News Stories

From Civil War To Unity!

Year 9 “English Civil War” History Project at Sherbourne Fields Special School

The last few weeks have seen both the end of a long exam season and the start of a heatwave and a World Cup! They have also witnessed the History Project at Sherbourne Fields Special School, a time for lots of dressing -up, reconstruction and fun.

This was the 20th year of the History Project, which has created a such a close bond between the two schools and provided a major enriching experience for many young people. Not only does it offer the opportunity to make friendships and share fun experiences with a wider, diverse peer group, but it also presents a responsibility and a challenge. The 2026 participants are by no means the first to be inspired by their work with Sherbourne students.

The project provided a great revelation that learning about the past can be great fun for everyone. All students rose to the challenge of dressing themselves in Civil War outfits. Colour, sounds and images help the SF students identify this as a special topic. The Civil War was a massive turning point for this country, but a hugely destructive period with the country, towns, villages and even families becoming divided. 

We tried to put across in a sensitive way; how the distinction between Royalist and Parliamentarian, Cavalier and Roundhead, marked the countries existence at the time. This helped to bring to life not just the challenges of the key players of the civil war, but the everyday lives of the ordinary people that all students could relate to.
The project also provided a great opportunity for our students to enhance their story-telling skills. They were divided into four groups, each with their own Civil War theme to explain. These covered the story of how and why the country disintegrated into war with itself; what life was like during the Civil War based on the famous painting “When did you last see your father;” the strange-but-true story of what happened to Cromwell’s head; and…why did they ban Christmas?!...yes, it is true that this country passed a law in 1652 banning the celebration of Christmas.

To the students delivering the project, the experience provided lasting memories. 
One member of the team, Kingsley commented “Right from the start it was a great experience. I loved helping to make the flags and then hiding them later for the Sherbourne students to find”. Michelle added that it was “just as important to interact with the students in their breaks and lunchtimes as it was in their actual lesson times.” To Nadia, the whole experience was “unforgettable! The kids there were just so fun to be”

So... a huge vote of thanks to the 2026 SF team - Keerat, Josh, Nilay, Paris, Jenny, Seren, Imogen, Kingsley, Michelle, Nadia, Samson, Daxton, Grace, Logan, and Sultan.

Mr Finney, Joint Leader of History

 To book your tickets to this fun-packed evening, click on the link below!

www.ticketsource.com/president-kennedy-school

The Year 7 girls football team travelled to Castle Vale Stadium last week to compete in the West Midlands Cup Final against Arden school. 

It was a close first half with chances from both schools but towards the end Arden scored 2 goals, and we were 2-0 down at half time. After a team talk at half time the girls showed great determination going into the second half. 

After about five minutes, Michelle scored from the halfway line making it 2-1 and then the same happened with Sayla equalising. Ten minutes before full-time we had an indirect free kick, Sayla and Hali with a team effort to make it 3-2. Another goal came before half time from Hali, making the final score 4-2. 

The girls have played some great football this season and have worked really well as a team. They should all be very proud.

Year 12 students from President Kennedy School attended a trip to Clare College, Cambridge University. The trip was also attended by Year 12 students from Stoke Park, Barr's Hill, Caludon Castle, West Coventry Academy and Bishop Ullathorne School. 

Students began the day with a welcome talk in one of the university's lecture theatres, where they learnt about 
university life. 

They then enjoyed a walking tour of the college in the sunshine, visiting the library, accommodation, dining halls and 
student union. 

Students spent the final part of the day learning how to reference and about the admissions process to Cambridge. They had a go at answering some university-style interview questions and asked questions about the UCAS process and applying to the college systems at Cambridge. 

Ms Rejali, Teacher of Religious Education and Leader of Personal Development in Post-16
 

Undivided put on their 4th Annual cultural event. The Cultural Carnival showcased the wonderful diversity in our President Kennedy Community.

From start to finish, the atmosphere was filled with pure joy, love and celebration. Our students truly shone on stage, showcasing incredible talent through music, singing and dancing. Every performance was powerful, inspiring and a reminder of how special our students are. The crowd brought unmatched energy, so supportive, loud and full of encouragement. 
You made the night just as special as the performers themselves.

A huge shoutout to 'Stylie's Jerk Station' for the amazing food;it was absolutely delicious and the perfect addition to an unforgettable evening. 

It was an emotional night in the best way, filled with pride, unity and so much happiness. Thank you to everyone who performed, supported and made this event so special!
 

We have been awarded with being a #CoramShakespeareSchoolsFoundation Gold Medal School once again!

The Coram Shakespeare Schools Outreach Team said:

"We are so honoured to have worked with you for the previous 7+ consecutive Festivals. We appreciate that bringing these Programmes to life is no easy feat. The extra effort you put in to help run these projects in school for your young people is truly inspiring and we want you to know that it does not go unnoticed".