenge stereotypes. 

The professionals attending and contributing to the event were thoughtful, attentive and really understood that this can be a bewildering time for young people. Huge thank you to the team at the North East LEP who provided an important and informative event.

This is Year 10 student Josie Ellery who, inspired by her love of crocheting, made Poppy pins to help raise money for the Royal British Legion. 

Josie worked tirelessly over the half term to hand make as many Poppy’s as she could. They were beautifully crafted using her own design and were in high demand with students and staff alike; selling quickly within the first few hours of going on sale.

As a result of all her hard work and diligence, Josie raised a spectacular £144.10. 

Well done Josie for all your hard work, wonderful creativity, and in achieving such an amazing contribution to a well deserving cause.

Reverend Canon Simon White led our Remembrance Service on Tuesday. Year 9 form representatives and cadets were in attendance and our Senior Students laid wreaths on behalf of the school, the Edwardians Association and the Foundation Governors in remembrance and tribute to all who suffered or died in war.

In World War One, 58 Old Boys and one member of staff paid the supreme sacrifice. Most of them found their last place of rest far from home: in Belgium, in France, in Gallipoli, in Poland, at sea; many of them have no known graves.

In the Second World War, by a strange coincidence, yet another 58 Old Boys perished in War – this time together with two members of staff. Only a few of them are buried in the UK. The remainder lie in France, Holland, Belgium and Germany, in Iceland and Italy, in Tunisia, Libya and Egypt, in Burma and in Singapore. Again, many have no known grave but the sea.

In the Korean War of 1953, one Old Boy was killed while fighting for the United Nations in the cause of world peace.

In gratitude for the service and sacrifice of all these young men – their average age was only 24 – Erin Thompson took the reading and Mr Tedder read The Pride of the Poppy.

The service ended with the Last Post played on trumpet by Matthew Turner and Will Straughan supported by Ms Waterhouse.

Student Max Kirby recently competed at The IMGA (International Mounted Games Association) World Championships 2023 in Werribee, Australia. The competition ran from 8th -15th October and Max was representing England in the U18 team category. England were competing against Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, France, USA, Germany and Sweden.

With the exception of Australia and New Zealand; all other teams were on borrowed ponies and had only two hours to get used to these before the competition commenced. The competition was four sessions followed by a two-part final.

After a very strong start by England, Australia took advantage of home turf to take Gold. England had a tense battle with New Zealand for Silver but they proved too strong with Max and the team taking bronze.

Congratulations to Max on a fantastic achievement, we are sure of big things to come in the future.

A dedicated team of students have launched their own student newspaper to celebrate student successes and demonstrate their curiosity. The first issue is out this week.

Read it here