News from the Hill Issue 08, Michaelmas 2025
Expanding Creative Horizons Page 6
In this issue...
New Sixth Form Centre Page 2
Public Speaking & Debating Page 3
Battlefields Trip Page 8
Word from the Head As I read through the articles in this edition of News from the Hill one idea threads its way through every story: connection. From the first steps of 1st Form on their South Wales residential, forging bonds through adventure and teamwork, to the senior pupils mentoring their peers at The Hub, Kingham Hill continues to be a place where relationships, collaboration, and shared experiences flourish. Our halls and classrooms have been buzzing with voices throughout the first term of the 2025/26 academic year - in the Junior and Senior Debating competitions, pupils spoke with confidence and conviction, exploring ideas and learning to listen, as well as persuade. On stage, from Britpop House Singing to Performers’ Platforms and Music Concerts, creative expression has drawn audiences together, whilst visits from authors and artists have sparked new ways to imagine and create. Learning has extended far beyond the classroom walls. Geography fieldwork, the Great War Battlefields Tour, and STEM challenges have all provided hands-on opportunities to connect theory with real-world experience. Similarly, sport has shown the power of teamwork and commitment, whether on home turf, in Lisbon, or on the beaches of Barcelona. Our community has also reached outwards: pupils have supported local initiatives, contributed to international charity projects, and marked historical anniversaries with respect and reflection. In every achievement - academic, artistic, sporting, or social - the underlying theme remains the same: the strength, inspiration, and joy we discover when we connect. This term, Kingham Hill has shown that connection is more than a word - it is the heart of our school life.
Pete Last, Head
Building Bonds At the end of September, 1st Form enjoyed a residential trip to the Rock UK Summit Centre in South Wales, a much-anticipated opportunity to bond as a year group. Over the course of the trip, pupils took part in a variety of adventurous activities, including climbing, caving, and team challenges. Each of these encouraged them to step outside their comfort zones and strengthen friendships during their first weeks on the Hill. In moments of reflection, they also considered the kind of year group they aspire to be, focusing on values of teamwork and encouragement. They returned home tired, but happy, with new memories and plenty of stories to tell!
Newly Refurbished Sixth Form Over the summer, the Estates Team worked tirelessly to create a brand new space for the Sixth Form at Kingham Hill. Already proving hugely popular, the Centre provides a welcoming and inspiring hub designed to support pupils during their final two years.
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The ground floor offers a relaxed communal space with comfortable seating, tables, and a pool table, alongside designated study areas for independent work. A mezzanine level provides group study pods for collaboration, whilst the upper floor
features individual study booths and access to Sixth Form academic books, with stunning views across the Cotswold Hills. The newly-designed environment supports independence, responsibility, and strong study habits, whilst offering the privileges of being senior members of the school community. Combined with the exceptional achievements in 2025’s A Level, BTEC, and CTEC exams (where 53% of grades were A* or A), it is an exciting time to be a member of the Sixth Form at Kingham Hill School.
Speaking Up
Peer Support in Action This term, it was fantastic to see pupils of all ages engaging with The Hub, a Sixth Form–led initiative that provides a welcoming space for pupils to enjoy good company, play games, and seek advice from older peers at breaktime. Mr Martin, Head of Wellbeing, praised the initiative, saying: “Seeing Sixth Formers volunteering their time, getting stuck in to support the school community is so great to see. The Hub falls into our ethos of serving well and serving others.”
Writing Like a Warrior At the Junior and Senior Public Speaking and Debating Competitions this term, pupils brought confidence and critical thinking to the stage. 1st Form pupils opened the event with engaging speeches on topics including ‘A Rule I Would Introduce’ and ‘The World When I Am 90’. Judges, Mr Last, Mr Williams, and Ms Baylis offered speakers thoughtful feedback on clarity, delivery, and audience engagement. Lydia, who spoke about the importance of prioritising mental wellbeing, was awarded for her outstanding performance. 2nd and 3rd Form pupils took part in a lively debate on the motion, ‘This house would ban short-haul domestic flights where alternative transport exists’. Strong arguments were presented on both sides, with audience questions adding further energy. Well done to winners Talia, Theo, and Lucas, whose teamwork and persuasive delivery stood out.
Later in the week, the competition continued with four senior teams of three pupils, comprised of a Chairman, Speaker, and Proposer of the Vote of Thanks. Judges Mr Last, Mr Skerratt, and Ms Baylis praised the high standard of performance, noting confident eye contact, effective pacing, and clear expression. The winning team - Sam, Jemima, and Orla - impressed with their polished presentations and collaboration. The competitions follow the success of the Junior Debate Team’s recent ISA National runners-up finish and the Senior Team’s first-round win in the ESU Schools’ national debate competition.
Watch the Winning Senior Speech
Britpop Showdown In October, the Chapel came alive with music and celebration as House Singing returned for another unforgettable evening. This year’s theme - Britpop - brought a wave of nostalgia and excitement to the stage, as each House performed classic hits they had spent weeks rehearsing in the lead up. From the moody melodies of Oasis and James to the upbeat rhythms of Supergrass and Blur, the competition
We were thrilled to welcome author and black-belt martial artist Chris Bradford in November. Best known for his young adult fiction series Young Samurai and Bodyguard, Chris has been published in over 25 languages and nominated for more than 35 children’s book awards.
showcased a fantastic variety of iconic tracks. Each House brought its own creative take on the 90s, complete with vocals, choreography, and stage presence. Following a lively round of Eurovisionstyle scoring, Latimer House emerged victorious with their infectious performance of There She Goes by The La’s. Their dynamic delivery and polished routine earned them top marks and enthusiastic applause from the audience.
In a high-energy, interactive session, Chris shared his method-writing approach, drawing on his training in samurai swordsmanship and close-protection work. Pupils enjoyed his live samurai sword demonstration, had a go at ninja moves, and were inspired by Chris’s fascinating travel and research stories.
Celebrating Culture Early in the term, Kingham Hill came together to celebrate Culture Day, an occasion to honour and learn more about the people, places, and traditions that shape our community. Invited to dress in clothing representing their home nation or family heritage, pupils and staff showcased a vibrant array of outfits from across the globe. At break time, pupils then marked their family connections on a world map. Later in the term, our boarders enjoyed a German-themed supper in celebration of St Martin’s Day, and Thanksgiving was marked with a delicious spread of traditional holiday dishes, including pumpkin pie - a firm favourite with our American pupils, and sweet potato and marshmallow casserole (don’t knock it until you’ve tried it). 3
Fundraising Focus
Geography in Action It has been a busy term for the Geography Department as they’ve taken learning out into the field. Whilst 3rd Form ventured into Chipping Norton to collect primary data as part of their geographical enquiry into quality of life, 5th Form applied their GCSE theory to real-world contexts with a coastal fieldwork investigation in Mudeford. Blessed with clear skies and calm seas, pupils measured beach profiles as they explored: “How effective is coastal management at Milford on Sea?” Both trips offered an excellent opportunity for pupils to deepen their understanding of geographical concepts and develop practical fieldwork skills - an essential part of studying Geography at every level.
In September, the School’s chosen Charity for 2025/26 was named as the Rafiki Thabo Foundation, an organisation transforming young lives in Africa through education. The partnership launched with an extraordinary challenge undertaken by Emily in the Upper Sixth, who cycled from London to Paris to raise funds. Over three days, Emily covered more than 190 miles with almost 8,000 feet of climbing, finishing her journey along the Champs-Élysées at the Arc de Triomphe. Alongside her two fellow cyclists, Emily raised an impressive £3,840. Through a Parent Quiz Evening and the Christmas Fair, the school was then able to raise a further £6,210 for the Foundation. This amount alone will fund the full secondary education for six children, or a full year of secondary education for 36 students.
Kingham Hill Recognised for Pupil Well-Being
Award Winning Design In October we celebrated the outstanding achievement of recent leaver Summer (Class of 2025), who was named the winner of this year’s Furniture Makers’ Award for her exceptional A Level Product Design project. The
Award formed part of the New Furniture Makers’ Exhibition, an annual showcase organised by The Furniture Makers’ Company, celebrating craftsmanship among young designer-makers, from GCSE pupils to recent graduates.
In October, the school was recognised for its commitment to the social-emotional development and wellbeing of its pupils, by STEER Education. Selected as a STEER Champion School for 2025, the national award highlights Kingham’s exceptional use of the STEER programme to monitor pupils’ self-regulation, identify hidden social-emotional risks, and provide detailed, personalised support plans helping pupils to develop self-awareness and coping strategies. “I am immensely proud of our Welfare Group and the positive difference they continue to make in helping our young people to thrive.” commented Second Deputy, Mr Jones.
Wizarding Wonderland
Summer’s ambitious project impressed the judges with both its technical sophistication and creative originality. Her beautifully crafted bench, featuring an innovative rolling seat mechanism, drew particular praise. Summer was entered for the award by Mrs Clarke, Head of Design Technology, who commended her talent: “Summer’s complex product encompassed a range of design and engineering skills. She is heading to Loughborough next year to
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study Product Design, and has a very bright future ahead.” The celebration was shared by Kingham Hill alumnus and former Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, Charles Vernon, who attended the London event. “Summer’s work was excellent and she is a huge credit to the school.” he commented. Summer’s success follows Kingham Hill recently being recognised as one of the country’s nine leading schools for DT and Engineering by the Good Schools Guide.
In November, the Library became a wizarding wonderland as pupils celebrated the magic of the Harry Potter series. Sorted into Hogwarts Houses, they enjoyed a range of activities: hunting for Dobby’s missing socks, earning Gringotts gold, encountering Sirius Black, a dramatic reading from Snape, and inventing their own magical creatures. Mr Lee, Head of English, highlighted the series’ themes of courage, friendship, and choice. Later in the term, pupils discovered exciting new reads at the Book Fair, with something to inspire every reader.
Festive Finale to Michaelmas
Serving Others and Giving Back In the lead-up to Christmas, our pupils demonstrated generosity and a strong sense of service, by supporting a range of local and international community initiatives. Girls from Durham House visited the Samaritan’s Purse distribution centre in Coventry, where they volunteered their time to help pack Christmas shoeboxes destined for children across the world who might otherwise not receive a gift at Christmas. The group packed well over 1,000 boxes during their visit. All agreed it was a rewarding and worthwhile way to spend a Saturday morning, knowing their efforts would make a meaningful difference.
Filling the final weeks of term with merriment, the Kingham Hill community enjoyed a host of festive activities, which included the Winter Concert, Carols by Candlelight, PA’s Pantomime, Winter Ball, Mr Eyles’ Christmas Quiz, carol singing at Daylesford Farm, House trips, an amazing Christmas Fair, the much-loved 12 Days of Christmas sing-along and, finally, the Junior and Senior Carol Services.
Closer to home, a group of pupils volunteered at the Ace Centre in Chipping Norton, helping to sweep outdoor areas, tidy play spaces and prepare classrooms for festive activities. Great Rollright School shared their thanks for the games created by Kingham Hill pupils for their Christmas Fair, commenting that “the children absolutely loved them”. Our pupils also played a key role in supporting Chipping Norton Community Church’s annual Christmas Dinner. Guests, welcomed with a traditional meal prepared by our catering team, were also served by our pupils, who received praise for their cheerful and polite manner.
Performers’ Platforms
Commemorating Armistice
Twice this term, Performers’ Platforms brought two evenings of inspiring live music to Kingham Hill. Pupils of all abilities, including those new to performing, showcased their talents with confidence and poise. The varied programmes featured piano, flute, saxophone, clarinet, trombone, guitar and voice. Performers’ Platforms are an integral part of musical life at Kingham Hill, providing valuable performance experience in a supportive environment while celebrating pupils’ musical progress.
On the 107th anniversary of the Armistice ending the First World War, Kingham Hill held its annual Drumhead Service to honour all those who have given their lives in service to their country, including the school’s own fallen. Led by Head of Languages Mr Williams, the service took place on the Parade Square with the whole school in attendance, and music provided by Kingham Hill brass. The parade was commanded by Head of RAF Palmer as the CCF came to attention, joining pupils and staff in observing the national Two-Minutes’ Silence.
Leadership Training Day
The service began with a hymn and a reading from Head of School, Herbie. The haunting notes of the Last Post and Reveille were followed by Head, Mr Last reading names from the Roll of Honour: 64 from the First World War and 12 from the Second. Mr Williams reflected, “These men are not ‘merely names and nothing more’ to us. We are discovering more about them and celebrating their memory.” Earlier this year, on the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, Kingham Hill joined the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA) in honouring the men on the Chapel war memorial through The Boarding School Book of Remembrance, an online archive of pupils and staff from BSA member schools who died in conflict.
As always, our caterers, Thomas Franks, pulled out all the stops with a delicious Christmas lunch, and in keeping with a long-standing Kingham Hill tradition, the youngest pupil in the school presented Head, Mr Last, with a Christmas pudding!
Explore Kingham Hill’s Roll of Honour
In September, Kingham Hill was delighted to host a leadership training day run by TISCA – The Independent Schools Christian Alliance. The event welcomed pupil leaders from Kingham Hill alongside visiting schools, bringing together pupils from Years 6–9 for a day of focused training and encouragement. The programme, which is designed to equip young leaders with practical skills and a clear sense of purpose in their roles within school life, saw pupils take part in a series of engaging sessions led by Kingham Hill staff. Across the day, pupils explored what effective leadership looks like in practice and what they hope to achieve in their roles during the year ahead. 5
Meet the Team Name: Mrs Louanne Gill
What is your role within the school? I am the Deputy Head Academic. What did you do before KHS? I had been teaching overseas for six years prior to my return to KHS. My roles alongside teaching Maths and Economics have included Assistant Head, Exams Officer, Curriculum Coordinator, Timetabler, Programme Manager and Head of Sixth Form. I have been privileged to work at amazing schools in England, Kenya and Portugal, but my home has always been in the Cotswolds since moving here in the early 2000s. What is the most interesting part of your day-to-day work? I enjoy problem-solving, finding solutions to the challenges that present themselves in our everyday delivery of quality education. It is amazing to work with a team who can think creatively and embrace the unconventional when needed. What activities do you enjoy in your spare time? I enjoy being busy, so I look to go out running and walking when I can. I enjoy cooking for family and friends and staying in touch with loved ones around the world. I do also embrace some quiet, downtime and as such I like to read, listen to music and am currently learning Italian. Who, or what, has most inspired you? I could mention a number of people, including my sister who has always been a mentor to me and she is the matriarch of our family. I also look up to people like John Lennox who is a Mathematician, Scientist, Philosopher, but most importantly an amazing Apologist. I believe I have Jesus to thank for bringing so many wonderful people into my life. He is the ultimate inspiration and example I strive to follow. Finally, the best thing about working at Kingham Hill is… The awesome sense of community where I always feel welcome and long to make others feel that way, too! 6
Expanding Creative Horizons The Art & Photography Department has enjoyed an inspiring term with a rich programme expanding pupils’ creative horizons. In October, renowned painter James Hartdyke spoke to GCSE and A Level pupils about his artistic journey. A Royal College of Art graduate, James has accompanied HRH The King on royal tours, documented SAS operations, and served as artist-in-residence for MI6. He shared insights on painting in extreme conditions, from Everest to K2, and the importance of purpose in
creativity, concluding with a talk at the Sixth Form Dinner. Pupils also benefited from practical opportunities, including an upgraded darkroom to explore traditional black-and-white photography, alongside workshops from Oxford Darkrooms. Creative inspiration extended to gallery visits, with GCSE pupils exploring Oxford museums, and other year groups visiting Tate Modern, Tate Britain, and the V&A, encountering works that informed and enriched their artistic practice.
Quiz Teams Take on the Challenge This term, Kingham Hill’s Quiz Teams have been competing in the preliminary rounds of the national Schools’ Challenge Quiz Competition, testing pupils’ knowledge, quick thinking and teamwork. Inspired by University Challenge, teams of four answer “starters for ten” and bonus questions across subjects including history, geography, literature, sciences, sport, and popular culture. The tournament, attracting 50–60 schools
annually, is the UK’s leading school quiz competition. In November, the 1st IV won 380–330 against Bedford School, with strong performances from Amy, Finlay, Herbie, and Gabriel, and will face King Edward’s Camp Hill in January. The U15 IV triumphed 640–150 over The Chase School and will play Yarm School next. The U13 IV continue in the plate competition, while the 2nd IV narrowly lost to Reigate Grammar.
CCF Leadership Leadership development was a key focus for Kingham Hill’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) this term. A group of cadets achieved 7th place nationally in the CCF STEM Challenge at Bovington Camp, tackling activities in military communications, engineering design, logistics, and weaponry technology. Other activities have included taking on a range of physical and mental challenges set by the Army South East Engagement Team, a 24-hour overnight exercise to test resilience, and the Snowdonia Peaks Challenge, which enabled our Cadets to focus on their teamwork skills.
Celebrating Women’s Hockey In December, Kingham Hill’s annual Hockey Awards Evening celebrated the strength and spirit of women’s sport on the Hill. From training sessions with Oxford Hawks Hockey Club to a week-long tour in Barcelona and a busy programme of fixtures, hockey has been a standout sport this term. This year’s guest speaker, Sarah Robertson, Scotland Hockey Captain and Great Britain international, shared insights from her remarkable career. Sarah reflected on the commitment required to compete at the highest level, speaking honestly about setbacks and intense training, emphasising the dedication and teamwork required to succeed. Beyond competition, Sarah highlighted
School Colours Awarded to Standout Athletes In the final week of term, pupils were recognised in the Head’s Assembly for their outstanding contributions to Hockey and Rugby. School colours celebrate excellence, commitment, and leadership in flagship activities such as Sport, Music, and Drama. Whilst half colours are awarded for consistent dedication, full colours recognise exceptional achievement and influence within a discipline.
the lifelong friendships, leadership skills, resilience, and travel opportunities sport has given her, as well as the importance of navigating identity beyond being an athlete. She also noted how sport can be a platform for positive change, sharing examples of teammates pursuing diverse paths in activism, art, and advocacy. The evening recognised Kingham Hill players’ achievements, with awards for Most Improved Player and Most Valuable Player across the U12–U15 squads and senior teams. A highlight was Mr Elliott’s musical rundown of the U15s’ season. The evening was a fitting celebration of commitment, resilience, and the many life lessons sport offers, values shared by both pupils and our inspiring guest speaker.
House Sport Triumphs
The Mass Cross-Country
The penultimate week of half-term showcased spirited inter-house rugby and hockey, with strong performances and plenty of House pride.
For more than a century, The Mass has stood as tradition at Kingham Hill. Each year, pupils and staff rise to the challenge of this legendary cross-country event, competing for House glory across a course that winds through the school’s scenic grounds. Through the decades, the route has evolved to feature iconic landmarks such as Crofty Pond and The Last Leap.
In Junior rugby, Team Baring triumphed, while Havelock secured both the Inters and Senior tournaments, beating Team “The Rest” 31–19. In hockey, Team Biles won the junior tournament, whilst Severn claimed both the inters and senior competitions, with close matches decided on goal difference.
Senior Rugby Tour to Lisbon Kingham Hill’s senior rugby squad enjoyed an unforgettable half-term tour to Lisbon, combining sport, adventure, and cultural discovery. The week began with beach training and a surf lesson on Costa da Caparica, where the boys embraced the waves as a team. Off the pitch, they explored Lisbon’s streets, Sintra’s palaces, and Cascais’ coastline.
On the field, they faced strong opposition from Setúbal, Agronomia, and Técnico, testing their tactics and resilience. A highlight for many was visiting Estádio da Luz, home of SL Benfica. Standing inside one of Europe’s great sporting arenas proved inspiring for the squad as athletes and fans alike.
Once again this year, The Mass brought the school community together in celebration of friendly competition and tradition.
Inters Barcelona Sports Tour Over half-term, Kingham Hill’s rugby and hockey teams toured Barcelona, combining top-level sport with unforgettable experiences in the vibrant city. Both squads competed against leading Spanish clubs, putting their skills to the test. Off the pitch, pupils bonded during beach training, stand-up paddle boarding, a guided tour of Barcelona and Camp Nou, and a visit to PortAventura World. “The matches were a great success, and the memories will last for many years to come,” commented Houseparent and Coach Mr Elliott. 7
Connecting Past & Present on the Great War Battlefields In November, 3rd Form embarked on the school’s annual Great War Battlefields Tour, a moving journey across the historic landscapes of France and Flanders. Over five days, pupils visited significant First World War sites, including preserved trenches, Vimy Ridge, and the solemn Thiepval Memorial, where thousands of fallen soldiers, including former pupils (Hillians), are remembered. The tour also provided the unique opportunity to bring classroom research to life. In Digital Literacy lessons, pupils have investigated the men named on
the school’s war memorial in Chapel, consulting primary sources from The National Archives and Library and Archives Canada. Using service records, battalion war diaries, and trench maps, 3rd Form were able to locate the very places where their chosen soldiers fought and, in many cases, died. “When pupils see the places for themselves and stand where these soldiers once stood, it creates a priceless connection with the past.” reflected Head of Languages and experienced Battlefields Tour Guide, Mr Williams.
See photos from the Great War Battlefields Tour
Dean Close Kingham Hill School Kingham, Chipping Norton Oxfordshire OX7 6TH
Tel: 01608 658999 Email: registrar@kinghamhill.org Visit: www.kinghamhill.org.uk
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The educational experience was further enriched with a taste of local culture. The school received a warm welcome from l’École Anatole France for a déjeuner pique-nique, and pupils practised their French during a market day in Arras buying lunch and completing a treasure hunt using only the language skills they had learned in class. The 3rd Form now looks forward to presenting their Great War Research Projects, where they will showcase the fruits of their hard work, connecting history, research, and personal reflection.