The Edwardian 2024

the Edwardian

Headmaster’s Welcome

The school year started in September once again with news of impressive academic results – in this instance ranking KES as the second best performing independent school in the South West for the second year running, according to the Sunday Times – and ended in July with a beautifully assembled Founder’s Day service that followed hot on the heels of another inspiring and memorable Activities Week. This summer saw trips to Iceland, Cologne, Venice, Nice and Marbella, as well as a grand sports tour to Canada, alongside a fantastic range of activities closer to home that included sailing, golf, creative arts, puzzle solving and a whole host of adventurous and ‘outward bound’ activities in Dorset, Cornwall, Snowdonia, the Wye Valley, Wiltshire and more besides. In addition, at the same time around 110 pupils from Years 11 and 12 took part in some hugely valuable work experience placements, both close to home and much further afield.

These fantastic bookends to the year give just a flavour of life at KES – a wonderful balance of academic ambition and endeavour and a superb array of enriching opportunities outside the classroom, all underpinned by a sense of joy, adventure and community. Many of these different strands are captured once again in the pages of this year’s Edwardian, which colourfully and eloquently brings to life the action-packed, stimulating and challenging (usually in a good way!) ten months that lie in between. As always, I applaud our pupils for their willingness to make the most of these opportunities and for giving of their best in all that they do, and I warmly thank my colleagues for their unstinting efforts to ensure that each new academic year is as richly filled and memorable as the last. I hope that you all enjoy reading this wonderful account of 2023/24 and wish everybody the very best for the new term – and the new adventures – that will be upon us before we know it.

MJ Boden

KES Community

The KES Community Partnerships and Outreach Programme

A continuing highlight in the KES Community calendar is the Art department’s creative partnership with Three Ways School in Bath. Students aged 16+ took part in a photographic workshop run by our Art department and sixth formers. The school also extended its support of The Egg’s Christmas production, “Wendy” and Year 7 & 8 pupils participated in Bath Festival’s School Voices project, culminating in two spectacular performances at Bath Abbey and The Forum.

In the Music department, Bath Philharmonia and Upper School musicians hosted a free music-making session for 70 Key Stage 2 students, including those from the Resource Base from St Martin’s Garden Primary School. Pupils investigated sounds, rhythms and movements and produced a closing performance of a piece entitled ‘Connect It’ written by Scottish composer, Anna Meredith.

‘...enhancing the learning experience and life at KES.’

During Activities Week 2023, 300 Year 5 pupils from six local primary schools explored the Senior School curriculum through a series of interactive sessions from teachers in Chemistry, Drama, Art, DT, Physics, English, Biology and Music. The finale was a Community Cricket Day at Bathampton, co-hosted by Bath Cricket Club.

Further highlights include links with Team Bath Netball and Bath Cricket Club and a burgeoning CCF partnership with Beechen Cliff School. In development is an association with Cleveland Pools, where we hope to provide opportunities for KES and local schools to learn about the Pools and swim there.

KES Parents’ Group

Our KES Parents’ Team hosted the ever-popular Nearly New Store, offering affordable, good quality and sustainable uniform and kit for new and current parents. With over £12,000 raised, the Christmas Fair also continued its success with its profits re-invested to enrich pupil experiences at KES. Other enjoyable and fun events have been the Wine Tutoring Evening and the Spring Quiz.

The group has funded school projects to the tune of over £36,000, including resources for a sensory and intervention room at the Pre-Prep, a kit car, dry robes, playground equipment including tennis nets and a new outdoor table tennis table, nature trail and helios planetarium for the Junior School, gym equipment, a sound desk for Drama, 3D Printer for DT, drying cabinet for Art and an electronic scoreboard for the sports hall in the Senior School. Many thanks to all those who have supported the events, helped, given time and contributed.

D Chapman

Development

We have raised £130,000 in generous donations from KES Parents, current parents, Old Edwardians and other supporters in our community to enhance the learning

experience and life at KES. These donations have contributed towards new facilities across our three sites, as well as funding bursaries in the Senior School.

The John Wroughton Bursary Fund was established in memory of former headmaster Dr John Wroughton, to award transformative bursaries to pupils in the Senior School, enabling local young people to access a KES education, no matter their circumstances. Donations to the Fund will create life changing opportunities for the children and young people in our School and have an immediate impact.

The John Trussler Fund, in memory of an Old Edwardian who died in WW1, is new this year. It enables pupils on bursaries to attend trips and participate in co-curricular activities and has been received with gratitude. Another worthy fund, the Gilligan Family Travel Award helped five pupils to take part in educational trips this year. Set up in 2017 by Old Edwardians Philip and Jonathan Gilligan, it celebrates the life of their mother Mrs Joan Gilligan, a long-standing teacher at KES, their father, Bill who led fundraising initiatives at the school, and their late brother, Simon who was also an OE.

If you would like to discuss a donation, please contact Alison Heyes, Development Director.

A Heyes

Art & Photography

It is always a pleasure to showcase our pupils’ prolific amount of work during the end of year exhibition. Drawers and folders are emptied, and we cover our walls in a celebration of artistic endeavour and creativity. This year featured a lovely range of pieces from GCSE and A level pupils; their work explores a myriad of themes and uses exciting techniques and processes. As well as painting and drawing, we have sculpture, animation, photography and experimental printmaking on show.

Lower and middle school pupils’ work ranged from pin-puppets and architecture to bird-inspired lino cuts and kite making. Their imaginative and thoughtful responses to the different topics is always inspiring. With each project, we remember that Art nurtures key skills such as risk-taking, problem-solving, selfexpression and experimentation.

Bath Schools Exhibition

A highlight for the department was the first Bath Schools Exhibition at Burdall’s Yard. The exhibition celebrated GCSE and A level work created by Bath pupils. Following a packed opening night and many positive reviews, we will be collaborating with other local schools to put on another show later this year.

Visits and trips

KES sponsored this year’s Gwen John exhibition at the Holburne Museum. This partnership allowed the Art department the opportunity for pupils to visit the show and introductory talk by the curators. We also took our Year 12 to the museum’s archives where they investigated a range of intriguing objects and artefacts. Meanwhile, GCSE pupils toured Oxford’s Ashmolean and Pitt Rivers museums, and our A level group enjoyed a residential trip to Barcelona. During our four days in Spain, we visited six galleries and museums, where pupils created wonderful drawings and took hundreds of photos. We are excited to start planning our residential for 2025 and already have a shortlist of exciting and creative destinations!

E Hume-Smith

Above left to right: Year 7 pin puppets, Year 8 bird project

Above: 1. Kit Batterbury Magill

2. Amelie Highfield

3. James Ruffle

4. Chloe Barrington

5. Jessica Hetherington

6. Sasha Hartwell

Above:

1. Bella Fitzgerald

2. Claudia Williams

3. Aoife Hughes 4. Nicholas Toke-Nichols

5. Ollie Chapman

Annie Brookes 7. Barnaby Saumarez Smith

Photography Competition

Photography Competition – ‘Devotion’:

This year’s Art and Photography exhibition was opened by the award-winning photographer Chris Roche. He showed a range of stunning images from his body of work entitled, ‘Devotion’, and told some captivating stories about his travels. To link to Chris’ talk, we used the theme of ‘Devotion’ for this year’s photography competition. We received some fantastic images, and it was great to see a range of imaginative and original responses to the brief. Well done to the winners and runners up! E Hume-Smith

1. Eesa Shazuli Y 8 – Pupil runner-up

2. Mr C Carter – Staff runner-up

3. Raff Wells Y 12 – Pupil runner up

4. Mr P Cornish – Staff runner up

5. Mr D Willison – Staff runner up

6. Olivi Phillips Y 12 – Pupil winner

7. Miss H Dawes – Staff winner

8. Benjamin Jones Y 9 – Pupil runner-up

Business Studies & Economics

It was goodbye to the old (Mr Barber to Millfield) and hello to the new-ish (Mr Blake) in the KES Business and Economics department. Year 9 rang in their own changes by beginning a revised Economics and Business Understanding course with more GCSE Business content. They still found time for the KES Christmas Project where many scrumptious sugar-based products were judged by the Department Dragons! Thanks to Mrs Argent, Mrs Blower and Mrs Dryden who stood in at short notice as guides and mentors. Their input, energy and professionalism were much valued!

Strong Year 10 numbers swelled the ranks at GCSE led by Mr Blake and Mrs Dias. The students’ enthusiasm and understanding allied to sound teaching, should see them excel to the exams. Year 11 worked hard in their syllabus with special clinics and excellent teaching by Mrs Salako and Mrs Dias. We are excited to have our many Year 11s committed to carrying on

Bath University Lecture

At the University of Bath, Year 12s attended an economics lecture on overcoming stagnation in the UK economy. It provided us with valuable insight into what we had learned in lessons. Firstly, we gained a deeper understanding of the factors contributing to stagnation in the UK economy and the importance of addressing the lack of investment in infrastructure. The economists’ insights illuminated the role of the private and public sectors in increasing investment, with a focus on public sector leadership. This perspective challenged conventional thinking and sparked our interests in alternative approaches to economic growth. We thoroughly enjoyed

Enterprise Club

For the first time, KES entered the Peter Jones Foundation competition “Tycoon Enterprise.” We had three teams who had to complete set tasks to create a business. We started by brainstorming business models. We narrowed our choices to one and went on to fill in our business plans, including all our projected costs and revenues, and apply for loans from the Foundation.

After we received confirmation that we acquired the loans, we set to work preparing. Once the funding arrived, we had 8 weeks to run the businesses and try to make a

their studies at A level and look forward to welcoming them back in September.

Year 13 students have worked well in preparation for their A level examinations. As a COVID-hit GCSE cohort, we do not underestimate their endeavour and we wish them well for the public examinations and whatever lies beyond KES. There were also clubs and trips like Mrs Salako’s Year 7&8 Enterprise Club and Mrs Dais’ trips to Bath University for Year 12&13 economists to top off an excellent year.

Thank you to my colleagues for all their outstanding work in the classrooms and beyond. This academic year, more than any before, my colleagues have had to pull together and go “above and beyond,” whilst I was unwell. At these times you recognise and realise what a special team of professionals you have working for you. Thank you all for stepping up so adeptly to teach and run the department.

G Butterworth

hearing Torsten Bell’s views as a representative for the Labour Party, which added a political dimension.

Overall, the lecture was both interesting and insightful. Talks like these broaden our economic knowledge and present different perspectives on pressing issues. It’s a great opportunity to engage with experts in the field and expand one’s understanding of the economic landscape. A huge thank-you to Mrs Dias for organising and attending the talk with us. Her insight into some of the more challenging micro and macroeconomic aspects allowed for a greater understanding of the topics on offer.

Ben Rodrigeuz-Cobham and Julliette Withey Y 12

profit. An evaluation period followed and we submitted a review to the Foundation about what went well, what improvements could be made, and what we learnt.

I was in a team on my own, but it would be easier to share the work and get more ideas as part of a team. I did make a profit though, by buying, upcycling and reselling small furniture items on online platforms.

If you like business or creating logos or products, this is the club for you.

Rory Gordon Y 7

Christmas Fair

On a frosty morning, nine Year 9 teams set up their businesses at the Christmas fair. Crowds milled about as pupils displayed their wares. The 4-week project included research on costs and prices, branding, ingredients and logistics before writing a business plan with samples and making a pitch to the Business teachers. All teams displayed professionalism and their products were glorious. Baublicious arrived first and Leafy and Elena decorated their stand with a Christmas tree covered in their handmade baubles filled with delicious Dutch chocolate. They sold consistently all morning and raised an impressive £10 for Julian House.

‘When they ran out, elves magically appeared with more that also sold out.’

It was hard keeping up with the Jones’s though, as Ben Jones, Bert and Josie sold cookie mix jars which sold out and meant a whopping £20 to donate to Julian House. The Chocolate Bark team pf Anna, Livvy and Sasha, Roami and Malin had a beautiful stand and sold out and made a healthy profit from their unhealthy but delicious confection raising £10 for Cancer Research. Crafty Christmas (Ellie and Jemimah and Eleanor and Julia) broke even within the first hour with sales of their handmade Christmas cards. When they ran out, elves magically appeared with more that also sold out. They raised £10 for Cancer Research.

Wrapped’s stylish bracelets were popular and sold well even when Wren and Siena had to break for their drama exam. The largest team had no name but a lot of gingerbread. Harrison, Ambrose, Emilio and Isaac put in a sterling effort

to maximise sales despite a pile-on by year 9 fans. Bea, Issy, Milla and Martha were Comet and Stars sold a range of Comet the reindeer cupcakes and star surprises. They featured dynamic and flexible pricing, allowing the price to ration the demand like budding economists. Choco Spoons, hungry for success, managed to create quite a stir. Ifor, Arty and Will sold brilliantly with a last minute deal which raised £23 for Cancer Research.

Con-choc-tions sold hot chocolate mix which James developed on his own. His idea of self-selecting toppings and flavours proved popular especially among the young KES community. The addition of a card reader and a very professional looking stand paid off for Cancer Research.

The project was a pleasure to work on. The pupils, as always, impressed with their ingenuity, positivity, creativity and persistence and even those teams not successful in selling at the fair were supportive and involved in the final assessment presentations at the very end of term. The successes were also as a direct result of the support, coaching, mentoring and hard work of the temporary additions to the Business Department namely, Mrs. Argent, Mrs. Blower and Mrs. Dryden.

G Butterworth

CLASSICS

Classics welcomed Mr Burns to the Department this year that will see departures of Dr Gruzelier and Mr Bull. Mr Burns has brought a wealth of technical expertise as well as boundless passion for all things classical. The Department’s new podcast “KesPublica” featuring Mr Feeney and Mr Burns, the Ant and Dec of the Classical World, has been warmly welcomed. Thanks to Isla Byrne in Year 12 for her superb introductory music.

The Classics Extension Group have enjoyed talks from Grace Burn on ‘Thucydides’ Political Philosophy’, Isla Byrne on ‘The Music Of Ancient Greece’, Juliette Withey on ‘Money In The Ancient World’ and Megan Power on ‘The Resurgence of Classics’. Meanwhile, the Junior Classics Club, led by Dr Gruzelier and assisted by Ifor Williams, have completed a range of activities such as Narcissus making, mask making, building a Trojan horse and playing board games. We were delighted to hear that two of our Year 13 students, Elise Withey (Classics and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies) and Owen Williams (Classics) had received offers from Oxford, taking us to nine successful Oxbridge Classics applications in the last seven years.

The Greece trip was followed by Year 12 and 13 Classical Civilisation and Greek students taking a day trip to London, once again generously funded by KES parent Mr MannersBell. At the British Museum, the students explored the

Graeco-Roman galleries, with particular focus on the Parthenon sculptures, Bassae frieze and Greek vases as well as its ‘Legion’ exhibition. Before boarding the train, we squeezed in a trip to the Bloomsbury Theatre to watch the UCL production of Euripides’ Bacchae.

After six years, we bid farewell to the very talented Dr Gruzelier, a favourite of colleagues and students alike. I, too, leave the Classics Department after 12 happy years. I would love to claim in the manner of Augustus Caesar that ‘I found the Classics Department a city of bricks and left it a city of marble’, but that would be a huge lie. The Classics department at KES has been a success for nearly 500 years now and my predecessor Cath Finch had done a magnificent job. I have been hugely fortunate to have encountered some exceptional colleagues, magnificently inquisitive and talented students, as well as hugely supportive parents during my time as Head of Department. I cannot thank all of you enough for contributing so positively to make such a positive working environment. I wish my successor, Mrs Greenbury, every success and know that she will do a magnificent job of taking the department to the next level.

servare modum, finemque tueri, naturamque sequi (Lucan)

M Bull

Greece Trip 2023

We began our Greek trip at the Thorikos theatre before heading to Cape Sounion with its stunning views of the Aegean and the temple of Poseidon. In Athens, the Acropolis and the Theatre of Dionysus wowed us, and Jonty Manners-Bell gave an excellent talk to the group about the Parthenon. We walked through the Propylaea gateway to the Agora, with its majestic Temple of Hephaestus. We topped it off with the New Acropolis Museum to study some of the artefacts before taking the bus to Delphi.

Delphi never fails to disappoint. We found the omphalos stone (which marks the centre of the world), the oracle, and finished with the theatre and athletics track. Students were awestruck at the museum where they met Cleobis and Biton, as well as the statue of the Delphic Charioteer. Bethan Cheshire was particularly delighted to see the inscriptions of the Delphic Hymns, the earliest surviving example of notated music from the western world. Next stop was the award-winning museum at Thebes that had a stunning mosaic and an accessible subterranean archaeological site.

In the Peloponnese, we marvelled at the Lion Gate and the Cyclopean walls at the site of Mycenae. We got lost in the Palamidi fortress in the Venetian town of Nauplion, bumped into a tortoise and walked down the 913 steps to the town centre. Maddie Bobin and Robert Hill decided to test the world-famous acoustics at the theatre at Epidavros with their rendition of ‘Sweet Caroline.’ Later, over a game of Nomination Whist, Isla Byrne celebrated her birthday while Robert Hill dropped in on his new Eton friends’ trip briefing.

We finished with the Mycenaean fortress of Tiryns and Corinth where Freddie Russell preached from the Bema. Finally, the National Archaeological Museum in Athens allowed students a chance to put the cultural sites and artefacts into context. The Greek Art students salivated over the Anavysos Kouros and the Artemision Zeus, whilst Georgia Tan had to be torn away from the Mycenaean figurine display. The trip was phenomenal and jam-packed, with 22 sites and museums visited in five days. My huge thanks goes to Dr Gruzelier for all of her help and support on the trip, and to the students for being such great company.

M Bull

Computing & ICT

A Year in the Computing Department

As always, the academic year in the Computing Department is a busy one, but this one seemed busier than usual.

We began our prolific year with Cipher Challenge, the codebreaking and cryptography challenge run by Southampton University. The challenge is for the club of Year 7, 8 & 9s to solve a weekly set of puzzles that increase in difficulty. Hannah Blacker in Year 12 won the national Silver Medal award for her solution to the final challenge. She was invited to the prize giving ceremony in Bletchley Park for the second year running.

The CyberFirst Girls challenge, run by the National Cybersecurity centre, encourages more girls to consider a career in cyber. This year a record six teams of 4 Year 8 girls entered. They spent a week trying to complete as many online coding, cryptography, cyber and networking problems as they could. The top scoring team, The Javas, comprising Amelie Blacker, Viola Jauss, Georgia Gale and Rachel Norgate, did a brilliant job of scoring 4910 points overall.

In Spring, the Perse Coding Competition tested the Python programming abilities of Year 7–11s. Over half of the teams who entered gained a Distinction. It was so inspiring to see the different year groups collaborating in the second round. The problems got the better of us but have inspired a few students to continue competitive coding.

The new competition was the PA Consulting Raspberry PI competition where teams invent and build thematic prototypes using a Raspberry Pi. Many lunchtime and afterschool sessions were involved in designing, building and making a video about their ideas. Among the 16 finalist teams (out of 180), two were KES. It was an exhilarating day talking to important clients of PA Consulting about their inventions and meeting CBBC celebrity Fran Scott. It was an unforgettable experience for all.

L

James

Raspberry PI Competition

I was both strongly apprehensive and incredibly excited when I first heard about the Raspberry PI competition, prior to entering I had never written a line of code in my life! It was a first competing in such an enormous event for me, let alone not knowing even the basics of programming. Fortunately, I ended up loving every part of it. I’ve never learned so much in such a short space of time.

The competition is a way for young entrepreneurs to build products that improve day to day lives. This year’s topic was Mental Health. We made a sensor that monitors your heartrate through a glove and sends it to a website.

Eesa Shazuli, Benji Howlett and Jenson Cutting formed our team called PulseTech who competed against 180 other teams at London’s Google HQ. We placed fourth out of the top16 in the finals where we presented our idea to Large Corporations such as Google or the head of Astrozenica – one of the leading researchers for the Covid-19 vaccine. King Edward School has been a part of this competition for around 3 years.

Although the competition was undeniably fun, it came with its stresses. Our team learned many things throughout the competition both making it a fun and interesting experience but also an extreme challenge. It tested all of us but was still definitely worth the challenge.

Jensen Cutting and Eesa Shazuli Y 7

‘The competition is a way for young entrepreneurs to build products that improve day to day lives.’

Design & Technology

A Day at Cadbury World

After the two-and-a-half-hour drive, we arrived at Cadbury World in Birmingham, but before going in we took a group photo under the huge Cadbury sign. The first room was a replica of a Mayan jungle, where we learned about the origin of the cocoa bean and the different things it was traded for. The next room showed how the Spanish conquistadors discovered cocoa beans when they invaded the Aztecs, then brought it back to Europe, and they were the first ones to mix the cocoa bean with sugar to take away a little of the bitter taste. We then went into a room which looks like Bull Street, where Mr John Cadbury first opened a shop that sold teas, coffees, and drinking chocolate.

Following that, there were two small screening rooms, one talking about John Cadbury and the different factories that they opened to make their different products. The second screening room shows a film on how the cocoa beans are prepared to be turned into chocolate. The next room

contains several screens showing videos on the different products that Cadbury has made over time. Next came the chocolate-handling room, where we wrote our names and drew pictures in melted chocolate and got to have a go at tempering chocolate. After that, it was then time to taste the chocolate along with a variety of different toppings.

We then went on the car ride through a fun and colourful tiny village inhabited by miniature chocolate egg people and enjoyed a bit of time at the gift shop. After lunch we went into the Bournville experience, before a short talk on the history of Cadbury. The talk was interesting and engaging and left me with quite a lot of knowledge about their products. It was then time for the 4D experience which was brilliant and really fun. After that, we re-embarked onto the coach and travelled back to school.

Gilbert Wilkes 8 J

Yr. 9 Design Museum Trip

On a wet and windy day in November a coach loaded with Yr9 DT students departed from King Edwards School, its destination?

The Design Museum in London, a cathedral of a building that celebrates innovation, influence and ideas in all things design. When we arrived we split into different groups, depending on interests. I made a beeline to the 30 years of London Fashion exhibition, which was all about the central role that London has played in defining fashion over the decades. An explosion of art, shape and colour awaited us in the enormous space dedicated to this exhibit. My favourite piece was a collection of swan-inspired handbags, which imitated the shape and form of these majestic birds.

Of particular note, were the huge and varied collection of clothing that helped transport you through the years.

We then moved onto a chair workshop, which was led by a member of the museum’s staff. If you were to imagine a chair and all its different forms, you would never get even close to how many different examples were displayed in this room, everything from concrete to fabric and card. We carried out a series of exercises to help us explore how design can be used to continue to innovate.

After a quick lunch we had the opportunity to explore the permanent exhibitions before we returned to Bath.

This was a brilliant trip that inspired me to think differently about design.

Ben Jones 9 G

Textiles, Jewellery and CAD Clubs

In Textiles Club this year, we have improved our sewing skills, created our own fashion using a variety of textiles and had lots of fun!

We started off by finishing our TRASHION FASHION project. Using recycled fabric and materials, we created colourful outfits with different styles and themes. We have also made smaller items, following sewing patterns such as sock monkeys, Christmas crowns, pencil case wraps and small birds.

More recently, we have designed personalised jewellery, pin badges and hair clips on 2D design, and (with lots of help from Mrs Flay!) see them come to life, using the laser cutter. We first started with necklaces with our names or nicknames, but soon we had developed plenty more designs!

Next year, we are planning to make furry animal hoods and we are hoping to go to the Stitch festival in London!

Ellie Worsley 9 K and Esme Janson 9 G

Year 12 have been making jewellery during lunch times with Mrs Roy. We began with ring making but may make cufflinks or earrings in the future. First, we decided on the thickness of silver we wanted. We then measured our finger, cut the silver on a bench peg with a piercing saw and filed it with a needle file. Using a hammer, we shaped the silver into a perfect circle on a mandrel and soldered the gap. This is done by painting flux in the gap, using tweezers to place three small pieces of solder into it, and heating until the solder melts. We finished it with a file until smooth and polished and shiny. Our class has really enjoyed learning about ring making and it has enhanced our knowledge of certain metal processes.

Fraser Y 12

We have been designing and making projects in Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacture (CAD/ CAM) club with TinkerCad and 2D design. Learning all the new design applications for making our projects was fun. Some projects were a personalised acrylic picture frame using TechSoft 2D design which we laser cut. For our computing competition, we started by making cardboard prototypes of a smart pill box. We designed the outer shell on TinkerCad and then 3D printed the design and used TechSoft 2D design for the lid. Chocolate making was next. We 3D printed our designs and used a vacuum former before melting chocolate into the vacuum formed moulds. We also designed the packaging using 2D design and the laser cutter. CAD/ CAM club has been a lot of fun.

By Harry Williams, Theo Bevan and Jacob Robinson Y 7

Morgan Cars Trip

On the 7th of December 2023 the years 10, 11 and 13

Design Technology students went on a school trip to the Morgan car factory in Worcester. We were given a guided tour around the factory, and we got to look at how a small company produces bespoke cars. It was amazing to find out that each car is produced to a customer’s specific requirement, and that each one would be different.

Unlike modern car manufacturing, we saw the traditional hand-crafted wooden chassis and aluminium body panels being produced. As it is a small company, employing about 250 workers, we were able see cars being assembled

from the initial stages of construction through to detailed upholstery, paint application and its final preparation for the customers.

This trip was a really worthwhile experience for us all, as it showed a range of design and manufacturing methods, and really helped us get a better understanding of all the different processes and materials used; it certainly showed classroom theory being put into action.

Katy Gwilliam 10 H

Elanor

Drama

Drama A Level practical exams

Following hot on the heels of last year, where one devised group all gained A+ for their interpretation of ‘The Gruffalo’, this year’s A level students raised the bar again, creating two fantastically entertaining devised pieces in the style of Wise Children. Inspired by theatre trips to see the work of Emma Rice’s company performed live, The Little Matchstick Girl in Frome and Bluebeard performed in Bath, this class created two sophisticated, engaging and interactive performances based on familiar stories, The Red Shoes and The Great Gatsby. Full of caricature, song, dance and humour and performed on a traverse stage, both groups approached the most challenging module of the year with energy, imagination, flair and commitment and produced work which younger students shall be emulating for years to come!

In contrast, their scripted pieces were a diverse and challenging range of styles from the gritty realism of The Wasp by the renowned feminist playwright Morgan Lloyd-Malcolm, to the sardonic wit and biting satire of Private Lives by Noel Coward. A new script was introduced to the Department’s repertoire, A History of Falling Things by James Graham. Performed beautifully in the style of physical theatre to create a moving and touching interpretation of the text.

Overall, it was a highly enjoyable evening of impressive talent and diverse performances. They have been a wonderfully committed cohort, leading from the top in School productions as well as their exam practical work and setting an excellent example for those that follow them.

V Stevens-Craig

‘...their scripted pieces were a diverse and challenging range of styles...’

GCSE Drama students doing what they do best

GCSE Drama students performed their devised pieces in November and then their scripted pieces in March. They performed with maturity and brilliance. Their talents are outstanding, and we eagerly await their results. Devised pieces included techniques influenced

by Bertolt Brecht, Steven Berkoff, Gecko Theatre and Frantic Assembly. Scripted pieces ranged from Sophocles to Godber. GCSE Design students visited Bath Spa University and were given a tour of their Theatre Design facilities where they were inspired by course tutors and students alike. All in all, this has been another exciting year for GCSE Drama students.

D Tamblyn

‘Their talents are outstanding and we eagerly await their results...’

Treasure

KES has set sail for Treasure Island and discovered a golden horde of dramatic booty! What a treasure of a show from a script adapted from the original Robert Louis Stevenson novel by Bryony Lavery for the National Theatre. The entire vessel ably commanded by the indomitable team of Victoria Stevens-Craig and Catherine Bruton, who’ve clearly worked hard to bring this exciting production to such a thrilling climax as director. All the usual KES Drama-classic signatures were there: a stunning wooden set that evokes the intimacy of the Benbow Inn, the deck of the Hispaniola – with fully operational sails for added realism – and the bleakness of Treasure Island itself; while being sturdy enough to get banged, whacked, tapped and stamped on by everyone with obvious glee! Lighting that powerfully evoked a cosy pub, a storm-lashed sea and the vile isle; cleverly also being used to double-down on the bloodletting, providing dramatic depth to the fallen! And of course, superbly choreographed fight scenes, roiling seas and slow-mo action to ramp up the storytelling in this buccaneering adventure.

‘But, as always, the real stars of the show were the cast and crew who gave their all to create such a truly exciting yarn.’

A separate note needs to be made for the swelling score that runs through the whole show, punctuated with haunting melodies and beautiful harmonies performed by a confident cast. Mark Boden’s music was, as ever, poignant and stirring, supporting the tension when needed and perfectly mirroring the emotion of the actors. A tour-deforce for what was meant to be, so a little bird tells me, ‘just three songs, Mark’!

But, as always, the real stars of the show were the cast and crew who gave their all to create such a truly exciting yarn. The KES Drama tradition of multiple casting was in full force. Not an easy thing to pull off, but a great way for the many, many talented young actors to get their chance to try out these fun characters. Indeed, the multi-faced roles were superbly handled. The strategy allowed Imogen Luker to bring the likeable energy of Jim Hawkins to perfect pitch, with Ava Shaw and Ariana Moayedi picking up the baton with equal enthusiasm, creating a trio of leading cabin girls who drove the narrative, ably connected with an emotional narrator from the future in Annabel Howlett’s steady Jem Hawkins.

Luiza Britton confidently established the real captain of the landlubbers in her portrayal of Doctor Livesey, taken up with aplomb by Yvie Woods. Ned Holdsworth’s joyously camp Squire Trelawney says ‘be damned with your fourth wall’ from his first drawling aside and Edie Bourne-Jones brings the character to its hysterical heights in the final act. Finally, but not leastly, among the multipliers, Jonty Manners-Bell perfectly sets the tone as Long John Silver, with a sinister charisma that helps build great relationships with the other characters and to which Barnaby SaumarezSmith and Roman Bradford add their own swaggering villainy; stand aside Jack Sparrow, there’s a new piratechief in town!

Among the ensemble of single-actor characters, a few performances really stand out. Neve Riley’s Grandma Hawkins is played with such naturalism that I really believed she was the kindly matriarch of the Benbow Inn. Violet Fitzwater-Bowker’s Red Ruth is a comic joy with an emotional denouement sensitively played. Ollie Featherstone’s Bill Bones is captivatingly tortured as he crashes through the pub like a bull in a china shop; also worth commending all involved in the excellent swordfighting – prepare to be amazed by the realism and skill of all the actors involved. Silas Colins’ Blind Pugh was commandingly terrifying. Joseph Walker was a tour de force and wholly unforgettable as the eminently forgettable Grey – some of the stand-out laugh-out-loud moments were his. Finally, perhaps the most impressive performance of the night, for me, was Lily Chapman’s exhilarating characterisation of Ben Gunn. Part Caliban, part Gollum: all magnificent – she portrayed beautifully the destroyed remains of a haunted soul, with humanity, depth and excellent comic timing to round out the character.

The rest of the actors can’t be forgotten, but are perhaps too numerous to name here; suffice to say this Treasure Island was crewed with tremendous energy, wit and verve, whether by the unseen technical hands who followed that spot perfectly, the charming ensemble of the patrons of the Benbow (chicken and all), the dastardly pirate crew (doosh!), the lovely puppeteering and true animation of Captain Flint the Parrot, or the atmospheric and flexible Crew Members who did so much to create the atmosphere and transport us on our journey to that vile isle! Well done all.

R Thomas

Oliver!

Never before has a show brought us more!

Dearest Gentle Reader…. As this reviewer lifts her quill to pen her final ‘Edwardian’ review, what greater privilege than to cover the sensational showstopping Dickensian music-hall extravaganza.

The Wroughton Theatre was transported back to rookeries and slums of Victorian London amid billows of smoke, blackened brickwork, the sound of horsedrawn carriages competing with cries of street vendors and a cockney urchin advising the audience to mind the ‘apples and pears’ and beware pickpockets! And cor blimey, gov’nur, as the hungry urchins burst into ‘Food Glorious Food,’ it was clear this was going to be a show with serious ‘Oom-pah-pah!’

The workhouse, run by bilious beadle Mr Bumble (Bert Scotland) and his ferociously odious sidekick Widow Corney (Eliza Bodey), who made a fine pair of pantomime villains. Bert’s powerful rendition of ‘Boy for Sale’ was a poignant reminder that this is a tale of Dickens’ own tragic beginnings. Oliver actors George Thomas and Benji Howlett avoided saccharine sentimentality with nuanced simplicity, combining angelic voices and maturity beyond their years which was both heart-breaking and heart-warming.

Tom Bateman and Elkie Humm were the direful yet hilarious Sowerberrys, undertakers with supercilious eyerolling offspring Charlotte (Liv Pope). Charlotte flirted with Noah Claypole (Drummond Lascelles) a snotty nosed bully boy whose chase scene with a nimble Twist had the audience cheering. Oliver, cast adrift on London’s streets, encounters the Artful Dodger. Played with panache by Nameeta Nandeibam and James Fairthorne, this loveable rapscallion takes young Oliver to Mr Fagin’s (Kit Baxter and Edward Griffin) den of thieves. This Fagin is crooked, comic, and venomous, yet our two young actors produced a sympathetic edge and a vein of vulnerability. Cheeky chappy Charlie Bates (Will Powell), the somersaulting, saucy sensation Nipper (Wren Cook), the nimble footed –and nimble fingered – Handwalker (Sophie McBride) and the capering Captain (Aurora De Chair) completed the gang who sang and danced with gusto.

Dickens was a muckraking reformer and nowhere is the dichotomy of nineteenth century Britain better exemplified than in Nancy. Played with passion and vulnerability by Becky Baxter and Penny Papadin, Nancy, and her sassy sidekick Bet (the fabulous singer Sophie Osborne) relishes ‘small pleasures’ even in her life of poverty, her indomitable spirit unbroken even in the devastating conclusion. Nancy leads the cast of Cockney pearly kings and queens. She never stops loving the dastardly Bill Sikes played with suave villainy by Gilbert Wilkes (he of the withering lip curl). The sweetly avuncular Mr Brownlow (Ben Jones) and the kindly Mrs Bedwin, with the voice of an angel and a heart of gold (Lucy Small) want to adopt young Oliver. Dr Grimwig (Max Zahn) is the pontificating platitudinous physician and Matron (Livvy Palmer) accompanies Old Sally (Cecelia Keppel Palmer) the crooked soothsayer who reveals the truth of Oliver’s past in creaking tones before collapsing like a spent Cassandra in Matron’s arms.

Cue murder, a chase scene, a perniciously incompetent Peeler (Gully Kuenzler) a dramatic denouement on London Bridge and a final fatal gunshot. With incredible song and dance routines (choreographed by Dani Tamblyn and Sixth Form Dance Captains Brooke Bazley and Liv Phillips); showstopping tunes delivered with serious welly by our young cast of Year 8 and 9 performers (beautiful soloists ‘Who Will Buy – Daisy Fuller, Imogen Goswell-James, Sienna Randall, and Ela Jones); sensational set pieces; mind-blowing set, lighting and costumes from tech impresarios James and Mark Sellick; the incredibly professional pupil back stage crew (Ellie Worsley, Sam Cochrane, Lily Morgan, Grace Fieldhouse, Kenzie Davies Young) headed up by Stage Managers Mary Dunsby, Lottie Morris and Annabel Howlett; the inspired musical direction of Mrs Thomas, ably assisted by Evie Shepherdson; and the astonishing directorial brilliance of

the indefatigable Mrs Tamblyn and her Year 12 dynamic duo Joseph Walker and Beth Fear … Oliver Jr! truly took KES Drama to new heights!

‘I have laughed, I have cried, I have gasped, wondered, and marvelled.’

In fifteen years of reviewing KES shows I’ve been to Middle Earth, Outer Space and Treasure Island; I’ve been transported to Wonderland, Neverland, and Narnia. I’ve time-travelled to Ancient Greece, Georgian England, Stalinist Russia, Nazi Germany, Fair Verona; been to Prospero’s Island, Animal Farm… and Wigan! I’ve seen one man with Scissorhands, two dragons, three Long John Silvers, five Romeos, six Juliets, seven White Witches, eight Alices, at least ten Aslans, casts of thousands …. and about eleventy billion rodents. I have laughed, I have cried, I have gasped, wondered, and marvelled. I have stood in awe of the talent of KES pupil performers, singers, dancers, actors, tech team alike.

But please indulge this reviewer as she pays humble tribute to the true stars of the nearly fifty shows she has reviewed. My remarkable colleagues in the Drama Department have been to the ends of the earth (and frequently to the ends of their teacherly tethers!) to give KES students unforgettable theatrical experiences which will stay with them for life. And so, after ‘reviewing the situation’ for a decade and a half, I can conclude only thus: KES Drama Department, heroes all, I salute you, one and all!

C Bruton

A Spooktacular Show!

Enter at your peril! The Wroughton Theatre became a haunted house of horrors in this year’s spooktacular Year 7 show, with plenty of jump scares, spine-tingling storytelling and whole load of fright-size fun! But only for the brave!

It didn’t bode well when I entered the theatre to find it draped in cobwebs. The once splendid stage now looked derelict, adorned with police cordons and warning signs saying ‘Keep out’ daubed in what looked suspiciously like blood! Dissonant music swept across the proscenium and a cold chill emanated from somewhere in the wings.

The show featured 12 spooky tales, from pyromaniac poltergeists to supernatural sleuths; everything to leaving you shaking in your boots. As the cast and crew of over forty-five wraithlike figures floated onto the stage for the final curtain call, it was clear that this was a production that embraced the inclusive ethos of the KES Drama department.

Fright Size was an incredible piece of theatre, directed with brilliance and energy by Miss Williams, ably assisted by the wonderful Assistant Director Mary Dunsby. Once again, our KES tech maestros James and Mark Sellick outdid themselves, transforming the theatre into a spooky house of horrors. And final mention must go to the spooky soundtrack, created by Music Tech Club members from Year 7–11, under the inspirational leadership of Mr Riordan.

It is clear that this project was inclusive and diverse, allow such a colossal cast of creepy characters to showcase their spine-tingling talents.

C Bruton

Lamda exams

Our LAMDA programme continues to grow and our LAMDA pupils continue to gain superb exam results. Two of our Level 3 students performed one of their exam scenes at the Music KES UNITE concert showcasing some of the unique talent of our LAMDA pupils. It continues to be a privilege to

KES Drama students hit the theatre

There have been some inspiring trips to the theatre this year. These have included a trip to see the brilliant Blue Beard at Theatre Royal, Bath. The Director and creator of the show, Emma Rice spoke to many of our students and gave us a special mention in her podcast the next day.

Another great night out was to see Frantic Assembly’s adaptation of the Franz Kafka novel Metamorphosis at Bristol Old Vic. Our exam students were treated to a feast of Physical Theatre.

Drama workshops

Many KES pupils have taken part in theatre workshops and learning new skills this year. Year 10 and 12 students learnt stage combat techniques with the brilliant Maisie Carter from MC Combat. Maisie has worked on many films and at the Globe and National Theatre choreographing challenging fight sequences, so we were very lucky to learn her tricks of the trade.

Years 8 & 9 were lucky enough to work with the actual Musical Director of Grease in the West End along with a well-known choreographer at a Musical Theatre workshop in The Rose. Bath West End ran a two-hour, fun-packed session, where students learnt the routine and songs from the Grease megamix that had been performed by the West End cast the previous week at the Big Night of Musicals arranged by Dan Glover who we were honoured to work with. Such a great opportunity to work with professionals who are living many of our dreams.

Another exciting workshop this year was with the worldrenowned Frantic Assembly. On a dark and dreary evening in November, the light and excitement in The Rose was bright and creative with some of our GCSE and A-Level students working collaboratively in a physical workshop with Frantic Assembly. Frantic has been developing over the past 25 years into one of the UK’s most successful and best loved theatre companies. The workshop offered our students an insight into how a professional theatre company creates physical material and provided our students with a bank of physical skills to take away and incorporate into their own multi-disciplined devising work. Students gained physical confidence and became empowered to be better at making theatre from a physical starting point. It was great to see so many of our students learning new skills and becoming physically confident in a creative space and being given the techniques to make bold and brave theatre.

D Tamblyn

see our pupils grow in confidence during the course of the LAMDA lessons they attend. All our LAMDA students were awarded with distinctions for the March exams! This is an amazing achievement and we are very proud of them all!

D Tamblyn

A-Level Drama students were back at Theatre Royal, Bath to see the incredibly thought-provoking and moving production of The Kite Runner. Having a chat with one of the leading actors afterwards was extremely insightful to how the cast deal with the traumatic scenes they perform on stage every night.

Further trips are being booked for the remainder of the year…

D Tamblyn

“Today’s workshop explored the relationship between movement and freedom, whilst also teaching us fluid choreography that we can take forwards into our practical work.”

Beth Fear Y 12

“We were so blessed to experience first-hand the Frantic Assembly creative developmental process, with one of their very own choreographers helping us workshop, question and expand our movement.”

Lily Chapman Y 13

English

Carnegie Shadowing

This year’s Carnegie Shadowing group was an enthusiastic and dedicated band of Year 8 and Year 9 readers. The eight shortlisted writing titles were provided by the school library and many of the group raced to complete all eight, sharing and posting some wonderfully thoughtful reviews along the way.

Fueled by strawberry laces, and united in a mutual appreciation of the merits of reading, the group shared their views on each of the books on the shortlist. This year’s selection was culturally and thematically diverse, providing plenty of food for thought for our panel. Writing styles also

Literary Discussion Group

This year the group has been joined by a variety of pupils from Years 12 and 13. Mr Hager was pleased to lead discussion on texts across the ages, ranging from Milton’s Paradise Lost to Dante’s and Tennyson’s versions of ‘Ulysses’, ghost stories, to F Scott Fitzgerald’s short stories. We were also pleased to welcome suggestions from students, covering the likes of Emily Dickinson and Dylan

ranged significantly, with many of the shortlisted titles being written either wholly or partly in verse. It was great to see some debut novels and some by more established authors on the list.

Every year, hundreds of schools participate in the Shadowing scheme which is testament to its appeal. It is the perfect chance to read new titles and be part of a larger community of book reviewers and enthusiasts, and just a fun way of talking about books!

J Holt

Thomas. It has also been wonderful to hear modern poetry recommendations as well as to stage informal book groups where students provide reading recommendations. It was also interesting to talk about the great books that we had not read yet, which will hopefully provide some interesting options for summer reading in 2024.

T Hager

The National Reading Champions Quiz

On 5 March a brilliant team of KES readers represented the school in the South-West Regional heat of the National Reading Champions Quiz. Auriol Thomphuason (Y6), Scarlett Winstanley (Y7), Rory Taylor (Y8) and Jemimah Barker (Y9) demonstrated amazing book knowledge and all-round enthusiasm.

The team really stepped up to the challenge, answering a staggering 10 rounds of book-related questions from video and picture clues to anagrams and more. The questions all focused on the breadth and variety of children’s and young adult publishing today, representing genres such

as comedy, horror, fantasy, adventure, historical, classic, LGBTQ+ and sport, to name a few.

‘The team really stepped up to the challenge...’

Of the 26 teams competing, the team made it to an impressive fourth place – only missing out by one point on the coveted top 3 places and prizes. A great achievement and a fun day!

J Holt

The Duchess of Malfi

The Duchess of Malfi is one of the most popular of our A-Level texts and it was revived in the Sam Wannamaker Playhouse in London’s Globe Theatre for the first time in a decade. The previous production has been a mainstay of our teaching of the text, and it was great for our pupils to be able to see a version of the play in person before their exams in the summer.

The innovative production, directed by Rachel Bagshaw featured Francesca Mills in the title role, ably assisted by Arthur Hughes as Bosola, Oliver Huband as Antonio, Jamie Ballard as the Cardinal and Oliver Johnstone as Ferdinand. The text was projected onto the walls throughout, allowing Ferdinand’s grip on reality during his lycanthropic madness to be made manifest in an explosion of guilt-stricken words, while jazz music deftly suggested the hedonism of

Persephone Books Visit

The King Edward’s Sixth Form English Literature students were invited to Persephone Books by Francesca Beauman who gave them a fascinating insight into the publishing industry and, in particular, to the work done by Persephone both in London and Bath, who promote neglected fiction and non-fiction from women writers in particular. There was also a thoughtful discussion about diversity, obtaining rights to publish authors, and the impact that this has upon their offering. Beauman also explained the rationale behind the book-binding process at Persephone and their integration of artwork and textiles into the making of each work in their catalogue.

The group was introduced to a series of neglected American texts which were relevant to their reading of American Literature from 1880–1940, part of their A-Level course. The Home-Maker by Dorothy Canfield Fisher and Fidelity by Susan Glaspell, both of which have fallen out of favour with readers, but which were regarded as

the Duchess’s court and layered an uncomfortable artistry to the suffering as the play developed.

The Sam Wannamaker’s lighting – using candles in imitation of indoor theatres such as Blackfriars –allowed for much playing with metaphorical and literal darkness and light. The proximity of the seats to the action made for a challenging intimacy with the more devilish characters, but also provided Francesca Mills with a platform to showcase the strength and courage of the Duchess. As always, the production provided opportunities for our pupils to explore the merits and demerits of various choices of staging and characterisation; this is to be expected in a play where perspective is so important, and where almost everything is relative.

T Hager

potential masterpieces in their day offered delightful points of comparison with The Great Gatsby and The Age of Innocence in particular.

‘The pupils left with much to contemplate about literature and the ways in which women writers in particular are received by the reading public...’

The pupils left with much to contemplate about literature and the ways in which women writers in particular are received by the reading public, and with a series of exciting books to read over the winter.

T Hager

Malfi Poem Monologue

KES Poetry Competition - Overall Winner

Elise Withey Y 13 #school/english/malfi

Perhaps it is the desperation,

the smell of sweating oars and wood on palms;

perhaps she likes the thrill of secrecy, the passing on

of whispers through a letter in the hand, soft hands

that have not held an oar in foam spray darkness, soft hands holding secrets

like a fish that slicks its way through poisoned water

to some faint further glimmer—wasting oil across the fisherman’s bench

I learnt to make myself a cutting edge,

to shrink into a curdled oiled absence,

to pass from hand to softened hand

and glitter well. I have trod through rows

of faceless dying men and recognise his breed.

Until the rope pulls taut he will keep climbing

and tell himself that it is not a crawl. Witness now:

their frothy silk and eyes that gleam

like galley sweat. Here the churchlight warms not burns, the stars spell out fortunes for those fortunate enough

to have them, of flight and open windows and below— the galley thud

the galley thud like a hand

that pounds against a coffin lid, knuckles splitting under wood, wood splitting under bone above the hall lightens with talk of dancing shoes.

Bile and blood have served me more than starlight. He will learn.

I have seen the way this ends a thousand times.

Take their noose, climber. It suits you beautifully.

oars churning black while above they pretend

they do not know what lies beneath their dancing shoes.

There is no land in which they will be saved, though there are a hundred pardons for my sins.

Antonio smells like the galleys did

Oily as a fish that slicks its way through poisoned water

The Duchess finds her hands are stained by sweetness wasting oil across the bench the grey fall

he thinks he rises but I see him crawl

until the rope around his neck pulls taut she will not leave him

perhaps it is the desperation

the sweat of oars and wood on palms

perhaps she likes the thrill of secrecy like when

that letter ends up in my hand to hand the passing on

of whispers it is not a wonder rather the red robe

the church sound it reminds me of the pews

the galley pews find the knife in the hand hold it steady

hold the oar streaky, foam spray darkness until there, the glimmer—

there is no land in which I will not save in. I have trod

through rows of faceless dying men and knew they would not

crawl from their chains. It is easy to make yourself small to shrink into a slick of oil and nothing and let that leave your bindings

cannot trap what is not there

the fountainhead, the arrowhead—

look! He is a fool. Gapes like a fish. Oily wretch he does not know the way she looks at him

curiosity colours their eyes so that they gleam like galley sweat. In rows and rows the galleries the courtiers glittering. The eyes and rows of eyes on rows of gasping gaping fish-like mouths. Until the rope pulls taut he keeps on climbing and tells himself it is not a crawl. The woman pulls her pearls around his neck and keeps him close. Bile and blood.

I have seen the stars line up on paper and spell death. I have seen the way that this will end a hundred times. The pen is in my hand. The glass— telescope glitters like eyes. The stars lie and they lie well. Down here we all must. Up there

they all must and they lie best to their mirrors their own smiles working into grimaces carnival mask the weight of their own gold.

Little less than noble. Little less than holy. Above the glass glitters, the stars spell out fortunes for those fortunate enough to have them and light stains the church floor with gold. Below the galley thud.

I know they hear it. The galley thud like a hand pounding against a coffin lid knuckles splitting on wood blood on wood the galley thud and above they bow and preen on oil-slick floors and pretend they do not know what lies beneath their dancing shoes.

She is his better and he should know better—she will find none better than the man who bows to serve and to love the man who considers bowing an honour who would kneel

KES Poetry Competition 2024

Full list of winners, runners up and highly commended poets

Highly Commended Sixth Form

Death of a Nihilist

By Beth Fear Y 12

Runner Up Sixth Form

The Gulling of Malfi

By Lucy Olivia Smith Y 13

Winner Year 9–11

An Ode to the Truth

By Cecelia Keppel-Palmer Y 9

Runner Up Year 9–11

Persisting in a Grey World

By Ben Brown Y 11

Winner Year 7–8

Truth and Lies

By Eloise Bruce-Payne Year 7

Runner Up Year 7–8

What is Truth

By Rory Gordon Y 7

Geography

This academic year has been busy, starting with a Year 11 September visit to beautiful Snowdonia. GCSE students must conduct two pieces of fieldwork and so here, they undertook their second piece by gathering river sediment and understanding the factors that can influence the processes of rivers. We visited the Conwy River at the source and made our way to the river mouth, understanding the changes that occur along its course. We also stopped at Llanrwst to study the impressive range of flood management strategies. Year 12s started their Independent Investigation with a visit to South Wales to look at the success of coastal management strategies in Porthcawl and carbon sequestration in Margam Country Park. Both topics are of exceptional importance, given the threat of sea level rise and the need to sequester more carbon. Having identified their own area of research, Year 12 are well on their way to producing fascinating research articles. The beautiful coastal landforms of Old Harry Rocks, Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door provided Year 8 with an inspirational backdrop for their revision fieldtrip to the South Coast.

As ever, we are very pleased with our external exam marks. 82% of the A level Geographers achieved A*–B grades, whilst at GCSE, 80% of students achieved grades 7–9. We are rightly proud of all students and their grades, which

reflect their hard work and interest in the subject. One student was nominated for the Ron Cooke Award at the Royal Geographical Society NEA award for her A level project about regeneration in Bristol. Whilst not winning the competition, her project did reach the national final which is a tremendous achievement.

‘We are rightly proud of all students and their grades, which reflect their hard work and interest in the subject.’

As ever, the achievements of pupils and the Department are only possible with the dedication of such wonderful Geography teachers and, as ever, I should like to thank them for their commitment to the teaching of this great subject. We never stand still, though! We have a variety of new fieldwork being planned for the next academic year as well as the continual updating of resources and focusing on the pedagogy of Geography.

Dr J Knight

Learning for Life

The Learning for Life lesson, delivered by tutors in forms, informs and engages pupils on life and health matters, both in and out of school. From British Sign Language to Year 7 or Year 10 discussion about what a healthy relationship looks like, tutors facilitate sessions that are relevant, timely and discursive.

Workshops and talks by staff and external speakers enables a fresh take on age-old topics; rather than being taught about menstruation, the year 7s have workshops on period stigma and the benefits of environmentally friendly period products; rather than a classroom allergies session, year 9 pupils spend a day outside learning how to administer EpiPens, put people in the recovery position, and stop blood flow.

We have speakers deliver talks on Festivals and Safety, Emotional Intelligence, Addiction and Crime, Healthy Masculinity, and much more

Learning for Life + is compulsory for all KES year 10 and 11 pupils. It offers a deep dive into some of the statutory topics that year 10 and 11 have been taught to allow the space and time to reflect more fully.

‘LfL offers a deep dive into some of the statutory topics that year 10 and 11 have been taught to allow the space and time to reflect more fully.’

Learning for Life is a whole school approach, and the support of parents is vital. This year KES parents have had the opportunity to attend different seminars on topics like Vaping, Festivals and Safety, Digital Wellbeing and Pornography. If there is a particular topic you would find valuable, please let us know by following the QR code above.

H Dawes

History & Politics

Visits Portsmouth, Chepstow and Washington DC

Buoyed by big numbers opting to do the subject at A Level, we appointed Mrs Burns from Epsom College. The year began with a Y13 trip to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard for our Historians to learn more about the growth of the Navy for their Empire paper and the annual Year 7 pilgrimage to Chepstow Castle.

History Extension pupils listened to Peter Frankopan at Toppings and enjoyed The Chalke History Festival in June.

The Politicians saw a live version of ‘The Rest is Politics’ podcast at the Forum and travelled to Westminster to visit the Supreme Court and tour Parliament. The jewel in the crown was our Sixth Form trip to Washington DC at Easter, where 21 students enjoyed cherry blossoms, a basketball game, a Capitol tour, and the world-class museums the capital has to offer.

P Ford

21 Sixth Form History and Politics students embarked on a trip of a lifetime to Washington DC to enhance our political and historical knowledge.

Despite a 6am wake-up, there was no time to be tired, as the week’s programme included the fantastic National Archives Museum, the thought-provoking Museum of African American History & Culture, the intensely moving Holocaust Museum and the Library of Congress.

We set foot in the Supreme Court and noticed an abortion protest taking place outside. We also went to the Capitol, the House of Representatives and the Senate, (notably stormed on January 6th, 2021).

In Georgetown, we ate at the world-famous Ben’s Chilli Bowl, trendsetters in our brightly coloured ponchos. The passionate and invincible Judy gave us a guided tour topped off by the buzz, excitement, and drama of an NBA game between the Washington Wizards and the Brooklyn Nets. (Confession: I spent $12 on a Wizards’ foam finger who ended losing).

Mrs Graham’s exceptional networking skills meant a Q&A with CNN journalist Haley Talbot, who gave us exclusive information about a career in journalism and life reporting live from the Capitol. Our thanks to inspiring teachers Mrs Graham, Mr Thomas and Mr Ford for organizing such an unforgettable trip.

2024 is a year where 2 billion people around the world will go to the polls. It felt incredibly special to visit places and people involved in key USA decision-making and compare this with our own political process. It gave me hope to see when ordinary people strive to achieve a better, shared world, positive progress can be made. I hope one day, some of us on the trip will make such a difference too. Watch this space...

Joseph Walker, Y 12

Maths

Maths Feast

This year we competed in the Maths Feast, along with many other schools from across the Southwest. It consisted of 4 rounds, each targeting different aspects of mathematical problem solving: logic, geometry, arithmetic and origami! Our favourite round was the logical reasoning “Math Hatters” round, and we also enjoyed the final round where we got to make 3D shapes out of folded paper.

Aleena, Rebecca, Hafsa and Wendy Y 10

Maths Inspiration Lectures

At Bristol Beacon, year 12 explored Mathematics beyond the curriculum with Ben Sparks. The crowd was introduced to complex numbers and fascinating visuals of the result of multiplying and adding them together within certain limits. The ensuing fine line between order and chaos really got our students thinking. We moved on to fractals, the mathematician crowd-pleaser that explores finite ways of representing the infinite. Matt Parker’s calculations of pi never fail to amaze. He showed how fundamental the famous constant is to the fabric of Mathematics through a variety of counterintuitive techniques. Discussing statistics in the pharmaceutical industry, Jennifer Visser-Rogers breathed life into abstract topics like Hypothesis Testing. Finally, Tom Crawford’s tattoos of Navier-Stokes Equation kickstarted a fascinating talk on how maths can positively impact climate change. The afternoon delivered as it was advertised; our students left inspired and excited to talk about Maths.

D Lehmann

Millfield Maths Challenge

Competing at the Millfield Maths Challenge was exhilarating! Our team, two Year 11s and two Year 10s, represented KES in this competition, clinching an impressive 4th place out of 12 teams. The rounds were intense, ranging from solving challenging problems, to predicting sequences, engaging in a relay race, and quick-fire maths questions. Amidst the intense competition, we found solace in delicious cakes served during the break. Overall, it was a thrilling experience, pushing our limits and showcasing our skills. Can’t wait for the competition next year!

Lewis Guan Y 10

Interform Maths Relay

Now in its 9th year, the year 8 and 9 Inter Form Maths relay was a closely fought contest of Mathematical problem-solving and relay-running. Our year 12 Further Mathematicians managed the competition superbly while enthusing their teams. In the year 7, 7L came out on top with 7H and 7M in joint second. Year 8 was a closer competition with a tiebreak needed to separate 8K and 8G with the prize going to 8K. Thanks to all pupil and staff who took part and helped to run the event.

R Pagnamenta and R Lang

UKMT Challenges 2023–2024

Senior Maths

Back on 3rd October 2023, 129 of our most talented Mathematicians from years 11 – 13 took part in the Senior Maths Challenge along with the very best from across the country. Gold, Silver and Bronze certificates are awarded to the top 40% of participants, in the ratio 1 : 2 : 3

It was great to see 67% of our entries get certificates, which turns out to be exactly the same proportion as last year, to the nearest percent! 50 pupils gained a bronze certificate, 28 pupils went one better and gained a silver, while the elusive gold went to the 8 pupils below. With a score of 99, Owen Williams also received the trophy for the best in school.

Owen Williams 99 GoldBiS

Jonas Mak 91 GoldBiY

Olivia Sheng 86 Gold

Luc Hocknell 85 Gold

Hannah Blacker 84 Gold

Alex Lake 82 Gold

Edward Blackwall 82 Gold

Megan Power 80 Gold

A few weeks before the SMC took place, year 12 pupils Megan Power and Charlotte Lang also took part in the 2.5 hour long Maths Olympiad for girls. With relatively little time to prepare, both girls did brilliantly to come away with certificates of distinction, which is the highest award possible in this competition. In one of the harder questions, they were asked to “Find all primitive Pythagorean triples in which two of a, b and c differ by two.” If you want to have a go at this question, please email your answer to me to check.

Intermediate Maths

The Intermediate Maths Challenge took place on 31st January and 137 took part. It was great to see 88 pupils gain a certificate, which represents 64% of our entries. 34 pupils gained a bronze, 33 pupils were awarded the silver, and it was great to see one of our best ever hauls of 21 golds from these pupils.

Lewis Guan 110 GoldBiS

Emily Jensen 105 Gold

Isaac Hung 96 Gold

Leo Hopkins 94 Gold

Laura Cannock 93 Gold

Joseph Pagnamenta 92 Gold

Lawrence Moore 88 Gold

Edward Griffin 86 Gold

James Thomson 86 Gold

Alex Dolan 84 Gold

Tiger Huang 83 Gold

Rory Webb 83 Gold

Ifor Williams 83 Gold

Jemimah Barker 82 Gold

Toby Donohue 82 Gold

Rebecca Jellis 81 Gold

Ahmad Rehman 80 Gold

Louis Brodbin-Milloy 79 Gold

Fred Gray 77 Gold

George Willis 77 Gold

Hector Wreford-Brown 77 Gold

Junior Maths

The final competition of the year was the Junior Maths Challenge. Due to various restrictions, we had only 103 pupils from year 7 and 8 and 5 from our Junior School taking part. However, this did not stop us from coming away with an amazing return of 90 certificates! 29 pupils got bronze certificates, 45 got silver and the 16 listed below were awarded gold certificates. Theo Bevan received the cup for the best score in school, which is particularly impressive from a year 7 pupil. Well done to everyone involved in the challenges this year and I would also like to thank my colleagues in the Maths department for helping to run the challenges every year as well as the UKMT for organising such a rewarding challenge, which has been going on in this format since 1997.

Year 7 Gold Certificates

Theo Bevan 118 GoldBiS

William Hang 108 Gold

Xander Wright 101 Gold

Nicholas Vaughan 91 Gold

Apphia Barker 90 Gold

Avishka Gunatilake 89 Gold

Year 8 Gold Certificates

James Rutherford 112 Gold

Alexander Squires 106 Gold

Gilbert Wilkes 106 Gold

Max Zahn 105 Gold

Herschel Clifford 103 Gold

Jack Barrington 101 Gold

Lottie Rickards 95 Gold

Digby Frith 90 Gold

Dylan Arosio 86 Gold

R Pagnamenta

MFL Spanish

For the majority of Spanish GCSE students, the most difficult exam to prepare for is speaking. So, the KES Spanish department have ensured that the students feel supported and perform to the best of their ability. The introduction of weekly ‘Clases de Conversación’ with our Spanish Speaking assistant Maria alongside the Year 12 prefects, has been very valuable. For those who needed some extra ‘apoyo,’ the department put on after school lessons which are massively popular. Finally, “el Día D” arrived and we are pleased to confirm that everyone is still

Los Prefectos Perfectos

The Spanish department has been extremely lucky to benefit from the hard work and enthusiasm of our Spanish prefects this year. A record number of Spanish Y12 students took on the leadership opportunities of helping younger pupils with their grammar, running the Spanish club, practising with Year 11 pupils for their speaking exam, visiting the Junior school, among others. Younger pupils have come to respect the Prefects and they have benefitted from their expertise while Y12 students have risen to the challenge and enjoyed being role models.

Since September, Ava, a prefect has been giving particular help to a Year 10, meeting every Monday to consolidate her learning. Ava also helped Year 11 pupils to prepare for the speaking exam. Helping younger students has proved very

in one piece. Although stressful, it was a huge relief and turned out to be ‘pan comido,’ and to celebrate our ‘libertad’, the department generously decided to reward us with the optimal treat – ¡Churros con chocolate! We Year 11s send everyone in the Spanish department a huge ‘¡gracias!’ for their continued help and support throughout our course.

James Foster 11 L

fulfilling and she has valued being able to improve her own learning through teaching others.

Another prefect, Alice, recalled with enthusiasm her work running Spanish Club, helping in the junior school, and writing the Spanish department newsletter. She singled out for special mention helping Year 11 pupils revise for their GCSE oral exams. According to Alice, prefect duties have not only enhanced the prefects’ level of Spanish, but it was also a great pleasure to engage with the lower school and remember learning Spanish through the years.

Our Spanish prefects’ Spanish is of near native level. They use Spanish at all times when communicating with staff in the Department. They are excellent role models. They are our Prefectos Perfectos!

B Charlton

I have no words to express how happy and grateful I feel for having had the opportunity to work here. This school is outstanding, everyone is hard-working and caring, particularly the language department. At times, it can get busy and frenetic, but it is part of the job to have high expectations.

I have really enjoyed sharing my language and culture with the students, helping them to engage with lessons. When we learn and speak Spanish, we are discovering a new way of thinking and seeing the world. The staff at KES are very supportive and incredible and I feel blessed to have the opportunity to do a second year!

Thank you to everyone who has made this year special, despite the English weather! Thank you to all the staff who make KES possible, particularly those who feed us every day with a big smile!

Good luck to all the students who have exams this year. It has been a pleasure, and I cannot wait for next year.

Gracias a todos,

María Martinez

We enjoy having pen pals for numerous reasons. It’s really nice to get to know someone and what they may do differently in their country. It helps strengthen our language work and we have lots of fun receiving and customising our letters. It’s really lovely finding out what you have in common with your pen pal and interesting seeing what parts of the language they find difficult! It makes us want to find out about them, their country and their culture. Overall, it’s a fantastic experience and we’re very grateful that we have Spanish pen pals.

Amelie Sutton and Lily Morgan 7 K

Spanish Club has been popular among the Year 7s and 8s since it began in September. In the weekly sessions we play games, watch films, and do arts and crafts themed around current events in Spanish-speaking countries. As Spanish prefects, our aim is to inspire and encourage the younger years to learn and enjoy languages by mixing learning new vocabulary with fun activities.

For example, at the beginning of November we decorated skull masks for the Mexican festival Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and discussed the various traditions involved in the celebration. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, we explored Spanish Christmas customs, including unusual traditions such as the Tió de Nadal, a smiling Christmas log from Catalunya that gives sweets to children, which was a big hit.

I’ve really enjoyed seeing the improvement in both the Spanish and the dence in the Year 7 and 8s since September, and, hopefully, we have encouraged some of them to pursue languages in the future.

MFL German

Flammkuchen –eine deutsche Spezialität!

Year 10 pupils were chefs for a day at the Junior School where they prepared and cooked the delicious German speciality: Flammkuchen (Flame cake). Regularly found at Weihnachstmärkte (Christmas markets) across Germany, Flammkuchen is very similar to a pizza. They kneaded and rolled out the dough and topped their bases with crème fraiche, before adding their toppings, be they traditional bacon lardons, onion slices, and black pepper, or a mixture of vegetables. Pupils were delighted with their creations in a number of shapes including a Nacktschnecke (‘slug’ or, literally, ‘naked snail’).

We strongly hope that pupils have had the opportunity to share their new-found cooking skills with their families!

German Exchange 2024: from Bath to Braunschweig

We were delighted to reinstate our German Exchange this year. Since Y12 missed their exchange opportunity because of Covid-19, they joined Y10 as a one-off. It was such a resounding success that our Sixth Form group will be invited to take part in all future exchanges.

Our German colleague and friend, Evelyn Strautz, brought a group of pupils from the Ricarda-Huch-Schule in Braunschweig (Bath’s partner city) to visit Bath where they enjoyed the sights of Bath and met with the Mayor before moving on to visit London, Bristol and Cardiff. KES pupils were excellent hosts, and our thanks to their families for their warm and generous hospitality.

A month later, Ms Losse and Mrs Lascelles accompanied our students to Germany, where they enjoyed their own tour of Braunschweig and a meeting with the Mayor. They took an underground tour of the Rammelsberg mining museum, a visit to the ‘Phaeno’ interactive science museum and the ‘Autostadt’ classic car museum, and shopping and a zoo visit in Hannover, plus a day in Berlin. KES pupils spent evenings and weekends immersed in German life alongside their host families which improved their vocabulary and confidence when speaking and listening.

Martinstag

sweets and a lantern procession. It celebrates the life of the legendary Roman soldier Martin, who cut his red cloak to share with a beggar during a snowstorm. Roast goose is eaten (Martinsgans) to recall the story of Martin, feeling unworthy of being ordained a bishop, hid in a stable filled with geese. Their noise betrayed his location, and he was consecrated as bishop by the people of Tours.

Pupils in Year 7 created their own Martinslaterne (Martinstag lanterns) to recreate the lantern procession. This was accompanied by the traditional Martinslied (Martinstag song) “Ich geh’ mit meiner Laterne” (I am walking with my lantern) for which children receive sweet treats for tuneful singing, and it’s fair to say that lots of Haribo were distributed this year!

Year 6 Activities Morning

We welcomed several groups of Year 6 pupils to our German Food Tasting session. Pupils helped themselves to their choice of German Schinken (ham), Käse (cheese), Brezel (soft pretzel), Bratwurst, Frikadellen (Meatballs), Süßigkeiten (sweets) and Schokolade (chocolate), amongst other things!

With the help of a structured sentence builder worksheet, pupils were able to explain what they had eaten, what they enjoyed, and why they enjoyed it!

C Ferguson

My time as a KES language assistant at KES was enriching, educational and incredibly fulfilling, leaving me with positive memories. I really appreciated working in such an amazing environment, which made my teaching experience enjoyable. It is a great opportunity for language assistants because even though the focus of our lessons is practicing German speaking, it is also culturally enriching for me and the students. I really enjoyed our discussions and speaking lessons, and it was especially rewarding to see them gain confidence in speaking German. I am very grateful to have shared this experience with colleagues who were always supportive and welcoming and who absolutely contributed to my positive experience at KES. Thank you!

Gözde Baydar

MFL French

Crêpe Lesson

On the 19th of March, our French class headed to the Junior School to learn how to make a French delicacy: crêpes! We had been given, as homework, the task of translating a crêpe recipe from French to English to learn how to make the batter for 5 traditional French crêpes. Here is the recipe we used: 125g of flour

1.5ml of cold milk (more if needed)

• 1.5ml of water (more if needed)

• 1 pinch of salt

• 1 teaspoon of sugar

• 25g of melted butter

French Club

I have been running the French Club for Year 7 pupils on a Monday lunchtime. Our aim is to raise awareness and give younger students a further insight into French culture with fun activities and games. From Blooket (pupils’ favourite!) to an Easter Egg Hunt, pupils have been getting involved

Le Petit Prince

Over the last few weeks, my French class and I have been learning about an exciting piece of French literature: Le Petit Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. The story follows a young prince who uses a flock of migrating birds to visit many different planets, including Earth, and it addresses themes of loneliness, friendship, love, and

New Language Ambassadors Club

Every Monday after school, I go to Language Ambassadors in L15 from 4 to 5pm. It’s been a fantastic opportunity to share my love of language and linguistics with like-minded people across the school. While my focus is French, anyone who knows a language other than English (at any

Toutes les bonnes choses ont une fin

My year as a French language assistant at KES has allowed me to immerse myself fully in British culture. In the last ten months I have had the opportunity to work with many students, with whom I’ve formed a strong bond. I’m already sad at the thought of leaving all these students, but also my colleagues who have supported me all year. It’s in a magnificent environment in the hills of Bath that I’ve been able to flourish as an assistant. Living and working in England has long been a dream of mine, and now it’s finally come true. It has enabled me to improve my English by learning about

We measured all the ingredients carefully and made sure to follow the recipe instructions closely. After the mixture was ready, we began cooking the crêpes in the pans, some were even as daring as to flip them once or twice!

Finally, after the crêpes were fully cooked, we were able to enjoy their crêpes with a variety of toppings such as lemon and sugar, Nutella and banana, and even strawberry and Biscoff.

It was fair to say we all enjoyed ourselves very much and can now share the newly learnt recipe with our families and friends and enjoy delicious crêpes forevermore!

Luana Sasarman

in a variety of fun activities with a positive attitude. Future plans include food tasting, more games and even a treasure hunt! It has been great to see pupils who do not study French attending too! Of course, none of this would be possible without the wonderful support from Ms Fitzharris.

Aryan Gonsalves

loss. I loved the way it was narrated by a side character rather than the main character, and the description of his little planet with his friend, the bossy rose. This term has been very interesting and enjoyable, and it has given me a much greater understanding of French literature. It has also inspired me to get the book from the library in both French and English. I really recommend it to all students.

Jasper Dearman

level) is more than welcome. Recently, we have taken part in the Anthea Bell Prize for Young Translators and the UK Linguistics Olympiad, both great ways to explore language out of the classroom. I recommend the club to anyone with an interest in languages; there’s something for everyone no matter the skill level!

Edie Osmond

the country’s culture, discovering the British countryside and meeting many people I’ll probably never forget.

Many thanks to KES for having me as the French language assistant for the year 2023 / 2024. This year was a turning point and will undoubtedly remain a turning point in my life and career. Thank you to all my colleagues in the languages department who have always kept a smile on their faces and thank you to my students who I will remember forever.

Zayd Roger

Music

As Cole Porter wrote, ‘You’re the top!’ and at KES, not only have all three A level Musicians gone on to study Music at top universities and conservatoires, but we also delivered our most ambitious co-curricular performance programme yet.

This year, ‘Year 3’ of our ‘Triennial Co-curricular Programme’ ended with the KES Spring Music Festival and a collaborative Gala Concert at The Forum. It was an outstanding night of ambitious, new, treasured musical experiences.

With nearly 300 performers on stage and over 1000 audience members, ‘Our Diverse World’ celebrated the 11th year of our partnership with Bath Philharmonia. There was KES Community Choir (parents, staff, OEs and friends), the KES Senior Orchestra and Bath Phil players, KES concerto soloists (Bethan Cheshire, Dotty Hodge, and Edward Blackwall) and our KES pupil choirs KES Senior Singers, KES 24, and the Junior School singers. Also performing were KES Soul funk band sporting our own Mark Boden’s

latest, ‘You Had It All’ while the KES Baroque Group, KES Percussion Ensemble, numerous vocal and orchestral pupil soloists and three bespoke stage bands.

‘The Gala was a slickly choreographed celebration of human diversity and our planet.’

The Gala was a slickly choregraphed celebration of human diversity and our planet. Highlighting stunning works by female composers such as Karpman, Lennox, Dale, and Chaminade, the concert also featured epic

film and symphonic masters like Zimmer, Elgar, and Dvořák. A panorama of musical, cultural, gender, and stylistic differences, it closed sensationally with a daring arrangement (by Jase Scott) for lead vocalist, chorus, and orchestra of ‘Born This Way’ – a true diversity anthem! Thank you to the inspiring professional practitioners that are KES Music staff and to our young musicians’ parents. The following pages show the musical experiences and memories of pupils whose impressions and achievements reflect the expressive musical connection confirming KES to be the home of nurturing musical excellence.

R Drury

I have enjoyed playing violin, piano and singing at KES events like playing with the Bath Philharmonia Orchestra at the Gala concert, and the Upper Strings Masterclass with Nicola Benedetti! The Carol Service was full of Christmas magic and the Gala Concert was inspiring and epic!

Felicity Hobbs Y 7

At this year’s Holburne Soloists’ Concert, I played the piano and cello. It was a nerve-racking but great experience, and the Bath Young Musician of the Year final was incredibly inspiring to be a part of. I particularly liked the composing aspect of the GCSE Music course, as it was a new adventure that helped me develop my skills enormously. The performing part was also fun too.

Indira Pandit Y 11

KES Soul

Since joining KES Soul in year 8, I have played funky, well-known tunes while watching older musicians play the solos that soon became mine. In the annual KES

My life at school is filled with music and I attend 6 brilliant music groups a week! One of my favourite moments this year was performing at the Gala concert at Bath Forum. Being part of a huge orchestra, alongside Bath Phil felt awesome and I gained so many musical tips from the professionals. I also took the Brass Masterclass with my trumpet and visited the Royal Marines School of Music, which has inspired me to consider this as a career choice.

Penny Hutchings Y 7

There have been many highlights during my time at KES, including being the only pupil musician for our school production of “We Will Rock You”. In the unforgettable Gala Concert, I performed Mr. Boden’s fantastic 3-part funk/pop track with KES Soul, as well as a powerful cover of “Born This Way”. I leave with a guitar scholarship for Wells Cathedral made possible from my time at KES.

Callum McGillivray Y 11

Unite Concert, we play a long program, showcasing everything we have worked on in a light-hearted and relaxed atmosphere. In the formal atmosphere of the Orchestral Gala Concert, we played Mr Boden’s piece, ‘You Had It All’. I was particularly grateful for the several alto saxophone solos written in for me. Our final event of the year, Party in the City, is a wonderful celebration and for some of us, a very fond farewell.

Dotty Hodge Y 13

I play drums, percussion and bass and in KES Soul we play a range of great songs, from the likes of Bruno Mars, Stevie Wonder, and our conductor Mr Boden. We performed at the Party in the City, the KES Unite Charity Concert and the KES Gala Concert in The Forum, all of which have been amazing. I also did a 10-hour ‘Drumathon’ to fundraise for a charity called Scoliosis UK, which is important to me as I had spinal surgery after the Drumathon.

Georgia Gale Y 8

I have thoroughly enjoyed developing my approach as a KES soloist and section leader. Taking on diploma standard pieces has been rewarding to refine my interpretive, communication and recital programming skills this year, testing them out on a trio of ambitious performances. After careful preparation on the saxophone, guided by my inspirational tutor, Mr Evans, it was a great honour to be the winner of this year’s Bath Young Musician of the Year competition and to enjoy playing virtuosic Pedro Iturralde in the KES Soloists’ Holburne Museum Concert. Alongside these experiences, I will always treasure performing Weber’s Concertino in Eb major, Op. 26 in the KES Gala Concert on the clarinet accompanied by Bath Philharmonia!

Dotty Hodge Y 13

This year I played Drum Kit and Percussion in KES Soul. At KES Unite, we raised money for our KES charity and at the Gala Concert we performed Mr Boden’s own composition – You Had It All. With KES Soul, I also played on the opening night of the Bath Festival at the Guildhall, though it was a tight fit on the stage, I had great fun.

George Cheshire Y 9

I have enjoyed every second of my busy final year as a KES Musician. I successfully auditioned for the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and gained a Distinction for my ARSM on Bassoon – all in the same week! I performed as a Concerto soloist in the Gala Concert in which I played Elgar’s Romance for Bassoon with Bath Philharmonia. This concert was the best ever Gala Concert as we played such a diverse programme of music from Dvorak to Lady Gaga. I have really enjoyed taking A Level Music and learning from all the fabulous teachers in the department, and although I am sad that my KES Music journey is ending, I am extremely excited about my future at RCS.

Bethan Cheshire Y 13

Music Trip to Oxford University and the Bate Collection of Musical Instruments

I have really enjoyed taking part in so many amazing musical opportunities as leader of the Baroque Group (violinist), and also as a singer, both at school in KES 24 and Senior Singers, and as a Bath Abbey Chorister. One of my personal highlights was the trip to Oxford in February, where we toured the Music faculty, took a Gamelan masterclass, and saw a performance of Haydn’s Symphony 104 in the Sheldonian – a place where Haydn himself had performed!

Isla Byrne Y 11

As a soprano in both KES24 and Senior Singers, I’ve felt very privileged to be part of so many exceptional performances, particularly the Dr John Wroughton Memorial service. My favourite piece was “In Paradisum” by Gabriel Fauré, it sounded beautiful and captured the mood of the service, enhanced by the wonderful acoustics of Bath Abbey.

Jacob Hill Y 8

Music Trip

Thanksgiving Service at Bath Abbey for KES ex-Headmaster, Dr John Wroughton

I particularly enjoyed learning to play the side drum as part of the CCF Corps of Drums this year. It was fun and one of the highlights was our visit to the Royal Marines School of Music in Portsmouth, where we were privileged to tour the facilities of the school and play on my side drum alongside the Royal Marines Band.

Dyansa Gunatilake Y 9

to the Royal Marines Band Service School of Music, Portsmouth

KES pupils, both from the Senior and Junior schools, sing weekly services, evensongs, and occasional concerts and special ceremonies at Bath Abbey. Performing at the Abbey with school opens performance opportunities and new music genres for our choirs to tackle – from wonderful compositions by Mr Boden to the music of Mozart or traditional English hymns.

Evie Shepperdson Y 10

This year KES Music has restarted our thriving partnership with Art at the Heart (AATH) - the arts organisation at the RUH. Three of our talented ensembles - the Baroque Group, KES Brass and KES Saxophone performed to patients, visitors, and staff, raising several hundred pounds to support the hospital charity. The funds raised will go towards more live music at the RUH.

RUH Partnership

The KES/Bath Philharmonia Partnership is such an incredible opportunity for KES musicians; to receive mentorship and to work alongside professional orchestral musicians in the Gala Concert is really amazing. One of the best things about this partnership is the opportunity to play solo pieces with the orchestra – one of which I was lucky enough to do this year!

Edward Blackwall Y 12

Psychology

After another successful year for Psychology, it was pleasing to see some students inspired by the subject continuing their journey at universities such as Bristol and Cardiff. September’s new Year 12s’ first topics were Social Influence featuring classic and controversial research into conformity and obedience, and Attachment, including the importance of early relationships with caregivers. In Memory and Psychopathology, students considered wider applications such as the reliability of eye-witness testimony and explanations and treatments for abnormal behaviour. Their finished with research methods and how decisions about techniques and processes put theories under scrutiny.

Year 13s started with a historical and comparative overview of issues and debates in psychology. Students soon came to appreciate new connections, concluding with Forensics, Schizophrenia and Cognition and Development. They visited

KES Pre-Prep and Nursery to see first-hand how young children are nurtured to explore surroundings in a creative and independent way. Year 13 were fully involved, and some were inspired to investigate careers in Early Years education.

As part of National Careers week, Years 12 and 13 had a fascinating guest speaker, Keri Johnson. Keri has worked in mental health and well-being for over 20 years, as an occupational therapist and then a psychotherapist. Her talk included some personal reflections of the work, and the opportunity for students to ask questions.

As the year draws to a close, we look back and celebrate all our students’ achievements and wish our outgoing Year 13 all the best for their adventures ahead!

L Wallace

‘Year 13 pupils visited KES Pre-Prep and Nursery to see first hand how young children are nurtured.’

RS & Philosophy

The Religious Studies & Philosophy department has happily returned to a full programme of Trips and Visitors. Year 7 visited the Bristol Hebrew Community in Park Row and experienced an exemplary Orthodox Synagogue.

Year 8 explored the London Islamic Community Mosque in Regent’s park, revelling in the prayer hall, library, and educational centre. That same day they visited the British Museum, focusing on the Islamic Gallery.

Year 9’s speaker from The Holocaust Educational Trust was Uri Winterstein, a Holocaust survivor born in Slovakia in 1943. He lost nine members of his immediate family and only survived himself through the kindness and courage of strangers. Pupils were highly respectful and engaged sensitively with this difficult, but vital, topic. Later in the year, pupils undertook a highly relevant ethical study of Artificial Intelligence, producing excellent project work.

GCE Religious Studies and Philosophy pupils attended an excellent programme of lectures at the University of Oxford that featured leading names in the academic world of Theology and Philosophy. Speakers included Julie Arliss, who addressed whether religion have a continuing role

in sexual ethics, Professor Keith Ward, who spoke about Liberation Theology, and Professor Daphne Hampson, who spoke about the gender of Christ. Pupils also took part in a vigorous ethical debate about Kantian and Utilitarian ethics.

‘Pupils were highly respectful and engaged sensitively...’

Socrates Club continues to meet to constructively discuss and explore ideas. The club engaged in varied topics this year, including the concept of ‘Duty of Candour’ for those in public and corporate life and the ‘Tyranny of 30-Somethings’ over social-media, business, and public debate. As ever, more questions were discovered than answers. The department once again took delegates to the local round of the UK Philosothon. The KES team were placed as close runners-up with Lucy MacDonnell receiving a prize for best Year 12 delegate.

M Buswell

Science: Biology

Pupils in Year 7 to 13 have excelled in their biology lessons this year, Year 7 have impressed with their intricate cell models, whilst older year groups have performed dissections, immersed themselves in fieldtrips, focused on exam preparation and worked with precision in practical lessons. Outside of structured lessons, the Biology department has had considerable success in external competitions.

The most noticeable achievement is three Gold awards in the Biology Olympiad and qualification for the team selection round of the Olympiad run by the Royal Society of Biology. Congratulations to Theodore Spaliviero-Shaw, Jeremy Hewett and Patrick Hewett.

An intrepid group of four Year 12 students have also been the first KES students this term to enter the Medicine in Schools Science competition, run by Imperial College London, researching and presenting on an element of cardiovascular health.

P Kirby

CREST awards

Two groups of Year 8 students have undertaken their Bronze CREST Award. The nationally recognised CREST scheme requires students to design their own hands-on investigation. It is entirely student-led providing the unique opportunity to work independently in the lab, encouraging scientific curiosity and analytical questioning. Past groups have investigated how clean is your soap? What is the best biscuit for dunking? This year, groups are investigating the impact of caffeine on the heart rate of humans and water fleas (Daphnia). Another group have created a selfsustaining ecosystem in a box.

A Fisher

‘This year, groups are investigating the impact of caffeine on the heart rate.’

Science: Chemistry

The Chemistry department has maintained its place as one of the most popular A level choices at KES, with students going on to study for varied courses at university, such as Medicine, Biochemistry, Plant sciences, Natural Science, Oceanography and Chemistry. Our A level Chemists have had some excellent enrichment opportunities through the year, including taking part in the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Olympiad in which they achieved a number of copper, silver and even gold medals, and the Cambridge Challenge, along with a trip to Bath University for the RSC’s Young Analysist competition.

In May, we held the annual KES science week where pupils from Year 7 to Year 12 had the opportunity to undertake a variety of extra-curricular science activities aiming to inspire and engage them in wider scientific ideas and experiences.

The Periodic Table treasure hunt was a hit with lower school pupils, who competed to find cards of all 118 elements of the periodic table, hidden by our Year 12 helpers. Each card that was returned to the Chemistry office with a fact about the element won a lolly, and by the end of the day on Tuesday only 8 elements remained to be found and, to date, 3 are still out there somewhere. Later in the week, Mr Garner-Richardson took a turn as Chemistry entertainer, giving a display of the interesting properties of frozen carbon dioxide, or dry ice, and Ms Miners gave a practical taster lesson on gases in the air to a group of Year 5 pupils, who left excited and looking forward to starting their chemistry studies in the senior school.

L Miners

Science: Physics

It has been another fun-packed, productive, and successful year in the KES Physics Department. With outreach programmes reopening their doors to young scientists following the pandemic, KES Physics have provided our students with a wide range of opportunities to broaden their understanding of the wider world of Physics and learn about where a career in Physics could take you. The year began and ended with off-site visits, from Year 12 students visiting GKN Engineering in Bristol in November to Year 10 students visiting the Harwell Science and Innovation Centre in June. Alongside our annual masterclass, competition events and Science Week, it has been a busy and exciting year for Physics.

S Richardson

‘This was a very insightful glimpse into the plethora of opportunities in the world of Physics...’

Lunch with a Physicist!

During Spring term’s Careers Week, we were given the chance to talk in small groups with various physicists about their different professional fields. They answered questions about their work, necessary A-levels, and different types of Physics degrees. One student was even beamed in from the prestigious university of MIT over Zoom! The specialists included a material scientist, analysing the properties and strengths of different substances; two medical physicists, who work with hospital machinery such as X-rays and MRIs; a nuclear fusion physicist, exploring the possibilities of nuclear energy; and a structural engineer. This was a very insightful glimpse into the plethora of opportunities in the world of Physics and everyone who attended was inspired by the extraordinary fields of study!

Rufus Lawrie Y 9

The range of different paths made me understand how important physics is and encouraged me to consider physics as an A-level option. Even as a year 9, I found it incredibly intriguing, and all the scientists were friendly and passionate about their jobs. I hope that KES decide to have one next year and I would recommend it to anyone wondering if physics would be interesting to study at university or A-levels.

Jemimah Baker Y 9

‘Our pupils were excited by the range of possibilities afforded by working in engineering and spoke enthusiastically about the experience.’

Trip to GKN Global Technology Centre

Seven Year 11 and 12 pupils attended a networking event at GKN’s Global Technology Centre in Filton, organised by the Aerospace Careers Partnership. There, they saw examples of the research that GKN and its partners are doing, including an electric air taxi being built for flight, titanium 3d printing (using a huge robot laser) and hydrogen technology that will be used to power the planes of the future. An outstanding feature of the day was being able to talk to people currently working for GKN

as degree level apprentices. Experienced engineers who have held high level careers within the aerospace industry at GKN were also present and talked enthusiastically about their work. Our pupils were excited by the range of possibilities afforded by working in engineering and spoke enthusiastically about the experience. One pupil said,“I have always been interested in a career in engineering, and having the opportunity to visit a research centre only confirmed my idea of going into aerospace”. A huge thankyou to GKN and Aerospace Careers Partnership for such an inspiring day!

C Stevens

Rugby

It has been another excellent Rugby season at KES. Playing the 15 a-side format, the school consistently fielded up to 14 teams from U12 to 1st XV at weekends, which is testament to all the hard work from everyone who contributes to the programme. With another challenging fixture list, I was extremely proud of the progress made throughout all the age groups. It was amazing to host Barrie Rugby Club, who were touring from Canada, where we played the U16 and Senior teams. The Seniors won a hard-fought contest and the U16 fixture ended in a draw, which makes it even more exciting for the return leg when we head out to Canada this summer.

The Spring term brought the 7s programme and each age group had two tournaments before the National Rosslyn Park 7s. Special mention must go to the U13s who won the prestigious Port Regis 7s, beating some impressive schools along the way, and also to the U16 Girls, who competed in their first tournaments and then at Rosslyn Park, putting in an excellent performance against eventual winners Ivybridge. And finally, the 1st VII who won the Wycliffe 7s, beating both Millfield and Cheltenham College in the group. The 1st team once again headed to Sedbergh National 10s to compete against the very best schools in the country. With a challenging group of two National School Cup finalists, in Kirkham and Felsted, the boys acquitted themselves very well. On day 2, there was more to give, in front of the live-streaming cameras, the boys topped their group and made it to the plate final against Hurstpierpoint. With all the possession, KES couldn’t quite find their way over the tryline, and, agonisingly, lost the game in golden time.

‘On an individual level, we can be extremely proud of many of our rugby players who are representing the School for Bath Academy.’

On an individual level, we can be extremely proud of many of our rugby players who are representing the School for Bath Academy. We have 25 pupils in the pathway from U14 up to U18. Congratulations go to Noah Murray, Frankie Foster and Henry Derwent, who were in the U18 squad that won the Academy league. These pupils, along with William Rawstorne and U16s Cade Comer and Ali Aljawabra, are now in the U17 Academy squad, who play until May in preparation for next season’s Academy League.

S Lilley

The season started in impressive fashion with the 1st XI winning the Sherborne Invitational Tournament. Competing against some of the strongest schools in the area, KES played really well in searing heat to reach the final, where they beat Sherborne, the hosts, on penalties to claim the title.

At the top end of the school, it was brilliant to see over 80 girls commit to hockey in Years 11, 12 and 13, with the school fielding five senior teams…. when we could find opposition! From the 1st team to the 5th team, we saw great strength in depth and the commitment and hard work shown by all was a great example to the younger players in the school.

The U15 squads trained well and made some significant progress, with many of the girls aiming to break into the senior squads next year. At U14 level, performances from the A B and C teams improved steadily throughout the season.

Girls’ Hockey

The Autumn Term played host to another busy and exciting season for the KES Girls’ Hockey teams. With well over 100 matches played and an excellent turn out to weekly training, there were some great performances across all the age groups.

In the younger years, it has been wonderful to see the ongoing development from our Year 7 and 8 teams. The U12s and U13s have been developing their technical skills and their tactical knowledge and it is clear that there is much potential coming up through the school.

‘...it has been wonderful to see the ongoing development from our Year 7 and 8 teams.’

Many of our players continue to make encouraging progress along the GB Hockey Talent pathway and special mention should go to Ava Shaw in Year 10, following her selection for England U16 Assessments.

P Livesey

‘...it is clear that there is much potential coming up through the school.’

The U12s made a very encouraging start to the hockey season. With a commitment to training and a desire to learn they achieved some excellent results across the term. Record numbers regularly attended U13 training and they will be ready to make the transition to full pitch 11 a-side hockey next year. Both U14 A and B teams passed the ball beautifully and always entertained with their flowing and attacking style. The U15As were perhaps team of the season, remaining unbeaten throughout their regular fixtures. At the Avon Championships, some vital last-minute goals helped them to qualify for the next round. At the subsequent Regionals, they reached the final, where it was only an agonising loss on penalties, that prevented them from getting to the National Finals.

With the senior teams, it was the 2nd XI who produced the performance of the season at the Regional Finals, where they got all the way to the final. Dogged and resolute in defence, KES held out against a strong Exeter College side, to take the game to a penalty shoot-out, where they won to claim the U18T4 Regional Title for the first time.

The 1st XI squad began the season playing against some of the top European club sides at the Reyes Tournament in Barcelona and after some great performances across the term, brought another excellent season of hockey to an end with the annual KES Hockey Festival, where, in the opening match, they put in their best performance of the season against a very strong Solihull side.

‘As in previous years KES players continue to make great progress through the GB Hockey Talent pathway...’

As in previous years KES players continue to make great progress through the GB Hockey Talent pathway with a significant number of our boys showing that they have the potential to achieve representative honours in the future.

Special mention should go to Freddie Champniss, in Year 11, who was selected for the England Hockey Talent Academy and also to Year 10 pupil, Jack Boden, who was selected for England U16 Assessments.

P Livesey

Boys’ Hockey

Netball

What a fantastic netball season it has been! Starting with the preseason training back in January, staff and pupils have been working under the premise of ‘ENGAGE, CHALLENGE and ENJOY’.

Engagement into the programme has been great, with nearly 300 pupils playing netball across the term. A total of 160 matches have been played, 7 tournaments competed at, and a lot learnt across the term. Across the school, all teams have been homing in on the core attacking and defensive principles, whilst being able to apply isolated skills seamlessly into matches.

The senior netball programme has been one of the most extensive yet, with a pre-season tour to Dubai seeing the girls preparing early for the season ahead. Back home, the 1st team quickly showed their form by gaining a place at the Regional School competition and became the 25th team in KES history to achieve this accolade. The whole squad have been a very special group to work with, including players from YR 10–13. The pre-season tournament in January saw 20 of our senior girls and an U14 team preparing in their squads for what promised to be a season to remember, and that is exactly what it has been.

I think the biggest change over recent years has not just been the success at the top end but the commitment and performances across all our teams. The progress made has been testament to the dedication from everyone both players and coaches.

Congratulations to those who continue to progress through the various stages of performance pathway. We have 5 pupils within the County Academy, with Katy Gwilliam representing Team Bath in the Athletic Development Centre, Olivia Phillips and Bethan Mawer training in the Player Development Pathway and special mention goes to Amber Tiley, who has played for the Team Bath U19 National Performance League team.

Netball Dubai Tour

The Netball Tour to Dubai marked the first oversees sports tour for KES since BC (before Covid). We landed in Dubai at 6am and were hit by 38 degrees heat, a welcome relief from the wet courts of the UK! A court session at the Dubai 7’s stadium helped the girls to acclimatize in the evening sun ahead of their first matches against Dubai College. Day one and we were straight into four games where our consistency was lacking against some strong sides. We came away with some wins, losses, and a determination to refine our skills for the next games. A day at the world’s largest waterpark, Atlantis, and the girls enjoyed some adrenaline-filled rides alongside some R&R on the lazy river. Four more games in Abu Dhabi in the morning sun and humidity saw the girls winning most games but also playing a different style of netball to cope with the high temperatures. We also gained a place in the Saxo Bank Hurricanes Netball 7’s tournament later that evening, where we played some exciting netball but the girls just missed the quarter finals by one goal. The way in which the girls played throughout the tournament was reflected in them being awarded the prestigious ‘Spirit of Saxo Award’. Our final two games were against Dubai English Speaking College (DESC). The confidence, fluid play and technical development from all players was clear to see. Mrs Gwilliam and Miss Symonds could not have been prouder of the final performances seen from both teams. Other

highlights of the trip were Sand Boarding on the desert safari, bartering at the Souks Old Town Markets, the trip up the Burj Khalifa and some great shopping in Dubai Mall. The tour was a huge success on every level. It was a privilege to be away with such a talented group of KES pupils and I know the girls developed as sportswomen and made memories to last a lifetime, with friendships strengthened by shared experiences. This tour will be the platform into what I am sure will be a hugely rewarding 2023/24 netball season.

“...this tour exceeded expectations – forming new bonds, playing the hardest netball games of our lives and making memories for ever.”

“Dubai has been the trip of a lifetime. From the scariest water slides to insane netball matches that pushed us to play the highest quality netball. We had teachers that shared our drive and passion and made the tour seamless.”

“I am so grateful for this amazing opportunity, I will never forget KES Dubai 2023.”

L Gwilliam

Football

1st X1

The season began with creditable draws against BGS, Marlborough and Downside, but also defeats against Clifton, BGS and Backwell. Narrow defeats against Beechen Cliff and Kingswood made the boys more determined to improve against Sherborne, where KES scored two cracking goals before half time from George Epsley and the flying winger, Rory Berry. Sherborne come back to 2-1, before Max Stein put away a low cross from Panos. A 3-1 win and the post-match teas tasted that little bit sweeter.

A magnificent 6–1 victory over Sidcot was well deserved and that man again, Rory Berry, scored a fabulous hattrick, with a couple of crackers from Elwood Garrett, one of the promising talents for next year.

After giving away 2 soft goals to Dauntsey’s, KES dominated, had plenty of chances and should have easily won the game, and although we scored a late goal, we couldn’t find the net again.

Thanks to all the 1st X1 squad for their positive approach, determination, those excellent footballing moments of skill and class, and real sense of togetherness and enjoyment of playing. A special thanks to Finn Miners, the captain and leader of this team. A very good job done, Finn!

The 2nd X1 started so well with a 3-2 win against BGS on a sloping pitch, wind, rain, mud, all played to our strengths. There were some very close defeats, losing by one or two

goals in four of the matches, with several of these coming in the last minutes. The final game of the season was a welldeserved 2-1 win against Dauntsey’s School, a fitting way to finish the season.

Finally, a big thank you to all the boys who have represented the school over two terms. Good luck to all the Year 13’s who have played their final game and gave one, two or three years to KES football.

A final thanks to those that have helped support football at KES this year – Mr Cornish and Mr Blake for their help with the 2nd team and to Mrs Gibson, who has been so supportive with all the logistics behind the scenes.

Awards

1st X1

Most Improved Player of the Season

George Epsley

Player of the Season Finn Miners (captain)

D Chapman

2nd X1

Most Improved Player of the Season

Freddie Russell

Player of the Season

Archie Hally

Cricket

The KES cricket programme has supported the progression of girls’ cricket, and we now have more girls playing club and representative cricket at regional and county level than ever.

In 2024, the 1st XI played over 10 matches. The side is strong with many younger players ensuring the talent pool will remain for a few years to come. Year 10 Katy Gwilliam scored a super 47 in the match v Collegiate. Other stand out performances came from Nell Harris 50 not out v Monkton and George Stanton who took a hat-trick in the same match.

Year 7 boys and girls played some super cricket and Year 8 showed talent this year. Ellie Payne, from the girls’ year 9 team, took 5 wickets against Westonbirt and hit a 50 v Kingswood. Some of the Y10 squad have represented the boy’s 1st XI this summer. Congratulations to Sam Simmons,

Alex Moss and Luke Welsh for gaining their 1st XI cap. The Y10 match v Kingswood stood out with super batting from Simmons, Welsh & Jonty Bye, supported by a wonderful two hours in the field with great bowling from Charles Street, Oliver Hall & Alex Moss. This group of players will make the senior squads extraordinarily strong over the next few years. I look forward to seeing them develop.

There was a mixed start to the season in the Senior squad who beat Prior Park and Monkton Combe but lost to Kingswood, Wycliffe and Beechen Cliff. The team consisted of a very young group, so we have some serious talent bubbling away.

The collaboration with Bath Cricket Club has continued to have a major impact on the Cricket Programme granting access to their first-class facilities. Thanks to BCC for this value added to the KES pupils’ programme.

A huge thank you also to the whole of the PE department, especially Ms Young and Mr Ellison, as well as the catering team for their support and for being so engaged and enthusiastic this season.

G Brown

Nearly 100 players have participated in the hugely popular mid-week, after school tennis programme for all age groups and abilities. We are grateful to our professional Tennis coaches, Connor and Tom from Lansdown Tennis Club, who have worked with our Junior and Senior school throughout the term in Division as well as friendlies against RHS, Kingswood, Monkton and Prior Park.

Our U15 boys played in both Div 1 and Div 2 in the Aegon League. Div 1 played only two fixtures and won against Bechen Cliff but lost to the Collegiate School. Div 2 U15s played well throughout the season, but lost to Clifton High, Monkton Combe and Beechen and had a good win against the Collegiate. The U15 Div 2 girls’ players had tough but

Swimming

This year the Year 7 KES swimming team have attended two galas against 3 different schools. Everyone involved swam a multitude of different individual and relay races with some very close finishes. KES did particularly well in the breaststroke and fly races when they competed against Kingswood and demonstrated good teamwork in the mixed medley and freestyle relays. The cheering from KES was

XC

It was wonderful to see the 56 pupils from Year 7-12 compete in the BANES XC at Kingswood in the Autumn Term. The minor girls (Year 7) did extremely well with 3 finishing in the top 10. Along with another 3 pupils from other age groups, these 6 pupils competed at the county round. Jasmine Fry finished in 3rd for Avon and then a fantastic 17th at the regional round. Alex Hearn also

enjoyable matches against BGS and Badminton School. A big well done to Milla Hemley who played up from Year 9.

The U13 boys and girls had a very encouraging season with 32 players attending the club night. The Div 2 girls played very tight matches, losing to Redmaids School on a shootout 10–7 and another shoot-out loss to Collegiate. The did have good wins against Clifton High and Royal High winning both 8–4. The U13 Div 1 boys beat the Collegiate School, lost to Beechen Cliff, and as I write we await a match against Bristol Free School. The U13 Div 2 Boys played two matches and won against the Collegiate on a shoot-out (10–6), but lost to Clifton High.

E Young

consistently loud at both galas, helping to keep team morale high. Kingswood and Monkton were good competitors and wonderful hosts. It has been wonderful to see so many Year 7s continuing to swim and compete for the school.

K Trump

qualified for the regionals. Alex has been focussing on his 10km and 21km races this year. He is one to watch with his 10km PB 36.40 and his 21km PB 1:22:39!

K Trump

Sports Day

Activities Week

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

The ultimate accolade of the DofE award scheme is to receive an invitation to attend a celebration event at Buckingham Palace Gardens. This recognises the many hours that participants have put in to achieve their Gold Award and is the culmination of many years of commitment. A lovely group of present and past students were invited to one such event in May and I was able to join them. Many congratulations to current year 13 students Hatty Emmett, Isabella FitzGerald, Luca McCarthy, Orla Rostom and Lucy Smith and to OE’s Beatrice Butt, Angus Cannock, Ashton Hill, Florence Hunt, Edward Kiernan, Max Lazarus, Angus Lewis, Felicity Marsh, Matthew Marshall, Bilal Qureshi, Alexander Stricklin, William Treharne and Sam Trezies for achieving their Gold Award this year.

The majority of these participants had followed the scheme through bronze and silver to gold and in doing so clocked up a minimum of 21 months volunteering, 18–24 months learning a skill, 18–24 months undertaking a physical activity as well as training for and completing six expeditions (practice and qualifying) and at Gold level attending a 5-day residential. The dedication required is considerable, but the rewards are substantial. The word resilience is bandied around freely these days, but I believe that through this scheme young people really do become more resilient, build confidence and through the challenges they face develop a tougher mindset that equips them well for later life.

For many, the expedition is the highlight, but it poses is own challenges, not least of which is the weather and conditions this year have certainly tested the determination of our young people, as Mrs Baker’s report for gold indicates.

Dr A Fewell

Gold Award

Congratulations to the forty Year 12s who successfully passed their Gold DofE Expedition during Activities Week 2024. After a day of scrambling up Moel Siabod to take in the captivating views across Eryri, the group set up camp for their walking expedition. Having completed practice and navigation training in the Black Mountains, the six teams planned their own routes between each camp site. Each team conducted their own research project during their expedition, collating data and evidence for their upcoming presentations. All were bowled over by the stunning scenery, sunset and tranquility of the wild camping spot. Adrenaline and excitement ran high because of navigating along the ridge in storm conditions – one team didn’t want to come down! The students were an absolute credit to themselves and the school with their expert navigation, resilience, teamwork and great sense of humour. I look forward to meeting them at the palace in due course. Well done all!

‘The students were an absolute credit to themselves...’

Highlights from others include Phoebe Oleson (Y12) who attended a cookery course in London for her Gold DofE residential. There, she learned from professional chefs how to prepare dishes without setting the kitchen on fire, as well as meeting amazing fellow foodies. Max Done (Y12) volunteered for Junior parkrun. The joy on the faces of the younger runners and sense of helping the community have had a lasting effect.

A Baker

Silver and Bronze Awards

Our seven silver teams completed their expeditions by canoe and having endured the most awful storm on their practice were hoping for better weather to paddle down the River Wye on their qualifying expedition. Fortunately, the rain largely held off and as they paddled the 67K from Hereford to Symonds Yat they enjoyed the rapids, the scenery, the bird life and each other’s company.

Meanwhile ninety-six year 9 pupils, having completed their practice expedition in Wiltshire, enjoyed better weather navigating their way across the Marlborough Downs for their qualifying expedition.

Many thanks to Wild Country Consultants who organise our Gold expeditions and Wiltshire Outdoor Learning Team who

organise our Silver and Bronze expeditions. Many thanks also to all the KES staff who gave up their weekends to support the award. It could not happen without you.

Dr A Fewell

Ten Tors

In Ten Tors this year, the Y10 35-mile and the Y12 45mile teams competed well in a field of 2400 people.

Congratulations to our 45-mile team, which was one of only 7 (out of 15) teams to complete their route.

A total of 32 sausages, 18 burgers, a bottle of ketchup and even the salad was wolfed down by 12 hungry trekkers that nervous night before they set out. “Chariots of Fire” blared from the loudspeakers at 5am and we made ready. Our 45-mile team realised their tough challenge but were confident they would reach checkpoint 8 by shut off time. We were very wrong. The Y10s maintained a strong pace in the first half of the day, managing the heat well and showing teamwork. Due to a half hour mandatory stop due to the extreme heat, they were held back from their final tor. The Y12’s first day was hampered by blisters, bogs and venomous snakes. The mandatory rest meant they had to complete the hardest stretch of navigation in the dark.

Y10 were off to a quick start to complete their route on the Sunday, and when Theo twisted his knee the team came together and shared out his bag, enabling them to

finish with a particularly good time for their route, and second overall. Y12 met their first checkpoint by 6:30 though blisters and one ‘slight’ navigational error which took us up a gruelling hill. Nevertheless, we pushed on to the end, singing Adele at the finishing line.

The Ten Tors challenge has been an amazing experience, and I would recommend it to everyone (but maybe not the blisters!). A massive thanks to Mr and Mrs Lang for all the organising and support work, as well as our mountain leader Mr Laney. Thanks also to Mr Pagnamenta, Mr Mawer, Mrs Lascelles and Mr Tidball who were all amazing help at the weekends away, the selection process and working behind the scenes.

Oscar Lowton and Will Avent Y 12

Congratulations to everyone who completed the challenge – 35 miles: Ben Evans (Leader), Alex Gentle (Navigator), Joe Bruce-Payne, Theo Evans, Theo Fallon, and Toby. 45 miles: Ellery Clegg (Leader), Oscar Lowton (Navigator), Will Avent, Charlotte Lang, Phoebe Oleson and George Dias-Whyard.

R Lang

CCF

The CCF has had another exceptional year. With the highest numbers in the contingent’s 124-year history, the weekly parades have been fully occupied, and have covered subjects ranging from weapon handling skills to foot drill.

The Junior Non-Commissioned Officers from Year 11 took on the challenge of training the new Year 9 recruits to beret standard, including how to wear a uniform properly, marching, saluting, living, and cooking in the field, and camouflage. They were tested at Merryfield Airfield on Exercise First Chance, where they learned fieldcraft and undertook a challenging night-time navigation exercise.

‘...the CCF turns out in full strength to commemorate those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in past and recent conflicts.’

The CCF then went into ceremonial mode in preparation for Remembrance Parade. On this extremely significant day in the military calendar, the CCF turns out in full strength to commemorate those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in past and recent conflicts. Our impressive size this year combined with the addition of the new contingent

banner, the CCF was undoubtedly the most eye-catching contingent at the parade and received many compliments from members of the public on its smartness and professionalism.

At the annual Dinner Night, the Willet Hall was decorated in the colours of our affiliated regiment, the King’s Royal Hussars. We enjoyed a delicious meal followed by a traditional ceilidh dance. Our work on the detailed First Aid syllabus was tested at Exercise Patch Up, a set of first aid scenarios set up at school (with enthusiastic senior cadets as casualties!). Situations ranged from electrocution to a car crash, which highlighted not only good first aid skills, but also qualities of leadership like remaining calm in challenging conditions.

More recently the training has progressed to more advanced topics, such as abseiling, delivering orders, FIBUA (Fighting in Built Up Areas) and tactics, including firing blank ammunition. Throughout the year, it has been really rewarding to see the cadets improve in teamwork and leadership, and to strengthen our alliance with Beechen Cliff. For the future, we look forward to welcoming the new recruits from Year 8 and another year of action, activity, and excitement!

Ifor Williams Y 9

National Music Camp, Otterburn 2024

Congratulations to all the cadets who attended this year’s National Music Camp at Otterburn during the Easter holidays. With record numbers attending from across the UK, there were opportunities for everyone to develop their skills and improve their performance.

We were treated to our 4-star drummers who entertained Beamish Museum visitors with musical sets combining a mixture of marching and static performances. The Corps of Drums with the Senior Military Band and the Pipes and Drums worked together to entertain crowds around a traditional bandstand. The Intermediate Band and 3-star Corps of Drums treated an appreciative audience at the Village Hall to a wide range of styles; from traditional military marches to film favourites such as Star Wars and Beauty and the Beast.

After practical and theory assessments, rehearsals then began in earnest for the final parade. Due to the unpredictable weather, the week-long course culminated in not one, but three final parades, attended by family and friends. Invited dignitaries, Honorary Colonel Lord Lingfield and Lady Lingfield, and Deputy Commander Regional Command Cadets Branch, Brigadier McDade were on hand to celebrate the achievements and present the cadets with their awards.

Congratulations to Dyansa Gunatilake, who made impressive progress on the side drum. Arriving on camp as a beginner, she was quickly fast-tracked to the 2-star cadre and completed this level by the end of the course. Wendy Zhang displayed a high standard on the B-flat marching flute, gaining her 3-star award, whilst our Drum Major Defne Sertoglu satisfied all the criteria to complete the very highest level in the syllabus. Well done to all!

Capt C Jones

Clubs & Societies

Bath Student Parliament

This year, Joseph Walker, Penny Wright, and I have become KES student representatives in the Bath Student Parliament,

Chess Club

The Senior School Chess Club is a very fun opportunity to play, learn and to compete in chess for all KES pupils. Chess Club meets Wednesdays and is led by the kind Mr. Riordan. Every year, there is a tournament of multiple rounds paired using a Swiss-based pairing system, with no clocks. The tournament games are friendly; they do not affect your real ECF rating and quiet talking in the game is allowed. In non-tournament

Coding Club

One of the ways to explore the world of Computing from Game making to website developing is through KES Coding Club. It’s a place where you can grow, share knowledge, and find inspiration and compete with other coders in things like the PA Pi Competition. Coding club is

Debating Club

This was a breakthrough year for the British Parliamentary style Debating Club, 12 teams represented KES at various regional rounds and three teams broke to the national

a group that addresses current issues in the local area. The parliament is made up of representatives from every school in Bath. We meet once a term to discuss and act on matters such as local safety, the climate crisis, and young people’s mental health. Last term, we met with Bath MP, Wera Hobhouse, in which we expressed important issues needing to be tackled in order to improve our city. As a follow-up, we have been in touch with the police and crime commissioner and the council to suggest how we, as the young people of Bath, feel knife crime and street safety should be addressed. It has been a great opportunity, not only to be involved in local politics, but also to meet new people and find solutions to problems that impact so many people our age.

Jacob Cooper Y 12

games, analogue clocks may be used between the players. Mr. Riordan also puts chess bots on the board for players with no opponents. My experience has been fun and has inspired me to take chess more seriously. I would genuinely recommend this club to anyone to learn, play, and make friends.

Szabolcs Szigethy Y 7

an amazing place to learn or improve your skills. This Club has changed my view on technology, opening doors to new opportunities and friendships.

Eesa Shazuli

Y 8

finals. Congratulations to Orson Savage and Penny Wright, Atlas Brookes and Lucy Mac Donnell who reached the Oxford Union Schools’ Competition Finals, held at the prestigious Oxford Union. Penny and Atlas also made it to the Cambridge Union the following week.

Both the Junior and Senior Club had a lively weekly presence. We are looking forward to even more success next year, including some local fixtures and more Learning for Life sessions following a successful one for Year 9, ‘This House would Help, rather than Punish, Bullies’. Thanks to Miss Dawes and Mrs Rees-Roberts for their entirely voluntary, but much appreciated, help.

P Ford

Esports

The Creative Media Suite is used by many. The First XV Rugby Squad reviewed their latest recordings, the Lego Robotics teams built and coded their latest contraptions, as well as the weekly Girls into Gaming and Esports clubs. Esports made an impression on Year 8 who got a presentation on Gaming and other online issues. From looking at loot box design and their likeness to slot machines, to screen time and addiction to gaming and social media, the Year 8s will hopefully be wiser online consumers.

It has been another exciting year for esports at KES. Our 3 teams showed growth over the winter and spring splits of the British Esports Championships which paid off in great in tournament successes though they fell just short of qualifying for the Summer Play-Offs. Two of our teams are from Year 7, and the first team is from Year 8, so they can only grow in confidence and ability under the supervision and guidance of our Year 10 coaches.

Model United Nations

We have made MUNKES history after winning all three conferences we have participated in! We rounded off our amazing MUN year with an overall win of BISMUN 2024 at Kingswood. Our USA delegation won First Place out of 30 schools including Bath and Bristol Schools and schools from as far as York, London and Exeter. This follows our

Multi Media

Henry, Year 11, competes in online sim-racing and has competed directly with famous names like Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen. Henry’s skill in the esports world and British Formula Ford 1600 championship victory have garnered a lot of interest, and as a result, Henry has joined a team called Guild Esports. We are thrilled that Henry signed a pro contract and will be driving for them in future races. It is a huge honour and we wish Henry the very best of luck moving forward!

‘...Henry signed a pro contract...’

A final thank you to all the students for getting involved, but especially to all the staff involved in running and organising these sessions, your time, effort and enthusiasm is hugely appreciated!

T Sneddon

exceptional performances at both Bristol Grammar School MUN where we won both first and second place with our Hungary and South Africa delegations, and our win at Queens College Taunton last Autumn, where our USA delegation won Best Overall Delegation. Our delegates won individual awards including several Best Delegate and Highly Commended awards on their individual committees. Clearly, the work of our enthusiastic Year 12 contingent, who organised a comprehensive program of in-house training debates in the Autumn and Spring terms, gave us a real edge. Next year, we are looking forward to strong leadership from our current Year 12, and active recruitment for new MUNKES delegates, as well as serving as Guest Chairs at future conferences. It has been a wonderful achievement this year and we look forward to our next year of debate.

Dr L Wainer

Multimedia Club allows students who are interested in animation and photo editing to learn and improve their skills. Multimedia club fosters new ideas and creativity allowing you to take control of what you make. We meet in the KES state-of-the-art gaming Suite which runs any Adobe editing software like Premiere Pro and Lightroom. We also have access to Kodu, a place where students can design and create their own games like a racing track or a multiplayer puzzle game. At Multimedia, you can learn about digital arts alongside your peers and work at your own pace.

Eesa Shazuli Y 8

Music Tech Club

Music Tech Club meets on Thursday morning before school. I was keen to join Music Tech because I love electronic music, composing, and learning to use new software. We have composed lots of music and this year I’ve written ‘House’, ‘EDM’, and ‘Dance’

styles. Mr Riordan has taught us various techniques such as ‘autotune’, microphone settings, quantizing, adding filters, and adding effects to our music. Before I started in the club, I was not familiar with using Logic Pro X, but now I feel very familiar with it and can work much faster. I am looking forward to composing lots more music in the future

Harry Hampson-Gilbert 7 G

Library & Charities

KES Library

Welcome to KES Library: a centre for imagination, knowledge, and exploration. Here in our vibrant reading and study spaces, students explore the world through our wide range of books and inspirational resources.

Charity Fundraising

This year pupils and the KES community have raised £19,000 for charity. KES supports one local, one national and one international charity, chosen by pupil vote. Activities have included sponsored walks, craft stalls, a sponsored paddleboard, sponsored parachute jump, non-uniform days, cake & doughnut sales, charity netball match, fundraising talks, a fire walk, a glow swim, entrepreneurial business ideas, and music concerts, and sponge the teacher to name a few.

Our Charity Committee is made of pupils in Year 7 to 13 who meet every half-term to brainstorm fundraising

Community Service

I am so pleased to report that this year has been excellent for the School’s Community Service Programme. This year, around 35 students chose to volunteer within our various partner institutions. These include our own KES Junior School, various local primary schools and two care homes. Pupils have been involved in activities such as reading with the younger children, helping with Art, DT, ICT, English, Maths

Whether it’s a plunge into old favourites, escape into an exciting adventure or creative expression, we aim to support and enthuse the curious mind and lifelong love of reading. So, settle in, set your course for the land of lit, and let books be your guide.

L Bowman

ideas. Members also visit charity partners to help increase understanding of their work in the community. The school holds four Foodbank collections every year, a reverse advent collection for Julian House, and a Salvation Army collection at Christmas. This year we collected beautiful dresses & suits to donate to a charity called ‘Dress it Forward’ who donate pre-loved clothing for prom-goers in South Africa with no access to formal wear.

Our 16-year relationship with the international charity, Moving Mountains Trust and its sister organisation, Adventure Alternative is supported by KES through regular fundraising efforts and is the school’s current International charitable partner. Moving Mountains Trust works with disadvantaged children and communities in Kenya, Tanzania and Nepal. Every two years KES organises a school trip to support the work of this wonderful charity. In summer 2023, 36 pupils & six members of staff embarked on the trip of a lifetime to Kenya. There, they undertook lifechanging charity work while enjoying the trip of a lifetime by climbing Mount Kenya, embarking on a safari in the historical Rift Valley, and immersing themselves in the rich culture. Kenya 2025 planning is underway which will feature a tree-planting initiative.

Z Lascelles

and Science lessons. I have been delighted to see how committed our pupils have been this year. I have received very positive feedback from our placements regarding the pupils’ willingness to engage with the older people and the young children they have helped. They have been consistently positive and enthusiastic, and this is very much appreciated by all concerned. As ever, they have represented the School extremely well within our local community. I look forward to welcoming our new Sixth Formers into the Community Service Programme in September.

E Grainger

Careers

The Year in Careers

The Careers department has organized a year of major events that present opportunities for all to engage with learning, educational encounters, and meetings with employers. Mentor evenings for Year 12s across a wide range of subject areas including Medicine, Psychology, Business & Marketing, Finance and Law have proved to be popular and have allowed the pupils to engage with employers and discuss a wide range of practical questions and issues.

Our larger events, including the inaugural Green Careers and Ethics Convention, allowed our Sixth Formers to listen to 14 industry-leading panellists discuss a wide range of Green and Ethical questions. This was followed in February by an International Women’s Day event, which focused on Inspiring Women and included coaching advice as well as industry deep dives from five fantastic women across a wide range of careers.

The largest event of the year was April’s Careers Convention 2024. We were joined by over 60 delegates

from a wide range of industries, allowing all our pupils in Years 10 – 13 a chance to dip their toe in such disparate careers as Engineering, Farming, Finance and Technology. Our delegates brought models, virtual reality headsets and even a fake cow udder for our pupils to milk! It was a roaring success and the feedback from pupils was outstanding, with hundreds attending and discussing their meetings for weeks.

We are looking forward to continuing the success with Careers in the 2024–25 academic year. This summer, we will be hosting Pulse CSI for the Year 7s, Junior Saunders for the Year 10 Careers’ Day, and sending 100 Year 11 and 12 pupils out on work experience – a busy run into the summer holidays.

As always, if you feel you could offer help to the Careers department, either as a speaker, mentor or by providing work experience, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us on careers@kesbath.com. There is no doubt that we couldn’t achieve all this without your help and support – thank you!

J Rees-Roberts

Prizes 2024

Year 7

Art Rachel Norgate

Biology

Chemistry

Design Technology

Drama

English

French

Geography

German

History

ICT

Latin

Mathematics

Music

Physics

Religious Studies

Spanish

Form Prizes:

7G Form Prize

7H Form Prize

7J Form Prize

7K Form Prize

7L Form Prize

7M Form Prize

Year 8

Viola Jauss

Amelie Blacker

Herschel Clifford

George Thomas

Tilly Rostom

Annabel Graham

Jack Barrington

Digby Frith

Rafe Bowcott

Lottie Rickards

Miranda Hopkins

Jack Barrington

Georgia Gale

Eve Marsden

Gilbert Wilkes

Dylan Arosio

Gene Powell

Ally Brain

Oliver Downes

Emma Thompson

James Fairthorne

Olivia Pope

Art Tiger Huang

Biology

Chemistry

Design Technology

Drama

English

French

Geography

German

History

ICT

Latin

Mathematics

Music

Physics

Religious Studies

The Aon Prize for Spanish

Form Prizes:

8G Form Prize

8H Form Prize

8J Form Prize

8K Form Prize

8L Form Prize

8M Form Prize

Year 9 Prizes

Art

Biology

Chemistry

Computing

Design Technology

Laura Cannock

Raman Shur

Rohan Garner

Bertie Scotland

Eleanor Wilton

Jemimah Barker

Ifor Williams

Katherine Hang

Jess Clayton

Michael Wong

Rufus Lawrie

Ed Griffin

Dyansa Gunatilake

Jesse Quirk

Rory Webb

Milla Hemley

Jess Clayton

Daisy Brett

Becky Baxter

Ellie Worsley

Peter Gamble

Joe Blackburn

Tabitha Beardwell

Alex Gentle

Annabel Howlett

Hafsa Shazuli

Amy Middlebrough

Drama Juliette Gooberman-Hill

English

French

Geography

German

History

Latin

Latin and Greek

Mathematics

Music

Physics

Religious Studies

The Aon Prize for Spanish

Form Prizes:

9H Form Prize

9J Form Prize

9K Form Prize

9L Form Prize

9M Form Prize

Lower & Middle School Special

Simon Wee Cup for Most Improved Year 7 Hockey

Weeks Cup for Lower School Drama

Green Cup for Progress in Instrumental Music

Year 10

Art

Biology

Chemistry

Computing

Design Technology

Drama

Economics and Business Studies

English

French

The Gordon Dobie Memorial Prize for Geography

German

History

The Ewart Willett Prize for Latin

Latin and Greek

Mathematics

Music

Physical Education (Academic)

Physics

Religious Studies

The Aon Prize for Spanish

Form Prizes:

10G Form Prize

10H Form Prize

10J Form Prize

10K Form Prize

10L Form Prize

10M Form Prize

Year 11 Prizes

The Milburn Prize for Art

The Andrew White Prize for Biology

Player

Annabel Howlett

Isabella Gale

Heath Bowcott

Jack Boden

Ben Evans

Ava Shaw

Larissa Dimov

Ava Shaw

Evie Shepperdson

Barnaby Frith

Amy Middlebrough

Savanna Morley

Danny Wilson

George Willis

Eleanor Johnston

Georgia Jones

Wendy Zhang

Peggy Marshall

Lola Clayphan

Callum McGillivray

Phoebe O’Mahony

Hector Wreford-Brown

Rosie McMorris

Joseph Pagnamenta

Jasper Sutcliffe

Cassie Milton

Lily Griffiths

Lydia Fearon

Alex Dolan

Esther Looyis

Albert Marshall

Alex Dolan

Ben Brown

James Foster

Emily Jensen

Indira Pandit

Aidan O’Mahony

Rosie McMorris

Toby Donohue

Ben Manon

Billy Sefton-Moore

Caitlin Street

Sophie Maclean

Charlotte Owen

Emily Pledge

Hannah Moody

Fiona Baines

Izzy Beardwell

The Russett Prize for Business Studies and Economics

The Symons Prize for Chemistry

Combined Science

Computing

Economics and Business Studies

Filip Gromic

The Ridyard Prize for DT

Alice Cochran

Patrick Hewett

Tallulah Gardner-Vela

Hannah Blacker

Lily Livesey

Drama Beth Fear

English Language

The Cawsey Prize for English Literature

The Symons Prize for French

The Rutherford Prize for Geography

The Symons Prize for German

Classical Greek

The Carter Prize for History

The Symons Prize for Latin

The Withy Prize for Mathematics

The Milburn Prize for Music

The Worrall Prize for Physics

Physical Education (Academic)

The Milburn Prize for Religious Studies

The Aon Prize for Spanish

The Roberts Prize for Effort

All Round Academic Performance

All Round Academic Performance

All Round Academic Performance

The Award for Academic Achievement at GCSE

The Award for Academic Achievement at GCSE

The Award for Academic Achievement at GCSE

The Award for Academic Achievement at GCSE

The Award for Academic Achievement at GCSE

Upper School Prizes

Machin Memorial Prize for Service to the Community

The Jefcoate Harbutt Prize for CCF

Year 12 Prizes

The Cork Prize for Art

The Russell Prize for Biology

The Warrender Prize for Business Studies

The Russell Prize for Chemistry

Classical Civilisation

Computing

Drama

The Bennett Prize for Economics

Electronics

English Language

The Hodgson Prize for English Literature

The Milburn Prize for French

The Milburn Prize for Geography

The Pulsford Prize for German

Greek

The Bang Prize for History

The Russell Prize for Latin

The Russell Prize for Mathematics

Anna Winkelmann

Maddy Bobin

Juliette Withey

Jerry Jiang

Finlay Porter

Hannah Blacker

Maddy Bobin

Will Rawstorne

Charlotte Lang

Phoebe Olesen

Charlotte Lang

Alex Tagent

Ava Foyle

Hannah Blacker

Hester Poole

Hannah Blacker

Patrick Hewett

Alice Kwan

Fiona Baines

Jerry Jiang

Alice Cochran

Edward Goodwin

Charlotte Lang

Georgia Gale

Tim Byers

Martha Frank

Hattie Emmett

Megan Pike

Luc Hocknell

Jonty Manners-Bell

Fergus Bell

Neve Riley

Olivia Sheng

Fergus Bell

Edie Bourne-Jones

Lucy Olivia Smith

Tom Scott-Ashe

Toby Swale

Grace Lineko

Ellie Martin

Theodore Spaliviero-Shaw

Elise Withey

Eliza Kline

Classical Civilisation

Computing

Drama

The Black Prize for Design Technology

The Bayliss Silcox Prize for Economics

Ellen Schofield

Lucas Kover-Wolf

Clemmie Gallen

Charlotte Hudson

Fred Wreford-Brown

The Brodrick Prize for English Literature India Purdie

The Thring Prize for French Tristan Rouvière-Hyde

The Turner Prize for Geography Ritvij Roy

The Thring Prize for German

The Jim Harris Memorial Prize for Further Mathematics

The Edmund White Prize for Music

Philosophy

Photography

Physical Education

The Russell Prize for Physics

Politics

Psychology

The Francis Prize for Religious Studies

The Aon Prize for Spanish

The Former Parents’ Prize for Technology (DT)

Year 13 Prizes

The Milburn Prize for Art

The Tuttell Prize for Biology

The Hayes Prize for Business Studies

The Tuttell Prize for Chemistry

Alex Lake

Bethan Cheshire

Abby Baxter

George Rice

Amber Tiley

Owen Williams

Zac Gentle

Sienna Lawrence

Grace Burn

Clotilde Motel

Miles Addenbrooke

Annika Moorhouse

Charlie Emptage

Jess Stoddart

Danny Nguyen

Alice Powell

The Carrington Prize for History Lola Record

The Symons Prize for Latin Charlie McGuire

The Withy Prize for Mathematics

The Kenwood Prize for Further Mathematics

Maria Mergoupis

Danny Nguyen

The John Brown Prize for Music Emma Hocking

Philosophy Lola Record

Photography Madeleine Johnston

The Price Prize for Physics Cosmo Sutcliffe

Politics Dan Abbey

Psychology Maia West

The Francis Prize for Religious Studies Pia Comer

The Aon Prize for Spanish Lola Record

The Buckingham Cup for Sport Studies

Erica Baxter

The Don Bateman Prize for Field Studies Agathe Motel

Special Prizes

The Morant Prize for Outstanding

All Round Academic Performance Luke Smith

All Round Academic Performance Lucas Kover Wolf

All Round Academic Performance Joe Reece

All Round Academic Performance Ritvij Roy

All Round Academic Performance Marcus Krysztopik

All Round Academic Performance Cosmo Sutcliffe

The Kenwood Millennium Prize for Academic Excellence Danny Nguyen

The Kenwood Millennium Prize for Academic Excellence Lola Record

The Kenwood Millennium Prize for Academic Excellence Alex Stricklin

The Kenwood Millennium Prize for Academic Excellence Jess Stoddart

The Kenwood Millennium Prize for Academic Excellence Josh Lang

The Kenwood Millennium Prize for Academic Excellence Maia West

Stanley Hardy Prize for Presentation George Walton

The Jubilee Prize for Academic Effort Elsie Bruton

The Jubilee Prize for Academic Effort Rafee Jabarin

The Jubilee Prize for Academic Effort David O’Herlihy

The Jubilee Prize for Academic Effort Sheev Tirbhowan

The Laurence Cook Prize for Endeavour Ellen Schofield

The Dr Roy Holman Prize for Captain of Rugby George Ritchie

The Sheppard Prize for Contribution to Rugby Benedict von Arx

The Harvey Cup for Excellence in the Performing Arts Benjie Poole

The Lombard Trophy for Enterprise and Initiative George White

The Benbow Trophy for Service to the Community Beatrice Butt

The Mead Sixth Form Prize for Philanthropy Joe Johnson

The Wilmot Prize for Community Service Alastair Claydon

The Wilmot Prize for Community Service Hattie Emmett

The Sword of Honour Owen Williams

The White Cup for Cricketer of the Year Ava Ojomoh

The Holbeche Prize for Boys’ Hockey Josh Lang

The Holbeche Prize for Boys’ Hockey Ned Boursin

The Holbeche Prize for Netball Molly Livesey

The Holbeche Prize for Girls’ Hockey Bella Lowton

The Lang Jones Prize for Sporting Spirit Sheev Tirbhowan

The Lang Jones Prize for Sporting Spirit Lola Record

The Amos Prize for Outstanding Contribution to the Arts Festival Angus Cannock

The IFS Student Investor Prize for Business and Economics Oliver Buck

The Quill Prize for Creative Writing Elise Withey

The Stocks Prize for Head Prefects Cameron Finnigan

The Stocks Prize for Head Prefects Lara Finch

Independence Day

Mike Horrocks-Taylor

Mike Horrocks-Taylor joined KES at Easter, 2005 as Deputy Head, preceding my own arrival at the School by a term. As well as being responsible for the pastoral life of King Edward’s in those early years, his many and varied responsibilities also included the oversight and management of ICT, as well as holding a key role in strategic development and Governor liaison, two areas in which he would continue to play an important part throughout his time here.

When I became Head in the summer of 2008, Mike’s role also evolved, and we agreed that his title should change as well. Initially, we both had some reservations about ‘Second Master’, wondering whether it perhaps felt just a bit old fashioned, but we eventually settled on that as an appropriate linguistic marker to reflect both Mike’s new duties and focus and also the different dynamic of the partnership that would become central to the management and leadership of King Edward’s School for the next 16 years. Looking back, I think that it was a good choice, and ‘Second Master’ has felt like the right title – one with gravitas and status, tradition and purpose, a mantle that bespeaks wisdom and reassurance and which I, for one, will always associate with Mike, even though others, such as Crispin Rowe, John Wroughton and Ewart Willett (of KES dining hall fame) have also carried it with great distinction in decades past. Indeed, with our Senior Deputy Head, Claire Losse, stepping into Mike’s shoes – and into his office from August – that title (along with the brass door plate that bears it!) will go with him.

Amongst his many roles and responsibilities during his time at KES, Mike has been Acting Headmaster, stepping in to run the School with

Valedictories

great verve and efficiency during my sabbatical last summer, for which I was very grateful. He was also Acting Head of the Junior School in the last Autumn term, an eye opening experience which was both enjoyable and challenging and one which Mike took on with his customary diligence, resolve and good humour. Mike is also a valued ISI Inspector – which in turn has had immeasurable value to KES on the several occasions on which we have been inspected over the last 16 years – and, following a stellar playing career, including for Rosslyn Park and for Bordeaux in SW France, Mike has also been a very successful rugby coach at all the schools he has worked at, including KES. Not least, he has been an enthusiastic and much appreciated Teacher of Geography –the best teacher ever, according to one current KES parent who was taught by Mike at a previous school! According to his Head of Geography at KES, when it comes to the hard graft of the classroom, Mike has always been prepared to teach any topic to any age group – any topic whatsoever, as long as it’s Glaciation! Over the years, Mike’s contributions to many Geography field trips have also been valued, although it was also noted that his occasional need to nip off to check his e-mails whilst on a trip often seemed to involve a visit to the nearest café for coffee and cake; well, you’ve got to support the local economy, haven’t you?

At various times during his nearly two decades at KES, Mike has co-ordinated the agendas for, and chaired the meetings of, the Leadership Group, Senior Management Team and Whole School Management Team; he has ensured ISI readiness and been the Co-ordinator and point of contact for Inspections; he has taken a lead role in strategic development, including bringing creative ideas and pragmatism to a range of capital projects, and indeed he is the architect and author

of the current School Development Plan; he has overseen CPD and staff development, including taking on the huge task of managing the School’s Professional Review systems, and has been the liaison with Marketing and responsible for the School’s PR; not to be undervalued, he has also been responsible for the School’s preparations for, and response to, incidences of severe weather, earning the affectionate nickname of ‘Mr Snow’ along the way!

As Second Master, Mike has played a vital Whole School Management role in helping to oversee the work of the Pre-Prep and Junior Schools, liaising closely with Jayne Gilbert, Greg Taylor and, more recently, Sean Price, and he has also been an ever present along with myself at all Governing Board and Committee meetings, helping to ensure that all voices and interests within the School are represented in these important discussions. Perhaps one of the toughest of Mike’s many roles has come in his work as the School’s Designated Safeguarding Lead, or DSL. The huge importance – as well as the potentially deeply personal impact – of working with often very challenging child protection and safeguarding matters cannot be overstated. During his time at the School, Mike has been instrumental not only in investigating sometimes upsetting situations and having often difficult conversations with pupils, colleagues, parents and other authorities, but also in transforming the culture of the School to ensure that safeguarding is always at the forefront of our consciousness and at the heart of our actions and that knowledge, vigilance and sensitivity around safeguarding matters are embedded into everything we do, from recruitment to training to day to day operations in school and beyond. For me, this is one of Mike’s greatest achievements – and legacies – amongst many as Second Master of King Edward’s.

In my letter to Mike at the start of his term as Acting Junior School Head last September, I wrote: “I know that you will bring all your wisdom, experience, skill and good humour into doing a fantastic job.” That’s ‘good humour’ despite coming from Yorkshire! It is a list of qualities that have also, of course, applied throughout Mike’s time at KES and in each of those many roles outlined above, and to which can be added: hard work, attention to detail, sound judgement, sensitivity, thoughtful articulation, a willingness to pick up many of the more challenging and thankless jobs that come along and also to put in the hundreds of hours behind the scenes that often go unseen and an intuitive ability to negotiate his way successfully through the complexities of the human relations that make up so much of our professional lives. Perhaps what shines though most strongly with Mike is his honesty, clear sense of integrity, unyielding belief in the virtues and ethos that reflect KES, great loyalty and great friendship. Throughout it all, he has been unstintingly supportive, forward thinking and always as positive as he can be, even when the going has got tough, as it certainly has on occasion.

As right hand man to both me and my predecessor, Crispin Rowe, Mike has been an anchor of stability, good sense and wise counsel during one of the most successful phases in the School’s history. On behalf of everyone in the King Edward’s community, I should like to thank him for almost two decades of superb service and valued friendship, and to wish him good luck with the consulting, research, dry stone walling, cycling, travelling and all the other exciting plans that make up the semi-retirement that awaits and that he richly deserves.

MJ Boden

Jon Griffin

Longstanding and highly treasured KES Brass teacher, Jon Griffin, retires after 36 years’ service! Jon, ever the master storyteller even recalls the move from Broad Street, and it is this friendly, humorous and approachable manner that has endeared him to countless brass pupils and colleagues throughout the school. Jon has led the Wind and Brass ensembles, the jazz ensemble, and he has been a key tutor in the Junior School’s whole class Wind Band programme for Year 4 and the Junior School Wind band. As Jon teaches brass from the highest cornet and trumpet parts to the lowest tuba roles, we will deeply miss his teaching and pastoral expertise. How will we cover challenging resets of the stage in concerts now without Jon and his countless jokes and stories to keep the audience warm and onside, not to mention his requests for smoke machines and even gorilla costumes! We will miss you, Jon! Happy and welldeserved retirement!

R Drury

Catherine Bruton

Fifteen years ago, we were given to believe Catherine had arrived from London with her young family. But it soon became evident she had beamed down from an alternate universe; one where there were more hours in the day than the rest of us are afforded. By the time we have eaten our breakfast, Catherine will have recorded a poetry podcast, marked and given immensely sensitive and detailed feedback on a class set of essays, written an article for the TES and then had a few minutes spare to whip up a batch of cookies for her Year 13 class in the shape of Yorick’s skull!

Catherine’s career as multi-awardwinning novelist has flourished while at KES but she has remained unwaveringly committed to her students and the department. She will be remembered for her infectious passion for literature and creative writing alongside her insistence that every student fulfils their potential in her classroom. Her legacy includes raising the profile of the creative arts in the school. Be it running the Creative Writing Society, founding the Anthology (a home for our students’ extraordinary creative output), or adapting one of her novels for a school production, Catherine has tirelessly championed the arts. She has nurtured the talent of countless students – editing and publishing their work, encouraging them to seek national recognition in prestigious competitions and simply role modelling what it looks like to have a successful career in the Arts.

Catherine’s multitude of talents will be sorely missed but more so Catherine’s warmth, kindness and friendship. We wish her all the best in her move to St Mary’s, Calne.

Z Kayaçan

The Mike Bull that I met in 2017 was professional, considerate, and engaging. In the intervening years Mike has continued to be all of those things, but I have had the joy of discovering the other side that he hid so well on our first meeting; that which is hilarious, irreverent, and devoted to this beautiful subject.

Mike has been the most motivating, competent, and enthusiastic Head of Department. He is an outstanding teacher and we have learned so much from him. It is astonishing how many young lives have been positively influenced by him. His warmth and humour are consistently on display, and he always gets the best from his pupils. Mike has also proven himself to be a guiding force in the pastoral, sports and UCAS realms. He pushed himself to complete the NPQLTD course and helped to drive the professional development of staff.

While we have always admired Mike as a colleague, we also consider him a friend. Department meetings have felt like social gatherings and school trips like the best types of holidays due to Mike’s gregariousness. There is a strong sense of trust, there in good times and bad: we have cried tears of laughter and sadness in his presence, and we thank him for all that he has provided to us.

Mike has had a huge impact on me, the Classics department, his students, and all of KES. Our community will miss him, and we wish him all the best of luck to him and his family as he moves on to pastures new. KES’ loss is certainly Merchant Taylors’ gain. vale, magister amiceque noster. tibi maximas gratias.

P Feeney

Michael Barber’s unusual pathway into teaching began with a professional rugby career, before taking a teaching assistant post at St. Lawrence School in Bradford on Avon. Highly motivated, he gained full qualified teacher status to teach Business and Economics while working full-time.

An OE, Michael applied for the newly offered post to teach Business studies and games. His enthusiasm and knowledge shone through, and he cemented his place within the KES staff as a likeable and professional colleague. Arriving as a teacher of business, he left KES as an economics and business teacher and led A level classes to their final examinations. He soared to a pastoral management role as Head of Years 8–11. Michael worked with grit and determination to show KES students how to conduct themselves with honesty and integrity.

Michael’s rugby knowledge combine with all the precision and clarity of a professional coach was a masterclass in the very best teaching practice. Michael was also involved in various enterprise groups and the forerunner of the KESenterprize initiative, which continues to run a decade later in Years 9 and 12.

Michael has set for pastures new with a Head of Sixth form post at Millfield School. We wish him every success and I will especially miss him as a colleague and a good friend.

G Butterworth

David Lehmann joined King Edward’s in September 2015, having previously taught Maths and been a head of year, as well as a head of house at King Edward’s School Aston.

In the 9 years that he has been with us, he has really thrown himself into all aspects of the school. He is a fantastic teacher and pupils from year 7 all the way up to year 13 further mathematicians have all benefitted from his patient and hands on approach, and his love and dedication to the subject.

In his early years, he demonstrated his flexibility by taking on the extra responsibility of lower school PSHE coordinator for a year, and he has brought about new and successful initiatives to the department in his role of 2nd in department for the last 4 years. His many contributions include overseeing the years 9–11 curriculum, setting up Maths trips and visiting speakers, organising mutual observations and taking the minutes at department meetings.

Contributions to the school outside the classroom include running lower school football sessions, and then more recently basketball. His experience, energy and enthusiasm have made him a highly valued colleague on activity week trips to Marbella, Berlin, Paris and Manor Adventure.

He leaves us to join Kingswood as head of department and he will be hugely missed. We wish him the best of luck for his future with his wife and 3 children.

R Pagnamenta

Mike Bull

Michael Barber

David Lehmann

Lucie Perris

Miss Perris joined KES as a FullTime Music teacher in 2015. She immediately got into her stride supporting nearly all elements of the KES Music programme as a teacher, director, singer and clarinettist.

She directed KES Wind, KES MEN and co-ordinated many high-profile performances including the Autumn Colours and Lower School Concerts, and KES’ flagship soloists’ concert, the Holburne Museum Concert in the Spring Term. Miss Perris has a deep love for music theatre and musically directed the band and cast in the Middle School Production of Beauty and the Beast in 2017 as well as other joint productions with the Drama Department, such as Pop! The Musical.

Miss Perris’ great skills stretched to KES Netball and Rugby, and she was also Charities Co-ordinator. A major new focus for her talents arrived in 2020 when she became Head of Year 8. Her outstanding pastoral care and deep commitment to all pupils in her care has continued to thrive and develop, and she left KES holding the position of Head of Year 11.

Miss Perris is an excellent Music teacher who is deeply missed by pupils and colleagues alike. She has taken up a brave new challenge as Head of Music at Brookhouse International School in Nairobi, and we wish her every success and happiness in her exciting future.

R Drury

Philip Perry

Flaneur of the Q block corridor, bedecked in Liberty print, Philip first strode into the English department in 2017. His background in acting, directing, and producing have contributed to a classroom persona as beloved by reluctant readers as the highest academic flyers. Furthermore, Philip’s inexhaustible knowledge of all things literary, cultural and artistic mean that he is always on hand with a fascinating tidbit: did you know Alexander Pope was only four feet six inches tall? And should you find yourself stranded without a book on the bedside table, I would recommend no one more highly than Philip to give you a recommendation of what to read next.

When not delivering rousing paeans to whatever text is on the English syllabus, Philip can be found as a Head of Year supporting his charges with sensitivity and compassion, as they navigate through their teenage years. Philip departs to take on the new challenge of Head of Faculty at a school in Suffolk, where he grew up. It all sounds wonderfully like something from between the pages of an Evelyn Waugh novel. Philip, we will miss your wit and friendship but wish you all the best with your move.

Z Kayaçan

Sara Hutchings

Having joined the Maths department in 2017, Sara Hutchings has proven to be an experienced, caring, and gifted colleague. She has taught all years with a love of the subject and meticulous planning. She has a multitude of talents, including grade 8 piano. She retires after a long and successful career as a Maths teacher, which includes being a Head of Maths for many years before to coming to King Edward’s.

Her impact wasn’t confined to equations and theorems – she has also contributed to many other areas of the school, including the CCF and the Duke of Edinburgh Award. We would like to wish her luck with her retirement; it is no surprise that she has already lined up exciting challenges, including walking the Cotswold Way and continuing with her love of raising and training rescue dogs and taking them to competitions. We wish her all the best for the future.

R Pagnamenta

Claire Gruzelier

Over her 6 years at KES, Claire has never lost her calm considered and caring nature. She is an absolute godsend, having taught every aspect of Classics throughout her long and distinguished career, teaching all ages and abilities in the three Classical disciplines. Within the Classics community, Claire has edited Omnibus Magazine, interviewed for Oxford University and is a keen member of the Bristol Classical Association.

Claire’s love of the arts made her a natural help at School productions and on numerous Classics Trips providing invaluable support to students. On the Senior Classics Trip to Greece, Claire proved to be the ‘walking Wikipedia.’ The Junior Latin Club will miss her enthusiasm, innovation, and artistic flair. Her Montessori Colosseum and Roman Arch Engineering sets will be missed on Open Day.

Claire leaves us to take up a post at Badminton School in Bristol. We will miss the soothing tones of that New Zealand lilt immensely and wish her every success for what lies beyond.

forsan et haec olim meminisse iuvabit

M Bull

Laura James

Laura brought enthusiasm and creativity to KES in 2019 when she became head of Computer Science. Under her leadership, the subject grew in popularity with increased A Level and GCSE class sizes, attracting more girls than ever. Laura has introduced new topics to the curriculum such as programming and machine learning and has encouraged a wide range of Computer Science related activities like Coding Club, Cipher Challenge club and the Raspberry Pi Club. She has supported the Cyber First national programs, especially Cyber First Girls, which we won in 2020. The KES Cyber First team won the National Final in Cardiff and got to the semifinal stage in Cheltenham in 2022. More recently Laura took two teams that qualified for the Raspberry Pi Competition Final at Google’s HQ in London. She is also talented lead singer of Bath’s own 80s tribute band, Rubix Groove. Laura leaves KES for an exciting post as Learning Manager at the Raspberry Pi Foundation. She will be sorely missed by her students, her form and all the staff at KES.

Dr L Wainer

Maria Garcia

Maria leaves the KES piano teaching quartet for a move to the British School of Kuwait. Having been KES’s 1st Music Accompanist and Performance Coach she moved on to Bath Spa University before returning to KES to share her outstanding piano teaching and accompanying skills at KES once again. We wish to thank her for your not only her enthusiasm, boundless energy, professionalism and positivity that she constantly exudes, but also her warm friendship. We wish her every happiness and success!

R Drury

Greg Barrett

Greg was a superb Sports Coach for KES these past five years. He made the role his own and challenged the delivery, pedagogy and the why’s of what we do, not just in the rugby programme, but all aspects of sport and PE. Greg coached netball, cricket, tennis across the age groups and often thought outside the box. His unique style meant transferable skills from rugby made all his lessons engaging. In his time here, Greg also personally completed his Level 3 Rugby Coaching Award. His major roles within Rugby included lead coach for the U15A team and coordinator of the lower school programme (years 5–7). He was the Head coach of Old Edwardians RFC, where he recruited a number of leavers to maintain their connection and carry on playing the game. We wish him well in his new Role as Head of Rugby at King’s Bruton School.

S Lilley

Liz Donovan

Liz has guided and nurtured KES solo singers to new heights of proficiency, profile, and projection! An experienced operatic singer herself, her deep knowledge of the technicalities of the art and her kind manner has enabled pupils to reach the highest levels of achievement and grades in singing. Liz has not only supported all the major KES Music vocal events but has also been a vocal coach in school productions such as 2022’s We Will Rock You. Liz initiated and coached the Music Theatre singing workshops in the Autumn Term. We wish her every happiness and success as she takes up a conservatoire position to be a singing teacher at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff.

R Drury

Tristram Hager

We could not believe our great fortune when the stars aligned to bring Tris and his young family to the South West just as English needed a Head of Department for maternity cover. Having lead departments at Charterhouse and St Paul’s, Tris seamlessly took the helm. Rarely do you meet someone whose talents are in such starkly inverse relation to their propensity for selfpromotion but it is this discrepancy which has proven to be one of Tris’ most endearing characteristics as a colleague and teacher. In the three years Tris has been with us, students and colleagues have admired his quiet erudition, his extraordinary intellect and his tireless dedication to teaching English and maintaining the success of the department. After signing up to cover one period of maternity leave but having now done two, we thank Tris for all he has done here and wish him the very best as he departs to lead Cheltenham College’s English Department.

Z Kayaçan

Tamilla Thomas

Tamilla Thomas’ vivacious energy and enthusiastic teaching style has won the hearts and minds of all her pupils. Tamilla has developed the skills of the violin sections in the KES Baroque Group and KES Senior Orchestra, led the KES Wind team, and debuted as Musical Director of the Year 9 production, Oliver, Jr.! We will sorely miss the joy she brings, particularly as having appeared on the show ‘Masterchef’, you can imagine how amazing and now famous Tamilla’s chocolate brownies are!

R Drury

New Staff

David is delighted to be rejoining KES as a Teacher of Business. Having previously taught here during 2020/21, he is in familiar territory. Before embarking on a teaching career, David worked in industry, most notably as a financial spokesperson for Which? magazine. He started his professional career as a football player for Bristol City and has used his experience to coach at several professional clubs. David enjoys spending free time with his family and is looking forward to supporting senior football with the guidance of ‘The Gaffer’ Mr Chapman.

Sarah Burns joined KES as a teacher of History and Politics. She joins us from Epsom College, having moved in order to be in beautiful Bath with her young family (including husband Nicholas, a fellow teacher at KES). Her teaching career began over six years ago at a primary school in Wuhan, China, after which she decided to gain the qualifications necessary to teach in the UK. She has loved her years in boarding schools but is enjoying the freedom of day school life! When not teaching, Sarah loves baking and spending time outdoors, running.

David Blake

Sarah Burns

Cordelia Scott joined the KES community in September 2023 and is part of the Learning Support Department. Previously, Cordelia taught at The Paragon Junior School and had a variety of teaching roles during her twelve years there. After having children, she decided to specialise in Learning Support. Cordelia enjoys spending time with her young family, walking the family’s energetic spaniel and planning the next ‘project’ that needs to happen in the home she bought with her husband during Covid.

Emilie Saban was born and raised in Faugères, a tiny wine making village in France. She moved to Bristol 9 years ago, after her degree, and started as a Language Assistant at BGS and then at Orchard School. She completed her teacher training the following year and has spent the last 5 years at Hayesfield Girls’ School, designing the French A-level curriculum. She enjoys well-translated puns and admires Anthea Bell’s translation work on the Asterix novels. She can be found most weekends on her allotment in Bristol renovating her greenhouse and planting artichokes.

Nicholas Burns joined KES in September 2003 as a teacher of Classics (with some History and Religious Studies too). He has moved from Harrow as part of a long wishedfor return to Bath. He attended Kingswood School as a boy and fell in love with the city; being a classics teacher here has been his ambition ever since he started his career. He has moved to KES with his wife Sarah Burns, who has also started teaching at KES. When not working he enjoys running, reading, and writing.

Izzy Fitzharris rejoined KES this year, thirteen years after leaving as a pupil to study at Oxford. After a few years in marketing and publishing, she completed a PGCE at the University of Bristol in 2019 and spent three years at Wellsway School in Keynsham before coming back to her roots at King Edward’s. In her spare time, she enjoys crochet, walking up hills, spending time with friends and family and travelling to places old and new.

Grace McPherson moved to KES after working at Dauntsey’s School for three years. Following graduation from the University of Manchester, she lived in San Sebastian (Spain) teaching English as a Foreign Language. She lives locally and in her free time she can be found walking the Bath Skyline trail, hunting in vain for literary bargains at Toppings or listening to the Spanish Top 40.

Lucy Greer joined the English department in September 2023 from South Wilts Grammar School following her young family’s relocation from London where she had taught at Lady Eleanor Holles School. A film aficionado and jewellery-maker in her spare time, Lucy will be on Maternity Leave for the academic year 20242025 following the birth of Teddy in the summer but looks forward to returning to KES after her period of leave.

Nicholas Burns

Izzy Fitzharris

Grace McPherson

Lucy Greer

Cordelia Scott

Emile Saban

Credits

Photography: Andy Lloyd, Charlie Matters, Derryn Vranch, David McGirr, Neil Purcell, Staff and pupils of King Edward’s School

Assistant Editor: Lisa Bowman Editor: Neil Purcell

Acknowledgements

Cover Image: K Simonds

Design: Eatcake Design, Bristol

Cover Image Location: Iceland

Additional images: © stock.adobe.com

@KESBath /KESBath KESBath www.kesbath.com © King Edward’s School 2024