News Stories

On the 5th of July we travelled to Costa Rica. We travelled as a group of 15 consisting of 8 students from President Kennedy School, 4 from Our Lady of Sion Independent School, 2 teachers and our team leader, Anna. 

Most of us had never met before, fortunately we had plenty of time to bond on a 52(!!) hour journey via the USA, Ecuador and Panama before eventually reaching Costa Rica. 

We spent 4 weeks travelling around the country, engaging in community development and environmental conservation projects across Costa Rica. Some of the projects included:

• Reforesting areas of mangroves to help store carbon and mitigate against climate change in Guanacaste.
• Improving a local community health centre for local residents in Cuajiniquil.
• Helping with the construction of a community SEND centre to support vulnerable people in Terraba.
• Building a "monkey bridge" to help with the safe passage of monkeys across a busy road in Cano Negro.
• A rest and relaxation trip to Monteverde which included a tour of a local coffee plantation and a night hike.

The trip culminated in an adventure activity where we got the opportunity to qualify as an PADI Open Water Diver. We were lucky enough to see sting rays, octopus and white tip reef sharks during our 3 open water dives in the Pacific Ocean

Mr Graham, Teacher of Geography and Mrs Elliot, Teacher of History

The Year 8 Rugby team started their season on Wednesday night with a game against Princethorpe. The boys continued where they left off last season, and had too much pace and power for their opponents to handle. President Kennedy School win 45-5.

Outstanding A level results combined with strong links with universities every student leaving President Kennedy School’s Post 16 secures a place in higher education, or on their chosen path to building a brighter future!

With students such as Zak who will be travelling to tomorrow the U.S.A to embark on his part of his life at Harvard. Zak obtained three A*s in Mathematics, Further Mathematics, History, and an A in Physics.  

Kush gained received three A* In Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Physics. Aliza's A* was in English Literature and also got an A in History.

Zach acquired an A in both English literature and Religious Studies.

The students pictured in the main photo;  Jivan, Ellen, Eesha and Amberlea all secured A's in a number of subjects including English Literature, Mathematics Italian and Psychology.

Well done to all PKS Year 13 students...we wish you well for the next chapter in your lives! 

The Journey to Harvard

Zak Adams gains place to study at prestigious Ivy League University

Zak Adams from President Kennedy School has gained a place to study at Harvard University, the oldest institution of higher education in the U.S.A and one of the world’s most acclaimed and competitive institutions.

Zak joined President Kennedy School in September 2015 and from the outset consistently demonstrated an enthusiasm for learning both in and outside of a classroom setting. After an excellent performance at GCSE level, he has successfully gained four A Levels in History, Maths, Further Maths and Physics with grades A*A*A*A. and following a gruelling selection process will be travelling to the U.S.A to embark on his chosen Mathematics course.

His talents in both his academic studies and in his extracurricular pursuits were apparent from the outset and his consistent involvement in his school and wider community, combined with self-motivation and determination enabled him to stand out in the complex selection process. Academic excellence alone was not sufficient for Zak to secure his place and during his time at the school he has gone above and beyond to demonstrate his various skills and talents, not only linked to his subjects but also in his extra-curricular pursuits. Whilst gaining the most prestigious award for outstanding achievement in school, Zak was also one of 50 national winners in the Isaac Physics Award run in conjunction with the University of Cambridge. President Kennedy School have always supported Zak in the pursuit of his interests and this can be demonstrated in his involvement in the World Class Schools programme, forming an integral part of the school’s success in securing World Class school status, working collaboratively with his peers in developing presentations. In addition, he demonstrated a strong empathy towards other students who have been challenged educationally through either physical or mental disability in both his role as a Health and Well Being Ambassador and his involvement in a collaborative project with Sherbourne Fields school. Zak constantly aspired to learn more beyond the school curriculum and it is this thirst for knowledge which made him stand out. He applied himself diligently as a Performing Arts student being actively involved in both acting and dancing from the age of eleven up to the present day. He has won film awards as part of a team in several other countries, including an award for ‘Best Short Film’ at the San Diego Film Festival. He has also been part of a Young Entertainer team gaining first place and a subsequent special recognition award.

Zak is so much more than an outstanding mathematician and his academic excellence is only a part of what has led to his well-deserved success. Zak successfully combined his ability, passion, a desire to help others and a clear vision of the greater future purpose of his subject to gain this very much deserved opportunity. He was prepared to step outside of his comfort zone to learn more and was not averse to risk taking if he believed that his actions would have a positive impact on others. Zak fully embraced all opportunities presented to him both in and outside of school and he is now set to have a bright future in leading and inspiring others and we wish him every success from President Kennedy School.