After a 5-hour journey with a quick pit-stop at Cardiff West Services, we arrived at Dale village. We made our way to Dale Fort on foot, accompanied by scenic views of the ocean.

On arrival, we were greeted by the amazing staff and briefed on safety, the role of Dale Fort as a Field Studies Centre, and a timetable for the next few days. We were then given a short break to settle in our dorms and collect any waterproofs we may need. We then made our way down to Castle beach, where we had the opportunity to explore the different organisms that inhabit these shores. There was particular excitement over a jellyfish that was found!

This was the first year we opened up the challenges and started the Intermediate Biology Olympiad, for Year 12 students and the Biology Challenge for students in Year 9 and 10. We are very happy with the number of students who completed the challenges, 29 year 12 students signed up for the Intermediate Olympiad, and we achieved 2 Gold, 2 Silver and 8 Bronze awards. For the Biology Challenge, 17 Year 9 and 10 students completed the exam, achieving 1 Gold, 5 Silver and 8 Bronze awards. 

On the 6th of July I visited Fitzwilliam College in Cambridge University to receive my Certificate of Commendation for the Fitzwilliam Economics Essay Competition. I also had the opportunity to discuss my work with Dr Anna Watson, the Director of Studies for Economics at Fitzwilliam College. This was hugely rewarding as she is a renowned economist with an inspiring life story and great enthusiasm for this subject. 

I would like to thank Mr Wilson, our Head of Department for Economics, for his unwavering support. Without his detailed feedback and constructive criticism I would not have succeeded in this competition. 

We have had a fantastic academic year in our Kendrick School Library – highlights being Book Sales (raising money for the Children’s Ward at the Royal Berkshire Hospital), Book Club, a Harry Potter celebration, competitions, quizzes, World Book Week – the list is too long!

This year we had an amazing number of students volunteering their time to help during break times and after school. Some do it as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and others just for their love of books. Whatever the reason, Mrs Williamson and Mrs Cavaciuti are extremely grateful to all of those who offer their assistance.

Over the weekend of 7th July, Lauren from Year 9 participated in the National Finals of the NATD (National Association of Teachers for Dancing) Ballroom and Latin Championships in the Winter Gardens at Blackpool. 

In the Ballroom section, Lauren secured 1st place in her solo section of the Waltz.   She also secured 2nd place in the couples Foxtrot and 3rd place for the Quickstep.  

For the Latin dances, she was in 4th place for her Cha Chal solo and 1st place in couples for the Samba and 2nd place for the Rumba.  

The after school tournament was held at Hugh Faringdon on Thursday 22nd June 2023.   The four schools that participated in the tournament were Hugh Faringdon, Denefield, Reading Boys and Kendrick School.  Each school had about 12 players, so there were nearly 50 players in total.

Top scorers for Kendrick were Nidhi and Shriya from Year 7, Joanne and Nivi in Year 8, Abi from Year 9 and Kaya in Year 10.