The academic year of 2020 was a turbulent one, with periods of remote learning, bubbles, one-way systems, cancelled events and the last-minute announcement of teacher assessed grades.

King Edward VI School, a co-educational school in the heart of Southampton, planned a jam-packed final term to thank students for abiding by the many and changing COVID rules and to provide students with a safe environment in which they could learn, have fun and try something new.

For GCSE and A Level cohorts, KES put on an Activities Week. Students were able to sign up to as many events as they could fit in over the course of the week, from learning the art of making jewellery with resin, building a computer game from scratch, challenging stereotypes during feminism workshops, sailing, climbing the cliff faces of Swanage and much more.  

The remaining student body were invited to a Science and Technology Festival, which spanned three school days. Every aspect of Science and Technology was investigated, questioned and tested through workshops, demonstrations and activities. Students were able to design and build aerodynamic cars (which they then raced!), learnt about the biology of animals through holding and seeing real life reptiles and delve into the many career options within science and technology industries.  

Quick on the tail of the festival, the school’s annual Endeavour programme kicked off. Across two days, students could be found at various locations across the county enjoying different pursuits. With the absence of trips throughout the year, the enjoyment and excitement from students was unparalleled. Students went up to Bristol for surfing at The Wave, climbed in the Peak District, enjoyed watersports in Poole, cookery at the school’s prep school, Stroud School, or took part in a school-run ‘Dragons’ Apprentice’ themed challenge.

King Edward VI School is an academically selective school in Hampshire, with its core focus on seeing its students flourish in all aspects of their lives. The school places high importance on providing students with an abundance of opportunities and experience throughout their time at King Edward’s. For more information about the school, and Sixth Form, visit www.kes.hants.sch.uk.