Citizenship Awards March 2018

The Easter term saw Mrs. Cooper award prizes to learners from each year group who were chosen by their Year Managers as having made a real difference not just in school but also in the local community by their actions.

Charlie from Year 7 has carried out an enormous amount of fundraising, managing to raise over £1000 for cancer charities; Ethan and Cameron in Year 8 were chosen for their all round great attitudes, being excellent citizens on a daily basis, and being wonderful role models for other learners.

From Year 9, Gabriel and Sam were chosen for their roles in helping a local lady find her dog which had ran off; Clayton and Kyle for helping to save a man's life who had suffered an epileptic fit in Houghton Town Centre, putting him in the recovery position and supporting his head whilst an ambulance was called.

Lauren from Year 10 has supported the school community with many different activities, including working on reporting and recording our new school build.

Finally from Year 11, Bailey was chosen for his powerful poetry, which targets racism in all forms and shows maturity well beyond his years.

Congratulations to all of you; Kepier is lucky to have these and so many other learners who are prepared to make such a difference to other's lives.

SUNDERLAND YOUNG ACHIEVERS AWARDS 2018

This years awards were held on 22nd March at The Stadium of Light.

We were delighted that Emily, who left Kepier last year, was the winner of the 'Academic Achievement' award in the 14 - 20 Years category. Emily achieved 100% attendance during her five years at Kepier, and her hard work paid off when she achieved Level 9 grades in English Language, Literature and Maths, plus seven A* grades in her other subjects!

Emily has now gone on to study at Durham Sixth Form.

Also from Kepier, Grace received recognition for having her art work displayed at the Youth Arts Exhibition 2018 at The Arts Centre, Washington, and was a winner in the 11 - 14 Years category.

We were also delighted to see Houghton Albion FC as the group winners in the Sport category, 8 - 20 Years, and Houghton Brass Band as winners in the Music and Performing Arts category, 8 - 20 Years.

Well done not just to everyone here, but all those who were either nominated or won on the evening - you should all be very proud!

TALL SHIPS RACE

Kepier are delighted that four of its learners have been awarded places on the Tall Ships event in Sunderland this year.

Daniel, Lewis, Jayne and Yonela will take part in the event, representing both Kepier and young people from across the city.

Principal Nicky Cooper said "we are delighted to announce four of our learners will take part in the Tall Ships Race this summer.  All four learners have demonstrated commitment and resilience and thoroughly deserve a place.  They will benefit enormously from this wonderful opportunity.  It is something that they will remember for the rest of their lives."

All four learners are tremendously excited about the event, and Yonela said "I am exhilarated to have this opportunity and take part in the Tall Ships Race; all of us are delighted to have this once in a lifetime chance!"

KEPIER AT NISSAN!

Sixteen year 9 learners took part in the Industrial Cadets scheme at Nissan.

The 6 day programme involved meeting a number of young graduates and apprentices from different departments and a tour of the plant, before completing the 'Try-Z' course where they were split into two teams to compete against each other setting up a production line.

The course is intensive and challenging, aiming to introduce learners to manufacturing, promote an interest in STEM subjects and showcase the different careers available within the industry.

Miss Watson, who organised the event, said "the learners enjoyed their experience and all worked extremely hard. The programme has taught them lots of practical skills as well as making them consider careers options in the advanced manufacturing sector."

** ANNUAL LITERATURE FESTIVAL ***

Kepier's annual Literature Festival celebrates books and literature.

This year, we had a theme of Science Fiction V Fantasy and had many themed activities going on in the library including graphic novel workshops, Sci Fi workshop, Fairytale workshop, Dystopian Futures workshop and a creative writing workshop for a group of 25 year 5 pupils from our feeder primary schools.

Sadly, after day 2 our celebration of literature was cut short due to the snow!

However, we didn't let that stop us, and have continued our literature festival this week, not only holding the workshops but also our 'Big Read' and fancy dress competition where staff and Year 7 had the opportunity to come to school dressed as their favourite book character.

Stella and Leah as Harlequin and Mary Poppins won the prizes for best dressed learners.

Mr Forsyth's coaching group all wore 'Horrible Histories' T-Shirts covering all the books, and lots of other learners and staff dressed up as their favourite character.

Well done to everyone who took part!

Kepier works with Erasmus+ Project

Kepier have been delighted to host a teacher from our partner school in France. Frederique Antier, a PE teacher from College Jean Moulin in St Nazaire, Brittany, enjoyed watching a number of lessons and was able to speak to many of our learners about similarities and differences between French and English schools. Frederique's visit is part of an exchange project called Erasmus+, which is coordinated by Sunderland Council (our very own Miss Scrafton was in St Nazaire before Christmas!). Kepier is one of only five schools selected to participate in the programme. Thanks to everybody who made the day such a success! 


Frederique said "I have really enjoyed my day at Kepier, working with the teachers and speaking to the children. I am looking forward to welcoming some of the children and staff to my school next year."

KEPIER THROUGH TO FINAL OF ESFA PLAYSTATION ELITE SCHOOLS' CUP

Kepier's U14 Elite Academy, in partnership with Improtech Soccer, hosted Thomas Telford School from Shropshire in the semi-final of The English Schools Football Association U14 Playstation Elite Schools' Cup.

Thomas Telford School had travelled up the day before and stayed in Durham prior to the game, and the match kicked off at 9.45am on our 3G pitch.

Thomas Telford began the game quickly, pinning Kepier back for the first 10 minutes or so without creating any clear cut opportunities. Having weathered the initial storm, Kepier began to take over, with some slick passing and movement creating problems for Thomas Telford. With 15 minutes gone a through ball caused confusion in the Thomas Telford defence, and Kyle latched onto the ball to fire Kepier in front.

The remainder of the first half continued in the same vein; Kepier having the majority of possession, with Thomas Telford working hard and still looking dangerous when they went forward.

The second half began with Kepier still 1-0 up. Thomas Telford again began the half quickly, pressing forward in search of an equaliser and only being held at bay by the excellent work of Kepier's back line supported by their midfield. After 12 minutes Kepier doubled their lead; Liam found space in the box and fired beyond the Thomas Telford keeper to make it 2-0.

The second goal settled Kepier's nerves, and they began to move the ball around the pitch smartly, stretching Thomas Telford and keeping hold of the ball as the second half went on. Thomas Telford continued to press at every opportunity, but struggled to find a clear cut opportunity to get themselves back into the game.

The final whistle saw Kepier maintain their two goal advantage after a thrilling and hard fought match, from which both sides come out with immense credit.

Kepier now face the winners of the other semi final between Whitgift School from Croydon and Queens' School from Watford in the final.