Rap Workshop

9th February 2026Leanne Johnston

On 21 January, we launched the National Year of Reading here at KEVI with an inspiring and high-energy creative writing event, as local rap artist Kay Greyson visited school to lead a workshop with selected Year 9 and Year 12 students.

Kay began the session by performing several of her own raps, immediately engaging students and showing how powerful words, rhythm and storytelling can be when combined. She then broke down the structure of an effective rap, focusing on rhythm, rhyme, repetition and, crucially, the importance of a clear theme. For this workshop, students explored the theme of “Belonging”, linking directly to our wider focus on reading, writing and identity across the curriculum.

Students worked together to brainstorm the different places and communities where people experience a sense of belonging. These included school, friendship groups, families, sports teams, fan communities and online spaces. Just as importantly, Kay encouraged students to think about moments when belonging is absent, and how writing can be used to express feelings of isolation, exclusion or searching for connection. This thoughtful discussion helped students see how language can be used creatively and emotionally to reflect real experiences.

Inspired by the discussion and Kay’s modelling, students then set pen to paper and produced some impressive original raps. The quality of ideas, vocabulary and confidence shown by students across both year groups was excellent, and it was a pleasure to see them experimenting with language in a new and meaningful way.

We are grateful to the Hexham Book Festival for their support in making this event possible. As the first event of the National Year of Reading at KEVI, the workshop perfectly demonstrated how reading, writing and spoken language can come together to give students a voice, build confidence and strengthen their sense of belonging.

Holocaust Memorial Day Workshop and Webinar

5th February 2026Leanne Johnston

On 27 January, as part of our programme of events marking the National Year of Reading, we commemorated Holocaust Memorial Day 2026 with a powerful literacy-focused workshop and live webinar delivered in partnership with the National Literacy Trust.

A selected group of Year 9 students gathered in the Library, where Mrs Whitaker from the History department, alongside Mrs Lewis, our Librarian, welcomed students and set the context for the session. Mrs Whitaker provided a sensitive and well-judged introduction to the Holocaust, encouraging students to think beyond dates and facts and to consider the human experiences behind the history. Students were asked to reflect on the fear, uncertainty and loss faced by individuals and families, and to begin thinking about how stories and testimony help us to understand the past more deeply.

Students then joined a live webinar led by award-winning author Tom Palmer, who interviewed Ruth Barnett, a Holocaust survivor who escaped Germany to England on the Kindertransport in 1939. Students listened with real focus as Ruth spoke about leaving her parents at just four years old, the confusion and fear of her journey, and the crucial support she received from her brother. Many students were visibly moved by her story and commented on how powerful it was to hear first-hand testimony.

Throughout the webinar, students paused to record their questions, thoughts and emotional responses. This reflective writing helped them to process what they were hearing and demonstrated the importance of reading, listening and writing in subjects across the curriculum, including History, English and Religious Studies.

The session concluded with a shared reading of Part III of Five Words, describing the journey by train from Germany and arrival in England. Reading together allowed students to connect personal testimony with literature, deepening both understanding and empathy.

We were extremely proud of the maturity, sensitivity and engagement shown by our Year 9 students, and grateful for the opportunity to mark Holocaust Memorial Day through meaningful reading, reflection and discussion.

Rural Careers Showcase

30th January 2026Leanne Johnston

We had a mix of Year 9, 10 and 11 students who attended a Rural Careers event hosted by Northumberland Young Farmers at Morpeth Rugby Club. The event introducted the broad range of opportunities available in the rural sector here in Northumberland and stressed the importance of transferrale skills.

Students also got the opportunity to discuss Further and Higher Education opportunities with represenatives from Northumberland Skills, Kirkley Hall and Newcastle University.

One student siad “I am so glad I came, I have a really clear idea of what I need to do now!”

It was a great networking opportunity with students able to dicuss work experience and part time work. It was fantastic to see an ex-KEVI student inspiring the next generation too.

KEVI Choir Gain Recognition

23rd January 2026Leanne Johnston

The Samling Academy gathers together talented young classical singers from across the North East of England for inspirational coaching and performance opportunities, including fully-staged opera productions. We are very fortunate to have been selected as a Samling Singing School from 2025 to 2027, which involves having expert free group singing tuition for our 70 strong choir, and free individual tuition for some of our talented solo vocalists and Music teachers.

KEVI Success in Cross Country Championships

22nd January 2026Leanne Johnston
15 students from King Edward’s qualified to take part in the ‘NSAA’ Cross Country Championships on Tuesday 20 January at Temple Park South Shields.

Year 9 – Hedi W, Lucy R, Mason G, Jack D, Jacob T and Leo W.

Year 10 – Juliette C, Cecily F, Evan L, Josh S.

Year 11 -Thomas R, Michael L, Aiden F and Daniel F.

Year 12 – Molly R.

Congratulations to Year 9s Mason (1st, Junior Boys), Jack (10th, Junior Boys) and Hedi (4th, Junior Girls). Also huge well done to Molly in Year 12 who was 2nd in the Senior Girls. These students will represent Northumberland in the next round.

The King Edward VI School Celebrates Opening of New Sports Hall

13th January 2026Leanne Johnston

The King Edward VI School is proud to announce the official opening of its brand new Sports Hall, marking a major milestone in the school’s sporting history.

Despite producing a number of world-class sportsmen and women over the years, the school has never previously had a dedicated indoor sports facility. 

Following an 18-month construction programme, the new Sports Hall is now complete and open for use, much to the delight of students, staff, and the wider community. The four-court Sports Hall has been designed to host a wide variety of indoor sports and physical activities, from 5-a-side football to netball, badminton to pickleball. It will support the PE curriculum, extracurricular clubs, competitions, and community use, with the facility available to book outside of school hours via the school website.

 

Students and staff, both past and present, attended the official opening on Monday 12 January, where they were given the opportunity to tour the new Sports Hall and view the facilities first-hand.

Headteacher Clare Savage said:

“This is a hugely exciting moment for our school. Sport has always been a strength of King Edward VI School, and the opening of our first ever Sports Hall provides the facilities our students deserve. We are incredibly proud to see this vision become a reality after many years of ambition and 18 months of hard work, and we thank Northumberland County Council and our Foundation Governors for their continued support.”

Head of Physical Education Rachel Shaw added:

“The new Sports Hall will transform opportunities for our students. It allows us to deliver a broader and more inclusive PE curriculum, support performance sport, and host events regardless of the weather. We are thrilled to finally have an indoor space that matches the talent and enthusiasm of our young people.”

The Sports Hall complements the school’s existing high-quality athletics track and grass pitches and forms part of a wider commitment to outstanding sporting provision. The facility will shortly be further enhanced by the addition of a synthetic pitch for football and rugby, delivered in partnership with the Football Foundation. Together, these developments will enable the school to continue providing excellent sports education for which it has long been renowned.

The opening of the Sports Hall represents a significant investment in the health, wellbeing, and sporting excellence of both current and future generations at The King Edward VI School, Morpeth.

Christmas Communion at Durham Cathedral

21st December 2025Leanne Johnston

Mr Malton-Earl and Mrs Tansey took 40 of their Year 11 RE students to Durham Cathedral on Thursday 18 December. The students were welcomed into the Cathedral and had the opportunity to explore a major place of Christian worship and pilgrimage, learning about the story of St Cuthbert and the origins of Christianity in the North-East. A really good and valuable day for all involved; students got to see what they have been learning about in class in real life and got to discuss and debate Christan teachings and values demonstrating a sound understanding of their curriculum.

A Visit from St Nicholas

19th December 2025Leanne Johnston

As the term draws to a close, we are delighted to share our final Whole Class Reader of the year, A Visit from St Nicholas, brought to life by our Year 12 Reading Ambassadors, who have recorded the poem alongside their Year 10 reading partners. 

Since September, these pairs have been reading together weekly, with a clear focus on building confidence, fluency and reading habits. Over time, those regular sessions have also built strong, supportive relationships, which really show in the recording.

We are incredibly proud of our Year 10 students for the commitment they have shown and the progress they have made. Their growing confidence is a testament to their effort and resilience. We are equally proud of our Sixth Form Reading Ambassadors, who have volunteered their time week after week, turning up consistently, modelling excellent reading habits and offering encouragement and support.

This project reflects what we value at KEVI: reading at the heart of our curriculum, students supporting students, and traditions that bring us together as a school.

We hope you enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed putting it together.

Happy Christmas!

Newcastle Red Bulls Academy Vs Australian Raptors

18th December 2025Leanne Johnston

A huge well done to Cameron, Sam and Angus following an outstanding performance for the Newcastle Red Bulls Academy.

The lads were part of a  very dominant 62–7 victory over the touring Australian Raptors side, putting in a massive shift from start to final whistle.  The effort, intensity, and teamwork on display were a real pleasure to watch.

All three boys played exceptionally well with Sam displaying a very dominant first half in attack and defence. Angus contributed to the scoreline with a try and two conversions and Cameron who controlled the set piece throughout the game.

Unfortunately, Sam suffered a dislocated elbow during the match. He showed real toughness, and we’re pleased to say he is recovering well. Wishing him a smooth and speedy recovery.

All three represented themselves  with real pride — an excellent performance all round.