News Stories

President Kennedy School is extremely proud of what our students have achieved today as students’ hard work and perseverance have paid off. Below are some of the success stories we would like to share with you – but we could have easily ended up writing about everyone. Well done all – you are going to be great and successful in everything you do.

A huge congratulations to Matthew Taylor who will be embarking on an exciting new chapter when he begins his studies in South Korea later this month. Matthew secured three A* grades in Maths, Further Maths and Physics, and will now start his course at the renowned Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) on a full scholarship. Matthew is one of three students from the US, UK and Canada to gain a place at this prestigious university.

Ismail Rafique, who has shown continued dedication to his studies throughout his seven years at President Kennedy School, has achieved two A* grades in Maths and Further Maths and two A grades in Physics and Chemistry. We are delighted that he has secured a place this autumn at the University of Cambridge to study Medicine.

Millie Mae Hendrie has been a student at President Kennedy School since Year 7 and was born with a rare inherited eye condition called Lebers disease so is registered as blind. She has never let this hold her back and has thrown herself into school life. She is adept at using her BrailleNote to support her learning and is passionate about her studies. We are delighted that she has secured a place at Warwick University to study Sociology.

Karina Kaur will start her apprenticeship degree with SBC this October. Karina secured A grades in English and History in addition to a distinction* in Business. These are highly sought after courses, and we are pleased that Karina has achieved this for herself.

Eren Geridonmez has gained an impressive three A* grades in Maths, Further Maths and Physics, and an A grade in Computer science. Eren is passionate about the practical applications of Computer Science and has secured a highly coveted place to study this subject at Imperial College, London this autumn.

Heena Patel achieved an impressive Distinction* and two distinctions in Health and Social care. She will begin her studies in Health and medical sciences at the University of Warwick next month. Another great example of how hard work and perseverance pay off.

Kody Murray – three B grades, studying Psychology at Durham. This is an exceptional achievement, and we know that Kody will thrive on this course.

Aymaan Sajid obtained three A grades in Biology, Chemistry and Maths. He has secured his place to study Dentistry at the University of Birmingham.

Another huge congratulations to Dorin Boahene who obtained an A grade in Spanish and a Distinction and Merit in her Business studies to secure her place to study Health Sciences at the University of Nottingham.

Marisa Jalloh obtained three A grades in Biology, Chemistry and Maths. She has secured her place to study Chemistry at the University of Manchester. A great achievement and we look forward to hearing how she gets on.

Nat McCoy obtained two distinctions in his Business BTEC and an A grade in A level Maths. He has secured a place to study accountancy at the University of Manchester. He will be a great asset to the course.

Two former pupils who we worked with to make the P16 results day extra special for our students - Georgie Strang: McCloskey Made Events (for our balloon arch and easel) and Reyna Sandhar: Reyna Bakes (cupcakes).

Today has been an excellent reminder that Kennedy Kids can and, as you can see, do!

A group of students from Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 had another exciting opportunity to develop their instrumental, ensemble and music-making skills. 

The music workshop and performance were held at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and led by "National Orchestra for All", whose programme is about giving young people who wouldn't normally have the opportunity to rehearse and play in a large symphony orchestra, to perform with other schools and led by professional instrumental section leaders. 
The performance was well received by the audience and the students enjoyed the experience of performing live. 

I would like to thank all students; you were so engaged, focused, thoughtful, polite... not to mention being passionate in your playing! The NFA team said that they were genuinely blown away by the positive attitude you arrived with and maintained throughout a very enjoyable if intense day.  Well done! 

Mr Channer, Head of Music

We were delighted once again, to welcome ex President Kennedy School student, Callum Wilson into school.

The current Newcastle United and England striker visited students during a PE lesson. The students were learning how to do shot put and were able to teach Callum the key technical aspects and teaching points on performing the activity with success. Raphael G was particularly confident with his coaching and helped Callum launch the shot about 20m!

Callum then supported some of the Year 8 students and took penalties at Kamran, Dylan and Nash. The first two students both made great saves from Callum's strikes but Nash was unable to keep the third effort out.
Word had spread that Callum was on site and many students (and staff), understandably, were asking for autographs and selfies from the football star.

After a little chat with Mr Sheridan, who taught Callum when he was a student at President Kennedy School, it was time to leave. A final few students were waiting for Callum before he headed back home to Newcastle. 

A wonderful afternoon was had by all and we look forward to welcoming Callum to school again very soon. 
Thanks to all the staff and students who made this visit so memorable and contributed to a fantastic experience for all.      

                                                     Mr Sheridan, P.E Department

Year 7 students took to the stage in The Lion King Junior - The Musical.

They worked so hard and showed such passion and determination.

The cast performed to a sell-out audience over two nights and every student involved rose to the occasion.

There was so much talent on stage - it was hard to believe these students are eleven and twelve years old with only five weeks worth of rehearsals under their belt!

The finale show was complimented with a joint performance with the original Simba from London's West End, Roger Wright - a truly emotional performance.

A massive well done to all - a very proud Performing Arts department!

Miss Walsh, Leader of Performing Arts

At President Kennedy School I am subject Lead for Health and Social Care and teacher KS4 and KS5.
Over the bank holiday weekend, I was selected to be part of the state duties team where the Scouts of the Commonwealth supported and gave service to our communities as part of the Coronation of King Charles III.   

I have been an active member of the Scout Association and volunteered my time as an adult, for twenty eight years in Coventry.  As a scout, I have promised to do my duty to the King, serve my community and help other people, and it was a privilege that I could uphold my scouting promise during this historical event. As scouts, we live by our values of integrity; to be honest, trustworthy and loyal. Respect; for both self and others. Care: we are expected to support other people at all times. Belief: in all faiths and attitudes, and Cooperation; that collectively we can make a difference. 
My role started on Thursday afternoon with briefings of the event and over Friday I was supporting ten young people from across the Commonwealth aged 18-25 to be ready for the event, one of which was from Australia who had flown here to be part of the Coronation.  

Saturday started at 3am and we were based in St James's Park during the big screening of the Coronation. Collectively, we ensured that people were looked after, that they were able to find their way, and that everyone had an amazing day despite the inclement weather and the mud.
  
The day finished back at the campsite at 7pm.   
It was a huge honour to be a part of this team. 

                               
                               Ms Miller, Lead for Health and Social Care