News from the Hill Issue 09, Lent 2026
Senior Production of Come From Away Page 2
In this issue...
Spring Arrivals on the Farm Page 3
Cadets Take to the Skies Page 4
Sporting Highlights Page 7
Word from the Head This term’s magazine captures something deeply encouraging about life at Kingham Hill: the willingness of our pupils to throw themselves wholeheartedly into opportunity. Across academic study, co-curricular life, performance, sport, and service, there is a striking sense of enthusiasm and participation - pupils not standing on the sidelines, but choosing to engage fully, contribute positively, and make the most of all that school life offers. During Science Week, we saw pupils immersing themselves in subjects ranging from fusion energy and neuroscience, to biodiversity and conservation, approaching new ideas with curiosity and confidence. Educational visits, author talks, and lectures have continued to broaden horizons, encouraging pupils to think critically and engage thoughtfully with the world around them. The same wholehearted commitment has been clear in the creative arts. Productions of Come From Away and The Breakfast Club were
remarkable, not simply because of their quality, but because of the courage, discipline, and collaboration required to bring them to life. Whether performing Shakespeare, reciting poetry, participating in Kingham’s Got Talent, or creating ambitious artwork with a visiting artist, pupils have approached each opportunity with impressive energy and imagination. Beyond the classroom, there has also been much to celebrate in sport and co-curricular life. From Rugby Sevens and swimming galas, to RAF Cadet flying experiences and Inter-House competitions, pupils have demonstrated determination and pride in representing the school and one another. What ties all of these experiences together is not any single achievement, but an attitude - a readiness to participate, contribute, and embrace challenge with positivity. Schools are at their best when pupils are willing to involve themselves fully in the opportunities before them, and this term has provided countless examples of exactly that spirit.
Pete Last, Head
Senior School Production of Come From Away Over three unforgettable nights in March, the Performing Arts Centre was filled with heart and hope, with our Senior School production of the internationally acclaimed musical Come From Away. Twelve talented actors seamlessly portrayed dozens of characters, immersing audiences in a story of kindness and community. Come From Away tells the true story of 7,000 airline passengers unexpectedly grounded in the small Canadian town of Gander, Newfoundland, in the aftermath of 9/11. Strangers far from home were met with extraordinary compassion, as the local community opened their homes to offer shelter and comfort. With book, music, and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, the musical has earned four Olivier Awards in the West End and multiple Tony Award nominations on Broadway. Its folk-inspired score and powerful storytelling celebrate resilience and hope in the face of adversity. 2
Reflecting on the production, Director and Second Deputy, Mr Jones said: “I had a wonderful few months directing this production with a truly superb cast. I am privileged to have worked with them.” The minimalist set of twelve chairs and two tables, challenged the cast to rely on physical storytelling and allowed their creativity to shine, with every scene and character coming vividly to life. Mr Irwin, Deputy Head Co-Curricular commented “I’m so proud of our pupils, this is one of the best performances I have seen at a school in 25 years!” One parent remarked, “Phenomenal performance, the students were truly amazing. Credit all round, we cannot wait for the next one.” Bravo to the performers, crew, and creative team for delivering an outstanding production, celebrating the extraordinary spirit of human connection See the that emerges in times of crisis. photo gallery
Exploring Shakespeare This term, pupils have explored the work of Shakespeare through a range of enriching experiences. In March, literary pupils attended the Shakespeare Festival in Solihull, hearing from leading scholars and watching Much Ado About Nothing. 2nd Form and Lower Sixth pupils visited Stratford -upon-Avon, enjoying a guided tour and performance of Henry V. Also this term, former Oxford lecturer, Gareth Griffiths, inspired the 5th Form, with a talk providing fresh perspectives on Shakespeare’s works.
Spring Arrivals on the Farm This term, on the farm, we celebrated the arrival of two adorable kids. Lunar, one of our resident goats, proved to be an attentive mother, whilst our pupils were involved in supporting her and caring for the new arrivals.
From monitoring the health of the newborns and their mother, to assisting with feeding and husbandry, pupils learnt about the practical aspects of animal care that underpin a career in the sector.
The birth of the kids provided a unique opportunity for pupils studying Animal Management to gain handson experience, applying the skills and knowledge they develop in the classroom to real-life situations.
Alongside its role in Animal Management, the farm has long been an integral part of the school’s co-curricular programme, offering all pupils a chance to work with and enjoy a range of animals including goats, sheep, and poultry.
Author’s Tales of Adventure In January, author Sam Sedgman delivered an engaging talk to 1st–3rd Form pupils. With infectious enthusiasm, he shared his adventurous storytelling, weaving together mystery, science and engineering. He offered insight into his writing process, encouraging pupils to move beyond the pressure to be “creative” and instead focus on topics they are genuinely passionate about. By embracing what makes them unique, he explained, their stories become stronger. The visit ended with excited pupils queuing for signed copies of his books.
Kingham Hill Science Week 2026 Science Week 2026 began with a simple idea: curiosity starts with a question. The first event saw 4th Form pupils visit the University of Warwick for the GCSE Science in Action programme. Through engaging talks, they explored nanotechnology, fusion energy, space science, neuroscience, and conservation, gaining insight into real-world impact and inspiration for future study. Throughout the week, pupils examined the world around them, challenging assumptions and discovering how science shapes nature and technology. Visits beyond the classroom enriched this learning. At Bletchley Park, pupils explored wartime codebreaking and
its link to modern computing. The Natural History Museum offered handson fossil study, reinforcing evidence in understanding evolution, while trips to Crocodiles of the World and Cotswold Wildlife Park highlighted adaptation, biodiversity, and conservation. Back at school, Sixth Form pupils took part in a Crime Scene Investigation workshop, whilst a STEM afternoon saw pupils design and launch water rockets. From guest speakers to activities like the Big Garden Birdwatch and Zoolab, the week was a was a true celebration of discovery and having the confidence to question our surroundings.
Staging The Breakfast Club Over two nights in January, senior pupils captivated audiences with their stage adaptation of the iconic film The Breakfast Club. Blending moments of humour with emotional depth, the production explored the themes of identity, acceptance and connection. As the story unfolded, audiences were reminded that individuals are far more complex than the labels often placed upon them. “Translating such a well-known film to the stage is no easy task, yet this version successfully captured the spirit, tension and humour of the original, whilst also feeling fresh and immediate for a live audience”, reflected Head, Mr Last. 3
Cadets Take to the Skies
Reaching the Schools Challenge Final
At the end of February, four Kingham Hill RAF Cadets took to the skies for their first Air Experience Flight in a Tutor aircraft at RAF Benson, making the most of a rare break in the rain. The adventure began with safety briefings and the fitting of flying suits, parachutes, gloves and helmets. Then, one by one, the cadets climbed into the cockpit, where they were greeted by their RAF pilot. After final checks, the engine roared to life and, following a short taxi, they were airborne.
stall turns and barrel rolls delivered pure adrenaline and more than a few exhilarated grins.
Each cadet enjoyed an unforgettable 30 minutes in the air. Under supervision, they took control of the aircraft, learning to handle the controls and adjust the flaps as they flew over the Oxfordshire countryside. For the boldest, loops,
Without exception, every Cadet returned to earth buzzing with excitement and with stomachs perfectly intact. It was a remarkable first taste of military aviation and, who knows, perhaps another step towards future careers in the skies.
A Whimsical World Book Day This year’s World Book Day, in March, was a wonderfully whimsical celebration inspired by Alice in Wonderland, with both the Library and lunch menu transformed to capture the playful spirit of Lewis Carroll’s classic story. Pupils embraced the day by dressing up as characters from their favourite books, bringing creativity and plenty of literary flair to classrooms. Leading the way were our Lower Sixth literature students, whose costumes included John Keats, Mary Shelley and Percy Bysshe Shelley.
Quizzing continues to be a popular activity on the Hill, with pupils developing their speed on the buzzer and breadth of knowledge through weekly Quiz Club sessions. This enthusiasm has translated into an outstanding term for general knowledge quizzing, with our 1st IV reaching the last 16 of the National Senior Schools Challenge after defeating Westminster School 550 to 410 - the furthest any senior team from the school has progressed in the competition’s history to date. This is a great achievement for the team. We look forward to sharing further news of the team’s progress in the next edition of News from the Hill.
GCSE Trips: From the West End to New Heights GCSE pupils have continued to benefit from opportunities beyond the classroom this term. Music pupils visited London’s West End to see Wicked, a set work on their course. Experiencing the production live deepened their understanding of orchestration, vocal performance, and how music supports character and storytelling. Meanwhile, Physical Education pupils developed their practical skills with a trip to 270 Climbing Park, building on their regular school climbing and applying their skills in a more challenging environment ahead of their GCSE assessments.
Head’s Pancake Race
In the Library, visitors were welcomed to a charming Wonderland tea party put together beautifully by our Craft Club. Pupils then searched the shelves for hidden rabbit paws in a literary treasure hunt, and had the opportunity to purchase books with all proceeds supporting our Charity of the Year, the Rafiki Thabo Foundation. At lunchtime, pupils enjoyed a themed menu including the Queen of Heart’s “Paint it Red” Beef & Burgundy Stew, “Dodo” Chicken Legs with Marmalade
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Glaze, and Absolom’s Mushroom & Spinach Wellington. Desserts featured the Queen’s jam tarts, checkerboard cake, and a delightful selection of rabbit, hat, and teapot-shaped biscuits. Mr Skerratt delivered captivating talks to pupils in Lower School as he explored how we can challenge ourselves creatively, and shared insights from his alternate career as a published author. He discussed his experiences writing books, as well as his work as a scriptwriter for The Sooty Show and other creative ventures.
There was plenty of excitement and a few airborne pancakes at this year’s Head’s Pancake Race, as teams lined up to compete for the coveted Golden Frying Pan. Navigating designated flipping zones, pupils showcased impressive skill in a lively relay that kept spectators entertained throughout. After a closely fought contest, Plymouth House emerged victorious to claim the prize. As ever, the race proved that it is not about how you fall, but how you get back up (and whether you manage to keep hold of your pancake along the way)!
Ceilidhs and Charitable Giving January and March offered two memorable occasions for the Sixth Form to come together. Whilst a traditional Burns’ Supper and Ceilidh brightened January with music and merriment, in March, the Sixth Form Dinner welcomed Jon Uglow of the Rafiki Thabo Foundation, the school’s Charity of the Year. Alongside excellent food, the evening fostered lively conversation and insight into the Foundation’s charitable work.
Chaplaincy Events Week The whole school enjoyed a vibrant week of chaplaincy events in February, when staff and pupils came together to explore their experience of faith and its impact on their daily lives. Each morning, inspiring talks set the tone for the day. Mrs Elliott shared how her Christian faith has encouraged her to serve those in greatest need, whilst Catering Manager, Mr Krezelewski, reflected on the importance of “baking the bread” of faith each day.
Lunchtimes brought the school community together in the Chapel and Veritas Atrium, with pupils engaging in creative activities, discussions on “Gaming and God,” and lively Q&A sessions with their teachers. Evening events offered something for everyone too, from thinking through the historical reliability of the New Testament to a Netball tournament, alongside entertaining sessions organised by Senior Houses, as well as a Junior Social.
Kingham’s Got Talent 2026 At this year’s Kingham’s Got Talent, we were treated to singing, magic tricks, and even a whip-cracking demonstration. Compères Emily and Taylor entertained the crowd throughout, whilst the prefect team added to the fun with some lighthearted humour at the expense of staff. Meanwhile, the Heads of School took on the challenging role of judging!
Elijah brought wonder to the stage with a series of magic tricks, and brother-andsister duo Ruth and Joshua charmed the audience with a voice and guitar performance. Koda wowed the crowd by playing the piano blindfolded before returning later in the evening to perform his own original song, which quickly proved a hit among pupils.
The evening showcased a wide variety of performances. Siblings, Sammy and June, performing as The Fantastic Fords, delighted the audience with a creative rendition of Piano Man, featuring June singing and playing the harmonica, accompanied by Sammy on piano. Eliora captivated with a powerful solo from Hamilton, while Daniel impressed with a unique whip-cracking display using his own handmade whips.
At the end of the night, the winners were announced as four-piece group “The Band”, comprised of Kaka, Ollie, Vincent, and Will, who blew the audience away with their electrifying rendition of Sweet Child O’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses. Special mentions were also awarded to Elijah, Eliora, The Fantastic Fords, and Daniel for their memorable contributions to the evening.
Lower Sixth Develop Skills for Careers and Business This term, Lower Sixth pupils had the opportunity to focus on their futures through a Careers Day led by CWR Consultancy. Reflecting on personal profiles, participating in speed networking and mock interviews, pupils gained practical guidance on standing out in a competitive job market. Building on this, Business Studies pupils later welcomed back Mrs Evans, former Greens Department teacher, now a business owner with Cook Stars. She talked about her entrepreneurial journey, before guiding pupils in baking her scones, showing how business, creativity, and customer engagement come together in practice.
Musical Excellence Pupils have celebrated success and growth on stage this term. At the Chipping Norton Music Festival, every performer achieved either Commended or Honours grades, with several earning special adjudicator certificates. Amongst the stand-out achievements was Ethan, who performed at the festival’s final concert and won the cup for most promising under-14 performer. Back at school, Performer’s Platforms in February and March showcased talent from every year group, giving pupils the chance to gain confidence and perform solo pieces in front of supportive audiences. 5
Meet the Team Name: Mr Alfie Juckes
What is your role within the school? Director of Sport. What is the most interesting part of your day-to-day work? I’m lucky enough to coach lots of our talented young people in a number of sports, and seeing them grow and flourish in sport and through sport each day gives me great delight. What activities do you enjoy in your spare time? My wife teases me that I’m watching some form of sport in every free moment…! I’m a cricketer at heart, and spend many happy Saturday afternoons with the mighty Swinbrook CC. I also love hanging out with my seven nieces and nephews. Who, or what, has most inspired you? I’ve always found 1920s Olympic runner Eric Liddell incredibly inspiring. His famous words - “God made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.” - really resonate with me. It’s that idea of using the gifts you’ve been given, and expressing your faith through how you live, work and compete. I try to approach sport in the same way: to serve through the way I play, coach and lead, making the most of the lane I’ve been given by God. Tell us one activity that is on your ‘Bucket List’. My brother and I have always set our sights on going to a Boxing Day Test at the MCG - if only England had any hope of winning! Finally, the best thing about working at Kingham Hill is… My wonderfully committed colleagues, who I have the privilege of working alongside every day.
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Poetry Recital Showcases Talent Pupils showcased confidence, creativity and a flair for performance at the school’s annual Poetry Recital Competition, in March. The event brought together a wide range of classic and contemporary poetry, with each participant performing both a chosen poem and a Shakespearean sonnet or speech. From The Crocodile by Roald Dahl and Santa Claws by Julia Donaldson to canonical pieces such as Ozymandias by Percy Bysshe Shelley and The Charge of the Light Brigade by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, the programme featured an eclectic mix of works.
The judges awarded three commendations for stand-out performances: Mrs Jones selected Theo, Mr Furst recognised Matilda, and Mr Steele commended Rob. The overall winner of the competition was Elijah, whose polished performance secured him first place. Head of English, Mr Lee, praised pupils for their delivery, pushing themselves out of their comfort zones, and embracing the tradition of spoken poetry. He also emphasised the broader value of the competition, noting that public speaking builds confidence and resilience, skills highly valued beyond the classroom.
Lecture Series In February, we welcomed parents, pupils, and staff to the latest talk in our Lecture Series, featuring Ed Richardson, Managing Director of Keystone Tutors. Drawing on his experience as a science teacher and education leader, Mr Richardson shared practical, research-backed advice on supporting children’s academic and personal growth, highlighting the importance of parental involvement, healthy digital habits, curiosity, resilience, and leading by example.
Artist Workshop In January, Royal Academy Artist, Jeanette Barnes, led an inspiring urban challenge drawing workshop for pupils from 3rd Form to Upper Sixth. Beginning with a talk on her influences, including Lowry, Hopper, and Kokoschka, pupils explored how artists capture city life. Fast-paced drawing exercises using charcoal encouraged bold and expressive mark-making. Pupils then created largescale cityscapes, producing impressive, ambitious work. The workshop inspired pupils to take creative risks, and gain confidence in developing a personal artistic style.
Lent Term Sport Highlights
Junior Houses Make Waves at Swimming Gala
The Lent Term delivered another full and exciting season of sport at Kingham Hill, with pupils competing in a variety of fixtures, tournaments, staff vs. pupils and Inter-House events.
In January, the Junior Houses made a splash at Kingham Hill’s Swimming Gala, officiated by 4 Shires Swimming Club. 1st and 2nd Form competed across a range of individual and team events.
Football, Netball and Rugby Sevens have featured prominently this term with teams gaining valuable experience in both friendly and competitive matches. The Basketball Team, established in 2025 also competed in a number of fixtures, giving
pupils a chance to refine their skills, build confidence, and enjoy high intensity play. Looking ahead to Trinity Term, the focus turns to cricket, promising another exciting chapter in Kingham Hill’s sporting calendar. Whether training on the pitches, competing in matches, or supporting their teammates, pupils have embraced the Lent Term with energy, resilience, and commitment, fully embodying the school’s sporting values!
Record Turnout for House Sport A superb afternoon of Inter-House Sport took place this term with the highest participation in years thanks to a new format encouraging wider involvement. Football and netball competitions were split between Junior and Senior Houses, with pupils showing great pride, effort, and skill throughout. In netball, Latimer
In the girls’ competition, Team Biles emerged victorious with 50 points, while the remaining two teams finished in an exciting draw. The boys’ event saw a dominant performance from Team Charles, who won with an impressive 82 points. Special congratulations went to Natalie and Max, who won all of their races, alongside impressive performances from Bodhi, Roberto, Jemima, Jemimah and Lucy.
claimed both 1st and 2nd VII titles, whilst Greenwich Boarders won the Junior event. In football, Bradford secured a third consecutive 1st VI victory. Bradford and Havelock shared the 2nd VI title, with Clyde Red winning the Junior competition. A special mention went to Plymouth, finishing just two points behind.
Pupils Lead Junior Football and Netball Tournament In March, we were delighted to host pupils from local primary and preparatory schools for the annual Windrush Football and Netball Tournament. The afternoon was full of energetic competition, enthusiastic support from the sidelines, and impressive officiating by Kingham Hill pupils, who demonstrated leadership, responsibility, and sportsmanship. It was a wonderful afternoon of sport.
Sevens Success Caps Rugby Season Our rugby players enjoyed a successful end to the Lent Term, delivering strong performances both on home turf and at one of the country’s most prestigious school tournaments. On Wednesday 18th March, the school hosted its annual Rugby Sevens tournament, welcoming regional schools for a day of competitive matches. The 2nd VII produced some spirited performances against Bloxham, Rendcomb, and Cotswold School, narrowly missing the semi-finals, while the 1st VII advanced through the group stages with convincing victories, securing a dramatic semi-final win before
finishing as runners-up to Warwick School in a thrilling final. The following week, Kingham competed at the prestigious Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens. The 1st VII staged a remarkable comeback against Ratcliffe College, overturning a 19–0 deficit, whilst the Inters squad gained valuable experience in challenging conditions. Across both tournaments, Kingham Hill’s teams showcased skill, resilience, and team spirit, capping a successful season and setting a strong foundation for future competitions. 7
Celebrating Founder’s Day On Thursday 19th March, the Kingham Hill community came together to celebrate Founder’s Day, held each year on the birthday of Charles Edward Baring Young. The occasion honours the man whose vision in 1886 continues to shape the school today.
The service at the church was led by Chaplain Rev’d Hutchings, bringing pupils and staff together in prayer and song. The Heads of School laid a wreath at the founder’s resting place, paying tribute to a man whose values remain at the heart of the school.
Under clear blue skies, pupils and staff took part in the long-standing tradition of walking from the Hill to St Peter’s Church, where the school’s founder is laid to rest. This year’s route led the procession through the picturesque Daylesford Estate, once owned by Baring, adding a deeper historical resonance to the occasion. The walk is a central part of the commemoration, reflecting the strong sense of community and shared heritage that defines life at Kingham Hill.
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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Founder’s Day remains one of the most important dates in the Kingham Hill calendar, offering an opportunity to reflect not only on the school’s history but also on the enduring principles of learning, practical skills, integrity, and kindness.