On reflection 2009 was a good year for the school in many ways.  We completed a full year in the new school buildings and came through an Ofsted Inspection with an overall Outstanding grade.  Many students successfully completed courses at the school and we saw a large number move on to either Higher Education or employment.   We welcomed a large number of students to the school and have been able to offer them an even more personalised curriculum than the one in place prior to 2009.  We have a large number of new staff and even new posts such as the school nurse.   As always we finished the year on a celebratory note with the Carol Concert, Christmas Cracker and panto, all of which were excellent entertainment. 

We started the New Year with a training day which was based around making Kenton an even better school in the future.  One thing there is not at Kenton School is complacency!  It was really refreshing that so many staff contributed their ideas in such a positive manner and have the vision to see what Kenton School can become in the future. As we arrive back Kenton School site is very different to the one we left.  The new car park is open, the amphitheatre is available, there are proper bus parks, more play spaces and the new MUGA (Multi Use Games Area – tennis and netball courts!) is available.  The external landscaping means we have an attractive and spacious outdoor environment which will definitely improve the experience young people have.  By Easter we  also hope to have the old North block in commission and a brand new Astroturf for our students.  We will undoubtedly have the best sporting facilities in the North East by that stage.   

Having said this when the students returned on Tuesday the 5^th they found what can only be described as a winter wonderland.  Several inches of snow on the ground created a surreal polar landscape.  As always we had snowballing which was a great opportunity for everyone to behave like kids but to be fair that’s all it was – a bit of fun in the snow.   However on Wednesday there were penguins sliding down the drive and we were faced with arctic conditions.  For the first time in ages Kenton School was forced to close for business.  As this is written we hope that this is simply a brief hiatus as we are all (?) keen to resume normal service. So we look forward to 2010 with a justified optimism; some of the best staff and students in the area, in the most modern buildings aiming for real success in all areas of life.  I can’t wait!