The Vigornian 2024

THE VIGORNIAN

THE VIGORNIAN 2023/24

Number 260

Editor: Emma Kate Booth

Editorial Team: Sarah Bradley and Sian Lucas

Designer: Catherine Perera

Marketing Photography: Emily Ward, Emma Southall and Nicole Foulkes

Published by: The King’s School, Worcester

Printed by: The Graphic Design House © 2025 The King’s School, Worcester

Vigornian 2023/24

Common Room Notes

Academic

Creative and Performing Arts

Sport

Clubs and Activities

Student Editorial Team

Pastoral

King’s Hawford

King’s St Alban’s

Old Vigornians, Development Trust and Archives

As the cheering quietens down, the final note of the Irish Blessing rings out and the classroom doors are closed for the summer, another chapter in King’s history has been written.

The academic year of 2023-24 has, as always, been an eventful one. Whilst, at times, it is easy to get bogged down in collating material and deciding where best a comma is placed, hopefully you agree with the decisions made, reading through any issue of The Vigornian brings so much joy. It is clear through the academic summaries, pastoral reflections, sports reports and wonderful reminiscences of the music we have heard and drama we have seen, that we are lucky to have such a kind and inclusive community in our School.

In some ways, this year has been rather extraordinary. Most notably, King’s was honoured to receive a visit from Her Majesty Queen Camilla as part of the Royal Maundy Service in Worcester Cathedral. In other ways, this year has been like any other at King’s. If one were to travel back 100 years, the King’s we would see would not be wildly different. Thumbing through the 1924 copies of The Vigornian, I was amused to observe that even 100 years ago they were building new

classrooms, complaining about all the flooding and battling various illnesses!

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Andrew Maund, whose wisdom and wit have helped to preserve The Vigornian as the wonderful historical document it is. I am indebted to Sarah Bradley, Sian Lucas and Catherine Perera whose expertise, kindness and amazing company are, as ever, invaluable. Hannah Sparrey and Amanda Sutcliffe continue to do a fantastic job showcasing our wonderful Old Vigornian community. I am also very excited to have put together a new Student Editorial Team, whose members have enjoyed searching through the School Archives to offer reflections on their School. Whilst The Vigornian staff of the 1960s might disagree with me; they suggested it should be the basic facts of the year and nothing else! I feel that student voice, especially the written word, should be showcased wherever possible. I hope you enjoy reading the fruits of their labours on P.103.

Whilst we look back at what has gone before us, it is also important to keep an eye looking ahead to the future. It is, therefore, worth noting that this is the first edition of The Vigornian to use Artificial Intelligence, namely Microsoft CoPilot, as one of our many editing tools. In our ever-evolving world, the ability to maintain a Janus-faced outlook is increasingly valuable.

In the words of my 1924 editorial predecessor, “In closing, let us express a fervent and confident hope that the pens of potential contributors will no longer lie rusted and idle: that the fair Muse of Severn may once more be invoked by youthful followers: and that TheVigornian will not be allowed to deteriorate into a mere dry-as-dust chronicle of facts.”

Until next year,

Emma Kate Booth

A MESSAGE FROM THE ACTING HEAD

Each academic year which passes yields merit and merriment, change and chance. We shall remember 2023-2024 for all these reasons and more – and the pages which follow offer a snapshot of a life in the year of King’s, as well as a year in the Foundation’s life. I offer our collective thanks and appreciation to the outstanding editorial team, comprised of Emma Kate Booth, Sarah Bradley and Sian Lucas whose time and work have resulted in this superb and important edition of this year’s Vigornian

Earlier in the year, and for the third successive year, King’s was ranked within the Top 10 of schools in West Midlands, and the only school in Worcestershire, in the Sunday Times Parent Power Rankings. Yet, such awards or league tables belie the detail or what matters beyond the headlines. Indeed, it is the pupils’ successes which lead to these outcomes. We were delighted to see eight students be offered places at Oxford and Cambridge, eight be offered places to read Medicine, 19 be offered places on Engineering based courses, and others offered degree apprenticeships, to cite but a handful of examples.

Over 90% of our Upper Sixth attained grades A* to C, and almost all students secured their firm or insurance university places. This year group was one whose Middle Years were significantly affected by the Covid pandemic, thus underscoring how significant their outcomes were. Indeed, there were standout feats and individual successes. Our Fifth Formers also delivered a superb set of GCSE results. In what was our largest cohort for more than 10 years, impressively 96% of pupils attained grades 9-4. And behind the statistics, there were tales of great determination and solid hard work.

While we continue to strive for and celebrate academic excellence, this is paired with encouraging and supporting elite and developing sportspeople, which has been recognised by the Good Schools Guide which placed King’s as one of the top eight schools in the UK for rowing, and School Sport magazine ranking King’s in the top 1% of sporting schools in the country.

With service, determination and enquiry as key tenets of an education here at King’s, our Combined Cadet Force takes an important role in school life. Our RAF Section excelled at the National Air Squadron Trophy Competition, coming first in General Service Knowledge and Second in Drill and Turnout in the regional round and thus securing a place at the National Final. Our Student Councils in all three schools also took this baton of service, creating an upstander community and new Foundation School Rules.

Model United Nations continued to enjoy high levels of involvement and success. In Young Enterprise, our Lower Sixth company, took part in the local area Showcase of Company of the Year Award and won the Sales and Marketing Award. Our F1 In Schools team secured a place in the F1 in

Schools National Final following a win in the ‘Central Regional Final Professional Class Award’ at Aston University.

With outstanding drama and musical productions, dance showcases and formal, informal and chamber music concerts, Open Mic Nights and more, our pupils were able to develop confidence and skill alike in Drama and Dance and Music. Across the year, pupils enjoyed tremendous success in Associated Board, London College of Music and London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art exams.

The end of the academic year brought with it the closing of Bright House and the departure of Gareth Doodes as Headmaster as he decided to take a year away from school leadership to focus on his professional development and undertake some consultancy work before returning to a leadership role elsewhere. It is a timely opportunity, therefore, to speak of both what ends and what begins for this academic year. 2023-2024, also marked the fortieth anniversary of the establishment and opening of Kittermaster House and Oswald House.

Over the summer period, all three school sites were busy with varying updates and developments. At King’s Hawford, there was significant renovation work carried out on the pavilion. King’s St Alban’s saw new LED lights in all rooms. At the Senior School, works included the second and final stage of the development of the Sixth Form Centre and the opening of our refurbished pool which itself heralds the launch of our Swimming Academy during the 2024-2025 academic year.

In all, the school year 2023-2024 was, true to form, busy and rewarding in equal measure. It seems fitting to close with that which confirmed the strength and distinction of King’s and its achievements. For the second year in a row, King’s Worcester was a finalist in the Co-Educational School of the Year Award in the Independent School of the Year Awards 2023. As the only school in the Midlands to reach this stage of the competition in this category, we were delighted to have achieved this accolade.

Alison Oliver, Senior Deputy 2023-2024

2024 LEAVERS

Destinations as known in December 2024

Abdullah, Nicholas UCL (University College London), Architecture

Amjad, Sehar

Anthony-Smith

Robynne Durham University, Chemistry (4 years)

Arundale, Laura University of Warwick, Chemistry

Barclay, Max Stow Durham University, Natural Sciences

Barrington, Luke University of Manchester, International Management

Barry, Gabriella Keele University, Medicine

Bennett, Eleanor Nottingham Trent University, Architecture

Binnion, Eleanor University of Nottingham, Natural Sciences

Bladon, Oliver Newcastle University, Chemical Engineering

Bland, Piers

Bowers, Edward University of Reading, Real Estate

Bradley, Clementine University of Exeter, Theology and Religion

Branchett, Ben University of Hull, Biomedical Science

Brealey, Ollie University of Birmingham, Biomedical Sciences

Brebner, William University of Manchester, Biomedical Sciences

Broadbent, Elijah

Bullock, Kate University of Reading, Real Estate

Burgess, Kathryn University of Birmingham, Chemical Engineering

Campbell-Ferguson,

Ekaterina The University of Edinburgh, Fine Art

Campbell-Ferguson

George University of Oxford, Engineering

Carr, Josh University of Birmingham, Geography

Cartelet, Emilie University of Plymouth, Human Biosciences

Chapman, Hugo

Cinao, Francesco University of Bath, International Management and Modern Languages (Spanish) w study or work abroad

Clarke, Joshua Edge Hill University, Psychology

Clarke, Zach

Clines, Florence University of Brighton, Fashion Communication with Business Studies

Comer, James

Crompton, Ava Grace Falmouth University, Textile Design

Crosby, Alice University of Birmingham, Criminology

Culwick, Luke Harper Adams University, Agriculture (with Placement)

Davidson, Sam University of Reading, Geography (Human and Physical)

Davis, Millie University of Bristol, International Business Management with Study Abroad

Davis, Freya University of Nottingham, Environmental Science

De Vos, Anton The University of Edinburgh, Chemical Engineering

Depper, Zak

Diaz, Abi

Dixon, Charles University of Southampton, Economics and Finance

Dolan, Nick The University of Edinburgh, Architecture

Dorrell, Peter Alan Cardiff Metropolitan University, Sport Performance Analysis

Dowling, Alexander Swansea University, Business Management

Downing, Harry

Downing, Harry

Downing, Emilia University of Nottingham, Classical Civilisation

Duncan, Olivia University of Leeds, Liberal Arts

Dunn, James Oxford Brookes University, Motorsport Engineering

Edwards, Jessica Bristol, University of the West of England, Law

Edwards, Henry University of Bristol, Computer Science

El-Akiki, Maia University of Liverpool, Business Management with a Year in Industry

Elsdon, Samuel Bangor University, Zoology with Marine Zoology

Elsner, Katarina Cardiff University, Medicine

English, Zach

Essex, James University of Birmingham, Philosophy, Religion and Ethics

Fleming, Alicia University of Plymouth, Ocean Science and Marine Conservation

Flood, Jack Loughborough University, Mathematics (with placement year)

Forrester, Posie May

France, Benjamin University of St Andrews, Medicine

Gage, James Oxford Brookes University, Mechanical Engineering

Gibbard, Evie Cardiff University, Biomedical Sciences

Gomes-Smith, Olivia University of Nottingham, Pharmacy

Green, Isabella Eily UCLA, International Relations

Guck, Archie University of Exeter, Theologyand Religion

Gwilliam, Jacob Keele University, Business Management

Halford, Charlie University of Exeter, Mechanical Engineering with Year in Industry

Haq, Aizah

University of Leicester, Politics and International Relations

Horsfall, Frederick University of Oxford, Computer Science

Howard, George University of Cambridge, Economics

Hunt, Freya University of Liverpool, English Literature and Communication and Media

Janes, Jack University of Warwick, Mathematics

Jelfs, Montague University of Exeter, Finance: Business Management

Jones, Erika University of Birmingham, Geography

Kent, Micaela Cardiff University, Psychology

Kent Hoyos, Nathaniell The University of Edinburgh, Religious Studies and English Literature

Kerton, Louisa Mary Swansea University, Business Management (Marketing) with a Year in Industry

King, Ben

Kirkby, Charlotte

University of Sheffield, Chemical Engineering with a Foundation Year

Lewis, Jaime Durham University, Economics with Placement Year

Lock, George

Oxford Brookes University, Architecture

Lockwood, Gabriel Swansea University, Accounting and Finance

Lucas, Sebastian Bristol, University of the West of England, Building Surveying

Manning, Max University of Nottingham, Mechanical Engineering Including an Industrial year

Mason, Samuel University of Reading, Real Estate

Matthews, Amy University of Leeds, Environment and Business

Mayilvahanan, Riya University of Warwick, Economics

Meredith, Lara University of Exeter, Economics with Industrial Experience

Mitchell-Wise, Freya Cardiff University, Law

Moore, Archie

Manchester Metropolitan University, Business Management

Morgan, Beatrice The University of Edinburgh, Social Anthropology and Politics

Morgan, Lola University of Cambridge, Linguistics

Morrison, William Lancaster University, Environmental Science

Nosworthy, Ellie

Paddock, Harry Oxford Brookes University, Architecture

Palmer, Ollie

Parker-Byatt, Oscar

Patten, Benjamin Durham University, Modern European Languages and History (with Year Abroad)

Pearson, Piran Durham University, Mathematics (4 years)

Perkins, Samuel University of Bath, Mechanical Engineering

Pinner, Todd

Poole, James

Porter, James University of Manchester, Mathematics and Physics

Prasad, Mitali Bristol, University of the West of England, Business and Human Resource Management

Press, Oliver University of Reading, Zoology

Price, Luke Cardiff Metropolitan University, Business and Management (Entrepreneurship)

Price, Florence University of Cambridge, Music

Price, Llywelyn Swansea University, Chemistry

Pritchard, Lucy

Pyle, William Swansea University, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence with a Year in Industry

Quinn, Arthur

Ranasinghe, Luke Durham University, Engineering (Aeronautical)

Ranasinghe, Amy University of Bath, International Politics & Language (French advanced)

Raybould, Toby University of Exeter, Finance: Business Management with Industrial Experience

Raybould, James University of Exeter, Economics and Finance with Industrial Experience

Rendall-Baker, Catherine Aberystwyth University, Geography (with integrated year in industry)

Rooksby, Oliver Oxford Brookes University, Law

Rutter, Samuel Swansea University, Chemical Engineering

Santos Dendy, Mia Luz University of Birmingham, Mechanical Engineering

Sayani, Jasmine

Shotton, Natalie

Sinclair, Freya Loughborough University, Urban Planning (with placement year)

Sly, Francesca University of Portsmouth, Sport Management

Smith, Gregory Aberystwyth University, Economics

Smith, Jacob Durham University, Philosophy, Politics and Economics

Smith, Harvey Swansea University, Chemical Engineering

Sobey, Claudia The University of Edinburgh, Fine Art

Stone, Rosie University of Nottingham, History of Art

Stone, Rebecca University of Worcester, Sports Coaching

Stride, George

Sutcliffe, George Oxford Brookes University, Architecture

Swarbrick, Ben

Sweeney, Meg

Taft, Amelia University of Liverpool, Medicine

Taylor, Bethan Cardiff University, Medical Pharmacology

Taylor, Henry Swansea University, Mechanical Engineering with a Year in Industry

Taylor, Henry University of Sheffield, Mechanical Engineering with an Industrial Placement Year

Thorner, Andrew Swansea University, Mechanical Engineering

Thorp, James University of Exeter, Geography

Thurgood, Charlie University of Reading, Zoology

Tranter, Ollie

Trickett, Joe University of Leeds, Modern Languages and International Relations

Tripp, Barnaby University of Leeds, Environment and Business

Tucker, Gabriel Durham University, Theology and Religion

Unwin, Lois University of Liverpool, Medicine

Waddington, Charles Oxford Brookes University, Geography

Wadley, Lucy University of Cambridge, Geography

Whitcomb, Eve University of Warwick, History of Art

Wilkinson, Lottie

Willetts , Jamie

Willetts , Maxie

Wilson, Esme

Wiseman, Samuel University of Bristol, Engineering Design

Witt, Alexander Durham University, General Engineering

Worth, Maddie University of Exeter, Exercise and Sport Sciences

Yarko, Kyrill

Young, Poppy York St John University, Physiotherapy

COMMON ROOM NOTES

LEAVING STAFF

Gareth Doodes

Gareth joined King’s as Foundation Headmaster in September 2020. It was a challenging time in the midst of the COVID pandemic and following the very sad and untimely death of Matthew Armstrong.

Gareth’s role was to re-structure the School’s leadership team and bring the three schools within the Foundation closer together; working to deliver a new Strategic Plan for the School. Part of that plan was the introduction of a new Sixth Form curriculum, a new careers programme and to work towards the opening of a new Sixth Form centre, a project completed in September 2024.

Gareth had responsibility for Marketing and Admissions. He recruited pupils successfully into Lower Fourth and Lower Remove, meeting every prospective parent in person. In September 2024, the King’s Lower Fourth pupil entry was very close to that last achieved in September 2019.

After a period of consultation with the Cathedral, Gareth worked closely with the Dean and Chapter to introduce an entirely equal girls and boys chorister programme. He has also worked with the Cathedral, and other institutions within Worcester, to promote the School and integrate the community in wider city life.

Under Gareth’s leadership, the School has been recognised externally. In addition to a successful ISI Inspection in Spring 2021, King’s has featured in the Sunday Times Parent Power Survey for two years running, and recently was recognised as one of the Top 30 sports schools in the country and one of the top eight rowing schools.During his time at the School, Gareth also restructured the fundraising and alumni function of the School and widened its geographical reach to include Asia and the USA.

After a long period of reflection, Gareth decided to leave in August 2024, taking a break after 14 years of Headship. The governors supported his decision and thanked him for his work and his most valuable contribution to the Foundation.

We wish Gareth, Jess, Humph and Persie all the very best in the future.

Pat Preston, Chair of Governors

Jessica Doodes

Jessica Doodes joined the Marketing Team at King’s in September 2021 as Prep School Marketing and Partnership Manager, bringing her dedication and professionalism to the role.

During her time at King’s, Jess took ownership of the Prep School marketing plan, ensuring its effective implementation. She also supported the Prep School Admissions process, providing tours and coordinating Open Days and taster events which highlighted what King’s has to offer.

Jess developed valuable relationships with local schools, organising a range of outreach events which engaged both primary and secondary schools. Additionally, she played a supporting role in the marketing and coordination of the Annual Careers Extravaganza, contributing to its continued success.

We thank Jess for her efforts and wish her all the best as she moves on to her next opportunity.

Rosie Ellender

We all have mixed emotions as Rosie Ellender leaves the School to move on to new and exciting adventures; we are thrilled for her as she takes up a new teaching post in Singapore, but desperately sad that she will no longer be part of the Common Room and our day-to-day lives.

Her skills are wide and varied and, in addition to her classroom teaching, she has carried out a range of roles in her time at the School, including Fourth Form Tutor, Rowing Coach, Head of Bright House, Deputy Safeguarding Lead, not to mention the numerous trips she has accompanied to diverse locations ranging from Cornwall to Costa Rica. She originally joined the School as a DT technician and, after completing her teacher training, returned as a classroom teacher, initially teaching a combination of DT and Art, and in more recent years solely focusing on her Art teaching. In this role she has been superb; her lessons were always meticulously planned and delivered with joyous enthusiasm, inspiring countless pupils. The quality of the work which her classes produced far exceeds the standards you usually expect at this level, and this is testament to her careful guidance, original ideas and positive encouragement. Never one to rest on her laurels, she was always learning new techniques and developing her own practice, producing her own beautiful prints and ceramics, skills that she passed on to the pupils in lessons. Perhaps the most overriding aspect in her teaching was the genuine care she showed for the pupils. It was no surprise, therefore, when she was appointed Head of Bright House and, more recently, Deputy Safeguarding Lead; roles that she carried out with complete professionalism but driven by a care and concern for the pupils. Staff and pupils alike will miss her inspirational teaching but, above all, we will miss her good humour and wonderful company. There is no doubt that

she will thrive in her new post and continue to have a positive impact on the lives of her pupils and colleagues. She leaves with our very best wishes and we look forward to our first trip out to visit her in Singapore! CH

Rosie joined us in the DT department in September 2015. Her cheerful, positive and kind nature made its immediate impact upon us all. Despite her training, and very much being an Art teacher at heart, Rosie applied herself to teaching DT with the trademark enthusiasm and commitment for which she would become very well-known. Rosie quickly proved herself as a fine teacher of DT in the Lower Years, but also as a much-valued member of the team – a position which came with its own desk and chair in an area of much sought after prime real estate (the DT office). New plots rarely appear on the market, and they’re gold dust when they do! And so, for this reason, when Rosie made the move to full-time in the Art department, she made no noises of handing back her little piece of DT. Since we weren’t in a rush to kick her out (OK, we wanted her to stay), she finally gave up her desk and chair in July 2024. There will be a big hole in the DT department as Rosie leaves us, mostly because of the collections of… well I’m not sure what it is, but all the stuff around her desk, rather than the desk itself! But the biggest thing missing will be Rosie’s wonderful personality – her positivity, her kindness, her friendship. We will miss her. I’m part of another team that will not be the same without her – the school trips to foreign lands team. Rosie quickly made herself invaluable on trips. A favourite of her students and colleagues, she was always the first to energise the room and rally the troops. Whether careering through the barriers at the side of a ski slope or launching over the handlebars of a mountain bike in Costa Rica, Rosie has thrown herself into every activity with the sole aim of encouraging her charges to jump in and enjoy themselves. In addition to 14 ski trips (you’d have thought she could avoid the barriers by now) she has been on trips to the Alps, Russia, Paris and the Old Chapel. Her departure to Singapore is simply the next part of the adventure!

Cheers Rosie!

Paul

English

CWW

Paul English came to join our team in September 2013 after Royal Worcester Porcelain closed, where he had worked for many years as a fabulous painter. During his time at King’s, Paul has worked in several departments but mainly the Keyes Building and, more recently, in MFL. Paul has been a very conscientious and popular member of our team and will be missed by all. He is, however, looking forward to putting his feet up and spending more time painting porcelain.

Emmah Ferguson

Emmah Cameron arrived from All Saints’ Academy, Cheltenham, to take control of the History and Politics department in September 2016. Perhaps mirroring the appointment of government ministers, her total lack of experience teaching Politics was not seen as any barrier to her mastering the brief, such was the confidence of the senior leadership team in this dynamic rising star. If some were initially sceptical about the ability of a midtwenty-something to manage the challenge of a department well established in its ways, they greatly underestimated Emmah’s vision and resolution. These qualities were, however, always tempered by her flexibility and humanity.

There was never any doubt about Emmah’s enthusiasm for History and she quickly threw herself into the new AQA GCSE course covering the expansion of America, 1840-95. To the slight bemusement of more Eurocentric members of the department, her colourful wall-display informed pupils of a hundred-and-one native-American uses of dead buffalo, including that ever-handy fly-control tassel. The rest of her classroom bore witness to her meticulous organisation, from colour-coded bookshelves to an array of marking ‘in’ and ‘out’ trays. Showing her willingness to take on new challenges, she tackled the British Politics paper, and exploded any lingering doubts about her credentials by taking on and mastering that apogee of historical study, the French Revolution. She may even have caught out the department’s resident expert on occasion, but always did so gracefully, and never gloated.

Emmah’s greatest joy at King’s came from her time in History, the more so as the department was gradually made to conform to her vision, despite the intermittent presence of a wayward colleague. Not everyone could match her level of classroom control. Outside school, her marriage to Niall brought about another transformation, this time to Mrs Ferguson, switching her allegiance from one Scottish clan to another. Back in school, meanwhile, she took on other new roles, such as assisting with the Battlefields Trip – before taking it on herself, practically doubling the number of pupils and requiring a second coach. She helped with the Vigornian – before taking on the editorship herself. She was appointed Assistant Head of Middle Years – before taking over as Head of Middle Years three years later (or possibly less).

This last promotion was a bitter-sweet moment, since it entailed having to relinquish her beloved department. It also meant making way for an older colleague, in the shape of her former teacher, Mr McGarvey. No one has ever suggested that this drove her to look beyond King’s for her next appointment. In any case, it came as a surprise to no one but Emmah that, shortly after, she was offered the position of Assistant Head, Head of Sixth Form at Pate’s Grammar School. It goes without saying, she leaves behind a large hole in the History department and the School, but she departs with the fond good wishes of her colleagues and very many grateful pupils.

Kathy Goodman

Kathy Goodman was a cornerstone of our Health Centre at King’s Hawford, working as a matron here for almost 18 years. After, in her words, “several failed attempts to retire”, she was finally successful in doing so in March 2024. She has left a lasting positive legacy with all those who have been fortunate to call themselves her colleagues, never failing to go the extra mile in her matron duties or helping with other school events.

She always had a superb manner with the children – immensely kind and patient, whether tending to grazes, bumps and bruises or reuniting an upset child with their lost property.

Her presence within the staff body will be missed. Kathy was a brilliant colleague: extremely professional, discreet, and flexible with her time. Her seasonal gifts of goose fat were always very much appreciated, and she leaves us to spend more time on the family farm, where we hope she enjoys a long and incredibly happy retirement. She will remain a great friend to Hawford and to King’s.

Tom Butt

As well as working alongside Judy, I have also had the pleasure of knowing her from a parent’s perspective. Well-liked amongst the parents, Judy is known for her calming manner and friendly disposition. Indeed, talking to other parents, I have gathered that the same words are used often: kind, caring and, most of all, always has the biggest smile on her face.

In her spare time Judy is a member of WODS, where she is often centre stage singing and dancing. She also enjoys spending time with her grandchildren.

Although moving onto pastures new, Judy is still staying within Early Years, and it is wonderful that she is getting to share her experience with others. She will be greatly missed within the Hawford community.

Tom Butt

Marie Knipe

Marie has been an invaluable member of our team at King’s St Alban’s School for the past four years. As she retires, we want to highlight her significant contributions, unwavering dedication and wonderful personality.

Wendy Goodman

Wendy Goodman has been a cherished member of King’s Hawford for the past decade. Wendy’s journey began as a dedicated parent volunteer, and she quickly became an indispensable teaching assistant. Her kind and caring nature has always placed the children’s needs at the forefront. Wendy’s hard work and loyalty have made her a cornerstone of our school community.

Her unwavering commitment and love for both the school and its community are evident in everything she does. Wendy’s presence not only enriched the lives of the children, but also inspired her colleagues. Her passion and dedication are a testament to what makes King’s Hawford so special.

Thank you, Wendy, for your incredible contribution over the years. Your impact is immeasurable; we are deeply grateful for all you have done and wish you well for the future.

OliverRoberts,HeadofPre-Prep

Marie has served as the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCo) since joining us, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our school. Her dedication to helping children progress and thrive has had a lasting impact on our pupils and their families. Her innovative approaches and commitment to creating an inclusive learning environment have set a high standard for all of us.

Beyond her professional achievements, Marie has been a joy to work with. Her sense of humour has brightened our days, and her unwavering support for both students and colleagues has made a significant difference. Nothing has ever been too much trouble for Marie. She genuinely cares about the children in our classes, and the teachers she works with, always going above and beyond to ensure everyone feels listened to, supported and valued.

Judy Hooper

Having worked at Hawford for over 10 years, Judy Hooper has played a vital role within the Kindergarten team. Judy’s love for cooking made her a firm favourite with both the staff and children and she will be missed by everyone who had the opportunity to work alongside her.

Judy threw herself into her role and was always a visible presence in community events, such as leading the children in a May Day dance or narrating the Early Years nativity. Within the classroom, Judy enjoyed sharing her baking expertise and would run weekly cooking sessions with the children. Her cakes always caused a stir, and the children looked forward to these sessions with her. A keen singer, in 2022 Judy took over the Shake Rattle and Groove programme, delivering weekly musical sessions with both Kindergarten one and two.

As both friends and colleagues, we feel privileged to have worked closely with Marie. We will miss her calm and gentle ways and the twinkle in her eye! She really is a true gem. We wish her all the best in her retirement and future endeavours. Her legacy of professionalism, dedication, and genuine care will continue to inspire us, and she leaves behind a lasting impact on our school community.

Sarah Launder

After many years of association with King’s Hawford as a parent, Sarah wasn’t quite ready to say goodbye and joined the team as a Learning Support Assistant. Working closely with the SENCO, she supported children across the school, particularly in our Pre-Prep section. She played an active role in the life of the Staff Room and her kind, easy-going nature is missed by staff and children alike. She remains a great supporter of King’s and will enjoy the extra time she now has

available on the sidelines supporting both Thomas and Erin, two proud Hawfordians.

Liz Lewis

Liz’s Legacy: Reflecting on 16 Years of Growth Mindset, Dance, Positivity, and Mindfulness

After 16 years of dedicated service at King’s St Alban’s, Liz Lewis retired at the end of the Summer Term 2024. It fair to say that Liz has left an indelible mark on KSA; her positivity and drive shaping not just the minds, but the hearts of countless children. Known for her passion for dance and creative teaching methods, Liz’s impact extends far beyond the classroom.

One of Liz’s most significant contributions to the school community has been her championing of a growth mindset culture. Back in 2014, she recognised the importance of resilience, perseverance, and a belief in one’s ability to grow and improve; she worked tirelessly to instil these values in her pupils. Over these years, Liz was a form teacher across the Prep School from Years 3-6 and, through her guidance and mentorship, Liz helped shape learners who approach challenged with a sense of optimism and a willingness to learn from their mistakes. Liz drove ripples of growth mindset culture across the school and these values and skills continue to be at the heart of school life today.

As a passionate dancer, Liz brought her love of movement and expression into the classroom, using dance as a tool for both physical activity and creative exploration. Her dance sessions were not just about mastering steps and routines, but about fostering self-expression, confidence, and teamwork. The annual Creative ConneXions shows soon became one of the highlights of the school year, involving all pupils to perform in the John Moore Theatre. Between 2010 and 2024, Liz steered the Creative ConneXions ship no fewer than 14 times! Themes such as Our Precious Planet, Books, Decades often challenging the performers and audience to reflect upon a variety of perspectives and changes in society. She even managed to choregraph and inspire some staff dances!

In addition to her dance enthusiasm, Liz was also a beacon of positivity and kindness. Her warm smile and words of encouragement brightened the days of children and colleagues alike. Liz’s classroom was always a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone felt valued and respected. A regular member of the team on residential trips, Liz particularly enjoyed the tranquillity of staying at the Old Chapel, although she preferred the comfort and warmth of a duvet rather than a sleeping bag!

Furthermore, Liz introduced mindfulness practices to KSA and many children have benefitted from her expertise and passion for the PAWS B programme. Following a keen personal interest, in 2018 Liz recognised the importance of mental well-being and emotional intelligence in young people. Through breathing

exercises, guided meditations, and mindfulness activities, she helped pupils develop skills in self-awareness, selfregulation, and stress management. Liz continued to develop this area further by sharing her skills with fellow colleagues and parents through the B Foundation’s 8-week mindfulness programme from 2019. The Mindful Ambassador programme was introduced in 2021, allowing children to develop leadership skills though leading mindfulness practices. A very fond memory of Liz’s legacy took place in College Hall in July 2022, where two Year 6 children led the entire school and congregation in a meditation as part of Speech Day.

Liz’s retirement marks the end of an era, but her spirit of innovation, joy, and compassion will continue to live on, shaping the KSA way for years to come. All of the King’s St Alban’s community wish Liz a very happy and healthy retirement, indeed her campervan adventures with Nick are already a great source of inspiration! As the school prepares to say goodbye to a beloved teacher, it also celebrates the legacy Liz leaves behind – a true educator, mentor, and friend.

Andrew Maund

After more than two decades at King’s School Worcester (KSW) and 36 years in the classroom, Andrew Maund’s retirement marked the end of an era defined by charisma, care, and a deep love of learning. The many facets of Andrew’s character made him a beloved figures in the life of the School.

When Andrew arrived, The King’s English was born. To describe him simply as a teacher of English is to undersell a man who embodies the very spirit of his subject. Whilst he declared himself as a “bear of very little brain,” His modesty belies his formidable academic background — educated at KES Birmingham, with an MA from Homerton College, Cambridge, and an MPhil from the University of Birmingham. His subject knowledge is immense, but his gift lay in making literature real for his students.

From the moment pupils walked into one of his lessons, they were captivated. He often joked that a good lesson meant simply getting students to sit the right way around in their chairs — yet his lessons were anything but simple. They were performances, equal parts rigorous and raucous. Pupils speak of the first 30 minutes of a new term being devoted to a stern front, “barking” at them — before his true affable, fun-loving self emerged.

He was an inspirational teacher, whose enjoyment of poetry, especially, was infectious. AE Housman, one of his great passions, was never far from his teaching or conversation — appropriate for a man who served as Education Advisor to the Housman Society. Indeed, “man of letters,” a phrase rarely used these days, fits Maund perfectly. His commitment to instilling a love of English encouraged many students to pursue it at A-level, at university, and even to follow him into

For 21 years, he was also a cornerstone of pastoral care in Choir House, where generations of students found not only guidance but genuine warmth. The words of his pupils — “Brilliant,” “Always happy,” “He’s got your back” — speak volumes. One student fondly recalled his “infectious laughter and sense of fun,” which made mornings in the House a joy. Another, reflecting on his empathy and strong moral compass, called him “a true gentle man — two words.”

Morning coffees in Choir House were often so entertaining that tutors occasionally forgot to register the House until 8:58 — testament to the warmth and humour he brought to every day.

Outside the classroom, Major Maund dedicated 35 years of service to the Combined Cadet Force and his love of the ‘big outdoors’ took him on numerous Silver Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, skiing trips, and mountain hikes; his presence was marked by good humour, meticulous attention to detail, and an impeccably packed rucksack.

No portrait of Andrew Maund would be complete without mention of his sartorial elegance. Whether in a bow tie and tweed suit, or walking boots and waterproofs, he remained the best-dressed man in the room — or on the mountain. Entire generations of pupils have copied his bow tie style, and not without reason. Dapper, debonair, and cultured, he carried himself with a sort of effortless polish.

He brought that same attention to detail to his professional life, always prepared for the “big red bus scenario,” ensuring that everything was covered, just in case. That level of thoughtfulness and reliability is something his department will dearly miss.

It was fitting that in retirement, Andrew stepped into a new role focused on communication — a natural evolution for someone who epitomises the words of A E Housman: “I do not choose the right word; I get rid of the wrong one.” His precision with language, his ability to connect, and his sense of timing — whether in delivering a joke or a poetic turn of phrase — made him uniquely suited to this new challenge.

His colleagues, students, and friends will remember his wisdom, his wit, and his unwavering support: an urbane colleague who blessed us all with his good humour and gravitas.

May you enjoy the happy highways that lie before you, Andrew.

RJD

Communications Team on 1st September 2022, Andrew brought years of experience as Head of English to his role. His deep understanding of language, and meticulous attention to detail, proved invaluable in shaping the School’s communications.

Andrew was a cherished member of the team, known for his impeccable professionalism, unwavering kindness, and infectious sense of humour. His signature vibrant bow ties became a symbol of the energy and warmth he brought to the office each day. Supporting the then Headmaster, Gareth Doodes, Andrew played a pivotal role in producing essential materials, championing the newsletter, and editing the weekly newsletters including The View from College Green.

Beyond his contributions to Marketing, Andrew provided indispensable guidance to teaching staff, the Leadership Team, and Marketing and Admissions Teams across the Foundation. His dedication extended to crafting award submissions, writing countless news articles, and editing a wealth of newsletters and publications, including the School’s annual magazine, The Vigornian.

Andrew’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable chapter, but his impact on King’s will be fondly remembered by colleagues and pupils alike.

Jo Obrey

Jo left us after almost thirteen years as an Early Years Practitioner in the Kindergarten at King’s Hawford. She was a much-loved and well-respected colleague who had a special manner with the children, forming strong bonds with all who were fortunate enough to find themselves in her care.

Due to her excellent work with the children, Jo also fostered superb relationships with their parents, and positively affected many families in her time at the school. She could never do enough to help promote children’s individual development, and at many a handover parents would have left feeling their child was in the very best place, with someone who knows them inside out.

Jo left King’s Hawford to pursue a Teaching Assistant opportunity at her daughter’s school, a role which she will no doubt fulfil with aplomb. We wish her all the very best.

Andrew Maund retired after serving as the Director of Communications at King’s Worcester, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and excellence. Joining the Marketing and

Phoebe Olander

Phoebe returned to King’s Hawford as an Early Years Practitioner after her time here as a pupil, and quickly made an impact working with our very youngest children. She was a calm, kind and reassuring presence and proved to be an excellent colleague. She left us after just over a year to pursue a promotion at another local nursery.

Vickie Peckston

Vickie Peckston’s tenure at King’s Worcester has been marked by remarkable contributions and achievements since she joined the school in July 2008. Working alongside the then Headmaster Tim Keyes, Vickie has dedicated 16 years to her role as Registrar, overseeing the admissions department. Throughout her time, she has collaborated with three Headmasters, demonstrating her adaptability and commitment to the school’s vision.

Vickie’s impact on King’s Worcester is profound, having successfully brought 2706 pupils into the school, averaging 160 per year. Notably, the 2024-2025 academic year marked some of the highest recruitment numbers, allowing Vickie to conclude her tenure on a high note. Her extensive knowledge of the school and her warm, supportive nature have been instrumental in guiding thousands of families through the admissions process.

Under Vickie’s leadership, the admissions department transitioned from basic, paper-based processes to a fully online, cloud-based system, including the development of an admissions app. Her initial challenge of logging Open Morning attendees evolved into the establishment of a sophisticated admissions and small-scale marketing operation. This transformation has ensured the continuous recruitment of pupils with admissions and marketing becoming distinct, yet collaborative, specialties.

Vickie’s personal connection to King’s Worcester is deepened by watching her own children, Ed Peckston OV (10-17) and Niamh Peckston OV (13-20), successfully navigate their school years and transition to university and adult life. Now, as Vickie embarks on a new chapter, she looks forward to a quieter pace of life, enjoying her garden, long walks with her dogs, and traveling with her husband. Her legacy at King’s is one of innovation, dedication, and heartfelt service.

EmilyWard

Catriona Rees

Catriona Rees joined King’s as Head of PSHE and RSE in 2018 and as a Teacher of Religion and Philosophy. Prior to King’s, Catriona had taught at Ardingly, having also worked for the MoD and as a chef. Her degree in Religious Studies from Edinburgh was well-used in the RP classroom, where she taught all year groups, including Buddhism at GCSE and Ethics at A-level. Her Leiths Diploma also made an appearance, especially when teaching religious festivals. Her honey cakes for Rosh Hashanah were beloved by pupils but, more importantly, by RJMH and MRD.

Catriona transformed PSHE and RSE at King’s, implementing new government guidance to design a cutting-edge curriculum for our students. She also oversaw Key Skills and helped to create the new Life Skills programme for the Sixth Form. Her

impact on the pastoral care and personal development of King’s pupils has been immense.

Oswald House was one such beneficiary of her care, diligence, and indefatigable spirit. House colleagues describe her as being extremely supportive to staff in the House, not just pupils. All Oswaldians will remember her not only for her excellent pastoral care, but also the wide variety of morning activities enjoyed in House: paper aeroplane competitions, table tennis, knitting, beetle drives, quizzes, boules, and many new (often obscure) board games. Catriona created a House in which both pupils and staff are happy to belong.

Catriona has supported the CCF as a Civilian Instructor and, for those pupils wanting to have a bit of calm, she founded the Mindful Colouring Club. Colleagues have also noted her impeccable taste in fashion, with one noting that Catriona “always looked chic and professional, which added a unique touch of elegance to her warmth and compassion.” Mrs R is a class act—in every way that matters—and we will miss her as she heads off to Cheltenham College. We thank her for teaching pupils at KSW the values espoused by that philosopher queen, Mary Wollstonecraft:

“The mind will ever be unstable that has only prejudices to rest on, and the current will run with destructive fury when there are no barriers to break its force” (A Vindication of the Rights ofWomen, 1792).

Her achievement at King’s—among many—is to have helped reinforce those barriers against prejudice and we are a kinder, wiser, and better place for it.

RJMH

Jon Ricketts

Having both worked closely with Jon during his time at King’s, we are conscious that it is difficult to do justice to the tremendous impact he has had on the School, particularly for those pupils he has supported from a safeguarding perspective. We have tried to summarise ‘the best bits’, whilst respecting Jon’s humility and extraordinary lack of ego.

During Jon’s 13 years at King’s, he held the following roles: Academic Deputy Head, Senior Deputy Head, Foundation Head of Compliance and Safeguarding and Designated Safeguarding Lead. Most significantly, Jon was required to lead the School as Acting Headmaster after the tragic and unexpected death of Matthew Armstrong. This he did with the most extraordinary stoicism, placing his own grief to one side so that he could, as he always did, put the needs of the School first. Combined with the uncertainty of Covid, Jon’s reassuring presence at these times meant that the School continued to flourish. During these unsettling times, Jon’s compassion and humour remained at the heart of his professionalism: he acted with kindness, even when faced

with the most

of circumstances.

As a Chemistry Teacher, he has a brilliant mind and his encyclopedic knowledge of the complex world of safeguarding and compliance meant that there never was a time when his colleagues were in doubt: Jon always had the answer. Meetings were extraordinarily efficient: words were never wasted; seconds were never lost and the rest of us remained a good 10 minutes behind Jon’s own agenda! He had a unique manner with both his pupils and colleagues; sharing knowledge and imparting wisdom gently, never making the recipient feel daft or inadequate.

Unsurprisingly, Jon’s expertise, eye for detail and high expectations led to an interest in inspection and he has left us to take on a full-time position at ISI. He has risen quickly through the ISI ranks and his expertise will be invaluable to the world of inspection. Our loss is most certainly their gain, although they will need to ensure that they can meet his demands for sugary snacks and hot chocolate (yes, we have tried introducing him to coffee).

Jon, thank you for all you have done for King’s. Thank you for your wit, your leadership and your unparalleled wisdom. As a community, we wish you well on your next venture in education and hope that you recognise that our debt of gratitude lies deep within the Foundation.

RAC andAF

Louise’s nurturing spirit was especially evident in her role in helping new families feel welcomed to King’s St Alban’s. She understood the anxieties that come with change and made it her mission to ensure that every new family felt welcomed and supported. Her personal touch and genuine care made a significant difference in easing their transition and integrating them into the school community.

In addition to her everyday responsibilities, Louise also played a key role in organising Open Days and Taster Days. These events were meticulously planned and executed, showcasing the best of what King’s St Alban’s has to offer. Louise’s organisational skills and attention to detail ensured that each Open Day was a success, leaving a lasting impression on prospective families.

Louise’s connection to King’s also became a dedicated family affair. Beth, James and Edward all enjoyed King’s for several years and Louise, along with her husband David, were regular supporters at the Boat Club. Louise regularly supported fundraising events for the boathouse and was immensely proud to row with both her sons.

Louise, thank you for your 11 years of loyal service and we wish you all the success in your future adventures, working with David on some exciting and adventurous projects! LK

Kathryn Thurgood

Louise Robins

In 2012, King’s St Alban’s welcomed Louise as the new Registrar. Louise’s calm and efficient nature, coupled with her unwavering commitment, soon became a presence cherished by staff, parents and pupils alike.

Louise quickly became known for her ability to handle any situation with poise and precision. Her approach to her work was not only methodical but also deeply caring, which endeared her to everyone she interacted with. Staff found in her a reliable colleague, always ready to lend a hand or offer a word of advice. Parents appreciated her warm and approachable manner, knowing that their concerns and queries would be addressed promptly and thoughtfully.

One of Louise’s standout qualities was her excellent sense of humour. Her wit and light-heartedness brought joy to the workplace, fostering a positive and uplifting environment. Whether it was during a hectic school day, or in the midst of organising an event, Louise’s humour was a breath of fresh air that brightened everyone’s day.

During the challenging times of the Covid lockdowns, Louise emerged as a bastion of support. Her efforts in maintaining clear and effective communication were crucial in navigating the uncertainties and ensuring that the school continued to function smoothly.

Kathryn joined King’s in 2016 as Assistant Exams Officer. She very quickly established herself in this important role and her intelligence and fantastic attention to detail made her a huge asset to the exam team. Her excellent grammar definitely improved communications from the department! Kathryn brought so many wonderful qualities to her role. Her gentle, empathetic and supportive nature was perfect for calming nervous students. Her easy nature and warmth made her a friendly and approachable leader for the invigilation team. Kathryn left in December to start early retirement with her husband Andy and I wish her all the happiness she so very much deserves.

Invigilation Team

We have lost much loved members of the invigilation team this year. Jo Swinson-Davis, Anita Iddon, Andy Thurgood and Derek Naish have been very valuable members of the exam team. Their support has been greatly appreciated by the staff and pupils for many years. They will be very much missed.

MG

GAP Students

We bid farewell to our GAP Students, who have contributed so much during their year within the Foundation. Thank you to Stan Norman and Olivia Stubbs for their work in the Sports department at St Alban’s and to Harry Coopey-Palmer for his contribution to Sport at Hawford. We are also very grateful to Ellie Deehan, Sophie Mitchell, Fraser Minchella and Sam Green

who have made such positive impacts this year in the Lower Years, Drama and Sports departments in the Senior School. We wish them all the best of luck with their next adventures!

We also say goodbye to the following members of staff, and we are grateful for all their contributions to the Foundation:

Corinne Turnnidge Cleaner

Richard Bennett Cleaner

Cait Clucas HR Manager

Mark Underhill Minibus Driver

Jolanta Bialy Cleaner

Shiralee Mousley Cleaner

Bethany Allison Physics Teacher

Ally Borwell Graduate Sports Assistant

Kane Colsey IT Apprentice

Michelle Nicholls Lead Payroll Supervisor

NEW STAFF

Allan Baird

Sarah Behan

Sarah Behan joins King’s with 18 years of experience teaching Biology, having earned a first-class degree in Biological Sciences from Birmingham University, where she specialised in genetics. For the past (nearly) 10 years, she has taught IB Biology and Environmental Science at King Edward’s Boys School in Edgbaston and, prior to that, she served as Head of Science. Sarah has also taught PSHE and RSE for many years and is eager to lead in these areas at King’s. Additionally, she will be coordinating the Life Skills programme for the Sixth Form, focusing on delivering the mental and physical health aspects of the course.

Isobel Carron

Allan joins us teaching Maths part-time. He has previously taught in several schools including a leading HMC school. Allan has worked professionally as a government statistician reporting on education, fire and wellbeing and was a Fellow of the Royal Statistical Society. He is published in the Education and Labour Market Review on education productivity and also in Social Trends. His interests include walking, gliding and sailing, increasingly supporting his children in these pursuits. He is looking forward to being involved in co-curricular activities at King’s too. In his own time, he supports his local parish, having been involved in various aspects of ministry over the last few years.

He is also published in theology and philosophy, and enjoys discussing these with those who share an interest in them.

Yvonne Beardsmore

Yvonne is delighted to join King’s as a parttime Teacher of Physics. She comes from a small state secondary school, where she led the Science department for nearly 10 years. Prior to that, Yvonne taught for many years at a large comprehensive school in Bromsgrove. Since gaining her degree in Physics many years ago, she has worked exclusively as a teacher, a clear indication of her passion for the profession and her wealth of experience. Yvonne aims to make her Physics lessons engaging and to help students of all abilities reach their full potential. Her husband is also a teacher and together they have three grown-up children. With their new part-time teaching roles, they hope finally to achieve that elusive work-life balance.

Isobel joins King’s as Head of Learning Skills and SENDCO. She brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to supporting our pupils. She has enjoyed a varied career and began in the corporate world with British Airways before gaining her Master’s Degree in Legal Practice, serving as Magistrate at Worcester Magistrates Court for eight years. After completing her training as a teacher 15 years ago, she quickly found her true passion was in education, particularly supporting pupils with additional needs. Before joining King’s, she worked in large state secondary schools on the London fringe. Early in her teaching career, she worked at New College Worcester, teaching A-level Law to pupils who were blind or have a visual impairment; a job she absolutely loved, and this set her path into inclusive education. Outside her professional life, she enjoys running (her partner might not share the enthusiasm!) and scuba diving; a hobby they both enjoy together. She is delighted to be part of the KSW community, where she can continue to bring her passion for inclusive education and love of learning to our pupils.

Katie Clark

Katie is a passionate PE Teacher, dedicated to instilling a love for sport in every individual she teaches. Having played a wide range of sports, including cricket, hockey, and more, Katie considers herself a versatile athlete. Currently, she plays netball and tennis and has a strong enthusiasm for CrossFit. She has always found the most joy in being active and is eager to share this enthusiasm with the children she teaches. Katie firmly believes there is an activity for everyone and, as a PE Teacher at King’s, she is committed to helping pupils find their sport.

Abbey Cox

Abbey Cox has worked for the last 18 months as a Teacher of PE and Health & Social Care at Smestow Academy. Prior to this, she was Teacher of PE and Wellbeing (PSHE) at Wolverhampton Grammar School. Abbey has also spent more than 10 years coaching netball to a wide range of athletes, from beginners to performance level, and at all ages. She is currently Assistant Coach of the English Universities National Squad, which includes players who are part of the Super League, National Performance League and International Pathways, competing against teams such as Welsh Feathers and England U21s. Abbey is also a Severn Stars Performance Coach, currently Head Coach of the new U14s Future Stars Programme at Aldersley High School and Severn Stars U17s National Performance League Assistant Coach. This follows a season as U21s NPL Assistant Coach and part season as RGSW Nova Head Coach. Previously, Abbey coached grassroots at club level and was a BUCS Coach at University of Worcester. is looking forward to working alongside knowledgeable, committed and passionate staff to inspire students in a safe, positive environment.

William Collier

Anita Pardoe

Anita Pardoe has been teaching overseas for many years and joins King’s from Rugby School Thailand where she worked as Head of Department. Returning to Worcestershire, where she grew up as a teenager, Anita is looking forward to the homely comforts of the UK. As an Art teacher, she specialises in ceramics but enjoys teaching all disciplines, including drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, textiles, and digital art. Anita is also eager to explore local arts events and enjoy walks in the area to stay fit.

Charles Webster

Charles joins King’s as a Teacher of History. He studied History at Leeds University, where he earned his degree. After graduating, he began teacher training with the Teach First programme, through which he successfully obtained his Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE). Since then, Charles has also completed a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. He has previously taught history in Birmingham.

William is very pleased to be teaching Psychology at King’s. Although he will only be working at King’s for a relatively short period of time as maternity cover, he is looking forward to learning more about this wonderful school. William has been teaching Psychology since 1992 and has worked in schools in Sutton Coldfield and Warwickshire. In his free time, he enjoys spending time in the garden or walking in the countryside with his Labrador.

Rebecca Dyke

Rebecca graduated from University of Birmingham in 2011 with a BA in American and Canadian Studies. As part of this, she had a year abroad at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, where she fell in love with the city, and it has become a favourite holiday destination ever since. After completing her degree, she went on to complete a PGCE and has worked at The Streetly Academy in Birmingham for the last 12 years, working up to HoD, which she has been doing for the last four years. She moved to Worcestershire with her husband in 2020. Outside of teaching English, she is a qualified yoga teacher. She also enjoys running and walking her Cocker Spaniel in the local countryside. She is excited to become a part of the King’s community and is looking forward to leading the English team. She strongly believes that English is a fundamental subject, where students can learn about the world around them and develop their communication skills. She can’t wait to share her passion for English with students.

Mark Walton

Mark Walton has been teaching English in high schools for over 20 years now and has thoroughly enjoyed his experiences teaching many wonderful students. Although, most of his career has been here in the UK, he has taught more recently in private schools in the UAE and Cuba further developing his skills and experiences as a teacher. Mark is looking forward to his new post here as an English Teacher and is greatly looking forward to working alongside new colleagues for this Autumn Term, helping support the fantastic students at this school.

BABIES

Carla Payne welcomed Aurelio into the world at 21.56 pm on 13th June 2024, weighing 8lb 6oz. Carla, Chris and big brother Nathan are enjoying being a family of four!

On 22nd August 2024, Josh Hemming and his family welcomed a beautiful daughter, Drew Hazel Hemming, into the world. Drew weighed 7lb 8oz, and both she and mum are doing brilliantly. Big sister Niamh has embraced her new role with love and enthusiasm, and they are all cherishing this special time together as a family.

ACADEMIC

King’s Day Prizes 2024

Prizes presented by the Dean:

Reeves prize for Further Mathematics

Mathematics

Physics

Cavenagh prize for Biology

Chemistry

Physical Education

Design and Technology

Michael Blake Drama and Theatre Studies prize

Music

Geography

Jack Janes (CR)

Frederick Horsfall (CL)

George Campbell-Ferguson (CR)

Max Barclay (W)

William Brebner (CR)

Liv Gomes-Smith (S)

Max Manning (CL)

Elijah Broadbent (BR)

Florence Price (CR)

Lucy Wadley (CH)

Art Ellie Nosworthy (CL)

Business

Winslow prize for History

Computer Science

Psychology

Ashley Shameli prize for Politics

Religion and Philosophy

EPQ

French

Harry Downing (BR)

George Howard (S)

Henry Edwards (K)

Emilia Downing (CH)

Aizah Haq (CA)

Archie Guck (K)

Ben France (CA)

Posie Forrester (CH)

German Luke Ranasinghe (K)

Spanish

Maurice Day prize for Classics

The Mason Prize for Economics

English

Lola Morgan (W)

Rosie Stone (BR)

James Raybould (W)

Bea Morgan (CR)

The following read out by the Headmaster:

Cobb Shield for extra-curricular Drama

Cup for contribution to extra-curricular Music

Neil Bowler Cup for sport

Nicky Wilson Cup for sport

OV Service Awards

Nick Abdullah (CR)

Emilie Cartelet (OS)

Jaime Lewis (BR)

Toby Raybould (CR)

Bethan Taylor (W)

Senior Scholar Prizes

Lois Unwin (CL)

Alex Witt (CH)

Luke Barrington (K)

Lucy Wadley (CH)

Laura Arundale (W)

Louisa Kerton (OS)

Riya Mayilvahanan (OS)

Amelia Taft (CH)

Eve Whitcomb (CH)

Lucy Wadley (CH) George Howard (S)

Michael Harvey-Good Awards

Jasmine Sayani (S)

George Campbell-Ferguson (CR)

Our Sixth Form artists began the year with a trip to Oxford, giving them the opportunity to collect information and imagery for their coursework. Visits to The Ashmolean, Pitt Rivers Museum, Natural History Museum and Botanical Gardens provided an exciting range of subjects to inspire their own personal projects. The site visit was followed by a week focusing on drawing, led by our Artist in Residence, Ian Murphy. His lessons and Saturday workshop coincided with an exhibition of his large-scale paintings and drawings in the Sir Terry Frost Gallery. Other exhibitions staged during the year included a wonderfully eclectic mix of 100 prints, featuring work by Picasso, David Hockney and Patrick Caulfield. Alongside these, we showed other professional and amateur artists, work by our Sixth Form students and prints produced at our after school Printmaking Club for parents. Later in the year, we staged A Walk with Nature, featuring prints, drawings, collages and poems by each of our Lower Fourth pupils. We also showed work in the YoungVoices,NewVisions exhibition, held in the Cathedral, which featured schools and community groups’ work from across Worcestershire.

The highlight of the GCSE course is our annual trip to St Ives, and this year’s trip was no exception. Pupils had the opportunity to visit the Tate Gallery and Barbara Hepworth Museum, as well as many of the smaller independent galleries in search of inspiration for their own work when we returned to school. The trip also included a day working with a professional artist, as well as landscape painting at the dramatic Cape Cornwall coastline.

Beyond their Art lessons, there were opportunities for pupils to develop their creativity in our weekly ceramics club, after school printmaking, Sixth Form life drawing sessions and Portrait Painting Club run by visiting artist Francesca Currie. The cocurricular opportunities are not just limited to the pupils, as parents had their own Portrait Painting Club. Additionally, the Parents’ Printmaking Club continues to be as popular as ever.

We love to hear how our former pupils are getting on, and this year saw great success in the arts for our OVs. Melanie Thorn Potten appeared on Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year, winning the wildcard competition in her heat with her painting of the River Mersey. Henny Styles won a competition run by AGA and her print design, called Serenity, will now feature in their textile collection. Daisy Beedie staged a solo show titled Arthur in this England in Hanbury Hall’s Long Gallery. In the exhibition, Daisy, who is going into her final year studying Illustration at Plymouth, explored Arthurian legend and how it relates to modern England. It was also pleasing to see some of our former pupils graduate from Art, Design, Architecture and Art History courses and we look forward to learning of their success over the coming years.

As ever, we ended the year with our GCSE and A-level exhibitions which mark the culmination of the courses and is a wonderful way to celebrate the achievements of our Fifth Form and Upper Sixth artists.

BIOLOGY

Biology at King’s continues to go from strength to strength. The subject remains popular as an A-level option and many students have opted to study university courses linked to health sciences, medicine, veterinary medicine and ecology. Many of our Biology students have gone on to excellent careers in both biological research and medical sciences.

In September, we welcomed in the new generation of Lower Fourth biologists who had the opportunity to study a wide range of topics, including learning how to use microscopes to see microorganisms and took time to work on identifying the skeletal remains of animals in owl pellets!

Practical work remains an essential part of the subject at King’s and we are fortunate in having excellent grounds where all our students can study ecology. As part of their ecology topic, the Upper Sixth carried out ecological surveys of the diversity of plants around the School’s games fields.

The extensive practical work in all years helps to bring the subject to life for the pupils, be it dissecting their way through the respiratory systems of a mammal in Upper Remove to carrying out sophisticated staining of bacterial species in the Lower Sixth. Staffing in the department has remained very stable and we were fortunate that Jim Chalmers decided to rejoin us for the year, after missing teaching Biology. Exam results at GCSE and A-level continue to be excellent and we know that our current Fifth Form and Upper Sixth will continue to excel in Biology.

MDP

CAREERS

Careers went from strength to strength this year, with the continuation of Careers House time in the Sixth Form; in addition, it was also extended to Middle Years. Pupils looked at a range of topic areas. These included looking at what makes an employer good to work for, considering if AI is a threat to our jobs, discussions on earning and managing money and taking control of your career journey.

Upper Remove pupils took part in the yearly Futures Project, where they work together in groups to explore careers and create a project based on this. The overall winning presentation this year was Castle House’s entry from Noah Astley. This was a presentation about Formula One engineering. Second place was awarded to Choir House, presented by Ollie Young, Alex Higgs and Joe Smith, who had researched the distinct roles of a fighter pilot. Finally, third place was awarded to Bright House and a presentation on Pathways to Medicine including an interview with a doctor in training, by Katerina Fletcher and Grace Allardice.

This year, Careers was introduced as an option in the Sixth Form Life Skills programme, where students opt for a half term block of career skills, giving dedicated time to looking at application forms, CV writing, psychometric testing, and interview techniques. This programme will expand next year to include personal finance as well.

During March, we celebrated National Careers Week by hosting our annual Careers Extravaganza. The event, which gets bigger and better each year, was very well attended by pupils, with the first day focusing on STEM careers and the second day focusing on Business and Professional Services. During both evenings, students could speak to over 30 exhibitors about their chosen career path and routes into industry. Many OVs came to support the event, and it was lovely to see so many of them back together.

During the STEM evening, students could also attend a talk by OV Bonnie Posselt – a consultant in aviation and space medicine for the Royal Air Force. She is one of Britain’s first ever ‘space doctors,’ helping to prepare astronauts for voyages into space.

Tuesday evening’s talk was equally fascinating. It was delivered by Daniel Maguire, Global Head of London Stock Exchange Group’s (LSEG) Post Trade Division, and Chief Strategy Officer for the Group. Daniel talked about how he came to work for the London Stock Exchange and answered some very articulate questions from the audience, such as what advice would he give to his 16-year-old self, and how to stand out from the crowd in job interviews.

In addition to the experiences offered at the Careers Extravaganza, we also held talks throughout the year, including an apprenticeship talk by Lisa Cuttle, parent of OV Jude Fernihough, and a talk by Kerry Davies from Worcestershire Apprenticeships. Talks were also delivered by David Oakes from the Army Officer Recruitment and Robert Cooke from Project Trust Gap Years. We are looking forward to expanding the programme next year to include a comprehensive range of careers.

Lower Sixth students were also treated to Gap Year talks from OVs Harry Flockhart, Rafay Siddiqui and Amy Ranasinghe, who came to tell us about their different experiences. Olivia Howard could not join us in person, but we were treated to a video all about her time working in an international school in Hong Kong and travelling around Australia. Their photographs and stories will certainly have inspired our students who want to travel.

During the Summer Term, we held our annual Higher Education Day. Many students attended university Open Days, including Birmingham, Liverpool and Keele, whilst Oxbridge and medical applicants stayed in school for masterclasses in their respective areas. The medics welcomed back OV Dr Harry Guy who is currently working in the pediatric unit at Worcester Royal Hospital. Dr Guy talked to aspiring medics about the application process and the realities of the job, whilst Oxbridge candidates spoke with OV Becky Ye, who is at Keble College. She gave advice on the application process and life at Oxford.

Finally, we had several students taking part in work experience over the summer, including Physiotherapy, Britannic Place Financial Management, The Crick Institute, Evesham Golf Club, Worcester University, MFG Solicitors, Rolls Royce, WSP, Worcester Royal Hospital and Worcester Constituency Office. CG

CHEMISTRY

Chemistry would not be the same if it were not for the hands-on, practical work and this year has been no exception! As soon as our pupils join us in Lower Fourth, they are busy gaining their Bunsen Burner licences and getting to grips with a wide variety of apparatus. Their enthusiasm is a joy to see.

Our pupils’ practical skills improve and grow with increasingly challenging experiments and theories as each academic year progresses. Experimental work is the bedrock of our success culminating in our Fifth Form performing, amongst other things, titrations which require a significant increase in technical ability. Indeed, our Sixth Form perform exam level procedures such as distillation, analysis of iron tablets and enthalpy change. Every year, we delight in our Chemistry pupils’ growth and increased confidence around the laboratory.

Chemistry continues to be a popular subject at A-level with many students going on to university to fulfil their full potential in what remains an exciting and versatile subject. This year several of our Lower Sixth students entered the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge, C3L6 (do you see what they did there?). It was a tough event where they had to explore some unusual chemistry around arsenic and “forever chemicals” such as perfluorinated alkyl substances like PTFE. They found the challenge interesting and enjoyable. The top students were Millie Dobson, Martha Evans, and Edmund Roberts. Well done to them. It has been a wonderful year in the Chemistry Department.

LHI

CLASSICS & LATIN

A-level Conference Day

On Wednesday 13th March, our Classics class had the pleasure of visiting Birmingham University for an A-level conference day. This allowed us to enrich our learning through fascinating lectures on topics such as the Aeneid, Politics of the Late Republic and the Julio Claudians, all of which either provided useful extra detail for what we are studying this year, or background knowledge for what we will be looking at in the Upper Sixth. It was truly amazing to learn about topics on our syllabus in a highly detailed university lecture style. Learning in this way provided an insight into what it would be like to study Classical Civilisation at university level, while still ensuring that the lectures were easy to follow and enjoyable to listen to.

Part of what made the experience so rewarding were the brilliant lecturers who had been invited to deliver their presentations to us. While we had been introduced to some of them before class, it was a totally different experience to be lectured by them in a full-sized university lecture theatre and just having access to such facilities was rewarding in itself.

Personally, the part of the trip I found most useful was experiencing a university campus. It was amazing to discover so much new information about our topics and I most enjoyed getting a feel for university learning, lectures and note taking. With the many important decisions regarding higher education which we will soon need to make, it was super beneficial to see how we felt about studying Classics at university level. We even had the pleasure of meeting some current third year Ancient History students, enabling us to gain a deeper understanding of what university life will be like.

Overall, the experience was insightful and I cannot thank enough Mrs Booth and Mrs Lewis for the opportunity. I hope that future A-level students also have access to such useful and interesting opportunities.

SamTaylor-Edwards

Classics and Latin Trip to Rome

The Classics and Latin trip to Rome took place at the start of November this academic year. Like many of us, I had been waiting to go on the trip ever since it was cancelled due to Covid in 2020.

Our trip started with a very early morning at Hawford, where we excitedly began the journey down to Heathrow. We were lucky enough to stay in Casa Santa Lucia, in central Rome, accommodation run by nuns!

Despite the early morning, we went straight out to observe the Largo Argentino. It was approximately a 30 second walk from the door of our accommodation and the site where Julius Caesar was assassinated on the Ides of March in 44 BC, but now inhabited by cats! Our first day ended with seeing the Pantheon lit up in the dark, which was an ethereal experience. We then walked to a local restaurant for our first dinner where many of us were surprised that Italians prefer to have salad for dessert, compared to some variation of a sweet treat.

The following morning Antonio, our guide, took us on a walking tour through Rome to visit the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum. It was incredible to see such a large site, and to hear our teachers pointing out buildings and temples that we had been studying in both our GCSE and A-level courses. After lunch, we walked back to the Pantheon we had seen the night before, now having the opportunity to go inside. I remember how speechless Mrs Shepherd was when she realised a live orchestra was playing. We were then lucky enough to be able to visit the Ara Pacis, Augustus’ altar of peace, and a personal favourite.

The third day was busy. We took the Metro to Ostia, to visit Ostia Antica. Ostia Antica was an ancient Roman city and the port of Rome. Due to silting and the invasion of sand, the site now lies 3 km from the sea and is a large archaeological site noted for the excellent preservation of its ancient buildings and impressive mosaics. It was incredible to walk through paths, buildings and sit in a theatre that had been preserved so well.

While I don’t think any of us have ever done so many steps in one day, we walked to the Vatican City after dinner, as Antonio was adamant that this was the best way to let our food go down. He was correct. We were then able to end the evening with yet another ice cream.

Our final day was filled with a visit to the Capitoline Museums. The Capitoline Museums are composed of three main buildings surrounding the Piazza del Campidoglio and interlinked by an underground gallery beneath the piazza. It was amazing to see such a vast array of both art and archaeological finds.

EmiliaDowning

The trip was a jam-packed and an incredible experience. It was one that wouldn’t have been possible without the thought and care put into it by our

COMPUTING

Last year, I wrote about the exciting opportunity a group of Upper Remove pupils had as they were able to choose Computer Science as one of their GCSE choices. This year, I am writing my Vigornian update only days after the same group of pupils have left to go on study leave for our first ever set of GCSE Computer Science examinations. It now means that pupils in every single year have the opportunity to learn Computer Science from Lower Fourth up to Upper Sixth.

In November, we had our annual Bebras Challenge with all pupils in Lower Fourth, Upper Fourth, and all pupils who chose to study Computing/Computer Science from Lower Remove to Upper Sixth. The competition aims to improve the computational thinking of pupils by solving puzzles that need pattern recognition, ‘shortest routes’ finding or ciphers decrypting. Some pupils did exceptionally well with an amazing 47 pupils from across the years finishing in the top 10% nationally and gaining an invite to the Oxford University Computing Challenge. Ace Doggett in Lower Fourth gained Best in School this year. Scoring a fantastic 182/200 deserves many congratulations! Indeed, more congratulations are offered to Samantha Capell in the Fifth Form who scored 170/200 which placed her 106th in the country for her age group. Again, a fantastic achievement!

Spring Term saw us teaching topics such as Representations in Binary, Physical Computing and Programming Essentials in Scratch to the Lower Years. Additionally, the Upper Sixth students completed some very impressive NEA programming projects.

There have been no trips scheduled this academic year, but the Lower Sixth Computer Scientists did have a tour of the school site from Dan Cox our IT Network Analyst, who showed them places where pupils do not ordinarily go, such as our server room in Hostel House. He explained the physical structure of the network and how it is split into Virtual LANs to security. A very interesting time indeed!

The Summer Term is always dominated by examinations, and we wished our Upper Sixth students farewell by playing a mass game of Kahoot! Congratulations to all pupils who gained offers for university places to study Computing related courses.

DNB

DESIGN TECHNOLOGY

We are all designers.

A Lower Fourth pupil walking into the department for the first time is unlikely to consider themselves a designer. However, every eleven-year-old is a designer; we are all designers. So, what is it that qualifies us as such? It is simple. We all see problems around us, wherever we go and all the time. Whenever we are affected by problems, we set about resolving them; it is just that we often operate on autopilot and might not even realise we are problem-solving. In fact, we can spend our lives not realising it but, from birth, we are problem solvers; even if that simply involves crying when we are hungry!

One of the first responsibilities of the DT teacher is to encourage the student to take ownership of this concept.

We all become accomplished problem-solvers. As I sit here at my desk on a ridiculously hot day at the end of the Summer Term, writing this report, I am grateful for the breeze coming in through the window. Unfortunately, with each much-appreciated rush of cooler air, the window is being blown shut. This is an easy fix, especially with the extensive departmental resources at my fingertips.

As soon as we start to think of solutions to problems, we become designers. We can often solve these with our native wit alone but, to become competent designers, requires more than just what we are born with. We can simply solve problems as we go, but since every dilemma solved is an opportunity for learning, the best problem-solvers will be the ones who

have retained valuable data from their experience and use it when solving subsequent and more complex problems.

So, we teach our pupils to be intentional in their learning. The path taken through Lower Fourth to Upper Sixth is one of learning materials and manufacturing processes, of building a visual library of components and understanding forces and motion. It is about building the ability to record and communicate design-thinking on paper and through 2 and 3D software, and prototyping concepts for consideration by the client. Taking ownership of our learning is key, otherwise we can drift through, and remain average.

In Lower Fourth, pupils are introduced to the concept of working for, and with, a client. We run a project based upon iterative designing where pupils cycle through researching, designing, and evaluating, before continuously repeating the process to refine the outcome. We run a prosthetics project, where the pupils develop an understanding of the individual needs of those using prosthetic limbs. This project equips them with the opportunity to develop their modelling skills. They also work through an electronic textiles project, where pupils learn more about materials and fabrics, electronics, wearable technology and prototyping. They develop an ability to sew by machine and hand – skills that will come in extremely useful, with time.

Upper Fourth follows the theme of designing to solve realworld problems, and it is at this stage that pupils learn basic programming for control technology and start to develop a working understanding of mechanisms, and how we can use

them to make our lives easier. We also spend time developing workshop modelling skills, in addition to learning 2D CAD skills.

In Lower Remove, prototyping becomes more serious as the pupil learns to design in 3D, in a virtual environment on computer. Their work is brought to life by 3D printing, as they emulate the design process used in the real world. During this year, they also develop the ability to communicate their design thinking on paper through design sketching and their ability to model their ideas quickly, in the workshop.

Upper Remove and Fifth Form focus upon the GCSE course, and pupils prepare for a theory paper worth 50% of the overall award. The remaining 50% is awarded through project work. This comprises a series of modelling and prototyping of a product that fulfils the needs of a real client, and a 30 or so page document that records the journey of thought, throughout.

The final two Sixth Form years follow a similar format, but students work towards their A-level with a much more industrial approach. Everything in these years is geared towards preparing the student for life beyond King’s. We aim to cover the curriculum through an industrial lens. In other words, we are constantly asking ‘how is this done in industry?’ We are proud of our desire to evaluate continually and redesign our provision in the DT department at King’s, because the subject is always developing at the speed of new technology. On reflection, how can we teach our pupils to look for continuous improvement, if we do not expect it of ourselves?

BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

Last June, Lower Sixth Business students visited Morgan for a tour around their factory. This brought together several areas of the Business course that we have studied over the year and allowed us to see the manufacturing of the car in action. We heard all about the different Morgan models, and the many ways a car can be customised. Also, the Malvern-based firm has continued developing over the years, whilst producing cars by hand.

Students were then set an essay based on their research. EF

Upper Sixth Business Visit to Churchfields Farm

Our Upper Sixth Business students visited Churchfields Farm on Wednesday 13th September 2023 to see a thriving local business in action. The students had a guided tour of the site to understand the diverse range of products and services on offer and sampled the award-winning ice cream. In the boardroom, they heard first-hand from Business Partner, Will Kerton OV, about some of the objectives and plans of the business, as well as the entrepreneurial challenges and opportunities provided by the Covid lockdowns. In a highly informative and engaging Q&A session, Will dealt with a multitude of questions from our students. After the trip, the students completed a SWOT analysis of the business (an assessment of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the organisation) which was shared with the business owners.

King’s Business and Economics department is extremely grateful to Will and Gillian Kerton, and all of the Churchfields team, for going the extra mile for the School and for helping to bring the Business A-level course alive for our students.

Morgan is one of the world’s oldest car manufacturers. Referring to evidence that you have collected during the visit, evaluate whether Morgan’s survival over so many years is due to either its marketing or its operational processes.

Morgan is one of the world’s oldest car manufacturers, known for its classic car designs and handcrafted production methods as we saw on our visit there.

Morgan’s survival is largely down to its unique operational processes. They use handcrafted production, limited edition models and bespoke job production, unique in the car market, that usually mass produce their products with companies such as Ford and VW. This means that Morgan has maintained a niche market with customers who are enthusiasts and value craftsmanship over mass production. Therefore, Morgan’s operational strategy creates brand loyalty and sets it apart from competitors, allowing it to charge premium pricing for its products. However, relying on handcrafted production limits scalability and can lead to high costs in the long run. This is due to the highly skilled staff and the labour intensive process which is expensive for the business. Additionally, if there is a problem and workers are off work, even though some workers are skilled in all areas of engineering, it may result in longer production times and higher prices. This means that the target market may not receive their car in time and, therefore, the firm may face a negative backlash and a fall in brand image.

Morgan’s marketing mix has also played a crucial role in its long-term success. Morgan emphasises heritage, storytelling,

and history. They emphasise customer engagement through tours and experiences. This means that Morgan creates an emotional connection with its customers which enhances brand value. Therefore, effective marketing ensures that interest and loyalty are achieved by its target market and the younger generation on tours around Morgan, like us! However, Morgan being so heavily reliant on heritage makes innovation hard. Continually promoting history and tradition may inhibit modern innovation. This means that the brand risks looking as though it is outdated if it does not adapt to the changing preferences of consumers. Therefore, while using heritage, history and tradition as marketing strategies strengthens their brand image, it needs to be balanced with innovation to stay relevant and successful.

Overall, Morgan targets a niche market of car enthusiasts who value heritage and craftsmanship. They are focusing on maintaining high-quality and strong customer relations (such as the man who has all models of a Morgan car!) The cars are limited edition, handcrafted vehicles that emphasise tradition and bespoke features. Morgan’s operational and marketing mixed strategies enable them to thrive. However, in my opinion, and from experiencing the manufacturing plant firsthand, the operational processes are the main factor for their ongoing success.

Eddie Hira

‘Economics in Action’ Online Conference Relating what we learn in the classroom to the real world was an opportunity experienced by our Upper Sixth students last November. Our economists attended an ‘Economics in Action’ online conference. This was specifically aimed at A-level Economics students and gave some great opportunities to extend understanding beyond the A-level specification. The event was hosted by the enthusiastic Bobby Seagull, TV broadcaster, teacher and celebrity, who found fame on University Challenge. Students listened to and participated in a series of lectures, including: ‘The Rise of Rentier Power,’ ‘Universal Healthcare Without the NHS,’ ‘In search of Plan B –degrowth,’ and ‘Financial Wizardry,’ where they explored what it means to be a trader in the city and examined the collapse of financial markets. There was also a talk on personal finance and some great tips for examination success! The day was enjoyed by all. Student feedback included:

The day was really useful in terms of expanding my knowledge of areas of the course we don’t specifically learn

about.

TobyRaybould

I really enjoyed learning about how financial markets work and why they crash, in a very detailed but accessible way.

Jaimie Lewis

I really enjoyed the analysis of how today’s world is trying to tackle climate change and how we should re-evaluate our stance to think about bigger shifts in tackling the problem. Yet again, the main power for change lies with the political systems.

ENGLISH

Life has been as full and rewarding as ever in the English Department this year. Alongside our teaching of a wonderful range of texts and literary skills, we have run a wide range of co-curricular activities – some familiar and some new.

Following on from last year’s success, in October, we ran our ‘Spooky Stories’ and Gothic Writing Workshop event for our junior schools and other local primary schools in the Cathedral Undercroft. This year, we decided to capitalise on the gothic theme by running, in addition, an in-house short story competition with the theme ‘Spine-Chillers’ for all year groups. This venture yielded a range of horrifying and chilling stories across the age range, with prizes going to Freya Hunt (Sixth Form), James Dehmas (Middle Years) and Evelyn Roberts (Lower Years). Also highly recommended were Max Cartelet, Arabella Johnson, Agatha Ralley-Charteris, Katerina Fletcher and Nikoletta Fletcher.

In the Summer Term, we ran our inaugural Lower Years Spelling Bee. It was a fierce competition, but ultimately the crown went to L4E, represented by Lilly Martin. Well done to all participants!

All in all, it has been an incredibly full year of books, literature, creative writing and competitions – and we look forward to much more of these in the coming academic year!

Here are some highlights from our Spine-Chillers:

RiyaMayilvahanan

I particularly enjoyed the session on personal finance. We learnt some very useful and practical tips, especially helpful for university.

IssyGreen

From TheGraveyardGhost by Evelyn Roberts

It was a moonless night, and the graveyard was silent and still. The wind whispered through the trees, the leaves rustling in the darkness like the spectral hands of ghosts. The silence was thick, the kind of silence that is heavy and unsettling. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was not alone. I was there to visit my grandfather’s grave; he had passed away a few months ago and I felt that I needed to come back and talk to him. As I walked through the gates, I noticed that some of the headstones looked different. They seemed to be leaning towards me, as if trying to reach out and grab me.

From The Haunting of Hollowbrook House: A Deadly Welcome by James Dehmas

Hidden away at the end of a shadowy, overgrown lane nestled within the dense ancient forest stands a house unlike any other. Its ominous silhouette looms, casting an unsettling pallor over the landscape. This forsaken dwelling, known locally as Hollowbrook House, holds a chilling secret that has struck terror into the hearts of those who dare to venture through its rusted iron gates. For within these decaying walls resides a malevolent force, an entity that hungers for more than just solitude.

EXTENDED PROJECT

QUALIFICATION 2024

In total, 33 EPQ students submitted projects this year having learned the skills they needed in their EPQ lessons. These included planning, time management, referencing and research ethics. We were supported by the librarians at The Hive who arranged for our students to visit for an afternoon to pick up library cards and learn how to access the University resources to use for research.

Once they had learned the skills, each student planned out their own research with the help of a staff supervisor. There was a wide variety in the types of projects undertaken with students researching topics such as Cystic Fibrosis; Witch trials; communicating risk to adolescents and the effect of Disney princesses on the gender pay gap. Several people produced artefacts which means that the research leads to a defined product with a purpose. Artefacts this year have included a website to sell baked goods locally and an architectural model in the style of Aldo Rossi.

We were all impressed by the final presentations where students were able to showcase their new skills and knowledge. At the end of the course, the final lesson was spent reading each other’s work and producing some top tips for the next cohort through the EPQ process, based on the mistakes that had been made this year. The Lower Sixth particularly enjoyed watching the video where several Monitors berated each other for EPQ related mistakes in theSchool gardens!

CLB

GEOGRAPHY

Early in the Autumn Term, our Lower Sixth students spent three days in Somerset on a residential fieldwork course based in Minehead. As well as forming a critical part of the A-level that focused on the Coasts and Places topics, it provided an important opportunity to spend some quality time together away from the classroom. Highlights on the first day included an enjoyable game of beach cricket following an assessment of Minehead’s beach defences. A visit to Porlock Bay on Day Two allowed students to appreciate the role of energy on landforms by measuring beach profiles and carrying out detailed sediment analysis. Data was collected using the Survey123 App and presented back at the hotel using Geographical Information Systems. The final day was spent at the small harbour town of Watchet, which has recently undergone significant change. Groups were able to get a deep insight into its identity through surveys and enjoyed the opportunity to sample some excellent ice creams.

A week later, the Fifth Form visited Bristol as part of their GCSE studies. A focus on the regeneration of the Harbourside area helped bring a classroom case study to life. Highlights included a boat trip, which allowed pupils to see the dramatic urban changes that have occurred to the historical heart of the city. For many, the opportunity to speak to the public and carry out questionnaires was a rewarding experience.

In the Spring Term, the Lower Sixth ventured to Birmingham for the day. Our first attempt was curtailed by severe flooding on the railway but, thankfully, a second opportunity was successful. Students contrasted media representations of Digbeth with their personal experiences and carried out detailed studies of the city centre. A range of fieldwork skills were practised, and a deeper understanding of Brindley Place was developed, which helped form a useful case study.

A trip to the Carding Mill Valley in Shropshire gave the Upper Remove their fieldwork opportunity in the Summer Term. The focus was to study river characteristics and associated flood risks, so pupils spent the day hopping in and out of the stream, as they were measuring and recording. As well as supporting the GCSE course, being outside and going for a walk were valued. It was a pleasure to see pupils interact with their surroundings so positively and enjoy the day.

Younger years have largely used the School site for bursts of fieldwork, as well as exploring a wide variety of geographical themes in Geography Club. Some of our Upper Sixth engaged with enrichment opportunities such as online lectures and essay competitions to help support their university applications. Special congratulations go to Lucy Wadley for receiving an offer from Cambridge and subsequently being accepted to read Geography.

A regular highlight for King’s Geographers is the summer trip to the French Alps. Led by Mr Cuthbertson, Mrs Neville, Mr Joyce and Miss Dyke, 36 pupils had an amazing time exploring the beauty of the Chamonix region in mid-July. Despite an inconvenient closure of a section of the M25, we had a terrific journey to Dover and then overnight through France. Live streaming both the

Wimbledon and Euros Finals helped pass the time on the coach. On arrival at our resort, we took full advantage of the sunny weather to explore the alpine landscape. Later that evening we were treated to a dramatic thunder and lighting show which, remarkably, some of the group slept through.

The next three days were based in the striking Chamonix region, located within an hour of our hotel. Lessons on glaciation were held at 2,525m using Mt Blanc and the Bossons Glacier as a magnificent backdrop to illustrate key features and processes. An enjoyable funicular train ride on the iconic Montenvers Railway gave us access to the Mer de Glace. Sobering evidence of climate change was observed first-hand as we descended inside the ice caves using the new cable car system that gives further access to the shrinking glacier. The scale of this magnificent body of ice was later observed from L’Index (2,595m), accessed by cable car and chair lift. The tranquillity of the mountains provided the perfect venue for lunch and an outdoor classroom. A highlight of our time in Chamonix was the cable car ride and exploration of the Aiguille du Midi (3,777m). The views across France, Italy and Switzerland were second to none, and the peak of Mont Blanc itself was a tantalising treat for a few budding mountaineers.

Much fun was also had soaking up the French culture in Chamonix town, riding the luge, and swimming in Lac Passy. This was so popular that a return visit was made – much to the delight of the ice cream salesman!

Our final day was as action packed as the others. We managed to fit in a trip to see the Bionnassay glacier on the famous Mont Blanc Tramway. This provided the perfect setting for a concluding outdoor lesson looking down at the enormous Chamonix glacial trough. We were able to pick out all our previous fieldwork sites and really appreciate the dramatic scale of the landscape as we enjoyed our final alpine walk. A splendid dinner back in Le Bettex, with our hosts Lisa and Thierry, set us up for the journey home. Our thanks to Tom and Albert, our Astons Coaches drivers, who were superb throughout. This was a trip to remember both for the dramatic scenery and good fun that was clearly enjoyed by all.

HISTORY

2024 Battlefields Trip

After the success of last year’s trip, the King’s History Department once again organised a visit for Lower Remove pupils to the battlefields in northern France and Belgium between the 21st and 24th of June. The purpose of the trip was to provide an opportunity for pupils to further their understanding of the scale of the conflict, to comprehend the realities of trench warfare and the topography of the battlefields, whilst also allowing for an exploration of the personal stories of soldiers who fought in the war, including Old Vigornians. Additionally, this also served to consolidate pupils’ knowledge of the First World War unit which they began studying earlier in the term.

Based in the centre of the beautiful medieval town of Ypres, we were able to visit an array of famous battlegrounds, memorials and cemeteries that traverse the Ypres salient and front. This was the focal point of some of the most deadly and bloody battles, and served as an introduction to the immensity of losses suffered, particularly the British and Empire forces.

On Saturday, we visited the area surrounding the Somme. This now infamous battle was launched in July 1916 to help relieve the French who were fighting at Verdun. The attack on the 1st of July 1916 proved to be the bloodiest day in British military history, resulting in over 57,000 casualties. Our visit involved a stop off at Sunken Lane, the location of an assault by the 1st Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers, and the Hawthorne Ridge Crater (notoriously captured on film by Geoffrey Malins.) This group then visited Newfoundland Park, which was the site of the Newfoundland Regiment’s unsuccessful attack at BeaumontHamel and allowed for pupils to experience intact remains of trench systems, the topography of the battle site, and the impossibility of the task bestowed on this regiment. We then visited Thiepval Memorial, which commemorates those who died in the Somme battles before 20th March 1918, and have no known grave As a group, we were able to read obituaries of Old Vigornians commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial, a truly memorable experience. Our day finished with a visit to Lochnager Crater, the largest man-made mine crater from the First World War, which gave pupils an understanding of the type of warfare conducted by the Tunnelling Companies of the Royal Engineers.

Our evening was spent eating and shopping in the beautiful centre of Ypres. No trip to Belgium would be complete without a visit to a chocolate maker, and ours was no different!

Many students took the opportunity to buy presents from the famous Leonidas chocolate shop. We were also lucky to get to see the competing cars in the annual Ypres Rally which started and finished in the town square.

On Sunday, the group followed a route that took them to the area surrounding Ypres in Belgium. This began with a visit to Essex Farm Cemetery where pupils found the grave of Rifleman V.J Strudwick, the youngest known British casualty of the First World War. We also used this as an opportunity to recite John McCrae’s famous poem, In Flanders Fields and witness the remains of bunkers used for carrying out medical operations on seriously wounded soldiers. Following this, pupils were taken to Hooge Crater Museum, where we were treated to a vast collection of weapons, shells, and personal equipment. Most notably, we were given an incredibly informative talk by the owner, who showed us remodelled trenches, which lie in the exact positions as those that were used during World War One. This provided a unique and valuable insight into life on the front lines and the importance of height to defensive positions.

After Hooge Crater, pupils were able to stop off at Vancouver Corner where we recapped the significance and effectiveness of gas as a weapon, as first developed by the Germans, before moving on to Langemark Cemetery to gain an appreciation of the scale of German losses. Prior to returning to Ypres, we took a detour to Hill 60 near Zillebeke, as this had a very personal motivation for one of our pupils whose greatgrandad fought in the very bloody battle to capture this hill in 1917. Gus eloquently recalled to the other students the exploits of his relative, and how his great- grandad was able to survive several near misses in the war.

Finally, arriving back at Ypres, we made our way to the Menin Gate where we observed the Last Post Ceremony at 8pm. Special mention should go to Ed Chandler and Guy Maguire, both volunteers from the CCF (Army and RAF sections), who participated in the wreath laying ceremony and acquitted themselves honourably as representatives of King’s School.

On Monday, before heading home, we made one final visit to Vimy Ridge to commemorate Canada’s successful offensive at Vimy in 1917, but at a heavy cost. Again, the topography of the battle site enabled pupils to appreciate the difficulties of allied assaults on defensive German positions amid countless acts of sacrifice.

The trip gave pupils an unforgettable and immersive educational experience. Not only did this provide them with the opportunity to comprehend properly the battlefield realities of 1914-18, but it also allowed them to appreciate the personal stories of war and individual acts of bravery, often lost in a sea of numbers. The tour was a profoundly moving experience.

THE SCHOOL LIBRARY

Choosing and receiving the BookBuzz books is always a highlight when we welcome new Lower Fourths to School for the Autumn Term. We always enjoy taking part in this excellent programme (a Booktrust initiative in which all new Lower Fourth pupils are given one of 12 new titles) which encourages reading for pleasure and promotes pupil choice. Dread Wood by Jennifer Killick was the most popular choice with many children going on to read the rest of this highly entertaining, scary (and funny) series throughout the year.

OV Author Visit

In October, OV lawyer, author, and actor Abbas Kazerooni made a memorable visit to the School. A refugee from Iran who escaped via Istanbul to England alone at the age of nine, Abbas was educated at King’s, but his extremely challenging early years of poverty and isolation meant his experience was far removed from those of his peers.

Previously, Abbas had donated sets of his remarkable memoirs, On Two Feet and Wings, and The Boy with Two Lives to the Library, enabling many pupils to read his books in advance of the visit. The pupils of L4A were enthralled by Abbas’s extraordinary life, and his beautifully written books. It was exciting that they were able to meet with him in the Annett building, the former site of his Day House, Choir, to find out more about his time at King’s and his ensuing successes. We were also incredibly lucky to have a lunchtime Library session with our Lower Remove WRAITH (Library book club) group, who bombarded Abbas with questions in a lively session which he really enjoyed!

World Book Day (7th March)

Staff and pupils enjoyed a special World Book Day menu at lunchtime with dishes inspired by classic reads for children and adults, with some wonderfully creative ideas contributed by staff - Mrs Walmsley had enough ideas for a whole Shakespearean themed salad bar! The main dish was Ratburgers served with Brave New Wedges and Corn with the Wind. This was accompanied by an array of salads including Green Eggs No Ham, Bertie Bott’s every flavour bean salad, The Winter’s Kale, and Jack and the Bean and Olive Salad! Desserts included James and the Giant Peach crumble, and The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s fruit salad. Our Catering team generously accommodated some unusual requests, joined in our enthusiasm for decorating the serving areas and relished producing delicious dishes. Pupils and staff really enjoyed the theme with the lunch proving to be a wonderful way of bringing the whole School together to celebrate World Book Day.

Some of our staff also chose to dress up and attend lunch as a literary character or author. It was possible to spot Beatrix Potter, Mrs Phelps (from Matilda), a magnificent Father Brown (G.K. Chesterton’s fictional priest and detective), Mrs Banks from Mary Poppins, Harry with his bucketful of dinosaurs, an Atwood handmaid and Hermione from Harry Potter-twice!

Our Lower Remove book club did a fantastic job of ‘selling’ this year’s World Book Day books to the Lower Years with great enthusiasm! Piles of the titles quickly diminished in the Long Gallery, and the entrepreneurs who took the books on location to the playground ‘sold out’ many times over.

This year’s competition was to produce a Bold and Brilliant book review, or a Riveting Recommended book list. We received some fabulous entries which have been used in a display as a focal point in the Library. The power of peer recommendations is not to be underestimated, and these reviews have significantly boosted the borrowing of their subject matter titles.

Reading Challenge

World Book Day was also the perfect time to launch a new reading challenge for the Lower Years. The Genre Discovery Reading Challenge invited pupils to read books from 12 different categories, not only traditional genres but also categories such as verse novels, award winning books, and books from Empathy Lab’s ‘Read for Empathy’ Collections.

Some of our formidable readers had already completed the 12 categories a few weeks later. Zofie Waites, Henry Granlund and Stella Askill (Upper Fourth), and Penny Blakemore and Amelia Edwards (Lower Fourth) are all such wonderful reading role models. As Evie Nicholas said, “The Library has been especially useful this year as a space to do homework or to just relax. I have especially enjoyed the reading challenge as it has shown me many different genres that I like.”

With the challenge running until June, we enjoyed many visits from the Lower Years to select books, resulting in delightful clusters of pupils reading throughout the Library – a perfect way to start the day! Nearly 1000 books were read in the pursuit of the challenge, which does not include the additional books for each category read by our keenest readers. For example, an additional 20 dystopian, fantasy and adventure novels were read by Arabella Johnson and an additional 28 books across all categories have been read by Zofia Waites. We are also proud of the achievements of some of our more reluctant readers, in reading one or two books.

Year 6 Transition Visits

In November, we welcomed Year Six pupils from both King’s Hawford and King’s St Alban’s for some fun activities as part of their ‘A Day in the Life of a Big King’s Pupil’ transition activities. The table was laid for Guess Who is Coming to Dinner, featuring place settings with clues to classic children’s books. Pupils took part in a scavenger hunt to discover the resources and layout of the Library. The children also enjoyed word games such as anagrams based on titles and titles with missing consonants.

It was lovely to welcome the King’s St Alban’s Year Six children back in June when we focused on reading for pleasure activities. Each class was given their reading profiles, based on questionnaires about reading habits and preferences filled out in advance by the children, and we had some interesting discussions about why reading for pleasure is so important at all stages of life. The pupils then played games, which helped offer a taster of the wonderful choice of titles and range of genres available in the Senior School Library.

From Our Students

2024 leavers were an impressive cohort, many of whom have spent time with us in the Library over the years. Upper Sixth students Alica Fleming and Catherine Rendall-Baker have kindly reflected on their time in the Library.

I have enjoyed using the Library over the years as it has a wide selection of books that have been helpful to further my knowledge on subjects I’m interested in. Miss Jeffery and Mrs Capell have always been so helpful and welcoming to me, creating a more positive atmosphere and a good place to study. I’m definitely going to miss them next year!

AliciaFleming

Throughout my time at King’s, the Library has been hugely influential. From Lower Fourth right until Upper Sixth, it’s been an amazing space to come and work during break times and after school, especially during Sixth Form as a study space during free periods. In addition to the wide range of subject revision guides, I have enjoyed the broad selection of fiction and nonfiction books. I have loved reading these both through WRAITH and in my own reading.

Catherine Rendall-Baker

MATHS

This has been another busy year for the Maths Department.

The Senior Maths Challenge took place in October and a number of our pupils took part in the competition, which consists of a variety of challenging problems needing to be solved in 90 minutes. Jack Janes in the Upper Sixth scored the highest mark in school, gaining an impressive 102 marks. Freddie Horsfall, also from the Upper Sixth, was close behind with 94 marks. Both Jack and Freddie were awarded Gold certificates along with George Howard, George CampbellFerguson, Katie Burgess, Luke Ranasinghe, James Porter, all Upper Sixth and James Capell, Sam Caskie from the Lower Sixth, along with Pranav Mayilvahanan of the Fifth Form. All 10 qualified for the Senior Kangaroo round in November. There were also five Silver certificates, and nine Bronze certificates awarded in the challenge. In the Kangaroo round, there were three merits awarded. These went to Sam Caskie and George Howard, who were also joint best in School, and to George Campbell-Ferguson. Well done to all who took part and congratulations to all the qualifiers!

In November, a delegation of Fifth Form and Lower Sixth mathematicians went to the Crescent Theatre in Birmingham to hear the Maths Inspiration Lectures, a selection of talks designed to show there is a lot more to Maths than just taking exams. The show was introduced by Dr Yolanda Ohene, a neuro-imaging scientist. She researches imaging techniques used to understand how the brain works. Fourier transforms are the mathematical method used to separate the multiple waves received by an MRI machine. It was amazing to learn of the detailed images that can be obtained.

An author of Maths books and puzzle advisor for New Scientist magazine, Rob Eastaway, explained the results of his tests of ChatGPT. Despite Artificial Intelligence being able to answer most exam questions, he found several puzzles which baffled the AI system.  AI may be able to draft a story, but it struggles to find creative approaches to problem solving.  His conclusion was that it is going to be up to us to keep working on puzzles and problems in order for us to solve them ourselves!

Sammie Buzzard is a glaciologist and climate scientist. Her Maths research led her to the Arctic where she worked on modelling the water pockets appearing on ice shelves to help predict future changes. She described the impacts of losing these ice shelves and the difficulties in modelling. Arctic data, only relatively recently gathered, and since climate change, is impacted by emission levels, which depend on human behaviours.

Ben Sparks rounded off the lectures, by talking about links between Maths and Music. This talk gave Sam Caskie an opportunity to show off his knowledge of 1960s music. Will Kenrick from Lower Sixth impressed by spotting that an equation was impossible to solve. We learnt how the notes that we are familiar with arose in part because three to the power of 12 is relatively close to two to the power of 19! We also learned about the surprisingly simple Maths behind noise cancelling headphones. This explains how karaoke tracks are made and he demonstrated this by removing the lyrics from a track using simple, freely available software.

In January, Mr Swarbrick and Mr Heydon took nine members of the Upper Sixth Maths Society to the University of Birmingham to attend their popular Maths Lecture. The evening started with vast quantity of pizzas being devoured at School. The lecture was titled “Winter’s Wrath: Community Snow Removal” given by Dr J Andrews. He looked at using game theory for decision making in grouped settings, at cost over benefit and how this affects the probability of individuals in a group acting. As is typical in Maths, we looked at what happened with infinite people in a group and what the likely numbers to join in would be. The abstract start of “snow clearing” turn to decision making algorithms. The lecture finished with Dr Andrews telling us that the research and equations he had derived had been used by the government in helping them with policy making on incentive schemes for businesses turning their car fleets to greener alternatives. It was good for the students to see a new and different part of Mathematics and how this can apply to real life situations.

In November, the Upper Sixth Maths Society organised their annual charity Vegas Night. The students organised and ran the entire evening, doing a fantastic job with advertising and sales which ended up with a sellout evening. Much fun was had by all those involved. The games included blackjack, poker, roulette, and shoot. The Upper Sixth rotated around the guest tables playing the various games. Lots of laughter was heard throughout the event but the real winner was the chosen charity of St Richard’s Hospice. We raised £761.62 on the evening. Thank you for all the generosity of the attendees but, most of all, to the Maths Society for all their hard work on the evening and their preparation beforehand. In addition, thanks must go to Mr Swarbrick for his stewardship.

In February, some of our Fifth Form, Upper Remove and Lower Remove pupils took part in the Intermediate Maths Challenge. We had some excellent achievements in this, including three pupils who qualified for the prestigious Olympiad rounds. Congratulations to Joshua Lee, Pranav Mayilvahanan and Samantha Capell for scoring so highly in the competition and reaching the Olympiad! Ethan Tan (Upper Remove), Dan Arridge (Fifth Form) and Joseph Roberts (Fifth Form) also qualified for the Pink Kangaroo round which is another notable achievement! Altogether we were awarded 11 Gold, 23 Silver and 30 Bronze certificates. Superb effort from all of those involved.

The annual House Countdown event took place in May and was a hotly contested event! It is open to pupils from Lower Remove to Upper Sixth but, this year, the Upper Sixth Further Mathematicians led the way! Congratulations to School House for their victory in an epic tussle with Creighton.

The Junior Maths Challenge took place in April and several pupils from the Lower Years took part. In total, an impressive 17 Gold certificates were awarded together with 20 Silver and 20 Bronze certificates. Jack Barwise scored the highest mark in the Lower Years, and he qualified for the Junior Kangaroo together with 14 others. In the Junior Kangaroo, it was the turn of Rory Freeman to shine, scoring the highest mark in School and earning a merit. Merits were also awarded to Ace Doggett and Arthur Tanner. Well done to all our Challenge participants and particularly to those who qualified for the Kangaroo!

King’s continued its success on the global Maths in Motion stage this year. A squad of budding engineers participated – Max Dyball, Felix Sharman, Dalemyr Chornyy, Julian Zawadzki and Josh Adams – designing and building virtual cars to race against other schools. Over the course of the racing series, Josh Adams excelled. He achieved an impressive 13th position in the Drivers’ Championship and an outstanding 4th place in the final race. In the Constructors’ Championship King’s achieved 4th place globally, our highest performance for a number of years.

MODERN LANGUAGES

U4 Cultural Extravaganza

In June 2024, 79 pupils and eight staff members embarked on an unforgettable school trip to Paris, expertly organised and led by the inspirational Mr Houghton. The journey began with a lively coach ride filled with staff karaoke and the ever-popular cultural quiz, featuring an amusing round dedicated to gravel. Upon arrival, students enjoyed a thrilling day at a renowned theme park, followed by a serene boat tour along the Seine, offering breathtaking views of Paris‘s iconic landmarks. The day concluded with a delightful dinner in a charming Parisian restaurant, allowing everyone to savour authentic French cuisine.

EDH

2024 French Exchange to Cysoing

On the first day of the Easter holiday, Thursday 28th March 2024, 30 pupils and four members of staff travelled to Cysoing for the French Exchange.

Stephanie Kent:

On Easter Monday I went on a bike ride with my exchange partner, my friend from home and her exchange partner. Even though it may seem small, I would say it was the highlight of my week as I loved how we understood each other even though we could not properly speak each others’ languages. I was very lucky to be paired with someone who I have become so close with and I know our friendship will be lifelong.

Fred Edmonds, Izaak Helal and Sophia Zak:

The French exchange has been an amazing experience, especially for learning French! We have had delicious food, visited amazing sites and had the thrilling experiencing of Parc D’Olhain. Over the space of the week, we have learnt a lot about the different cultures and how the French school day works. In the north of France, the food is magnificent. From the smelly cheeses to the melted chocolate on a Belgian waffle, French food has gone above and beyond our expectations!

Sophia Boyd:

We arrived on Thursday at 6:00pm and spent the night with our host families. On Friday, we visited Parc D’Olhain with our school, which involved going on the biggest trampoline in Europe, playing mini golf, zip lining and riding the luge. Then, we had fun with our host families for the Easter weekend and took a day trip to Bruges with our school on Tuesday. There, we had a boat ride, visited the chocolate museum and explored the town with our friends. On the final day, we spent the morning at the French school in Cysoing to discover how similar classes were compared with English schools. Finally, we went home with our exchange partners for the night, before travelling back to England in the morning.

Sixth Form French Exchange to Le Vésinet

On 15th December, eight French A-level students travelled to Paris on the Eurostar for the second and final part of our French Exchange.

Over the weekend, everyone settled in with their families, and we had the opportunity to eat French delicacies such as foie gras and become accustomed to teenage life on the outskirts of Paris. Monday gave us students the chance to take part in French subject lessons such as Geography and Economics at the Lycée Alain in Le Vésinet. On Tuesday afternoon, all the exchange students had a guided tour of the Palace of Versailles, learning about the history and heritage of impressive locations such as the Hall of Mirrors and The Royal Opera Concert Hall. The final day saw a trip to the Catacombs, where we had an audio tour through the tunnels and learnt why they exist and how they became such an integral part of Parisian history during the 1700s.

Overall, the trip was an incredible learning curve for all and, without a doubt, developed everyone’s ability to speak

Memmingen German Exchange 2024

This year’s German Exchange to Memmingen, Bavaria, was an unforgettable experience.

The King’s pupils not only spent time with their host families, fully engaging in everyday way of living and culture, but also spent a lot of time together as a group, going on various trips throughout the nine days. On our first day, a fascinating tour of the town was given to us where we learnt of the influence that Martin Luther had on the developing beliefs of the community. We also ventured up Saint Martin’s church tower, from which we could see stunning views over the historic Bavarian town and to the Alps.

Another day out was spent at Illerbeuren, an agricultural museum where we discovered the lifestyle of those living in the country throughout different eras of history. We also made soap which was very entertaining. The trip to Neuschwanstein Castle was a breath-taking experience, surrounded by the astonishing landscape of the Alps where we had hiked earlier that day.

French. All the French A-level students would like to thank Mrs Drew and Mr Ball hugely for accompanying us on this trip.

Posie Forrester

Perhaps the highlight everyone who participated in the exchange will particularly remember was partaking in the festivities of Fischertag (Fisher’s Day). With two days of parades and brass bands, for Kinderfest and Fischertagsvorabend, the day itself showed us the unique culture and traditions of Memmingen’s community.

Alongside group activities, there were also family events and experiences, including local sports like volleyball. In addition, one day was taken up on a trip to Munich where we viewed the major landmarks of the Bavarian capital. We also attended six regular school days that enabled King’s pupils to see how teaching is done in Germany and what it means being a student in the country. We ended our last day at school with an England vs. Germany football match.

This journey embodied everything – cultural immersion, education, and friendship despite linguistic barriers. The memories that were made on the German Exchange will be cherished forever, owing to how hospitable and welcoming our host families were.

ArthurMorgan,HebeSwift,BelindaPrice

Spanish exchange

During the October half term 25 of our Upper Remove, accompanied by Mrs Shearburn, Miss Arnold and Mr Ward, travelled to Algeciras on the southernmost tip of Spain to participate in a weeklong home-stay exchange programme; our students having been matched in advance with students of the same age at our partner school, IES (Instituto de Educación Secundaria) Isla Verde, in that city. Ahead of our arrival, the Algeciras students sent videos introducing their home and their family members to their KSW guest and their families.

The programme for the week included day trips to Gibraltar, Cádiz, Tarifa and the Roman ruins at Baelo Claudia, as well as a full day in school with their students.  During that day the KSW students attended an IT lesson in Spanish on Artificial Intelligence, and later completed a project with their partners using AI to create images of themselves. Our students were made to feel extremely welcome by their host families, and

Sixth Form Students Study Hard in Salamanca

In the first week of the half-term holiday, 16 of our Sixth Form students, led by Mr Sarriegui and Mrs Rutter, set off from Worcester to travel via Madrid to Salamanca in the Castile and León region of northwestern Spain. There they spent five days of advanced language study, immersing themselves in the language, traditions, and culture of Spain as they stayed with host families, who looked after them with customary Spanish warmth, generosity, and hospitality.

Each morning, our students attended a course of four-hour, intensive Spanish lessons in Colegio Delibes, a well-known and highly regarded Spanish language school; we know that these sixteen hours of study will be invaluable in their preparations for A-level. In the afternoons they enjoyed a whole range of

enjoyed time in their homes and out with their new friends. While we were there we also experienced El Día de Todos Los Santos (All Saints Day) which is celebrated with market stalls selling cakes, sweets and local dry and fresh fruits.

The students from Algeciras came to Worcester at the end of April, and in advance of that visit our own students prepared videos in Spanish about their school routine as part of their Spanish course. The Spanish students enjoyed a day in school, with a bilingual lesson with all the Upper Remove Hispanists, as well as day trips to Oxford, Stratford on Avon and the Black Country Museum. They also had guided tours of Worcester Cathedral, The Commandery and the city centre.

Home-stay exchanges are invaluable in that they help students not only learn about the Spanish way of life, routines, etc. but also to begin to attune their ear better to spoken Spanish.  RJS

activities, including taking a guided tour of the impressive city of Salamanca, as well as completing a “treasure hunt” around the city, with challenges of completing certain task and interviewing locals. They also watched a Spanish film, and visited the western side of the city to admire its impressive graffiti and art. They even undertook a cookery lesson, where they prepared and cooked a Spanish omelette and mixed some delicious non-alcoholic Sangria. Their tastebuds were also finely tuned for Spanish cuisine with a most enjoyable evening of tapas.

Overall, it was a great linguistic and cultural experience, which the students will remember for many years to come and which we know will bear fruit in their A-level studies and beyond.

MUSIC

At the beginning of the new academic year, we welcomed a new peripatetic member of staff to King’s; Katie Silk joined the Music Department as a piano teacher. We said farewell to Tom Hunt who has been a peripatetic teacher here for over forty years! Tom was a pupil in the Sixth Form at King’s before joining the Department after university as a multi-skilled instrumentalist and has taught singing, piano and clarinet to many hundreds of pupils over the years, in addition to having a career as a sought-after singer.

Music Competitions

The two music competitions are an excellent way to begin the school year as every pupil in the School takes part. The House Music Competition was one of many highlights of the year, featuring two days of music-making. A total of 50 pupils showcased their talents in individual performances in the solo round, which involved five concerts throughout the day, providing an informal setting for pupils to perform in College Hall. The House Song Competition brought together every pupil in the Middle Years and the Sixth Form in an entertaining afternoon of singing.

This year’s adjudicator, Honorary Old Vigornian David Brookshaw, brought a wealth of experience, having organised 24 music competitions during his tenure as Director of Music at King’s. The event was nostalgic for him as he could recall many musical events in College Hall. The winners of each class were:

Lower Remove: Flo Sinfield (Kittermaster)

Upper Remove: Hebe Swift (Bright)

Fifth Form: Rosie Brookes (Creighton) and Sophie Johnson (Wulstan)

Sixth Form Instrumental: Nicholas Abdullah (Creighton)

Sixth Form Vocal: Florence Price (Creighton)

Creighton House won the song competition with Ain’t No Mountain High Enough. New prizes included Best Accompaniment for Wulstan House and Best Conductor for Bright House. The Winners’ Concert provided an opportunity to reprise the top three songs and successful solo performances in front of a large audience of pupils, staff, and parents.

The Lower Years Music Competition helped new Forms to work together collaboratively at the beginning of the school year. Over four weeks, the Music School was filled with rehearsals, culminating in a day of solo performance and song. The adjudicator, Hereford Cathedral School’s Director of Music, Duncan Barlow, selected his favourite items for the Winners’ Concert. The afternoon featured energetic performances of show songs, pop songs, and rock songs.

The winners were:

Lower Fourth Vocal Class: Elodie-Eve Hathaway

Lower Fourth Instrumental Class: Rory Woodward

Upper Fourth Vocal Class: Zofia Waites

Upper Fourth Instrumental Class: Lily Ling

L4D with Waka Waka and U4A with Shut Up and Dance won the Lower Years Song Competition. The Winners’ Concert was an opportunity to highlight some of the songs and soloists to a large audience.

Young Performers’ Concerts

During the year there were six Young Performers’ Concerts featuring an impressive 75 performances from pupils in the Lower Years and Lower Remove. These take place in the informal setting of the Vigornian Room, though the final concert, in the last week of the School year took place in College Hall and was a celebration of music-making for our younger pupils. The concert was bookended with well-known tunes, BridgeofTroubledWaterperformed by the Lower Years Choir, and the Doctor Who Theme performed by the Second Orchestra. There was something for everyone in a joyful hour of music displaying every style imaginable, as offered by soloists on a wide range of instruments. Congratulations go to Lower Fourth Music Scholar Rory Woodward, who accompanied a fellow pupil from the piano for the first (but surely not the last) time in one of these concerts.

Open Mic Nights

The Autumn and Spring Term Open Mic Nights took place in The Michael Baker Boathouse, and always attract large

audiences. The events differ from other Departmentorganised performances in that the pupils are responsible for preparing the performances by themselves, with limited input from staff, (though peripatetic teachers Mr Crocker and Mrs Stone both work hard behind the scenes to help where necessary.) Each OMN features about 20 songs performed by about 30 pupils. Highlights from the Autumn Term included Hannah Bowen’s opening performance of Play that Funky Music and Gabriel Tucker’s Sixth-Form band performing an original song, Easy on Me. For the first time in five years, the Summer Term OMN took place in the School Gardens. It was a wonderful occasion with twenty acts ranging from solos through to an 8-piece band performing the theme tune from Ghostbusters! There was music from the past six decades including songs by Adele, Muse, Radiohead, Michael Jackson, Louis Armstrong and many more. The entertaining evening finished with a Beatles medley in which the audience were invited to get up and dance along to Twist and Shout. Upper Sixth Music Scholar Sam Perkin’s performance of Armstrong’s What aWonderfulWorld was one of many highlights. Brothers Austin and Jack Barnett as well as Sam Caskie were impressive throughout the year in the role of the session band for many performances.

Recordings of this event and many others can be found on the Music Department’s Soundcloud page.

School Concerts

Most of our School ensembles perform each term at the School Concert with music ranging from Mozart through to Taylor Swift! These concerts feature over 100 pupils from Lower Fourth to Upper Sixth making music together. The larger ensembles feature pupils from five year groups, Lower Remove to Upper Sixth.

The School Choir opened the Autumn Term concert with two movements from Mozart’s Requiem Mass. The Second

Orchestra performed a fun rendition of The Elephant from Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals. The King’s Swingers entertained the audience with a set of three numbers with further performances from the First Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Lower Years Choir and Wind Band.

The Summer Term Concert was the final opportunity for our departing Upper Sixth students to perform in our instrumental ensembles and for us to offer our thanks and congratulations for all they have contributed to the musical life of the School throughout their time here. The concert began with four excellent numbers from the Swingers, finishing with one of their favourites, Cold Duck Time. The Second Orchestra then performed two pieces: the first, Dance of the Clowns, was expertly played, with lots of contrasts of tone and texture between the strings and wind players, and it was followed by the ever-popular theme from Wallace and Gromit. The School Choir performed three movements from John Rutter’s Requiem. The soloist was talented Upper Sixth Music Scholar Florence Price.

Musicals

The Senior Production of Footloose: The Musical, took place in December. For three fun-filled evenings, the exceptional cast wowed audiences with their dynamic and enthusiastic singing, dancing, and acting. Elijah Broadbent as Ren and Rosie Brookes as Ariel led the line superbly, and their Act Two duet, Almost Paradise, was a real showstopper moment. The supporting cast were equally impressive: heartbreakingly mature performances from Hannah Bowen and Eric Dykes as Ariel’s parents, and a powerhouse turn from Bella Crompton as Ariel’s best friend, Rusty captivated the audience each evening of the run with her song, the classic 80s hit, Let’s Hear It For The Boy. One of the great strengths of the Music Department over the past decade has been that the band for these shows has been made up mostly of pupils. Playing

in a show band requires exceptional musical skill, as well as high levels of concentration and the ability to adapt quickly in the rehearsal process when the music may be changed, cut, or even added to! On occasion this may happen during a performance as well! In his second show at school Jack Barnett was the drummer and excelled in that role; Eleanor Witt on bass and Alex Witt on sax were playing in their first school show and their professionalism throughout the week was truly remarkable.  Mr Crocker added acoustic and electric guitar with Mr Taranczuk on piano and synth.

In the Summer Term it was the turn of the Lower Years pupils to take to the stage with their production of TheWizard ofOz Lower Fourth pupil Elodie-Eve Hathaway was cast in the role of Dorothy and gave an exceptional performance alongside Cecily Jarvis, Mortimer Dykes and Mabel Machin as the Lion, Tin Man and Scarecrow and all the wonderful cast and crew. Thanks also go to peripatetic teacher, Mrs Stone, for taking on the role of Musical Director for this show.

In March the School, in partnership with The Three Choirs Festival, provided an exclusive opportunity for Worcester schools to come together in a celebration of singing and music.

200 pupils from King’s St Alban’s and King’s Worcester, along with children from Hallow Primary School, St George’s C of E Primary School, St Clement’s C of E Primary School, St Barnabas C of E Primary School, and Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Primary School learnt a selection of songs all about nature and the seasons, including the fabulous Hippopotamus Song by Flanders and Swann. Director of Music, Simon Taranczuk visited the primary schools for six weeks teaching the songs to lots of enthusiastic children. The songs, which were fun-filled, tuneful and easy to learn, gave the children a fantastic opportunity to discover music that many had heard before. The concert was an enormous success with a packed Cathedral of staff, family, and friends.

Cleobury Concerts

The Cleobury Concerts showcase the talents of our more experienced soloists as well as the Chamber Choir, Flute Group, and other small ensembles. The Autumn Term

concert featured several debuts, including those by Flo Sinfield (Lower Remove) and Sam Caskie (Lower Sixth). The Chamber Choir delivered two contrasting pieces based on the same text, Like as the hart desireth the waterbrooks. The first piece was by Renaissance composer Palestrina, while the second was by 20th-century English composer Herbert Howells. The concert also included a powerful performance of Svenson’s Romanza by Sophie Ruane. The Spring Term concert featured a string trio of Sophie Ruane, Anna Gibbens and Sophie Johnson who performed a light-hearted piece called  Bach at the Double, which they had learnt for their GCSE Music ensemble recording. The concert also featured the Chamber Choir performing some folk songs arranged by Bob Chilcott. Tuesday evening is the traditional slot for the final Cleobury Concert of the year featuring our more experienced musicians. The Summer Term concert always takes place in the final week of the School year and featured the final performances given to the school by some of the Upper Sixth pupils. Three Music Scholars, Sam Perkins, Florence Price and Riya Mayilvahanan, have given much to music at King’s throughout their time at School and all performed exceptional solos. The concert began with the Guitar Group and finished with the Chamber Choir’s rendition of Goodnight Sweetheart

Three Cathedral Choir Schools Evensong

Three years ago, the Directors of Music of the three schools associated with the Three Choirs Festival came up with the idea of combining our Chamber Choirs for Choral Evensong once a year as a mini version of the Festival.

It is an occasion when the choristers can renew friendships forged whilst working closely together each July. Three years on, we have now had a full cycle, with each school having hosted the event when the choirs combined to sing an uplifting Evensong in Hereford Cathedral in January, led by the Director of Music at Hereford Cathedral School, Duncan Barlow. The wonderful organ and inspiring acoustic of the magnificent building helped to enhance the high-quality music-making. This was particularly noticeable in the anthem; Balfour Gardiner’s Evening Hymn is a classic of the early twentieth century choral repertoire, with a dramatic build up in the organ before the full choir enters.

Elms School Jazz and Swing Evening

The King’s Swingers once again took part in the annual Elms School Jazz and Swing Evening in March, along with bands from Shrewsbury School, Rugby School, and Cheltenham College.

This is a popular event amongst members of the band, as they have the chance to hear performers from other schools and are well looked after by staff at the school. The band began the second half of this black-tie event with an impressive set of eight songs. Gabriel Tucker was the host, introducing the programme, which began with  Groove Merchant and finished with an excellent jazz arrangement of Simon and Garfunkel’s BridgeOverTroubledWater. The band welcomed Lower Sixth student Hannah Bowen to the stage for her debut with the Swingers, as she sang All of Me by Marks and Simons.

Royalty!

During the Easter holiday in 2023, 40 King’s boys, including many of the choristers, spent a day recording a scene in York Minster for the final episode of Netflix’s The Crown, which was broadcast in November. The boys sang Praise My Soul the King of Heaven in the scene depicting the wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla. It was a wonderful experience seeing how just a few seconds of a shot takes many hours to film. When the boys finished filming, they were greeted by rapturous applause from the 500 supporting artists who were acting as the wedding guests.

A few months later many of the boys sang for the real Queen Camilla at the Royal Maundy Service held in Worcester Cathedral.

Ceremonial coins were presented to 75 men and 75 women from around the country, including 39 people from our own county Worcestershire and Dudley. The gift is presented in recognition of their exemplary Christian service to church and community over many years. The Cathedral Choir performed alongside the Chapel Royal Choir and the Royal State Trumpeters. The performance of Zadok the Priest was exhilarating! As a recognition of this memorable occasion, the choristers were later presented with their own set of ceremonial coins as a thank you from the Cathedral Chapter.

Worcester Competitive Arts Festival

Performers from every level of The King’s School Foundation showcased their talent on stages throughout Worcester at the 2024 Worcester Competitive Arts Festival (WCAF).

The 73rd WCAF, which ran over five consecutive weekend dates, offered performance opportunities to instrumentalists, actors, and singers, from young novices to young aficionados and every level in between! A total of 50 pupils from the King’s Foundation took part, with many walking away with awards.

Every performer who took part benefitted from feedback given by a team of expert adjudicators, whose useful, constructive, and practical advice will help each performer grow and develop their stage presence and technical mastery.

Lower Sixth Former Hannah Bowen added,  “WCAF provided me with a great performance opportunity, singing to a new audience on a professional stage with really useful feedback. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience, which led to even more performance chances in the Gala Concert and at the 15th annual Sunshine Music Festival in Upton!”

Highlights of the festival for our pupils were as follows:

Rory Woodward: Winner of the Open Piano Competition, receiving The Vale Piano Trophy.

Rosie Brookes: Advanced Violin String Solo Winner of the WH Austin Trophy with Honours and the Parkinson Right Cup for winning the Musical Theatre Solo Aged 15 – 16 Class also with Honours.

Hannah Bowen: Rock and Pop Solo Class Winner with Honours, Sunshine Festival Performance Slot Winner, and Gala Concert performer.

Florence Sinfield: Musical Theatre Solo Aged 13 and 14 Class winner with Honours

Molly Branchett competed in 12 Classes, with a double Honours for Musical Theatre and an invite to perform in the Gala Concert.

Practical Music Exam Success

During the year 70 pupils took and passed practical music exams from the Associated Board (ABRSM) and London College of Music (LCM). A group of 18 pupils passed Grade 8, many with distinctions, on a range of instruments including trumpet, trombone, classical singing, musical theatre, and pop music. Sam Caskie is to be congratulated for taking two Grade 8 exams in the same session on trombone and singing, passing both with distinction. Two students are to be praised on achieving Diplomas, meaning they can now put “Dip LCM” after their name! Upper Sixth students Elijah Broadbent and Ben Branchett gave a challenging 40-minute recital to the visiting examiner to secure this prestigious recognition. Both have been regular contributors to Open Mic Nights throughout their time at King’s.

Three Choirs Festival

The Three Choirs Festival is the longest-running music festival in the world, alternating between the cities of Hereford, Gloucester and, this year, Worcester. Many events took place on the School site, such as talks in the Boathouse and dinners in the Dining Hall. A large marquee was the social hub of the festival on College Green and the Cathedral and College Hall were venues for many of the concerts.

Our choristers play a key role in the festival, singing at services and concerts including a live broadcast on BBC Radio 3. This year there was the opportunity for more pupils from King’s to participate in two concerts. The daytime concert was a reprise of the Nature Sings Primary Schools Concert from earlier in the year and featured performances from the Lower Years Choir and King’s St Alban’s Chamber Choir. A community choir of adults, who had come together just for this concert, had been rehearsed by Director of Music, Simon Taranczuk, throughout July.  The concert also featured an orchestra of community players alongside members of The Philharmonia. Music Scholar, Rosie Brookes, was selected as one of the soloists for a performance of Vivalidi’s  The Four Seasons.  Rosie is an experienced performer, and her confidence shone through on stage performing to an audience of 500.  It was a great celebration of music in the community and King’s was proud to play a key role in this concert.

The evening concert featured the combined three Cathedral Choirs in a programme of unaccompanied choral music. More

King’s pupils participated through their membership of the Cathedral Voluntary Choir. The soloist for this occasion was departing Upper Sixth Music Scholar Florence Price. In the first half, Florence performed the solo line from Stanford’s  The Blue Bird. It was an exquisite and atmospheric performance, as she was separated from the choir, performing high above them at the top of the staging, near the organ pipes!  In the second half, Florence was the soloist for Bob Chilcott’s Angry Planet Cantata and received rapturous applause at the end and congratulations from the composer himself.

We are delighted that Florence gained a Choral Scholarship to Trinity College, Cambridge where she will be reading Music. This choir was recently voted the fourth best choir in the world!  Florence has been a great ambassador for music at King’s and has been a role model for many of our younger singers.

This review of the year will conclude with words from another leaving Upper Sixth Music Scholar, Alex Witt, who was awarded the Co-Curricular Music Cup at King’s Day.

During my time at King’s, I have been extremely privileged to have played a role in the Music Department, from Formal Jazz evenings to playing in the stage band for the Senior Production of Footloose. Music has also been instrumental in my integration into the school community from a shy Lower Remove pupil, fumbling his way through pieces such as JungleBoogie, to a confident Upper Sixth blasting out solos in front of hundreds of people.

Playing music has been one of the favourite things about my time at King’s; it has helped me to develop my confidence whilst also providing a creative outlet that has been vital, especially during my later years, when I had to face dealing with exam stress. I believe getting involved with music is one of the best decisions you can make and would recommend it to everyone.

PSYCHOLOGY

In a third successful year of Psychology at King’s, we saw 23 students take Psychology in Upper Sixth and 15 in the Lower Sixth, in addition to an exciting move into the new Sixth Form area in School House, giving Psychology its more permanent base.

Upper Sixth students immersed themselves into the study of schizophrenia in the first term, watching the classic film “A Beautiful Mind” which gives an insight into the disorder and life of the famous John Nash who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Economics in 1994 for his work on game theory and the mathematics of decision-making. Students thoroughly enjoyed their final topic on forensic psychology. They looked at the role of forensic psychology in the science of crime, indeed the course starts with looking at how psychologists go about identifying the person who has committed a crime. Students were fascinated by the idea of offending profiling which aims to either use a top-down or bottom-up approach to help investigators accurately predict and profile the characteristics of unknown offenders. The module then comes to an end with the real-world application of how we deal with offending behaviour such as the use of custodial sentencing to restorative justice. They have shown determination, enthusiasm and passion throughout the two years and the Department will miss their dynamic contributions to lessons. We wish them all the best for the future.

Students in Lower Sixth have carried out research projects. They had the opportunity to design a research study, go out and collect the data which then results in a full research report where students present findings to the class. The projects allowed students an opportunity to put everything that they have learnt about research methods into action. Research topics covered a range of areas, from the impact weather can have on mood, through to whether owning a pet can increase happiness. The research investigations gave an opportunity for pupils to work collaboratively and build on their interpersonal skills.

As a Department, we always love to hear the psychological debates that happen inside and outside of the classroom, both between our Psychology students but also how these discussions continue at home, whether that be in the car or a debate over the dining room table! What could be more fascinating than understanding the human mind and how it influences how we think, act and feel.

The Psychology Department had a number of students looking forward to studying Psychology at university and we hope the last two years have laid down strong foundations for their future studies.

Comments from our Lower Sixth:

I have found that I bring Psychology into everyday life and analyse the people around me. It’s made me understand to a deeper level why we are who we are. My favourite topic is social influence as it has allowed me to understand how movements like the civil rights movement and the suffragettes were won.

This year in psychology we have studied a wide range of topics, from memory to attachment and then psychopathology and social influence. All topics provided us with many interesting opporutnies for example being ale to create our own research projects. This activitiy allowed us to develop and practice our learning more effectively. I have enjoyed psychopathology the most this year. I found the toic bery interestng as it made me more aware f some of the struggles that people go through every day.

RELIGION & PHILOSOPHY

We have continued to enjoy our interactions with former Religion and Philosophy students this year. Charlie Mackintosh and Becky Ye appeared on Teams to chat to Oxbridge candidates about getting ready for interviews. Becky then came in to School to talk about her first term as a Philosophy and Theology student at Keble College, Oxford. She spoke to an Upper Remove GCSE class about Oxford and how to prepare early. It was great to see Charlie and Becky, one at the end of an Oxford career and one just beginning.

Another former A-level student, Lily Reed, published an article in the Journal for the Study of the New Testament It focuses on the woman with the flow of blood from Mark 5:25-34 and is based on her Birmingham undergraduate dissertation (https://doi.org/10.1177/0142064X231191945). We are already using it in our A-level teaching.

At the beginning of their Religion and Philosophy careers are the Removes philosophers who once again entered for the School Certificate in Philosophy. Grade 9s this year were awarded to Belinda Price, Katerina Fletcher, Alex McVeigh, Eleanor Riley, Robert Shepherd, Ava Town, and Oscar Sharman.

Alas, 2024 is the year that the “Fellowship of the Religion and Philosophy Department” was broken, with Mrs Rees heading off to new adventures (although we imagine Cheltenham is not much like Mordor.) Mrs Rees has been a fantastic teacher of the subject, enthusiastic advocate for Edinburgh theology, philosopher queen, purveyor of Open Morning cake, and friend.

Our books of the year:

Nikhil Krishnan, A Terribly Serious Adventure: Philosophy at Oxford 1900-60

Arkady Martine, AMemory Called Empire

Carlo Rovelli, Anaximander And the Nature of Science

M W Rowe, J. L. Austin: Philosopher and D-Day Intelligence Officer

Michael Taylor, Impossible Monsters: Dinosaurs, Darwin and the War Between Science and Religion

Genzaburo Yoshino, How DoYou Live?

CREATIVE

& PERFORMING ARTS

ARTS AWARD

This year 24 Bronze, Silver and Gold qualifications will be awarded to King’s pupils by Trinity College.

Bronze - Mrs Friend has had 10 enthusiastic Bronze Arts Award pupils this year. They started the year getting stuck into exploring the arts and their own art form which varied from dance, musical theatre, sculptures to dragon puppets. This group certainly liked getting out and about to immerse themselves in the world of art, visiting galleries and making trips to the theatre. A number of the Bronze Arts Award group showcased their art form in the Arts Award Showcase and Gallery.

Silver - Nikoletta Fletcher, a dedicated Arts Award candidate, wrote her own script based on Snow White. She spent weeks working and rehearsing with Lower Years pupils as part of her leadership project, and showcased this unique short play in the Arts Award Showcase and Gallery.

Pupils have enjoyed taking on leadership roles running both Drama Club and Art Club. The variety of challenges the pupils have set for themselves this year has ranged from being in a School production, learning to crochet, to performing a musical piece for a local retirement home. A couple of the Silver Arts Award pupils showcased their work in the Arts Award Showcase and Gallery.

Gold - This year, we have changed a few things for our Gold Arts Award students; instead of their lessons taking place during Key Skills, they now run as part of the electives, meaning they now do their course over two years. As a result, our GAA pupils can really take the time to get involved with the arts through exploring their own art form and organising and leading arts events such as the Arts Award Showcase and Gallery.

One our youngest Gold Arts Award pupils explored the arts during her work experience, working alongside a design team, which works in a factory for product packaging. Who knew

you could find the arts in such an industrial environment?

Bella Crompton also ran a Pop Art pop-up gallery to showcase the work of beginner Pop Art artists; this was a workshop she led with younger pupils, with intermediate work of her own, alongside professional work from her grandparent.

Arts Award Showcase and Gallery - The Arts Award Showcase and Gallery was held in the Spring Term and featured students from Lower and Upper Fourth, the Removes and Lower Sixth. Performances ranged from Shakespeare to selfwritten pieces and everything in between. Highlights included Luca Sterckx’s extract from Rosencrantz and Guildenstern and the Lower Years Drama Club’s performance of The Perfect Façade, written and directed by Lower Remove pupil Nikoletta Fletcher. Our Gallery setup in the Vigornian Room was also very popular. Attendees were particularly impressed by Isabella Reeds’s hand-crafted wooden bowl of Koi fish and Naomi Lam’s dragon puppets, as well as all the paintings on display. The whole event was enjoyed by our audience of more than 40, and thanks must go to Eric Dykes, George Cox, Miss Johns, Miss Mitchell, Miss Lane and Mr Haynes for their assistance in the preparation for and setup and delivery of the Showcase and Gallery.

JosephYoung

Gold Standard - Pupils from Bronze Arts Award upwards were also composing their reviews of other live arts events. Our annual edition of Gold Standard, where our Gold Students publish their articles debating prevalent arts issues, went to press in May. The whole magazine is available in an online format at https://madmagz.com/magazine/2128010

Congratulations to all involved in Arts Award! The students have been inspirational, and we look forward to them inspiring a whole new cohort in September.

DANCE

Yet again, Dance at King’s has been extremely busy with around 60 pupils participating in theatre trips and performances. We welcomed a large group of Lower Fourth dancers, who have already shown such keen enthusiasm towards dancing.

Dancers got straight into rehearsals for our Christmas Dance Showcase which, for the first time, took place in College Hall. Dancers performed their own choreography in small groups, duets and solos in the atmospheric space. We are hoping to make this an annual event for dancers to showcase their own work.

Our annual theatre trip was an exciting one. Mathew Bourne toured Edward Scissorhands, which we went to see at Birmingham Hippodrome in February. This production had not been on tour for several years, so we had been waiting patiently for its return to the stage. As usual, all the pupils were in awe of the dancing, costume and set design.

Dancers from Lower Fourth at KSW and RGS came together to learn two routines to perform at the Netball Superball in February. This is a fun event; dancers, pom poms in hand, have the opportunity to perform in the arena in front of a large audience.

Last year, we launched our first ever Cheer Dance Club for Lower and Upper Fourth pupils. I would like to thank Isabella Briggs and Caitlin Rutter for taking over the club this year, and keeping the Upper Fourth dancers inspired and creating some wonderful choreography for performances.

This year, Dance has very much been involved with the musical productions starting with Footloose and then Wizard of Oz. The performers have had to attend extra rehearsals specifically for dance lessons, but their hard work and effort clearly paid off.

Jungle Fever

Jungle Fever is a new interpretation of the well-known Disney favourite, Jungle Book. This idea came from our last dance showcase, where we began to tell short snippets of stories through dance. A ‘jungle’ theme had been on my mind for a while but, after watching a recent Matthew Bourne ballet, I became inspired for our dancers here at King’s to tell a story, to effectively dance a ballet, and explore something different to our usual ‘showcases’.

Our dancers have been working very hard on their characterisation and telling this story through dance, either as lead roles or as part of their dance group. For the first time pupils had to audition for their roles and the quality of their work was a joy to behold. I am so proud of all of them and cannot thank them enough for their hard work, commitment and determination.

We are already starting to explore next year’s dance production and have something very exciting to share.

KEL

DRAMA

This academic year started like any other. We welcomed Lauren Slater-Klein to the teaching team, who immediately put her industry experience as performer, choreographer and director to good use by taking on the production of the flagship December musical. Collaborating with Simon Taranczuk as Musical Director, she whipped up huge interest in the auditions for Footloose and tempted Open Mic Night veteran, but JMT newcomer, Elijah Broadbent, into the lead role of Ren. In his first – and last – King‘s production, Elijah shone – so much so that he has rethought his postA-level plans and will now be taking up a coveted place at Birmingham’s School of Theatre Excellence in September. Elijah was partnered by Rosie Brookes who excelled in the role of Ariel and both were supported by a fabulous ensemble and backstage team.

Also new to the team was none other than OV and previous production stalwart, Sophie Mitchell, who joined us as our Drama Graduate Assistant. Alongside assisting with Footloose, Miss Mitchell took charge of the Spring Term play, Witches Can’t Be Burned. Silva Semerciyan’s witty and timely satire about a school production of The Crucible played to a sellout Wightman Studio audience and caught the attention of the local press. Miss Mitchell also continued to nurture the Drama Department’s relationship with the Education Team at Worcester Cathedral. Lower Sixth students Hannah Bowen, James Lee and Tallulah Richards performed a challenging semi-improvised piece of Forum Theatre to support the Cathedral’s County Lines education work. Later in the year, our Upper Fourth pupils were also welcomed by the Cathedral Education Team and given valuable insight into the real-life people behind the Cathedral’s many impressive memorials. This led to a wonderfully creative Tombs Alive project at the end of the year, dramatising the stories woven into the fabric of the Cathedral.

Tombs Alive was one of many new initiatives this year. With a fantastic new team assembled (including Abi Johns who joined in the Autumn Term as the new Theatre and Events Technician), the time seemed ripe to reflect on the many challenges facing the creative arts in the current climate. We gave ourselves the working brief to “recapture the magic” and started looking for new ways to engage and reward our hard-working and talented theatre arts pupils. Miss Lane had already got the ball rolling, pushing her dancers to new levels. The traditional Summer Term dance showcase was reinvented as a full production, combining dance and narrative (Kipling’s Jungle Book) to create Jungle Fever. Meanwhile, Mrs Parry and Mrs Slater-Klein auditioned pupils for the aspirational Spotlight group.

Traditional events carried on superbly. The London Theatre Tour was its usual rip-roaring success, complete with VR this year! Theatre trips, being inspired by the best that our incredible national creative industry has to offer, are a

core aspect of the opportunities we present to our pupils. From September, these will be widened still further and we already have an excited coachload of pupils signed up to see the award-winning West End production of Hadestown in October 2024.

Our examination classes put the finishing touches to their pieces, giving public performances of their GCSE and A-level work. Highlights included Rosie Brookes, Esther Good, Elizabeth Radford and Bea Winfield taking on John Godber’s irreverent Shakers with gusto, and Bella Crompton’s moving performance from Prima Facie, Suzie Miller’s emotional onewoman show, made famous by Jodie Comer.

Our Lower Remove pupils also had their annual opportunity to work with visiting artist, Daryl Singleton. Her gory stage make-up workshops are becoming legendary, and this year’s pupils did not disappoint with their gruesome imaginations!

The year closed with the Spotlight cabaret, the Lower Years production of The Wizard of Oz and the crowning glory of our new initiatives, the first ever KAFTAs! Whilst audience applause is a fitting tribute at the end of a show, it is hard to reflect on the enormity of the pupils’ achievements with those who were not there. There is no tangible measure of success or prize to display after the event, to confirm the value of what our pupils do. If, with new events like the KAFTAs, we can help to “recapture the magic”, allowing pupils to reflect with pride and bask in the kudos attached to creating such exceptional work throughout the year, then we can look forward to taking this wonderful energy into next year.

Footloose

Beyond the school hallways, prom dresses, cowboy boots, and mid-western drawl, Footloose: The Musical imparts significant life lessons. It teaches us that youth does not equate to insignificance, and experience does not always bring wisdom. This theme resonates today as we witness the amplification of young voices more than ever. The narrative highlights the emotional toll of constant rejection and the transformative power of acceptance.

Footlooseencourages us to embrace new experiences and warns against the self-sabotage that comes with a closed mind. The community of Bomont, led by Reverend Shaw, is apprehensive about the arrival of the McCormack family, disapproving of their values. We journey with Ren, a teenager from Chicago, who finds himself in a small town where dancing is banned. Footloose celebrates the vitality of youth, the wisdom of mutual understanding, and the healing power of forgiveness.

Dance, in this narrative, as explained by the 1984 movie Director and Choreographer Herbert Ross, is a metaphor for personal liberty and freedom. It encourages us to appreciate the moments of carefree joy and to ‘kick off your Sunday shoes’ through song and dance.

This musical shares a timeless and relatable narrative. What better way to tell a tale of teenage friendship, openness, and fun than by showcasing the talents of our amazing students.

For the first time, students from the Lower Remove to the Upper Sixth were able to audition for the senior show. This meant that an even greater spread of talents made up our cast and there were opportunities for the younger students to learn from the older years. New friendships were formed across year groups with everyone cheering one another on. As Rosie Brookes, who took on the role of Ariel commented: “I’ve loved being in Footloose because the cast is like one big family, and we have so much fun every week. Being a lead has been such an amazing experience, and everyone has been so supportive.”

The commitment to creating this production was outstanding with the students dedicating three nights a week to rehearsals for the entire Autumn Term. Furthermore, the cast members had to tackle the extra challenge of improving their skills across three disciplines: acting, singing, and dancing. However, with the tremendous expertise of Simon Taranczuck as Musical Director and Kymberley Lane as Choreographer, the ensemble was quick to develop their abilities as “triple-threats”.

The hard work of our exceptional cast and crew culminated in three dazzling evenings in the JMT. It was a vibrant musical that balanced laugh-out-loud moments with poignant reflection, leaving audiences electrified. The well-known hits of the popular 1984 film were re-imagined with Bella Crompton wowing audiences with her powerful rendition of Let’s Hear it for the Boy and Rosie Brookes lighting up the stage with her performance of INeedaHero. The lead role of Ren McCormack was brought to life exceptionally by Elijah Broadbent in his first school production. He reflected: “Footloose is my first production and I’ve really enjoyed being a part of it. The cast are super talented and have worked really hard, dedicating so much of their time to rehearsals. Being the lead came with

its challenges, but with the support of my castmates, I’ve had a whale of a time.” His vivacious portrayal of his character was matched by the mature performances of Eric Dykes and Hannah Bowen as Ariel’s parents. Both took on moving solo musical numbers with fantastic ability and Eric stated, “I’ve really enjoyed my time doing Footloose. It was great working with such a diverse cast of actors, and my singing has really improved thanks to the help of Mr Taranczuk.” The talent of our Removes performers likewise shone through with Tigo Marskell evoking multiple laugh-out-loud moments in his role as Willard and James Christoforou impressed with his depiction of bad-boy Chuck Cranston.

Not only did the students wow audiences with their energetic and impactful performances on the stage, but so too did our fantastic student tech crew excel in running the show behind the scenes. Zach English, the Deputy Stage Manager for the show remarked that, “Working on the technical side of the show has been great fun and has provided me with lots of new opportunities. I’ve done tech crew since the Lower Fourth and I was so excited to take on this role in my final production.” Additionally, all the music for the show was provided by our brilliant band, made up of a mix of talented pupils and Music Department staff. For drummer, Jack Barnett this was his second show at the school and he took on the role with real confidence. For sibling duo Eleanor Witt and Alex Witt, this was their first show, performing on the bass and saxophone superbly. Through the exceptional contributions of all those involved, the audience got to “lose their blues” and “cut loose” with Footloose!

As my directorial debut at King’s, I was so impressed by the involvement of everybody on this production; the show was brought to life not only by the dynamic cast but also the set, sound and light design created by Paul Haynes and Abigail Johns. This was supported by our student tech crew who ran the show backstage. It was an absolute honour and privilege to work with such hard-working and talented young people who really brought the essence of Footloose to King’s. The audience left not only entertained, but inspired by this wonderful ensemble which reminded us of the value in celebrating life with our friends, families and community.

LSK

Monday 1st July 2024 saw the first ever KAFTAs! No, not the BAFTAs, the King’s Awards For Theatre Arts. All pupils who have been involved in a public stage performance this year were invited – actors, dancers, technicians, even musical band members. Nearly 80 pupils took up the opportunity to dress for the red carpet and joined us in the Graham Hick Pavilion at New Road to celebrate the year.

It truly was celebratory as they arrived dressed to impress, enjoying the attention of the staff ‘paparazzi’. New Road looked after us wonderfully with a delicious three-course meal, and the atmosphere in the room reflected the spirit of camaraderie that has characterised every production this year. The enthusiastic turn-out from the Lower Years, meant that they dominated the light-hearted, peer-chosen awards but, with every nominee cheered to the rafters, it was clear that each and every individual contribution to Theatre Arts this year had been valued beyond measure.

Our eventual winners were Harriette Townsend and Sam Perry for Unsung Hero and Ensemble Hero respectively, both from The Wizard of Oz. Also from The Wizard of Oz, Barnaby Bellairs scooped the prize for Most Comedic Performance and Emilia Hunter was voted Most Helpful Backstage. Favourite Characterisation and Favourite Solo Performance (Junior) also came from The Wizard of Oz with wins for Georgia Perrigo as Toto and Elodie-Eve Hathaway as Dorothy. Hermione Hogg received the award for Favourite Newcomer for Jungle Fever, and another Jungle Fever performer, Persephone Miles, won Most Eye-Catching Dancer. Favourite Solo Performance (Senior) also went to a Jungle Fever dancer with Elizabeth Radford taking home the prize. It was all-round a good night for the dancers, with Isabella Briggs winning the Teachers’ Choice trophy, providing Miss Lane with the perfect opportunity to announce Issy as next year’s ‘Senior Dancer’ in recognition of Issy‘s talents and exceptional leadership.

As was inevitable with a room full of Theatre Arts students, the show tunes swiftly took over! I suspect they could have gone on all night had parents and guardians not been waiting to whisk them away back home. It was a truly magical evening, we hope the first of many, and a chance to make sure that our creative pupils were genuinely placed centre-stage to be lauded and thanked for their enormous contribution to school life this year.

LONDON THEATRE TOUR

This year’s London Theatre Tour had a slightly different flavour as we headed off for an adventure, which included a Sunday for the first time. In recent years, the West End has embraced Sunday matinees, allowing shows to widen their reach – hugely important in tricky economic times. We still had a plethora of shows to choose from, although seeking a Saturday afternoon activity was trickier this year, with most theatres busily staging their usual Saturday matinees and limiting our choice of tours and workshops.

If we had any misgivings, they were allayed from the off. After meeting up with our wonderful LTT tour guide, Greg, and checking into our hotel, we were straight into an intensive Macbeth workshop on the South Bank. The group were really put through their paces, and it gave our aspirational performers a real chance to shine. GCSE pupil, Qiyaam Garricks-Ferguson, and A-level student, Tallulah Richards, teamed up to chilling effect as a Macbeth/Lady Macbeth duo.

Even our dinner that evening was a cut above the average as we enjoyed our meal with a spectacular night-time view across the Thames.

From there, it was along the riverbank to the Bridge Theatre to enjoy the revival of Guys and Dolls. This award-winning production had been receiving rave reviews, particularly for the immersive experience around the stage where we had tickets. The slick choreography of the promenade audience by the ushers, as the hydraulic stage rose and fell around us, was mind-blowingly precise, as we were immersed in New York’s hustle and bustle whilst the story played out around us.

The party atmosphere continued long after the curtain call as the stars of the show joined the audience for a dance, allowing our pupils to get a few selfies with famous faces, like Daniel Mays.

Having already taken part in one workshop, we would ordinarily enjoy a backstage tour but LTT had something even better planned for our Sunday morning. We headed to Leadenhall Street where a stalwart band of plucky Victorians had been fighting off a Martian invasion and were in need of reinforcements! TheWaroftheWorldsImmersiveExperience is exactly that – fully immersive. There’s no chance to be a passive audience as the actors lead you frantically through the labyrinth of locations and you have to think quickly on your feet to improvise your responses to their questions. The adrenalin was pumping with some good old-fashioned ‘jumpscares’ and the technical wizardry - including cleverly placed VR sequences – added to the experience. Thankfully, we had a 100% survival rate!

Spotlight

New for this academic year has been an initiative called Spotlight. It is a development opportunity aimed at pupils aspiring to be, or looking to consolidate their skills as, principals and/or students aiming to expand and strengthen their repertoire ahead of external auditions. Pupils audition termly for membership of the Spotlight group and a small group is selected for masterclass work throughout the term. By working at a high level on classical drama and musical theatre, the aims are to promote new repertoire, refine and enhance showcase skills and to ‘spotlight’ pupils’ talents and passion as they push themselves to the next level.

The first round of auditions bodes well for the future of the initiative as a whole and for the quality of theatre-making at King’s. We were looking for a standard of excellence that exceeded that of their peers, allowing even our youngest to compete on a level playing field if they have shown enhanced potential for their age. We were spoilt for choice but eventually whittled down the first ever Spotlight troupe to nine performers. The intensive work that followed prompted excellent progress and a new, open-minded way of looking independently at how to engage with an audience. As a result, the first ever Spotlight cabaret was a triumph.

We opened with Henry Friend’s classic metatheatrical prologue from Henry V, commanding not just the stage but the whole room as he weaved his way through the tables, exhorting his audience to join us on our imaginative journey. Cecily Jarvis then brought her fire and determination to Paulina’s outrage against King Leontes from The Winter’s Tale, before Flo Sinfield lightened the mood in role as Marilyn Monroe with 20th Century Fox Mambo from Bombshell, Marc Shaiman’s much lauded fictional musical at the heart of the TV series Smash

A trio of women followed as Sophie Purves breathed new life into the doomed Trojan prophetess, Cassandra, from Aeschylus’ Agamemnon, Amelia Walmsley vented Electra’s pent-up rage from Sophocles’s play of the same name, and Bella Crompton stalked the audience with chilling composure as the ultimate scorned woman, Medea.

Edith Dean sounded a more hopeful note on the quality of mercy, Portia’s well-known monologue from The Merchant of Venice before Sophie Purves truly got us Shaking The Blues Away with Irving Berlin’s classic number. Agatha Ralley-Charteris gave an assured rendition of Viola‘s “I am the man” realisation from TwelfthNight, before Flo Sinfield interpreted Cleopatra’s heartbreak after the death of Antony with compelling composure.

Luca Sterckx concluded dramatic proceedings, just as Prospero does at the end of The Tempest, but it was left to Amelia Walmsley to close the show in its entirety with Kander and Ebb’s anthemic Maybe This Time from Cabaret, which she did with passion and artistry.

If this is what our first wave of Spotlighters are capable of, roll on next term!

I often reflect on the challenges of finding a suitable vehicle for the Lower Years’ productions, one that is stimulating yet still within their skillset. Musicals tend to pose less of a problem. This year, however, the commitment was astonishing from the outset and I found myself with the conundrum of how to choose a show that could satisfy the numbers involved, without resorting to having the chorus troop on, sing their song concert-style, and troop off again, as there would be no room on stage for them to do anything other. TheWizardofOz jumped out instantly: Dorothy’s adventures through the land of Oz allowed me to subdivide as she encountered different groups, giving everyone involved plenty to get their teeth into.

Of course, that meant that the inevitable ‘kitten herding’ became ‘Munchkin herding’, but I was suitably supported by Miss Mitchell and Miss Deehan as Assistant Directors. It certainly helped that both are OVs and alumnae of various KSW Drama productions. With Mrs Stone as our Musical Director, we were all confident of how separate aspects of the show were shaping up. The auditions had been outstanding, so we did not just know that we had a super talented group of principals, we knew that we had a wide range of high-quality skills spread right across the ensemble. The ultimate challenge was convincing the young cast that all these little pieces of the jigsaw puzzle would fit together into an amazing stage picture.

By the end of the long and protracted technical rehearsal, I think few were convinced. Then, when we started the dress

rehearsal, the magic of Oz truly came to life. There were still tweaks to make on the performance and technical side, but the sheer professionalism with which our young cast and crew swept into action was breath-taking.

The whole process had been characterised by this being one of the happiest casts and crews we have worked in for a very long time. In the run up to the show, every time I saw any of them, they had an enormous smile plastered on their faces. Alice Medlicott, who played Glinda, summed it up beautifully: “I think I always smile because when I see one of you, I think of what an amazing atmosphere and show we created.” The smiles were very much in evidence going into opening night and they were so proud of what they produced. From the audience “aah”s at the very first entrance of Toto - exquisitely puppeteered by Georgia Perrigo and expertly brought to life in the first place by Mr Haynes and Mrs Palmer, to the final, triumphant curtain call and Elodie-Eve Hathaway’s last little wave as Dorothy to the audience, the show was absolutely enchanting.

Elodie brought Dorothy to life with a beautiful air of naivety, matched by her exquisite vocals. She was wonderfully supported by her trio of companions – outstanding turns by Mabel Machin as Scarecrow, Mortimer Dykes as Tinman and Cecily Jarvis as Lion. The camaraderie between them was as true behind the scenes as on the stage. All were in Lower Fourth, with the exception of Cecily, who brought her JMT wisdom from playing Long John Silver in last year’s Treasure

Island. Alice Medlicott transitioned seamlessly between a forthright Auntie Em and a dazzlingly elegant Glinda whilst Barnaby Bellairs was equally delightful as both Uncle Henry and the Emerald City Guard. Agatha Ralley-Charteris was a deliciously evil Wicked Witch of the West (appearing and disappearing in bursts of haze courtesy of Mr Haynes) and Zofia Waites was a suitably blustering Wizard with all the necessary bravado and showmanship. Delightful cameos cropped up right across the show, too numerous to mention, but certainly not unnoticed by the audience and indeed the whole production team, who are suitably excited about future shows given the talent witnessed.

None of what happens on stage can happen without the army of backstage designers and technicians who, like the Wizard, work their magic safely behind a curtain! Mr Haynes’ set gave the cast the support they needed, especially when combined with some fantastically designed lighting and projection to create those all-important special effects. Miss Johns’ costume designs were outstanding and partnered beautifully with the make-up designs specially created for us by OV parent and professional artist, Daryl Singleton, assisted by daughter Gabby (CL 16-22). On the student crew, Elissa Oliver ran a tight ship as Stage Manager, and the whole Lower Years’ crew was indebted to the support of Senior Mentor Emily Elsdon (URCH), especially on the sound desk. However, the outstanding performance was that of Lois Unwin as: Deputy Stage Manager, calling and controlling the show. Lois (U6CL) has been involved in every

show since she played Edith in TheRailwayChildren all the way back in 2018. An equally talented actress, she has worked both sides of the curtain throughout her time at King’s, and it was inspiring for our first-time crew and performers to know that they were in such safe hands in Lois’s final production.

It was not just the Lower Fourth (and some Upper Fourth) in their first show at ‘big King’s’ - it was also Mrs Stone’s first KSW production as Musical Director. She has years of industry experience and many King’s pupils already know her from the Instrumental and Vocal Tuition Team. It was a joyous collaboration and, indeed, a joyous show all round.

We are all certainly looking forward to travelling over the rainbow next year to the magical theatrical land where the shows for 2024-2025 will be produced.

WITCHES CAN’T BE BURNED

Witches Can’t Be Burned, the second senior production of the year, took place on 7th and 8th February 2024 to sold out audiences. This achievement was testament to the creative prowess and dedication of the exceptional cast and crew.

Silva Semerciyan’s play transports its audience to Salem and back again through an exploration of St Paul’s School production of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. When the production’s cast members begin to question the messages underpinning Miller’s renowned text, tensions rise, and relationships are tested. As star student Anuka decides to challenge the original text, the mistrust and conflict that exists onstage bleeds into the lives of the students off stage.

This thought-provoking piece was selected by the students themselves as part of initial rehearsals. After the first read through, the cast were drawn to the script due to its ability to combine humour and punchy social commentary. Thereafter, they threw themselves headfirst into bringing this exciting piece to life. They rehearsed weekly for over four months and their commitment to the piece was commendable. The cast was made up of pupils from across five year groups (Lower Remove to Upper Sixth) meaning that most had never worked together before. Furthermore, for many, this was their first production at King’s. However, age and experience were of little importance as the cast came together as one supportive unit, motivating one another throughout the rehearsal process.

Every actor brought their individual flare to the piece, creating captivating characters and impactful stirring scenes. The backand-forth between the cheeky bunch of boys, a headstrong girl group, and meddling prefects led to several laugh-outloud moments, whilst the heated clashes between teachers and pupils alike resulted in a stirring sense of unease. Bella Crompton (Fifth Form) captured the passionate and fiery nature of Anuka, who pushes back against both her school play

and her school system. Bella commented afterwards: “I really enjoyed being a part of Witches Can’t Be Burned! The whole cast came together as a team to create a wonderful show and taking on the lead role helped my confidence to grow. I had a lot of fun and am so happy with how the performances turned out.” She was supported by Max Barclay (Upper Sixth) for whom this was his final show at King’s after committing to every performance since joining the School. His depiction of Sam, Anuka’s best friend turned adversary, was one of maturity and sensitivity. He wrote of his final performance: “Performing in Witches Can’t Be Burned was genuinely one of my best experiences at King’s. The entire cast put so much effort into showing their characters and making a good piece of theatre, and the actual performance ended up being incredible - I couldn’t have asked for a better final show at King’s!”

For two exceptional evenings, The Wightman Studio was transformed into an eerie and intimate space by our fantastic student tech crew who ran the entire show backstage. A huge thank you must go to Abi Johns who brought the show to life through her outstanding technical design. She captured the dynamic nature of the script through her striking yet simple set and bold lighting states, and was a fantastic support to the cast, crew, and me.

Many audience members commented on how moved they were by the piece and how, as ever, they were blown away by the talent of our student cast. I was honoured to return to School this year and direct this brilliant show. It was an absolute privilege to work with such a dedicated group and I am incredibly proud of the show they created. I am truly grateful for the support received from parents and guardians throughout the process and from many members of staff. Congratulations to all those involved.

SophieMitchell,GraduateDramaAssistant

ATHLETICS

It has been another fantastic season of athletics, with large numbers of pupils involved in the programme. Our Saturday fixture list is strong and sees us compete mainly against boarding schools from across the Midlands. We have seen more and more pupils this season come away with wins from these fixtures, and many pupils achieving regular personal best performances. It is particularly great to see girls and boys from across the age groups as part of the same team, and witness the support they give to each other.

County Championships

Nearly 50 athletes from Upper Fourth to Lower Sixth competed for Worcester City in the Hereford and Worcestershire Track and Field Championships. King’s athletes made up over a third of the Worcester City team and won nine Gold medals, eight Silver medals and three Bronze medals, with a further 22 top eight finishes, making us one of the most successful schools in the county.

Gold Medals

Ben Adam - Triple Jump JB

Sophie Earps - Discus JG

Sophie Purves - 800 JG

Jack Fletcher - Shot IB

Ethan Winning - Hurdles IB

Sonny Brown - 1500 SB

Lottie Kilbey - 100 SG

Lilia Mico - 1500 SG

Phoebe Reuben – Triple Jump SG

Silver Medals

Track & Field Cup

As always, the Track and Field Cup was a highlight for many of our athletes as each member of the team does one track and one field event, where they score points which are combined to give a team total. In the County round, there were some exceptional performances from all four teams, which saw the Inter-Boys and Inter-Girls make the B final for the teams ranked 9th-16th in the Midlands. Unfortunately, both our junior teams just missed out on making the next round. At the B final, both teams went in with their confidence high and we saw some brilliant performances from all athletes. It was excellent to see the girls’ team win the event, and the boys’ team finish a credible fifth place. The girls’ score would have seen them place highly in the A final, which shows just how well the team did.

Perry Alyward - Discus JB

Florence Venables - 300 JG

Barnaby Richards - Triple Jump IB

Lauren Harris - Discus IG

Ella Purves - 3000 IG

Zach Mason - 200 SB

Joe Stone - 100 SB

Lottie Kilbey - 200 SG

Following their success at the County Champs, eight pupils went on to compete for Hereford and Worcestershire in the prestigious Mason Trophy inter-counties competition. This is an opportunity to test themselves against some of the best athletes in the country. A special mention must go to Ben Adams, who achieved Gold in the Triple Jump and Mixed Relay, and Sophie Purves who was awarded Silver in the 800m. It was excellent to see not only Ben and Sophie perform to such a high standard, but also Lilia Mico who achieved the qualifying standard to earn a place in the Hereford and Worcestershire team to compete in the English Schools Track and Field Championships. This prestigious event was held at the Alexander Stadium, which hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2022. This sees the top athletes across the country compete against each other and even to qualify is a very impressive achievement.

Minor County Championships

Towards the end of June, the Lower Years pupils had the opportunity to compete in their County Championships. Again, we were delighted to qualify so many pupils to compete in the District team after coming first or second in the District round. In total we won three Gold medals, four Silver medals

Bronze Medals

Ben Adam - 200m JB

Thomas Launder - Javelin JB

Anna Chapman - Discus IG

and two Bronze medals. The King’s team won the Gold medal in the Relay, which is particularly impressive as they were competing against other teams made up of the best sprinters in their District, not just representing their School.

Gold Medals

Charlotte Bailey –High Jump

Lucia Ingles –200m

Girls’ Relay Team

Silver Medals Bronze Medals

Lily Bishop –Javelin

Sam Corby –Hurdles

Ella Garner –Hurdles

Erin Launder200m

Poppy Gretton –Hurdles

Amelia Moore –300m

IAPS

For the first time, King’s was able to enter athletes in the IAPS competition. This is because they have expanded to allow all pupils in the Lower Years in independent schools to enter, rather than just those in Prep schools. This was a fantastic opportunity for our Lower Years pupils to experience another high-level competition against other top athletes across the Mercian area. Pupils from over 50 schools, which achieved the entry standard, went to Stourport Athletics Track on a boiling hot day which impacted all athletes. We took a team of 35 athletes, with many achieving personal bests on the day. Four of our athletes either won their event or came second and achieved the qualifying standard. This meant that they earnt a space in the Mercian team to compete at the Commonwealth Games Stadium in Birmingham in the National Championships. Congratulations to Charlotte Bailey (100m & High Jump), Lucia Ingles (200m), Erin Launder (200m) and Freddie Preston (1500m). The National Championships was a fantastic opportunity for these pupils to compete in an international stadium, with commentators and medal ceremonies and has inspired them all to keep working hard.

School Records

Well done to the 12 pupils who have set School records this year. Many of these records have stood for a number of years, so this really does show the strength of our athletes.

Ella Garner – Hurdles

Erin Launder – 200m

Jack Marley – 200m

Freddie Preston - 1500

Sports Days

Charlotte Bailey – High Jump

Lucia Ingles – Triple Jump

Sports Day is always one of the best parts of the athletics season, as the majority of pupils participate to score points for their House or Form. It is brilliant to see those athletes who train and regularly compete get to showcase their talents; it is, however, just as special to see pupils trying a new event or stepping up in something they do not usually do. To see every Lower Years pupil sat on the steps cheering their Form on in the vastly competitive relays, really is what the event is all about. We would like to congratulate the winners of the Victor and Victrix Ludorum, which are given to the pupil scoring the most points from their three individual events.

LMS

Ben Adam – Triple Jump

Daisy Fitton – Hurdles

Flo Venables – 300m

Sophie Purves –800m

Sophie Earp – Discus

Ethan Winning – Hurdles

Victor Ludorum Freddie Preston Fabian Williams Ben Adams Ollie Turner Dan Arridge Joe Stone

Victrix Ludorum Erin Launder Charlotte Bailey Sophie Purves Anna Chapman Clarisse Ciano Lucy Wadley

The much-anticipated results from each year group can be seen below and a special mention must go to Choir House, who have won the combined Fifth Form and Sixth Form competition for a record fifth year in a row!

1st A A Kittermaster Chappel Castle Choir

2nd C F Oswald Kittermaster Creighton Kittermaster

3rd D C Bright Wulstan Kittermaster Oswald

BADMINTON

Badminton Club has been going strong in number since we started in 2019. We welcome players of all abilities from Lower Remove to Upper Sixth and we meet weekly to practise our skills and enjoy this wonderful fast and fun-filled game.

During club time each week, we focus on different skills and aim to improve on techniques that we can use in our games. We learn a variety of serves and how changing grips, combined with the twisting of the forearm, can make a difference to the power of our shots. We practise footwork and movement around the court and learn always to communicate with our partner, adjusting our position in the game according to the shots we play.

We have had some success in our fixtures too and finished last Summer Term in style playing our counterpart at Malvern College, winning narrowly in games. The team played brilliantly against such strong and experienced opponents. We were fast around the court, defended with sharp reflexes and really put the pressure on with our powerful drives and smashes. Although our higher-ranking players lost in their individual singles matches, our doubles came through strongly; we worked collaboratively and played smartly near the net and to the corners. The match ended in a friendly way, and we thanked our host for their wonderful hospitality and the shared experience, from which we can learn and improve.

It was with heavy hearts we said farewell to a few 2024 Upper Sixth leavers who had been at the core of our club. Special mention goes to our Upper Sixth (old) boys: George CF, Alex W, George H, Jack J, Gabriel T, Nicholas A, Ben P and Ollie B, some of whom came to the club from Day One not knowing how to score a game. They had grown to love the game so much that during their A level exam leave, they still turned up for some energy-fuel matches to run off the exam steam. They have contributed hugely to the lively yet competitive atmosphere of the club; and the team’s camaraderie sparked whenever we played, home or away. We have missed their energy and wish them all the very best playing badminton elsewhere now at their respective universities and carrying with them the fun spirits our club promotes.

Badminton Club looks forward to a productive year ahead with the upcoming friendly and competitive fixtures, whilst aiming to promote the fun and inclusive approach to the games. All year round, we continue to welcome all King’s racquet lovers on a ‘turn up and play’ basis.

BASKETBALL

Basketball Club ran every Wednesday in the Keyes Sports Hall from 4.00-5.30pm. Due to the large number of students attending across all years from Lower Fourth to Upper Sixth, this session was split into two smaller sessions to ensure that all individuals would get the best out of each session.

It was brilliant to see so many returning faces from the year before, along with lots of new faces. Throughout the year, students developed their basketball skillsets, learning the rules and developing in all areas. It was wonderful to see all students engaging and having fun whilst improving their game.

In January, the U16 boys took part in the Droitwich and Worcester City School Games Tournament. The tournament was split into two groups; our U16s finished in second place, with two wins and two losses and, as a result, made it through to the semi-finals. They came up against tough opposition in the semi-finals. However, they never let their heads drop and kept working hard until the final whistle. The team ended the tournament in third place, showing a significant improvement from the previous year.

All the students who took part in Basketball Club throughout the year always came with positive attitudes and supported each other. It was excellent to see them working hard and implementing skills they had learnt into the match play during the sessions, all done with big smiles on their faces. LH

CRICKET

1st XI

Coach name: Mr S Greenall

The 1st XI started off their 2024 campaign in excellent fashion with two strong performances in their annual pre-season matches against Bishop’s Stortford College in Hertfordshire. Will Thorp, Monty Jelfs, Jamie Thorp and Luke Barrington all registered their first half-centuries of the season and allowed all the bowlers to get some overs under their belts.

The regular season then began with an away trip to Cheltenham College. This is always a stern, first test for the team but thanks, undoubtedly to the performance of the season, a fine victory was achieved. We batted first and battled hard in bowler friendly conditions to reach a competitive total of 222. Will Thorp (65) continued his form from pre-season and was ably supported by Monty Jelfs (37), Seth Essenhigh (35) and Henry Hawes who scored a quick fire 51. However, Hawes was not done putting his stamp on the game, as he then tore through the Cheltenham College top order with an excellent performance with the new ball, taking 5 wickets for just 10 runs. After being 15 for 5, Cheltenham were not able to recover and were eventually bowled out for 67.

The squad then turned their attention to “pink ball cricket”, as we had back-to-back T20s against Dean Close and QMGS Walsall in the National Cup. In recent years the 1st XI has put a large emphasis on T20 cricket and worked hard to develop a positive and destructive style of play; this was certainly evident in both these matches, allowing us to secure wins four and five of the season. Against Dean Close, Essenhigh produced one of the batting performances of the season, with a swashbuckling 105 off just 52 balls and Captain Jelfs once again showed his class with an impressive 76 off just 40 balls.

After a fine start to the season, confidence was high going into another tough fixture against KES Birmingham. The boys seemed to be continuing their unbeaten start as they bowled out the hosts for just 125, with spinner Jamie Thorp (4 for 15) being the pick of the bowlers. Maybe some overconfidence and certainly some poor shot selection proved to be the downfall and, unfortunately, we fell an agonising 9 runs short of the target. This was soon followed by another difficult loss in the National Cup to Solihull, a competition in which the 1st XI had set their sights on performing well. However, the squad soon put those disappointments to the backs of their minds and finished the half term with three more victories against Monmouth, The Forty Club and Warwick.

Sadly, there was certainly a déjà vu feeling to the second half of the season and similar to the 2023 season, the 1st XI could not quite find the form that was plentiful in the first half. A heartbreaking one wicket loss to hometown rivals RGS was soon followed by further losses to Solihull, The MCC and Xavier College from Australia. Pleasingly, and

deservedly, the 1st XI was able to finish their campaign on a high, with an excellent performance against the Gentlemen of Worcestershire and a fine victory in the annual King’s Day match against the Old Vigornians. Will Thorp finishing with a bang and showed his class to register his maiden century (and hopefully first of many) for the 1st XI.

It was no secret that the 2024 season was not as successful as the squad had hoped it was going to be; however, there wasstill a huge number of positives to come out of it. The spin duo of Oliver Yip and Jamie Thorp bowled superbly throughout the season and posed constant questions to the opposition batters in the middle overs of the game, both finishing the season with 23 wickets a piece; Henry Hawes (21) and Arthur Quinn (14) provided both pace and control with the new ball. Monty Jelfs (431) once again provided a high percentage of the team runs, only to be pipped to the post by Will Thorp (432). Essenhigh (368) also shone with bat averaging just under 41 in the 10 matches he played in. Pleasingly, Will Thorp, Hawes and Essenhigh still have two more years representing the 1st XI.

Special mentions must go to our departing Upper Sixth: Monty Jelfs, Arthur Quinn, Jamie Thorp, Luke Barrington and Toby Raybould. Their commitment, achievements, runs and wickets in their time at King’s will be hard to replace. It is also worth mentioning that Monty Jelfs captained the 1st XI for the last two seasons and has done a fantastic job in helping to drive forward King’s Cricket, both on and off the field.

Huge thanks must go to Gilly, who was ever-present on match days, at all the training sessions and, once again, provided excellent support for the 1st XI cricketers, and to Mr Williams for his on-going commitment to the winter and touring programmes. Thanks, also, to our fantastic grounds team who prepared excellent wickets for both matches and training; their continued effort and support is much appreciated.

Coach name: Mrs K Collins

It has been our most successful girls’ 1st XI season ever; culminating in them reaching the National T20 Quarter Finals. Pupils honed their skills through focused winter sessions, emphasising technique, fitness, and teamwork and creating a strong foundation. As the season transitioned to outdoor practices and competitive matches, the pupils’ hard work paid off, with notable improvements in performance across all age groups. The consistent winter training not only sharpened their skills, but also built a sense of camaraderie and discipline, leading to a standout season marked by impressive victories and individual growth.

In our first cricket match of the season against Shrewsbury School, we secured a commanding victory. Batting first, we posted an impressive total of 190-4 from our allotted 20 overs, with several batters contributing crucial runs. In response, Shrewsbury struggled to find their footing, collapsing to 51 all out in 18 overs, thanks to our disciplined bowling and sharp fielding. This dominant performance set a positive tone for the rest of the season, showcasing our team’s strength in both batting and bowling departments.

In the next thrilling cricket match of the season against Haberdasher’s Monmouth, our team delivered a nail-biting victory. Batting first, we posted a competitive score of 126-9 off 20 overs, with Kate Bullock leading the charge with a matchwinning knock of 44 runs; following a batting collapse up the order. In response, Haberdasher’s Monmouth fought valiantly but fell short, managing 123-7 in their 20 overs. Hermione Pratt was instrumental in securing the win, taking three crucial wickets that turned the tide in our favour. The match was a true testament to our team’s resilience and skill.

Next, we travelled away to Marlborough College, which offered stunning views, setting the perfect backdrop for an intense game. Despite the picturesque setting, King’s faced a challenging day as Marlborough’s bowlers delivered an exceptional performance, leading to a hard-fought defeat for King’s. However, this match served as a valuable learning opportunity for the younger team, who gained crucial experience and insights that will undoubtedly strengthen their game in future encounters.

The National T20 Cup commenced with away travel to Dr Challoner’s High School. Batting first, Dr Challoner’s posted a respectable 108-6 in their allotted 20 overs. However, our team delivered an exceptional performance, chasing down the target with ease. We reached 110-1 in just 11 overs, thanks to a brilliant and unbeaten 74 from Bryony Gillgrass, who also contributed significantly with the ball, taking three key wickets. Her all-round excellence earned her the welldeserved title of Player of the Match.

A local clash was our 1st XI game against Hereford Cathedral School, where the team delivered a commanding performance, winning the toss and choosing to bowl. This

Squad list

Tilly Cook (C) - Worcestershire

Bryony Gillgrass (VC) – Central Sparks Academy, Worcestershire

Kate Bullock

Ruby Collins

Grace Jansen Van Vuuren – Worcestershire

Izzy Da Silva – Worcestershire

Katie Holt – Warwickshire

Eleanor Riley - Worcestershire

Hermione Pratt - Worcestershire

Sophie Purves

Florence Venables

Henry Venables

Phoebe Saxon

Lily Firkins

Poppy Young

Abigail Culwick

Florence Bulbulia - Worcestershire

Elin Macleod

Charlotte Bailey - Worcestershire

Mea Haffield - Worcestershire

Daisy Beardsell- Worcestershire

Tilly Mayhew - Worcestershire

Zofia Waites - Worcestershire

Played Won Drawn Lost

Girls 1st XI

turned out to be a great choice knocking Hereford to 8-6 off the first 5 overs. Captain, Tilly Cook, dazzled with her accurate bowling, picking up a hattrick in the second over and finishing with figures of 5-8, securing a decisive victory.

Continuing their winning streak, the 1st XI team faced a formidable opponent in Berkhamsted, at home, in the last 16 of the National Cup. They lost the toss and were put in to bat. King’s got off to a strong start with openers Bryony Gillgrass and Tilly Cook establishing a solid foundation. They looked comfortable and confident at the crease, making it challenging for the bowlers to find a breakthrough. However, the momentum shifted when Berkhamsted managed to claim a few quick wickets. Despite this setback, Bryony and Hermione Pratt displayed excellent composure. Bryony was in superb form, anchoring the innings with a brilliant century. Her partnership with Hermione, who added a crucial 25 runs, was instrumental in stabilising the innings after the early wickets fell. Together, they built a formidable partnership of 124 runs, pushing King’s to a competitive total of 153-7.

King’s then knew that despite posting a good total, they needed to be tight in the field and on their bowling A games. Florence Bulbulia delivered a key blow with a breakthrough wicket, dismissing the opener for a duck. This set the tone for the innings and created early pressure on Berkhamsted. Tilly

followed Florence’s lead, claiming the other opener’s wicket in the third over. This early double strike rattled Berkhamsted, and they struggled to regain their footing. Florence continued her exceptional performances of late, ending with remarkable bowling figures of 3 wickets for just eleven runs, including two wicket maiden overs. The entire bowling unit performed admirably, with the team skittling Berkhamsted out for a mere 60 runs. This comprehensive effort showcased the team’s growing prowess and cohesion.

Following their victory in the last 16 game against Berkhamsted, the girls eagerly anticipated their quarter-final clash with Ipswich School, setting the stage for an exciting away day. After a 4-hour journey, the team arrived in Ipswich, where the captains won the toss and elected to bowl first. Ipswich’s strong lineup batted impressively, with Hermione breaking an opening partnership. Despite King’s efforts to contain the scoring with tight bowling, Ipswich posted a formidable total of 172-2 in their 20 overs, with their second partnership amassing 106 runs.

Despite the high target, we remained confident, knowing that with our squad’s depth, a disciplined approach could make anything possible. Bryony and Grace Jansen Van Vuuren forged a resilient opening partnership of 103 runs. Bryony, however, was caught on the boundary after scoring a brilliant 71, and Grace soon followed with a solid 33. Unfortunately, the rest of the batting line-up struggled to gain momentum, and we concluded our innings at 157-6, falling short by just 15 runs.

This result marks the end of an outstanding cup run for both the 1st XI and U15s, reaching their quarter finals and last 16 respectively. It has been a fantastic achievement with both cup teams including a range of age groups and highlighting the future talent that we have here at King’s. The team is already looking forward to next season, eager to surpass this year’s achievements and advance even further in the playoffs.

Mrs Collins adds that she was immensely proud of the team’s performance, highlighting the collective effort and significant growth displayed throughout the season. A special thank you to all the team coaches who are ever-present at all team training sessions and provide excellent guidance and supportsfor our cricketers. Thanks also to our fantastic grounds team who prepared excellent wickets for both matches and training; their continued effort and support is much appreciated.

Senior Player of the Season, voted by the players, was awarded to Bryony Gillgrass.

Most improved, as voted for by staff, was awarded to Ruby Collins for her desire to improve throughout the season and her quickfire batting.

Captain comment: Tilly Cook

This season has been a remarkable journey for the 1st XV Girls Cricket Team. We have made significant progress, with the highlight being our victory over previously unbeaten Berkhamsted School to advance to the quarter finals of the National Schools Cup.

Throughout the term, many younger girls have had the chance to play for the first team. They have benefited from the leadership and guidance of our more experienced members and have started to contribute to the team’s success, demonstrated by Florence Bulbulia’s impressive three wicket haul against Berkhamsted. It is impossible to ignore the impact that Bryony Gillgrass has made with the bat, scoring three impressive fifties and two sublime centuries.

Coach name: Mr A Holliday

Again, this has been a weather-curtailing season. It has seen a renewal of the “Ashes” matches between the third team and their Malvern counterparts in two very competitive matches. This saw a sharing of the spoils with both teams winning two one-sided games, with the batting team being far superior than the bowlers. It has seen a number of good, individual performances, which has been balanced with several “noncricketers” given an outing, with very interesting outcomes. The team hopes for a more enhanced fixture programme next year.

U17

Coach name: Mr S Greenall

The U17 National Cup always brings with it an excitement, as it gives a chance for younger pupils to test themselves against some of the top cricketing schools and against senior opposition.

The squad started their campaign in outstanding fashion away to Monmouth. Due to rain, the fixture was reduced to 20 overs per side, and we were put in to bat in bowler friendly conditions. Sam Berry and Will Thorp got proceedings off to a steady start, creating a nice platform for us to attack from, but as we lost our first wicket with the score on 22 from five overs, we had much to do. Thorp was then joined by Seth Essenhigh and fireworks ensued. Essenhigh scored a whirlwind 95* off just 47 balls (6 x 6 and 6 x 4) and really took the attack to the opposition bowlers. Thorp also shone as he finished 63* off 56 balls, allowing us to post 185 for 1 from our 20 overs.

A score of 185 was always going to be difficult for the hosts to chase down but as they reached 48-1 off just six overs, the game was certainly in the balance. However, thanks to a devastating spell from Henry Hawes (4 for 21), some quality spin bowling from Bryony Gillgrass, Joe Tucker and Suf Riaz and some superb catching, the game was soon out of reach, and we ran out worthy winners by 61 runs.

U15A Boys

Coach name: Mr J Mason

This was a thoroughly enjoyable season starting with a tour to Bradfield College at the end of the Easter holidays. Despite the poor weather, the squad played some good cricket and showed depth in their batting and bowling. We were unfortunate to get the wrong side of some tight games through the season and offering a few too many extras was often a major factor. We had several good wins but lacked a little consistency at times.

Notable performances came against Monmouth with great knocks from Banks, Berry and Tucker and at KES Birmingham

Squad list

Fred Tomlinson

Freddie Yorke-Brooks

Will Dorrell

Alex Probert

Harry Press(W)

Ollie Purser

Sam Ward

Freddie Firkins

William Tucker

Will J M Fleming

James Comer

Matt Franks

Micheal Edwards

Sam Edwards

The team then travelled to Rugby School in the second round of the competition, where they faced a side full of quality in a 35 over match. We lost the toss and had to bowl first on an excellent wicket. For the vast majority of the innings the whole bowling unit bowled tightly, with captain Ollie Yip being the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets from his six overs. However, it was always difficult to stem the flow of runs and Rugby finished their innings on 225 for 6.

Unfortunately, at no point did we ever get going with the bat and were put under constant pressure by a quality attack. Some poor decisions and the loss of wickets at regular intervals cost us dearly. We eventually fell short by 135 runs but did not really reflect the competitiveness of the match or the quality we had in the team.

Unlike previous years, the U17s only had a brief run in the National Cup but with just one member of the side being a true U17, there were plenty of indications to suggest a brighter season in 2025. Everyone will be better off, thanks to the experience gained from this year.

and Solihull where Berry hit a majestic 136, ably supported by Eost with 54.

There are a number of strong cricketers in the squad, and I look forward to seeing them progress in the senior squad next season.

Played Won Drawn Lost

Played Won Drawn Lost

U15

Coach name: Mr S Green

The U15s have played a fantastic season this year, culminating in three wins, four losses and a few games affected by the Great British Weather! The season started with a great preseason tour to Bradfield College, where the girls played three T20 fixtures and set themselves up for the season.

Throughout, the team has consisted of both Lower Remove and Upper Remove pupils, who have a wide range of ability. The most rewarding aspect of coaching this team has been watching all the players grow from the start to the end of the season.

At the start of the season, we set out some aims to try to achieve over the course of the cricket season; the main one was, ‘to give the best of your ability in every game we play.’ It was such a pleasing thing to observe over a period of weeks and to see how the girls played with determination, passion and team spirit, contributing to them reaching their potential. The highlight of the season was our trip to Marlborough College. Despite the scorecard suggesting otherwise, the game showed me that this group of girls could come together as a team and show resilience, enthusiasm and fantastic praising of teammates.

The U15 cup team also reached the last 16 in the National Cup losing out narrowly to The Perse Sc. It was fantastic to see a range of year groups come together and play so well, including pupils from Lower Fourth to Upper Remove. It was a joy and privilege for me to coach the girls this year. They now need to use this season as a platform for them to strive forwards and achieve more in future years.

Pupil comment:

We have had a very good season as an U15 squad, putting out many strong performances. Over the season, we have significantly improved in our fielding and especially in our ability to attack the ball. The highlight of the season was getting to the last 16 in the National Cup, where we lost to a very strong Perse School.

However, we still need to work on our decision making when batting so we can maximise the number of single runs we can get. We are looking forward to an even better season next year.

U14

Coach name: Mr G Williams

King’s U14A cricket team had a challenging season, winning just one of their 10 games. The morale-boosting victory came in a close-fought encounter against Queen Mary’s Grammar School, Walsall, which King’s won by 4 runs. Despite being on the wrong side of some heavy defeats, the boys retained their enthusiasm throughout the season and never let their heads drop. Attendance at training was good throughout the Summer Term. If the players can retain this resilient and committed approach, I am sure that some of them will go on to become successful 1st XI players of the future. One of the closest games that the side was involved in was the County Cup Semi-Final against Old Swinford Hospital, where the boys were pipped by two wickets. In this game, swing bowler Giles Evans achieved the remarkable feat of a hat-trick. This was undoubtedly the “champagne moment” of the season, although I should also mention a couple of half centuries from the team’s captain, Oscar Slevin, including a crucial 50 in the solitary win against QMGS. The U14B side were enthusiastic throughout the season and, like the A team, good fun to coach. Unfortunately, the U14Bs lost all four of their fixtures.

U13A

Coach name: Mr B Williams Hard work and determination have underpinned everything the U13As have done this year. Right from the start, at winter nets, it was clear to see they were keen to learn and improve in all aspects of their cricket. The season began with a good win against Sir Thomas Rich and then a complete performance in the first round of the Cup against our neighbours RGS Worcester, meant we progressed to the next round. In the next two games we battled hard against some impressive sides but took a lot of learning away from the games. For the second round of the Cup, we met the Elms School, who had affective bowling attack which made run scoring hard, meaning we were unable to post a total to put them under pressure with the bat. Our next target in the season was to do well at the Solihull Sixes where the boys came home victorious the year before. With a slow start, the boys managed to get through to the knockout stages as the best 2nd place, winning two out of their three group games. With grey clouds looming over our heads, the decision was made to change the format to Super Overs for both the semi-final and final. Some intelligent bowling and good fielding restricted Solihull to 10 runs in the semi-final in which we managed to get in 4 balls. We then met QMGS where we were unable to get the runs, meaning we came runners up. All in all, the U13As have been a delight to coach this year and will be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come!

U13B

Coach name: Mr T Deehan

This season has been immensely enjoyable for the U13B squad. The dedication shown by the boys towards pre-season training through the winter certainly played dividends with the 12 players selected for the first match putting together a strong all-round performance against Sir Thomas Rich School to run out comfortable winners. The drive and determination of the team towards improving all aspects of their cricketing skills in games and club was clear to see. The group not only added new shots to their games with the bat but also showed vast improvements in mentality and decision making in game scenarios. After a disappointing performance against a strong KES Birmingham side, the boys again showed great resilience as a team, bouncing back with impressive displays against Monmouth and the Elms. Discussions on selection got harder and harder as the boys showed continued commitment, taking part and improving in every after-school session. Although the final games of the year did not go the way the team had hoped, I can wholeheartedly say I have thoroughly enjoyed coaching the U13Bs this year. They have been driven, polite and humorous all season and will all go very far in the rest of their sporting careers at King’s.

U12A

Coach name: Mr A Holliday

The 12As have had a challenging season finding it difficult to bat and gain runs. This then put pressure on our bowling. However, this developed through the season, culminating in a good couple of batting performances at the Solihull Sixes tournament against Bishop Veseys. Our bowling improved too and ensured we achieved positive results.

U12B

Coach name: Mr R Davies

The U12Bs had a successful winning season. Fully committed to training, the group of 14 boys who played across all fixtures each made a valuable contribution with bat and ball. Fielding became a strength, notably against Bishop Vesey’s where impressive catches were taken.

CROSS-COUNTRY

Winterfold Cross-Country

We were invited to the first ever Winterfold Cross Country event, to replace the Abberley event. It was a great early competition and a chance to get teams of Fourth Form athletes out competing.

The girls ran first, with Mea Haffield showing excellent pace to control the race to win; special mention should go to Ace Doggett who finished 4th. Freddie Preston gave a dominant performance which saw him win comfortably. This is especially impressive as he is Lower Fourth and can race in the same age group next year. Lex Meredith also put in a great run to place 3rd.

Both the girls and boys won the team competition; it was nice for them both to come home with a lovely shield and for King’s to be engraved as the first ever winner of the Winterfold Cross-Country.

ESAA Cross-Country Cup – County Round

The ESAA Cross-Country Cup County Round saw outstanding efforts across all age groups, with impressive results that demonstrate both individual talent and team spirit. While some teams faced challenges, others showed great resilience, pushing themselves to the limit and producing exceptional performances.

Junior Boys – 2nd Place

The Junior Boys team delivered another strong performance, finishing just behind Bromsgrove in what was an incredibly competitive race. Freddie Preston secured 3rd place overall, an impressive result that contributed significantly to the team’s success. He was closely followed by teammates Sam Corby and Lex Meredith, who also ran exceptionally well.

Junior Girls – 2nd Place

The Junior Girls had a fantastic showing, securing 2nd place in a tightly contested race. The girls pushed the Bromsgrove team all the way, demonstrating determination throughout. Mea Haffield ran a standout race, finishing in 4th place, just outside the podium, but she was far from alone in contributing to the team’s result. The entire team displayed excellent racing strategies, pacing, and teamwork, keeping them in the hunt for the top spot throughout the race.

Intermediate Boys – 4th Place

The Intermediate Boys team had a solid run, finishing 4th overall. James Cooke had an especially strong showing, finishing in the top five in a challenging race. His consistent pace and strong finish were key to the team’s overall result. While the rest of the team raced well, they did not feature near the front of the field, but all gained valuable experience from competing in such a high-level race. It is clear that with continued effort and improvement, this team can challenge for a higher position in future meets.

Intermediate Girls – 2nd Place

The Intermediate Girls team had an outstanding race, finishing in 2nd place in what was another highly competitive field. This was a true team performance, with all runners contributing to the result. Lucy Tebbett was a standout performer, finishing in the top five. Her consistency and strong finish were key in helping the team hold on to their 2nd place position. The whole squad demonstrated grit and determination, proving that they are more than capable of competing with the best in their category.

Senior Boys – 3rd Place

The Senior Boys team finished in 3rd place after a tough 5km race that tested the runners’ stamina and mental strength. It was a race that required both speed and endurance, and the Senior Boys team rose to the occasion. Special mention goes to Ben Gooch and Elliot Baird, who were instrumental in securing the team’s podium finish.

ESAA Cross-Country Cup – Regional Round

After qualifying through the County Round by finishing in the top three teams, the Junior Boys, Junior Girls, Inter Girls and Senior Boys travelled back to Bromsgrove to showcase their talents against the other qualifying teams across the West Central Region. Races had a minimum of 50 runners from 12 teams and the competition was fierce, but the athletes represented King’s with pride and determination. Their performances were a testament to their hard work, and they can all hold their heads high after the day’s events.

Junior Boys – 5th Place

The Junior Boys faced a tough 2.5 km course with numerous hills that tested both their physical and mental endurance. Despite the challenging conditions, the team ran admirably. Freddie Preston was the standout performer, securing a top 10 finish and showing his ability to compete with the top runners across the region.

Junior Girls – 6th Place

The Junior Girls team put in a collective effort, with all runners pushing through the fatigue and giving their best performances. Mea, in particular, should be very proud of her exceptional 7th place finish. Not only was she in the mix with some of the region’s top competitors, but she was also just 30 seconds behind the race winner, a remarkable feat in such a competitive field.

Inter Girls – 4th Place

The Intermediate Girls race saw the King’s team pack in some super performances and just miss out on a place in National Finals by six points. Lucy Tebbett delivered one of the day’s standout performances. Securing 6th place overall, Lucy was the highest-placed finisher for King’s School and demonstrated impressive racing instincts and a powerful sprint finish to surge through the field.

Senior Boys – 8th Place

The Senior Boys team faced a demanding 5.2 km course, which proved to be a real test against an array of top-class runners from across the region. Despite the gruelling conditions, the team showed immense perseverance and grit throughout the race. The standout performer for the Senior Boys was Elliott Baird, who demonstrated excellent stamina and mental toughness to finish as the team’s top runner. Although the results did not place them at the top, their effort and determination were commendable.

District Championships

Due to the exceptionally wet conditions in December, the Districts were pushed back to the start of January. King’s took a very large contingent of athletes, all keen to compete and test themselves against the top athletes in Worcester City. King’s athletes won five of the six races and had multiple qualifiers to the next round, showing the wealth of talent of our athletes.

Lower Fourth

With a shorter course, the focus was on quick starts and maintaining a strong pace throughout, and the athletes from King’s School rose to the challenge with exceptional performances across the board. What made this event even more remarkable was the near-perfect finish for the girls’ team; an achievement that is sure to be remembered as one of the School’s best in recent history. King’s Lower Fourth girls’ team saw eight athletes finish in the top 10, with an astonishing 1st to 7th and 10th place finish. This is an incredible achievement, underscoring the depth of talent within the team. In addition to the impressive achievements of the girls, the Lower Fourth boys also put in some solid performances. Freddie Preston led the race from start to finish and Jack Marley used his speed to finish strongly in 3rd place; the boys gave their all in a tough field and finished well.

The top six athletes qualify through to the School Games Cross-Country Finals which were to be held later in the term. Well done to: Katie Challinor, Ace Doggett, Robyn Duffy, Cleo Fitton, Poppy Gretton, Erin Launder, Elsie Sinclair, Jack Marley and Freddie Preston. Unfortunately, due to the poor weather conditions, the School Games was cancelled, so the athletes did not get their chance to race again.

Juniors

The Junior Boys and Girls cross-country team can take immense pride in their performance, finishing with impressive individual results despite the slippery course conditions. This race not only highlighted the talent of the individual athletes but also the strength of the entire team, with each runner digging deep to do their best for the team.

The top 16 from both the girls’ and boys’ races qualify to compete in the County Championships later in the term. Congratulations to the following athletes: Sophie Purves, Mea Haffield, Daisy Fitton, Charlotte Bailey, Emily Strooyd, Flo Venables, Chloe Farmer, James Cooke, Lex Meredith, Ed Chandler, Sam Corby and Orey Gaffery.

Inters

The Intermediate team showed their depth and strength, with several runners finishing near the top of the field. This result was a team effort, with athletes supporting each other and working together to secure valuable positions. The determination of the entire team was evident, and each individual race contributed to an impressive overall performance. Their efforts were rewarded with a series of strong finishes and, importantly, eight qualifiers for the next stage of the competition.

The top eight from both the girls’ and boys’ race qualify for the County Championships. Well done to the following athletes: Lucy Tebbett, Ella Purves, Catherine Hamilton, Eva Mico, Ben Gooch, Barnaby Richards, Aled Lee and Peter John. LMS

FENCING

My views on fencing at King’s by Felix Sharman Fencing at King’s is very enjoyable because it is a fast-paced sport that hones your skills with a sword! We are very lucky to have an amazing teacher who visits us from outside the School, as well as various Sixth Formers who help out and impart their knowledge. Fencing improves your coordination, balance, and concentration, while at the same time being a respectful and mindful sport. Unlike some other schools that only teach two swords, we are fortunate enough to learn to use all three (Foil, Epée, and Sabre.) Furthermore, the Fencing Club is a chance to represent King’s in competitions and make lasting friendships with people from all year groups.

Our most regular fixtures are with RGS (home and away fixtures annually) and our smaller group means we are wellprepared, holding our own even against more experienced and older fencers. A Year 5 pupil from St Alban’s is currently our youngest member and yes, she almost won her team’s event with the lion’s share of the points. The future looks very bright!

FOOTBALL

1st XI

Coach name: Mr A Holliday

The 2023/24 season got off to a slow start but ended up being one of the most successful for the School’s first team in its history. Having seen the season start in September in the National ISFA Cup and Shield, with two really close games. Unfortunately, saw two defeats to Abingdon and Reading Blue Coat schools respectively. However, it was a good experience for a young squad to participate in a National Competition, with both games being very competitive; it was good for their development both personally and as a squad.

The team continued with a number of friendly games up until the Christmas break. During this break, the senior football programme took over 30 pupils to St George’s Park, which is the English FA training Headquarters for a three-day visit. They received fitness testing by strength and conditioning coaches and received action plans to improve their fitness, as well as a number of skill sessions. The visit was also complimented with two friendly matches, which we won, and a visit to a West Bromwich Albion FA Cup match. We would like to thank Malvern Scaffolding for their kit sponsorship for the visit.

At the start of the new term the 1st team proceeded into to the School’s County Cup with a comprehensive 3-1 win over Droitwich High School, which was then followed by further victories over Christopher Whitehead and Bromsgrove School on the way to the final. We continued with a friendlies programme on the lead up to the Challenge Cup game against RGS. This saw the team control the game throughout and score a second half goal which turned out to be the winning goal score, leading the School to regain the Cup.

The team then went into a third term to play the final of the County Cup against North Bromsgrove High School. Despite this, in a nip and tuck final which went to extra time, the teams could not be separated at 2-2, so penalties were needed to separate the teams. Some excellent spot kicks and good saves by our goalkeeper meant that we were victorious, adding the County Cup to the Challenge Cup.

We now look forward to next season to defend these trophies and look to go further in the national trophies; all coaches have been very pleased with this season’s results and progression.

Squad list

Jamie Thorp

Finn Worth

Sam Perkins

Todd Pinner

Donal Clason

George Campbell-Ferguson (C)

Noah DuPont

Ollie Tranter

Oliver Powell

Joshua Carr

Thomas Poole

William Mason

Louis Healey-Maddams

Zach Mason

George Tonkinson

Oliver Shotton

Hugo Chapman

Matthew Dalton

Lukas Twiehaus

Edward Bowers

Mathew Franks

Charlie Halford

Played Won Drawn Lost

1st Football 19 11 2 6

2nd

Coach name: Mr S Green

The 2nd XI played a fantastic season of football this year! Their passion, teamwork and resilience were the standout traits that were shown to me as the coach. This started on the tour this year; from the expert coaching the boys received, it was clear to see they had taken a lot from this. The boys showed commitment, energy and a real team spirit over the course of the season. It was a pleasure to watch them grow and develop as a team, as the season progressed. The highlight of the season was our game against Malvern College. The boys played to a very high standard with a great team display being shown. The patterns of play, set piece routines and transitions from attack to defence in this game came straight from the training sessions prior to this fixture. As a coach, it was very rewarding to see the boys putting everything we’d had worked on into practice. We finished the season very strongly with a 6-3 victory followed by a 0-0 draw. Although this does not appear a very strong finish, I was tremendously proud of the boys for keeping a clean sheet in our last game, as being defensively sound was one of our aims at the start of the season.

Squad list

Charlie Halford (C)

Charlie Dixon

Elijah Broadbent (VC)

Hayden Anthony-Smith

Edward Carr

Mason Ruff

Matthew Franks

Donal Clason

George Tonkinson

Joe Stone

George Sutcliffe

Alfie Beech-Bailey

Barnaby Blundell

Oliver Shotton

Joe Simpson

Joshua Clarke

Arthur Quinn

Qasim Ibrar

Ollie Brealey

Solomon Unwin

Harry Rothwell

Sonny Brown

Jamie Thorp

Jack Flood

Will Fleming

Louie Lee

Joe Bannister

Ben Patten

Kian Slater

Sam Jones

Ollie Yip

Jack Barnett

Flynn Hatfield-Evans

U14

Coach name: Mr C Haywood & Mr C Atkinson

The U14A team showed great dedication throughout the season, playing with determination and increasing fluency as the term progressed. With a brave and strong back line, a skilful midfield, and a pacey attack, by the end of the season they gave some impressive performances. The biggest win of the season came in a comprehensive 5-1 victory in their final game, which bodes well for next year. Perhaps the most pleasing aspect is that all games were played in the right spirit, and the ambition of the whole team was to play attractive football. With this aim, and with their determination and attitude, they can only go from strength to strength.

The B team had a similarly good attitude throughout the term and showed great team spirit. There was a balanced look to results, with us winning as many as we lost and drawing one. This came in the final game of the season against Wycliffe and was a fitting way to end the season. It was a great game of football, with both teams enjoying periods in the ascendancy. It was played in great spirit and the cliché ‘football was the winner’ was appropriate!

I have really enjoyed training this year, I have learnt so much and am now confident putting skills into matches.

U13A

Coach name: Mr O Shone

This year, the U13A team began their campaign with a very convincing series of displays against strong opposition, winning each of their first three matches. Their attacking style of play saw them scoring at least four goals a game, with confident individual performances crowning excellent allround team performances.

Captain comment:

Playing with the football team has been a highlight for all involved. The team has been a space where all the players have developed and improved together. One of my favourite memories with the team is our match against RGS. Despite the loss, the team displayed remarkable character and sportsmanship throughout the game and bounced back brilliantly to win our next. We would also like to thank Mr Green for his excellent coaching and motivational team talks that incited some spectacular second half performances. I think I speak for all the leavers in saying we will never forget our experience with the football team this year.

Whilst the team played well all season, their standout performance was a show of enormous character to comeback against a very strong Wolverhampton Grammar side. A combination of persistence and creativity ensured not only hard work, but that the team left the field to a standing ovation from the assembled crowd.

It was a testament to the excellent team spirit that the captaincy ‘toured’ the team throughout the season, with each new Captain stepping up to guide his team on the pitch. This helped build player development and saw new players taking

more responsibility on the pitch as the season progressed.

The second half of the season found the team needing to regroup and reassert themselves, which they did with a resounding 14-5 victory against an improving opposition team from Hereford.

In all, a season with many highlights and the makings of an exceptional side sewn for next year.

Coach name: Mr B Williams

The U13s have participated in training in full force this season, with over 20 pupils turning up each week. Both teams have made pleasing progress and have managed to transfer this into matches successfully.

Although results have not always gone their way, the U13Bs have played some great football this season, showing brilliant effort and commitment throughout. The focus this year was to play an attractive style of football, playing out from the back and keeping the ball on the floor, of which there was abundant evidence across the term.

U13A

U13B

U12

Coach name: Mr E Lewis

An exciting first season in the Senior School for the U12 footballers. We worked hard to integrate all new players from Hawford, St Alban’s and other local schools to start playing together as a team. Attendance and willingness to learn was very high with over 30 players turning up to training for each session.

The team adapted well to playing 9 v 9 and, on occasion, 11 v 11 in preparation for next year.

All games were played in good spirit, and real sportsmanship was shown regardless of the outcome. Results show that there was a mixture of opposition all offering different challenges that will help the young King’s footballers learn and progress from their experiences.

The season’s highlights were the A team’s performances against The Chase and Wolverhampton Grammar School and the B team’s close victory over St John’s Bromsgrove. The teams adapted to conditions, displayed resilience and had to dig deep to achieve success. Another highlight was the attitude shown when facing Hereford Cathedral School to keep battling until the end of the game to achieve a thrilling draw with the last kick of the game.

U12A 9 4 1 4

U12B 7 4 0 3

U13B

HOCKEY

1st X1

Coach: Mrs L Miller-Symonds

In a very new look 1st Team, with eight members of the FF moving to senior hockey and several new Lower Sixth and Fifth Form joiners, it was always going to be a transitional year. However, after the first two games of the season where the team had to adapt to both new players and a new style, they really have been fantastic and became the first King’s team to win a medal in a national competition. Not only have the team been very successful, but they have been a positive and supportive group, who have brought the best out of one another and been a pleasure to coach.

The team always seem to save their best hockey for the cup games, enjoying the extra pressure that comes with a knockout match. The ISHC Plate Competition took on a new format this year with the semi-finals and finals being played at Nottingham Hockey Centre as part of a full Finals Day. This really motivated the girls as they were determined to come away with silverware. The first three rounds of the competition saw the girls display both their attacking flair and disciplined team defending. The Finals Day was everything the girls had hoped for and they can be very proud of their performances in challenging conditions. A 1-2 loss to Scarborough, in an even and fast paced game, saw them play Reigate Grammar for the Bronze medal and once again they pulled out all the stops to fight back from 2-0 down to equalise and take the game to penalty strokes. Some fantastic saves from GK Jaime Lewis and nerves of steel from the strikers, saw the team take the win on sudden death strokes; an amazing achievement of which they should be very proud. In the England Hockey Cup, they put in three fantastic performances to progress to the Quarter Final, scoring 10 and conceding no goals on the way. Once again, they came up against a top side in Loughborough High, who they lost to in the semi-final last year. Despite a strong defensive performance, they were unable to find an equaliser after conceding just before half-time. In the push to find a goal, they let in two late goals, to see them exit the competition.

Squad list

Lucy Wadley (C)

Jaime Lewis (VC)

Becca Stone (VC)

Amelia Taft (VC)

Kate Bullock

Bea Morgan

Rosie Stone

Lottie Wilkinson

Ruby Collins

Izzy Kavanagh

Lilia Mico

Frankie Barry

Martha Burden

Izzy Da Silva

Bryony Gillgrass

Grace Jansen van Vuuren

Anna Wales

Eleanor Witt

Phoebe Webster

The Severn Shield moved to October in the hope for better weather for both the players and the crowd but, once again, we were met with wet and windy conditions. However, this did not stop a large crowd coming out to support the teams and providing an excellent atmosphere for the match. The fact the teams had played just the week before, when King’s came out 1-0 winners in a National Cup game, added an extra dimension to the fixture and led to an open and end-to-end flowing game. King’s took an early lead but were pegged back just before half-time and then RGS took the lead just after the break. King’s regained the lead with two quick fire goals and were hoping to hold on for the final five minutes of play, but RGS scored another short corner to end the game an exhilarating 3-3. It was an excellent showcase for the excitement of hockey and the skill of the team.

The teamwork, dedication and talent of this group of players have been fantastic to see through the season and has made every day working with them a real joy. A special mention must go to the outstanding Upper Sixth, who have given so much to hockey throughout their time at King’s and we wish them the best of luck.

Coach name: Mrs K Knott

This group of girls has been fantastic to work with all season. Their commitment and dedication to training and fixtures have been admirable as many of the players in this squad are balancing hockey alongside other activities.

The first few matches of the season are always tricky to manage as players transition from junior to senior hockey, with the added pressure of changing positions and formations until we find what works. The season got off to a relatively slow start but once fitness levels were on the up, and communication amongst players improved, the team began to take control of the pitch. Our midfield players worked hard to win the ball back and maintain possession to connect the ball to our particularly quick forwards who began to convert scoring opportunities into goals. As confidence grew, the girls’ performance went from strength to strength; the defenders’ consistent ability to intercept and carry the ball forward was outstanding and their ability to read the game and work together prevented several goals from opposition.

The fixture against Bablake was a particular highlight because the girls played some exceptional hockey gradually building on their performance and becoming the more dominant team. Some excellent saves from our goalkeeper saw us take the lead and maintain it. This was a turning point for the 2nd Team which then resulted in further victories throughout the season.

Our final game of the season against Solihull ended in a 2-0 win. It was great to finish on a high and see the hard work, and set plays we had practised, be a success.

It has been a privilege to work with such a talented and enthusiastic group of players who make training fun and enjoyable. I hope that our Upper Sixth leavers will continue their hockey journey and look forward to seeing others on the pitch next season.

U15

Coach name: Miss P Sanders

The U15s have had an enjoyable season which has seen progression and development in abundance. The Wednesday after-school training was very well attended, and numbers grew throughout the term. They started off the season with a tough couple of matches, in which the girls showed great resilience and, although the scoreline was not in our favour, they played until the final whistle. Not once could you fault the effort and desire to overcome adversity. It was pleasing that the girls were coming off the pitch and asking questions; they were eager to improve both their knowledge and their skill set.

The match against Wrekin came at the perfect time, where the girls scored two great goals from open play and a short corner. The highlight of the term was the match against Hereford Cathedral School. The weather was not on our side, but they did have a pitch very similar to ours which was in our favour. With a large squad of 15, we were able to rotate the players. The score was 0-0 until the final few minutes of the match and the defence did a tremendous job at keeping Hereford out and, with a short corner right at the end, the girls were able to secure the 1-0 win. This match summed up this team - they never complained about the weather, they always turned up ready to play and compete for each other, with smiles on their faces. Enjoyment has been key and hopefully they will go on to represent the senior teams next year.

Played Won Drawn Lost

U15 Hockey 10 3 1 6

U14

Coach name: Mrs K Collins

The U14s have had an outstanding season, which has been full of hard work and dedication. The team transitioned well to a full 11 a side formation and showed great teamwork. This was evident in their very successful season, losing only one very tight cup game.

The U14A squad trained well each week and, as a result, their individual skills improved tremendously. This could be shown with their newfound confidence on the ball and composure under pressure. There has been a real sense of passion for the game and a desire to win. There were many highlights of the season, but their ability to work the ball from defence through to attack improved greatly throughout the season, which resulted in a high number of goals and victories this season.

The U14Bs have shown great commitment throughout the season to weekly training and have developed into all-rounders on the pitch. Their teamwork and desire to work hard for each other have shone through, with their ability to play a multitude of positions without question.

As this year group progress next season, they will no doubt be able to transfer their skills and passion for the sport to represent the School in years to come.

U13

Coach name: Mrs L Miller-Symonds

It has been a fantastic season for the U13s, which has been embodied by their commitment, enthusiasm and enjoyment at training. Every session has seen great numbers attending, with lots of opportunities for all girls to develop their skills and then implement them into matches.

The A team has produced some excellent hockey throughout the season and have really started to gel as a team. They were very unfortunate to lose the ISHC Cup game on penalty shuffles, after fighting back from 3-0 down. They dominated the County Tournament to become county champions, which qualified them to the Regional Finals. At this tournament, everything we had worked on throughout the season came together allowing them to play the best hockey they have ever played and just missing out in the final; they should be delighted with their Silver medals.

The B Team has made so much progress through this season, and it is a testament to their quality that they have played against several A teams and have come very close in all these games. The girls worked hard on their individual skills in training, becoming more confident to carry to connect and get their eyes up to deliver good passes to their teammates. This has enabled them to develop and click so well as a team and every player always leaves the pitch having had a lot of fun and working hard together.

I have really enjoyed everything about hockey this year. We always have so much fun and I feel like I have improved so much.

The C team has played more fixtures than ever before because we have had such a solid core of players who have committed to training and really enjoyed their hockey. All the girls have made huge progress and have improved both their skills and their knowledge of the game. Goal scoring has always been a problem for the team - they make lots of opportunities but struggle to convert them. So, it was pleasing to see the goals scored in their last few games.

It has been great to see many U13s playing club hockey, representing the County and the Mercia Marauders, which shows how much they love their hockey and want to play as much as they can.

It will be exciting to see this group come together to play 11-a-side hockey next season.

Coach name: Mrs K Collins

It has been tremendous to see the girls bubbling with enthusiasm at hockey sessions and this has created a real sense of passion for learning more about the game. This season has seen over 30 girls regularly attend weekly training and for everyone to have multiple opportunities to represent the School in fixtures.

The U12A team had an unbeaten season, aside from the Midlands finals, which is a tremendous achievement. They were crowned county champions, winning all of their games to then represent Worcestershire at the Midlands In2Finals. This day saw some of the harshest weather of the season and it certainly had an impact on our players. Each and every one of the team worked hard to support each other, but they narrowly missed out on a semi-final place due to goal difference.

While several participants this year came with prior experience in the game, we also welcomed numerous newcomers who eagerly embraced the sport and demonstrated a genuine enthusiasm for learning.

A standout event of the season was the Lower Years’ Christmas Tournament, where all Lower Fourth and Upper Fourth students joined forces and competed in festive costumes. The tournament was an enjoyable and lively affair, filled with laughter and spirited competition, making it a memorable highlight for everyone involved.

INDIVIDUAL SPORTING ACHIEVEMENTS: WATER POLO

Fifth Former, Jess Day has continued her remarkable success in International Water Polo. Aged only 15, she has nevertheless been a member of the Great Britain U18 Water Polo Squad and won a Junior Bronze Medal in the Junior Women EU Nations Water Polo Competition in the Czech Republic in November 2023. Jess played a key role for the Great British Hawks Team (U18 Girls) in the tournament, scoring a spectacular seven goals. She also regularly competes in the Ladies’ League Division One of British Water Polo.

NETBALL

1st

IX

Coach name: Miss J Haynes

The 1st netball team had two very exciting terms full of training sessions and match play. During pre-season the girls, made up from Fifth Form, Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth, began to build solid connections by setting high standards of hard work and also showing their determination for the season ahead. As the term progressed, teamwork and positive attitudes could clearly be seen. The 1st team faced the County Tournament very early on in October and, despite several injuries, the team narrowly missed out on progressing to the Regionals. However, some fantastic netball was displayed, and their attitude remained positive.

As the girls committed to training during games lessons as well as two extra club sessions, held on a Thursday and Friday, it was evident that the standard of their games and individual skills were greatly improved. Superball allowed the girls to showcase all of their hard work and put into practice everything they had been working on. Although the team did not come away with the win, it was very rewarding for all the girls to take to the court and soak up the amazing atmosphere.

One match to highlight was the impressive performance the team put out against Bablake. After chasing the opposition the whole match, they showed their grit and resilience and came away with the victory, winning 35-34. The teamwork both on and off the court was exceptional. It has been amazing to see their development as netball players and a pleasure to coach them this season.

2nd IX

Coach name: Miss L Herdman

The 2nd netball team has had a great season, which is a testament to their teamwork and team spirit. The girls have shown great strength and versatility throughout the season, having to play in many different combinations, due to many players being injured across the three teams. The strength and depth of this squad was highlighted with the majority of 2nd team players playing up for the 1st team across the year and fitting in seamlessly. This demonstrates their hard work and determination to be better each week, constantly wanting to improve as individuals and as a team.

The 2nd team has put out consistently good performances week in week out, winning nine out of their 12 matches. The team’s connection over the season has become very strong and it has been lovely to see the growth of both the team and the individual players. A highlight of the season was the match played against Marlborough College. It was a close game all the way through, going goal for goal until the very end. The work rate of all players was brilliant, and they all adapted well to whatever combination was on court. Their passion, positive attitudes, and resilience saw them come out winners when the final whistle was blown, with a score of 42-38.

The improvements made by all squad members over the year has been brilliant to see and reflects their hard work, determination, and commitment to training each week. It is exciting that most of the team are in Fifth Form and Lower Sixth, meaning we get to continue to work with them and see them develop their skills further over the next season.

Squad list

Maia Akiki (C), Meg Sweeney (VC), Jess Day, Sonali Prasad, Lola Bell, Grace Jansen van Vuuren, Millie Dobson,

Bea Winfield, Immy Town, Rosie Brookes, Mischa Lotter, Philippa Ranasinghe, Lily Bell.

3rd IX

Coach name: Miss K Arnold

The 3rd netball team, predominantly students in Fifth Form and Lower Sixth, showcased a season defined by resilience and sportsmanship. From the first whistle to the final game, the team demonstrated an unwaveringly positive attitude and a desire to improve with every match. The girls’ dedication to each other and the sport was evident, contributing significantly to their overall performance and improvement across the season. In particular, decision-making from centre passes improved, as did the communication of the mid-court.

Winning four out of seven matches, the team scored a total of 151 goals. Each game was a testament to their collective effort, but a special mention must go to the match against Shrewsbury School where, after a late arrival due to traffic and player absence due to illness, determination shone through, and the match ended in a 33-14 victory.

Throughout this season, teamwork has been the cornerstone of their success, with players consistently supporting one another on and off the court. The improvement shown by these players has been encouraging and I look forward to seeing them develop and play more matches next season.

U16

Coach name: Miss G Ormandy

2nd Netball 12

Pre-season training saw 50 KSW netballers, both new and old, hitting the brand-new courts. Agility and decision making were put to the test with game-based sessions, including ‘multi-ball madness’ which brought many smiles. Our U14 and U16 teams travelled down to Redmaids High for their final day of preseason to put their hard work into practice. Following a few weeks working on refining the basics and learning new skills, the U16 A and B teams were able to have a highly competitive run out at the King’s High Warwick Netball Festival, a fantastic opportunity to try many different combinations on court. The Worcestershire District Tournament came around very quickly, with the U16s becoming District Champions. Equally as quickly, the County rounds in December arrived, which saw our U16s competing for a highly sought-after place at Regionals. On a bitterly cold day in January the U16s narrowly missed out on a spot at Nationals. Regionals also saw the last time many of these girls would play together as the U16s filtered up into our three senior teams.

U15

Coach name: Miss J Haynes

The netball pre-season saw the start of the U15 team’s development where both new and old skills were coached and put to the test. With training taking place for the teams on a Monday night, the girls very soon had to face their first cup fixtures. The keen attitude and commitment they all brought to training allowed each individual to improve and be fully prepared for their competitions. Match by match, the team displayed some fantastic netball and the success that followed illustrated all the hard work they had put in. But after a long journey to Berkhamsted where they encountered very tough opposition, King’s narrowly lost, which meant the other school went through to the next round.

Throughout the two terms of netball, both the U15As and U15Bs have had some tough, but exciting, matches. A highlight would be the U15As final match against RGS where they battled goal for goal all the way until the last couple of minutes, before taking the win by showing both grit and fantastic teamwork.

The encouragement the girls give to one another on and off the court is a delight to see and the improvement in both their netball abilities and skills has been very rewarding.

U14A & B

Coach name: Miss P Sanders

The U14s netball team has had a fantastic season covering both terms. The teams have been represented by a variety of girls, and this is a credit to the personal development and understanding of the game this season. Monday night training sessions were well attended and an opportunity for girls to challenge themselves, constantly striving to be better.

With the first District round early in the term, the girls went through, top of the group, winning the D round. They had to be patient at times and, in the final match, they were down at half-time and showed great composure on the ball to turn the game around and win. The girls continued to go from strength-to-strength at the County round, finishing runners up and progressing to the West Midlands Regional Finals. This was a highlight of the season with the opportunity to play against some strong schools; they made it through to the semi-finals, unfortunately narrowly missing a place at Nationals. This was made special by having a squad of 12 and everyone contributing to the team performances.

The rest of the season showcased the depth across the squads, finishing the end of the season strongly. Sportsmanship, a positive attitude and individual development were evident. Enjoyment has been crucial this season and although positions have been competitive, the girls have represented the School and themselves proudly.

U13

Coach name: Miss L Herdman

The U13s started off the academic year with pre-season training on August 30th at the fields. This was followed by our Lower Years Netball Festival, where over 70 KSW netballers were involved. The festival saw the Lower Years working together and it was wonderful to see the U13s using their experience from the previous year to help guide the U12s throughout this sunny morning, where much netball was played with many smiles on faces.

The start of the season saw over 40 girls attending training on a Tuesday after school, and these numbers continued throughout the year, which was incredible to see. The improvements made by all players from the start of the season to the end have been fantastic and is a testament to their commitment to training, positive attitudes, motivation and their determination. All players who attended training were able to take part in a fixture, representing KSW with pride and passion.

The District Tournament saw the U13A team become champions. This was definitely a highlight of the season, as many players had to play out of position due to injuries and illnesses, yet this did not faze the girls. They came together, showing great teamwork and resilience, supporting those who were playing in unfamiliar positions, and displayed some of the best netball they had played all season.

Both the U13B and U13C teams showed great improvements in their matches over the year. The girls always had positive attitudes and supported each other, whilst showing excellent sportsmanship. The girls were always motivated and determined to enjoy their netball whilst learning and working together with their team mates.

U12

Coach name: Miss G Ormandy and Mrs C Neville

The netball season began with our Lower Years Netball Festival, where we welcomed 70 KSW netballers. It was wonderful to see the Lower Years working together and mixing between year groups to enjoy a sunny morning of match play. Just two weeks into their journey at Big King’s, 24 Lower Fourth pupils represented KSW Sport for the first time with Saturday fixtures against Solihull School. Early in the season the U12A team came up against a well-polished KHS Warwick side, which saw them knocked out of the Cup Competition. Despite this disappointment, the girls rallied for their next fixture against OSH School, showing determined resilience. The U12 A, B and C teams thoroughly enjoyed their respective District tournaments in January.

ROWING:

Captains: Ellie Nosworthy, Jacob Smith Vice-captains: Isabella Green, Ollie Bladon Keeper of Boats: Sam Elsdon

Rowing at King’s celebrates a magnificent year. It was one in which we were recognised as one of the top eight schools that offer rowing in the United Kingdom, an accolade that highlights the wonderful sense of community that exists in the Boat Club. With current members, former rowers, parents, and supporters, all appreciating the outstanding facilities, staff and the fine performances of the rowers and OVs.

Our Lower Remove cohort embraced the challenge of starting a new sport and our mentors from the older years enthusiastically supported their development. We made the most of the spring conditions on the river but, as the days shortened and the river became swollen, the focus turned to indoor training. The British Indoor Championships yielded a full King’s podium in the Fifth Form Boys event and several other medals.

The Boat Club community came together to raise thousands of pounds for Acorns Children’s Hospice, with the annual Charity Challenge – the overnight row. Throughout the night they supported and followed our intrepid OVs, Matt Bladen and George Farmiloe, as they rowed across the Atlantic. The community enjoyed our social events and fundraisers, including the end of season dinner.

We hosted a successful indoor event of our own for local schools and clubs. The head season added more pennants to the walls of the boathouse and closed with a fantastic senior training camp in Spain, and an equally enjoyable junior camp in Shrewsbury over the Easter break. The regatta season was extremely busy and delivered exciting racing around the country.

Among the many successes, we were thrilled that three crews represented the West Midlands in the Junior Inter Regional Regatta in April, and that Josh Lavarack rowed for Wales in the Home International Regatta. We were delighted to welcome five new members of coaching staff this season in Mr Hemming, Mr Gibson, Miss Simon, Miss Drinkwater and Mr Gorner and thank them, along with the other staff, for their incredible input to the programme. We wish Miss Drinkwater and Mr Gorner the absolute best in their future endeavours.

JHC

Club Awards

Rower of the year

Crew performance of the year

Coxswain of the year

Jack Dowty / Josh Lavarack

Girls Ch4- (NSR best crew performance) Millie Davis, Freya Davis, Amelia Venables, Rebecca Nosworthy

Joseph Young

Most Improved Coxswain Emily Andrews

Most Improved Rower Florence Venables

Services to Rowing

Sam Elsdon

Club Woman of the Year Ellie Nosworthy

Clubman of the Year Jacob Smith

Senior Boys

Coach name: Mr J Chalmers

Despite the challenging river conditions faced by all at the start of the year, the senior boys squad made the most of their limited water opportunities, working as crews in bigger boats and making technical improvements in small boats to prepare for the club singles time trial, which was won by Jack Dowty. The on-water training was supplemented with many kilometres on the rowing machines, resulting in strong test scores across the squad. The senior boys achieved multiple wins at both Worcester Small Boats Head and the British Indoor Rowing Championships. Unfortunately, these were the only events attended during the Autumn Term, as Wycliffe Small Boats Head and Monmouth Head were cancelled due to adverse weather across the country.

Flooding meant that a lot of Spring Term was spent landtraining, but we managed to finalise our crew-selection and the Championship Quad Scull (Ch4x-) secured 1st and 2nd places at Wycliffe Big Boats Head, where an eight and two other quads performed well. Head season culminated with the national events, Schools’ Head of the River Race and Junior Sculling Head. The 1st 8+ put in a robust performance at SHORR, beating their 2023 time by more than a minute, and the Ch4x- finished in the middle of a strong pack. At JSH, 2nd 4x- came 21/39 in Open Quads and Ch4x- and a Lower Sixth 4x- finished 5th and 19th respectively in the J17 event –all impressive results. Things were looking strong for Regatta season after Camp.

May started with Wallingford and Junior Sculling Regatta; the Ch4- and the Ch4x- raced at the former, with Ch1x and Ch4x- at the latter. Worcester Spring Regatta was a terrific opportunity for some side-by-side racing. Pots were won by two of our quads: the 2nd 4x- beat Hereford Cathedral School and the Ch4x- beat RGS. The 4+ raced in the Open Men’s Division, beating Stourport BC in the first round but losing to Hereford RC in their next race, who won the entire event. The second 2nd 4x- also performed well in their race. After months of preparation, the National Schools’ Regatta saw strong performances. The Ch4x- secured a spot in the

B-final following excellent races in their repechage and semifinal. The 2nd 4x- pushed to a 4th place finish in the A Final and the second 2nd 4x- placed second in the B final of the same event. The Ch4+ missed a place in the B-final, by less than a second, but secured a win in the C final by several boat-lengths. During May half-term, the Ch4x- performed well at the Metropolitan Regatta against many adult crews, placing third in the C final.

After NSR, the Ch4+ and the 2nd 4x- re-combined to form the Ch8+, which, along with the Ch4x- began training rigorously to qualify for Henley Royal Regatta. Both crews had raced well in time trials and finals at Marlow Regatta before previously …

As a squad, we know we would not have managed any of our achievements this season without the tireless dedication of Mr Chalmers in delivering fantastic, effective training sessions, day-in, day-out, year-round.

JudeAustin,JosephMurray,ElliottBaird

Senior Boys Most Improved Rower

Fin Irwin

Senior Boys Rower of the Year Elliott Baird

Senior Girls

Coach name: Mr W Bird

It has been a busy and exhilarating year for the Senior Girls. Worcester Small Boats Head was the first outing for the coxed and coxless fours. Racing on home territory on the River Severn, King’s took a win in the morning division in the WJ18 coxless fours, whilst also accomplishing the second fastest time for women overall on the course that day.

At the British Indoor Rowing Championships at the NEC in Birmingham, the Senior Girls took part in three mixed relay teams. All three teams finished in the top five, in 2nd 3rd and 5th position.

The annual Charity Row brought an exciting end to a successful Autumn Term, requiring considerable determination and perseverance. The tough challenge and hard work paid off as the rowers broke the 17-hour King’s School record!

In February, the Wycliffe Big Boats Head was an exciting (if cold) beginning to the year and the first outing of the eight. After a challenging and enjoyable race, we reflected on our performance and worked on improvements. During the following weeks, we completed some dedicated, focused training which developed our technique and brought the crew together. All these changes were made in time for a successful Schools’ Head of the River. The eight had a fantastic

day on the River Thames and we were pleased to secure 8th place out of 17 competing crews in our category.

All the hard work paid off at the Wallingford Regatta, where we saw some strong results! The squad sent two fours, one coxed and one coxless, with the coxed four, (Issy Green, Ruby Ingles, Ellie Cartwright, Jess Meci and Emily Andrews) coming fourth in the B final and the coxless four, (Millie Davis, Freya Davis, Amelia Venables and Rebecca Nosworthy) coming fifth overall.

Shrewsbury Regatta saw the first victory for the eight, finishing in first position against Shrewsbury School. Shrewsbury also allowed a return to sculling for the Senior Girls, where two quads and a double were raced as well as a pair.

At Worcester Sprint Regatta in May, the squad had an allKing’s pairs event with a remarkably close final between two crews (Millie Davis and Freya Davis against Amelia Venables and Rebecca Nosworthy). King’s also entered two coxed fours into what is one of the oldest women’s coxed four events.

In the lead up to National Schools’ Regatta, through vigorous training, all the crews showed great progress in their technique and made positive improvements. This was reflected when the champ coxless four (Millie Davis, Freya Davis, Amelia Venables and Rebecca Nosworthy) came sixth in the A final and the coxed four (Ruby Ingles, Issy Green, Posie Forrester, Ellie Cartwright and Emily Andrews) came fifth in the C final. The pair (Ellie Cartwright and Amy Smithson) also had a great race coming first in the D final.

All the Senior Girls should be very proud of their achievements this year and we would like to thank all the coaches, especially our coach, Mr Bird, for being so enthusiastic and supportive.

Senior Girls Most Improved Rower Jemima Hatcher-Wilkins

Senior Girls Rower of the Year Millie Davis

Coach name: Miss I Drinkwater

The Fifth Form girls have enjoyed a wonderful year in the sport, with considerable success and lots of great racing. The year started with the challenge of learning to sweep; having one blade over two did not make things any easier! The girls overcame this and the dark winter months, by focusing on developing an eight for the Schools’ Head of the River in London. The darker nights ensured plenty of time on the ergo and lots of cross training, bringing the squad together and gaining fitness. The conclusion of the head season came with the gruelling SHORR. This also saw the end of the big boat campaign and the squad focused on the summer boats of a coxed four and quadruple scull.

The summer regattas offered great racing, and the squad competed in singles, pairs, doubles, fours and quads at Shrewsbury and Worcester events. There was fierce competition at Shrewsbury within the squad as well, with the pairs race seeing an all-King’s final; Holly Oliver and Emelia Simpkin came out victors. The National Schools’ Regatta saw the girls race at the premier junior rowing event in the country. On the Saturday, the four of Emelia Simpkin, Eliza Pritchard, Jasmine Shukla, Jess Meci and Ellie Nosworthy raced through to the C Final and took fourth place. The quad or Darcey Williamson, Sonali Prasad, Holly Oliver and Sophie Evans raced on the Sunday of the event taking gaining sixth place in the D final.

The season ended with the four racing at Henley Women’s Regatta qualifiers. They had a great run down the course and enjoyed the experience, despite falling just short of qualification.

Fifth Form Girls Most Improved Rower

Fifth Form Girls Rower of the Year

Jasmine Shukla

Emelia Simpkin

The end of the season marks another successful year for the J16 boys, with all rowers stepping up to the challenge of an increased number of hours spent training on and off the water. The variable weather conditions this year have resulted in many hours being spent with land-training and, therefore, the squads’ fitness has improved as a result. This has led to many successes such as podium finishes at the British Rowing Indoor Championships, major wins in the King’s Indoor Rowing Championships and great improvements and personal bests all around. The culmination of winter training was the Charity Row, with this year being our first time staying overnight. The consistency of the rowers throughout the event, and their ability to effectively rise to the challenge of rowing in the early hours of the morning, was shown by the great donations raised for charity.

Many rowers have trained throughout the year with Miss Simon and the other coaches and learnt the new skill of sweeping. The rowers excelled in this, with many events taking place in sweep boats such as SHORR, where the boys rowed a tiring 7km race in an eight. The technique of all rowers has greatly improved since September, with our successes at regionals in Hereford from both the boys and girls being just one example of this.

Skills learnt on Rowing Camp translated into the end of the season with the National School’s Regatta, with very high placements from both the Boys 1st and 2nd crews (with a 2nd and 4th being achieved in their respective D and A finals). These were clearly a testament to the commitment of the quads and their hard work. Finally, the season ended on a high with many winning their divisions at the Stratford Regatta, in which many rowed in singles and doubles.

Altogether, this year has proved to be another exceptional year for the J16 rowers, thanks to the coaching of Miss Simon, Mr Chalmers and all the other rowing staff. This year has been pivotal in showing the potential of the J16 rowers and I am sure this development will continue next year into the Sixth Form. BentleyLawrence

Fifth Form Boys Most Improved Rower Rowan Campbell FF Boys Rower of the Year

Bentley Lawrence

Coach name: Miss D Simon

Upper Remove Boys

Coach name: Mr J Hemming

This year’s season was an extremely successful one for our J15 rowers. We developed our oarsmanship massively and excelled in our races.

Worcester Small Boats Head gave the new scullers the opportunity to experience the first head races of our careers. This was an incredible start to the season with the A quad claiming victory in their division and the B and C quads placing 2nd and 3rd. Training continued in the boathouse as the conditions harshened but Mr Hemming prepared us for the rest of the head season. We are all incredibly grateful for his coaching and advice in and out of the un-rowable conditions.

Three crews raced at Wycliffe; one of the biggest heads of the season. All crews rowed their best on and in the water especially the boys A quad who won in their division placing third overall. Our next biggest event was on the Wye at Hereford, where the West Midlands Championships were held. One quad, one double and two singles were entered. The A quad missed 1st place by eight seconds and saw one J15 sculler, Freddie Goodwin, coming second and making it through to the Junior Inter Regional Regatta at Nottingham. Freddie, representing both KSWBC and the West Midlands, smashed the time trial before dominating the C final, winning by an astonishing three boat lengths. Huge congratulations must go to Freddie.

The Junior Sculling Head was the last and biggest head of the season held on the Olympic Rowing Lake at Eton Dorney. This was an amazing experience for all crews involved and a first taste of a national competition. The boys A quad placed 15th in the country, which for their first national competition, is extraordinary.

Our next trip down to Dorney kicked off the regatta season with a great start at the Junior Sculling Regatta. The A quad made it through to the C final for their first experience at a side-by-side racing over 2000 metres and placed 18th in the country. The Worcester Regatta saw more success for Freddie Goodwin in the single scull, winning in his age category. The

National Schools’ Regatta was the highlight of the season. Both the A and B quad performed exceptionally. The B quad smashed the time trial, earning themselves a spot in the B final in the second division, where they placed fourth. The A quad excelled in their time trial, seeding fourth in the C final in the first division and went on to secure a dramatic win in the final, placing them 13th in the country. To round off the year, Stratford Regatta brought the J15s huge success. Our double scull, Oliver Cartwright and George Gamble, won their division and the A quad won theirs.

This season has been a tremendous success for all J15s and the squad’s determination, commitment and dedication is a testament to our achievements. We cannot possibly thank our coaches, Mr Hemming and Mr Chalmers, enough for supporting and inspiring us throughout this season. Without your support, patience and guidance we would never have achieved so much as individuals and as crews.

AlexMcVeigh

Upper Remove Boys Most Improved Rower Lucas Copley

Upper Remove Boys Rower of the Year Freddie Goodwin

Upper Remove Girls

Coach name: Mr R Booth

This year in rowing, the Upper Remove girls have focused on improving teamwork and confidence, both on and off the water. Despite many heads being cancelled this season due to weather, the girls continued to put in the effort at training to prepare for both the remaining Head and Regatta season. Lauren Harris was impressively placed 13th in her 500 m sprint at the British Rowing Championship. This hard work led to great success in the King’s Indoor Rowing Championship, with Anna Chapman claiming bronze and Merri Levett claiming victory in the 500m, with Lauren Harris just behind her in second. Teamwork was demonstrated brilliantly through a girls’ victory in the relay. During the head season the girls also saw a win at Wycliffe Big Head.

Over the Easter break, the Upper Remove girls squad travelled to Shrewsbury School for Rowing Camp. We spent time on a nearby lake, in the rowing tank working purely on technique and timing, as well as time in gym on the ergs, bikes and doing strength and conditioning.

After a long winter season, we entered regatta season. We took two quads to the Junior Sculling Head in March, placing well in the exceptionally large field. The following months were preparing for the Junior Sculling Regatta in May where we took one quad. At Shrewsbury Regatta, Emily Elsdon and Hebe Swift both managed to get into the finals of their division for sculling, which was a great achievement. We saw further success at the National Schools’ Regatta: the A quad managed to improve upon their previous time from the Junior Sculling Regatta by 24 seconds and the B quad managed to get into the C final. By getting into the C final, this quad got to experience racing side-by-side with five other boats. Overall, this season has been full of hard work commitment and all the girls in the U15 squad have each improved greatly.

AvaTown

The coaching team here at King’s endeavours to keep abreast of new ideas within our sport to ensure our athletes receive the best coaching available. This year we introduced an improved warm-up drill for the ergo to our Lower Removes. As a result, rowers gained a good grounding on maintaining a good posture and a strong catch. At the end of our Autumn Term, we had some fun ergo relay team races in preparation for our Charity Row in December and our first competition, King’s Indoor Rowing Competition in January.

At the start of the Spring Term, there was modest improvement in the river conditions, but the times when we could get out were focused on coxed quads, developing technique and power. Indoor training continued with exercise videos, circuits, core workouts and sessions on the ergos and bikes to build stamina.

Upper Remove Girls Most Improved Rower

Upper Remove Girls Rower of the Year

Ava Town

Emily Elsdon

Lower Remove Rowing

Coaches names: Mr T Sharp, Mrs P Bladen, Mr A Emsley, Mr R Gibson and Mr N Blakemore

The Lower Removes started their rowing career in September, paddling about on the river in single boats with Wraptors, having fun in bright sunshine with perfect water conditions. They quickly learnt the process of the stroke and we were all looking forward to spending time developing technique. This, however, came to an abrupt stop after our October half term with rain and floods making water sessions impossible. Welcome to indoor training!

During the Easter Break, we enjoyed our Rowing Camp at Shrewsbury School: four days of early starts, good food, great company and rowing. Pupils enjoyed the grounds and amenities provided at Shrewsbury School, taking part in early morning runs, ultimate frisbee in the sports hall after dinner and water polo.

During the Summer Term, the Lower Removes had a friendly event with RGS, racing in quads. They also took part in local Regattas, racing in doubles and quads. The WJ14’s quad won at Shrewsbury and Worcester and, at Stratford, the WJ14 double won a close race.

Boys Girls

Lower Remove Most Improved Rower Perry Aylward Melissa Dehmas

Lower Remove Rower of the Year George Young Henri Venables

Lower Remove Coxswain of the Year Jinc Ling Olivia Evans

Senior Rowing Camp

During the Easter break, the senior members of the Boat Club were fortunate enough to spend a week in Catalonia on this season’s Senior Rowing Camp. Situated just north of Barcelona, Lake Banyoles and its beautiful town provided the perfect venue for an excellent week of training; an incredible experience balanced with lots of fun and hard work on the water.

The water stretched two kilometres, holding within it the notorious multi-lane racing layout which previously hosted the 1992 Olympic Games. Courtesy of the local club Natació Banyoles, the rowers utilised the exceptional facilities embarking on three sessions a day. Each session comprised of high milage and a great deal of work at racing pace to prepare for the exciting summer of Regattas ahead.

All the rowers displayed impressive strength and fitness as they completed all their sessions in great spirits under glorious Catalan sunshine. From paddling alongside the Ukrainian National Team, to rowing in demanding conditions as the afternoon breeze picked up, the rowers learned new technical skills.

Off the water, the Boat Club spent their time in the town, exploring its quiet, alluring streets and relaxing in our accommodation, Alberg de Banyoles. Here we all enjoyed delicious food that kept us fuelled, and extensive space to socialise and study for upcoming exams.

As tradition dictates, the Boat Club concluded the training camp classically with a talent show on the last night and 2k race the next morning. The talent show featured entertaining acts from each squad and multiple awards being presented to individuals for memorable events. Following this, the racing gave opportunity for some impressive rowing from many crews, as they flew down the course for the final time.

Finally, it is important that the coaching staff who came on camp are thanked for giving up their time to make such a fantastic week possible. We all hope they enjoyed it as much as we did.

Josh Lavarack

RUGBY

1st XV

Coach name: Mr J Mason

The season started off in early July with a fantastic tour to South Africa for 47 players. This experience really brought the squad together and, after some great opportunities and rugby, it finished with a 17-17 draw against Wynberg Boy’s School in Cape Town. This was an impressive performance against a top school and really set the tone for the season to come.

Pre-season took place at School and was a successful three days seeing new joiners and Fifth Form pupils, who did not tour, integrate well into the squad. The early games in the season saw a young squad trying to find their feet and embed several unfamiliar combinations. There were only a handful of players who had significant 1st XV experience from the season before, so it was a steep learning curve!

Despite some excellent rugby at times, close losses to Solihull and Bloxham frustrated the squad. Good wins came in the early rounds of the National Vase and against Loughborough and St Peters Gloucester. This was definitely becoming a squad that was capable of troubling any team on their day, as was demonstrated against a strong KES Birmingham team in the third round, where we played with pace and accuracy to

deliver an impressive win. This was followed up with a good win against Malvern and King Henry’s Coventry.

Leading into the last 16 game against King’s Grantham, we performed well in a tough fixture against Bishop Vesey. Despite a narrow loss, we played some great rugby scoring three tries against a very well-drilled defensive team. Although frustrated, the squad knew they had performed well, and this gave us confidence as we prepared for our annual game at Sixways against RGS. Taking place on a Sunday afternoon for the first time, the squad were keen to put a complete performance together in front of the 3000+ crowd. A nervy first five minutes saw the team concede five penalties and the first three points of the game. After this, they did not look back and went through the gears to dismantle the RGS team with some aggressive defence, strong ball carrying and intelligent positional play. Six tries later the final score was 34-8, and the squad of 23 took a well-deserved standing ovation from the King’s supporters. Played Won Drawn Lost 1st XV 20 11 2

Squad list

Archie Moore (C), Luke Barrington (VC), Fran Cinao, Mike Edwards, Matt Franks, Monty Jelfs, Will Dorrell, Henry Horsfall, Flynn Hatfield-Evans, Will Mason, Ollie Palmer,

Ollie Press, Sam Edwards, George Lock, Ollie Tranter, Ben Herbert, Alex Dowling, Will Tucker, Charlie Sheppard, Isaac Blasdale, Ollie Rooksby, Ollie Yip, James Comer

2nd VX

Coach name: Mr C Wilson

Pre-season altitude training in South Africa was super preparation for the season ahead. There was a clear benefit to squad fitness, but team bonding was the real winner. From the early sessions high up at Cathedral Peak, to sea level sessions of touch rugby, the squad took every moment of this memorable opportunity to build a bond that would last way beyond the rugby season. Highlights were our three wins from four matches, meeting players with very different experiences to ours, and appreciating the wonderful and colourful culture of the country. I think the boys will forever remember walking over the iconic Table Mountain and then seeing it from the air as they circled Cape Town by helicopter.

Back in the UK, for the matches that followed, was a very different thing altogether! Our meeting with Solihull on the first Saturday in September resulted in a well-fought 1212 draw, and a reminder that we were in a fight to maintain superiority over our rivals. Though spirits were always high, as was determination to perform at our best, we lost a handful of games over the course of the season. The majority of these were by a mere two or three points. What was never in doubt, was the ability of the team to pick themselves up for each new fight, despite, sometimes, it following a very narrow defeat. We were on the wrong end of a couple of bigger defeats, too, but again, there was never a suggestion that it would dent the team’s spirit or drive to bounce back stronger. All was set up for a victory on the final Saturday of term. It was a super way to end a super season, and a little sweeter for being against our local opposition. The Mighty Twos were great company, and it was a pleasure to work with them.

1st VII

Coach name: Mr J Mason

Unfortunately, the 2024 season was one affected by poor weather with two tournaments cancelled and the conditions at the remaining three not ideal for the style of 7s King’s play.

At Brecon, despite the extremely poor state of the pitches, we played some excellent 7s with notable wins against Sir Thomas Rich and Dean Close. Progressing to the Plate semi-final, Ollie Palmer suffered a significant injury that saw the match abandoned and King’s conceding the game despite being 20-19 up. Special mention should go to Ollie who dealt exceptionally well with his injury on the day and the recovery period.

In appalling conditions at Stratford, we suffered two early injuries in the first game leaving us with 10 players for the rest of the day. Despite a slow start and missed opportunities, we came back well to finish the day with three wins on the bounce and a deserved piece of silverware, having beaten Bromsgrove in the semi-final, and Bishop Vesey in the final.

Our usual build up to the Nationals was interrupted with both the North of England tournament and our own being cancelled due to bad weather.

For the second year in a row, we found ourselves in a very tough group at the Nationals playing a strong Northampton School for Boys team in our first game. Despite some good passages of play and possession we found it hard to break them down. A good win against Birkdale in Game Two was not enough to see us progress from the group stage.

However, there were some very encouraging performances in what was a rain and injury hit season. We look forward to seeing how this young team develops next season.

Squad list

Isaac Blasdale

James Comer

Charlie Sheppard

Ollie Bladon

Ben Branchett

William Tucker

Todd Pinner(C)

Felix Forrester

Ollie Yip

Jack Flood

Eddie Hira

Oliver Rooksby

Toby Raybould

Fin Irwin

Elliot Heppenstall

Charlie Walker

George CampbellFerguson

Harry Paddock

Anton De Vos

Joe McLoughlin

Zach English

Llywy Price

Jamie Thorp

Henry Taylor

Squad list

Archie Moore (C), Luke Barrington (VC), Mike Edwards, Matt Franks, Will Dorrell, Henry Horsfall, Flynn Hatfield-Evans, Will Mason, Ollie Palmer, Ollie Press, Sam Edwards,

Ollie Tranter, Ben Herbert, Ollie Yip, Elliot Heppenstall.

U16

Coach name: Mr C Atkinson & Mr T Pearson

The boys have worked incredibly hard this year and can be pleased with a highly successful campaign. Having lost some players to injury and then to the 1st XV, new leaders emerged and the boys really gelled as a team. We had some brilliant battles, and some remarkably close results, but consistently managed to get onto the right side of the scoreline. An excellent run in the Cup also saw us progress to the final, after a hardfought win against Old Swinford Hospital. Unfortunately, the final was never played due to fixture clashes.

In the Spring Term, we played several Sevens tournaments and made good progress overall. We played some excellent rugby across the term. The team had a very good showing at the All-England Sevens and were particularly unlucky to lose in the semi-final of the Plate competition. At Warwick we went one better, winning the semi-final of the Plate, with a try five minutes into extra-time. With extraordinarily little rest and rapidly running out of enough non injured players to get seven onto the pitch, the final was just a step too far. The highlight of the season came at our own tournament, where we fell the right side of a titanic battle in the final of the Cup competition. This led to us being crowned overall winners of the tournament!

At the Nationals we progressed to the knockout stages, winning a tough group, but were unable to qualify for the second day, just getting pipped by an excellent Bloxham team.

Overall, the boys can be incredibly pleased with their efforts across both formats of the game this season and we have really enjoyed working with them and wish them well as they move on to senior rugby.

U15A

Coach name: Mr B Williams

The U15s have had a great season as a group and enjoyed many successes and achievements throughout. The U15As managed to finish the 15-a-side season with just two losses across 12 games. The team started in fine form, with nine wins on the bounce, having only conceded 15 points in the first five games, which is a great defensive achievement. One of the games of the season was against Ellesmere College in the third round of the National Cup, where the boys had to close a large game in the second half, which they did in style, scoring in the last play of the game to progress through to the next round. A highlight of the season was reaching the last 16 of the National Cup, which is a fantastic achievement for all involved. Unfortunately, the game resulted in a narrow loss, meaning Stowe went through to the quarter finals. The final game of the season saw the boys take on local rivals RGS Worcester in less-than-ideal conditions. It was a muddy end to our fixtures, but a convincing win to close out the season was nothing less than the boys deserved after the effort they put in all season.

U15B

Coach name: Mr B Williams

Pupil comment:

It has been a really great year. The boys have worked really hard and came together as a squad. We are proud to have gone unbeaten in the 15-a-side season.

Parental comment:

The game that stuck out for me was Monmouth; five players missing but they played as a team and played their socks off for a well-deserved win!

The U15Bs have impressed over the entire period of the season. They came into the season anxious and nervous about themselves as individual players and a team as a whole. Throughout each week, we focussed on doing the basics well, and as this improved, we progressed to gain a deeper understanding. This could be in their individual role or as a team, through the structure which KSW plays by, and they loved the challenge week in, week out of improving. They have been a pleasure to coach, and seeing the progress they have made across the season is amazing.

U14B

Coach - Dr R James

It was a real pleasure to see the enthusiasm that this year’s cohort demonstrated both in training sessions and in fixtures. The squad made clear improvements in their skills, with some players managing to make the jump to the A team by the end of the season. While the results did not go our way, I believe there is much to look forward to in the future and I hope that the squad can keep working hard next year. Narrow losses against RGS and Bishop Vesey’s in the latter half of the season were a measure of the squad’s progress and suggest that they can go on to better things. I very much enjoyed working with them; I could even put up with their music on the way to away fixtures!

U12

Coach - Mr J Hand

This year’s U12 rugby players have made tremendous progress. In no small part this was down to the squad’s excellent attendance and full-hearted approach to each session. Large numbers meant real competition for places; it was superb to see the squad evolving throughout the season.

The early season opener against Solihull resulted in a thrilling 30-30 draw. Victories against Bloxham, Sir Thomas Rich’s and Loughborough created real momentum and enabled different positional combinations to be developed. A hardfought yet ultimately unsuccessful battle against St Peter’s led to a redoubled focus on tackling in our training sessions, which stood the team well in subsequent fixtures.

Performance highlights of the season were undoubtedly against Monmouth and RGS Worcester. Incredible grit, work-rate, and decisive attacking maneuvers led to welldeserved wins against high quality opposition. If this exciting young team can continue to develop their resilience when truly under the cosh against the more ‘niggly’ of teams they face, then they have potential to have a fun and exciting number of years ahead representing King’s XVs.

JUNIOR SKI TRIP

– PRATO NEVOSO, ITALY 2024

During the lead into February half-term, there was much speculation about the snow conditions in Italy and elsewhere in Europe. Snow reports or, perhaps more accurately put, lack-of-snow reports, were coming in with more regularity than instances of snowfall in the mountains. With expectations being managed and a degree of planning taking place, we were delighted to hear of a big dump of snow lasting for 48 hours and leading nicely up to our arrival in the resort. We hit the ground running and ski fit was efficient and effective, allowing for a quick transition on to snow. Five hours of superb instruction each day ensured that everyone improved quickly. Each of the ski groups made full use of the resort and many hundreds of miles were covered. The snow conditions remained tipped in our balance throughout the week, and although the beautiful sunshine meant that the highest of slopes were a bit slushy by lunchtime, the instructors chose their routes to make the absolute best of the good snow all day. After skiing each day, there was a lot of table football and pool being played in our accommodation, but highlights of the evening entertainment include: snow tubing (racing down the slope on inflated tractor inner tubes), pizza night, karaoke, quiz night and bowling. The students were great company, and I would like to reiterate my thanks to all the staff who helped make the week a remarkable success.

SENIOR SKI TRIP

– SESTRIERE, ITALY 2023

With the end of term imminent, and Christmas still some time away, there was a full week to make the most of and so, for an intrepid 28 students and four staff, the only option was to spend it in the Italian mountains! With the snow beckoning, the journey passed in no time, and we found ourselves arriving in Sestriere, part of the famous Milky Way, and a venue of many favourite King’s ski trips.

Snow conditions this season have not been particularly kind, but we found ourselves significantly luckier than many other trips that went at the same time. Although we were not able to take advantage of the whole of the Milky Way, we had plenty of snow in Sestriere, and conditions were generally great. Despite our five hours of ski school every day, skiing was not the sole focus for the week. The group got stuck into a full programme of après ski including a couple of King’s ski trips firsts – late night laser tag in an Italian mountain forest, and I think, Karaoke… at someone else’s Karaoke night. Not only were our two King’s singers met with appreciation beyond expectation, but they also gave a well-needed kick start to an event that otherwise was somewhat lacking. We had our very own Karaoke evening, too, which was hugely successfulas always! and the entertainment programme in general was great fun. Favourites were ice-skating, pizza night, crêpe night at Popeye’s and quiz night. The skiing was fantastic, too. Everyone progressed quickly under the excellent Italian Ski School instruction, and we certainly made the most of the snow, on piste and off! I’m still not sure how we broke so many ski poles, and even a pair or two of skis, but somehow, we did. It was another great ski trip. My thanks to the students and staff for making it such good fun.

SWIMMING REPORT

It has been a fantastic year for swimming at King’s with the swimmers competing at more events than ever before. The highlight of the year is always the ESSA Qualifiers held early in the Autumn Term. This is a prestigious annual event, with schools from all over the country competing for a place in a national final. To qualify, the competitors swim a Medley and a Freestyle Relay in their age group and their times are ranked nationally. Usually, it is the top 30 teams who qualify for the final but, due to a change in venue, this year it was only the top 24 that went through, which made things even tougher.

All the swimmers performed well, and the junior girls (Mia Gooch, Lara Jones, Erin Launder and Anya Rawnsley) qualified in 17th place in their freestyle relay. The Senior girls (Grace Ryder, Grace Earp, Frankie Barry and Cerys Groves) qualified in 18th place in the Medley and the Senior boys (Ben Gooch, Harry Chandler, Aled Lee and Dan Arridge) qualified in 21st place in the Medley and in 24th for the Freestyle; these were especially outstanding achievements, as all our boys and girls at this level are currently in Fifth Form, so had to compete for qualification against swimmers up to two years older.

This was the sixth consecutive year that the King’s swimmers have qualified and with many larger, specialist swimming schools competing, it is extremely tough competition, so I was delighted to be taking three teams to this event.

For the National Final, the teams travelled to the Sandwell Aquatics Centre, home of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games. The atmosphere was electric and there was some amazingly fast swimming. Our junior girls, now with Taylor Mae Ruff replacing an injured Lara Jones, placed 23rd, the senior boys were 16th in the Medley and 18th in their Freestyle whilst the senior girls, now joined by Amelia Venables replacing Cerys, were a very credible 12th in the country for their Medley.

In January, the King’s swimmers attended the Invitational Swimming Relays hosted by Bromsgrove School. This event has always been one of the swimmers’ highlights on the calendar and, having not taken place since 2020 due to Covid, there was great excitement from the King’s teams.

TENNIS

Coach - Mrs K Knott Tennis Club across all ages groups has been thriving this year with pupils wanting to improve their skills and keen to build their confidence on the court. This has enabled several pupils to represent the School this season to display the skills they have learnt in match play. This season we played in the LTA Division 2 League, which saw us competing against schools in Herefordshire and Worcestershire in two age groups U13, (combined Lower Four and Upper Fourth) boys and girls, and U15 (combined Lower and Upper Remove) boys and girls. The format for each match is the same, with each player competing in a singles match against the equivalent seed which is followed by a doubles game to add to the final score.

U13

This age group was well attended and the enthusiasm to develop skills and work with different people has been wonderful to see. As a result, several pupils have had playing opportunities in fixtures.

The U13 boys have played some excellent tennis with competitive opposition making for some exciting fixtures, two of these going to tie breaks and shoot outs. The boys have worked well together, particularly as the combinations changed each game. The girls’ league games have been exceptionally close with our singles being our stronger game with fast paced rallies and quick movement around the court. It is great to see the potential we have coming through.

U15

With a strong girls’ and boys’ team in this age group, fixtures were exciting. Teamwork, technique, and tactical awareness are more established which then highlights excellent tennis. Between the rain and shine we travelled to play fixtures with some wins, losses and draws, which resulted in a good placing in the league. The improvement made across the summer enabled them to grow in confidence and finish strongly.

County Doubles

This year we had one pair represent King’s in the Herefordshire and Worcestershire LTA County Cup. Abi Culwick and Matilda White (Upper Remove,) competed at Bromsgrove in their attempt to win the title. The weather conditions were wet and windy, and they faced some tough opposition throughout the day, but effective teamwork and communication are what make this pair move around the court so well together. Overall, they finished in 2nd position, which is an impressive achievement, and they should be proud of their performance.

CLUBS & ACTIVITIES

CCF

The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) at King’s has experienced an exceptionally busy and rewarding year, filled with a diverse range of training and activities which have not only honed the skills of our cadets, but also fostered a strong sense of community, teamwork and leadership.

The Autumn Term was focused on introducing our new cadets to the CCF and undertaking weekend training, which included skill at arms, marksmanship and first aid training, alongside the Friday afternoon parade sessions.

In addition to these weekends, the RAF section represented the CCF in the Regional Air Squadron Trophy Competition, where a team put their knowledge and skills to the test against other units in the region and gained a place in the National Finals. Cadets also represented the School at the annual Worcester City Remembrance Parade and played an integral part in the School’s act of remembrance on Armistice Day. We were so proud to see the pride displayed by the cadets who all embodied the values of the CCF so well in a dignified and respectful way.

The Spring Term saw our potential leaders focus their weekend training on leadership and tactics, with sessions on leadership skills, coaching and mentoring, together with tactical planning, preparation and delivering plans and orders. These sessions not only prepare cadets for challenges they may face in the field, but also equip them with invaluable life skills, which will benefit them beyond their time in the CCF.

A particularly exciting aspect of this year’s training was the opportunity for the RAF cadets to fly and begin to put their theoretical knowledge of flight into practice, by taking the controls under expert instructional guidance.

At the beginning of the summer holiday, cadets from the Army section enjoyed an action-packed camp at Prince William of Gloucester Barracks in Grantham, while those from the RAF section travelled to Inskip near Blackpool. Both camps offered a wide range of activities, from fieldcraft and navigation training to team-building exercises and adventurous training. These experiences not only strengthened the spirit of community between cadets, but also allowed them to put into context the skills they had learned through the year.

None of these achievements would have been possible without the unwavering support of our cadet Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs), staff, and Officers. Their professionalism, dedication, and hard work have been crucial in creating an environment where cadets can thrive; the guidance and mentorship they provide ensure that every cadet is given the opportunity to develop their skills and grow as individuals. We look forward to further adventures and opportunities next year.

SE

CHESS

Chess has continued to remain a popular co-curricular club this year and it has been particularly nice to welcome many Lower Fourth new faces and pupils who have never played chess before.

Chess runs on Tuesday long break weekly, and many pupils are regular attendees, with some very impressive skills and a wide range of abilities. A highlight was the Dan Arridge and Josh Clarke Tournament head-to-head. Josh has represented Worcestershire in chess and proved an able competitor for Dan who uses online play to develop his skills regularly. Additional chess skills can be developed after school on Mondays with John Warren.

CHRISTIAN UNION

Christian Union has enjoyed an excellent year of socialising, catching up and exploring parts of the Bible. The laid-back and relaxed atmosphere has helped to draw out some interesting conversations where we have considered the application of the Bible’s teachings. I have particularly enjoyed thinking about these from different points of view and realising that there is always more to understand.

The usual games of, “Psychiatrist” and the simple, “Throw a tennis ball into a bin from varying positions”, saw a strong comeback this year, and I can safely say our ball skills have improved.

Christian Union remains very much open to all who are interested and want to enjoy a chocolate biscuit or two with friends, as well as those more established in their faith.

CREATIVE WRITING CLUB

This year, the members of Creative Writing Club have been incredibly industrious; indeed, you could hear a pin drop in E7 on Friday lunchtimes as the regular writers took to their respective creative tasks. You might even have seen the odd spark flying from some of their pens! This small group has been exceptionally focused on producing a variety of poetry, short stories and beginnings of longer pieces.

Some of our members have entered competitions this year run by Young Writers UK and have had their work published in anthologies, including The Glitch which featured work from James Cooke, Nikoletta Fletcher and Izaak Helal about twists of fate. In addition, Izaak has just been informed that another of his stories has made the next anthology, the rather ominously named Mission Catastrophe, along with work by Katerina Fletcher. Special mention must also be made of Elizabeth Shilvock, who has been an absolute stalwart of Creative Writing Club since she joined the School; she is a dedicated writer, who continues to astonish me every week with her deeply creative and intricate ideas for a range of fantasy stories and thought-provoking poems. Here is one of her poems:

LAW

The Offer

1. A book on a shelf, stored far away from bloodcraft and witchery, for that’s just child’s play.

II. Bound in harsh leather, with sinew and strings, hidden in the shadows for the knowledge it brings.

III. Of cosmic matters beyond comprehension, from boons and artifacts, to methods of ascension.

IV. The writer’s hand not of humankind, an otherworldly entity, with a powerful mind.

V. A hand reaches forward, through the mothballs and dust. Grasping with purpose, guided by neither greed nor lust.

VI. A small silent student, left unnoticed by most; Overshadowed by those who clamour and boast.

VII. Pulling the large tome down, they leave the great hall, where the knowledge was so plentiful that books lined the walls, so, when the quiet figure left, they weren’t missed at all.

VIII. Back to the shadows, the academic returns, as the book’s writer eagerly listens. Reading the pages, the silent soul learns, and, in its realm, the author’s grin glistens.

IX. It tires of my idle speech, my careless sharing of this story. Of course I do, you insolent leech. Now get out of my sight, before this gets gory.

D of E

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme continues to flourish at King’s. Most pupils engage with the scheme at some point in their School career and a good number achieve an award for recognition of their commitment to the different sections that are required. Self-development, confidence-building and stronger teamwork are key outcomes for participants of DofE.

At the start of the year, 88 Upper Removes engaged with the Bronze Award, 37 with the Silver Award, and 24 Lower Sixth began their Gold Award. In January, a further cohort from the Lower Remove started Bronze. Collectively, approximately 10,000 Physical, Skills and Volunteering hours and 10,000 km of expedition walking have been completed by participants.

The Bronze Expedition involved a training/practice weekend based at Blackwell Court in March, followed by an assessed expedition in June. A total of 13 groups completed an enjoyable two-day hike in pleasant weather through some beautiful Cotswold countryside, along with an overnight camp at two separate locations. Pupils learned how to work effectively as a team, carrying all their equipment and ensuring that they were totally self-sufficient. The assessors were impressed with the enthusiasm and teamwork working with others outside of their immediate friendship groups. The Bronze Award plays a crucial role in providing a foundation of outdoor skills and acts as the springboard for those who choose to go on to do their Silver and Gold DofE in more remote and mountainous locations.

At Silver Level, fitness and resilience were both tested in abundance in Dartmoor at the start of the Easter break. A hardy bunch of Fifth Formers coped with extreme wet weather on their Practice Expedition. Once their GCSE exams had finished, they enjoyed much kinder weather in the Black Mountains where they completed an assessed threeday expedition. Staff were impressed with their navigation, determination and strong teamwork, which resulted in a successful assessment.

The Gold Award is, quite rightly, a significant and more serious challenge. Some poor weather at Easter also affected the Lower Sixth who sustained four days of gruelling wind and rain in Snowdonia. Four groups had their resilience and teamwork tested fully, as they had to cope with wet gear, floods and difficult conditions under foot. Perhaps not fully appreciating the benefits at the time, this actually provided the ideal training for the assessed expedition in the summer. Promises of stunning weather were sadly not realised, but there were glimpses of good weather on occasion, which allowed the majestic views of the Lake District to be appreciated fully. Heavy packs and tough terrain did not deter the participants, and a combination of perseverance and outstanding teamwork led to a successful finish for all four groups. There is no doubt that this year’s Gold cohort deserved their expedition pass!

A strength of DofE is the wide choice of activities which can be chosen for the Skills, Physical, Volunteering (and at Gold, the Residential) Sections. Some of these involve activities which participants are already doing, whilst others are new activities that give opportunities which would otherwise not be taken.

Here is a range of assessors’ comments:

Bronze Skills: Performance Arts - Rumaysa developed her stagecraft skills in numerous ways. She learnt how to create character through her use of body language and vocal tone and, furthermore, learnt how this can translate into performing multiple characters. As a result, she was a key player in achieving two professional performances. She also worked exceptionally well with her castmates to maintain energy onstage. Well done.

Bronze Volunteering: Helping the elderly - Roman got on well with everyone in the care home. He was especially good with one gentleman who liked to play games, and he built up a good relationship sitting with him and reminiscing. He understands how to be respectful and he treats others with dignity. He was always polite and had good listening skills; he interacted well with the other volunteers and was very helpful and friendly to everyone.

Bronze Physical: Basketball – Harley attended regular training sessions with Worcester Wolves Basketball Academy. He worked well on his individual skills to become a more allround player, and he is now playing U17s YBL for the Academy. He has learnt how to work with, and communicate with his new teammates.

Silver Volunteering: Helping the elderly - Olivia met with, and spoke to, our residents about a wide range of subjects; she listened to their stories and read the newspaper with them. Her confidence grew considerably, and her attendance made a big difference to the people living here, helping to improve their wellbeing.

Silver Skills: Money management – Aled made excellent progress learning how to spend money wisely, to take out a mortgage and to save money on a holiday. His tasks were of a very high standard, showing the quality of his research and his understanding of the key skills covered.

Silver Physical: Rowing - Emelia has been a key member of the Rowing Club for the 2023/24 season, gaining and then maintaining a seat in the top competitive boat for her age group at the club. She has trained four to six times a week consistently throughout the season, completing sessions inside on the rowing machine and watt bike, circuit style sessions and outdoor sessions on the water. She won a local regatta in her pair and was a finalist at the National Schools Regatta in her 4+.

Gold Skills: Driving - Josh developed the necessary skills to drive in all conditions on a variety of roads. He also learnt the safest ways of driving and the best way to keep others safe. He was quick to pick up these skills and he successfully passed his test first time. He also learnt about car safety and how to keep his car in the best condition.

Gold Residential: Sports Camp - Will showed great engagement and leadership in all of the residential activities during the camp. He showed clear signs of self-reliance and the ability

to manage his own time while being resilient and adaptable when required. His ability to work in a team really stood out by showing collaboration and leadership in any group activity or training session.

Gold Residential: Climbing course – Well done, Sam, for your excellent contribution and full involvement during the climbing residential. It was a pleasure to see how your determination and enthusiasm for outdoor climbing developed and to see your encouragement and support for others in the group. It was a pleasure working with you on this course.

Well done to all those pupils who have demonstrated the commitment necessary to achieve an Award by completing all their sections. Special congratulations to this year’s Gold Award holders who were treated to a special Garden Party in Buckingham Palace’s Gardens in May, and especially to Josh Carr, Luke Culwick, Harry Paddock, Sam Rutter, Claudia Sobey and Lois Unwin, who achieved the entire Gold Award before the end of their Upper Sixth year. This is a tremendous achievement.

FORMULA 1 IN SCHOOLS

INTERNATIONAL

Competition 2023-24 Season

Central Regional Final February 2024

This was held at Aston University in Birmingham and there were 10 other teams in the Professional Class competition.

The team started their day by delivering the car to Parc Ferme where the judges scrutinise every dimension to check they comply with the technical rules and regulations; they only get it back to race down the 20-metre-long track. Just like real race teams, they set up a pit area and this becomes the central meeting point for judging the team’s work on project management, marketing, sponsorship and enterprise. The team also do an illustrated presentation to a different panel of judges to show off their IT and verbal communication skills. After completing and winning four races, they met up with the engineering judges. Unfortunately, they lost valuable marks, as they did not have fully completed paperwork. This did not prevent them explaining enthusiastically how their car had been manufactured and why particular designs and processes were chosen.

Prism Racing have managed to do amazingly well in their first competition. After winning the ‘Fastest Car’ award with a time of 1.265 seconds, they also became the Central Regional champions and were invited to compete at the National Final.

National Final March 2024

The Lenovo sponsored UK National Final was staged in Rotherham at Magna, the home of one of the old traditional steelmaking industries of the area. Today, Magna hosts an amazing science adventure park, which the team had an opportunity to visit on the second day.

With 30 professional class teams from around the UK, the top teams were at a professional level. The three podium slots could have been filled by at least six of the teams; just like the real world of motor racing, it came down to fine margins.

The professionally printed panels of Prism’s two-metre-long pit-stand drew much interest from the judges and other teams. The latest car failed to live up to the speed achieved by the regional car, being 0.150 of a second slower. The additional weight from paint and filler had an undesirable effect on performance.

By the end of the first day, the boys, had already realised that the high standard of work from the more experienced teams meant they were out of contention for a podium finish. With the limited number of awards available, it was unsurprising they came away empty handed, like the majority of teams.

Visit to Keysafe

Prism Racing had an informative visit to Keysafe, one of their main sponsors for the Formula 1 In Schools competition in May. During the day, they delved into various aspects of Keysafe’s operations, including design, quality control, and marketing. They learnt about the importance of iterative prototyping and the use of advanced CAD software, which resonated with the design process for their car, and were shown the rigorous testing procedures, emphasising the necessity of reliability and performance. Furthermore, the marketing team shared with the team strategies for content planning, digital media, and the implementation of social media.

The visit broadened their technical knowledge but also motivated them to elevate their efforts, ensuring they approach the competition with a greater professional mindset.

The visit was both fun and immensely informative, as they observed the Keysafe staff in action and it also provided a firsthand look at a professional business environment. Our thanks go to this year’s sponsors: Keysafe, Armstrong Bell, Envision Technical Services SDN BHD and Robert Welch ,without whom it would be impossible to put in such a competitive performance.

Here is a quotation from one of the team: I thoroughly enjoyed the whole process and learnt the importance of time management and co-operation in team projects. However, my highlight would have to be seeing the car that I helped to design and build race down the track at National Final.

The Prism Racing team consists of: Ethan Tan - Project and Finance Manager, Aron Gijsel - Sponsorship and Marketing Manager, Arthur Dyke - Design Engineer, William PerkinsGraphic Designer and Lucas Copley - Manufacturing Engineer. EIL

MODEL UNITED NATIONS

The Model United Nations club meets on a weekly basis after school for debates on global issues, either responding to current events or to ongoing situations. Whilst the in-school debating is very valuable, it is only really at conferences that students can truly appreciate the enjoyment that can be gained by meeting and debating with like-minded individuals from other schools.

We had two events, the first of which was online with participants attending from all over the world via Zoom. This was the one-day GoodCOP conference organised by the charity Engage with China, which focused on climate change and environmental issues. For this conference, we fielded a delegation of eight from the Fifth and Sixth Form, and they represented China. The debates were organised into six breakout rooms, discussing different issues in each. Among the issues debated were food waste, sustainable fashion and compensation to low-lying islands states for loss and damage caused by climate change. Riya Mayilhavanan was the chair of the breakout rooms.

Our second conference, lasting a whole weekend, was at Kingswood School in Bath. We took 11 students, in two delegations, representing Russia and Angola. Students spent the weekend trying to solve many of the world’s issues and debated an amazing range of topics including the IsraelPalestine dispute, China’s claims in the South Seas, water scarcity, artificial intelligence, press freedom, and the rights of refugees and migrants. For some students in the Upper Sixth this will have been their last ever MUN conference, and I would particularly like to thank them for their support over the years and for their mentoring of the younger pupils. As well as heading the Russian Delegation as Ambassador, Riya Mayilhavanan won the very prestigious award of Best Delegate in the Security Council at the conference. Louisa Kerton (Russia) was awarded a Highly Commended in the Science and Technology Committee, and the Russian delegation was Commended overall at the conference.

RJS

JUNIOR QUIZ CLUB

The members of Junior Quiz Club have been training hard all year, enjoying quizzes on a variety from topics from football to the planets and from musicals to history. Some weeks, pupils create their own questions to test their friends (and their teacher!)

We entered the national competition, Junior Schools Challenge, which is now played online with two teams. They both played very well and our B team beat so many teams from around the country that they ended up competing on Finals Day on Sunday 30th June, becoming runners up in the Palte competition. The team consisted of Eamon (captain), Max, Sam and Archie in Upper Fourth.

SENIOR QUIZ CLUB

This year’s Senior Quizzing has been back in great force with pupils from the Upper Sixth and Fifth Form making up the largest contingents. During the Autumn Term, pupils have been coming to Edgar Tower on a Tuesday to have their lunch and a fast-and-furious-paced quiz session, using our new buzzers, in practice for the national competition. This year’s competition took a very different turn with the heats being held in March online, and against schools we have not played before. The A team met Magdalen College School, Oxford, and the B team were pitted against Bury Grammar School (a blast from the past for Mrs Shepherd whose Schools Challenge career began in that very school over 20 years ago). It was never going to be easy listening to questions over the internet but, as ever, King’s Worcester conducted themselves with grace and great cheer, despite just losing out to Bury. The A team later met their match in Magdalen College Oxford but the heat ran smoothly, and we had great fun with the challenge.

Late March ushered in the Senior Inter-House Quiz Competition. With an impressive take-up from each and every House, the semi-finalists were Choir, Chappel, School and Bright. The eventual champion of 2023, beating the traditionally strong Choir, was Bright House.

Finally, in the Summer Term, the Removes Inter-House Quiz brought the season to a grand finale. Again, participation was very pleasing and this year’s Removes winner, beating Choir and springing from a semi-final pool which also included Castle and Wulstan, was Oswald.

We expect record numbers in Quizzing next year and look forward to more national and inter-House competitions. EAS

RUNNING CLUB

A number of Upper Fourth and Lower Remove pupils joined us at the start of the Autumn Term for Running Club. We had a lot of fun with pupils of all abilities joining in each week to improve their running and fitness. We went on some delightful runs around the School grounds and wider city, including runs along the river and canal. The weather was not always on our side and, on some runs, we encountered very heavy rain and even hail at one point! Everyone involved showed great resilience and relished the additional challenges the weather threw at us.

As well as some great running, there were also many opportunities for pupils to support each other, showing encouragement and friendship in every activity.

HL &AJ

WELLBEING WALKING CLUB

Wellbeing Walking Club started in the Spring Term and has proved popular, with pupils across all School years taking advantage of it. Each Friday lunchtime a group of staff and pupils take a relaxed walk in the beautiful surroundings of our School.

We have been lucky enough to enjoy some lovely weather while walking along the river, taking in the picturesque views. On occasions, the wet weather meant that the tow path was not accessible, but this gave us the opportunity to explore other areas of the city such as the Diglis Basin.

Pupils were able to use these walks for quiet thought and reflection or to chat with friends while getting some light exercise. It was a lovely way to bring a busy week to a conclusion.

HL &AJ

WRAITH

WRAITH (Library Book Clubs) at King’s is happily thriving with seven very active year group clubs encompassing almost 100 pupils in total. It was sad to say farewell to the Upper Sixth group (most of whom have been with us since Lower Fourth), but we have also had the joy of welcoming not only a fantastic Lower Fourth cohort, but also new members to most of our year groups. The future for WRAITH looks very bright.

Lower Fourth Miss Jeffery

What a delightful group the new Lower Fourth WRAITH turned out to be. We have gone from Halloween horror to heartwarming, read books from the 2024 Empathy Lab Read for Empathy Collection, explored some gorgeous and engaging graphic novels, and finished the year on a high with historical fiction. These delightful and voracious readers have gelled into such a lovely group, and it has been a pleasure to get to know them.

“I have really enjoyed WRAITH this year - particularly when we did horror at Halloween. We read these books at the perfect time of year, and it was lovely discussing them over cakes and treats!” Katie Ferguson

“I love the fact that I can review books with my friends as I love reading and WRAITH opens up my range of genres. I find it amazing because WRAITH is a truly unique book club, and we can recommend good books to people.” Penny Blakemore

“I have really enjoyed WRAITH this year as it has been a good way to interact with each other. My favourite book was historical fiction, My Name Is Victoria by Lucy Worsley, as it was an intriguing book.” Evie Nicholas

“I’m really enjoyed my book, My Name is Victoria. I wanted it to continue forever, the storyline is wonderful, one of the best books I have ever read, I think!” Alice Medlicott

“This year, I have found WRAITH to be fun, enjoyable and rewarding. It has been a challenge to read books of genres that I would not usually read. I am looking forward to participating in next year’s WRAITH meetings.” Hannah Kehoe

Upper Fourth

Mrs Capell

This year, Upper Fourth WRAITH have travelled from Turkey to Wales, met zombies and bears, had wolf families and foster families, travelled back and forwards in time, and revelled in dystopia. Such is the power of reading. They are an enthusiastic bunch who are always keen to discuss their reading, recommend titles and try new books. I very much look forward to next year.

“It is very fun and has helped me find books I wouldn’t usually read. I really enjoyed it and fully recommend it to everyone no matter what their reading ability.” Arabella Johnson

“This year I have discovered many books that I have enjoyed such as The SongWalker by Zillah Bethell.” LivOgden

Lower Remove

Miss Jeffery

Lower Remove WRAITH are a wonderful group of enthusiastic readers. It was fantastic that they had the opportunity to meet OV author Abbas Kazerooni in October after reading his books; Abbas really enjoyed their lively questioning.

We always have fun and I appreciate their often very particular requests - their first choice of theme was ‘end of the world’/ post-apocalyptic fiction (but to include some titles with a love story), their historical fiction choices had to be recent in setting, and they were insistent on reading horror in the summer!

Luckily, the Waterstones Children’s Book Award shortlist gave them enough choice to keep everyone happy, with the eventual winner Thieves’ Gambit by Kayvion Lewis being the most popular choice.

I have really enjoyed WRAITH this year and have enjoyed reading all the books. I have even gone on to read even more from the authors because I love them so much.” James Cooke

“The Institute was an amazing book which I struggled to put down. I would definitely recommend reading it and I will be reading more Stephen King in the future!” Daisy Fitton

“A thrilling and adventurous novel, The Girl who loved Tom Gordon by Stephen King, which encapsulates all of Stephen King’s skills in one addictive book.” Benedict Roberts

“It is a great club that encourages you to read more.” Giles Evans

“I’ve never actually read horror before, but I found my WRAITH book quite interesting, with a few unexpected turns, The Last Girl by Goldy Moldavsky.” Nikoletta Fletcher

“I loved my WRAITH book, Gwendy’s Button Box by Stephen King. It was exceptionally well-written and sent chills down my spine. I finished it in 48 hours! It’s great when I can share my thoughts of the book with the others. I will definitely do WRAITH next year.” Henry Friend

Upper Remove

Mrs Capell

Upper Remove WRAITH has really matured in its reading; I am excited about what this group will bring when in Fifth Form. They are willing to try new things, and the ensuing debates over ‘airport fiction’ amongst others, are always both enlightening and entertaining. I will leave a few of the members themselves to summarise beautifully…

“This was my first year of attending WRAITH. I found it very enjoyable and always interesting hearing other people’s thoughts on different books. There was a wide variety of choice from different genres every session, which is encouraging for everyone to read a book. There would also often be food which was a plus. Overall, I would highly recommend WRAITH.” Grace Allardice

“This year has been another wonderful opportunity to sample different genres of books. I thoroughly enjoyed sitting down discussing our likes and dislikes on each book we’d read. I can’t wait for next year when we can get back to the Library, choose a new topic to look at and discuss our thoughts while enjoying a lovely slice of cake.”

Emily Elsdon

“WRAITH – a heaven for book lovers and the best place to socialise with fellow literature enthusiasts.” UR as a whole

Fifth Form

Mrs Walmsley

Once again, we have enjoyed a highly rewarding year of books, chat and snacks. Despite the impending threat of public exams, the Fifth Form WRAITH members found time to delve into a wide range of literary treats over the course of the year.

We started the year with some extremely thought-provoking war literature in the run up to Remembrance Day. Amongst the titles chosen by the students were Birdsong and All Quiet on theWestern Front. Some members found the latter particularly moving due to the extreme youth of the main characters; it was a highly poignant read for a group of 15- and 16-year-olds.

Over Christmas, we read a range of crime stories including the short story collection MurderUndertheChristmasTreewhich contains a wide range of time periods and styles. In addition, some members read Three Hours by Rosamund Lupton, a compelling story of terrorism, betrayal and community, set in a remote English school. This novel contained some extremely challenging material about radicalisation and the protection of freedoms and led to a fascinating discussion.

To round off the year, as GCSE work was ramping up, members enjoyed a couple of ‘No Pressure’ sessions where they were free to pick any of the existing WRAITH titles for their leisure reading. This proved popular, and various titles were devoured over the Easter holidays and into the Summer Term.

Lower Sixth

Ms Jeffery

Most of this group have been in WRAITH since Lower Fourth, but it was wonderful to welcome Sam Caskie, Will Tucker, and Anna Pritchard, and to have Amy Smithson rejoin us. Civilised conversations about books with these erudite and delightful students have been a highlight of my year. We had a gentle start reading the very humane novels of Matt Haig, then moved onto thought-provoking titles such as Babel by R F Kuang (2023 winner of the British Books Awards), classics from 1984 to Crime and Punishment, and fiction set in Ancient Greece/Rome, where we benefitted hugely from Amy’s expertise in advising us as to how far the novels had diverted from the original sources of The Iliad and The Odyssey. We finished the year with some superb modern novels such as Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin and Heaven by Mieko Kawakami

“Having started WRAITH in Lower Sixth, it is fair to say that I have been enlightened to the world of reading. Indulging in seven books, all of completely different strains and then going on to discuss them with my peers has proved hugely beneficial in developing my conversational skills, whilst broadening my knowledge of Classical Civilisation - in the form of The Wolf Den by Elodie Harper - to stone-hard classics such as Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky. I have thoroughly enjoyed our bi-termly discussions this academic year and look forward to further delving into literature next year.” WillTucker

“WRAITH this year has been full of exciting and contrasting themes. My favourite of these have been classic novels and classical fiction. For the exploration of classic novels, I chose to read 1984 by George Orwell which offered me a new perspective on both political and social change within a recognisably similar society. However, my favourite theme was classical fiction. For this I embarked on Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati which was a truly moving and emotional book. The novel explored the life of the sister of the famous Helen of Troy, and how her life unfolded from her childhood to motherhood. The climax of the novel occurred when Clytemnestra’s husband Agamemnon returned home from fighting at Troy; I adored the way in which Casati left the end of the novel as Clytemnestra being victorious, allowing us the lasting image of her as a powerful character.” Amy Smithson

Upper Sixth

Mrs Walmsley

It has been a joy to meet up with the Upper Sixth WRAITH group over the course of their final year at School. They are a highly enthusiastic community of readers with a wide range of literary interests. It has been lovely to see how well they know each other’s literary tastes, and there have been numerous occasions on which they have recommended books to each other.

We started the year with some hard-hitting texts; some of our members were challenged by the harrowing subject matter of war literature in the first term of this year as we read Atonement by Ian McEwan, Pat Barker’s Regeneration and My Dear, I Wanted to TellYou by Louisa Young. However, all enjoyed the books immensely and felt enriched by the experience of reading about the World Wars.

In the Spring Term, we delved into some Maggie O’Farrell books, including TheMarriagePortrait, Hamnet and O’Farrell’s autobiographical I am, I am, I am, which was terrifying and lifeaffirming in equal measure.

I am very sorry to see this U6 WRAITH group leave; we have had so many entertaining book discussions over the years, even through the chaos of COVID (during which we had at least one remote WRAITH discussion, with me sitting at home under COVID house arrest and the students crowded round a laptop in the McTurk Room). I know that they will all continue to be avid readers, and I am privileged to have been there for this portion of their reading journey.

YOUNG ENTERPRISE

At the start of September, 10 Lower Sixth students set out on a journey to learn about the ins and outs of setting up and running a company, by becoming part of the King’s Young Enterprise Company. After designating roles and undertaking many discussions about what direction they wanted the company to take, the team settled on two initial ideas. The first was a form of Top Trump cards relating to the School’s rugby team, which they produced in time for the annual Modus Cup event. These sold very well and were particularly popular amongst the Lower Years pupils. They then came up with their product for the Christmas Fayre by developing craft activities for young children to help get them off electronic devices. The Christmas Fayre gave them their first taste of selling to the general public, which was harder than some of them expected, but they quickly got the hang of it and had a very successful day.

After Christmas, several members of the team decided that they no longer had the time to devote to Young Enterprise, and numbers dropped to just four students. Undeterred, the smaller group set out to produce their main product, focusing on producing a sustainable selfcare package, including items such as a shampoo bar, bamboo toothbrush and washable face wipes. Setting up a stall on Worcester High Street for the Spring Fayre gave them another selling opportunity, for which they received positive feedback from both customers and judges. The next step was writing a report about their experiences, and an online interview with a panel of judges, followed by the local area Showcase Event, where they had to present their journey to the other teams and judges. They came away with the Award for Sales and Marketing and went through to the Worcestershire Final. Another Award, this time for Teamwork, followed here but, unfortunately, it was the end of their journey in the competition.

Having managed to sell all their Self-Care boxes, the team came away with a decent profit and more importantly a wealth of knowledge about the world of business and their own strengths and weaknesses. All agree that it was a worthwhile and invaluable experience.

YOUNG ARCHAEOLOGIST CLUB

The School’s Young Archaeologist Club continues to take part in very varied activities, led by Mr Harding.

Exciting activities have included several ‘Murder Mysteries’ sessions, with members viewing evidence to determine the cause of death and the time period in which the death took place. We used the mass burial pit from the Battle of Towton (1461) as an example of how archaeology pieces together the evidence to create a story of our past.

We have also studied how castles were constructed and how they could be attacked and defended. This is very relevant because the School site was once a Motte and Bailey castle, built by the Normans in the 11th century. The imposing sandstone wall, running through the site and the Headmaster’s Kitchen, is part of this lost castle.

We have also looked at how modern technology is being used more and more in archaeology. We used school computers to view LIDAR (Light Detecting and Ranging) pictures of the county, the city, and the School site. LIDAR is a very valuable tool; an aircraft or drone, fitted with LIDAR technology fires a

laser into the ground to create a digital landscape map. Trees and scrub can then be removed to view the bare earth below. The 17th century earthworks of nearby Fort Royal and the Ridge and Furrow (plough lines) on Newtown and Ronkswood Meadows look spectacular.

The club also made use of Mr Harding’s huge collection of replica artefacts. The members handled replica swords spanning from the Bronze Age to the 18th century and historical archery equipment. The club members enjoyed seeing the different arrows that were used in the past and also discovering how long the famous Long Bow was during the medieval period.

The club is always looking for members and it is open to all year groups. It meets on a Friday afternoon during Long Break. The club covers both the topic of Archaeology and also the wider topic of History.

The club is steered by its members too. Future sessions will include marine archaeology and the weapons of Ancient Greece and Rome.

STUDENT EDITORIAL TEAM

SCHOOLYARD SPOUSES; THE EVOLVING ROLE OF WOMEN AT KING’S SCHOOL WORCESTER

Throughout the history of The King’s School Worcester, the transformation of women’s roles at a historically all-boys boarding school has shown to be slowly evolving from the sidelines to influential positions. These women navigated the School’s traditions and have had a lasting impact on King’s as teachers and wives of Headmasters.

Early contributions of female teachers as unsung educators are Miss Anne Campbell, a Third Form Teacher and an Art Teacher from 1916 to 1957 and Miss Myfanwy Campbell, who was a Junior Form Teacher and an Art Teacher from the years 1917 to 1957. The challenges of being a woman at this time in a male-dominated environment were heightened, especially as both women were hired as replacements for School Masters who had to serve in WWI. Their contributions to The King’s School were commented on by Headmaster, Cuthbert Creighton, as the Art Department began to flourish and they introduced a new Art Circle, a Dancing Club and, later, a Pottery Class. Even with limited career progression, and societal expectations in this period, Anne and Myfanwy contributed to many aspects of school life, working for nearly 70 years together as the School began to modernise.

The true masters of the King’s School are the Headmasters’ wives, women who unofficially shaped school life; serving as contributors to school culture, community builders, and event organisers. Their unpaid labour was crucial yet undervalued in school life, helping the School thrive under their care. Mrs Romney Annett is just one example of the

successful constructive influence that women had and have on this School. As documented in The King’s School Worcester and a History of its Site 450th Anniversary, Mrs Romney Annett led many school organisations, including the School Dance, inviting girls from other schools to join as to motivate the King’s boys. Although Mrs Annett was not in an academic role, her leadership and community building led to wide appreciation of her efforts and successes in contributing to the School. The impact of Romney had on the boys at the School was, and is, widely appreciated, fostering values like empathy, creativity, and discipline. In 1959, when David Annett became Headmaster, King’s was still a single-sex boarding school until 1971 when girls were first allowed to be admitted, which was coincidentally the same year as the first Women’s Liberation March. One could argue that the contributions that women had made to the School, whether as educators, or Headmasters’ wives, had an influence onto this decision.

Societal movements for gender equality have helped roles for women, even in King’s School Worcester, evolve and adapt to accommodate the influential women who want to become educators, and emerge out of the ‘woman’s sphere’. The echo between the women ‘on the Green’ at King’s, who had an impact on school life and broader societal changes in gender roles, provides an interesting introspection into the influence that wider social movements have on every part of life, including The King’s School Worcester. This is seen throughout the history of King’s, from Anne and Myfanwy Campbell, who were trailblazers for female educators at King’s during the early 1900s, to the number of female teachers now who educate within nearly all subjects and aspects of school life. The history of wives and women on the Green, partaking in various roles, illuminates the hidden history of the School, yet also displays the resilience and contributions of women who shaped its legacy over more than a century.

FreyaHarris,VigornianEditorialTeam

THE ROYAL ECONOMY

Debating has always been popular at King’s, both now and in the past. As part of the Editorial Team of The Vigornian, while leafing through the Archives of the School, I discovered that in 1966, at the Alice Ottley School, there was a fruitful debate between King’s and Alice Ottley students alike. The motion submitted was ‘This House Opposes the Existence of the Monarchy in Britain Today’, which was defeated by an ‘overwhelmingly large majority’. This, however, led me to think whether we would still disagree with such a debate today. What would an economist think?

There is substantial evidence to suggest that this would still be the case. Indeed, economically, the monarchy acts as a form of a tourist attraction, creating significant export revenue as forgein tourists spend money in the UK. Sites associated with the royal family and royal ceremonies increased inbound tourism, which directly benefits local enterprises. For example, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s media-adored wedding in 2018 is estimated to have generated over £1bn in tourism, retail and hospitality spending. Thus, proving the multiplier effect that the monarchy has on Britain’s economy.

The monarchy also strengthens the UK’s soft power – a non-tangible form of power that enhances the country‘s influence without coercive means. Such a power can foster better diplomatic relationships and create a more positive global image, which encourages foreign investment and business partnerships. Whilst politics can in some cases define the success of markets across the UK, notably the London Stock Exchange, the continuity of a monarch brings a much-needed stability to 21st Century Britain.

The crown estate, too, manages assets such as prime real estate and natural resources, contributing vast income to the UK treasury, as the royal family receive a percentage of around 15-25% of all funds from this estate (which they own), leaving the treasury at a net fiscal benefit. This monetary benefit allows for the treasury to invest in public services such as the NHS, education and social care – services we all view as important.

The media impact and merchandise also contribute to the economy by generating retail sales, especially during events like royal weddings, coronations and jubilees. Such sales can support small enterprises across the country, stimulating economic growth. Extensive media coverage relating to the royals fuels the broadcasting and publishing sectors of the UK economy, creating content that drives advertising revenue. Thus, proving its positive effect on GDP within the entertainment industry.

There has also been an argument made about their charitable

influence. The King’s Trust (previously The Prince’s Trust), established by King Charles in 1976 has had an immense impact on the lives of many of those who are the poorest in society, offering work experience, training, and business start-ups, supporting over 1,000,000 young people in Britain.

There is, however, an argument that the monarchy is a rip-off for taxpayers in Britain, effectively funded by the collective public’s money. The coronation of King Charles III on the 6th May 2023 again shined the global spotlight on every aspect of the royal family, including their cost to the public.

This issue of cost is especially prominent in the modern day, as the United Kingdom grapples with one of the worst cost-of-living crises in Europe, with inflation rising to 9.2% in the 12 months leading up to December 2022. During the same 12-month period, the sovereign grant alone reached £86.3 million, which remains equivalent to £1.29 per person in the UK. Critics argue that this has reached a cost too high for a ceremonial institution. Additional hidden costs, such as security for the family’s members and maintenance of royal palaces can further burden taxpayers, with analysts estimating the total annual cost to be over £350 million.

There is an ever-present issue here of a lack of transparency, with many costs complicit with the royals being difficult to quantify. According to the Royal Family’s financial report ‘Members of the Royal Family undertook over 2,700 engagements across the United Kingdom and overseas, with Their Majesties travelling to Germany for the first State Visit of The King’s reign’.

Over 95,000 guests were welcomed to the Official Residences in recognition for their contribution to society, attending over 330 events including Receptions, Investitures and Garden Parties. For many, this is an unjustifiable misuse of funds for the UK, allowing for the monarchy to receive a disproportionate level of income, with there being a median household income of £32,400 in 2022, roughly 2664 times lower than the sovereign grant alone. Therefore, some argue that the net financial benefit to the public might be less than reported when considering indirect and longterm costs associated with royal duties. To support this case, we turn to the economy of France, which abolished its monarchy in 1848, and still maintains a higher level of tourism than the UK, showing that historical palaces like Versailles, still have a high tourist yielding potential.

So, having evaluated both economic arguments for and against the ‘Royal Economy’, the existence of the monarchy has proved its economic worth in contemporary Britain. Would you agree? OliverHamilton,VigornianEditorialTeam

THE SHIFT FROM A BOYS’ SCHOOL TO CO-EDUCATION

Headmaster’s verdict: girls joining King’s caused ‘less of a stir than anticipated’! Indeed, so smooth and underwhelming had been the transition, when the first cohort was introduced in 1971 after 430 years, that the School was prepared to accept around 12 female students the following year.

The first cohort contained only four pupils who were all studying Science at King’s; the Headmaster said this was because ‘these subjects were not taught or were not taught very well’ in girls’ schools. These girls were based in the Headmaster’s House under the care of his wife, Romney Annett, and under the tutelage of Keith Bridges. To begin with, the girls were provided with a private study which, following complaints of feeling isolated, was abandoned, and were assigned to the boys’ boarding houses for social activities and after school study.

Six years later, following a steady increase of girls joining the Sixth Form, College House was opened in September 1977 to accommodate the 21 female students at King’s and remained open until 1999 when boarding ceased at the School. College House was situated at Number 15, the former Deanery, built in 1745. Only a small amount of work was required to prepare the building for accommodation with some additional showers being fitted, the conversion of the adjoining garage into a sitting room for the boarders and the flat above it being integrated into the house.

In the 1980s, King’s saw further developments regarding its inclusion of a greater number of female students. In 1983, new changing rooms were constructed over the river at the fields to provide female students with adequate changing facilities

for sports and games. The following year, the Games Department was split into boys’ and girls’ games with Nicky Anstey chosen to lead girls’ sport at King’s. Female students were able to take part in various sports including athletics, netball, hockey, rounders, fencing and rowing which is where particular success was seen. Two years later, Eliot House was opened to complement the recently formed College House, by providing a girls’ day house for the growing number of female students at King’s seen throughout the 1980s. Headmaster Andrew Milne secured Number 12, before dividing it into numbers 12 and 12a, the latter being the residence of the Chaplain until the end of boarding in 1999 and the former being the new Eliot House.

On the 450th anniversary of the School, in 1991, King’s became fully co-educational, welcoming in its first, relatively small cohort of female students into the Lower Fourth. This number kept growing throughout the 90s until the numbers of boys and girls were roughly even. This change required new changing and toilet facilities throughout the school, as female students would not solely reside in the Eliot or College Houses; particularly as Eliot was closed and girls were integrated into other houses. Just before the turn of the millennium, in 1998, Jennifer Pearce was appointed as the first female Head of School, which was an important symbol of a new, fully co-educational King’s School.

I believe it is important to learn about the history that shaped our experiences today so that we are able appreciate them further.

AlfieHale,VigornianEditorialTeam

BACK TO THE ‘90S: REDISCOVERING FORGOTTEN SCHOOL UNIFORM RULES

As the iconic Naomi Campbell states, ‘The 90s were all about self-expression, creativity, and freedom in fashion’. Relating this to school uniform may seem silly: scratchy blazers and homogenous patterns scarcely seem a symbol of freedom, nor self-expression. After uncovering the truth, you may be surprised with just how much the rules have changed, for better or for worse…

Many would remember the 90s as a time where teenagers’ wardrobes were infiltrated by the decade‘s new obsession: the glorious “grunge”. The takeover of flannels, beanies, and band tees took the fashion world by storm. It seems improbable that this would reflect on the School’s uniform rules; a world of beatnik glamour versus an educational society of properness.

Dusting off the digital archives I encountered a file, ‘Prospects 1991’. Although few girls were present in the School, this was restricted to only the Sixth Form and the singular girls-only house called College House. In 1991, girls began to join from Lower Fourth.

Holding this glowing beacon of hope on a tab on my laptop, I had found my angle and, vibrant with confidence, I began my research. In retrospect, I should have known it was too good to be true; I found pictures of still beloved school sites such as the CMR, the Dining Hall and the gardens which have, so far, survived the test of time with only minor changes such as the drastically comfortable-looking sofas that have since disappeared from the CMR and a building that seemingly used to stand by Edgar Tower named, King’s School Tuck Shop. It was then I noticed something different with the girls’ uniform - shirts seemed to alternate between blue and white and no one was wearing a blazer!

The girls in the Sixth Form were dressed more casually, antithetical to the dress-code for Sixth Form girls today, featuring long flannel-patterned skirts, some chokers, and even a denim jacket! This ‘freedom in fashion’ seems an exact reflection of the 90s, unlike today in which we are limited to suits in one colour and sparse accessories. What I find interesting is that, in comparison to the 90s, the office culture of wearing a suit is rapidly declining today. So, I wonder, if our stricter dress-code now is an echo of the School’s maintenance of sophistication in a country which is repelling the religion of savoir faire work attire. HollyColwell,VigornianEditorialTeam

A SNAPSHOT OF BOARDING LIFE AT KING’S WORCESTER

Written by Natalia Brousa after interviewing former Choir Housemaster, Mr Russ Mason.

In recent years, boarding at schools seems to have drastically fallen in popularity, despite top movies like Harry Potter being set in boarding schools. This trend did not exclude King’s, which had less than around 20 boarders by the time boarding ceased in 1999. However, after spending time in the Archives as part of the Editorial Team for The Vigornian, I became interested in what boarding at King’s would have been like and what could have caused it to fall out of fashion. So, how to find out more?

An interview with Mr Russ Mason, former Housemaster of Choir House and a font of knowledge about boarding life at the school in the 1980s.

Did you know that the reception building used to be Hostel House? And right around the corner from that was School House? All the boarding houses overlooked College Green, and they all followed very similar schedules: roll call at 7:45am,

everybody had to meet at the courts (which is currently where the minibuses park). It would be very interesting to see who was there, and some of the boys would be out of breath by that point, because they’d had a quick hint from their friends that there was a fire drill and had been running back as fast as possible from town.

PASTORAL

BRIGHT HOUSE

As Head of Bright House, I am deeply honoured to reflect on the accomplishments and legacy of this brilliant and established house. Since its opening in September 1961, Bright House has stood as a pillar of support, guidance, and community within our School. As we reach the end of the academic year and prepare to close Bright House, it is with immense pride and joy that we look back on the remarkable achievements and successes of our pupils.

Bright House has always been dedicated to fostering genuine friendships across age groups, promoting leadership, and encouraging our pupils to grow into independent young adults. This year has been particularly productive across all aspects of the curriculum and co-curricular activities, with our pupils embodying the King’s vision of being curious, confident, caring, and resilient.

Lower Remove

Welcoming our new Lower Remove pupils this year has been a delight. They have adapted remarkably well to the House system, demonstrating resilience and enthusiasm. Many tried rowing for the first time, overcoming their initial fears and developing a real passion for the sport. Additionally, they have actively participated in hockey, netball, and rugby, contributing to several impressive victories. The Lower Remove pupils have also excelled in the arts, music, and academics, making a strong start to their overall journey.

Upper Remove

The Upper Remove has had an incredibly active and successful term. Their achievements span academics, music, drama, and sports. They emerged victorious in both Language and Geography Quizzes, showcasing their intellectual capabilities. Lucas, Poppy, Grace, and Max all took part in Witches Can’t Be Burned. Dylan competed at the Winter Nationals and won the Regional 50 and 100m backstroke in April. Harley reached the finals of the WBA with his club, Worcester Wolves. Katerina will have a short story published in the Young Writers Anthology. Grace placed 22nd in the British Youth Fencing Championships, and Hebe participated in the National Schools’ Regatta. These accomplishments underscore the Upper Remove’s impressive talents and their commitment to excellence in diverse fields.

Fifth Form

Despite a busy academic year, our Fifth Form students have made significant contributions to school life, balancing their academic commitments with impressive achievements in sports and drama. They have excelled in netball, playing for the Superball team, and shone in school productions, including Footloose and The

Witches. Cricket and rugby also saw notable performances, with pupils delivering exceptional performances for both school and local teams. Music, dance, and inter-house competitions further highlighted the diverse talents and dedication of our Fifth Form students.

Lower Sixth

The achievements of our Lower Sixth pupils are outstanding as they have settled into new routines, balanced the increased demands of A-Levels, and continued to excel in music, sports, and drama. Jude has achieved considerable rowing accolades, including a team of four placing 4th in the National Schools Regatta, along with first place finishes at Worcester Small Boats Head, Worcester Regatta, and Shrewsbury Regatta. Sam’s baseball team, the Worcester Sorcerers, is currently top of the West Midlands League. Will placed 33rd in the British Youth Fencing Championships in Sheffield, showcasing his exceptional fencing skills. Isaac played a significant role in Modus, contributing to its success. Additionally, Jack was part of the band Split Second, which made it to the final of the Godiva Calling competition, further highlighting the diverse talents and dedication of our Lower Sixth students.

Upper Sixth

Our Upper Sixth pupils have embraced their final year with determination and resilience. They have excelled academically, completing their NEAs in Geography, History, and English, while actively participating in extracurricular activities such as Superball, Challenge Cup and Modus Cup. Club commitments outside of school have further showcased their exceptional time management skills and dedication. These achievements highlight the individual talents of our U6 students and underscore the collective spirit of excellence that has permeated Bright House.

As we prepare to close the doors of Bright House, it is with a sense of gratitude and pride that we reflect on the legacy of this wonderful community. The unwavering dedication of our staff, and the remarkable achievements of our pupils, have made Bright House a beacon of excellence for over six decades. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been part of this journey and look forward to witnessing the continued success of our pupils in their future endeavours.

The legacy of Bright House will live on in the hearts and minds of all who have been a part of this remarkable House.

CASTLE HOUSE

An exciting year for Castle House - from external competitions to internal battles of the mind.

Castle House sang Billy Joel’s pop anthem, Uptown Girl, impressing both judges and students alike in the House Song Competition, achieving a podium position – third place! This success was a welcome surprise to the staff and pupils of Castle. Notable contributions to this performance were Ben France on piano, Austin Barnett on electric guitar and Hannah Bowen and Ava Hackett on lead vocals. Conducted by me, Gabriel, the entire house threw themselves into the performance after some initial cajoling.

To the sporting side of our success, we can optimistically look to the future for our much-deserved recognition.

With no hint of bias, U6 retained their place for winners of Family Fortune in the house, maintaining their stellar performance from their beginnings in LR.

Overall, a successful year for Castle with a hopeful and confident look to the next year!

HeadsofHouse,GabrielTuckerandHarveySmith

CHOIR HOUSE

This was another busy year for Choir House with a great deal of activities taking place between year groups and lots of success achieved in House competitions. The House Song in the first term is always a highlight, this time with the Upper Sixth choosing and directing an excellent rendition of These Days by Take That. My unofficial marking placed us in the top three, along with other members of staff well known for their musical prowess (MCP and CTH to name but two), although it was clear that the adjudicator (a certain Mr Brookshaw) thought very differently and we did not make it back to the winner’s concert that week.

As ever, the House was competitive in all events, winning Senior Sports Day for the fourth successive year, as well as the House Rowing Competition and the Senior House Quiz. We were also highly placed in House football, hockey, geography and the languages competitions. We continue to have a wonderful cohort of pupils with such a wide range of skills; the House is in fine fettle.

During the last year we said goodbye to Miss Allison and Mr Leadbeater, and we wish them well in their future careers. We welcome Mrs Knott back to Choir this year and she is looking forward to getting to know her new tutor group in the Upper Remove. I must once again thank the Year Group Tutors in the House for their good company, conversation and for the hard work that they put in on behalf of the pupils.

I finish as usual by wishing our departing pupils the best of luck as they embark on the next stage of their lives in the wider world; we are very proud of them. They worked hard in their subjects and thoroughly deserved the success which came to them on Results Day in August. RJJ

CHAPPEL HOUSE

The end of each academic year for Chappel is always a time of review, reflection, and celebration. We continue to be a House that gets stuck in, gives our all and it is one of which I am incredibly proud. I know that every time I ask for volunteers to represent House, or contributions for the various charity events we support, Chappel always delivers – and in spades! Our Lower Removes, having only recently joined the House, excelled themselves by donating over 50 gifts for the Christmas Charity Drive – 52 to be precise, and earning themselves a school breakfast for their efforts. The donation of Christmas gifts for the elderly also arrived in their droves, demonstrating how thoughtful and caring our students are. This concern for others has been evident throughout the year as we continue with our Peer Mentoring opportunities within House. The Upper Sixth have been fantastic, working with their allocated Year Group to provide games, encouragement and someone to talk to within the confines of Chappel. Many of our Sixth Form participate in the school-wide Peer Mentoring initiative, but to see the close bonds formed between Chappel Year Groups reinforces the importance of our House system.

House competitions remain important and competitive! We don’t always win but we always give our best shot. This year, our Sixth Form have been particularly successful, with Upper Sixth only getting knocked out in the semi-finals of the Table Tennis and a special mention to Eric who represented our Lower Sixth by himself, went on to win but was then disqualified as we were meant to have two players not, one! Our Sixth Form also won the Tug of War, Grandmother’s Footsteps and Connect 4 competitions – there is no doubt all this was due to their sterling effort. The Removes and Fifth Form also threw themselves into House competitions, with the Upper Remove winning Table Tennis and the Lower Remove making excellent progress in the Connect 4 showdown. All this, together with our efforts in the Language Quiz (where we held first place until the final round, dropping to third), House Countdown where Freddie, Ellie, Sam and Theo gave their best shot and the InterHouse Quiz, where again we could walk away with our heads held high, contributed to the magnificent cumulative result of winning the House Challenge Cup! This latest piece of silver wear is now proudly displayed in our new (well, inherited from the Economics Department) trophy cabinet.

Sports Day was rather a mixed bag. Congratulations must go to our Upper Remove who won their Year Group and our Lower Sixth boys relay but, overall, I’m afraid we weren’t placed. We are, however, extremely proud of everyone in Chappel!

Inter-House sport followed a similar vein, as in commitment and effort cannot be questioned although success was a little more challenging to come by. Our Removes, however, did win the Inter-House football so I am hopeful, next year, they will pass on their winning tactics to the rest of us! This is an excellent opportunity to express how grateful I am and show

my huge appreciation to everyone who stepped forward to represent the House in all competitions.

The House Song Competition really allowed Chappel to shine, with Llywy, Aisha and Piers on guitar, Freddie conducting and everyone holding up their paper hearts, the love in the room was palpable – what a marvellous sight it was, despite not winning. Freddie, quite rightly, won Best Conductor despite being the first to admit that he is not musical and had to learn how to conduct. Everyone was superb! In April, our love of singing took Chappel Middle Years in a slightly different direction as we learned BSL and signed to Louis Armstrong’s What a Wonderful World for an assembly to the rest of the school during Deaf Awareness Week. This brought a tear to the eye of many who were in College Hall and, once again, demonstrated what a wonderful bunch Chappel pupils are. Both the Senior Production and Removes Production also demonstrated the amount of talent and flair we have in House. With Tigo and Eric taking lead parts and Lois and Max dependable members of the tech crew, the productions were poignant and entertaining in equal measures.

Of course, none of this could happen without my own ‘Chappel Crew’! This year, we have been particularly fortunate to have Lucy and Lois as our Heads of House. The girls went above and beyond to bring the House together through quizzes, paper chain competitions and assemblies. I am extremely grateful for the support and kindness they have shown, not only to me but to everyone in Chappel. They hand the baton over to Jess who has already been busy welcoming the new Lower Remove into House and planning for the Lower Sixth induction day. Jess will be ably supported by Ellie, who always seems to have an unending supply of enthusiasm and time for everyone. Congratulations also go to Tilly and Esme on being appointed Monitors with the additional splendid news that Eric will be our new Head of School!

The Upper Sixth had a fabulous Leavers’ Day with some impressive fancy dress, a celebratory House breakfast and time to reflect upon the years they have spent with us. They will be hugely missed, and we look forward to keeping in touch and hearing how they make their mark on the world! They have all meant a huge amount to Mrs Ruiz and me, bringing much laughter, joy and occasional angst to our lives – we send them on their way on a wave of love and support.

We also bid farewell to some of our Fifth Form who are off to pastures new. It is with a heavy heart and a tear in our eye that we wish Annie, Darcey, Ollie, Jorja and Eliza all the luck and happiness in the world as they embark upon the next chapter of their academic careers.

Finally, Chappel Year Group Tutors remain constant, experienced and incredibly supportive. Mr Ball, Mr Gardiner, Mrs Parry, Mr Swarbrick and Mrs Ruiz are the foundations of our House. I value their counsel, dependability and rigour but, most of all, their kindness and genuine care they show their charges; we are so lucky to have them. Here’s to 2024/25!

CREIGHTON HOUSE

Heads of House: Toby Raybould & Zach English

LR YGT: Mr O Heydon

UR YGT: Mr A Knights

FF YGT: Mrs E K Booth

L6 YGT: Mrs S Lucas

U6 YGT: Mrs E Woodward

House Tutor: Mr W Joyce

It has been an exciting year in Creighton, and one that has seen a success not only in whole House events, but also with some incredible individual achievements.

The traditional start to the academic year brought the House Song Competition, and I am delighted to be able to report Creighton’s first victory in many years! The energy was evident from the first rehearsals, and much credit should go to Florence Price and Nick Abdullah for their invaluable musical expertise; their input was crucial to our success. Heads of House, Toby Raybould and Zach English, brought the energy and enthusiasm that further propelled us towards an incredible win.

In the individual competition, Florence Price won the vocal, while Nick Abdullah took victory in the instrumental competition. One of the ripple effects following House Song was the enthusiastic singing in assemblies, especially from the Fifth Form! It has been a real catalyst for fostering House pride, and we look forward to building on this next year.

In addition to the collective success of House Song, Creighton has also celebrated some amazing individual achievements. George Campbell-Ferguson entered the Institute of Mechanical Engineers’ Midlands Climate Change Competition, for which he researched and wrote a 12-page article on the feasibility of achieving goals set out in the Paris Agreement. George won the prestigious competition, securing £500 in prize money, split between himself and STEM projects at King’s. Later in the year George achieved further success in achieving an offer to read Engineering at Oxford University.

Florence Price has had a fantastic year where she has maximised her incredible musical talent. She gave a recital of Early Music, which not only funded her attendance for the Rodolfo’s course, but also the Stile Antico course in London. Florence has also been offered a place to read

Music at Cambridge University and has also been offered a Choral Scholarship with Trinity College Chapel Choir, a truly impressive feat given its global reputation in this area.

Sporting success has also been a real feature of the year. Noah DuPont’s achievements in football have been quite remarkable. Noah was selected to represent New Zealand in the U17 FIFA World Cup. He has also continued to be a key player in West Bromwich Academy, and he can look forward to being taken on full-time by the club after his GCSEs. Meanwhile, Seth Essenhigh had a remarkable season in cricket. He has been part of the England Young Lions, and has also represented Worcestershire 2nd XI, a truly phenomenal achievement given his age.

Other notable collective House successes have been a win in the Junior House Rowing Competition, victory for the Upper Remove and Fifth Form Tug of War, and a closely fought second place in the House Countdown Competition, with our team of ultra keen mathematicians, including George Campbell-Ferguson, Jack Janes, and Nick Abdullah.

In Senior Sports Day, the Fifth Form boys continued their unbeaten streak by winning the 4 x 100m relay in a commanding fashion and going on to take 1st place overall. Emelia Simpkin is developing somewhat of a reputation for her displays of fantastic Creighton House spirit, stepping up in multiple events, including the 800m/ 1500m double.

In the Removes Sports Day, both the Lower Remove and Upper Remove boys took a commendable third place overall. For the girls, we saw some standout performances; most notably with wins for Ella Purves in the Upper Remove 1500m and Lucy Tebbett in the 800m. In the boys, Lucas Field won the Long Jump alongside Oscar Sharman, while Alex McVeigh took a commanding and impressive victory in the High Jump with a leap of 1.61m. In the Lower Remove, Barney Danks took a fantastic win in the Javelin.

We are looking forward to welcoming the new Lower Remove in September, along with several new members of the school community who join our Lower Sixth. We also look forward to the arrival of a number of students who join us from Bright House.

KITTERMASTER HOUSE

This year has been another shining chapter in the history of Kittermaster House. Coming second in the House Cup demonstrates that we have once again been on top form. Under the dynamic leadership of our Heads of House, Luke Barrington and Freya Mitchell-Wise, our students have been encouraged to participate in every competition. While we may not always win, what defines us is the spirit of giving everything a good go.

Our Lower Removes have settled into the routines of House life with energy and enthusiasm. Winning the Tug of War was a highlight for them, as was their remarkable second place finish in the Removes’ Inter-House Netball Competition. On Sports Day, the girls claimed victory by a fantastic 17-point margin, a testament to their teamwork and determination. We eagerly anticipate watching this group continue to flourish next year. Mrs Collins, who has been such an integral part of the team, has shown incredible commitment to supporting her tutees, and we wish her every success in her new adventures.

The Upper Removes have shown great progress, building a strong foundation for their upcoming GCSEs. Their dedication to getting involved in everything on offer has been admirable. Standout moments include their fantastic win in the Footloose Footsteps competition and the excellent performances at Sports Day. The boys participated with enthusiasm and team spirit, while the girls led the charge, securing victory over our nearest rivals by 12 points. The entire year group came together to claim overall victory at the Remove Sports Day 2024, a proud achievement for Kittermaster.

Our Fifth Form has remained laser-focused on their GCSEs this year. Mrs Shepherd, their new Year Group Tutor, has loved watching their confidence and determination grow. This group has truly come into their own, and we cannot wait to see them begin their Sixth Form journey, continuing to build on their successes.

The Lower Sixth has also enjoyed a stellar year, exemplifying what it means to be part of Kittermaster House. Izzy, who joined us this year, summed it up best when she said, “We’re not a House, we are a family.” The Lower Sixth won the Senior Netball Competition and secured an impressive second place on Sports Day overall. I would also like to extend a special thank you to Joseph and Tim for their leadership during House Song this year. Our rendition of TLC’s No Scrubs was an unforgettable performance that brought all year groups together—perhaps next year will be our year! The Lower Sixth also made significant contributions to the Fort Royal Party, with Ruby and Zach organising activities like hook-a-duck and football for the children, making the afternoon a wonderful success.

For our Upper Sixth, the focus has been on preparing for their next steps. It has been a pleasure watching them grow throughout their final year, and we are excited to hear about all that the future holds for them. Although academic work dominated their final year, Mr Sharp ensured that there was still plenty of fun and enrichment with daily routines that balanced work and play. This group has truly made the most of every opportunity, and they have embodied our House values with passion and dedication. As Mr Sharp steps back from his YGT role to move into part-time work, we will miss his presence enormously, especially his contributions to our weekly House meetings.

As always, none of this would have been possible without the incredible support of our Year Group Tutors: Mrs Fellows, Mrs Shepherd, Mr Sharp, Mr Wilson and Mrs Collins. They consistently go above and beyond for our House, and I am truly grateful for their dedication.

Here’s to another fantastic year for Kittermaster House— full of camaraderie, success, and the unwavering spirit that defines us all.

OSWALD HOUSE

In September the year began with enormous shoes to fill, as the previous year we were awarded with the House Cup, following Oswald’s exceptional performance across all aspects of the school.

2023-2024 has been highly successful year for Oswald over a broad spectrum of co-curricular activities these include, but are not limited to, county hockey and rugby, winners of the national netball, Language Competition, winners of the House Netball in both Lower Remove and Upper Remove, hockey for the senior girls and second place for football for Upper Remove. September began with the highly anticipated House Song which is always a highlight in the school calendar. All members of Oswald took part in this achievement and were able to achieve second place following the delightful performance of Amy Winehouse’ Valerie

Within Oswald, we also had many members individually take part in the array of co-curricular activities available within School. These include Lower Sixth members Evie Thrush as Managing Director and Ptolemy Nelson as Finance Supervisor for the highly successful Young Enterprise Group, La Vie Naturelle, a sustainable self-care box. This group went on to win multiple awards across a range of competitions. We also saw success across languages in Oswald with Lower Remove Heidi Miller winning the Language Competition for Oswald as well as Lower Sixth member Lola Bell taking her

A-level Spanish a year early. Monty Jelfs, in the Upper Sixth, reclaimed his title as the 1st team cricket captain - a highlight in the cricket team’s already impressive season. A range of the other senior members took part in the prestigious sporting events of Modus, Challenge Cup and Superball.

House time in Oswald is always filled with a range of different and exciting activities to fill the mornings. These range from basketball, which is highly competitive, Countdown organised by Mr Low, Lego and Tug of War. These activities are a great means of socialising and integrating the different age groups within Oswald; playing a major role in bringing Oswald together. These house events would not be possible without the exceptionally hard work which goes on behind the scenes from Oswald staff, including Mrs Rees, Mrs Friend, Mr Sarriegui, Mr Low, Mrs Shearburn and Mr McGarvey.

The Oswald House would also like to wish luck and acknowledge a sad farewell to the departing Upper Sixth. We also wish to congratulate many of them on their achievements whether that be going off to university, starting an internship or going on a gap year. Oswald are also sorry to be saying goodbye to Mrs Rees and we wish her well in her new job and opportunities that will follow. Furthermore, we also are very much looking forward to welcoming the new House Tutor ,Miss Ormandy, and the upcoming Lower Remove.

SCHOOL HOUSE

As the academic year ends, it is with great pride that I can reflect on the achievements of School House pupils this year whilst Mr. Pearson has been on his two term Sabbatical.

Great thanks must go to Maia Akiki and Francesco Cinao as this year’s Heads of School House in taking the lead in organising many House events and setting excellent standards. Harry Waters and Grace Earp will take over the reins and, no doubt, will be leading School House to future successes and team building activities.

We welcomed 12 new members of School House into the Lower Remove, along with two new starters into the Lower Sixth. All of these pupils have made an exceptional transition into School House and have embodied King’s vision of every member of our community to be curious, caring and confident. It is a delight to have watched all our pupils, new and old, continuing to take encouragement from others and cultivate an environment where everyone feels supported and able to achieve their potential. It is without doubt that all future members of School House will continue to be warmly welcomed!

House competitions are a highlight for most pupils, and these have been varied and plentiful this year with great thanks to Ms Glarvey for organising many of these. Mamma Mia rang through the corridors of the Winslow Building for many weeks and, after great encouragement from Francesco, the ensemble began to resemble something remarkably like the song by the famous Swedish quartet on the stage in College Hall.

Pupils from across the five year groups have taken part in Countdown competitions, quizzes and spelling bee competitions representing the House by exercising their intellectual skillsets outside of the classroom. Keyes Sports Hall activities have also proved a popular way to start the day with each year group participating in Tug of War, Connect 4 and Footloose Footsteps. The Photography and Bake Off Competitions have highlighted the outstanding artistic ability our students possess.

It has been a pleasure to see pupils across the five year groups taking part in Inter-House sport competitions, wearing their house colour with pride. Sports Day is always a particular highlight for many pupils, whether that be on the track and field competing for top placings or just taking part for a team point. This event, coupled with house facepainting epitomises the inclusive, supportive and fun-filled ethos that makes School House a very special place. Thank you to Harry and Grace for taking the lead on organising the teams for Sports Day, enabling Fran and Maia to enjoy the moment with all of their friends on their final Sports Day.

All the members of the School House community wish our Fifth Form and Upper Sixth pupils the very best of luck in their GCSE and A-level examinations this summer. We look forward to celebrating your achievements and next steps in August.

For the U6th, there are university courses, apprenticeships and gap years to look forward to. It has been a pleasure to watch this group of students work so hard and support each other in their final terms at King’s. Take with you all the values that you have embodied whilst being a member of this community and always remain true to yourselves in your future endeavors.

Finally, special thanks must be given to the Year Group Tutor team: Miss Pace, Mr Mason, Mr Ward, Mrs Bradley and Dr Parkin, all of whom have shown exceptional care and consistency for their tutees and support for School House. GMO

WULSTAN HOUSE

This proved to be another busy and highly enjoyable year. Having said this, when the Upper Sixth approached me with the idea of performing, I’m Just Ken (from the less than classic Barbie film) in the House Song Competition, I was at the very least highly concerned! However, the energy and enthusiasm displayed by the students during the first few practices certainly vanquished all my reservations, and I thought our performance on the big day was both tight and highly entertaining. Unfortunately, the judge was clearly looking for something a bit more traditional in nature. We, however, will always have the vivid memory of Ben Swarbrick dancing for us in his white furry jacket!

The two Sports Days were both fabulous School occasions and, being placed a competitive third out of nine, was very pleasing. As always, I was indebted to those wonderful students who were prepared to fill in at the very last moment to keep me out of Mrs Miller-Symonds’ bad books. A modified, and improved, version of the House Olympics again proved to be extremely popular with the students and highlighted the competitive nature of some of the Wulstan Tutors.

Laura Arundale and Greg Smith proved to be outstanding in their Heads of House roles; I am sure our younger members will have learnt a great deal from their kindness, loyalty, constant positivity and willingness to offer personal insights on all types of important student issues.

Next year’s Heads of House will find it even easier to run cross-year activities, as our five registration rooms are all going to be within a radius of about 100m. We will also have a good-sized office to accommodate all the games we buy from the charity shops of Worcester and beyond!

Many thanks to all the Wulstan Year Group Tutors; it is always obvious that the care of their tutees is right at the top of their busy agendas. Wulstan House is in rude health.

LOWER YEARS

It has been a busy and successful year in the Lower Years with much to celebrate. The opening of the Lower Years Hub, with offices adjacent to the Lower Years playground and Annett building, has added a real sense of place and purpose. Our focus has continued to be on a ‘soft landing’ to King’s and, hopefully, an experience akin to the last two years of a prep school rather than the start at a big, daunting high school. The new trim trail and the modified mobile phone policy has continued to allow children to be children, at least for two more years, and it has been pleasing to see Lower Years pupils working hard and playing hard.

As in previous years, the Lower Fourth pupils enjoyed a bonding day at Blackwells Adventure Park where challenges were met, comfort zones explored, and friendships fostered. Sixth Form students helped the induction process through the Peer Education scheme and our youngest pupils soon felt part of their new school.

As the year went on, assemblies were varied and thoughtprovoking, from the excellent School Council talk about being an upstander, through to an introduction to the Collatz Conjecture and an inspiring talk by Matt and George, two OVs, who modestly and nonchalantly told their astonishing tale of rowing the Atlantic in 40 days!

The Spring Term saw both Lower and Upper Fourth pupils start to think about skills, experiences and what careers might lie out there. All started to use Unifrog effectively in PSHE lessons with many attending the careers extravaganza in March.

Pupils were also keen to embrace the many competitions on offer. As ever, the Form Song competition was keenly contested, enjoyed by all and lacking neither in volume nor enthusiasm. The Spooky Stories competition was well supported as was the Summer Reading Challenge. Many pupils took on the screen-free challenge in the Autumn Term and enjoyed the reverse advent calendar.

Sport and music continue to thrive in the Lower Years and you can read more of these areas elsewhere in this Vigornian. Cricket has been a mainstay on the playground for a long time now and we have plans to develop in all sorts of ways, including more playground equipment, more ways to celebrate academic success and hard work, more (and better) singing in assemblies, more help with grades analysis and setting and checking targets, closer links with the Careers Department and more work on transition. So, much to reflect on in 23/24 for the Lower Years and high hopes for next year and beyond!

RAC

MIDDLE YEARS

The Middle Years at King’s have been buzzing with excitement and achievements this year. The academic year started off positively, as pupils returned with enthusiasm and energy. The new Lower Remove cohort quickly found their footing, and the House Music Competition saw Creighton House take the crown, setting the tone for a fantastic year ahead.

Sporting achievements have been a highlight, with pupils excelling in various disciplines. Henry L (W) has been a climbing sensation, placing first in all his regional qualifiers and advancing to the National Finals. Hermione P (S) has been making waves in hockey, being selected for the Stourport Talent Academy Hockey programme and the UK Lions Squad of U14 girls. Seth E (Cr) showcased his cricket skills as a keeper-batter for the England Young Lions, while Bryony G (Br) had an outstanding season with the Worcestershire Women’s Rapids 1st team. Noah D (Cr) also had the incredible opportunity of playing in the FIFA World Cup U17. Jess D (W) has continued to excel and was selected to play for the Great British Hawks Water Polo Team, winning a bronze medal in the Junior Women EU Nations Water Polo Tournament in Brno, Czech Republic. The success of the Middle Years teams can be read in the Sports section of this magazine.

The Autumn Term was both busy and successful. The Fifth Formers received their DofE Bronze Awards, and the Sixth Form Open Morning generated excitement about future prospects. The Fifth Form Geography Field Trip to Bristol and the Spanish Exchange were also highlights of the term. Sporting achievements continued to shine, with successes in climbing, swimming, football, water polo, netball, rugby, and rowing. December 2023 was a month of giving and celebration. The Lower Remove’s Christmas charity drive collected 543 items for the local charity, Home for Good: Worcestershire. The School musical Footloose was a hit, and the Fifth Form enjoyed a fun trip to Pizza Express to celebrate the end of term. The Removes Quiz Club and the National Youth Choir audition success of Benedict R (Ca) were also celebrated.

Spring Term brought a flurry of activities despite the “blue” month of January. The Lower Removes Inter-House Linguistics Challenge and the Removes Production of Witches Can’t Be Burned were highlights. The Intermediate Years Quiz Team and various sporting achievements in hurdles, swimming, netball, rowing, and hockey were also highlights. Throughout these months, and into the Summer Term, the Middle Years at King’s have demonstrated a strong sense of community, academic excellence, and co-curricular engagement. The dedication of the staff and the enthusiasm of the pupils have created a positive and enriching environment, fostering both personal and academic growth.

The Careers provision has been a key focus, with various events and initiatives aimed at helping pupils plan their futures. The study skills session by Elevate Education, and the

relaunch of Unifrog, have been instrumental in supporting pupils in their academic journey.

The Middle Years had a fantastic year, with numerous achievements and activities which reflect the School’s commitment to excellence and community spirit. The MiddleYearsTeam

SIXTH FORM

This year has been remarkable for King’s Worcester Sixth Form, marked by new developments, achievements, and strong community engagement. The completion of the first phase of the Sixth Form Centre redevelopment has given our students an enhanced environment, including a new Grab & Go café, individual study areas, and a state-of-the-art Careers Suite, which is already playing a key role in supporting students with their future plans. Phase Two has delivered even more exciting additions, such as further classrooms and flexible spaces, ensuring that our Sixth Form remains a modern and adaptable hub of learning.

The Careers support provided this year has been a standout element of Sixth Form life. With tailored advice, mock interviews, and work experience opportunities, students are guided every step of the way as they prepare for higher education and the world of work. Our Careers Department continues to offer one-on-one support, ensuring each student receives personalised advice based on their aspirations, whether that Is applying to Oxbridge, exploring apprenticeships, or embarking on a gap year.

Academically, the Sixth Form’s expanded curriculum continues to provide students with a well-rounded education. Alongside traditional A-levels, qualifications in Sports Leadership, Core Maths, EPQ, British Sign Language & TEFL, and Digital Skills, and an enriching Life Skills programme, are helping students develop a diverse set of competencies. Our Oxbridge success this year is testament to the dedication of both students and staff, with several offers achieved in highly competitive subjects.

Leadership is at the heart of our Sixth Form and, this year, Monitors and Heads of House have played a crucial role in fostering School spirit. Their leadership has been evident across a range of House events and competitions, helping to build camaraderie. The Charity Committee, led by Sixth Formers, has also had a huge impact, organizing the Fort Royal Party for local children and the Senior Citizens’ Christmas Party, which remain highlights of our community outreach efforts.

In addition to academic and leadership opportunities, students have thrived in their co-curricular activities. Our rowing team has seen outstanding success this year, with notable performances at regional and national competitions. Our rugby, netball, football, and hockey teams have delivered thrilling matches, both against local competitors and nationwide. The depth of talent across all teams speaks to the hard work and dedication of our students and coaches.

Music and drama in the Sixth Form have also had an exceptional year, with performances ranging from intimate recitals to large ensemble concerts and the Senior Show. Whether in orchestras, choirs, or bands, our Sixth Formers have demonstrated both technical skill and a passion for music. Meanwhile, the Peer Mentoring Programme has been a powerful way for older

students to give back, offering support and guidance to younger pupils navigating academic and social challenges.

Looking to the future, King’s Worcester Sixth Form is set to continue excelling across all areas. Our students are not only academically prepared but also equipped with the leadership, resilience, and sense of responsibility that will serve them well in higher education and beyond. As we wish our most recent Old Vigornians the very best of luck in their future endeavours, we look forward to seeing the continued success of our Sixth Formers, both present and past.

JOH

SCHOOL COUNCIL

The School Council has been around at King’s for many years, but this academic year saw the relaunch of School Council which set out its aim to be a pivotal platform for meaningful pupil voice and leadership development. School Council gives pupils the opportunity to input on strategic and operational matters at King’s whilst being fully aligned with the School’s vision of fostering curiosity, care and confidence to support the evolution of our community.

Pupils from across the Senior School were invited to nominate themselves to become School Council representatives. This year, The King’s School Council consisted of 17 pupils, two from each year, and co-chaired by three Sixth Formers. This crosssection approach allowed for all ages to be represented, and ideas shared across the three sections of the Senior School.

As part of the reform of School Council, the members selected a theme to work on via a project-based approach across the academic year. A clear timeframe of different phases was set out to keep the project on track; this included the ‘Learn’, ‘Plan’, ‘Deliver’ and ‘Review’ phases. The project this year was to create an up-stander community at King’s. During the ‘Learn’ phase of the project, School Council representatives engaged in independent research of what an up-stander community means before participating in a workshop and visit to Worcester Guildhall. The group really enjoyed their visit to The Guildhall, with thanks to former governor Jabba Riaz for helping to arrange this brilliant experience. School Council representatives were given a tour by the Mayor of Worcester and offered the opportunity to carry out a full debate in the Council Chamber, with feedback from the Mayor.

In the second half of the Autumn Term, the School Council reflected on the ‘Learn’ phase and came up with a plan for the year ahead. Sub projects were allocated to representatives and a timeframe for each deliverable put in place. Representatives began to appreciate just how much preparation time would be required.

Assemblies across the three sections were carried out where representatives shared the School Council definition of upstanding, along with education of what an up-stander looks like as opposed to a bystander. The four Ds method (Distract, Delegate, Document and Delay) were also shared with the

School and peers were given examples for each of the four Ds, based on school scenarios. In the Lower Years assembly, one of our representatives wrote a role play to show the strategy in action. This role play also formed part of our workshops which we ran for both King’s St Albans and King’s Hawford.

Whilst the representatives still consider School Council to be a ‘work in progress’, they met recently to review the year and, most importantly, talk about their achievements and highlights. Representatives have enjoyed taking part and are proud to have taken School Council at King’s in a new direction this year, with the reformation process being an interesting one in which to be involved. Meeting the Mayor, debating in the chamber and holding the Mayor’s ceremonial sword were also noted as highlights of the year. Representatives are pleased to have taken the four Ds message of upstanding and make it specific for the King’s community, changing elements of it to ensure it fitted the School community and age of all pupils in the King’s School Foundation, with adaptions made for each assembly or workshop. It has been a fantastic experience to share messages around upstanding to peers and, for many, this was the first time speaking in front of audiences of hundreds of people including classmates, teachers and governors.

“I have been very proud to represent Lower Fourth in school council. As well as working on school council’s upstander, bystander campaign I have enjoyed improving my leadership skills, meeting and working with students from across the different year groups and our visit to the Guildhall, where we met the mayor.”

Elodie-EveHathaway

KING’S HAWFORD

King’s Hawford is a personal best school. This is not an exercise in comparison (of children, results or anything else) but an exercise in competition. We want children to be striving to be better versions of themselves, better today than they were yesterday, and better tomorrow than they are today. I firmly believe that children have the very best chance of achieving their potential when they are continually encouraged by the adults around them. I think it worth reiterating that just winning or being successful is not nearly as important as the way we win or are successful, or indeed the character that we develop along the way.

COMMUNITY

Being almost two years into the role now, I feel that the School has not just got under my skin but has really captured both my head and my heart. It is an extraordinary privilege and one I shall never take lightly. I commented at the Summer Ball that one has a real insight into the strength of a community not just at the spectacularly good times, such as a superb Sports Day, brilliant production or epic Parents’ Association event, but when times are tough or sad, and the community suffers a loss. In recent weeks it has been clearer than ever to me that we are all fortunate to call ourselves members of this community, and to call on others when we most need. There is a tangible strength in togetherness that I have not felt elsewhere.

STAFFING

Much of this togetherness, of course, comes from parents and families but I am honoured to work with an exceptional staff body, the like of which just does not exist in other schools. Other schools talk about filling buckets or blowing up balloons, this is not the approach at King’s Hawford. As a wise man once said, “You can’t start a fire without a spark”, and I see colleagues on a daily basis lighting fires in our pupils’ imaginations and fanning the flames of curiosity with their creative approaches in and out of the classroom.

Of the 38 children moving across to the Senior School next year, 19 of them have been awarded some kind of scholarship or award - a quite brilliant testament to them as a group, but also to the work over the last year of Jo Atkins and Celia Rawnsley, and of all the members of staff who have put so much into the children during their time here at King’s Hawford. I could not wish for a better Year six teaching team; the work that goes on every year behind the scenes in ensuring a smooth transition to the Senior School starts early and is extremely detailed, with a personal handover of each child to the Lower Years team, so they are fully in the picture before September.

The senior team here at King’s Hawford has undergone a number of changes in the last year and I am delighted with both the structure and personnel we have in place. Lorne Stigant has reprised his co-curricular and events role to great effect and is responsible, amongst many things, for our packed calendar which is the envy of other schools, ensuring our children can experience much throughout the year. Oli

Roberts has completed his first full year as Head of Pre-Prep and I am very pleased with how that section of the school is managed, with high expectations and academic ambition to the fore from an early age. Caroline Knight has taken on the pastoral oversight of the School and has quietly developed many of the processes the children will be familiar with, whether school rules, the House system or the exciting new Prefect system, which she has been responsible for re-vamping from September onwards. I have been especially delighted with how Richard Cook has taken to his position, overseeing our academic provision, coordinating our timetable and staff deployment, and our ongoing move to a new management information system. There are many things that Richard does extremely well, but nothing is more highly prized by me than his deep knowledge of how an ambitious, curious Hawfordian turns into a brilliant Vigornian, and the part that our academic rigour plays in the “King’s Ready” process.

The ease with which families settle into our community starts with Melanie Adams’ friendly, professional and goodhumoured approach and I am very grateful to her. Gemma Woolley is responsible for many of the communications that go out from the School and her eye for detail and kind, nononsense manner is just what is needed in her role. I couldn’t do my job as I do without Laura Crowe keeping me in line and providing invaluable insight and support. She helps me to see the big picture, and cares deeply about the school and the children and families with whom we work. The King’s warmth really does start with these three.

As the School’s campus undergoes continual development, I am so grateful that we have the very best Estates team going. Andy Callow has worked tirelessly throughout the wettest winter any of us can remember to maintain playing field areas and set aside havens for our wildlife, which now look brilliant and have made a real difference on both the top and bottom fields. Nick Vaughan is one of the most practically skilled individuals I have ever met and has a real understanding of the needs of the School, and our children. Whether constructing our living wall, fixing a leak or rehoming fledgling bluetits back onto the roof of the Main House, he is unflappable. We are very lucky to have them both as part of our team.

This year we say goodbye to two members of staff. We actually said goodbye to Sarah Layton at the same time last year when she left us after two years as a gappie to complete her teaching practice, but she is finally leaving again, now having completed her final practice with us, and securing her primary teaching job at the first attempt. Well done Sarah, and good luck. Harry Coopey-Palmer, or Mr C-P as the children would know him, leaves us after one year as our boys’ sports gappie, and we thank him for his enthusiastic efforts this year and wish him well for his planned career in the military.

Our Foundation’s vision is for children to be curious, caring and confident. Underpinning this vision are our five Foundation values of Ambition, Resilience, Humility, Creativity and Kindness.

AMBITION

If we do not have high expectations of our children, we are letting them down and we will continue to strive to stretch each child to reach their own potential. Staff are also responsible for setting the tone with ambition, whether it is taking the whole of Reception on the train to Birmingham for a museum visit, planning an open-water swim for the children, running a ski trip across the Foundation or plotting a production rehearsal schedule over a two-month period to ensure all bases are covered. All of these are major undertakings, but part of daily life at our School. No-one epitomises this ambition more than Lisa Hyde who champions our languages provision starting in Kindergarten, where some children have only recently learnt to speak in their first language. Yet, with Lisa’s guidance and inspirational teaching, they start to learn their first foreign language. The ambition with which Sam Hodgkins has developed our sports programme is reflected every time our children take the field of play. Our children have performed superbly in Regional IAPS rugby, hockey, football, swimming and netball tournaments, and continued to travel further afield in search of appropriate fixtures, after exhausting the local competition (pun intended). The girls winning Malvern College’s Aquathlon, the U11 boys winning RGS’ 6-a-side Cricket Tournament and the girls winning the County Cricket Tournament, again at RGS, have been notable achievements. By far the highlight of the sporting year has been the U11 girls travelling to Bristol Grammar School and beating all comers to become IAPS cricket champions.

RESILIENCE

Resilience is woven through our DNA at King’s Hawford. We aim to offer children an environment where they feel comfortable taking risks and are encouraged to keep going when things are tough. This happens on a daily basis in classroom learning but, on a more visceral level, in some of the extraordinary experiences in which children have the opportunity to take part. This could be illustrated by our first open-water Aquathon involving a cold lake swim, a competitive biathlon for Years Three and Four, House crosscountry or our residential programme, which is such a key part of our provision. The planning and coordination that goes into our whole programme of educational visits is enormous and continues to be championed by Janet Redman.

HUMILITY

Putting other people first and appreciating how fortunate we all are at King’s Hawford is a key part of humility. Our place within the King’s Foundation ensures we all appreciate that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. This starts with pupil voice, and our 48 parliamentarians who give up their time to represent their peers in discussing issues and making decisions across the School for the greater good. It is clearly visible in our Year Six cohort who made the decision, unbeknownst to me, at the start of the year to go into Kindergarten to help out at playtime. Our programme of giving and focus on charity is the best realisation of this value. Parents and families are extremely supportive of our School charities and the various fundraising events throughout the year, and I am very grateful to be part of such a generous and outward-looking community. Our continuing relationship with Project Gambia was further strengthened this year when Emma Lane visited the country and saw the work going on in person. Cool Earth and the Midlands Air Ambulance, voted for by the children, have also benefited from our community’s generosity. Again, Lorne has spearheaded this and I am delighted that we raised just over £10,100 for our three school charities throughout this academicyear - quite a phenomenal effort.

CREATIVITY

Creativity is the bedrock of our teaching approach, and all children can be engaged with the wonderfully different lessons they are exposed to every week. There are standout moments throughout the year where children are able to share with us their most creative and brilliant side, be it the myriad of productions, and the glorious ad hoc moments which are often their highlights, or our astonishingly varied music programme, which brings us so much joy as a school community. The productions of Robin Hood and Scheherazade we were privileged to witness this year will live long in the memory. I am so proud of the work Sophie Hughes puts into leading this area of School life and I believe it really is a point of difference, both in final quality and the quantity of children who have an active involvement. Our Senior Choir once again shone, triumphing for the second consecutive year at the Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts and bringing us to tears not once, but twice, at separate St Richard’s Hospice Lights of Love celebrations in the Cathedral. The Leonardo Competition, which accompanied our Earth Day activities, produced some stunning pieces and showcased the artistic prowess of over 45 children across a wide variety of media, all of whom have honed their skills in Art and DT lessons.

KINDNESS

Kindness permeates throughout our community. It is what made us feel so at home as a family when we moved here almost two years ago. Caring for each other is never more evident than on the most fiercely competitive day of the year, Sports Day, where the undoubted highlights are always the mutual encouragement and celebration of each other’s efforts from the children, particularly in support of those who may find specific events harder than others. Many parents have commented to me how the supportive community spirit sets us apart as a School and I could not agree more. This is consistently reinforced in assemblies when understandably nervous musical performers are encouraged and supported by their friends - a warm smile and quiet thumbs up go a long way! Kindness also extends to caring for our environment and our continued drive to be as sustainable and eco-friendly as possible. Children have developed a deep understanding of what they can do on an individual level to support this and have been involved in improving habitats for birds, insects, mammals and amphibians, as well as looking at the bigger picture of reducing our plastic use and food waste as an organisation.

LEAVERS

“I will finish with some advice to our Year six leavers.

You are part of the biggest year group we will be sending across to the Senior School in many years, and it must be very exciting that you are staying together for the next stage of your King’s journey. There are some of you who have been here for the last nine years of your life, and others who have joined in the final year – but I am sure you will all look back on your time at King’s Hawford with fond memories.

You will all leave here being able to describe yourselves as “can do” individuals, but this mindset doesn’t just happen overnight, it takes work. You became “can do” individuals because you adopted the mindset of “can’t do this…. yet”. Much of life is about incremental gains and keeping going when things are difficult, and school is absolutely no different. It is this resilience and willingness to place yourselves out of your comfort zone which will mark you out forever as Hawfordians.

Finally, in an Olympic year, as you pass the torch or indeed baton on to Year Five, it may be fitting to think of you moving on in this way. Your parents, your teachers, your friends, and the whole King’s Hawford community has provided you with the springboard. It is now up to you to have the ambition to take the leap. I cannot wait to follow your onward journeys.”

Tom Butt, Headmaster – July 2024

KING’S ST ALBAN’S

The academic year 2023-2024 has been a splendid one for King’s St Alban’s. We celebrated a thriving community, concluding the year with 188 children from Nursery to Year Six.

This year brought significant changes, most notably the heartfelt farewell to our Headmaster, Richard Chapman. We thank him for his leadership and dedication and wish him all the best in his new role of Head of Lower Years at KSW.

At the same time, we warmly welcomed Nick Hawker as our new Headmaster. Joining him are his wife Gemma, their two children, Archie and Izzy, who have become part of the KSA family and, of course, Maggie the dog, who has already won the hearts of many!

With this transition comes a renewed sense of opportunity, growth and optimism. We are excited to embrace the future and everything it holds for King’s St Alban’s. The year has set the stage for continued success and an even-stronger school community.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR

• All our Year Six pupils gained entry into the Senior School following the entrance assessment, with 22 awards given to King’s St Alban’s pupils.

• Creative ConneXions staged in the JMT with the theme of My Generation was another success, involving all children from the Prep School.

• Choristers sang for Queen Camilla as she visited Worcester Cathedral to distribute Royal Maundy Money.

• The Chamber Choir performed as part of Nature Sings: SingTogether in the Cathedral as part of the Three Choirs participation programme.

STAFFING

As well as the School’s new Head Nick Hawker from January, we also welcomed Adam Kent as the School’s Deputy Head.

This year we said goodbye to some much-loved members of staff:

Richard Chapman took up his role as Head of Lower Years at KSW. We thank Richard for his leadership of King’s St Alban’s over the last seven years and all he has done to support and shape this School.

Mrs Askew left the School, her year here as a Teaching Assistant at an end. We are fortunate to have benefitted from her warmth and generosity and wish her every happiness.

Mrs Knipe left us having worked as the School’s SENCO for the last five years. Many thanks to Marie for all she has done to enrich the lives of the children through her work in the Learning Support Department. We wish her a long and happy retirement.

Mrs Lewis left KSA after 16 years as a teacher here. Liz’s role has been varied during her time at King’s St Alban’s, having worked as Form Tutor, Class Teacher, and Dance Teacher. We are all grateful for her work to champion the cause of Wellbeing and Mindfulness; so much so that Wellbeing and Mindfulness are both now a core part of the School’s identity. We are pleased that Liz will return to KSA in Autumn 2024 to continue working with children in preparing for Creative ConneXions 2025.

We have been blessed with two fantastic Gap Assistants in Miss Stubbs and Mr Norman. Olivia and Stan approached everything with such a positive attitude and with much commitment and energy, and the children benefitted from their kindness and support.

CHARITY

Seeing the world beyond our own horizons is a key part of character building KSA pupils; our outlook is very much that we work hard to ensure we understand the needs of the world around us. To that end, this year has been another successful one in the life of the School’s charity work. Along with donations to local foodbanks and book donations to Project Gambia, the School has raised over £3000 for many charities: Acorns, The Children’s Society, NSPCC, Comic Relief and Birmingham Children’s Hospital are just some charities we have supported.

SPORT

Rugby at King’s St Alban’s has had an amazing year! The level of rugby across School is impressive. All children in Years Three to Six have been part of many exciting matches and festivals, showing brilliant progress. Our U11 team had an exceptional year. They performed admirably at the IAPS Tournament, facing some of the best schools in the region and showing how strong our KSA rugby programme is. Two highlights were tournaments at Hymers College and Rosslyn Park. At Hymers, our team went unbeaten in the group stages and just missed out on the trophy, narrowly losing to St Peter’s York team in the final. We joined forces with King’s Hawford to create a foundation King’s Worcester U11 team for the prestigious Rosslyn Park Rugby 7s tournament. We played against prep schools from all over the country and finished second!

Pre-season training in hockey was an excellent start, giving girls valuable playing experience before Games lessons and matches started. We played many fixtures in all age groups and entered age-appropriate hockey tournaments. These are valuable experiences for the girls. The Year Six highlight was the U11 IAPS Hockey Tournament. A promising start meant we won our opening match against Wycliffe and were through to the plate competition and an exciting match against Hazlegrove. The score was level at the end of time, and we waited for the golden goal. Unfortunately, it was not in our favour, and we were out of the competition. Hockey has, however, gone from strength to strength this season with many girls enjoying Games lessons, fixtures, clubs, and outside club.

It has been a remarkable year in football, showcasing the fast, fluid passing style we practise in our Games lessons and clubs. We participated in numerous fixtures throughout the term, had several strong teams, and there was healthy competition for spots within each squad. A highlight was when nine boys competed in the IAPS football tournament, where they played against strong opponents. Additionally, it was fantastic to see that, on multiple occasions this year, every single boy in the Prep School had an opportunity to be selected and play competitive fixtures against local schools.

In netball, we were fortunate to have a National Performance

THE ARTS

League netballer, Miss Haynes, join us to focus on the Year Six girls’ preparation for the IAPS competition. All can agree it was a wonderful day to showcase some brilliant netball. In March, Year Five and Year Six girls joined with King’s Hawford to play in the Warwick Prep Netball Tournament. The Year Fives had a successful morning, winning every match in a round robin tournament, thereby being crowned overall winners. We have high hopes for them next season. The season culminated with the Superball match at Worcester Arena. Our Year Six girls were invited to a training session coached by Severn Stars players before taking their seats to watch the big match.

Cricket has flourished over the past five years. It’s incredible to end the year with a sport which promotes inclusivity, with boys and girls competing together at the same level. Two significant highlights include the boys placing third in a regional IAPS Cricket Tournament; a fantastic achievement for every child involved. Additionally, the girls participated in their first hardball tournament and performed exceptionally well, securing third place.

While swimming faced a bit of a challenge, due to the refurbishment of our pool, KSA did, however, manage to enter the IAPS and ESSA events, and we were pleased with our pupils’ efforts. One highlight of the year was the return of The Aquathlon. Our children put in an excellent team performance, and we were particularly proud of Helena, who won the U12 girls’ race. Her achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of students and coaches alike.

Athletics has gone from strength to strength. We have been impressed with the enthusiasm of our athletes. Running club is always well attended, and pupils love running along the river, regardless of the weather. We had some standout performances with Alban breaking the 80m record at the RGS meet. We attended the IAPS qualifier and Helena blew the field away with an outstanding 1500m performance!

Well done to all our children for all their enthusiasm and efforts throughout the year and a big thank you to all the parents for your unwavering support. Your encouragement and involvement are vital to our success.

Arts are an important part of everyday life at King’s St Alban’s. This year’s programme had plenty to keep our actors, artists, dancers and musicians busy.

We enjoyed many successful concerts throughout the year. The Informal Concert series has been incredibly popular, with each event seeing the Chapel packed with performers and supporters. It has been lovely to see everyone grow in confidence throughout the year. Our choirs and ensembles worked hard in weekly rehearsals to prepare for our more formal College Hall concerts. These involve every child in the Prep School and are a real highlight of each term.

As Christmas approached, Years Three and Year Four were thrilled to sing on the main stage at the Victorian Christmas Fayre. They had a wonderful time performing a mix of carols and seasonal songs to an enthusiastic audience.  Our Prep School Carol Service at the end of term was a wonderful occasion. The choirs sang beautifully, and our Year Six instrumentalists enjoyed supporting the congregational carols. It was a fitting climax to a busy term’s music-making.

In March, the Chamber Choir was privileged to take part in a special concert in Worcester Cathedral. Entitled NatureSings: SingTogether, this event was part of the Three Choirs Festival year-round participation programme, and brought together children from schools across the city in a massed choir to sing songs linked with the festival theme of The Natural World

Concert trips and workshops have been an enjoyable part of the year. Junk drumming, Cathedral Concerts, a trip to Symphony Hall to hear the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and a visit to The Elgar Birthplace Museum all helped music to come alive away from the classroom. Many of our older musicians enjoyed a fun day’s music-making at the Foundation Orchestral Workshop, a fantastic opportunity for them to play in a large orchestra alongside musicians from King’s Hawford and the Senior School.

Over the course of the year, many of our musicians have achieved success in their Associated Board music exams.

Taking a great deal of preparation, everyone should be proud of their excellent results. In addition, several Year Six pupils sat Music Scholarship auditions for King’s Senior School. In a highly competitive field, we were thrilled all our applicants gained awards.

KSA Drama Club’s performance of Geoff Bamber’s The Phantom and The Phoenix was a triumph of mystery and mayhem. Set in a characterless museum on the brink of collapse, a new exhibit catches the eye of a notorious thief, the Phantom. As the museum workers and local law enforcement try to protect the supposedly valuable Phoenix, chaos and delirium ensue allowing the Phantom to take action. The cast, made up of members of Year Six, took on multiple comical roles: a hopeless police sergeant, a cheeky fireman, foolish guards and constables, and a whole host of nosy cleaners. The enthusiasm of this fantastic cast shone through, and their hard work resulted in an outstanding performance. Well done!

LAMDA has become an increasingly popular option, with many choosing to take individual and group lessons. They enjoyed performing at the Worcester Competitive Arts Festival, as well as achieving success in their exams.

It has been a super year for dance at KSA. We started off in December with a festive Chance to Dance. This was a great opportunity for children to choreograph their own dances and show them to an appreciative audience in the Wightman theatre.

Creative ConneXions, which took place in March, had a lovely feel-good factor to it. The show, My Generation, was a fantastic celebration of art, music, dance, and poetry.

PARENTS’

SOCIAL GROUP

School is one part of the jigsaw which supports children’s development. We often speak to parents about the importance of the triangular relationships between school, parents and children, and how children always succeed most when there is culture of strong support, open dialogue and mutual respect between home and school. We are grateful that this culture is so well established at King’s St Alban’s.  One important aspect of this, of course, is the work of the Parents’ Social Group who have done so much to support our children by organising parties and events. A particular highlight was the Roald Dahl themed World Book Day, complete with over 200 ‘Wonky’ Bars and a celebrity guest, Willy Wonka! Many thanks to the PSG, as well as all other volunteers who helped at events.

CHORISTERS

There is something hugely reassuring and life-affirming about the continual presence of the Cathedral, and the continual thread of the universal Christian values which still sit at the heart of our Foundation’s mission. As the Choir School here in Worcester, we are so proud of the work of our Cathedral choristers. There is something special about the daily rhythm of a chorister’s life, and their dedication ensures that exceptional musical standards are the norm as part of the Cathedral’s daily ministry.

There is no doubt that one highlight of this academic year was the visit of Her Majesty, Queen Camilla, who visited the Cathedral on behalf of the King on Maundy Thursday. The service was spectacular, and it was an enormous privilege and joy to see the choristers play such a key part in that service, along with counterparts from the Chapel Royal.

MOVING ON

“As you all move on to pastures new, I urge you all to take something of the KSA ‘can do’ outlook with you; try to approach everything with an open mind, be courageous when facing new challenges, grasp opportunities with both hands but, above all, just as you have during your time at King’s St Alban’s, aim to continue to show kindness to others in all you do. I wish you the very best – good luck Year Six.”

NickHawker,Headmaster–July2024

OLD VIGORNIANS, DEVELOPMENT TRUST & ARCHIVES

Our Trustees over the year of 2023-24 have been:

Nick Clark - Chairman of the DevelopmentTrust,OV, andOVCommittee Member

John Attwater - Friend of the School

Bill Ballard - Governor and member of the Finance and General Purposes Committee, former parent

Katie Beever - Staff member

Lewis Bryer - OVand current parent

Hugh Carslake - Former Chairman of Governors and former parent

Tom Dupernex - OV

Hannah Edwards - Current parent

John Foley - OVand former parent

Laurie Green - OV and Governor

Wendy Hobbs – Friend of the School

Donald Howell - Former Chairman of Governors and OV

The Trust is supported by Executive Officers:

Gareth Doodes - Headmaster

Georgina Mason - Director of Finance and Business Development

Hannah Sparrey - Head of Alumni and Business Development

More information on our Trustees can be found on the King’s School website at: ksw.org.uk/alumni/about/the-trust

Updates in Data Protection Legislation

We are committed to ensuring that contact details are kept up to date and we also work hard to ensure that all members of the King’s family hear from the Alumni and Business Development Office as they wish (giving options for individuals to personalise the method and purpose of communications).

On all correspondence from the office, a link is provided to personalise communications preferences and we adhere to GDPR legislation - using Legitimate Interest as our basis for processing data - when communicating with all individuals, for whom we hold contact details. Our Privacy Notice in relation to development and alumni activities of King’s can be found on the alumni/ about/alumni-development-privacy-notice section of the King’s website.

OV Committee

2023-24 Committee and Officers

President: James Smalley

Vice President: Vacant

Chairperson: Julia Annable

Elected Members:

Julia Annable

Nick Clark

Rebecca Day

David Head

Caroline Krolikowski

David Ogle

Claire Turner

Hon Secretary: Nick Stephens

Hon Treasurer: John Potter

Headmaster: Gareth Doodes

King’s School Alumni Representative: Hannah Sparrey

Our thanks to the OV Committee who offer their time and support for the School and OV events. During the year, the Committee welcomed Caroline Krolikowski but were saddened when Julia Annable stepped down from her longstanding role as Chair, although remains on the Committee, and Nick Clark resigned.

THE KING’S SCHOOL WORCESTER DEVELOPMENT TRUST

The School remains immensely grateful for the support we receive from OVs, parents, and other members of our Vigornian community. Their volunteering, advice, time, and financial contributions make a significant difference. The primary focus of fundraising for the King‘s School Worcester Development Trust has always been, and continues to be, providing bursaries for pupils. In our ever evolving and diverse world, it is crucial to open the doors of King‘s to support talented and capable young individuals.

Thanks to the generous donations of individuals, our “Open the Door” Bursary Campaign has raised over £2.85m since its launch in May 2018. We were able to support 12 bursaries during the year leading up to July 2024, including two pupils whose places were funded by the generous donation from the Kildare Trust. Each Kildare Bursary provides seven years of fully funded education, offering a remarkable opportunity for these children to benefit from everything King‘s has to offer.

Individually funded bursaries and significant donations to the Trust

We are delighted that, from September 2023, there were six pupils at King’s being personally funded by three individuals:

John Weston (S 62-69) - The Weston Bursary will fund one bursary place at School for the foreseeable long-term future

John Foley (Cl 64-74) - The Foley Family Bursary will fund a full bursary at King’s every year for the foreseeable future

Mark Haworth (Cl 81-88) whose wonderful generosity is currently providing funding for a number of pupils at the school

Thanks also to the generosity of OV Michael Pimley (H 61-71), an additional new bursary has been created. The Trapé Bursary,

given by Michael Pimley, will provide a child with seven years of fully funded education at King’s from September 2024.

Furthermore, we are grateful to OV, the late Ray Franklin (Cl 43-49) for kindly remembering the King’s School Worcester Development Trust in his will. His generous legacy will have a great impact on the King’s bursary programme, for which we are very grateful.

A range of OV branded merchandise was launched in November 2023 as OVs, staff, parents, and former parents from across the Foundation added some Vigornian festive spirit to their Christmas tree with a King’s Bauble! The inaugural year of the King’s baubles saw over 200 sold, generating an incredible £800 for the King’s School Worcester Development Trust Bursary Campaign.

King’s bursaries really do change lives, with one of our former bursary pupils, who graduated in the summer of 2020 from Oxford University, telling us, “King’sgavemeacertainbravery to reach higher and enjoy my own individuality. It taught me to take risks and to think outside of the box. The Bursary Programmerepresentsarareinitiativeinwhichthegenerosity of others is translated into a permanent and exceptional gift to a young person. I want to express my thanks and best wishes to every person who has, and will, contribute. “

Similarly, a parent of one of our recent bursary pupils told us, “We will always be grateful to King‘s for the support that they have given to all three of our children. They have all loved being at King‘s and have gained so much academically, socially and through extracurricular activities.We have no doubt that thesuccessthattheyareallachievingisdowntotheexcellent schooling that they have received.”

Anyone who might be considering making a donation can contact the Development & Alumni Relations Office on 01905 721719, or by email on alumni@ksw.org.uk and further information about King’s School Bursaries can be found on our website: ksw.org.uk/alumni/support-kings We are always very grateful for donations to the Trust at whatever level.

Thank you to our past and present Trustees: We continue to be incredibly fortunate to have individuals as Trustees who represent the wide breadth of the King’s School family and are very grateful to these Trustees for their careful stewardship of donated monies.

The Trust makes a vital contribution to each of the School’s four strategic pillars of Foundation, Sustainability, Futures and Community & Outreach, particularly the last, with its focus on equity, inclusion, and diversity. We would like to thank all the Trustees, who offer their most valuable time and expertise at our termly Trust meetings. In particular Nick Clark (H 88-90), as Trust Chairman, Hannah Edwards as Chair of the Investment Committee, and Lewis Bryer (Cl 78-87) who chairs the Nominations Committee. Despite these most challenging times in our national and international economy, our investments continue to be very carefully managed and the bursaries funded thereby remain a fundamental focus for the Trust, providing life-changing opportunities for the young people who benefit in such an extraordinary way from the generosity of others.

Our Trustees over the year of 2023-24 have been:

Nick Clark - Chairman of the DevelopmentTrust,OV, and OV Committee Member

John Attwater - Friend of the School

Bill Ballard - Governor and member of the Finance and General Purposes Committee, former parent

Katie Beever - Staff member

Lewis Bryer - OVand current parent

Hugh Carslake - Former Chairman of Governors and former parent

Tom Dupernex - OV

Hannah Edwards - Current parent

John Foley - OVand former parent

Laurie Green - OV and Governor

Wendy Hobbs – Friend of the School

Donald Howell - Former Chairman of Governors and OV

The Trust is supported by Executive Officers:

Gareth Doodes - Headmaster

Georgina Mason - Director of Finance and Business Development

Hannah Sparrey - Head of Alumni and Business Development

More information on our Trustees can be found on the King’s School website at: ksw.org.uk/alumni/about/the-trust

Updates in Data Protection Legislation

We are committed to ensuring that contact details are kept up to date and we also work hard to ensure that all members of the King’s family hear from the Alumni and Business Development Office as they wish (giving options for individuals to personalise the method and purpose of communications). On all correspondence from the office, a link is provided to personalise communications preferences and we adhere to GDPR legislation - using Legitimate Interest as our basis for processing data - when communicating with all individuals, for whom we hold contact details. Our Privacy Notice in relation to development and alumni activities of King’s can be found on the alumni/about/alumni-development-privacynotice section of the King’s website.

OV Committee

2023-24 Committee and Officers

President: James Smalley

Vice President: Vacant

Chairperson: Julia Annable

Hon Secretary: Nick Stephens

Hon Treasurer: John Potter

Elected Members:

Julia Annable

Nick Clark

Rebecca Day

David Head

Caroline Krolikowski

David Ogle

Claire Turner

Headmaster: Gareth Doodes

King’s School Alumni Representative: Hannah Sparrey

Our thanks to the OV Committee who offer their time and support for the School and OV events. During the year, the Committee welcomed Caroline Krolikowski but were saddened when Julia Annable stepped down from her longstanding role as Chair, although remains on the Committee, and Nick Clark resigned.

BARNABAS

Distinguished OVs, who have excelled in their chosen professions, are invited by the Headmaster to join The Barnabas Group and speak to the School in Worcester Cathedral about their experiences, lessons learned, and the encouragement they feel able to pass on as a result. Founded in 2008, the group is name after St. Barnabas, the “son of encouragement” (Acts of the Apostles, Ch. 4, v.36). As part of their visit, each Barnabas speaker also spends time with the Headmaster and the Heads of School, when they are presented with the Barnabas Shield as an official “welcome” and “thank you”.

This year, we were honoured to welcome OVs Abbas Kazerooni (Ch 91-96) and Lara Vafiadis (Os 06-08) as the newest members of the Barnabas Group.

Abbas is founding partner of the law firm Kazerooni Law Group, APC, based in California, where he specialises in personal injury, consumer rights and class actions. He is also an Adjunct Professor of Law and teaches Consumer Law at the California Western School of Law. This follows a successful writing career, with two books to his name, which chart Abbas’ dramatic and difficult journey from Tehran to England during the Iran-Iraq war (On Two Feet and Wings), and then his life once he had arrived in England, which includes his time at King’s (The Boy with Two Lives). In addition to this, Abbas is a professional actor and producer, with experience across TV, stage, and the silver screen.

In Abbas’s address to the School, he explained the essential role that King’s had played in his life, sharing his experiences of being homeless and how, despite not knowing his circumstances, his teachers, his school friends, and the School gave him a safe space, solace, and the family that he needed. Abbas reminded us how it is a privilege to be at King’s, no matter how you may have come to be here, and how with that privilege comes many responsibilities, the greatest of which is to give back.

Following his address, Abbas joined L4A, who had been reading his books, along with King’s Librarian Annabel Jeffery (Hon OV) and was grilled for half an hour!

Abbas also retraced his steps to the John Moore Theatre, where he had many fond memories, to see the name plaques on the theatre seats he had very generously sponsored in honour of those friends and former teachers who mean so much to him.

Abbas then enjoyed lunch in the McTurk Room in the Matthew Armstrong Library, with Hon OVs Simon Cuthbertson and Richard Davis and a group of sixth formers who were keen to meet with him. Abbas and the students talked about their hopes and aspirations, and he gave them some helpful and thoughtful advice for their future careers.

The Lower Remove WRAITH group promptly took over the seats from the students, as they too had been reading Abbas’s books and were brimming with questions for him.

In the afternoon, Abbas returned to No. 12 College Green, where he visited Gwyn Williams’ (Hon OV) U6 Business Studies group, followed by Antonio Zarro’s L6 Business Studies group, some of whom remembered reading Abbas’s books when they were in the Lower Years and who had many questions, both about Abbas’ history and his life now.

Our many thanks to Abbas and Lara for giving their day to the staff and pupils of King’s, for answering so many questions, so patiently, and inspiring the future generations.

The full articles on our Barnabas Speakers and their visits, can be found at www.ksw.org.uk/alumni/clubsand-groups/the-barnabas-group/ and you can watch and listen to both Abbas and Lara’s full addressed on the School’s YouTube channel.

March 2024 saw King’s welcome Lara, who holds the incredible accolade of being one of only 23 women ever to row any ocean solo, having successfully crossed the Atlantic, solo and unsupported, in 98 days, making land in March 2023. Lara had previously sailed the Atlantic, having gained her Yachtmaster Qualification at only 21, and felt rowing the 3,000 miles was the logical next step. In addition to her inspiring challenge which raised significant sums for charity, Lara is employed in the cyber security sector, and is a passionate advocate for Women in Tech, helping to foster diversity and inclusivity in STEM by speaking at corporate events, inspiring the next generation.

On Barnabas Day, Lara spoke eloquently, taking the opportunity to provide an essence of how she has failed but also how she has succeeded in her time since leaving King’s. The core advice Lara imparted was around five key points, inviting the pupils to take at least one of the points to heart to help them in some way in their life and future career.

Lara further inspired in her conclusion, “I’m not saying to go and row an ocean, but we have our own ‘oceans’, things in which we want to succeed. There will, though, be tides, weather, injuries, things that push you off course, things that don’t go right, but if you go all in, ask questions, control the controllables, be kind, and most importantly don’t underestimate yourself, you will get there.”

Lara was kind enough to spend the full day at King’s, meeting with Sixth Form students in their lessons and for lunch, answering a huge array of their questions covering her rowing challenge and her career, and offering very useful and practical advice for the students.

OV REUNIONS AND EVENTS

We have been delighted to welcome OVs, Honorary OVs and members of the King’s Family to a great variety of events, reunions, School and career visits over the past year. Here is a snapshot of some of the events hosted or facilitated by the Alumni and Business Development Office – for more photos of past events, OVs can view them on the secure OV platform, The Vigornian Hub. More details of future events can be found both on the Hub and on the School website, in the Alumni section.

Henley Royal Regatta

After a few years away from the Henley Royal Regatta, it was great to have the King‘s Worcester gazebo return in June 2023 and again in June 2024 to adorn the Henley Cricket Club‘s ground. We hugely enjoyed welcoming so many OVs, and their friends, to the King’s Worcester gazebo; it is always such a joy to meet with OVs from across the eras whose love for the sport they had found at King’s is still going strong!

New OV BBQ for the Years of 2021, 2022 and 2023

It was an absolute pleasure to see over 100 of our newest OVs from the years of 2021, 2022 and 2023 for their New OV BBQ. We were blessed by glorious sunshine as we enjoyed food, drink, and plenty of opportunities to catch up in the Mulberry Marquee and Quad. It was lovely to hear what excitements the OVs have in store for the next chapter of their lives.

The

In September 2023, we opened the doors to College Hall to welcome OVs from across the generations to the 120th Annual OV Dinner. This followed the OV Club AGM in the Mulberry Marquee.

The evening began with welcome drinks, kindly sponsored by OV David Mills (H 44-53) and OVs Charles (Cl 78-88) and Julia Annable (née Simcock, Co 85-87) of Brockway Carpets.

The 2023 Chappel Memorial Award Winner, which recognises the oldest OV present who has not previously won, was OV David Clark (Cl 50-56). There was a fantastic turnout from the years of 1983, 1993 and 2003, with a special

The compére for the evening was due to be OV and Hon Secretary of the OV Committee, Nick Stephens (Br 77-84); however, as Nick was convalescing from COVID, the OV Committee’s Chair, Julia Annable (née Simcock, Co 85-87), graciously stepped in. We were honoured to have OV, The Rev’d Martin Loveless (Cr 54-64) offer the grace before the delicious three-course dinner began.

Following the dinner, all those gathered toasted The King, before the new President of the OV Club, OV James Smalley (Br 10-17) took to the lectern. James had been officially voted in at the OV Club Committee AGM which had preceded the dinner, so this was his inaugural duty in the role. On behalf of the School, Headmaster Gareth Doodes then welcomed all present. In particular, he thanked everyone for their support of David Clark’s 10K run and fundraising for the School’s Bursary campaign, which had inspired him and others on the King’s staff to join David and donate their fundraising activities for their half-marathon the following morning. Gareth gave special thanks to the OV Committee, who donated the proceeds both from this dinner and the 119th Dinner in support of David’s fundraising and the bursaries.

The weekend was completed with the traditional Sunday Eucharist in Worcester Cathedral. It was very special to have OV James Smalley and Hon OV Richard Chapman

A wonderfully balmy October evening welcomed the Year of 2018 back to King’s for their Five-Year Reunion with one OV explaining that it felt like they were 14 years-old again!

The OVs were joined for drinks and canapés by some of their former teachers, including (Hon OVs) Katie Beever, Robin Booth, Jim Chalmers, Gilly, Jonny Mason, Ronan McLavertyHead, Donna Salkeld and Chris Wilson. All happily reminisced about their schooldays and what they have achieved in the five years since leaving. As ever, the OVs carried the reuniting on into Worcester, but not until a vote had been taken for which establishment would be the first stop on the Nine Dots tour; the King’s Head won.

School House Lunch 2023

Thank you so much to OV Tim Wadsworth (S 56-61) who arranges the annual School House Lunch, on this occasion held at the RAF Club in Piccadilly, made possible by David Murray (S 45-61), a member of the club. Tim added, “As ever, it was a pleasure to reminisce about shared youthful experiences of over 50 years ago and to catch up on whole lifetimes.”

Remembrance Day 2023

On Friday 10th November 2023, the King’s School Worcester, OVs, Hon OVs, Governors and Trustees gathered in Worcester Cathedral to commemorate The Fallen in a moving and poignant Service of Remembrance.

The President of the OV Club and former Head of School, James Smalley (Br 10-17) laid the wreath on behalf of all OVs, accompanied by one of the Heads of School, Jasmine S, who laid a wreath on behalf of the School. The wreaths had been marched into the Cathedral by the King’s CCF Colour Guard. Prayers were led by the Rev’d Dr Dorsett (Hon OV)

Our thanks go to OV Lieutenant Commander (retd) Ed Sutcliffe RN (Cl 82-92), who gave the Address during the service. After Ed’s Address, members of the current CCF then each stood in turn from their seats around the Cathedral to remember those members of our Vigornian Community who died in action in 1903 and 1943.

While on his visit to King’s on this occasion, Ed also spoke with Upper Sixth students interested in a career in the Armed Forces, giving them a welcome insight into this world.

OV London Drinks 2024

In a change from recent years, the event was held at The Clarence in Whitehall. A wonderful cross-section of OVs was in attendance, from younger OVs near the start of their careers to those enjoying their retirement.

Joining the OVs were OV and King’s Director of Operations, Adam Winter (Cl 84-94), King‘s Director of Foundation Communications, Andrew Maund (Hon OV), and Headmaster Gareth Doodes, alongside Hannah and Amanda from the Alumni Relations team.

Ten Year Reunion for the Year of 2014

It was wonderful to welcome back the Year of 2014 to King’s to celebrate their Ten Year Reunion, starting with tours of the School, accompanied by current Upper Sixth students to take a trip down memory lane. The OVs reconvened in the Mulberry Marquee with their school friends, many of whom had not seen each other since their Five Year Reunion, or even since leaving School!

Joining the OVs were some of their former teachers, including (Hon OVs) Katie Beever, Claire Neville, Dr Richard James, Chris Haywood, Gilly, Jonny Mason, and Russ Mason. It was a particular pleasure to welcome back Hon OV and former Headmaster Tim Keyes along with Mary Anne Keyes, who had similarly left King’s in the summer of 2014.

Current Headmaster, Gareth Doodes, formally welcomed the Year of 2014 back to King’s before handing over to their Headmaster, Tim Keyes, to say a few words. OV and former Head of School, Dr Corah Lewis (Ch 07-14), followed Tim. Corah had prepared a brilliant poem, which was welcomed with cheers from her friends!

1541 Society Lunch

On Friday 10th May 2024 we were delighted to welcome members of the 1541 Society to lunch in the Michael Baker Boathouse.

The 1541 Society encompasses all elements of the King’s Community comprising OVs, Hon OVs, current and former parents. It recognises those individuals who have supported the King’s School Worcester Development Trust in a major way, whether through an extraordinary gift, legacy pledge, or by donating their time to forward the work of the Trust.

Our thanks, as ever, to all of those who support the King’s School Worcester Development Trust.

CCF Mess Night

Contingent Commander KSW CCF, Stuart Ellen, shared the following precis of the 2024 CCF Mess Night: “The King’s Combined Cadet Force dined out at the West Midlands Safari Park for their annual Mess Dinner. It is a chance for the unit to celebrate achievements over the year, say goodbye to our Upper Sixth form leavers and say thank you to all the staff. It is also lovely to see Old Vigornians back to join in the celebrations and to find out what the CCF has been up to since they left.” It was also a bittersweet occasion as the last CCF Mess Night for Hon OV Andrew Maund, who retired this summer! The OVs joining the current cadets included Lieutenant (RN) Ben Hyde (K 08-15 and Old St Alban’s), Flying Officer Jamie McDonald (W 08-15 and Old Hawfordian), Flying Officer Ed Pountney (Br 08-15 and Old St Alban’s), Eli Edwards (Ca 14-21 and Old St Alban’s), Amy Hall (W 08-23 and Old Hawfordian), Will Head (Ca 14-21) and Sophie Pitts (S 16-23 and Old St Alban’s)

Spring Tea

It was a real joy to have the opportunity to host a special event at King‘s in June 2024, welcoming back some of our retired staff and OVs for the first-ever Spring Tea. The Mulberry Marquee provided a beautiful setting for an indulgent “Afternoon Tea“ complete with finger sandwiches, an abundance of cakes, and, of course, scones with cream and jam. The Spring Tea created the perfect atmosphere for our guests to reconnect with each other and catch up with our current staff.

JuneFest 2024

Thank you to everyone who came to the first-ever JuneFest it was an absolutely amazing evening, and we were even blessed with the sun!

The event brought together OVs spanning from the 1960s to the 2020s, as well as both current and former staff, creating a truly special gathering of the Vigornian community. The evening was filled with cherished moments that carried on late into the night.

The King’s School caterers, Thomas Franks, prepared the outstanding food, and we enjoyed excellent music from The Alibis, a band led by King‘s Hawford teacher Oliver Roberts.

We are already in the process of planning next year‘s event, and we can‘t wait to make it even more memorable!

OVs Overseas

OV Overseas Reunion: Princeton 2023

The OV Reunion in Princeton, hosted by OV Michael Pimley (H 61-71), was spread over the weekend of 13-15th October 2023 to give OVs joining from their homes in the UK and across America plenty of opportunity to reconnect and reminisce.

The first event of the weekend was a dinner held at The Peacock Inn in Princeton. Host Michael was joined by OVs Abbas Kazerooni (Ch 91-96), Ian Smith (Cr 73-78), Rupert Bader (Os 82-89), David Longstaff (H 92-97) and Headmaster, Gareth Doodes, Former Headmaster, and Hon OV Tim Keyes and Hon OV Mary Anne Keyes

The main event, a dinner in Michael’s home, welcomed additional OVs and their guests, including David Griffiths (W 89-96), Ben Shuttes (W 92-96), Nicola Willis (Ch 00-05), Philip Warner (CA 67-77), Mark Peters (W 85-92) and his wife Susan. Michael gave a moving speech about his links to King’s and how the School had moulded and shaped him into the person he is today, adding, “I remember that the last US reunion I attended had taken place 11 years ago, and I’m delighted to see you all here today, especially with both a current and former King’s Headmaster with us.”

The final event of the weekend was a farewell brunch held on the Sunday morning at Michael’s home and those in attendance were delighted to meet OV Essi Sadeghi (Cr 88-95), who joined for the morning and spoke so fondly about her journey through King’s.

Teacher Tom‘s Travels

We have been delighted to receive updates from King’s Teacher of Physics, Tom Pearson, who is currently on sabbatical, travelling around Australasia. Having started his journey in December 2023, Tom was in Australia when he had a zoom call with our oldest living OV, Peter Watson (S 38-41) who will this year celebrate his 100th birthday, as well as Peter’s grandson, James, to whom Tom presented a King’s tie for Peter.

Tom also had a chance meeting with OV Rory McKenna (Os 02-07), as they happened to be chatting and realised their connection through King’s!

OV Chris Barlow (Ca 59-64), a current Melbourne resident, contacted the Alumni office having seen that Tom was due in Melbourne in March. We‘re delighted to report that the two of them managed to meet up!

Overseas OVs Reunion: Hong Kong 2024

The Overseas OV Reunion held in Hong Kong was generously hosted by OVs Andrew Eden (W 68-78 and Old St Alban’s) and his nephew Antony Eden (K 86-96 and Old St Alban’s), on Wednesday 13th March, 2024 at The Foreign Correspondents’ Club.

King’s Headmaster, Gareth Doodes made the journey to join them, noting how distance should not be a barrier for any member of the King’s community to be involved and keep connected with the School.

Gareth, Andrew and Antony were joined by OVs Simon Lowth (W 91-02), Chun-Ho Peter Lau (H/Ca 92-98), Joseph Kwok (Ch 91-95), Wing Fung Alan Lau (Ch 80-84), Yeun To Soong (Ca 7982), Robert Schemuly (Ch 78-83 and Old Hawfordian) and Thomas Chan (S 95-02)

OVS IN THE NEWS

The Alumni Office regularly shares OV news on the School website in the Alumni section, in the OV e-newsletter, in the annual OV magazine, Connect, and via social media. The OV e-newsletter goes to thousands of OVs, and is also shared with the Sixth Form, to give them a greater insight of what lies beyond King’s. Here are just a few of the wonderful and inspiring pieces of news from OVs across the year:

New Bursary in Memory of OV Norman Trapé

(S 67-71) Due to the generosity of OV Michael Pimley (H 61-71), a new bursary has been created. The Trapé Bursary, given by Michael Pimley, will provide a child with seven years of fully funded education at King’s from September 2024.

Michael says of the grant, “I have worked with the Headmaster and the Alumni Team at King’s to develop a bursary in memory of the Trapé family. I attended King’s with the late Norman Trapé, and his brother John, both of whom became life-long friends. Norman firmly forged the link between the Pimley and Trapé families – our fathers had been at King’s together in the 1930s – when he became my brother-in-law. I know he would wholeheartedly support the provision of this bursary in recognition of the education King’s gave to us and the doors this opened in our future careers.”

OV’s England Cricket Cap

Congratulations to OV Josh Tongue (Br 09-16), who secured his first cap for England in June 2023, playing against Ireland in a one-off Test. As Josh took five wickets in the second innings, his name will forever be recorded on the hallowed Honours Board at Lord’s. We believe he is the first OV so to do!

OV David’s Dash for Bursaries

Many congratulations to OV David Clark (Cl 50-56), who successfully completed the Worcester City 10K in September 2023, running in aid of the King’s School Worcester Bursary Campaign, with support from all areas of the King’s community, including those who attended the 120th OV Reunion Dinner.

Inspired by octogenarian David’s commitment, members of the King’s School staff pledged their fundraising to the Bursary Campaign as well, as they prepared for and completed the

Worcester City Half Marathon. Those taking part included Headmaster Gareth Doodes, Director of Finance, Georgina Mason, OV and Head of Sixth Form, Josh Hand (Cl 91-01), Adam Knights (Hon OV) and Tom Pearson. To date, David and the King’s team have raised over £500 for the King’s School Bursary Campaign, with many thanks to all the generous sponsors.

The President of the OV Club

OV James Smalley (Br 10-17) was voted as the latest President of the OV Club at the OV Club Committee AGM in September 2023 with unanimous support. The role of the President is to represent the OV community at key events in the School‘s calendar, and act as a figurehead, embodying King’s values while bringing the OV community together. The position is usually held for one to two years. James takes over from OV Julia Annable (née Simcock, Co 85-87), who had been representing OVs both as President of the OV Club and Chair of the OV Committee.

The Wonderful Worcester Buoys

Huge congratulations go to the Worcester Buoys, aka OVs Matt Bladen (W 08-15) and George Farmiloe (Br 08-15), who completed the “World’s Toughest Row” in January 2024. Having set off in December 2023, George and Matt took turns rowing shifts of two hours on, two hours off to cross the Atlantic Ocean in an incredible 40 days, 16 hours, and 20 minutes. In doing so, they smashed their target of raising £100,000 for Acorns Children’s Hospice in memory of a close family friend, Jack Dyer.

George and Matt also kindly joined the Lower Years’ Assembly in February 2024 to tell the pupils about their challenge!

Vigornian Festive Spirit Raises £800 for Bursaries

Many thanks to all the OVs, staff, parents, and former parents from across the Foundation who added some Vigornian festive spirit to their Christmas tree with a King’s Bauble! The inaugural year of the King’s baubles saw over 200 sold, generating an incredible £800 for the King’s School Worcester Development Trust Bursary Campaign. There were three designs to choose from: a simple King’s Shield, a bespoke Old Vigornian ornament, and the opportunity to have a personalised bauble. For Christmas 2024, we hope to expand the offering to include tailored House Baubles as well!

OV‘s Digital Donation

It was great to see OV Steve Perera (Cr 86-93) back on the familiar turf of the King’s First Team Rugby Pitch at Slingpool Walk in February 2024, having been a strong member of the 1st XV himself while at School. Steve was there with King’s Foundation Director of Sport, Jonny Mason (Hon OV), to unveil formally the splendid permanent digital scoreboard that Steve‘s business, Worcester-based Britannic Place Financial Management, has generously donated.

Congratulations to Hon OV Capt Grinnell

Many congratulations to Hon OV Captain Dave Grinnell, who has been awarded the Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Meritorious Service Award for his services to the King’s School’s CCF Contingent.

Bravo to OV Henry Pillman (Br 12-17), who passed out from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in April 2024, after a 44-week Regular Commissioning Course, and now takes up his commission as Second Lieutenant Pillman with the Royal Dragoon Guards. In recognition for his endeavours during the course, Henry was appointed Junior Under Officer (JUO) of Sovereign’s Platoon, which is the platoon judged to be the best of the intake.

OV Rose Running for Paris

We are very excited to learn that OV Rose Harvey (K 0310) has been selected for the Great Britain team at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Commenting on her selection for Team GB, Rose said, “I am beyond excited to have been selected for the Great Britain team at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Of course, there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone in my team who has believed in me and supported me along the way. Follow your dreams. They might just become your reality.”

BEYOND KING’S

- WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

We regularly feature OVs in Beyond King’s to help to showcase the diversity of OV activity since leaving School, and to inspire and motivate current pupils and members of the King’s family You can read more about the featured OVs’ lives beyond King’s in the Alumni section of the School website: https://www.ksw. org.uk/alumni/ in the News and Stories section.

John Sear (Ch 72-82 and Old St Alban’s)

OV John Sear’s interest in science was literally ignited during his first ever Chemistry lesson at King’s: zinc filings heated with sulphur over a Bunsen Burner, followed by aluminium powder and iodine produced a spectacle of fireworks and purple smoke which was unforgettable. When not in the lab, John was very sports-oriented while at school, playing and part of the school teams for Football, Rugby, and Tennis.

Having achieved four good grades at A-level, John joined Imperial College, London to study Biochemistry, where he was also Captain of the Tennis Team.

John’s subsequent career has led to over 30 years of project management experience, delivering multi-milliondollar transformational projects for businesses in a variety of sectors including superannuation and wealth management, manufacturing, utilities, insurance, gaming and telecommunications, and the public sector. During his career, John moved from the UK to Australia, where he settled in Sydney with his family.

Vigornian Voices Launches! In 2023 we announced the launch of VigornianVoices!

Vigornian Voices is a new podcast series, which will feature OVs and Hon OVs discussing their life beyond King’s: an insight into their lives and careers, what has inspired them, and their advice for current King’s pupils, amongst other things.

Our first podcast features OV Abbas Kazerooni (Ch 91-96) in conversation with Headmaster, Gareth Doodes. The second podcast features OV Lara Vafiadis (Os 06-08) speaking with King’s Deputy Head Pastoral, Harriet Dyke. You can listen to them both, and future editions, via Mixcloud – simply search for “Vigornian Voices” on Mixcloud.com

Having gained a great deal of experience in big BlueChip companies in recent years, John provides digital transformation delivery services to organisations through his own company. Currently he is more involved in voluntary work, focussing on environment and underwater ecological systems. He is also an Ambassador for CoralWatch, an organisation that promotes awareness of the importance of coral reefs and uses citizen science to monitor coral health.

Edward Kemp (H 74-83)

Playwright, theatre director, and dramaturg, OV Edward Kemp (H 74-83) joined King’s as a Cathedral Chorister and was subsequently awarded a Scholarship. He was a School and House Monitor, as well as rowing for the School, playing bassoon in the Orchestra and Wind Band and, unsurprisingly, was involved with numerous school Drama productions. He also trained with the National Youth Theatre.

Edward gained a place from King’s to read English Language and Literature at New College, Oxford, and was awarded an Exhibition in his second year there.

At the age of 15, Edward wrote his first full-length play, The Iron and the Oak. It was staged at King’s and went on to further productions in Chichester and Oxford, winning “Most Promising Playwright“ in the first Texaco/National Youth Theatre playwrighting competition. Two more plays, Counterparts and A Proper Place both won prizes in this competition, the latter being staged by the National Youth Theatre.

Following university, Edward worked for the National Youth Theatre, Anthony Quayle’s Compass Theatre (where he founded the education and community wing) and Chichester, where he assisted Sir Peter Hall.

From 1991-6, Edward was Staff Director at the Royal National Theatre. Since then, he has created plays for the National, RSC, Chichester, Complicite, Young Vic, and BBC Radio, and written over a dozen opera libretti (including for the Royal Opera House and Glyndebourne). With the choreographer Cathy Marston, he has written over 20 ballet scenarios for audiences around the globe, as well as a screenplay for Disney +. From 2008-2021 he was Director and Chief Executive of RADA; during this time, he was also Principal of the Conservatoire for Dance and Drama. He is now Chief Executive of the Royal Literary Fund, the UK’s oldest literary charity.

Essi Sadeghi (Cr 88-95)

While at King’s, OV Essi Sadeghi (Cr 88-95) studied Maths, Further Maths, French and History for A-levels. She was also very involved in many co-curricular activities, including Drama, the Chamber Choir, the Keys Society and representing King’s in Fencing.

Essi then headed to the University of Exeter, where she received a BA degree in French and Russian.

Following university, Essi was recruited by Deloitte as an Assistant Manager. In 2003, she moved to Lockton UK, working in their Corporate Risk Solutions Department as an Account Executive. Her next role was as Assistant Vice President for Private Equity at Marsh McLennan, where she remained until she moved to Kentucky, USA, in 2007 to take up the post of Managing Director, Workplace Investing, for Fidelity Institutional Asset Management. Essi was with this company for a decade, moving first to Massachusetts and then to Rhode Island, reaching the position of Portfolio Strategist. This led into Essi’s next, and current role, with T. Rowe Price, an asset management firm, where she is Vice President and Director of Investment Solutions.

Essi is also a company director for Rebel Energy in the UK (a renewable energy start-up company), where she sits as one of the board directors.

Essi is a strong advocate for local LGBTQ+ youth in the US, having herself transitioned (male to female). She is looking to sponsor some internships at Rebel Energy company with a

specific focus on LGBTQ+ youth to promote opportunity for an otherwise underserved part of the community.

Alex Borchardt (Cl 79-88)

OV Alex Borchardt (Cl 79-88) is founder and managing director of Family Law Alternatives Ltd.

Alex’s company assists fathers and mothers in the UK, USA, Mexico, Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, and Serbia who have been restricted from remaining as a part of their children’s lives. He is also chair of the Plymouth branch of Families Need Fathers, and UK Ambassador for the Fathers and Families Coalition of America.

Alex credits his time in the Debating Society at King’s for becoming an eloquent public speaker. He was also involved with numerous co-curricular clubs, including the Keys Society, the Chamber Orchestra, and has great memories of his time in the RAF Section of the CCF.

For A-level, Alex studied Maths, Physics and Chemistry. It was Alex’s Physics teacher, John Roslington (Hon OV) who nurtured his love for the subject, which led to it being his chosen degree at Exeter University.

His studies concluded, Alex started as a Senior Consultant for the REL Consultancy Group, specialising in Working Capital Management with an international remit. Alex then joined Winterton Rudd International in Johannesburg. Following this, Alex relocated to London to become a project manager and e-business specialist in the Risk Management Division of PriceWaterhouseCoopers.

Following a particularly challenging divorce and suffering many years in the Family Courts battling to see his son, Alex became painfully aware that in contested court hearings, it is all too often the unfairness of the archaic and bureaucratic family court system that is hindering parties in reaching amicable settlements.

This realisation led Alex on a completely new direction with his career path: he entered the world of family law advocacy and has spent the past 18 years assisting parents to represent themselves as Litigant in Person in Family Court. Alex also campaigns for a fairer and less complicated family law system, working closely with politicians and representatives of the judiciary.

Jack Everton (Cr 02-09 and Old St Alban’s) OV Jack Everton has returned to Worcester to join his family’s company, Everton’s Wine Merchants, working with his father, OV Richard Everton (W 78-83 and Old Hawfordian).

Jack was especially keen on sport at King’s, reflected in his selection for the First Teams for rugby, football and cricket. His fondest memory is winning the Modus Cup, during which he scored a try. Jack was also

involved with Young Enterprise and Drama, while studying for his AS-levels in Biology and History, and A-levels in Business Studies, Geography and Sports Science.

On leaving School, Jack travelled before settling in London, working at the prestigious Hawksmoor steakhouse restaurant. This engendered his love for the hospitality sector, which instigated a move into the world of hospitality technology and using QR codes to help efficiency therein. A natural next step for Jack was to harness his skills in hospitality and utilise his now well-established network in London and beyond for the benefit of his family’s business.

Jack is the fourth generation at Everton’s Wine Merchants: the company was founded by Margaret Everton in 1918 and with each generation since it has gone through an evolution, which Jack hopes to continue when he takes over the reins from his father in due course.

Jack credits his time at King’s, with a close-knit year group and good relationships with his teachers, for teaching him the benefits of forging relationships and nurturing them, a very useful skillset for building a business network.

Dr Corah Lewis (Ch 7-14)

As the Year of 2014 celebrated their Ten-Year Reunion, it seemed apt to see where the last decade has taken the then Head of School, OV

Dr Corah Lewis (Ch 7-14)

At King’s, in addition to her Head of School responsibilities, Corah was a keen participant in the Choir, LAMDA, and playing for the First Netball Team.

Corah studied Maths, Art, Biology, and Geography for her A-levels and, after Results Day didn’t quite go to plan, she secured a place at the University of Manchester via Clearing to study Psychology. She undertook several placements during her degree, including working for a year at the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health. After graduating with a First Class Degree, Corah became an Assistant Psychologist in the Neuropsychology Team at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Corah secured a place on the Clinical Psychology Doctorate course at the University of Oxford in 2020. Here she worked as a Trainee Clinical Psychologist in several teams, including an Autism and ADHD Child and Adolescent Mental Health Team, and a specialist Cleft Team. As well as placement time, Corah undertook three research studies in an area she is passionate about: Health Psychology. Her thesis explored stigma in Facial Palsy, therapy engagement in Non-Epileptic Attack Disorder, and parental decision making in Paediatric Craniofacial conditions.

Her next chapter is a new role in the Children’s Psychological Medicine team at Oxford University Hospitals, where her time is split between the Paediatric Diabetes Team and General Paediatric Team.

Carolyn Evans (née Thake, Co 78-80)

OV Carolyn Evans joined King’s for the Sixth Form from St Mary’s Convent, following in the footsteps of her brother, OV Julian Thake (Cr 65-72)

While at King’s, Carolyn completed her A-levels in French, Maths, and Computer Studies, balancing her academic studies with playing the clarinet in the School Orchestra.

On leaving King’s, Carolyn used her skills to start her career in IT, continuing in that sector in a variety of IT Management roles, which included being the Supplier Contracts Manager for a global IT outsourcing organisation. Due to the extensive travelling required in that role, Carolyn decided her final position before taking early retirement would be closer to home, and joined Wesleyan Insurance in Birmingham, before retiring in 2021.

Carolyn had continued playing the clarinet and then concentrated on the saxophone as a semi-professional Jazz and Soul musician throughout her adult life. She is now very happy to call it her profession, most recently playing at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival in 2022. In addition to her music, Carolyn is a volunteer for the Blue Cross animal charity and in what is left of her spare time, she is writing a book about her late mother, Hannah, whose Austrian Jewish heritage led to an incredible story and journey to the UK.

Currently living near Droitwich with her husband, Martyn, Carolyn is keen to re-connect with her fellow OVs!

Dave Morris (Cl 76-79 and Old Hawfordian)

OV Dave Morris’ full Beyond King’s, in his own words, can be found on the School website, but a précis follows:

Following King’s, Dave joined the Air Force and entered Logistics. He volunteered for the Falklands when the war started; however, his posting came through in October 1982, after the war had finished.

Dave met his future wife, Julie, at his first base; they married in 1986. In 1991, and following the births of their two children, he was posted to Kuwait for the conflict there, and then quickly onwards to the Falklands again, the day before his son’s first birthday. That was the deployment that made him decide 12 years’ service was enough.

For his resettlement from the Armed Forces in 1993, Dave took his HGV1 licence and management qualifications. He did some driving and ended up in management in the transport office.

Five years later, Dave took a position as a production manager at a Droitwich manufacturing company. Although not a bad

position, Dave decided to change direction, become selfemployed, and pursue a more outdoor life. He qualified for his chainsaw licence and started tree surgery and other aspects.

Another complete change of direction followed, as Dave gave in to his love of sport, having been asked to help with the World Rally Championship; this led to two years of circumnavigating the world attending events. From there he moved onwards to a whirlwind of Formula 1, and then, after participating in British Touring Cars and World Touring Cars and Historic Racing and even the German equivalent race series, it was time to retire.

Mike Coley (Ch 57-64)

OV Mike Coley (Ch 57-64) spent two years as a boarder in King‘s St Alban’s before moving to Choir House for the next five years, during which time he specialised mainly in hockey and swimming.

At the end of July 1964, he emigrated to Australia to join his family. As such, 2024 is a major, 60th, anniversary of both leaving school and emigrating.

Mike spent 34 years working for the Commonwealth Government. Perhaps ironically, as an English migrant, he spent 20 years on the commemoration and promotion of Australian arts and heritage, mainly at the Australian War Memorial, and in support for the film industry.

He moved with his wife, Wendy, to Gunning, a village on the highway between Sydney and Melbourne, in 1995 and, after early retirement in 1998, he took on a range of voluntary activities. His health activity arose from his 1999 cancer, from which was cured by 2003. Sadly, Wendy developed dementia and died in 2021.

For the past 20-odd years he has been Gunning’s snake catcher. As a bite from one of the local venomous snakes would often be fatal, his sanity has occasionally been called into question, but training and vastly improved first-aid have made all the difference. He is often asked by a new client whether he has ever been bitten, but his answer is that he is VERY careful. This activity led to his award of the National Medal and the State Emergency Service long-service medal in 2022.

Mike has visited King‘s several times since he left, and he was pleased to go to the recent Sydney reunion, though Sydney is not his favourite city, unlike Worcester, Canberra, and Perth, Western Australia, where his brother OV John (Ch 61-64) lives.

OLD VIGORNIANS (OV)

The Alumni Office hugely enjoys welcoming OVs back to King’s, whether it has been a few months, years, or even decades since they were last at School. When OVs return for tours of the School, outside a formal OV event, the tours usually take in the familiar surroundings of such buildings as College Hall, Edgar Tower, old dormitories and classrooms, the Biology Block, and more, with the chance to see how the School is evolving with some of the newer facilities including the Art School, the Keyes Building, the Michael Baker Boathouse, and the new Sixth Form Centre in School House (formerly a boarding house).

It is a great opportunity for OVs to return to School, retrace their steps and share their memories of their life at King’s. OVs and their families are always welcome back, so if you would like to re-visit your time at King’s, and see how it is today, just get in touch with the Alumni Office via alumni@ksw.org.uk to arrange.

Often, OVs return to King’s to give something back to the School. This takes many forms, such as donating to the Archives, a publication for the Matthew Armstrong Library, or indeed giving their time so willingly to offer careers advice and share words of wisdom with both current pupils and other OVs.

For example, OV Andrew Jameson (Cr 51-58) returned to King’s to donate a book he had purchased for the School: Der schnellste Jude Deutschlands: Alex Natan (1906-1971) Eine Biografie, by Kay Schiller. It is a biography of Alex “Boffie” Natan, who was Head of History and German Master at King’s from 1944-1967, benefitting the King’s Historians, Germanists and Archives!

Similarly, the King’s Spanish and German linguists were delighted to welcome back OV Grace Burgoyne (S 13-20 and Old St Alban’s), who returned to School for a fortnight in the Modern Languages Department in the Summer Term 2023 to undertake some teacher taster sessions under the tutelage of King’s teacher of Spanish, Loles Ruiz (Hon OV)

Careers Support is a key area where OVs excel, epitomising the generosity of the OV network and the closeness of the King’s family, for which we are incredibly grateful.

While much of the support given is via email to accommodate OVs who are not local and indeed have their own busy schedules, some OVs are able to return in person to support current pupils by sharing careers advice, and letting the pupils benefit from the OVs’ lives beyond King’s. Here is just a snapshot of some of the visits from this past year:

Each year there are Gap Year Talks for the Lower Sixth students to give them ideas, inspiration and insight into options and opportunities should they be considering a gap year. In June 2023, we were very grateful to OVs Jack Wharton (S 20-22) and Josie Armstrong (Ch 14-21 and Old St Alban’s) who gave their time to speak with the Lower Sixth, who were gathered in the John Moore Theatre. Jack, who was in the midst of his final assessments at Leith’s School of Cookery, joined remotely, while Josie was in-person to chat through her gap year experience of a ski season. In June 2024 we were delighted to welcome OVs Harry Flockhart (Ca 13-20 and Old St Alban’s), Rafay Siddiqui (Os 16-23 and Old St Alban’s) and Amy Ranasinghe (K 16-23) who spoke in the John Moore Theatre to a captivated Lower Sixth. The advice, experiences and “top tips” they shared gave the Lower Sixth a considerable amount to contemplate. OV and former Head of School, Olivia Howard (Cl 14-21 and Old Hawfordian) kindly produced a virtual presentation for the current, and future, Lower Sixth students about her experiences of working in Hong Kong at Harrow International School.

and Becky joined the King’s Oxbridge candidates on a Teams Call to go through some of the finer details of the interview process. Becky then returned to School to speak with Dr Ronan McLaverty-Head’s (Hon OV) Upper Remove GCSE class about Oxford University and how to start preparing early.

In March 2024, King‘s opened its doors for the second annual Careers Extravaganza, welcoming over 500 pupils and their families from across the county over two days. It was fantastic to see so many OVs supporting the events, sharing their experience, advice, and insights. Our many thanks to all of the OVs who took time out of their busy lives to attend the Careers Extravaganza, showcasing their work in a variety of sectors and industries, including Lewis Bryer (Cl 78-87 and Old St Alban‘s), Jack Dutton (Os 15-17), Tom Hopkins (K 06-13 and Old St Alban‘s), Amelia Martyn-Smith (Br 08-15 and Old Hawfordian), Rebecca Maund (née Green, Co 86-88), Simon Mico (Os 85-96), Steve Perera (Cr 86-93), Sqn Ldr Dr Bonnie Posselt (Cr 98-03),who was also one of the Keynote Speakers, Barney Sears (Ch 10-15 and Old St Alban‘s), Cllr Louis Stephen (Br 80-85) and Richard Tomlinson (Cl 83-90 and Old Hawfordian).

OV and former Head of School Joe Fowles (Cl 05-12 and Old St Alban’s) returned to King’s while on a brief trip back to the UK from his current home in Australia, where he is Chief of Staff for a member of the Australian Parliament. He spoke at length with members of the Sixth Form, including the Lower Sixth Economics A-level class, some Oxbridge applicants, and the Upper Sixth Politics group.

OVs Charlie Mackintosh (Cr 13-20) and Becky Ye (S 16-23) spoke with the current King’s Oxbridge candidates, offering advice and encouragement. Themselves both students at Oxford University, Charlie

OVs Dr Harry Guy (Ch 1017 and Old St Alban‘s) and Becky Ye (S 16-23) returned to King‘s to support the Lower Sixth “Higher Education Day“ in June 2024. Harry, who is currently based in the Paediatric Unit of the Worcestershire Royal Hospital, spoke with budding medics, sharing his experiences and advice on what it is truly like to study and become a doctor. Becky dashed back to King‘s having finished her end of year exams at Oxford only the day before, to speak with aspiring Oxbridge candidates about the application process, interviews, and life at Oxford.

To make the most of the advice being offered, there are occasions when the current pupils, accompanied by their teachers, head off School grounds to visit OVs on location. OV Will Kerton (Os 82-92) kindly hosted the Upper Sixth Business Studies students at Churchfields Farm to show them a rapidly growing, local business in action. Will, who helps run Churchfields with his wife, Gillian Kerton, talked about some of the objectives and future plans of the business, as well as some of the threats and opportunities that it faces, bringing the Business A-level course theories to life!

Our many thanks go to all those OVs who continue to support the King’s family by giving their time so generously.

OV OBITUARIES

Josephine (Josie) Amadio (Co 79-81)

1962 - 2023

Josie died in September 2023 after battling ovarian cancer. Josie and I met in Honduras

30 years ago. At the time we both worked for the NGO Catholic Institute for International Relations, me as an Agronomist on rural development projects in the country and Josie in the Finance office in Islington, North London.

Thanks to Josie having Spanish as her mother tongue, she would often be sent on auditing and training visits to CIIR projects in Latin America and that is how we met. Josie took a sabbatical and worked in training counterparts in the local NGO I worked for in a remote and impoverished part of Honduras. We then returned to work in the London Office for a year before moving to Alicante, Spain, in 1996 to begin a new life and start a family. I worked for 20 years in the Faculty of International Relations at the University of Alicante before retiring. Josie was employed as an EU Civil servant for EUIPO European Intellectual Property Office until she retired last year.

We have two children: Luis, a computer programmer, works for a Danish company with offices in Valencia, and his sister Pili is just finishing her MA in Film and TV at Bristol University. Josie‘s parents ran the Railway Inn restaurant in Defford, Pershore, and we as a family enjoyed many visits to Worcestershire over the years.

Ian Woollard

Sir Christopher Benson DL JP

OAM FRICS

(Cl 43-47)

1933 - 2024

A long life well-lived.

Christopher lived in Worcester from 1939, ‘attended’ the King’s School but chiefly “played rugby and truant”. He excelled in sports, including rugby, swimming, diving and boxing. Aged just 13, he became a Naval Cadet and later sailed the world before undertaking his national service. Suggestions that he might be a future England hooker and Olympic freestyle swimmer were ended abruptly by a near fatal car accident in 1953 and after a complex facial reconstruction, Benson changed tack, becoming articled to John Jeffrey & Sons., Chartered Surveyors and Agricultural Auctioneers. He proved highly adept as an auctioneer and also found himself drawn towards commercial property. He qualified as a Chartered Surveyor and, upon moving to Salisbury, met Jo Bundy, whom he married in 1960.

After a stint with Arndale Developments (building shopping centres all over the country), he started DolphinDevelopments, which he sold to Law Land in 1972, before being appointed to the board, then Managing Director of MEPC Plc, a huge, ailing property business. He was spectacularly successful as

Managing Director and then, from 1988, Chairman.

The late 1980s saw him become Chairman of the London DocklandDevelopmentCorporation (LDDC), where he played a pivotal role in the regeneration of the East End, including the building of Canary Wharf and London City Airport.

There followed many prized private Chairmanships, including Boots, SunAlliance, and Costain, as well as high profile public roles, including Chairman of the Civic Trust, the Housing Corporation, the Funding Agency for Schools, being the first Chairman of Crossrail, now the Elizabeth Line; Presidency of the British Property Federation, and numerous prominent charitable roles: Coram (President), National Deaf Children (President), Changing Faces (Patron), and as the progenitor and decade-long supporter of the Salisbury Cathedral Spire Appeal, the work of which was completed the week of his death.

At the same time, he forged strong links with Australia, becoming Chairman of the Britain Australia Society, and later honoured with the Order of Australia Medal (OAM); as well as his legal and educational interests, as Principal of the ‘Bar School’ (for trainee barristers), Magistrate, and lay member of the Bar Disciplinary Tribunal and Friend of Erlestoke Prison; and a long-time promoter of the arts, as board member and Director of the Royal Opera House redevelopment.

Knighted for public service in 1988, he made contributions in many diverse fields: as High Sheriff of Wiltshire, a Deputy Lieutenant (City of London), as well as a host of national and local charities. A seminal contributor to the University of Southampton Life Sciences, he also (with Jo) founded the ‘Benson Suite’ for bereaved families in Salisbury, donated the superb William Pye font to Salisbury Cathedral, and was appointed Honorary Citizen of Kassiopi in Corfu for charitable contributions.

Benson was married to Jo for over 60 years, has two barrister sons, Charles and Julian, and found time to fly helicopter/ fixed wing aircraft for 50 years, including a Spitfire in his 80s. Julian Benson

Simon J Bishop (Cr 87-67) 1949 - 2024

Simon John Bishop was an incredibly funny, intelligent and, most of all, kind individual.

After leaving King’s School in 1967, Simon went on to study Law at the University of Newcastle and left in 1972 with a master‘s degree.

He specialised in commercial and residential property and later had his own practice, Simon Bishop & Partners, in Droitwich. During this time, he was affectionately given the

The firm merged with MFG Solicitors in 2006 and Dad went and set up a specialist residential healthcare company with the help of friends he had made in business. This company was later sold in 2017.

Not one for retirement and feeling like he had more to give, he set up a property consultancy business which he worked tirelessly on even in his final few months.

Simon‘s life was devoted to his career and to the love of his children.

He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.

CashBishop(Os10-15andOldStAlban’s),PhilippaBishop, andOliverBishop(Os87-95andOldHawfordian)

Brian Brain (Cl 51-57) 1940 - 2023

Brian Maurice Brain, who died aged 80 on 1st November 2023, was an outstanding fast bowler for Worcestershire and Gloucestershire in the 1960s and 1970s and, but for a misdemeanour when a teenage member of the Worcestershire staff, he would undoubtedly have played for England.

Brian was born in Worcester on 13th September 1940. He won a place at King’s after passing the 11 plus and it soon became apparent that his talent was on the cricket field rather than the classroom.

During summer evenings and in the holidays (when we were not watching our ‘heroes’ at New Road!), I joined Brian, his two brothers, and other boys, at the Tredennyke House playing field off Timberdine Avenue, near his home, where we played proper Cricket games. This field is now part of the Blessed Edward Oldcorne School complex.

It was here that Brian developed his bowling action, modelled on that of the famous Lancashire and England fast bowler, Brian Statham. This enabled him to sustain his ability to bowl long spells over two-decades in which he played in 259 games of first class cricket.

A School 1st XI player, aged 14 (unusual in those days under Bill “Basher” Bailey, the master-in-charge of cricket), Brian was first spotted by the coaching staff next door and, aged 16, he left school and joined the Worcestershire staff in 1957.

Brian first played for Worcestershire 2nd XI that year against Oxford University and had match figures of five for 89. After one game in 1960, he left the club before returning to play three 2nd XI matches in 1963. During this three-year absence, Brian resumed his association with the Old Vigornians CC.

His weekly performances for the OVs put the club at the forefront of Club cricket in Worcestershire and in the surrounding Counties. His speed was far too quick for most club players. The weekly local newspaper reports of Brian’s bowling feats caught the attention of the Worcestershire coach who, on most Sundays, could be seen watching Brian bowl from a position on the back steps of the Ladies Pavilion, over the fence!

During his weekly performances (in all he played 120 games over 1960 - 1983) Brian took a remarkable 424 wickets and an average of 8.87, including 39 five wicket hauls at an economy rate of 2.4 with the best bowling return of nine for 16 against Bedford-on-Avon on August 25th, 1962.

Batting for the OVs in the lower order, he scored 1,147 runs, average 18.21 including three fifties and a top score of 73* against Buckland St Mary in August 1971.

Brian figured in Worcestershire’s championship teams in 1964 and 1965 as a support bowler to two of England’s best fast bowlers, Jack Flavell and Len Caldwell, as well as taking a leading role in the championship winning side of 1974. He also played in two Lord’s finals of the Gillette Cup in which Worcestershire were defeated.

Brian finished his first-class career with six successful seasons with Gloucestershire, sharing the attack with the South African all-rounder, Mike Proctor. He took 7-51 against the 1977 Australian tourists.

Statistics provided by Phil Mackie (Cl 73-84), OVCC, and Clive O’Donnell (Cl 70-77)

AlecMackie(Cl47-56)

Richard Chong (K 83-91 and Old St Alban’s) 1972 - 2023

Richard Mark Chong was born in September 1972 at Worcester Royal Infirmary to Rinna and Len Chong.

Waiting at home were his two sisters, Maxine and Joan, who fell in love with their little brother the minute they saw his happy face. This love endured all their life and formed a huge part of the man Rich became. Rich loved his family very much and they were very close all his life.

From a young age, Rich was creative, sporty and very funny. His rhythm for dance and love of music came from his Mum and Dad who loved Jive, but his passion for rugby appeared at King‘s School Worcester where he quickly dominated the field with his strength and height! Can you imagine the might of Mr Chong running at you! His passion for food came from his Mum and Dad, and especially his favourite dishes of his Dad‘s seasoned Chicken and Mum‘s Apple Crumble.

His voice, his amazing golden tone, was discovered late in School. His friends were shocked to hear this incredible

smooth voice wafting along the corridors from choir practice. When they discovered Chong could sing, he became a triple threat. Brawn, brains, and pop stardom!

Creativity would also reign and so he headed off to Falmouth to study Design. This led to more lifelong friends and would be the catalyst for an incredible career, some epic adventures, Soho nights and many wonderful BBQs and gatherings that we will never forget. Rich worked with some of the biggest brands in the UK; he nurtured so many designers and creatives in their careers, and he created products that millions interact with.

In the last few years, Chongy faced health challenges but never once complained. Never. He was getting ready to slow things down, change life a little but the other big man up there had other plans.

Rich was truly, deeply, loved by so many. His huge smile lit up every room, he started every party and prevented grey clouds whenever he appeared. He was and is pure magic.

Rich will remain in our hearts forever. I can hear him singing now... MaxineChong

Mark Croft (Ch 86-88)

1970 - 2023

Mark attended King’s for the Sixth Form years (1986-88) and boarded in Choir house, having moved schools so he could study Maths and Further Maths at A-level. Having come from a smaller rural school, the city lights of Worcester were a great temptation but with hard work, and the steely gaze of “Digger” Brown, Mark secured a place at St Catharine’s College Cambridge, where he secured an MA in Information & Electronic Science Engineering.

Mark was an avid and skilful hockey player, taking on the role of centre forward with great guile, where his quick stick skills were put to good use both at King’s and his College at Cambridge. Mark was always keen to take on new challenges and this led him to gaining a Half-Blue for running out for Cambridge University as part of their American Football team.

On leaving University, Mark rapidly progressed through graduate schemes working for major retailers before he discovered his true calling, joining Gemini as a management consultant. Anyone that knew Mark well would know he had the ability to convince anyone of almost anything, the ideal skill-set for his new career choice. Mark rapidly rose through the ranks and, following the merging with Cap, Mark took the opportunity to set-up his own management consulting business, where he worked for many FTSE-100 companies, across Europe and eventually Saudi Arabia. Mark was very generous with his time taking great pride in helping others; he mentored many colleagues throughout his career ultimately taking on a charitable role in supporting budding African entrepreneurs.

Mark met his future wife Sarah whilst skiing and, having initially lived in High Wycombe, they moved to set-up home in idyllic Rudyard; their house overlooking its serene reservoir. They were married in Caverswall Castle in 2008 and it wasn’t long before they were joined by their son Alfie and daughter Lillian.

Mark was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2021; like any challenge he faced, he battled with great strength and tenacity. At the start of 2023 we received the sad news that the cancer had spread. He passed away on 3rd June 2023 surrounded by the warmth and love of his family.

Though Mark’s time with us was short, he will always be remembered for the way he always thought of others, his flamboyant dress style, his ability to tell a good story and above all, his generosity. He will be sorely missed by all those whose lives he has touched.

Steve Croft

Simon Cronin (S 67-77) 1958 - 2023

Born in Whitbourne on Halloween 1958, Simon was the middle child of five. He joined The King’s School aged eight and enjoyed a school life that was every bit as enigmatic as he was as an individual. He showed great intelligence in the classroom and developed a keen interest in art, music and sport (strictly as a spectator only), although he was equally adept at causing trouble and, in the words of then Headmaster Mr Annett, “exercising his teachers in the Christian virtues.”Testament to the strong friendships that Simon formed during this time, he remained close to a large number of both OVs and staff members for the remainder of his life.

A large amount of Simon’s adult life was spent travelling, amassing a number of years living in Egypt, Pakistan and Bangladesh, although, at heart, he remained firmly rooted in Worcestershire and, as a result, he was eventually attracted to becoming a City Councillor. Simon represented the Nunnery ward since 2007 and was re-elected less than one week before his death. He represented the city council on the conservation advisory panel and served as chair of the city council’s licensing committee. Although Simon was very proud to represent the Labour party, he was widely respected across the political divide for having independent political views and a genuine desire to serve the people of Worcester.

Simon is survived by three of his siblings, nine nieces and nephews, and 10 great-nieces and nephews. He is remembered fondly by his family, friends and the wider community that he so passionately served, as being a man of great integrity with a sharp tongue and even sharper wit. He was a recluse who loved more than most the opportunity to party and socialise (although dependably late to arrive). He was someone keen to question and rebel and yet he was also a stickler for convention and tradition. Most importantly, Simon was a contented man – happy in his own skin and proud of the unique way in which he had lived his life.

HarryCronin(Br02-09andOldStAlban’s)

Beth Darby (Hon OV) Staff

1973 - 2024

Beth was born Elizabeth Louise Dennis to Pat Dennis (Chemistry Teacher) and Roger Dennis (Engineer and Patent Examiner) on 15th April 1973 in Bottisham, a Cambridgeshire village, later moving to Burgess Hill in West Sussex. She was educated at Warden Park School, Cuckfield, and Haywards Heath Sixth Form College. While growing up, Beth played the saxophone in local Sussex wind bands and orchestras and sang in a local church choir and was always an avid reader.

Beth read Maths at Trinity College, Cambridge. She spent her many Maths prizes on novels, with the Heffer’s bookstore assistant asking how she was enjoying her English degree. Beth enjoyed rowing for Trinity, with she and her crew earning their “blades.”

Upon graduating, Beth joined the Touch Ross (now Deloitte’s) graduate training programme where she became an auditor, eventually joining Grant Thornton where she was on the partnership track. It was there that she decided to switch to her true vocation: teaching. She trained at Roehampton and then taught at schools in the Midlands before joining King’s School Worcester where she spent her last 12 years teaching Maths and Further Maths and working with Oxbridge entrance candidates. Beth was immensely proud of all her students and thoroughly enjoyed supporting them in maths-inspired trips such as one to Bletchley Park, and in their musical and theatrical activities. Her family have been overwhelmed by comments from staff and students about Beth’s passion for Maths and how she communicated that, instilling confidence and inspiring a life-long interest in the subject as she supported students to fulfil their mathematical potential, with many going on to degrees in maths and related subjects as a result.

Outside of school, Beth had a busy social life that included rowing with the Bewdley Rowing Club, participating in the Kidderminster Rock Choir, and being a daily participant in several internet teaching forums where she was known for her wit, compassion and kindness. Beth is also remembered for her phenomenal cooking skills – extending from three course meals of some complexity to the many and varied cakes baked for her rowing crew, her form and her many friends. Beth’s cakes live on in her social media posts, once even receiving a “like” from her baking heroine, Nigella herself.

At the core of Beth’s home life were her dogs – M & Q being followed by Miss Moneypenny and Walter and she loved to regale everyone with her doggy tales.

Beth will be remembered by her family, colleagues, students and wide circle of friends for her warmth, kindness and generosity, as well as her vivaciousness, her witty, intelligent repartee and sense of humour.

Beth died on 12th June 2024 and is survived by her siblings, Alison Dennis and Dr Chris Dennis, and by her two nieces and two nephews.

Alison Dennis

Dewi Wyn Davies (Cl 67-74) 1955 - 2023

Little really prepares you for the death of a younger brother; it’s so wrong. It was shock enough of his going into a hospice and he was there just a day before he lost his fight against cancer – it had been a long tough battle.

Dewi became known as Dai in his working life but he was still Dewi to me. Our journey to King’s began in 1959 where, from the safety of a closeknit family and community in Wales with the traditions of chapel, rugby, music and of course hwyl, we moved East. To the horror of many family members, we left for the foreign land of Yorkshire and Lloegr.

The border crossing took us to the land of Harry Worth, Fred Trueman, coal mines, pit culture and Robin Woods – later to become Bishop of Worcester after being Dean of Windsor. He was our vicar and our father his lay reader. A major influencer for me and Dewi in life (not forgetting Charles!) he loved his cup of tea.

Then came Worcester, St Stephen’s and King’s via the 11+. Dewi was a Maths, Physics and Chemistry man. He enjoyed his time at King’s in Chappel House (like me) and the Kingdom of Spike. Life at King’s wasn’t easy, and we never really got the full benefit as we had lost our mother when he was 11 – life was never the same. Home was often lonely but we did engage in self-styled cooking experiments and learning to clean, garden, wash and iron. Never taught those to us at King’s! We would have got As but there was no A-level in it.

Dewi studied Mech. Eng. in Birmingham where he was to meet his future wife, Pauline. I cleared off to Australia and we saw little of each other for some 15 years, until I returned in 1992 – he never ventured to Oz. He built a successful career as a specialist in cranes, living happily in Sale with Pauline and their three sons, Robert, John, and Andrew. Life was built on strong family values. He was a keen DIY man and was known for his DIY catch phrase “Measure twice, cut once.”

One of the last things I told him about was our newly found cousin who gained fame playing for Manchester United, he was thrilled until I said, “but he had represented England.”

We never saw Wales play at Cardiff together. Nevertheless, he was a proud Welshman and thrilled in the passion of a Welsh victory. We often spoke about what had happened to “old so and so?”

Dewi died last year, never having time to enjoy his retirement - it was a life cut short at the age of 67- so prematurely.

On the day of his funeral, I went back to King’s en route to Surrey to show my daughter where we had both walked into School together, often with our serial passenger, the late Bob Burkill (Hon OV). It seemed fitting to walk back into School past the old Tuck Shop and Edgar Tower, etc. It was strange being there 50 years on – I was there, and Dewi wasn’t by my side. It’s all but a memory.

Nigel Dimmick (Cr, Ca 57-66 and Old St Alban’s)

1948 - 2024

Nigel was the second son of three boys, Robin, Nigel, and Simon, all of whom attended King’s. Nigel‘s “academic“ achievement was to be one of a very few boys to leave school without any A-levels. The embodiment of the maxim “wine, women, and song“ he pursued those subjects with much enthusiasm enjoying the freedom from home that boarding in the Sixth Form gave him.

Contemporaries will recall him performing with his rock band in College Hall. [He was a fine musician as ‘Pongo’ West recognised, though Nigel was never going to become a chorister!]

Nigel‘s claim to fame was to be the first boy to notice a DB5 driven around College Green the wrong way by Paul McCartney. He duly ran to the Watergate to get his signature on the back of a Film Club season ticket, which he kindly bequeathed to his younger brother.

After School, he drove buses in Bournemouth and was joined in that by his school mate, the late Bob Sinclair (Ch 62-67). A few years later they both left - Bob to Sandhurst and Nigel to a successful career in antiques, running a stall on Portobello Road each week. His time at King’s gave him the foundations to do that. Maybe A-levels are not everything....

SimonDimmock(Cr,Ca60-70)

Digby Gibbs (Cr 59-69 and Old St Alban‘s)

1951-2024

Born in 1951, Digby grew-up in the small village of Inkberrow near Evesham with his parents and his two siblings. He attended King’s School Worcester as a Day Boy.

His childhood passion for engineering, design and art led him to study Architecture at the University of Bath where he met his future wife, Julia (née Reynolds), and spent much of his time rallying cars around the lanes of Somerset.

After qualifying, he worked in and around Bristol, carrying out extensive work for the Cooperative Society’s retail arms in the UK and the Channel Islands. He continued his work in the Channel Islands and around Bristol after forming his own architectural practice in the early 2000s through to his retirement in 2024.

He married Julia in 1974, and they remained happily married, undertaking many a building project together, until Julia’s death following a long battle with cancer in 2018. They had two children, Guy and Josephine. Digby was a devoted grandparent to his four grandchildren.

In later life he rekindled his passion for cars and especially prewar MGs. He latterly became the Chairman of the MG Triple-M Register and a member of the Vintage Sports Car Club (VSCC). He frequently attended and participated in vintage car events across the UK including the Prescott Hill Climb.

Digby died unexpectedly at home on 31st May 2024, and is greatly missed by family and friends.

GuyGibbs

Robert “Bob” Hinds (Hon OV) Staff 1939 - 2024

Bob Hinds, former boatman of KSW Rowing, sadly passed away on 28 February 2024, leaving his wife Anita, son Simon, and daughter Melanie.

‘Coach’ Bob was fondly remembered for his time supporting the rowing, CCF and DT at King’s, where he was able to bring his wealth of rowing experience, boat maintenance, knowledge of rifle shooting, outdoor pursuits and more to help where he could. He is remembered for having the aptly named ‘The Persuader’ mallet for boat jobs and lending a hand with other School activities such as the theatre.

Colleagues remember the ‚Hinds triangle‘ whereby if you went looking for Bob in the boathouse and he wasn‘t there, then it was “try CCF“ and then “try DT“ and if that failed it was “try the boathouse“!

Bob had great memories of his time at KSW, and guests at his funeral also shared reminders of those fun and rewarding times.

Passionate about rowing and supporting young people to realise their potential, it is only fitting that his family chose The Rowing Foundation – GettingYoung People on the Water to receive donations in his memory.

Bob’s life was celebrated on Friday 15 March 2024, at 1.45pm at Worcester Crematorium, and afterwards at The Diglis Hotel, whereby members of the King’s ‘ family‘, past and present, joined others and the Hinds family to mark Bob‘s passing and celebrate his life.

The Hinds family wish to pass on their thanks to all who have remembered Bob and shared wonderful words of condolence.

Melanie Hinds

Andrew Judd (Ch 61-66 and Old St Alban‘s) 1947 – 2024

Andrew passed away peacefully aged 76 on 27th July 2024 at his partner’s home in Malvern following a late stage diagnosis of cancer.

Andrew was the eldest of three brothers at King’s all of whom did the full ten year stretch as boarders starting at St Alban’s House and finishing at Choir House under Peter Curl when David Annett was then Headmaster.

Andrew was musical and sang as a Cathedral Chorister under David Wilcox and then Douglas Guest, and also in the Three Choirs Festival

He did reasonably well academically but will mainly be remembered as a keen sportsman; playing for the School, and sometimes for the Worcestershire Schools, at Hockey, Rugby, Athletics and Cricket. In those days hockey was a slower game played on grass. In athletics, he won county medals for putting the Shot.

But it was at cricket that Andrew shone, playing for the School at all levels. He had a trial for Gloucestershire CC and played at Newcastle University before settling into an extremely long and successful career playing for the OVCC.

He played for the OVs from 1965- 2018 - fifty seasons! During this time, he played in 688 games, scored 12,684 runs, which included 68 half- centuries (50 plus) and hit four centuries.

Andrew’s best season was 1981 when he scored 1,055 runs for an average of 50.4 using his favourite Clough and Ward bat. Andrew was one of only four OV cricketers to have scored over 1,000 runs in a season.

Cricket aside, he went to Newcastle University to read Fine Art where he developed his skills as a painter - mainly of landscapes, and exhibiting at various galleries including the Royal West of England Academy. After a few short stints teaching Art, he enrolled on a master‘s course in Landscape Architecture at Sheffield University before returning home to live and work in Malvern.

Andrew then worked as a Landscape Designer and Contractor, in truth to support his main interests of walking, sketching, painting, and pub-going.

Over time, he developed a keen interest in printing and printmaking. This started with a course at Malvern Hills College but quickly progressed to regular exhibitions with the Fine Press Book Association at Oxford, Stroud and St Brides in London. He was also a regular contributor to the Whittington Press annual fair and exhibited with The Society of Wood Engravers in London as well as at countless local galleries.

He built a delightful garden studio in Malvern under the name of Belmont Hall, which is fully equipped for printmaking, letterpress printing, and book binding, all skills that he learned and lovingly employed through his work. Over the last 15 years, he shared these skills by teaching classes across Worcestershire. Upon his retirement from formal teaching, he establishment St Peter’s Printmakers which continues to meet every Tuesday and Friday at St Peter’s church in Malvern.

Andrew will be sadly missed by his partner Kim, his son Merlin, his family and his many friends.

MatthewJudd(Ch63-73)

Gordon Leah (Hon OV)

Staff

1936 - 2024

Gordon Leah was born on 22nd January 1936, in Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire. After attending his local primary school, he won a secondary school place at William Hulme Grammar School, Manchester, from where he passed, after doing A-levels in French, German and Latin, to Jesus College, Cambridge, in 1955. There, he read Modern and Medieval Languages, graced the University’s second lacrosse team, and ran for his College. After his 2:1 degree he carried out his student teaching period at Rossall School, Lancashire, continuing at Mill Hill School, North London, before becoming Head of Modern Languages at Chipping Norton School, Oxfordshire.

After a few years there, he applied for the job as Head of Modern Languages at King’s in 1968. He remained in the post for over 20 years before relinquishing the post. He nevertheless saw out his career at King’s spending 31 years in total at the school. Gordon’s teaching was an inspiration to generations of French and German students, not least his own children, both of whom he taught at A-Level.

He inspired many of us to study languages, and in many cases teach languages or use them in other circumstances. He devoted much of his spare time and holidays to running exchanges between the school and Vichy, and his beloved Bad Hersfeld, where he himself had spent a year in the 1960s as an exchange teacher. Later in his career, he also spent a year teaching near Regensburg, Bavaria.

Complementing his teaching, he was also a Chief Examiner of German Literature for the University of London School Examinations Board, wrote “readers” in German aimed at encouraging British pupils to read in German, and wrote a doctoral thesis on the theme of Purity in the works of the German author Heinrich von Kleist. This inevitably earned him the School nickname Doc, although many pupils were intrigued by his initials GNL, wondering what the N could stand for-it was Norris! For many years he ran the Friday Afternoon Activity called Community Service, where pupils would visit and help out those in need in Worcester, and only a few years ago he came back to King’s to give mock oral exams to a new generation of Germanists. He was always delighted to spread his love of languages.

Outside of School, Gordon was happily married to Gill for 59 years, with two children, Caroline and Richard, and five grandchildren, Oliver, Alex, Charlie, Anna and Zoë. He loved travelling with Gill, wrote a lot on themes linking literature and religion, and was a long-serving Methodist local preacher, and member of St Andrew’s Methodist Church. Despite the sad circumstances, his funeral service there was a joyous occasion, and it was a great pleasure and comfort to his family to see so many of his former colleagues and pupils to hear them in such great voice, and to exchange stories with everyone. Many thanks to all who attended and who sent messages of support, in recognition of a life devoted to education and his family.

Gerald Lindner (S 43-46)

1929 - 2023

Gerald Willmot Lindner, aged 94, died peacefully in his sleep on 29th December 2023. He was visited by family and friends before his death and was in high spirits at every visit.

Gerald was born 28th April 1929 in Birmingham and attended KSW from 1942 to 1946. During his time at KSW he was very active, participating in sports days, running cross country, rowing, playing rugby and cricket, learning to play the piano and organ and attending many cathedral services, society meetings and social clubs. He was particularly enthusiastic about music, a passion he pursued his whole life, even lamenting in a letter to his parents in 1945 that he did not have enough time in his schedule for music because his house master thought his time would be better spent learning French.

Gerald went on to be a successful apprentice from 1946 – 1950 with R.A. Listers, a manufacturing company in Gloucester, studying as an engineer and completing the second half of this apprenticeship at Listers – Blackston & Co. in Stamford, Lincolnshire.

In 1950 he was called up and completed his 2-year National Service, first training with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, then he was sent to Officer Cadet School at Eaton Hall. He elected to be commissioned into the South Staffordshire Regiment, which had been his father’s regiment in WWI, travelling to Hong Kong as an officer and returning to the UK in 1952. He continued part time in the Territorial Army, transferring from the South Staffordshire Regiment to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in Stirling whilst working for Listers, before being sent by them in 1956 to Iran. In 1959, whilst in Tehran, he met, married and started a family with his wife Patricia Hunt, subsequently spending time in Libya and Singapore, before eventually settling in Ruyton-XI-Towns, near Shrewsbury in 1972. He continued to visit and work in many countries, totalling over ninety in all.

Gerald remained active well into his nineties. As a member of Pengwern Boat Club he helped coach, attended regattas and gathered a history of the club. He sang with the Oswestry and Ellesmere Choral Societies and was the organist at West Felton Church. He was a member of Moseley Rugby club, where he had formerly played, attending most home matches. He marched every year to the Cenotaph with his regiment and was also a member of the Malayan Volunteers Group.

He continued to visit family, friends and cousins around the world with his wife Pat, until her death in 2012. He is survived by his two children Christopher and Judy and six grandchildren Sarah Jane, Tyler, Nate, Anna, Charlotte and James.

Sarah Jane Powell

Henry J Morris (Cl 49-55)

1937 - 2023

Born in Alvechurch, Henry was raised and lived in Kempsey. He served in the RAF from 1955-58, spending all three years in Cyprus and then trained in accounting. Henry joined the family Market Gardening business after leaving the forces.

Henry was involved in community and the church, serving as treasurer for many years. He was a keen campanologist and rang all over the UK plus Canada and Australia.

His interest in politics steered him to become South Worcestershire Conservative Chairman, then into local Government and ultimately, he became leader of Malvern Hills District Council.

He enjoyed trips to the European Parliament and travelling around the world to visit friends and family. He was honoured to be invited and attended the Queen’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.

Henry’s is survived by his wife, Janet (they married in 1961) and their four children: David (Cl 76-79 and Old Hawfordian), Peter (Old Hawfordian), Sally (AO) and Lorna (AO). He will be sadly missed.

DavidMorris(Cl76-79andOldHawfordian)

Margaret Radnidge (Hon OV)

Staff

1942 - 2024

Margaret Radnidge, born on 21 September 1942, in Standish, Lancashire, had a remarkable life that was filled with adventure, learning, and love. She passed away suddenly on 29 February 2024, at the age of 81 while shopping in Wells, Somerset.

Despite being born during World War II, Margaret‘s mother, Florence Freeman, was determined to provide her daughter with opportunities for a brighter future. At the age of ten, Margaret took the Eleven Plus exam a year earlier than her peers. She studied at Balshaw‘s Grammar School in Leyland, Lancashire, where she excelled academically and participated in activities such as choral singing, the Gilbert and Sullivan Society, and amateur dramatics. Margaret thrived as Head Girl in her final year, embracing the responsibility and academic atmosphere that she loved.

After attending Balshaw‘s, Margaret pursued her studies at Hull University, where she studied Social Science. Following her graduation, Margaret trained with Social Services as a Mental Welfare Officer in Wigan. Inspired by her grandmother‘s travels, Margaret sought her own travel opportunities and applied to join Voluntary Service Overseas. She accepted a two-year opportunity in Borneo, working as an English Teacher in a remote jungle village.

After her travels, Margaret returned to England and became

a Research Psychologist at Southampton University. She found joy in her work and formed lifelong friendships that influenced her. Margaret later became the Student Counsellor at the Preston Polytechnic, where she met her husband, Eric, on New Year‘s Eve in 1971. They became engaged shortly after and were married in May of the same year.

The couple relocated to Berkshire in 1974, where their son Doug was born in 1976. Margaret‘s time in Berkshire was productive and brought her great happiness. She worked for a publisher, established the Pangbourne Volunteer Centre, and taught English as a foreign language. In 1984, the family moved to Worcestershire, and Margaret became the Personal Assistant to the Second Master of King‘s School. She devoted many voluntary hours to school activities, particularly Young Enterprise, and retired from the school in 2005.

Margaret and Eric then moved to Somerset to support their grandchildren, Gabrielle and Antoine. Retirement gave Margaret the opportunity to fulfil her lifelong dream of travelling. She explored various parts of the world, including America, Russia, the Caribbean, Brazil, and the Amazon. Just weeks before her passing, Margaret returned home from a Christmas trip to New York and the Caribbean, fulfilling her deep desire to experience new places.

Margaret was married to Eric for almost 52 years and took great pride in her family and grandchildren‘s achievements. She was a modest and reserved woman who possessed strength, kindness, and firm views. Margaret was known for her honesty, wisdom, and fun-loving nature. She never discussed funerals but had expressed a wish to be buried in the churchyard at West Pennard, Somerset. On 21 March 2024, this wish was fulfilled, and Margaret now rests in the beautiful countryside next to a school where the sound of school children is never far away.

EricRadnidge

Lloyd Rankin (Ca 42-46) 1928 - 2023

Lloyd Rankin was born on 16 July 1928 in Flintshire, N Wales. He had one older sister, Pam. His mother, Sybil, had lost her first husband and two brothers in WWI and her only sister to illness in 1911. Lloyd’s father was of Scottish roots and was an electrical engineer. The family moved to Swansea and then to Hampton-in-Arden after WWII.

Lloyd had his early education in Swansea and then boarded at King’s School, Worcester where he became Head Boy. He developed interest in the natural sciences and decided to become a doctor. After King’s, Lloyd attended Fitzwilliam College in Cambridge for his pre-clinical studies and then to Guy’s Hospital, London, for his clinical training. There he met Audrey, and they married in 1953. After qualifying, Lloyd entered National Service in the Royal Navy from 1954 -1956. He then returned to Guy’s to enter an Obstetric post and worked as a locum in General Practice. In 1957 he began his specialist

training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, which included hospital internships in London and Ipswich, before returning to Guy’s as a Registrar. His specialist training continued in London and Kent, before he accepted a substantive consultant post in Chelmsford, Essex in 1964.

NHS work in St John’s and the Chelmsford & Essex Hospitals was very busy, with only two consultants in post for some time after Lloyd joined. Lloyd quickly became well established as a conscientious doctor and very skilled surgeon with a real gift for teaching. He continued to pursue developments in surgical practice including the new procedure of endometrial resection, which he taught himself during the 1980s, amassing many cases and contributing to several scientific papers on the subject. He retired from full time NHS practice in 1993, continuing his private practice until 1998.

Lloyd and Audrey were married for 69 years. They moved to Herons in 1975 where they put their hearts and souls into their house and garden. Lloyd had a love of opera, especially Wagner, and inspired others to develop their own appreciation of music. During his National Service he sailed a naval whaler and his passion for sailing was born. He owned a succession of sloops beginning with a Westerly Longbow in 1970 and culminating in a Starlight 35, bought in 1998; this vessel, Ninaof-Taff, was, perhaps, his favourite yacht, which he regularly sailed until 2013. He was a keen and active gardener, a Porsche 911 driver, and a wine enthusiast. Later in his life he regularly played Bridge including trips away and hosting Bridge evenings at Herons.

Lloyd had an innate ability to foster friendships and conversation amongst all those who met him. He was unafraid to voice opinions and had a mischievous sense of humour. He was known as a true gentleman. Above all, he and Audrey were devoted to each other, and they always made Herons a welcoming and loving home for their family and friends.

Lloyd is survived by Audrey and their two children, James and Elizabeth.

James Rankin

Peter Richards (Ch 41-46) 1929 - 2024

The role of the Local Authority Conservation Officer is much misunderstood and maligned. My father, Peter Richards, did much to place the discipline on a proper professional footing and demonstrate what it could achieve. He headed a multidisciplinary team at Essex County Council from 1974 to 1994 and led the restoration of important historic buildings and their gardens for public use, such as the Grade-I medieval barns at Cressing Temple near Witham – one of which is believed to be the oldest standing timber-framed barn in the world – and Copped Hall, Epping.

Peter combined sound conservation principles, a pragmatic approach and personal integrity. He was a founder member in 1982 of the Association of Conservation Officers, which in 1995

became the Institute of Historic Buildings and Conservation. Peter was aware that this was a young profession and was very supportive of younger officers who looked on him as a role model. He also served on English Heritage’s Historic Building committee for six years.

In the 1960s and early 70s, Peter worked in Southend Borough Architects’ Department at an exciting time of municipal confidence and public expenditure. He worked on Southend’s Civic Centre (opened in 1967) a new health centre and the pedestrianisation of Southend High Street.

Peter was born in Smethwick and grew up in Worcester, the only son of Charles, a local businessman and election agent for the Liberal party, and Edith (nee Fieldhouse). He won a scholarship to the King’s School, Worcester, but his further education at the Birmingham School of Architecture was interrupted by National Service in Egypt (1947-49). He resumed his architectural studies while working as a draftsman, achieving his full RIBA qualifications in 1957.

He married Wendy (then known as Joan) Brooks, from Southend-on-Sea, in 1952 – they had been teenage penfriends – and they had three children, Paul, Sam and Ruth. Wendy died in 2012 from dementia. Peter was her carer throughout her illness.

In the early years of their marriage, they lived in Tempsford, Bedfordshire, and on a wet night in 1955 they invited two rainsoaked hitchhikers into their home to dry out. They were Bradford Art School students, David Hockney and Norman Stevens, travelling to London for an exhibition. Both would become regular overnight guests in Tempsford, a convenient hitchhiking stopover, and made artworks for Peter and Wendy as marks of their friendship. Hockney sent them a 60th wedding anniversary card from his iPad.

Following his retirement in 1994, Peter served on the Copped Hall Trust and as chairman of the Chelmsford Diocesan Advisory Committee for six years. He was a great fan of jazz, amassing a collection of thousands of records and CDs, and from 2018, wrote prolifically for an online jazz magazine.

Peter is survived by his second wife, Ann Husselbee, whom he married in 2019; and by his three children, three granddaughters, Sadie, Grace and Alice, and two greatgranddaughters, Imogen and Ada.

Sam Richards

Ann Turvey (Hon OV) Staff 1931 - 2023

Ann was born on 15th December 1931 in Chapel House in Drakes Broughton, the village her family had lived in for well over a hundred years.

Ann went to the village school and was a regular at the local church where, along with her mother, she helped raise the

funds for the original village hall and continued fundraising and active involvement with the church. She grew up with friends in the village and always played an active part in village life, fundraising, delivering parish magazines and working with the village W.I. She followed the hunt and was a member of Croome and West Warwick hunts; .a country girl through and through.

At 11 years old Ann went to Worcester Girls Grammar School. It was at school that she was given her nickname “Topsy” (Topsy Turvey), which school friends still call her to this day.

In 1958 Ann started work at King’s School Worcester where she met many lifelong friends. Ann loved working at King’s and stayed there for the rest of her working life as the School Accountant, until she retired.

But Cricket remained her abiding passion and Ann would spend lunch hours, evenings and weekends following Worcestershire home and away. She was an active member of the Worcester Cricket Society serving on the committee and other roles. She was also an active member of the Worcester Supporters Association.

Ann could be found at most home games either in the Ladies’ Pavilion or in the New Road end where she loved to banter with the group of friends that sat there. They would pull her leg and ask what it was like to have seen W G Grace batting. Ann would often say how much she enjoyed the banter and camaraderie of her friends at Worcester.

It is safe to say that her love of cricket was a very important part of her life, and she supported Australia as her international side. She would travel all over watching; she must have visited every first class ground in England and would regularly get one of the family to take her to the airport when she jetted off to Australia, West Indies, South Africa, New Zealand. She thought nothing of travelling alone and was still travelling well into her mid-eighties when she went to Dubai to watch England against Pakistan. She was well known in English cricketing circles and would always meet friends and enjoy good company wherever she went in the world.

Ann lived a very full and varied life. Shortly before her death she told her family that she had loved her life and that she had enjoyed everything that she had ever done.

Ann was a rare breed and will be missed by many people. RobTurner

Martin J White (Cr 77-82) 1964 - 2024

Martin died tragically from a massive heart attack on 7th April 2024, aged 59 years. A significant number of OVs attended his funeral and participated throughout the day, including a re-written a cappella version of Jerusalem at his wake.

Martin joined King’s from Hawford Lodge in 1977 and became a stalwart of the Rowing Club as well as playing rugby. He joined the Midland Bank in Bromsgrove on leaving school before undertaking a Degree in Accountancy at Bristol Polytechnic. He later worked for ICL and became a regional Finance Director for a number of major housebuilders.

Whilst at school he lived in White Ladies Aston and subsequently in Hanbury before striking out on his own after graduating, buying a flat in Clifton, Bristol. Following a short period in South Africa, he set up home in Clevedon, North Somerset.

He had a passion for sailing and cycling and was an active member and Treasurer of Clevedon Sailing Club. In addition, he was a more than competent mechanic and loved tinkering with classic cars. He had also recently acquired a renovation project in France which was to occupy his time in retirement.

Martin’s funeral took place on 17th May 2024 in Clevedon. Below are the words performed at his wake:

The Average Whitey Band: A tribute to Mart (to the tune of Jerusalem)

Mart wore a cap, most of the time Flamboyant floral shirts, and shorts He loved his classic cars and bikes Most of them often out of sorts

He loved to sail, and cycle too Home on the sea and up the hills Staunch anti-woke, and Brexiteer To calm himself he took 9 pills He had a heart, of solid gold Afriendship group that did not tire His house in France, if truth be told Does more than a coat of paint require

Anumbers man, not ever tight Apint ofThatchers in his hand His early parting leaves us numb Family and friends with lives unplanned.

Martin was married in 1998 and leaves two children, Monty and Eliza. A plaque in his memory now adorns Clevedon Pier. A fantastic friend to so many and a great, great loss.

StephenMcOwan(W75-82)

Robin (Rob) Willis (K 11-17)

1999 - 2024

Robin enjoyed his time at King’s where he made many friends. Rob took part in a broad range of sports and activities at School. He loved Rugby. Rob started playing club rugby as a junior at Kidderminster Carolians and progressed to playing with Worcester Rugby Club and for King’s. In the Lower Sixth Rob toured with the School to Sri Lanka and Singapore. The video of the tour shows they had a great time, playing

rugby, visiting temples, animal sanctuaries and exploring the spectacular cityscape of Singapore. Rob played for the First XV in his final year.

Life at school was not all about Rugby. Rob was sociable and liked being with people and just having fun.

Rob went on to study business and psychology at Bath Spa University. During COVID Rob did his placement year in Bavaria with a small company that make innovative glass squash courts and multi-sports flooring. On completing his final year and graduating, Rob stayed in Bath, sharing a house with friends, and working to save to travel to Australia.

In January Rob took his own life.

Neither his family nor his friends had known that Rob had started to struggle so deeply with anxiety and depression. Rob’s decision to take his life was a great shock to all of us. We miss him terribly. Mental health is a very fragile thing, and we are incredibly grateful for the support we have received and the deep care that he and his friends have shown for each other.

Rob hid his struggle and went to great lengths to shield his family and friends from the consequences of his decision. He walked the coast path in Cornwall and went into the sea leaving a message for us and to his friends. Rob said he was sorry that he had not been able to share his struggle.

A service of farewell to Rob, held at St Leonard’s in Ribbesford, was attended by many of Rob’s friends and by teachers from the school. Rob’s friends and teachers have shared their memories of Rob and photographs of his time at King’s including the various trips and rugby tours.

Rob’s friends have supported us. Many of them have undertaken or contributed to fundraising activities in his memory for the RNLI Penlee Lifeboat, for Papyrus, a charity that raises awareness about young suicide, and for MIND.

Until this tragic change Rob enjoyed a full and happy life at King’s, in Bath and further afield with his many friends. Rob had experienced much of life. Childhood holidays spent on a boat on the South Coast and sailing to the West Country, France and the Channel Islands. A family trip to Botswana exploring that country in a 4x4 and Bush camping. Later Rob travelled to many countries in Europe with friends and family and visited Australia.

We are grateful to the School and his friends for their support and friendship.

Tim and Kate Willis

David Wright (Ch/Cr 54-61)

1943 - 2024

My father had a long association with the King’s School, but it started badly. Very badly. He had a miserable time as a boarder in Choir House during the mid-fifties, when the spartan, harsh school bore little resemblance to the King’s of today. The dormitories were so cold that the boys used to make ice lollies on the windowsills, probably one of the few pleasures they had. Life improved for Dad once his parents moved to Worcester and he was able to become a day boy, but the memory of his experiences of boarding school troubled him all his life. He could have been forgiven for shaking the dust off his feet when he left, but my dad wasn’t that kind of man. He recognised and appreciated the changes that took place at the school over the decades. My brother Chris and I attended the school during the 1980s and were both very happy, and my elder son (also David) is about to start in the Upper Sixth. Dad was a governor of King’s for many years and was proud to have been part of the Board that elected to make the school co-educational throughout and, yes, to abolish boarding.

Dad’s contribution to the life and culture of the City of Worcester is hard to over-estimate. He managed to combine with being the managing and later senior partner of Parkinson Wright Solicitors, the firm he set up with Ken Parkinson while only in his mid-twenties, with work on a voluntary basis for a host of local organisations; he usually ended up as the Chairman! Worcester City Council, on which he represented Claines Ward for the Conservatives and was group leader for some years, Worcester Arts Council, Worcester Cathedral Arts, the Swan Theatre, the Elgar Chorale, the Elgar Festival – the list goes on and on. Dad couldn’t sing, but he did so much to make it possible for other people to sing. Perhaps the legacy of which he would have been most proud will be his contribution to the Three Choirs Festival. He was Worcester Festival Secretary in 1984 and 1987, an enormous job which he somehow managed alongside the day job and his work as a city councillor. He used to say that his greatest achievement was getting 2000 people seated on time for the opening performance of The Dream of Gerontius in 1984, which was televised for the BBC. Dad was looking forward to this year’s Festival in Worcester and had insisted on buying tickets despite his illness. That was him all over – he never gave up. We decided to ask for donations to the Three Choirs Festival at Dad’s funeral, and the last night performance of The Kingdom, his favourite Elgar oratorio, was given in his memory.

My dad was a wonderful father, mentor and friend, much missed by my mum, Gill, to whom he was married for nearly 57 years, his children, me and Chris, and grandchildren David, Joshua and Emileen.

AlisonMarlow(néeWright,Co85-87)

OV deaths reported since publication of the 2022-23 Vigornian

Josephine Amadio (Co 79-81)

(Michael) Roger Ashmore (Cl 52-61)

Lt Col G D Bailey (Ca 43-54)

Prof. Nigel D S Bax (S 56-66 and Old St Alban‘s)

Sir Christopher Benson DL JP OAM (Cl 43-47)

Simon J Bishop (Cr 57-67)

John Bodin (Dayboys 43-48)

Brian Brain (Cl 51-57)

Arthur Brazel (S 56-60)

Dr Francis Burns (Cr 42-50)

Paul Butler (Cr 70-80)

Christopher Cartwright (Ch 58-63)

Richard Chong (K 83-91)

Otto Clas-Ruben (Ca 53-53)

Dr Anthony R Colclough (Ch 60-64)

Patrick Colegate (Dayboys 42-46)

Ian G Crocker (W 82-88) (William) Mark Croft (Ch 86-88)

Beth Darby (Hon OV) Staff

Dewi Wyn Davies (Cl 67-74)

Mary Day Staff

Nigel Dimmick (Ca 57-66)

Ray Franklin (Cl 43-49)

Digby Guy Gibbs (Cr 59-69 and Old St Alban‘s)

Dr Michael Gleave (Ca 47-55)

Geoffrey Griffiths (Ca 44-46)

Michael A L Griffiths (S 57-64)

George F Hartley (Cl 43-50)

Robert (Bob) Hinds (Hon OV) Staff

Michael Holliday (Dayboys 45-47)

Andrew Judd (Ch 61-66 and Old St Alban‘s)

Val Leacey (née Simpson) Staff

Dr Gordon Leah (Hon OV) Staff

Gerald Lindner (S 43-46)

John Loveless (Cl 50-60 and Old St Alban‘s)

Julian Marsh (Cl 81-91)

Henry J Morris (Cl 49-55)

Michael Morton (S 43-50)

Adrian JC Pepper (Cl 60-70)

David J Prince (Dayboys 51-58)

Michael Points (staff)

Alex J Pope (Ch 95-01)

John D Potts (S 44-48)

Margaret Radnidge (Hon OV) Staff

Peter Richards (Cl 41-46)

Thomas R Reid (H 46-51)

Simon Robbins (Ch 61-64)

Christopher Sheppy (Ca 42-47)

Robert (Bob) Sinclair (Ch 62-67)

John Skillman (S 52-52)

David Spink (Dayboys 43-52)

Lancelot Stimpson (H 54-57)

Michael B Sykes (H and S 42-52)

Anthony (Tony) Tinkel (Dayboys 48-57)

Robin P D Toone (S 49-59)

Ann Turvey (Hon OV) Staff

Rupert Walshe (Cr 88-98)

Martin White (Cr 77-82)

Robin Willis (K 11-18)

David G Wright (Cr 54-61)

Arthur Yarranton (Dayboys 43-47)

GOVERNOR NEWS 2023-2024

The Governors are responsible for the overall strategic direction and financial management of the Foundation, working closely with the executive to ensure the continuing success of all three schools.

The Board of 18 Governors uses its diverse range of skills, knowledge and experience to oversee all three schools within the King’s Foundation. During the year, eight new Governors were appointed to the Board, bringing a wealth of experience and fresh ideas.

Jon Salkeld has held senior technology, strategic planning and business managements roles at big name companies such as BP, ICI and QinetiQ. Towards the end of the academic year, he took on the role of Health and Safety Governor, reporting to the Compliance Committee.

Wendy Milne-Bennett is a very experienced HR professional, currently working as HR Director for a wholesale group of companies. She joins the Compliance Committee and also serves as HR Governor, monitoring all aspects of the HR provision on behalf of the Board.

Anne Penn is a member of the Chapter of Worcester Cathedral and a former Headteacher. She brings a wealth of experience to the Education Committee and reinforces our close ties with the Cathedral.

Sian Williams is another very experienced Headteacher and an Ofsted Inspector. She joins the Education Committee and has taken on the role of SEND Governor, monitoring SEND

provision on behalf of the Governors. She visited each of the three schools twice during the year, with her second visits focusing on literacy and pupils’ love of reading.

Professor Martin Stringer is a former Pro Vice-Chancellor of Swansea and Birmingham Universities and has a particular interest in equality, diversity and inclusion. He joined the Education Committee, and he has also taken on the role of Wellbeing Governor, in which he will seek to assure Governors that pupils’ physical and mental health, as well as their emotional, social and economic wellbeing, are actively promoted.

Abhinav Mathur has over twenty years’ experience in the technology sector. He serves on the Finance and General Purposes Committee and has also taken on the new role of Marketing and Admissions Governor, supporting the teams working across all three Foundation schools.

Tim Brock is an OV who works in school governance and provides consultancy on school improvement. He serves on the Compliance Committee and has been involved in developing a new communications strategy.

Liz Robson has a background in IT. She joined the Compliance Committee and will seek to assure Governors that technology is used appropriately, safely and effectively in her role of Digital Governor.

The three main committees reporting back to the Board –Education chaired by Sue Hincks, Compliance chaired by Carolyn Pike, and Finance and General Purposes chaired by Bill Ballard - met each term. During the year, each committee reviewed its Terms of Reference to ensure that all aspects of the Governors’ role are adequately addressed.

In addition to committee work and work of Governors with specific roles, the Governors undertake a programme of formal school visits each year.

Tim Brock and Andrew Underwood visited the Senior School during the Spring Term to discuss pastoral care in the Lower Years, the transition from Year 6 to Year 7, and pupil discipline. Wendy Milne-Bennett, Sue Hincks and Rob Prestidge visited during the Summer Term to discuss the cocurricular programme with members of staff and groups of pupils.

Carolyn Pike and Rob Prestidge visited King’s Hawford in November to discuss the SEND programme and changes to the curriculum with Head Tom Butt. In June, Bill Ballard and Martin Stringer visited King’s Hawford where they attended an assembly and watched a rehearsal of the Senior Production. In February, Carolyn Pike and Liz Robson visited King’s St Alban’s and met with new Headmaster, Nick Hawker, new Deputy Head Adam Kent, and new Registrar Lizzie Monkhouse.

Pat Preston, Chair of Governors, and Paul Walker, one of the Vice-Chairs, visit each of the schools during the course of the year. In November, they visited the Senior School, toured the new Sixth Form facilities and met with Sixth Form students to discuss the new curriculum. In February, they visited King’s Hawford and looked at how the school ensures all pupils are ‘King’s Ready’ for the Senior School by the end of Year 6 and the development of the MFL curriculum. In May, they visited King’s St Alban’s to discuss the co-curriculum programme, and how Pupil Voice is gathered at the school. They met with members of the School Council and the prefect team.

In their roles as Safeguarding Governors, Sue Hincks and Adrienne Plunkett regularly visit all three of the schools to meet with the DSLs and DDSLs, to offer support, oversee the safeguarding arrangements and gain an understanding of the key themes. They also meet with groups of pupils to discuss their experiences. Adrienne also undertakes sampling of HR records and checks of the Single Central Register which is maintained by the HR team. She was joined by Liz Robson in March to speak with a mixed age group of pupils about how safe and supported they feel in school. Sue and Adrienne met pupils later in the year to discuss staying safe online. Pupils’ concerns and suggestions are shared with the senior leadership team and steps have been taken, for example looking at pupils’ safety at the end of the school day.

Members of the School Council presented to the Governors at the March Board meeting about their work to create an Upstander Community. At the June Board meeting, which was held in The Cobb at Hawford, members of the King’s Hawford Pupil Parliament gave a very informative presentation on the work of their parliament and the three committees. They even brought their own version of Black Rod’s famous staff. Pupils from King’s St Alban’s will present to Governors at their next Board meeting in December.

Governors have been delighted to welcome members of staff to an informal buffet lunch preceding each of their Board meetings. Members of the Education Committee also enjoyed lunch in the Dining Hall with King’s St Alban’s staff before the Summer term meeting.

Pat Preston and Paul Walker continued to meet representatives of staff from across the Foundation at the Staff-Governor Forum, providing staff with an opportunity to raise important issues directly with Governors.

Governors also attended many school events including concerts, productions, sports fixtures, and Cathedral services, as well as King’s Day, the King’s Hawford Speech Day and the King’s St Alban’s Speech Day.

In September 2024, the Foundation will welcome Rev Dr Stephen Edwards as an ex-officio Governor when he is

installed as the new Dean of Worcester, underlining the important and special relationship that exists between the Foundation and the Cathedral.

Each of the Governors freely dedicates a significant amount of time and thought to the benefit of the Foundation. Their responsibilities as charity trustees and company directors are considerable - the Foundation is very grateful for their ongoing contribution.

GOVERNORS 2023-24

Name Role

Mrs Patricia Preston Chair

Mr Paul Walker

Mrs Carolyn Pike

Mr Bill Ballard

Miss Susan Hincks

Mr Timothy Brock

Vice-Chair and Chair of the Nominations and Governance Committee

Vice-Chair and Chair of the Compliance Committee

Chair of the Finance and General Purposes Committee

Chair of the Education Committee and Safeguarding Governors

Mr Abhinav Mathur Marketing and Admissions Governor

Mrs Wendy Milne-Bennett HR Governor

Miss Anne Penn

Ms Adrienne Plunkett Safeguarding Governor

Mr Robert Prestidge

Mrs Elizabeth Robson Digital Governor

Dr Jonathan Salkeld Health and Safety Governor

Prof Martin Stringer Wellbeing Governor

Mr Richard Tomlinson

Mr Andrew Underwood

Ms Sian Williams SEND Governor

KING’S WORCESTER TEACHING STAFF 2023/2024

Mr G E Doodes Headmaster

Dr A R Oliver Senior Deputy Head

Mrs K H Beever Deputy Head Academic

Miss H Dyke Deputy Head Pastoral

Mr J R Ricketts Foundation Director Safeguarding and Compliance

Mr R Davis English

Head of UCAS Applications

Mr T Sharp History

Dr M Poole Chemistry

Head of Wulstan House

Rev M Dorsett Religion and Philosophy Chaplain

Mrs N Essenhigh Biology

Mr A Gillgrass Politics/PE and Games

Mr S Cuthbertson Geography

Mr C Haywood Head of Art

Mr C Wilson Head of Design and Technology

Mr R Ball Head of Modern Foreign Languages

Mr J Mason Foundation Director of Sport

Mr C Atkinson PE and Games

Dr R James Chemistry

Head of Choir House

Mr E Lummas Design and Technology

Dr M Parkin Biology

Mrs R Rutter MFL

Mrs R Worth Biology

Assistant Head of Lower Years

Mr G Gunter Music

Mrs D Salkeld Maths

Mrs S Bradley Head of Classics

Mrs E Friend Head of Economics and Business

Mr J Chalmers Head of Rowing

Mrs C Neville Geography

Assistant Head of Sixth Form

Head of Kittermaster House

Mr A Deichen Design and Technology

Head of Castle House

Mrs L Walmsley English

Mrs J Lucas Head Learning Skills

Mr G Williams Economics & Business

Mrs R Shearburn Head of Spanish

Mr J Gardiner Maths

Mr J Hand Maths

Head of Sixth Form

Miss J Hewitt Art

Mrs A Fellows English

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

Mrs G Hardy Art

Dr R McLaverty-Head Religion and Philosophy

Head of Oxbridge & Academic Enrichment

Mrs E Woodward Geography

Mrs B Darby Maths

Mrs N Sears History

Head of Chappel House

Mr O Heydon Head of Mathematics

Mr W Joyce Geography

Head of Creighton House

Mr J Sarriegui MFL

Mr S Taranczuk Director of Music

Dr C Brown Biology

Head of Staffing Systems

Mrs D Clarke Maths

Mr E Houghton MFL

Mrs L Miller-Symonds Director of Sport

Mrs E Shepherd Classics

Mr A Swarbrick Maths

Mrs R Roberts Chemistry

Ms L Ruiz Pelaez MFL

Miss R Ellender Art and Design and Technology

Head of Bright House

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

Mr A Knights Physics

Mrs S Parry Head of Drama

Miss K Lane Drama and Theatre

Mrs C Yates Head of French

Mr D Branchett Head of Computing

Mrs E Ferguson History

Head of Middle Years

Mr E Lewis Maths

Mr M Warren English

Mrs A Gamble Physics

Mrs L Beard Biology

Mr N Blakemore Computing

Mrs D Drew MFL

Mr S Greenall PE and Games

Mr L Ison Head of Chemistry

Mrs E K Booth Classics

Mrs C Rees

Head of PSHE and RSE

Head of Oswald House

Miss K Arnold Chemistry

Head of Curriculum, Reporting and Data

Mr T Pearson Physics

Head of School House

Dr C Petchsingh Physics

Ms J Ellis Art

Mrs H Lacey Biology

Miss G Ormandy Geography

Mrs A Fitzpatrick Maths

Mrs S Lucas English

Mr W McGarvey Head of History and Politics

Mrs K Collins PE and Games

Miss L Herdman PE and Games

Mrs R Kent Head of Psychology

Assistant Head of Middle Years

Mrs K Knott PE and Games

Mr E Low Head of English

Mr O Shone Learning Skills

Mr R Ward History

Mr B Williams PE and Games

Mr R Booth Design and Technology

Mrs P McConalogue Biology

Mrs C Gent Economics & Business

Mrs K Lewis Classics

Mrs V Lloyd-Smith English

Mrs C Payne Psychology

Ms S Rhodes English

Mr R Chapman Maths

Head of Lower Years

Jessica Haynes Performance Netball Coach

Mr J Hemming Maths

Mrs L Slater-Klein Drama

Mr A Zarro Economics & Business

Mr A Jackson Maths

Mrs M Kelly German

Miss P Sanders PE and Games

Mr E Leadbeater Physics

Ms G Pace Physics

Mrs K Matthews Chemistry

KING’S WORCESTER SUPPORT STAFF 2023/2024

Miss G Mason Director of Finance and Business Development

Mr A Winter Director of Operations

Mr A Maund Director of Foundation Communications

Mr P Tyrrell Head Groundsman

Mrs C Furber School Nurse

Ms N McNamee Cleaning Manager

Mr F McFee Caretaker

Ms T Hundley Cleaning

Mr T Price Estates

Mr G Collins Groundsperson

Mr D Grinnell Transport

Mrs D Paddock Music Secretary

Mr N Clines Maintenance

Mrs P Bladen Senior Secretary

Mrs M Richardson School Secretary

Mrs V Peckston Registrar

Ms H Hateley SIMS Manager

Mrs C Nesbitt School Secretary

Ms M Glarvey Exams Officer

Mrs J Timlin Art Technician

Ms J Harrell DT Technician

Mr R Barker Estates Manager

Ms A Jeffery School Librarian

Mr D Cox IT Department

Mr W Calvert Groundsperson

Mrs A Grove Financial Controller

Mr T Woodward Health & Safety Advisor

Mrs M Capell Assistant Librarian

Mrs M Quigley School Secretary

Mrs C Perera DMR Officer

Mr L Saunders Physics Technician

Mrs T Pardoe Lunchtime Supervisor

Mrs S Guest School Secretary

Mrs I Carson Kitchen

Mrs G Bruce HR Assistant

Miss A Cross Finance

Mr P Haynes Theatre Manager

Mr W Bird Rowing - Boatman

Miss E Rossiter School Nurse

Mr H Cronin Strength and Conditioning Coach

Mrs J Palmer DT Technician

Mrs E Ward Director of Marketing

Mrs R Wilkes Spanish Language Assistant

Mr S Tongue ICT Manager

Miss J Woodward Common Room Catering

Dr K Watkinson Biology Technician

Mrs A Ellis Finance

Mr P Harding CCF

Mr S Bain Biology Technician

Mrs B Gamble Chemistry Technician

Mrs C Tedino HR Coordinator

Mrs M Hacklett Finance

Mr T Harper Estates

Miss E Southall Digital Marketing Manager

Mrs E Sydenham Compliance Manager and Clerk to Governors

Mr M Siglioccolo Counsellor

Mrs A Sutcliffe Alumni Relations Co-ordinator

Mrs J Doodes Marketing & Partnership Manager

Mrs C Owen School Secretary

Mrs G Brooks Minibus Driver

Mrs J Sinclair-Knipe Cover Supervisor

Mrs A Odam School Nurse

Mr Q Javed Senior ICT Support Technician

Mrs E Bennett Learning Skills Administrator

Mrs K Marsh Receptionist

Mrs M McCumisky Careers Advisor

Mrs S Eiser Engagement Coordinator

Mr A Walker Minibus Driver

Mrs H Sparrey Head of Alumni & Business Development

Mrs L Lewis Payroll Assistant

Mr M Underhill Minibus Driver

Mrs J Walters School Nurse

Ms J Timberlake Minibus Driver

Mrs B Ganot Language Assistant

Mrs J Evans Receptionist

Mr I Booth Minibus Driver

Mr S MacFarlane Theatre and Events Technician

Mr B Humphries Estates Assistant

Mrs F Cook Executive Assistant to the Headmaster

Mrs A Spencer Foundation Admission Officer

Miss T Webb Office Administrator

Mrs S Huxley DMR Assistant

Miss I Drinkwater Lead Rowing Coach

Mr S East Minibus Driver

Mr W Maughan Minibus Driver

Mr A Sanderson Minibus Driver

Mr R Gibson Rowing Coach

Mr S D’Ambrosi Maintenance

Mr A Fisentzides ICT Network Technician

Miss A Johns Theatre and Events Technician

Mrs C Kemp Assistant Finance Officer

Mr A Brace Site Maintenance Assistant

Mrs K Turner HR Manager

Ms Kit Quirke Assistant Examinations Officer

Mrs A Coward Minibus Driver

Mr D Dignam Minibus Driver

Mr S Butler ICT Support Technician

Mrs G O’Sullivan Payroll Co-ordinator

Mr R Howlett ICT Support Technician

GAP STUDENTS

Mr Harry Coopey-Palmer Sports GAP Hawford

Miss Ellie Deehan Graduate Lower Years

Mr Sam Green

Graduate Sports Assistant

Mr Fraser Minchella Graduate Sports Assistant

Miss Sophie Mitchell Graduate Drama Assistant

Mr Stan Norman GAP Student (St Alban’s)

“Miss Hannah Odam Sports GAP Hawford

Miss Darcy Simon

Miss Alexandria Smith

Graduate Rowing Assistant

Graduate Sports Assistant

Miss Olivia Stubbs Sports GAP St Alban’s

SCHOOL MONITORS

Heads of School

George Campbell-Ferguson and Jasmin Sayani

Monitors

Max Barclay George Howard

Clementine Bradley Jaime Lewis

George Campbell-Ferguson Riya Mayilvahanan

Joshua Carr Lara Meredith

Hugo Chapman Bea Morgan

Freya Davis Ellie Nosworthy

Millie Davis Luke Ranasinghe

Anton De Vos James Raybould

Henry Edwards Jasmine Sayani

KING’S HAWFORD STAFF 2023/2024

Headmaster

Deputy Head

Assistant Head

Administrative Staff

Mr Tom Butt

Mrs Caroline Knight

Mr Lorne Stigant

Miss Laura Crowe Head’s PA

Miss Gemma Woolley School Secretary

Mrs Melanie Adams Registrar

Junior School Teachers (Years 3 to 6)

Mrs Joanna Atkins

Mrs Charlotte Butt - Head of Girls Games

Mrs Katherine Cornish

Mrs Vicki English

Mrs Paula Gregory

Mr Sam Hodgkins

Miss Gemma Holtham

Mrs Grace Horrocks

Mrs Sophie Hughes

Mrs Lisa Hyde

Miss Vicky Lake

Miss Sophie-Jo Lusted

Mrs Tara McCullough

Mrs Celia Rawnsley

Mrs Janet Redman

Pre-Prep Teachers (Reception to Year 2)

Head of Lower School

Assistant Head Academic

Kindergarten Assistants

Posie Forrester

Amelia Taft

Ben France

Lucy Wadley

Isabella Green

Alex Witt

Aizah Haq

Maddie Worth

Frederick Horsfall

Mr Oliver Roberts

Mr Richard Cook

Miss Katie Poole - Kindergarten Manager

Mrs Anna West - Deputy Kindergarten Manager

Miss Valentina Chiarello

Miss Ella Comerford

Mrs Debbie Field

Miss Leah Knight

Miss Keira Martin

Mrs Sam Powell

Mrs Jo Simons

Miss Verity Tipper

Mrs Sue Watts

Matron

Mrs Ali Odam

Mrs Jennifer Shukla

After School Care

Mr Harry Evans

Miss Emma Lane Catering Staff

Miss Anna Kingston

Mrs Anna Leatherdale

Mr Russ Marsland

Mrs Joanne Rand

Teaching Assistants

Mrs Kirsten Beech

Miss Gemma Collins - Dedicated Pupil Support

Miss Tallulah Cox - Dedicated Pupil Support

Mrs Stefanie Danks

Mr John Perks - Catering Manager

Mrs Ceri Barker - Deputy Catering Manager

Mrs Melissa Bates

Mrs Julie Duffy

Mrs Angelika Ciezarek

Mrs Jeany Prisecaru

Art / Science Technician

Mrs Sue Elliott

Mr Tom George Maintenance

Mrs Liz Heath

Mrs Kitty Hurley

Mrs Sarah Palmer

Miss Grace Reynolds - Dedicated Pupil Support

Mr Nick Vaughan

Groundsman

Mr Andy Callow

KING’S SCHOLARS

Senior Scholars

Lucy Wadley and George Howard

Upper Sixth

Max Barclay

George Campbell-Ferguson

Ben France

Freddie Horsfall

Jack Janes

Jamie Lewis

Riya Mayilvahanan

Bea Morgan

Luke Ranasinghe

James Raybould

Amelia Taft

Lower Sixth

Emily Andrews

James Capell

Millie Dobson

Connor Yates

Fifth Form

Samantha Capell

Issy Da Silva

Pranav Mayilvahanan

Sonali Prasad

Alex Probert

Upper Remove

Freddie Barwise

Vinayak Chadha

Arthur Morgan

Ella Purves

Ava Town

Oscar Sharman

Lower Remove

Daisy Fitton

Benedict Roberts

Henrietta Venables

Joe Taylor-Edwards

CHORISTERS

Upper Sixth

Florence Price

Lower Sixth

Martha Evans

Annabella Kenny

Fifth Form

Annabelle Bird

Upper Remove

Molly Branchett

Larissa Edwards-Hall

Juliet Gardner

Belinda Price

Lower Remove

James Pollock

Benedict Roberts

KING’S ST ALBAN’S STAFF 2023/2024

Headmaster Mr Nick Hawker

Deputy Head Mr Adam Kent

Assistant Head, Co-curricular Mrs Keeley Beauchamp

Adminstrative Staff

Mrs Lizzie Monkhouse (Registrar)

Mrs Sara Sowney (School Secretary)

Prep School Teachers (Years 3 to 6)

Mrs Fleur Atkinson

Mrs Keeley Beauchamp

Mr Nicola Cain

Mrs Katie Etherington

Mrs Rebecca Greenhill

Mrs Vanessa Gunter

Mrs Lucinda Hand

Mrs Helen Haggarty

Miss Alex Jordan

Mrs Lisa Kilbey

Mrs Marie Knipe

Mrs Liz Lewis

Mrs Eleanor Majhu

Mrs Julie Pitts

Mrs Nikola Ricketts

Mrs Philly White

Prep Teaching Assistants

Miss Becky Woodger

Mrs Jane Askew

Pre-Prep Teachers (Reception to Year 2)

Mrs Ellie Fourie

Mrs Kate Chatterton

Mrs Louise Thorp

Mrs Philly White

Pre-Prep Teaching Assistants

Mrs Albanie Cinao

Mrs Rebecca Greenhill

Mrs Charlie Holden-Milner

Upper Fourth

Sebastian Clarke

Florrie Cook

George Holmes

Henry Kamalarajan

Lexi Quinn

Lower Fourth

Oliver Atherton

Ralph Daniel

Arthur Tanner

Rory Woodward

Assistant Head, Pre-Prep Miss Briony Cartwright

Games Staff

Director of Sport - Mrs Jo Clark

Mr Charlie Hooman

Mr Chris Jenkinson

Nursery

Nursery Manager - Mrs Sarah Pugh

Mrs Sabah Ayub

Mrs Rachel Byng

Miss Eve Davies

Mrs Kate Edwards

Miss Allison Lewis

Mrs Valerie Monkhouse

Miss Nichola Stray

Mrs Amanda Withnall

Matrons

Mrs Nikki Flood

Mrs Karen Jenkins

Organist - Mr Nicholas Freestone

Maintenance

Mr Terry Price

UPPER SIXTH CLASS OF 2024