Welcome to our Summer edition of KES Life: the magazine written by students, for students
We hope you enjoy reading it over the summer holidays and we will be back in the Autumn term!
2. Reflections on Summer
3-5. Top Travel Destinations
6. Gion Matsuri
7-8. Pride
9-10. Interview with Mr Parker 11-12. Summer Desserts
13. Book Review: Mornings in Jenin
14. Theatre review: The Lion King
15. Theatre Review: Joseph
16. Normandy trip 17-18. Meet the new student leaders
19-20. Creative Writing
21. Sport in Focus: Rowing
22. Concourse Conversation
23. Puzzle Page
R E F L E C T I O N S O N
SUMMER
By Evie W, Lower Sixth
Photographs by Lily C-D, Lower Sixth
The summer term is one of cricket matches, Founders’ Day, the end of exams and countless other summer activities.
June saw the U6 and Year 11 finish their exams for the summer and leave behind the rest of the school enjoying the remainder of the year Although the school has felt emptier without them, we wish them all the best whether they are starting a new journey elsewhere or returning to KES next year
From cricket matches in the sun with ice creams in hand, to Founders’ Day festivities, the final weeks of the summer term have a different energy to the rest of the year The school goes into a slower, more reflective pace Students have enjoyed the new volleyball net on the school field, and are looking forward to the ever competitive Sports Day! Lessons still carry on but there's a definite collective exhale after a year of hard work. Yet alongside the calm of these final weeks is a growing excitement an eager countdown to the school holidays
As the academic year comes to an end, we are all looking forward to our long summer break It’s a season that means something different to everyone. For some, summer is a time for travel and exploration; flying to exotic locations and sightseeing across the world For others, it is a chance to relax, reset, and catch up with the latest book by their favourite author or simply top up their Vitamin D in the back garden Summer may be the feeling of stepping off a plane into the heat, or it may be the planning of trips to the lake with friends, and warm evening walks
As we prepare to close the chapter on this academic year, there’s time to reflect on all we’ve achieved: the finishing of exams, coursework, lessons, performances, sport matches, and more The year has been full of challenges, but also of new friendships, and achievements We all look forward to welcoming the new students that join us next year, and starting a new academic year But for now, here's to summer and a well earned break for both staff and students!
by Mia D, Year 10
Asthesummertimerollsaround,people’sexcitementpeaksknowingthatinacoupleof weeks they may well be on a flight to a hot new country. It makes one wonder what someofthemostpopularplacesaretotravel.Well,hereI’llbelookingatthecountries mostvisitedin2024
France
Withover89millionpeoplevisiting,France was the most popular destination. Many immersed themselves in the nightlife of Paris when the Eiffel Tower lights up to show itself in full glory. A lot of young people were visiting Disneyland Paris which has lots of attractions. However, many visitors overlook alternative gems France has to offer; for example Annecy also known as ‘Venice of Alps’. ‘Venice of Alps’ has many sites that offer charming views that will leave visitors in awe. Lake Annecy is one of the purest in Europe that providesswimmerswithclearwaters
Spain
The hot regions of Spain offer tourists many opportunities to explore Spanish culture. According to the website ‘Idealists Madrid’, Madrid provides exciting tours like tapas tours where you hop around different neighbourhoods. Furthermore there are many historic buildings such as “Temple of Debod’ which is an Egyptian temple almost 2,200 years old. However if you are looking to have a sun-bathing holiday then the most popular beach, Praia de Rodas on the Cíes Island, is a placeIwoulddefinitelyrecommend.
United States of America
Now I can’t say I’m surprised with this being the 3rd most visited country; however, many people don’t fully explore the country Out of the 52 states, only 4 states are normally visited: California, Texas, New York and Florida. Whilst these states do provide tourists with stunning beaches, sights, shopping and history, many forget the less explored areas like South Dakota. Knownforitsiconic attraction,Mount
Mount Rushmore, South Dakota is fullofnaturalbeauty Fromtheclear sunsets that set over the plains to thevarietyofanimalsthatlivethere. America is a good place to visit because it has something for everyone Whether you are into climbingorrollercoastersormaybe you are there to enjoy the sun, you will surely find a state to fulfil your holidaydreams.
Italy
What is Italy not known for? This country is filled with beautiful sights, food, music and more. Known for its pasta and wine, Italy is filled with endless vineyards which provides touristswithaniceopportunitytogoandvisit the countryside and get a taste of authentic pasta. Furthermore, many go for the taste of gelato that can cool you down whilst walking throughthehotstreets.Nowforthosewholike mythology, the country can provide glimpses of legends and temples which hold so much history Walking through Italy feels like a dream as you witness the picturesque landscape and houses. Shopping is a dream since you find so many vintage and unique clothes that you can’t find here Now if you want a relaxing boat ride, I would suggest going to Venice, and ride on a gondola. Lake Como is nestled between the foot of the Alps. It is the third largest lake in Italy, also known for its appearance in Star Wars - Attack of Clones However, many go there to visit its exclusiveambience
China
China is known for a numerous number of ideas: the state, religion and food. It’s wide rangeoftastepallets.ManyvisitChinaforthe exciting life of Shanghai, where at night the city comes alive Or for the long walk of the GreatWallofChinawhichwasoriginallybuilt toseparatethetwosidesofChina;butnowis there as a way of walking through history. Personally I would highly recommend that if youdovisitChina,thentakeadaytovisitthe countryside where there are extensive mountainrangesandforests;whichcanstun many people. Moreover, tourists find that items like food and clothes are relatively cheap A lot of Asian countries are known for the convenience stores which are open for the majority of the day. As well as that China isknownforitsextensiveamountoffoodand the quality. Each bite you have is filled with differenttexturesandflavour;theseallowitto beanexclusivefoodareaformany
Turkey
Known for its rich culture and food, Turkey is one that will shock many, with its stunning mosques like the Blue Mosque or the many markets where you can find a number of gems. Did you know that in 2022 over 1.25 million people flew out to Turkey for plastic surgery? Though Turkey is very well known for their success rates with plastic surgery, it is more than that One thing that makes Turkey special is the hot air balloons over Cappadocia where you will witness the morning sunrise over the desert and city. Lots ofpeoplewhovisitTurkeyalwaysrecommend going to the Turquoise Coast which has a clear,turquoisesealiningasandybeach.
Dating from 869, Gion Matsuri (the festival of Yasaka Shrine) is Japan’s largest festival; it takes place during mid-July in Kyoto. There is no one specific event that happens but instead multiple However, the one that most people go to is Yamaboko Junko (procession of floats) on July 17 and 24.
This festival was created to please the gods responsible for earthquakes and fires During 869, many people were suffering from the plague, so Emperor Sewia gave prayers to Susanoo-noMikoto (god of Yasaka Shrine). 66 halberds were prepared and shown in a garden south of the imperial palace This was then repeated for outbreaks of the plague until year 1000, when it became annual. During the 15th century it didn’t take place because of the civil war; however during the late 1700s, it was reintroduced.
There are two different types of floats: 23 yama and 10 hokos. The hokos are around 25m tall and weigh 12 tons. The floats are adorned with craftwork like woven fabric, dyed textiles and sculptures.
Some people refer to these as ‘mobile art museums’ because of their beauty The Yama’s carry life-sized figures of deities, and musicians sit in floats as they are pulled down the street by ropes. Three days before the procession (known as Yoiyama), floats are displayed half a kilometre of the inert section of Karasuma and Shijo streets Between 18:00-23:00, all the streets close and are replaced with endless food stands and other stools. On the 17th July, at 9:00, the floats start a three kilometre route along Shijo, Kawaramachi and Okie streets Visitors may purchase reserved seating however many choose to stand somewhere on the float’s routes.
Other events that tourists may enjoy are the assembling of the floats; built without any nails, visitors are intrigued to see the craftsmanship that goes into making one of these heavy floats Furthermore, Mikoshi is a procession that happens on 17th July at 18:00; this event involves carrying the shrine deity through grounds and a town in Mikoshi On 24th July it is returned to the shrine
at KES
by Shana G, Year 10
Here at KES, we have enjoyed another vibrant Pride month, culminating in a big celebration out on the field. But what is Pride and why do people celebrate it? Shana is here to tell us more about this important event.
To many, Pride means a multitude of things It means community and safety. It reminds us that we are all equal and should be equally celebrated. It proves that love shouldn’t be defined by social ‘norms’ or religious opinion Pride symbolises the purity and innocence of love in all of its forms. However, to
almost everyone that is part of the LGBTQ+ community, it’s a celebration of their life and their feelings. It’s a time of freedom and inner expression. The marches provide a break from the life, allowing us to connect and build new relationships. It surrounds us with people who have lived with similar
experiences. For those who suffer due to the ignorance of others, it reminds them that they are not alone. Even for those who are not a part of the LGBTQ+ community, Pride provides joy, where those they care about can feel loved and understood. Pride celebrates equality and can be enjoyed by all.
pride Originated from the Stonewall Riots which were a series of spontaneous protests against the police violence and social discrimination against minorities in 1969
at KES
To celebrate Pride, Kira in Lower Sixth interviewed Jack and Peggy, who cofounded Pride at KES as well as being Diversity and Sustainability Prepositors.
Q:Why do we need to support LGBTQIA+ community?
Jacky: Because historically, LGBTQIA+ people have been a marginalised group, who are still fighting for their rights, so it is extremely important to make everyone feel included and create a diverse community.
Peggy: LGBTQ+ people can not do anything about who they are, it is a part of their identitythe way they identify. This is why we need to support them, because not supporting them will not change who they are. There is no reason not to, I don’t see why people would disagree with a lifestyle that isn’t theirs and that is not impacting them.
Q: Why are LGBTQIA+ rights important?
Jacky: Love is love- everyone should be able to be with the person they love; people with different gender identities should be able to express themselves.
Peggy: Similar to the previous question- everyone’s rights are important, LGBTQ+ people don’t choose to be that way and there is no point to suppress them. This is why we should allow everyone to identify and support everyone’s identities. As a society we are stronger in diversification.
Q What does pride month mean to you personally?
Jacky: A celebration as well as a protest. An opportunity to fight against the laws that discriminate against the LGBTQIA+ community
Peggy: Personally, other people have never given me issues about my identity, so I think of it as a time when I can celebrate the identities of other people around me and help people who may not have been supported. It is the time to let everyone know that they are accepted.
Q: What does KES do to promote equality?
Jacky: Pride Soc, Fem Soc, we have many places where we discuss political issues like: the Supreme Court ruling and keeping up with social issues.
Peggy: We have got lots of different societies, there are: Fem Soc, Multicultural Society, Pride Soc. There are lots of different places where you can go and see people who think the same way as you and can support you. There are also quite regularly assemblies about this topic, highlighting that bullying is not tolerated.
Q: What can students do to support the community?
Jacky: In daily conversations we can avoid assuming people’s gender identity and sexual orientation. We can also always ask clarification on their pronouns and never force people to come out about their sexual orientation if they don’t feel comfortable to do so.
Peggy: They can ask questions about Pride, there should not be a stigma about asking your friends that are LGBTQ about their experiences with their identity. Support curiosity, and people will learn more about it.
AN INTERVIEW WITH... MR PARKER
By Aaryan
B, Max R, Sam W and Oliver C, Year 8
WITH THE RECENT ANNOUNCEMENT THAT KES WILL BE MERGING WITH PRINCE’S MEAD, WE DECIDED TO CATCH UP WITH MR PARKER TO FIND OUT MORE
What are your thoughts on the merger between Princes Mead and KES?
Mr Parker: Well, I am excited about it! Behind the scenes, there has been an awful lot of work that has taken a long time so I am delighted that we can talk about it openly now But, broadly speaking I am very excited for the future of both schools
How long has this decision taken?
Mr Parker: This has taken all of this year. We were first in contact with each other right at the tail end of last year or the beginning of this year
What were the reasons for this merge?
Mr Parker: Well, for Princes Mead they have always been a close school to KES, so we have always had a number of links. So, I think formalising that was something they were keen to do. And, from our point of view, pretty much the same reasons Already, a majority of Princes Mead pupils come to KES, and it is a school that has really similar values so for us it was a really natural fit.
Is there going to be any effect on KES?
Mr Parker: Not as far as pupils and parents are concerned We are set up to teach our pupils and that will continue to be the case. What I hope is that it will strengthen our teaching and our opportunities outside the classroom because we will have a wider group of teachers to work alongside and to learn from. It is more likely to be linked to our prep school than our senior school So, as far as for teachers and pupils are concerned, it is not likely it is going to have an obvious effect hopefully other than that strengthening of practice
Will any of our teachers move?
Mr Parker: No, again not teachers but what we would expect is some of the supporting staff might turn into departments that look after the whole school group. For example, we have a finance department, and they have a finance department, so we anticipate to become one big finance department because that makes sense but for teachers no other than I hope they would get to know their colleagues at Prince’s Mead just like they do at the prep school.
Will there be any rebranding with Princes Mead?
Mr Parker: No, our intention is to keep Prince’s Mead the way it is, and we have certainly said that will be the case for the next couple of years We think it is really important that Prince’s Mead is really known in Winchester, and we want to keep that the case So, I do not know what is going to happen years and years from now but immediately no, none whatsoever
Has there been any history between the two schools?
Mr Parker: So, only informal because other than KES Prep, Prince’s Mead in the biggest feeder school to King Edward. There are over eighty Prince’s Mead students at KES right now across all the different year groups and only KES Prep has more students here than Prince’s Mead so that link has always been strong. In the past, I have visited the school, and they have come here but we have never had formal history before.
And do you know who came up with this idea?
Mr Parker: So, we spoke to each other quite early on. Prince’s Mead contacted us just to talk about the possibility and then it was their governors and our governors, as well as myself and the Heads including Mrs Smith, the Head of the Prep School. We were all talking about this over the past months, so it has been a sort of developing idea.
Do you have any personal thoughts on the merge?
Mr Parker: Only that I am personally excited I think for me as Head of KES I see it as a real opportunity and for me, you know, creating the best school for Hampshire is a really important priority I think this adds to it I think the new family of schools is stronger than us by ourselves and them by themselves In that sense I am really excited about it It will keep me and others very busy for the coming years as we try work out how to best use it and that it is going to be professionally, I think, interesting for me It is about the opportunities
So, should everybody be excited?
Mr Parker: Well, I hope so I mean, if you are a pupil in the senior school, then unless you were at Prince’s Mead and you are kind of excited because of nostalgia and the fact that you were there, it’s probably not really going to have a significant impact on you But I hope that the families at Prince’s Mead are really excited about the opportunities of this new link, and I hope that the Prep School staff, pupils, and parents are really excited about it There are so many opportunities in having a sister prep school, another prep school that you can bounce ideas off, learn from and you can do things collaboratively together I also think that is a really important statement around KES in Hampshire There are difficult times out there for independent schools but I think we are forging forward so from our point of view we should be excited about the fact that this is a school that is still developing and still going places.
Will there be any activities between the two schools?
Mr Parker: Nothing planned straight away because that is the sort of level of detail we want to work out over the next couple of years, but I think that there will be things that happen like joint training for staff and things like that I think for pupils there are a lot of opportunities there and more in the co-curricular life such as in Arts and sports. I am not imagining joint sport teams and productions Nothing immediate or formal but we will keep our eyes open for good opportunities
SUMMERDESSERTS
Have you ever wondered where our favourite summer cakes and desserts originated? Mia D, Year 10, tells us more...
VictoriaSponge
This is one classic cake that comes packed with summer flavours but where did it come from? In the early 1600s, Italy and Spain had started to develop the first plain sponge cake. These cakes were made up of equal parts : butter, sugar, flour and eggs. However the cakes were not airy and light like we know now but instead more of a tough texture In the mid 1800s, there was the invention of baking powder by Alfred Bord who was a food manufacturer in England Baking powder allowed the cake to rise more which creates a more airy sponge But the actual Victoria sponge cake and other jam and cream didn’t come about until the mid 1800s; where it was rumoured that Queen Victoria was often found indulging in jam and cream sponges at afternoon tea, hence the name Victoria Sponge cake
20
EtonMess
Now this dessert can be a complicated one because of the meringue layer which is known to be something that is hard to nail; however it is worth the time and effort the baker has put into it Other than meringue, the dessert is made up of summer fruits and whipped cream Now there are two versions of the story. The first is that at a cricket match between Eton and Harrow in the late 19th century; Eton college had created a meringue, cream and strawberries however it fell to the floor. Instead of them wasting food, they scooped the remainders off the floor and smashed it up This story is the more commonly believed story since the dessert was first mentioned in print in 1893 But the second story was that the dessert was made by a cook in the 1930s I prefer to think it was the first story
www.reallygreatsite.com
Trifle
A well loved dessert by many, trifle is filled with four layers; cake, custard, jelly and fruit The way it was made before is slightly different nowadays Trifle was originally invented in 18th century England; it was originally created to use up leftover cake or stale pieces of cake To revive the cake, they would soak it in alcohol and then place it in a glass bowl This dessert then made its way to other countries like America via British settlers ; it became quite popular within Southern America Nowadays there are many versions of trifles however they still consist of the main components. Trifle ended up becoming a “platinum pudding” as it was used in the celebration of the late Queen’s platinum jubilee.
Pavola
StrawberryShortcake
What is a strawberry shortcake? Well it is an American dessert which has British origins : it is made up of somewhat of a biscuit with whipped cream and strawberries in between the layers
So the earliest record of this recipe was from 1558 and it was found in an English cookbook, it then became more popular with influence from William Shakespeare By the time 1850 rolled around the corner, strawberry shortcake was becoming very popular ; normally served with butter and cream. In America, they actually created a festival on June 14th which celebrates summer fruits harvest.
Now some may ask what is the actual difference between an Elton mess and a pavlova? Good question, though they both have similar ingredients the main difference is the structure; Eton mess tends to be a mixed dessert whereas a pavlova has structure and resembles a cake shape. This dessert has Australia and New Zealand fighting on whose dessert it actually is. Named after a Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova, who was on tour in Australia and New Zealand (1926) New Zealand says that a cook especially made the recipe for her in a hotel Australians believe that it was served at a hotel in Perth, it was named after the ballerina since someone said ‘light as a Pavlova’ But in recent years, there has been evidence to show that New Zealand's pavlova was made of jelly not meringue The recipe we know today could be found in other European countries; therefore, they say that this dessert must have been brought over by travellers passing through by Germans or Americans
BOOK REVIEW
Mornings in Jenin is without a doubt one of my favourite books of all time. I was first introduced to Susan Abulhawa through an Oxford Union debate she participated in. She spoke with so much heart, authenticity, and eloquence. But more than anything, she put into words so many concepts, themes, and emotions that are highly present in my life as well as the four hundred and sixty million other Arabs with whom I share so much more than a language
After watching her speak, I found that she has written several novels, including Mornings in Jenin and Against the Loveless World It’s safe to say that after reading Mornings in Jenin, I am a bit ashamed to admit that I did not know about Susan Abulhawa prior to the debate
Mornings in Jenin is an excellent novel for non-Arabs to understand Palestine I say for non-Arabs and not non-Palestinians because unfortunately, Palestine is one of many Arab countries to be subjected to the west’s atrocities I also say this because despite our beautiful diversity as Arabs when it comes to dialect, traditional clothing, etc, we are, nevertheless, one, and see ourselves as so despite the lines in the dirt that have been drawn between us by powers who seek to divide us.
Abulhawa seamlessly takes the reader through the lives of four generations of Palestinians starting from before the 1948 nakba (the 1948 catastrophe). As a side note, I would like to mention that since 1948, the nakba has never actually ended and is continuous to this day Mornings in Jenin is the story of multiple generations of the Abulheja family as they suffer through land theft, uprooting, living as refugees, and living in diaspora The novel encapsulates what it is like to live the lives of what too many Palestinians have been subjected to Mornings in Jenin is not a political statement But rather, it is an honest reflection of the reality of “the question of Palestine” as Edward W Said would have put it It is a rejection of the dehumanisation of Arabs and a portrayal of the perfectly human Arab who loves, dreams, and hopes as well as grieves, resents, and hates just as any human being does
One of the many things I love about Mornings in Jenin is its authentic portrayal of Arab culture and Islamic tradition The novel, despite being in English, shows the reader how we speak to one another with heart and depth that is simply lacking in the English language
This is seen in how, for example, we greet one another with “peace be upon you” and thank each other with “may Allah bless the hands that give me this gift”, “may Allah never deny your prayer”, and “beauty is in the eyes that find me pretty” As Abulhawa puts it in Mornings in Jenin, “In the Arab world, gratitude is a language unto itself” The reader becomes acquainted with our traditions of giving and selflessness as well as our ability to find light even in the darkest of times Mornings in Jenin demonstrate bonds that have depth and where people give one another the benefit of the doubt, put in great efforts to accommodate, understand, and put aside what is petty and materialistic The novel shows the love for the land and the importance of family, language, and things such as olive trees, oranges, and tatreez (embroidery)
In conclusion, I believe that this novel is more relevant than ever today because as Mohammed El-Kurd said: “Palestine is not an anomaly-it is a reflection of how the world works” Mornings in Jenin is an excellent novel for those who want to gain some understanding of a reality that although completely different from their own, is much closer than they may think. This novel is entertaining, enjoyable, and a delight to read. It is an excellent piece of writing produced by a talented scientist, writer, and activist. But its true value lies in the story itself. Although the characters are fictional, all the events are real experiences belonging to several generations
Reviewed
THE LION KING
Reviewed by Alex O, Year 10
This term, our very own Lower School performed a fantastic rendition of The Lion King, filled with vibrant colours, astounding acting, masterful choreography and beautiful singing!
This performance, directed by Mr Collinson and Miss Barnett who also choreographed the dances along with Miss Crompton was a delight to watch. From the set and lighting expertly designed by Mx Brewer, to the amazing work of Mrs Thompson and Miss Wu as musical directors in bringing the iconic songs to life, every part of it was astounding. A special mention must be given to Alice McNicholas, a KES alumnus whose ingenious costume design was greatly admired, especially as this piece requires such unusual costumes
Speaking of animal costumes, the ensemble must be greatly congratulated on their masterful work in puppeteering the variety of creatures in the savannah, from swift birds to an impressive elephant family. Everyone’s general enthusiasm throughout the performance beautifully kept the show alive, and not once did the audience’s attention waver from the engaging actors. James excellently portrayed Zazu’s cynical humour, and Emmanuel played an inspiring, as well as stoic, Mufasa Henry’s rendition of Scar was impeccably villainous, leading the hyenas, of which Norah, Layla and Jasper (who played the main hyenas) showed great acting skills Frances and Cuba as Timon and Pumbaa made a hilarious duo which perfectly balanced the hyenas’ great energy Holly and Poppy were another great duo, playing the young versions of Simba and Nala with amazing talent, and their older counterparts (played by Elijah and Isla) were equally amazing, and their songs were real highlights of the show Venya sang exceptionally well as Rafiki, and the lionesses’ ensemble was especially impressive in dance
Though all of this talent was incredible, a performer’s true test of greatness is their reaction when things go wrong. On the first night of the show, a sound issue meant that the backing track for the iconic “Circle of Life” stopped midway through, and without a single moment of hesitation, the entire cast kept going with no drop in confidence, truly showing their dedication and general amazingness Overall, everyone ’ s acting, singing and dancing was truly splendid, and the only criticism that can be given is that it didn’t play for more nights!
Go, Go, Jo!
Joseph and his technicolour coat bless the stage with a dreamy new performance
Reviewed by Jasper F, Year 8
On the 13th-18th May 2025, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat was performed live on the Mayflower’s stage Its large ensemble cast provided a truly spectacular experience in the musical’s big dance numbers and sensational songs The producer, Laurence Connor, got the job done very well as it has both effective laughs and tears; the production is an emotional roller coaster that can entice everyone
The star of the show was Christina Bianco, who played the narrator of the famous story Her performance on-stage was full of joyous verve and she lit up every scene As she was in most scenes, they had her doing everything From tap-dancing to belting the high notes, she did not disappoint The storytelling was top-notch and she included the audience in every aspect She was absolutely perfect throughout!
The title role of Joseph (the man who was sold by his brothers and imprisoned in Egypt, only to find himself in the Pharaoh's inner circle) belonged to Adam Filipe His job as the emotional tug of the show was brilliant His rueful rendition of Close Every Door has everyone in the theatre in tears - if only to be immediately replaced with laughter in Go, Go, Go Joseph - and his acting was amazing
The original Joseph was played by Jason Donovan, who came back to reprise his role as Pharaoh (a role he often plays) He proved that, even at a fine age, still has the talent of his youth His Elvis impersonation was delightful and he played the egotistical and extravagant king of Egypt finely All in all, it was a masterpiece of a production with a stellar cast that lived up to the expectations of the classic show
NORMANDY NORMANDY TRIP
By Lehansa W, Year 8
The Normandie trip, organised by Ms Clement, was a fascinating and fun experience We did such a wide variety of activities ranging from Archery to even breadmaking and we went to the most beautiful places from Mont St Michel to the Bayeux Tapestry Not to mention the place we were staying (the Château de la Baudonnière) was beyond gorgeous.
Personally, my favourite thing to do was archery because it was my first time even doing anything remotely close and I came 2nd overall (even got a higher score than Mrs Breheny) I also loved making bread it was so fun and my bread was delicious (and definitely the best)
However, Mont St Michel took the cake; it has to be one of the most unusual and cool places I’ve ever been to After we spent 3 hours trudging through what we originally thought was sand (but was actually a mix of clay, sand and quick sand) we finally arrived at the magnificent island.
The abbey towered over us and the sand was a relief It made up for the very painful trudge through the clay (it was so fun to make quick sand by digging our feet into the wet mixture if sand and clay; some people even fell over because they sank for too long).
We ate at the top where we could see out into the clay we trudged through; the view was beautiful I loved going to Normandie and because it was my first time travelling to another country (other than where I was born) I loved it all the more I highly recommend the trip, but there wasn’t any Wi-Fi in the hotel! All in all though, it was very fun and beautiful
In my opinion, the best thing about KES is the support from everyone from teachers to friends to people you have never spoken to before. I love how everyone makes a really strong community in which everyone really cares for eachother.
My favourite thing to do outside of school is to spend time with my younger siblings and parents and go to new places that I haven’t been before. As well aslookingaftermychickensofcourse.AfactnooneknowsaboutmeiswhenI doMondayassembliesIgetsupernervousbutwhenactingorsingingonstage Idon’thaveanynervesatall!
WhatIhopebeingHeadofSchoolwillgiveme,istheabilitytolistentoyouguys and be the student representative that you want, but also to help develop my leadershipskills,timemanagement(trustme-itmakeslifeverybusy)butalso makememoreconfidentoverall.
For me, the best thing about KES is the sense of community we have as a school Our school traditions, activities, and relationships with each other and the staff help to bring us all closer together
Oneofmyfavouritewaystospendmytimewhen I'mnotatschool istobeoutside.Ienjoybikerides along the coast and forest walks where I can decompress from my busy life at school Finding timetospendwithfriendsoutsideofschoolisalso really important to me and lately my newfound abilitytodrivehasmadethismucheasier!
I hope that being Senior Deputy Head of School will give me the chance to grow as a leader by learning how to support and represent others effectively.Iwanttogainexperienceinteamwork, organisation, and problem-solving, while also making a real, positive contribution to the school community.
Hattie:SeniorPrepositor
My favourite thing about KES is my fellow pupils who I spend my day to day life with Everyone is friendlyandhelpful andIcouldn’taskforabetter group of people to go to school with and make amazingmemories
OutsideofschoolIlovetobake,especiallycookies as I can’t resist snacking on some cookie dough I like to challenge myself to new recipes and recentlylearnthowtomakemeringue.
Being Senior Prepositior, I have many aims Personally, I want to improve my confidence with public speaking, an area where I have lacked in the past, and get better at problem solving, such as what to do with a four page sports report! For thewholeschool,Ihopebeingtop5givesmethe opportunity to make positive changes throughout the school and within every year groups, and can onlyhopetodoasgoodajobasthosewhohave comebeforeme Yasmin:SeniorDeputyHeadofSchool.
Theo:DeputyHeadofSchool.
I believe the best things at KES are the trip opportunities available Countries such as Iceland, Indonesia, South Africa and Italy are offered at different times for different reasons, andeachoneoffersunforgettableexperiences andmemoriestothestudents
My favourite thing to do outside of school is to play football and go to the gym, since they help me relax and I always find positives from them when I'm feeling low. Something no one knows about me is a story from my time in Indonesia,whereIdidn'topenmyoxygenvalve fully so I didn't have access to all my oxygen while I was 12m underwater. I had to go get help from a friend who hadn't realised why I looked so stressed when trying to get help whilestrugglingforair.
Ihopetop5helpsmewithmyconfidenceand skills like public speaking because at the beginning of the year I didn't believe I had the capabilities to be top 5 so now I am proud of myself every day and I hope to become a betterpersonthroughhelpingothers.
Megan:
DeputyHeadofSchool.
My favourite thing about KES would be all the clubs, societies and sports that we get to take partin
My favourite thing to do outside school is hockey coaching at Trojans because it’s a super fun way to give back to the community andmeetnewpeople.Afactnotmanypeople know about me is that I’m an England Hockey certifiedlevel1coachandumpire
Ihopetogettheopportunitytoengagewithas many students as possible through my role in the school council and top 5 and I aim to action as many of your requests and queries asIcan.
DESCRIPTIVE WRITING
byLauraR,Year9
TheMayor’shousehadaverylongdrive.Acrunchinggravelpath,linedwithuntamed hedges reaching their gnarled fingers out to scratch you. It took a full 12 minutes to traversethewindingdrive,thoughmostdidn'tmakeitthatfar Themonstroushedges andeeriesilence(butforthemonotonousscrapingofgravel)quicklyfrightenedmost away.
Thosewhomadeittothetopofthedriveweremetwithahugesteelgate,reminiscent of the gateway to hell. Where the devils would have been, sat grotesque gargoyles, smirking through rotting teeth and glaring with overgrown eyebrows. Cold, metal bars spannedthegapbetweentheearthandthesky,toweringoveryoulikegiants,secured bycrackedpillarsofstone-oldandmossy.
Peeringthroughtheprisonbars,thehousewasnowinview.
Its walls encrusted with decades of moss, pollen and bird droppings and its small, square windows, smashed beyond recognition, would send tendrils of fear creeping downyourback.Itwasabandoned,decayed,filthy,dead.
Anyone who managed to get inside would be greeted with scenes of disrepair. Furniturehadfadedlikethesoulofthehouse.Dustwasdusty.Spidersweretherulersof thisdomain
Some rooms contained stale-smelling camp beds or kerosene lamps. Tramps. They hadleftquicklyafterspendingthenight.
The house groaned when disturbed. Doors slammed, glass smashed. You were not alone. You didn’t feel safe. The sound of silence was overwhelming, pressing down on you like a whole ocean Everything felt furry - like it had been consumed by dust bunnies.Theairwasstaleandold,andtastedlikethepast.
I rummaged through the boxes of books, trying not to choke on the dust that flooded theair.Iwasn’tsupposedtobeupintheattic,butmycuriosityhadgottenthebetterof meandIhadclimbedupthesplintered,woodenladder Therewasnothinginteresting in any of the damp cardboard boxes; only faded atlases from decades ago; maps of places I’ve never heard anyone mention; and thick travel guides that weighed nearly asmuchasme.Oneofthem,however,hadaveryfamiliarnameonit-myfather’s.
Was this just a coincidence? I’ve never heard of him talking about his past; I just assumed that he’d led the same monotonous life he leads now. Was he really an author?Ithadasimpletitle:
‘MytravelsintheAmazon’ Irummagedthroughtherestofthebox;thereweremoreofthese,allunderthesame name. Why did he not tell anyone about his past? I skimmed through the publishing datesforeachbook,andfoundthemostrecentone,madeonthe12thAugust,2009threedaysbeforeIwasborn.
Was I the reason he had stopped his travels? I flipped to the last page of the book, whichwasemptyexceptforoneword:Goodbye.Thiswastheendingforthelastbook hehadeverwritten.Ineededtoknowwhyhehadn’ttoldanybodyaboutthis.
I wanted to know everything. An overwhelming sense of excitement and anticipation burstinsideofme:Ihadunravelledasecrethehadkeptfrommeforyears.
He explained to me that the reason he had kept this a secret was to keep me safeafterhehadannouncedhisretirement,manypeoplewereoutragedabouthissudden decisiontoquittravellingonceIwasborn.HethoughtthatIshouldn’tbeburdenedwith thepressureofhiscareer,andthatIshouldbeabletodecidemyownpath.Hedidthis forme
In this edition, Rohan J in Year 8 gives his top tips for getting into rowing.
Are you thinking of trying to workout or just want a new hobby to do? Well then rowing could be the best thing for you. It’s; easy, calming and helps get your body moving.
Where can you do it?
You could start out in your garage and get a machine to start you off After that you could decide to go to a training centre to get out on the water (it is much harder out on the water though!). There are lots of different places you could go; some for beginners and some for advanced rowers. The Southampton BTC rowing club is a nice way to start out on your journey
What equipment do you need?
If you are thinking of just getting a rowing machine in your house then you won’t need anything apart from the rowing machine itself! On the other hand, if you are wanting to go onto the water then you may have to do quite a bit of purchasing Don’t worry though because if you are going to a club then they will have most of the equipment there. Otherwise you will need; a helmet, oars, a jacket and lights.
How do you use a rowing machine?
There are a couple of things that will be useful to know to make sure your technique is up to a good standard so you will not create any issues or injuries later on First of all, there is normally a digital screen near the front of the machine, this normally shows how far you have rowed or how long you have been doing it for. Near the seat pad there is a lever with numbers 1-10 which is your difficulty modifier. The higher it is, the harder it will be. On to the technique, you will start off by pulling the bar backwards and lean back so you don’t create an injury overtime Then lean back to a sitting pose with your legs still extended and then bend your knees, lean inwards and start the cycle again.
CONCOURSE CONVERSATION
by Kira M, Lower Sixth
At the end of another busy year, how are our Sixth Form planning to spend their summer? We sat down for a chat to find out.
What summer activity is your favourite?
Tim: Swimming. I’ve been swimming since I was a baby, I could swim before I could walk or anything, so I’ve always loved swimming: sea, pools It is also really fun to swim with mates and stuff because it is a nice group activity
Rosa: I like just sitting in the sun, relaxing after a busy school year.
Will: My favourite summer activity is probably doing badminton every Sunday with my family
Jack: Going swimming, I’m a big swimming guy
What is your go-to summer drink?
Tim: My go-to summer drink has always been iced tea When it is cool, you know, it is really refreshing, and it is not fizzy so you can drink it quickly.
Rosa: I like orange juice, I think it is just very simple and summery.
Will: My go-to summer drink is elderflower that we make from our garden
Jack: I love ice-cold water, there is nothing more refreshing.
What is your favourite holiday destination?
Tim: I think my favourite has always been Rhodes. I went there a few summers ago, because diving is amazing and people are generally really friendly there
Rosa: Somewhere nice and sunny, but probably not too overcrowded. I’d probably say somewhere in Southern Europe
Will: Probably the Isle of Wight, down in Ventnor.
Jack: South of France, very hot and lots of places to swim.
What does a perfect summer day look like for you?
Tim: Usually I like to go out with mates, out on the rib or something, to the Isle of Wight. Have a BBQ at the beach, spend a day there, walk my dog and maybe have a sleep over with some mates
Rosa: Going outside for a walk or a picnic and not doing much.
Will: Probably go out in the sun and enjoy the sunshine.
Jack: Enjoy the hot weather, draw outside and walk my dog
Summer Puzzles!
Wordsearch
Travel Quiz
1. Where did ice cream originate from? 2. What is the flattest world in the country? 3. What is the oldest country in the world? 4. How many species of butterflies are in Peru? 5. Which continent or continents do not have a McDonald's in it? 6. When was television made legal in Bhutan? 7. What number is considered unlucky in South Korea? 8. How old was the person who designed the American flag? 9. Which country has the highest life expectancy? 10. Which country has the cleanest air? 11. What is the highest waterfall in the world? 12. What country knighted a penguin? 13. What country has no mosquitoes? 14. What is the most visited place in Europe? 15. What country is known as 'The Land of the Midnight sun'?
GET INVOLVED
We are always looking for new contributors to KES Life. There is no regularcommitmentsoyoucanwrite asmuchorlittleasyoulike.
If you have an idea for an article or would like to get involved in any aspect of the magazine, email Mrs Arnoldtofindoutmore.
