I wonder if you’ll be singing (or humming) any carols this Christmas season – maybe as you go around the shops or Christmas markets, maybe if you go to a nativity play or church service – maybe to KEVI Carol service! 

For people who believe that Jesus was someone special, someone who could show us what real love, wisdom & goodness looks like, for people who believe Jesus was God turning up here on earth, this carol is an overflow of their excitement and happiness ‘Joy Joy Joy – things are going to start to change around here because God has turned up!’

I wonder what would make you sing ‘Joy to the world!’ Maybe because at this time of year there’s a focus on delicious food, giving & receiving gifts, lazy days to curl up and be with your favourite people. Maybe because you have your own rituals, celebrations and traditions that happen through December. Perhaps because there’s a break from the usual routines – maybe there’ll even be snow! 

Joy can come in all shapes and sizes – things that make us laugh out loud like movies, comedy, playing family games, as well as things that make us smile on the inside – the thoughtful handmade gift, the crunchy frost on the grass, a long walk by ourselves… Christmas isn’t necessarily a happy time for everyone – but perhaps, whatever we face this holiday season, we might take a moment to pause and ponder ‘what brings me joy’ – and let that feeling stay with us and warm us from the inside out. 

Wendy was at King Edward’s 1992-1997 and has recently enjoyed a small ‘class of 97’ reunion in Newcastle.

We’re all in our 40’s now and decided it would be nice to get together again after 22 years and reminisce!

Read on to discover Wendy’s journey and advice:

At school I took, and passed, 9 GCSE’s, then I went on to do A Levels in Geography, Geology and Biology. During my time at KEVI, I was captain for the girl’s Hockey team 1993-1997 and also played Tennis for the school.

I didn’t do all that well in my A Levels, but gained a B in Geography.  However, I was accepted by the University of Dundee on the BSc (Hons) Environmental Management degree. I had the most amazing 4 years, during which I played for the University’s Hockey team and also took up Rowing, representing the University’s Boat Club on numerous occasions. The degree course was amazing and I graduated in 2001 with a First Class BSc (Hons) degree and I was awarded the Eco Prize for the highest aggregate final year mark.

After graduation, I worked at Newcastle University as a researcher and part-time lecturer for a couple of years, before moving on to roles at Northumberland County Council, Keep Britain Tidy, then Green Tourism.

In 2011/ 2012 I took a career break, trained to become a Yachtmaster and took part in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, sailing over 4000 nautical miles on a 68ft racing yacht from New York to Southampton.

In 2013, I appeared on everyone’s favourite tea time TV programme, Come Dine With Me – I can’t say it was one of my better decisions but I’ll keep the behind the scenes stories for another day!

For the past 5 years I have been working for Groundwork NE & Cumbria as Visitor and Education Centre Coordinator. I am responsible for managing and delivering the environmental education programme across the three local authorities of Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland. I absolutely love my job, every day is different and I get to do something I am passionate about. During my time at Groundwork, I have gained a number of additional qualifications; Level 3 Award in Education and Training, Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training and a Professional Graduate Certificate in Education. I have an MA in Research Methods and Critical Analysis and I’m currently a part-time student at the University of Sunderland, studying for a Professional Doctorate in Environmental Education, which I hope to complete next year.

What advice would I give my 16 year old self?  Hmmm, pull your finger out and try harder in Geology and Biology (although, to be fair, I only chose Biology because the Home Economics A Level didn’t have enough take up, so didn’t run 1995-1997, which was rather disappointing). My 18 year old self – don’t worry, everything is going to be just fine. I firmly believe in life-long learning and you’re never too old to study. Take every opportunity you can to travel and explore the world, experience different cultures. I have been lucky enough to travel extensively over Europe, Asia, Australasia, North and South America and never pass up an opportunity, as you only regret the things you didn’t do.

I often take part in events arranged by Business in the Community and I really enjoy talking to the students to build their confidence, so they know they can achieve anything they want.

Love Wend x

We are delighted with our sixth annual KEVI Inspires event. This will take place on Thursday 21 November. This event will bring together a whole range of Further and Higher Education providers, trainee and apprenticeship providers, as well as employers.

The full brochure of exhibitors and presentation schedule can be found here.

Work experience plays a huge role in Sixth Form and students are encouraged to seek regular work placements. The experiences should be varied and challenging and used as an opportunity to rule out careers just as much as they can confirm aspirations and intentions. One of our Year 12 students had a hugely rewarding experience with Jump, a placement he arranged himself, thanks to networking at events that we offer like King Edward’s Inspires.

Below, Sam reflects on his work experience:

How would you describe your placement?

Very relaxed and social but professional and open-minded; everyone spoke up in meetings and gave their opinion on each other’s ideas, which felt very collaborative.

What did you gain from your placement?

As well as knowledge of what a work placement is and how a studio operates, I gained the ability to create pieces of digital work with meaning rather than them just looking “nice”.

Did you accomplish what you wanted?

Yes! As well as wanting to learn and gain insight from the designers, I got to experience working life in a studio which is something I’ve not done before.

What was most beneficial to you?

The help and expertise of my colleagues around me who know much more than I did helped me to expand my thinking and ask how something could be done differently.

The Year 13 students of 2019 achieved some outstanding results this Summer and have gone off to do some amazing things!

2 students went to the USA this year  (one of these was a Sporting Contract)