Updates

What's been happening so far this year!

SUMMER TERM (April-July)

PRIDE MONTH 2025

'Pride Month is a month-long celebration that recognizes the LGBTQ+ community and their contributions to society. It is a time to acknowledge the challenges faced by this community and to stand in solidarity with their fight for equality, acceptance, and human rights. Pride Month is a joyful and colorful display of love, unity, and resilience, with events and activities that promote inclusivity, educate the public, and celebrate the diversity of sexual orientations and gender identities.'

'Past themes have included everything from film and television to social justice. In 2025, the theme which has been set by Schools OUT is Activism and Social Change. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore the contribution of LGBTQ+ people to making the world a better place for all of us.'

Mental Health Awareness Week

12-18th May 2025

'Since 2001, the Mental Health Foundation has been leading Mental Health Awareness Week - bringing the UK together to focus on getting good mental health. This year, the week takes place from 12 to 18 May 2025 and the theme is community. We want to use this Mental Health Awareness Week to celebrate the power and importance of community.

Being part of a safe, positive community is vital for our mental health and wellbeing. We thrive when we have strong connections with other people and supportive communities that remind us, we are not alone. Communities can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and give us a sense purpose.'

#ThisIsMyCommunity

ADVENTURE

The library's theme for May was Adventure. During our library lessons, we looked into Steve Backshall and the adventures he has been on. Then, in groups, the students were given a survival activity to challenge themselves on their critical thinking and problem solving.

Try it yourself!

DYSTOPIAN FICTION

In April, our theme was dystopian fiction. In our library lessons, we looked at what dystopia is, and the origin of dystopian fiction. As a class, the students then decided what dystopian storyline sounded the best to them, and what scenario they'd rather be in.

Try it yourself!

SPRING TERM (January-March)

The Carnegie Book Award 2025

The 2025 Carnegie Medal for Writing shortlist is (alphabetical by author surname):

Treacle Town by Brian Conaghan (Andersen Press)
The Things We Leave Behind by Clare Furniss (Simon & Schuster UK)
The Final Year by Matt Goodfellow, illustrated by Joe Todd-Stanton (Otter-Barry Books)
King of Nothing by Nathanael Lessore (Bonnier Books UK)
Little Bang by Kelly McCaughrain (Walker Books)
Glasgow Boys by Margaret McDonald (Faber & Faber)
All That It Ever Meant by Blessing Musariri (Zephyr, Head of Zeus)
Play by Luke Palmer (Firefly Press)

'Tuesday 11 March 2025: The Carnegies, the UK’s longest running and best-loved book awards for children and young people, announced their 2025 shortlists at the London Book Fair this afternoon.

The Carnegies celebrate outstanding achievement in children’s writing and illustration respectively and are unique in being judged solely by librarians.

Masculinity and what it is to be a young man today has emerged as an important theme on the Carnegie Medal for Writing shortlist, with many writers reflecting the marginalised perspectives of boys and teenagers from disenfranchised communities, in settings as varied as a foster home, an ex-industrial town and a South London estate.

The Carnegies celebrate outstanding reading experiences in books for children and young people. They are unique in being judged by librarians, with the Shadowers’ Choice Medals voted for by thousands of reading groups in schools and libraries in the UK and around the world, who shadow the judging process and choose their own winners.'

🐍 Lunar New Year 🐍

The Lunar New Year in 2025 welcomes the Year of the Snake. Celebrated by millions around the world, this is a time for cultural traditions, family reunions, and hopes for good fortune in the coming year.

In 2025, Lunar New Year falls on Wednesday 29 January, kicking off the 16-day Spring Festival.

The Snake, symbolizing wisdom and transformation, offers opportunities for personal growth and change.

Holocaust Memorial Day

27th January is #HolocaustMemorialDay

This Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp complex, and the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia. We can learn both from and about the Holocaust and more recent genocides, for a better future. A better future where people are not suffering prejudice or persecution because of their faith, ethnicity or other characteristic.

Classics Retold

classics retold pdf.pdf

This month's theme for our library lessons is Classics Retold.

A retelling is a new spin on a classic story like a fairy tale, myth, or other piece of literature. The writer takes a pre-existing story to borrow some of the original elements while changing others.

We are looking at:

Sleeping Beauty → The Bone Spindle by Leslie Vedder

Filore, a treasure hunter with a knack for riddles, is busy running from her own deadly curse. When she pricks her finger on a spindle she is bound by the spindle’s magic to the sleeping prince ‘Briar Rose’ and chosen as the only person who can wake him. Fi is stuck with the prince's ghost until she can break his ancient curse and save his kingdom.

Robin Hood → Scarlet by A. C. Gaughen

Will Scarlet is good at two things: stealing from the rich and keeping secrets - skills that are in high demand in Robin Hood's band of thieves, who protect the people of Nottingham from the evil sheriff. Scarlet's biggest secret of all, one only known by Robin and his men, is that Will, posing as a thief; is really a girl.

Snow White → Mirror Me by Jan Dunning

The protagonist Freya lives a quiet life with her dad until it is turned upside down by Bella, a glamorous former supermodel who's started dating her dad and is now about to marry him. Freya is intrigued as to how impossibly perfect Bella actually looks. Freya also has concerns that Bella could be marrying into her family, for her own sinister purposes?

Alice in Wonderland → Splintered by A. G. Howard

Alyssa Gardner hears the whispers of bugs and flowers - precisely the affliction that landed her mother in a mental hospital years before. This family curse stretches back to her ancestor Alice Liddell, the real-life inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. When Alyssa’s mother’s mental health takes a turn for the worse, she learns that what she thought was fiction is actually based in terrifying reality.

The Day of the Triffids → Boy in the Tower by Polly Ho-Yen

From the seventeenth floor of the tower block where he lives with his mother, Ade watches as the buildings fall around him. The Bluchers - a strange and terrible kind of plant - are taking over the city, and everyone is being forced to evacuate, but his mother is refusing to leave her room. And so Ade watches alone as the city slowly empties, and the Bluchers creep ever closer.

The Wizard of Oz → Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige

Amy Gumm is the other girl from Kansas. She’s been recruited by the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked and trained to fight. Amy has a mission to fulfill: Remove the Tin Woodman's heart. Steal the Scarecrow's brain and take the Lion's courage. And of course, Dorothy must die.

Whilst looking at these classic texts and their retellings, we'll also be showing trailers to their film adaptations!

AUTUMN TERM (September-December)

BOOKBUZZ

Both KGA Bay House and KGA Brune Park will take part in BookTrust’s Bookbuzz programme this year, which aims to get children reading! Year 7 pupils will choose a book to keep from a selection of sixteen titles. The books are wrapped and gifted to the pupils in the last week of term, so they can be enjoyed at home over the holiday.

BookTrust is the UK’s largest children’s reading charity that transforms lives by getting children and families reading. We hope that Bookbuzz will encourage your child to read more frequently, which will help improve their wellbeing, spark interesting conversations, and inspire creativity.

ANIMAL HEROES

This Remembrance day, we pay tribute to the animals who helped during the wars.

In 1943, the British charity PDSA even instituted the ‘Dickin Medal’ often called the animal V.C (Victoria Cross), which was the idea of animal welfare pioneer, Maria Dickin. Issued to animals that had displayed great bravery and/or devotion during conflict, it has been awarded 74 times so far, to pigeons, dogs, horses, and cats.

A purebred English pointer, Judy was adopted as a mascot by the crew of HMS Grasshopper during the Second World War. When the Grasshopper, was torpedoed, Judy was captured along with her crew mates, and imprisoned by the Japanese. Leading Aircraftman, Frank Williams, adopted the dog, shared his meagre rations with her, and even managed to get Judy officially registered as a POW (prisoner of war), which likely saved her life.

In return, Judy provided comfort, company, and even protection to the men in the most awful conditions. She would apparently bark and growl to distract cruel guards who were beating the prisoners, and several times escaped the camp only to return bearing food for her fellow POWs.

Both Judy and Williams were liberated in 1945, and she was awarded the Dickin Medal in 1946 for 'magnificent courage and endurance in Japanese prison camps, which helped to maintain morale among her fellow prisoners and also for saving many lives through her intelligence and watchfulness'.

ANTI-BULLYING WEEK

Bullying Book List.pdf

If you feel you can, talk to a teacher you trust or a family member. If you don’t want to do that you can always call Childline 0800 11 11 or visit www.childline.org.uk

Choose Respect

From playgrounds to parliament, our homes to our phones, this Anti-Bullying Week let's 'Choose Respect' and bring an end to bullying which negatively impacts millions of young lives. This year, we’ll empower children and young people to not resort to bullying, even when we disagree and remind adults to lead by example, online and offline. Imagine a world where respect and kindness thrives — it’s not just a dream, it's in the choices we make.

Join us this Anti-Bullying Week and commit to 'Choose Respect'.

What will you choose?

Remember to respect other people! Just because someone is different to you and your friends–that doesn’t mean you are better than them or have a right to make them feel bad. If you mess up, say sorry. You don’t have to be friends with everyone–but you should always make it clear that you don’t like it when people bully others, and stick up for people who are having a hard time.

https://anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk

EUROPEAN DAY OF LANGUAGES

The European Day of Languages is a well-established opportunity to raise awareness about language learning and linguistic diversity. To celebrate the European Day of Languages, the European Commission is organizing two virtual conferences on 26 September.

In the library, we have picked out some of our favourite fiction and non-fiction either written in a different language, or celebrating it. This also includes books from our EAL (English as additional language) section.

Come down to the library today and challenge yourself!

As a school, we are asking for everyone's help to promote languages. So far, this has included activities and/or references to languages during lessons. Students have also been partaking in choosing a language of their choice to answer in for their class registers.

Teachers all over the school have been asked to let students know whether they can speak any other language, and promote it during their lessons. It doesn't need to be a European one, we're opening the celebration of languages up to all languages!

HORROR GENRE WEEK

Creature Features BH.pdf

Creature Features 🦇

This year's theme is Creature Features. We will be looking at all types of monsters and creatures that can be found in the horror/fantasy genre. So if you're scared of vampires, bats, werewolves, or witches, then this is the week for you! Or not . . .

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

"This year’s theme for Black History Month is 'Reclaiming Narratives,' and marks a significant shift towards recognising and correcting the narratives of Black history and culture. By emphasising 'Reclaiming Narratives,' we shine a brighter light on our stories, allegories, and history. This theme underscores a commitment to correcting historical inaccuracies and showcasing the untold success stories and the full complexity of Black heritage. It’s about taking control of our stories and honouring our heroes while challenging the narratives that have often overlooked the contributions and achievements of Black individuals both in the UK and globally.

The journey of reclaiming narratives is not just a theme for Black History Month; it’s a movement towards acknowledging and appreciating the myriad contributions of Black individuals throughout history. As we embark on this path, we invite you to join us in embracing, educating, and empowering one another through the stories that shape our collective identity.

On behalf of the team at Black History Month Magazine, extends a heartfelt invitation to everyone. Let’s unite in 'Reclaiming Narratives' and forge a future where the true essence of Black history, contribution and presence is rightfully recognised."

Written by Cherron Inko-Tariah MBE

Virtual Library Black History Month 2024 Recommended Reads

BANNED BOOKS WEEK

Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in libraries, bookstores, and schools. Typically held during the last week of September, the annual event highlights the value of free and open access to information and brings together the entire book community—librarians, educators, authors, publishers, booksellers, and readers of all types—in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas. Have any of your favourites been banned?

Banned and challenged books.pdf

We looked at books like The Hunger Games and Harry Potter, and why they might have been banned around the world.

Not to forget the legendary Margaret Atwood and her unburnable book!

YEAR 6 OPEN EVENING

This September, we welcomed prospective Year 7's to King's Academy Bay House and King's Academy Brune Park libraries.

KGA Bay House LRC

KGA Brune Park LRC

MANGA & ANIME CLUB

Founded on June 15, 1985, Studio Ghibli is headed by the directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata and the producer Toshio Suzuki. Prior to the formation of the studio, Miyazaki and Takahata had already had long careers in Japanese film and television animation and had worked together on Horus: Prince of the Sun (aka The Little Norse Prince Valiant) and Panda! Go, Panda!

Studio Ghibli is one of the most acclaimed and influential animation studios in the world, inspiring filmmakers and audiences alike over the last 30 years with beloved stories and breathtaking visuals.

The Anime Movie club started off the year with The Boy and the Heron after looking into Studio Ghibli.

From the legendary Studio Ghibli and Academy Award®-winning director Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away) comes a new critically-acclaimed fantasy adventure.

"After losing his mother during the war, young Mahito moves to his family's estate in the countryside. There, a series of mysterious events lead him to a secluded and ancient tower, home to a mischievous grey heron. When Mahito's new stepmother disappears, he follows the grey heron into the tower, and enters a fantastic world shared by the living and the dead. As he embarks on an epic journey with the heron as his guide, Mahito must uncover the secrets of this world, and the truth about himself."

PG-13, Released Dec 8, 2023, 2h 4m, Fantasy/Adventure/Anime

CREATIVE WRITING CLUB

Here are a few extracts from our new Year 7 starters . . .

Extract by Lexi

'It was Friday the thirteenth of July, 2661 and the sky was riddled with thunder. Olivia was buzzing. She felt the trees surrounding her glowing in the light, the warmth of the evening air on her skin. As she walked, the trees seemed to call out to her, "Don't leave! Stay!"

"I can't," she whispered. "I'm sorry."

The forest seemed to envelope her as she skipped along the overgrown path. Suddenly, a groan echoed throughout the forest and Olivia spun, spooked. There was a thump. Then another, and another until a boy emerged from the shrubbery. All Olivia heard before she was grabbed was run.'

Extract by Isabel

'As a new day started, Melody woke up and was thrilled that the day was finally here. Her birthday. She zoomed down stairs and there it was, a massive pile of presents, and by her request, her mum had made pancakes. Her twin Melanie and older brother Max were waiting for her on the sofa. Her mum walked over with what seemed like the leaning tower of pancakes with candles on the top.

SUDDENLY. Breaking news surged across the world. The news read: A ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE HAS BEGUN. THIS NEW BREED OF ZOMBIE DOESN'T WANT BRAINS, THEY WANT VOICE BOXES! SO, STAY SAFE, SAY HIDDEN, AND DON'T GET EATEN !!!

As Melody softly blew out the final candle, she tried to adjust to the thought that one day she could be a zombie. So, she sadly waddled over to her presents, scooped them up, and then opened them up slowly. She had wished for more adventure in her life but not this much. But then she realised that she had wanted weapons for her birthday (it was her 16th birthday after all) so she would be armed if she ever was attacked… again.'

Extract by Sasha

'A vast world of crystal waters. The sun shone brightly in the sky as the lost traveller drifted over the peaceful waters of the ocean. Anna and her friends stood at the stern of the ship and watched the endless, deserted waters as the sun disappeared into the horizon. Suddenly, lightning flashed not far away. The seas grew violent. Anna and the rest of the crew looked at each other in horror. With one swift movement, they all ran to the captain’s cabin. Finding yourself in such a situation anyone ends up in a dead end. Same happened to the captain. But soon he recovered and collected his thoughts.'

READING CHAMPIONS

Thank you for all your applications to be a student reading champion! Successful applicants will be notified before half term . . .

100 YEARS OF HAMPSHIRE LIBRARIES

📚Celebrating 100 Years of Hampshire Libraries📚

From Saturday 19 October until Saturday 2 November, public libraries across Hampshire will be hosting celebratory events and activities. You can pop along to one of 4 local libraries from today to celebrate 100 years of Hampshire County Council Libraries providing spaces to read, relax, shelter, and socialise.

Find out more details at each Library’s dedicated site:

Bridgemary: https://www.hants.gov.uk/librariesandarchives/library

Gosport: https://www.hants.gov.uk/.../lib.../gosport-discovery-centre

Stubbington: https://www.hants.gov.uk/librariesandarchives/library

Fareham: https://www.hants.gov.uk/librariesandarchives/library

BISCUITS AND READ

Since March 2024, the library has been hosting monthly Biscuits and Read sessions for Year 8. This has given pupils the opportunity to spend some quality time reading for pleasure facilitated by our wonderful and supportive School Pastors.

Pupil feedback has been positive: “I liked it because you have time to relax and enjoy reading” and “I found the book interesting because it showed what life would be like if there was a world disaster."

Our school Pastors have commented: “I have enjoyed spending time with the pupils carrying out an activity together” and “the students have been engaged and enjoyed discussing what we were reading." Biscuits & Read takes place in the library every four weeks.

SIXTH FORM EPQ

The Sixth Form Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) runs every year and gives students the chance to complete a university-level project on a topic of their choice. Miss Sisk provides the taught-time sessions for the EPQ, giving guidance on academic skills including research, and citing and referencing. Students then have the opportunity to visit the University of Southampton's Hartley Library to access millions of brilliant academic resources to use in their projects. Topics chosen by students this year include:

The need for prosthetics in veterinary sciences
The link between architecture and mental health
How dystopian literature is reflected in modern America
The extent to which childhood affects adult health

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