The Dolphin - 2021

THE

2021

DOLPHIN

The covers of this Dolphin show pictures of Old House

The Dolphin Magazine, Christmas, Easter and Summer Terms 2020/21 An Excerpt from the Headmaster’s Speech 4 Cups & Prizes 6

School Community

The Headmaster Reflects 10 A Word from the Head of School 11 What King's Has Meant to our Prefects 12 House News 14-29 A Tribute to Old House from the Housemaster 24 Valete 30-33 The King's Spirit Highlights 34 Family Roots at the Heart of King's 36 The Old Brutonian Association 37 Friends of King's Bruton 38 King's Community Supporting Charity 39

Interesting Times

An Eventful Year

Academic Matters 84 5th Form Creative Writing 86 Music 90 Performing Arts 96 Art 102 The Sixth Form 106 U6th Form Leavers 2021 108 English as an Additional Language 110 Learning Support 112 The Classics 112 The Chess Year 113 Remembrance Day 114 Community Service 115 Chaplaincy 116 CCF 118 Dolphin Productions 120 Director of Sport 124 Rugby 125 Girls’ Hockey 126 Boys’ Hockey 128 Netball 129 Cross Country 130 Cricket 131 Athletics 132 Tennis 135 Swimming 136 Health Related Fitness 136 Equestrian 137 Team Photographs 140

CONTENTS

Presentation of Governors’ Prizes

THE DOLPHIN

Contents

DofE - A Tribute to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh 42 Talking Music with the Headmaster Podcast 44 The Dolphin Garden 45 My Journey Towards an Army Scholarship 46 Bella’s Brunch Bagels 48 A Year on from King's - Santina McKechnie 49 Thinking About 9/11 50 Mental Health Awareness Week 53 The Creation, Manufacture and Distribution 54 of the COVID-19 Vaccine King's Staff Vaccination Volunteers 55 A Year on from King's - Alex Baxter 56 The Gazelle Squadron 57 A Small Act of Kindness 58 Blondin in Bruton 1892 59 A Covid Rescue Story 60 Calling the Elderly During Lockdown 61 Two Are Better Than One 62 Re-enactment and Me 63 Caring for the Environment 64 The Super Bowl - The New vs the Old 65 100 Years of Dance 66 Travel Journalism with Mr Mitra Podcast 69 Brexit Debate Podcast 70 Mental Health Matters 71 A Young Entrepreneur 72 Old Brutonian, George Read, Back in Bruton 73 Time Capsule 74 Should Schools Have Unlimited Free Speech?

78 We are Never too Small to make a Difference Podcast 79 A Year on From King's - Katie Proctor 80 The Sixth Form Club 81

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Presentation of Governors’ Prizes An Excerpt from the Headmaster’s Speech Cups and Prizes

THE DOLPHIN

An Excerpt from the Headmaster’s Speech

THE HEADMASTER’S SPEECH

Presentation of Governors’ Prizes, June 2021

We had all hoped to be able to finish this strange year with a normal prizegiving but, sadly, for the second year running, this is not to be.

Firstly, I want to congratulate you all.

I know that this has been a difficult, uncertain, worrying year, but I think we should all look back with justified pride on what we have achieved. It has certainly not been easy, but we have successfully coped with social distancing, wearing face coverings, remote lessons, quarantine, mass testing and Teacher Assessed Grades.

Teacher Assessed Grades is easy to say, but you, the pupils and staff know how stressful they have been to complete. We have coped with all of this with good humour, and we’ve shown amazing adaptability and resilience. I’m very proud of you all.

I’m not going to go through all the Lower School subject prizes, all the names of prizewinners will be on the School website, while the U6th Form will be awarded their prizes on Friday, but I want to read out individual and subject named prizes.

First of all, Laila Squire is awarded the Art Junior Award, India Finch Hatton wins the Painter Stainer’s Company Prize for Art, while Olivia Nicol is awarded the Extended Project Qualification

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prize. In this time of increased use of screens and social media it is important that we continue to read and write, and Fredrick Walburn is the worthy winner of the Third Form Reading prize, and Olivia Hooker wins the Davey Prize for creative writing.

James Squire is awarded an important new cup, the Yusof Memorial Cup, awarded in memory of Yusof Fouladinejad, given to a Year 9 boy or girl who has gone above and beyond to support members of their House or school community. Harry Allen receives the Fleischmann Prize for Lower School German, while Bodo Wirth is awarded the Strayt Junior Biology Prize. After a difficult year for our overseas pupils it is good to recognise the work of Leo Cao and Peter Schweyer as they are respectively awarded the Junior and Senior EAL prizes. Isabella Mason receives the Mary Tyndall prize for continued academic improvement, while Isaac Baxter wins the OBA Prize for excellence at GCSE. Finally, Jemima Hurst, one of our top actors, and now a member of the British Youth Music Theatre, receives the Sloman Cup for Dramatic Arts, and Sophie Gould is the winner of one of two main girls’ sports cups, the Galbraith Cup. I will be awarding the House Cup to the highest achieving House in Friday’s U6th Form Prizegiving.

Despite being away for the Easter term lockdown, we managed to maintain a busy extracurricular programme this year. King's Spirit was integral in keeping the School community engaged and active, whilst also proving a very popular initiative within the Old Brutonian community.

The year has been strange with cricket being played in September as well as in the Summer term, the one and only 1st XV rugby match taking place in May, while hockey and netball matches have also been arranged for the Summer term.

It was very good to see CCF resuming on Friday afternoons, and the CCF and the Year 10 Art pupils, separately, went on two enjoyable residential trips to Cornwall.

Drama and Music have probably been hit the hardest by the COVID restrictions, as pupils have not been able to perform in large groups or perform to audiences. The School Play, therefore, became an excellent radio play, while all concerts were livestreamed. The Inter-House Music Competition was a virtual success, but I know that we are all looking forward to returning to the Memorial Hall next year. The lack of community events has been difficult for pupils, staff and parents, and despite all our versatility and imagination, we are looking forward to being back together as a whole school community from

THE DOLPHIN A mention must go to the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award groups who, thankfully, have completed their practice and qualifier expeditions since half-term. I received the following letter from their expedition assessor and supervisor:

“I recently helped some of your students complete their gold qualifying expedition on Dartmoor. I’ve been involved with expeditions for many years, so have come in contact with many groups of students, but I can honestly say, that none of them impressed me as much as King's pupils did. I was extremely impressed with their manner, behaviour, and character.

They were undoubtedly a great credit to the School and the teachers and, in fact, if I were looking to fill any jobs, I would have no hesitation in employing your students.”

I was obviously delighted to receive this letter, but I was not surprised. Due to COVID, I have been doing all the prospective parents school tours and therefore, I’ve had the opportunity to see the pupils and staff in action across the School Campus. I have completed over 80 tours this term, and with each tour lasting 1.6 miles and constituting 2,300 steps, I have had ample opportunities to see our pupils engaging in the wide

variety of quality education we have an offer here at King's. I am very grateful to all the pupils, particularly the U6th Form pupils who have stopped at my request without any warning to speak so eloquently to the prospective parents and their son or daughter. These tours have been great fun despite the fact that I have literally worn out two pairs of shoes.

At the end of the academic year we inevitably say goodbye to staff, but this year we also say farewell to Old House as a boarding house. As you all know, Old House was the original school building founded in 1519, and in effect it returns to its original function as a teaching and administrative building, once the boarders leave at the end of this term. It is fitting that we will hold the U6th Form Leavers’ Service and Prizegiving in Old House Yard. I would like to share an extract of a letter sent to the Old Brutonian Association recently from an OB who was in Old House:

“Despite all its quirky idiosyncrasies, Old House quickly got under my skin and became my second home for the next few years. Recent news that Old House will cease to be a boys’ boarding house has triggered a flood of nostalgia, taking me by surprise somewhat and prompting this... Let’s call it, a thank you note. Schools must evolve to survive in these challenging

times for independent education, particularly so for a school set in a rural context such as Bruton. It is to the School’s enormous credit that not only does King's consistently punch above its weight in many areas, but it has done so without compromising its core values, which still run deep in those of us fortunate enough to have passed through its freezing cold corridors, up the spiral stairwell on our way to the junior room. It is said that schools are not buildings, they are people, communities - and so they are. But spare a thought for my old school house, and my father’s old school house, Old House which would have meant so much to so many over the years. Its function may be about to change, but its walls will always contain our secrets and our memories.

Thank you, Old House.

Floreat Brutonia.”

THE HEADMASTER’S SPEECH

September.

So in conclusion, I want to thank again all the pupils and staff for making this year such a success. I am very grateful in particular to all the Senior Management Team and to Mrs Carpenter, my PA, for their invaluable support.

I look forward to welcoming everyone back in September to normal school life with all those communal activities we’ve missed so much. I wish you all safe, fun and relaxing summer holiday.

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Third Form

Achievement Prizes for academic excellence James Squire Adam Mulford Annabelle Rundle Winifred Dawes Benjamin Longman Harriet Vallings Sophia Hall

Commendation Prizes for sustained hard work Lucy Duval Emily Weeks Frederick Walburn Saskia Cierach Sophie Coverdale Araminta Wakelin Sebastian Young Thomas Buck

PRESENTATION OF GOVERNORS’ PRIZES

THE DOLPHIN

Cups and Prizes

Fourth Form

Achievement Prizes for academic excellence Harry Allen Isabel Waller Georgia McDade Eleanor Grieve Jenna Coverdale Samantha Howe Commendation Prizes for sustained hard work Georgie Neville-Rolfe Lily Innes Phoebe Freeman Millie Hutchinson Barnaby Charles Millicent Moore

Fifth Form

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Achievement Prizes for academic excellence Bodo Wirth Amelia Blunden Laila Squire Cecily Warburton India Finch Hatton Jemima Hurst Tia West

Commendation Prizes for sustained hard work Agatha Dawes Isabella Mason Archie Martyn-Smith Davina Ellis Lena Hassler Samuel Loughrey Melosina Lenox-Conyngham

Lower Sixth Form Subject Prizes Biology Lulu McDade Chemistry Rosie Longman Hospitality Grace Freeman and Lillian Crossfield Further Mathematics Isaac Baxter Geography Lulu McDade Economics Isaac Baxter Mathematics Hannah Branfoot Physics Thomas Bickerton Business Studies Dylan Millard Design & Technology Edward Weekes History Thomas Bickerton English Olivia Nicol French Thomas Matkevich Physical Education Anya Evans Philosophy Olivia Nicol

Psychology Christopher Wood Spanish Emily Gilmour BTEC Enterprise James Newcombe BTEC Sport Felix Mornement Performing Arts Charlotte Burton

Upper Sixth Form

Subject Prizes (Subject prizes are awarded for effort, application and attainment within a subject area and are not entirely based on examination results) Biology Natalie Wilmshurst Geography Charlie Bascombe Physical Education Poppy Agabani English Isabella Bird French Juliette Webb History Laura Purefoy Business Studies Charlie Bascombe Chemistry Poppy Agabani Design & Technology Isaac Michaels Economics Jack Fowler-Baxter Physics Adam Barrett-James Further Mathematics Rory Gibbs Mathematics Constance Pollard

Psychology Natalie Wilmshurst Spanish Katharine Wootton

Davey Prize: for creative writing Olivia Hooker

Yusof Memorial Cup: Awarded to a 3rd Form pupil for their outstanding contribution to the School community James Squire Sloman Cup: for contribution to the dramatic arts Jemima Hurst

Mary Tyndall Prize: for continued academic Gibbs Cup improvement for Drama BTEC Sport Isabella Mason Finlay Pender-Cudlip Pippa Venner-Coombes

The Fleischmann Prize: Galbraith Cup: BTEC Performing Arts for excellence in a second language for contribution to girls’ sporting Finlay Pender-Cudlip Harry Allen achievement both in School and at representative level BTEC Enterprise Most improved English as an Sophie Gould Amy Ruddock additional language (Junior) Lexin Cao Coney Cup for contribution to girls’ sport on Music Prizes Most improved English as an and off the field additional language (Senior) Jasmine Spilsbury Headmaster’s Prize for Music Peter Schweyer Sophie Newman Pineo Bowl O.B.A. Prize for contribution to boys’ sporting Slogrove Trophy for excellence in G.C.S.E. achievement both in School and at Constance Pollard Isaac Baxter representative level Oliver Barber Moore Cup for Choral Music Henry Deanesley Prize Constance Pollard for Chemistry in the Sixth Form Ridley Cup Adam Barrett-James for contribution to boys’ sport on Bill Gordon Jazz Trophy and off the field Aidan McFarlane OBA Progress Prizes Samuel Rabbets for progress not exclusively Band Shield academic Adam Barrett-James Hugo Burgess

William Bartlett Headmaster’s Prizes Katie Ruddock Art Prizes Lara Milne Headmaster’s Prizes Joseph Gartell For Outstanding Academic Junior Award Charlotte Elway Achievement Laila Squire Freya Fearn Constance Pollard Leo Haywood Senior Award For Deputy Head Boy Katharine Wootton Hugh Sexey’s Memorial Prizes Thomas Jones for contribution to School life History of Art outside the classroom For Deputy Head Girl Rory Gibbs Oliver Barber Pippa Venner-Coombes Archie Coulsey-Belgeonne The Worshipful Company of Ella Docherty For Head Girl Painter-Stainers School Prize in Art Oliver Lock Amy Hurst India Finch Hatton Llewelyn Harper Frederick Goggs George Bailey Beak Trophy for the

Top Performing House Named Prizes Alex Edwards Cup

for loyalty and service to the Strayt Prize for Biology (Junior) School community Bodo Wirth Ben Burton

EPQ Prize Olivia Nicol

THE DOLPHIN

BTEC Hospitality Joshua Blunden

3rd Form Reading Prize: for outstanding performance in the Accelerated Reading Scheme Frederick Walburn

PRESENTATION OF GOVERNORS’ PRIZES

Philosophy Imogen Dawe

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Community The Headmaster Reflects A Word from the Head of School What King's Has Meant to our Prefects House News A Tribute to Old House from the Housemaster Valete The King's Spirit Highlights Family Roots at the Heart of King's The Old Brutonian Association Friends of King's Bruton King's Community Supporting Charity

THE DOLPHIN

The Headmaster Reflects...

Ian Wilmshurst

THE HEADMASTER REFLECTS

Headmaster

It is inevitable that a Headmaster will be faced with important leadership moments in which you have to address the School in times of crisis. The content of the message, and the tone of delivery, has to be correct, to reassure everyone that the right decisions will be made to safely lead the School through the challenges ahead. I was faced with such a leadership moment at the end of the Easter term 2020, when addressing a quiet, subdued staff common room just before the whole country went into the first lockdown. I emphasised that the School would be able to financially cope with a remote term, but I certainly did not anticipate that we would all be still dealing with a pandemic 14 months later.

However, no Head is ever alone, and a key to any leadership is effective delegation. The main reason that we have coped so well, since March 2020, is that King's is blessed with outstanding staff who have all risen to whatever challenges they have faced to ensure that all systems we have put in place have been pupil-focused and of high quality. We decided that the priorities would be ensuring quality in all that we did, adherence to the government guidelines, with the expectation that these would inevitably change overtime, effective ongoing communication with all members of the School community, particularly parents, and an understanding that all measures that we put in place had to be sustainable. This last point has proved crucial as we have had to do very little adaptation to our initial guidelines.

Dan Cupit, Deputy Head Academic, skilfully produced remote education

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guidelines as well as clear support for pupils and staff for Centre Assessed Grades and Teacher Assessed Grades.

Dan has worked tirelessly for us all and he been ably supported by Will Daws, Deputy Head Sixth Form. Will gave crucial support to last year’s U6th Form pupils in the confusing days after A-Level results day last summer. Alison Grant, Deputy Head, introduced the marvellous online initiative of King's Spirit which proved crucial in maintaining morale during lockdown, and this would not have been possible without the support of Naomi Warren, our Marketing Manager. Alison also was integral in organising successful mass testing and quarantine provision.

I’ve worked very closely throughout the pandemic with the Bursar, Louis Tuson, to ensure that the School was protected as far as possible from the financial impact of the pandemic.

Louis worked with many parents who inevitably have also struggled financially, and I know that although the furlough scheme for staff has been a huge advantage, it has also been very difficult for many of the staff involved.

It is with relief and satisfaction that King's has come through the last 14 months so strongly, and in as good a financial position as we as we could have hoped for. I am also grateful to all the Housemasters, Housemistresses, Heads of Department, teachers and support staff for their professionalism and commitment in all areas of the School. A final staff thank you must go to our outstanding IT department who ensured that we could revert seamlessly to remote teaching and learning.

It was very strange for me to be living and working in King's during lockdown without any pupils bringing the School to life, and I am so grateful that we are virtually back to normal this Summer term. King's is no different to other schools in having to sensitively support many members of the School community who have found the last 14 months very difficult to deal with.

However, we are in a position to now bounce back in September with confidence and a sense of deserved pride in what we have achieved over this long, past year.

I very much hope that restrictions will be eased over the rest of the Summer term, and I am now working with staff on identifying ‘COVID keepers’, which are changes to how we run the School imposed by the pandemic, but on reflection, changes which have proved positive and therefore, changes that we may implement permanently from now on.

So, I am very proud of how the whole school community has adapted over the past 14 months, and I am grateful to the staff, pupils and parents for their support. My final, rather bizarre thought is one of gratitude to the Founders of this ‘Royal and Ancient’ school that they decided to start King's in 1519 and not in 1520!

THE DOLPHIN A WORD FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

A Word from the Head of School

Amy Hurst

Head of School What has really stood out to me during my time at King's is the unique and very special school community that exists here.

I believe through my time at King's, I have been shaped by the community surrounding me and the values that it holds such as kindness, perseverance, and the encouragement of others. This in turn has greatly prepared me for the future as I go on to study International Relations and Politics at Bristol University.

King's has taught me the value within teamwork as well as the importance of taking advantage of all the opportunities offered to you. I feel King's is unique as you do not need a natural ability at an activity beforehand; instead, the School

allows you to develop your skills as your time at King's progresses, which helps to build a confident character, a quality that many pupils will utilise in the future.

found in our school community as it’s integral that everyone feels a vital part of the School and this builds the atmosphere of inclusion that is such an important part of the King's experience.

There is no doubt these past few terms have been challenging as our school community has had to adapt to the restrictions imposed by Covid 19. However, I have been truly astounded as the School community has not been altered or characterised by the imposition of the pandemic but strengthened.

After five years it is natural to miss King's and the comfort found within it, yet King's has fully prepared us for this exciting new chapter of our lives.

The Prefect team continuously aimed to offer opportunities to individual year groups to help build connections that are vital within the School community.

This in turn truly represents the strength

The support and encouragement from the School, the teachers and our peers has been invaluable in the development of who we are and the paths that we will follow. We have built friendships and connections that we will carry fondly with us, as we step forward into our adulthood.

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THE DOLPHIN THE PREFECTS

What King's Has Meant to Our Prefects Constance Pollard My time at King's has meant a lot to me. Having been a part of the School since 3rd Form, I really feel that I have developed a sense of community through classes, Houses, and activities unparalleled anywhere else. I highly value the friends, experiences, and memories I have gained from my years here, and I am very sad to be leaving it behind as we near the end of Upper 6th Form. Despite this, I am still thoroughly looking forward to working as a gap student at Sherborne Prep next academic year, and I believe King's has prepared me well for this position, by emphasising the importance of responsibility and individuality. After that, I hope to be studying Natural Sciences at Durham, where I plan on getting stuck into as many events and activities as I have been encouraged to at King's, whilst fully engaging academically in my course. I will miss King's greatly, and will always be thankful for the time I have spent here. Thank you.

Ella Docherty King's has meant an enormous amount to me as a place that holds such a strong sense of community, and a place of laughter and kindness where everyone looks out for one another, sharing the joys of one another’s achievements.

King's will always be a place I look back on with deep fondness, for the people I have met here and the times spent together over the past five years.

I am now planning to take a gap year during which I hope to travel and then go off to university. King's has given me the confidence to stand up for what I believe is right, and to strive towards my goals with integrity and a good sense of humour.

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Freddie Goggs Having been at King's for 5 years I’ve had lots of good times and made great friends. All aspects of King's, from classroom to sports pitches, have been memorable and have helped to prepare me for any challenges in the future. I’m looking forward to the next adventure of taking a gap year, and hopefully studying astrophysics at York. I’ll miss life at King's and hope to visit soon!

Tom Jones King's has been very important in teaching me valuable life lessons due to the various friendships formed during my time.

This has helped me grow as a person, so therefore, I will always be grateful of my time at King's and have fond memories of the 5 years I have spent here. I hope I am going on to study Psychology at Cardiff University, which I know King's has prepared me well for.

Freya Fearn

At the beginning of my time at King’s, I had no idea how much it would positively impact my life.

The 5 years I have spent here have brought many amazing memories and friendships that I will cherish forever. King's has enabled me to enter in to so many different activities which have contributed to the great memories I will take with me when I leave. I am now going on a gap year, where I will work for the first few months, and then hopefully be able to travel from January onwards. King's has helped build my confidence and equipped me with the skills to move forward into the next stages of my life.

Rory Gibbs

King's has been a fantastic place over the last five years, in which I have learnt and developed. Having initially been timid in the 3rd Form, I have grown to be much more comfortable and outgoing over the past 5 years.

Now I am going on to study a degree in Mathematics at Exeter University next year. During Sixth Form, I was undecided on what I wanted to study at university, Mathematics or Architecture. During this time of indecision, however, I was offered great chances by the School to develop my understandings of what life at university would be like studying either of these two degrees and how careers could open up from there on. I settled on Mathematics after growing a keen interest in it while studying Further Mathematics at A-Level.

Katie Ruddock

King's has definitely been the most life changing experience for me; I’ve grown up so much here and had so much fun. My time at King's has shaped me into the person I am today, and I’ve learned so many important lessons as well as made friends that I will keep for life. The 5 years I have spent here have been amazing and made me ready to take on the world! I’ve laughed and cried and everything in between in the past 5 years, and I wouldn’t change a second of it. King's means a huge amount to me, and I hope that every pupil gets to experience the caring and fun community that is King's!

THE DOLPHIN

I am very grateful for my time here at King's. The School has helped me develop from a small, timid 3rd Former to the person I am today. I will look back at my years at King's with fond memories, such as my time spent in Arion House. I am excited for my future beyond King's, and I have been offered a place at Durham University to study psychology, but before university I am taking a year out to have a break from education!

Adam Barrett-James I first joined King's in 3rd Form from Hazlegrove, and I have had a great time here. I have enjoyed taking part in many aspects of school life such as the highquality sport and music on offer, as well as making friends for life in the process.

King's has provided me with a huge variety of opportunities to challenge myself and broaden my horizons. Two highlights being, showing Her Majesty The Queen a piece of my own music composition, and a hockey exchange to New Zealand. I have been encouraged to pursue many opportunities to try something new, and have tackled experiences outside my comfort zone.

With the busy daily life at King's, I have learnt how to effectively manage my time, which without a doubt will be useful in the future. Having finished my 5 years at King's, I am now going on to study medicine at the University of Manchester and look forward to the new challenges that I will face.

Pip Venner-Coombes King's has been the best 5 years of my life. During my time here I have made friendships that I will continue to have for the rest of my life. The staff at King's have supported me through all my ups and downs throughout my school and personal life, and I wouldn’t be the person that I am today without the support of each and every member of this community.

Alex Bairstow

King's has been a learning curve which has allowed me to grow as an individual.

Watching myself and my friends mature and develop into adults has been a true pleasure. Joining in L6th Form has taught me independence and brought me life long friends. My experience has been one I’ll never forget, and I know I will speak most highly of King's when I leave. After King's, will hopefully see me study Business Management at either Loughborough or Swansea University.

Sandy Phillips

Being the third generation of my family to come to this school, I had heard a lot about the special culture that King's provided.

Thankfully, it has more than lived up to my expectations. Joining King's in the L6th Form, meant that I have had to take every opportunity that’s come my way, and despite covid, I think that I can now look back and be thankful for all that the School has done for me, and be proud of what I’ve managed to achieve at the School. Although these past two years have been extremely unprecedented, I have enjoyed every moment of it and will cherish the amazing memories that I have made. Beyond King's, I’m planning on studying business with Chinese at Exeter University, but I look forward to coming back to visit King's many times in the future.

Ben Burton

For the last 5 years King's has been a place where myself and my friends have grown up. I’m very grateful for the countless opportunities and support offered to me here. It has been a place where many memories have been made, as well as life long friends. Beyond King's I’m hoping to study law and business at Exeter.

THE PREFECTS

Natalie Wilmshurst

Rocco Kawar

Having joined King's in L6th Form, I feel like it has really helped me develop as a person and allowed me to explore avenues which I didn’t think about prior to joining. The small size of the School has allowed for a family like environment, which is one of the main reasons I’ve enjoyed it so much. Being in Old House, I got to emerge myself into the history of the School, as well as making some sound friends. I am very grateful for the two years I’ve spent at King's, and for all the memories I’ve made here. After King's, I’m hoping to move onto university to study law.

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THE DOLPHIN HOUSE NEWS - ARION

Arion House @KSBArionHouse

Arion is a brilliant House full of friendship, and it has been my honour to be Head of House. One of the things that makes Arion so special is the kindness and respect that the girls have for one another. School can be hard but it’s always easier when you have a supportive network of people around you. In the House, there are always things to look forward to, such as Thursday House Nights, where each week we do a different activity and spend time together as a House.

Another weekly thing we always really look forward to is Friday brownies made by our amazing matron, Sue. I know that myself and the Arion Upper 6th will miss the House so much, but I am sure that it’ll continue to be the best House (arguably)!

Daisy Burland Smith Head of House It has once again been a challenging year for our wonderful boarding house.

So much of what makes Arion the amazing, special place it is has not been able to happen, and we have greatly missed the endless inter-house events, our fun ‘bubble free’ House Night games, our end of term parties and the Saturday night parties, to mention but a few. Having said this, it has been great to be back in school for most of the year, and to end it feeling as though normality is returning and the House spirit is returning too.

Although I thoroughly enjoyed following the Arion girls’ activities during lockdown, I really missed the girls’ company, the noise, the laughter and all the hustle and bustle that goes on in Arion (although I have to admit, I didn’t miss the crazy Saturday nights)!

I think we all felt incredibly nervous returning to school in September after having left at the end of March, but also excited to be getting back to a slight bit 14

of normality with our peers and friends.

We welcomed 7 lovely new 3rd Form girls: Florence, Sophia, Leah, Cara, Evie, Isabella and Samira, also the wonderful Anna in 4th Form and Fine in 5th Form. I think we started the year with the largest Lower 6th we have ever had, welcoming Luli, Abigail, Matilda, Grace, Phoebe and Liv, and we also welcomed Ms BellWest with her boundless energy as our new Resident Tutor and Mr Gordon as our new House Tutor.

This year we have had limited interhouse events, but Arion has managed to shine in those that were able to take place. Although it was not the show stopping inter-house music event that we usually all look forward to so much, we nonetheless very much enjoyed the first round with wonderful solo entries from Samira, Sophia, Hayley, Coco and Sophie. However, it was our ensemble who stole the show Imogen, Coco, Sophie, Ella, Tilda and Ellie. For the final round Arion were represented

by Coco and the ensemble, and I was incredibly proud of our overall 2nd place, a brilliant achievement. We were the 1st senior team home in the cross country, although we didn’t win the overall title, and we saw excellent runs from Phoebe, India, Sophie, Jasmine, Natalie, Isabella, Luli and Abigail for the senior team. To end the year Poppy, Jasmine, Natalie and Daisy were crowned Senior InterHouse Tennis Champions.

I think one of my proudest moments of the Christmas term was watching Flo and Coco perform in the online Christmas Carol Service, followed closely by watching Phoebe and Hannah eat an advent calendar quicker than any of the other 6 Houses!

With many school events unable to happen this year, we have certainly embraced our House activities a little more within our year groups or boarding bubbles. Doigy’s Running Club not

only kept going throughout the year but is now also running on two mornings a week with a variety of girls dipping in and out! Some of our favourite events have included regular trips to the Frying Machine fish and chip van, Wednesday night yoga, games on Abbey led by the Lower 6th and, of course, evenings in front of the fire pit and BBQs during this Summer term. Ms Bell-West’s Sunday baking bonanzas have kept the boarders entertained throughout the year, together with “I’m an Arion girl, get me out of here”, chocolate fountains and slightly collapsed gingerbread houses! There isn’t a single Arion girl who wouldn’t agree that 4pm on a Friday is one of the best times of the week when Sue’s Friday treats are unveiled and demolished! There are no words to describe how much we all need and appreciate our wonderful matron, Sue, (with me at the top) and with trips to the High Street limited this year, Sue has had another job added to her list keeping an incredibly busy and popular tuck shop well stocked up!

This summer we managed to hold a slightly scaled down Arion Fun Day Charity Event. We ran it alongside Sophie and Millie Venner-Coombes’ rounders tournament, and although the weather was unfortunately not on our side, we still managed to brave the elements for 90 minutes of fun. Sophie and Millie made a last minute decision to change the rounders tournament to a netball tournament due to the wet grass, and the girls ran a brilliant tournament.

Six teams fought it out to win the luxury hamper, with the Rainbow Team being crowned champions! Great fun was had by all, and the girls and boys played some really entertaining netball.

Our Arion stalls, including a crêpe stall, sweet shop and a fantastic homemade cake stall, proved an extremely popular

Once again it was an emotional end of term as we said goodbye to nine wonderful young ladies in the Upper

I cannot end a House Dolphin report without making a fuss of my amazing

Arion team. I really do feel as though we have the dream team, from Suzy and Angie (the World’s best House staff) to my four dedicated tutors: Mrs Carpenter, Mrs Wilson-Brown, Mme Webb and Mr Gordon, to our Resident Tutor Ms Bell-West, and finally to our fantastic matrons, Emma and Sue. I can truly say that each one of them cares not only for the House, for the girls in our House, but they will also do anything to help me! I’m not saying it’s a breeze being the Arion Housemistress, but this team all really help to make my life easier! Thank you to you all.

Bethany Griffiths Housemistress

THE DOLPHIN

6th. They are a group of girls who have given their all to King's during their time here, on the sports field, in the classroom (most notably when the whole year group achieved Headmaster’s Commendations for their final Upper 6th assessment grades), as well as in the House. Daisy and Natalie as Head and Deputy of House have been a huge support to me and all the pink ladies.

They have been there to rally the girls, to be a shoulder to lean on for anyone who needs it, and they have certainly given me a boost of energy whenever I’ve needed it!

HOUSE NEWS - ARION

attraction in between the showers.

Davina successfully guessed the correct number of sweets in the jar, with Mrs Grant winning the absolutely showstopping cake made by Grace. The ‘Pink Ladies’ in charge of face painting even managed to collar the Headmaster to paint a tiger on his face! Thank you to everyone who supported us, and fingers crossed that the sun shines next year. Overall, we raised a fantastic £250 which will be split between ‘School in a Bag’, Cancer Research and the British Heart Foundation.

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THE DOLPHIN HOUSE NEWS - BLACKFORD

Blackford House @KSBBlackfordHse

Blackford has managed to navigate its way through the second academic year blighted by Covid with an amount of style and elan that says much about the House and those who comprise its happy ranks. It has been sad that another year group has been affected, and once again memories and opportunities have been lost as the House stood empty during most of the Easter term and we returned to remote learning.

Following on from the lost Summer term and the long summer holidays, it would be fair to say that it took us a little longer to shake back down into the ‘battle rhythm’ of school life, but it was very clear that staff and pupils alike were thoroughly relieved to get back to school. Being isolated was tough for all of us, but it has made us rejoice to be in a school such as King's where friendships abound, and everyone looks out for each other.

During the year, normal inter-house activity was suspended, so the usual run of fiercely fought competitions did not, for the most part, continue. However, I was delighted that the senior boys won their element of the cross-country competition. The chess crown remains with Blackford whilst the efforts in the music competition were worthy of praise too. During the Easter term, Thursday night quizzes were a weekly highlight.

However, for me, the most memorable event was the ‘Big Blackford Bake Off’, which saw me bake my very first cake (a fantastic Bara Brith). The take-up was nothing short of amazing, with twenty plus boys creating some very decorative offerings - I can only take their word that they tasted as good as they looked - my Bara Brith certainly did!

The Christmas term began in scorching sunshine and the decision to play cricket for the first month was inspired. We welcomed a great new 3rd Form to the House (comprising Toby

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Farragher, Tom Hackney, Hayden Hubbard, Will Jackson, Jeevan Macro, Benjamin Pugh and Fred Walburn) as well Matteo Mendel into the 4th Form and Konrad Balzer and Carl Sieg for a single term into the 5th Form. Further up the School we welcomed Lewis O’Grady and Henry Strevens into the L6th. In the Summer term, we welcomed Daniel and Darius Joseph from Barbados to play cricket for a season, but they were met with one of the wettest Mays on record, which saw six successive games rained off for them! As far as new staff are concerned, we have been delighted to welcome Mr White to Blackford to be the Resident Tutor and Anna as a new Matron (on duty three days a fortnight). They, pupils and staff, are all very welcome and have already begun making their mark on Blackford.

At the end of this year, I am sorry that we will be saying goodbye to Matteo Mendel after his year with as he returns to Freiburg. The other ‘early leaver’ will be Bekhruz Rasulov and we wish him well for his move to King’s Ely. At the top of the House we will say a sad farewell to a really great bunch of young men who we will be sorry to see go: Alex Bairstow, Archie Coulsey-Belgeonne, Arthur Drury, Harry Farragher, Jack Fowler-Baxter, Leo Haywood (Deputy Head of House), Finlay Pender-Cudlip, Sandy Phillips (Head of House), Jamie Richmond, Archie White, Charlie Wichary and Jake Woods. Our Leavers’ Supper was a very entertaining affair with many reminisces and a great deal of laughter.

A number the Blackford tutors are also leaving us including Mrs VigersBelgeonne (we wish her well for the future endeavours), Mr Walker (as he steps down from being a long-serving tutor in Blackford) and Dr Kewell (after a short but hopefully enjoyable two years with us). We also said goodbye earlier in the year to Kirsty who worked

Whilst writing a report such as this encourages one to look backwards, it is also very important that we look to the future; hopefully, a future that does not involve interruptions from a pandemic.

However, the future does look bright, and it looks very full as we expand our capacity to take in the largest 3rd Form intake in a decade along with some of those leaving Old House and seven from elsewhere. We look forward to them helping to write the next chapter of Blackford’s history.

THE DOLPHIN

This second strange year has seen us all rely on each other even more, even if at times it has been virtually. The House staff work incredibly hard to ensure that the boys have been well cared for, well supported, well advised and encouraged at every turn to give of their best. For this I am indebted to the Tutors, Mr Thompson, Dr Kewell, Mrs VigersBelgeonne, Mr Barrow and Mr Walker.

Special mention must however be made of the fantastic Resident Tutor Mr White who throws himself into everything with an alacrity that does him credit.

Our Domestic Ladies, namely Hayley and Siobhan have worked tirelessly to keep the House looking as good as it can despite having the largest number of boarders in any House in the School.

As ever, I am grateful to the Matrons Angela, Anna and especially the brilliant Janice. Finally, I also need to thank Gilly for all that she does for the boys and for me. Blackford has a superb team, and I am immensely grateful to them all.

HOUSE NEWS - BLACKFORD

so hard keeping the House clean for five years. We wish them all the very best for the future and remind them all not to become strangers.

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THE DOLPHIN HOUSE NEWS - LYON

Lyon House @KSBLyonHouse

We welcomed a fantastic set of new members to our community in September. After a very difficult Summer term of walking empty corridors, the sound of excited new pupils and the and energy around the rooms was reassuring, and one felt the dislocating impact of Covid-19 might be behind us.

The Christmas term was as productive and enjoyable, as I think we could have achieved given the challenges of social distancing in the boarding school community. While the calendar of events which usually dictates House life, fell away, strangely in the way the beauty of wildflowers obscures a patch of wasteland, the boys adapted and made their own fun to fill the time.

The playing fields on our doorstep sanctified Lyon during this period, and without the stress of preparing for House debates, plays and other events, it was a fascinating forced experiment in what happens if we give pupils more free time, less structure and remove some of the elements which create anxiety but which traditionally held sway to occupy their day.

I was thrilled to see games of football break out with boys aged from 13 to 18 kicking a ball about all afternoon or the anxiety of preparing on a Sunday night for a debate, replaced by a table tennis competition. Like so much with Covid, it challenges us to ask the question about what has gone before and how much of the previous architecture we should keep? Dormant pool tables became hubs of gossip, and an old Nintendo Wii was dug out of an understairs cupboard; suddenly, loud conversations could be heard behind dorm rooms discussing the correct approach play at the 16th at Pebble Beach on Wii golf.

We did some work too, and while I write this in May with still some time to run in the academic year, I hope every

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parent who reads this takes a moment to reflect on just what their son has achieved silently, unseen and without fanfare. As we all witnessed the “dying of the light” in late December, there is no doubt about the rage I saw first hand. Work didn’t cease; they worked harder, for longer and without the small pleasures provided by good friends’ company. So regardless of what your son’s assessments look like at the end of this year, signal your admiration.

This year’s cohort (all five years of them) are a group apart and indeed a group above. They have put up with more uncertainty, anxiety and pressure than any of their peers who have gone before in living memory. They have never frowned, never questioned and especially amongst those who have had external exams, they have gone back into the breach (in the form of extended assessments) time and time again.

It’s been a year that has turned perceptions on their heads. While our trophy cabinet looks bare, and the number of events we’ve taken part in is minimal, I don’t think I’ve been more proud and more humbled by a group of young men. This has been a very special year, and I am utterly privileged to have been in a position to stand by and witness it quietly. While no doubt this passage will be accompanied by bright photos and colourful images, this has been the year of the quiet men, the unseen warriors who proved their worth week after week.

Dan Hodder Housemaster

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HOUSE NEWS - LYON

THE DOLPHIN

THE DOLPHIN HOUSE NEWS - NEW

New House @KSBNewHouse

It has been another disrupted year, but New House has had great success in sport and music where inter-house competitions have been possible. House events are one of the most inclusive aspects of each of the Houses at King's where all pupils put their best foot forward and get involved whether it be in sport, music, debating, chess or doing your best academically. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 we were not able to hold our annual rugby, hockey or swimming competitions. However, we were able to compete in cricket where the seniors won narrowly in the semifinal against Lyon House taking it to a super over. The juniors came 3rd after losing to Lyon House in the semi-final.

We were also able to compete in year group bubbles in athletics, with the 3rd Form placed 2nd to Lyon House, the 4th Form placed 1st and the 6th Form came 2nd, narrowly beaten by Old House.

Unfortunately, the 5th Form were not able to compete due to Covid-19.

During the national lockdown, the King's Spirit was set up by Mrs Grant and Mrs Warren, and this was a place where pupils could keep in touch with what they were doing during the multiple lockdowns with activities, sporting achievements and musical involvement. It was great to see several New House boys making entries during this time. House Nights continued during lockdown remotely and were a new way of spending Thursday evenings. Activities ranged from quizzes, chess, bingo, a film night as well as a Fortnite evening. Thankfully, during the Christmas term, we were able to do House Nights in year groups in school and there were competitions each week between the year group bubbles that included pool, Fifa, and table tennis.

Recently, as lockdown restrictions have been eased, we have been able to have a few trips on Thursdays and Sundays to McDonald’s which the New House boys have really enjoyed. The L6th Form also

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led a whole school open air quiz in aid of mental health awareness which was a huge success besides the rain coming in towards the end!

The Inter-House Music Competition is always a highlight of the year and was held online this year with Houses submitting a combination of solo and ensemble performances put together remotely. Dylan Millard provided a piano solo and the New House ensemble consisted of musicians mainly from the Big Band and was pieced together remotely with each musician having to record their part separately at home and then expertly mixed by Aidan McFarlane. The work from all the boys involved enabled us to win the House Competition which has been a strong part of our chase to win the George Bailey Beak Cup for the overall top performing House. Tom Matkevich also played the trumpet on Remembrance Day for the whole school service, again held remotely showing that music is one of the many strengths of New House.

With Covid restrictions in place it has meant that the House kitchen has been predominately closed and the boys have missed having unlimited toast available!

The Friends of King's have once again enhanced New House by kindly funding the purchase of a PlayStation 4 which has been used every day since its arrival, in addition to several new canvases, pool cues and a new set of pool balls. During lockdown, myself and the other U6th Form decided that we wanted House hoodies and tracksuits, which were very successful with most of the boys buying one or both items!

Unfortunately, towards the end of the Easter term we lost our New House Matron, temporarily, and we had a replacement in Emma, we are happy to say that Claire is on the mend and at the time of writing is preparing to make a phased return in the coming months.

We are very grateful to the matrons who provided cover, but particularly to Emma Wallace, our Sunday matron who covered most.

We are fortunate to have an excellent team of House Tutors who all look after the New House boys brilliantly.

This year, the Tutor team has been augmented by the addition of Mr Lovell who has been a huge asset to House this year, with him hosting poker, Trivial Pursuit and other card games after prep for the New House boys to enjoy. Each year we thank our tutors: Mrs Ashworth, Mr Beverly, Mr Godfrey, Mr Lovell, Mr Mitra, Mr Parks and of course Mr Hawley our Resident Tutor and this year is no exception after a particularly demanding academic year.

Sam Rabbets Head of House

This year has been like no other with the pandemic continuing to cause considerable disruption. I am, as ever, immensely proud of all the achievements of the New House boys and Sam has provided an excellent glimpse of our successes in many different aspects of school life. Each year we bid a fond farewell another fine group of U6th Form leavers: Adam Barrett-James, William Bartlett, Ben Burton, Freddie Comer, Rory Gibbs, Tom Horner, Oskar Lefebvre, Aidan McFarlane, Samuel Rabbets (Head of House), Oliver Sykes (Deputy Head of House) and Liam Ward (Deputy Head of House) and we wish them well as they move to pastures new.

Ashley Marshfield Housemaster

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HOUSE NEWS - NEW

THE DOLPHIN

THE DOLPHIN HOUSE NEWS - OLD

Old House @KSBOldHouse

This last year in Old House, and at King's, has been a difficult one to say the least. However, despite the many challenges that COVID has posed to the entire school and the House, it has not stopped the Old House boys from being as lively as ever, and there is no other boarding house that I would have rather been in during my 5 years at King's. Notwithstanding the disruptions throughout this year (due to the pandemic), this final year was one of my favourites. Our time apart due to lockdowns only meant that it was all the more special when we finally came back together at the start of the year, and the absence made me and my fellow Housemates appreciate what we had in Old House, even more.

Of course, we received the sad news in the Christmas term that this would be the final year that Old House would be a boarding house. Although this was disappointing for many of the boys, it did not stop Old House from going out on a high. The House Nights and activities that we have done this year have kept the spirits high and made the House a special place to be, even more than ever.

It has been an honour and a pleasure to be the final Head of such an amazing House, and although I will be sad to leave, it will be with life-long friends by my side and countless amazing memories that will stay with me forever.

Throughout my time at King's, being in Old, has been amazing, as I know it has been for many other people.

When I leave I will, most of all, miss the atmosphere of fun and comradeship, that has been ever-present in the House, especially at the end.

To finish, I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in making the final year of Old House the best it can be, despite the trying circumstances and constant changes

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that have happened throughout. Thank you to all the tutors, Mrs Goffe, Mr Harkness, Mr Brice, Mr Hambleton, Mr Gibbins, and Mr Higgs who have supported the boys throughout their time in Old. Their presence in the House, especially in the evenings, has been of great value to all of us and we are grateful for their loyalty as well as their kindness.

Our Matrons, Julie and Mel, as well as our Resident tutor Mr Gibbins (who is sadly leaving the school at the end of this year), have provided an incredible (and unrivalled) support network that has made the House a wonderful place to be. Their dedication to the House has been second to none and Old House would not have been the same without them there every day. Their humour and wit will be especially missed, although their constant nagging to clean my room will not be!

Finally, I would like to thank Mr Jeffrey. The final Housemaster of the greatest and oldest boarding house in the School. I cannot really put into words how much of an amazing Housemaster Mr J has been during my time at King's. His love for the boys and the House has never wavered, and he embodies exactly what Old House is. In my eyes, and I know that many other boys in the House think the same, there is no Old House without Mr J, because it is all we have known. So, in a way I think it is fitting, although sad, that Mr Jeffrey is the final Housemaster of Old. On behalf of the boys, who I know are very grateful to have had him as their Housemaster, I would like to wish him luck in Lyon and for the future.

Oliver Luck Head of House

With a lack of time spent in the House during the Easter term, we had to overcome the issue of lockdown,

The change in exams for both the 5th and U6th Form created a different situation to what was expected of the Summer term, with the boys adapting well to the new form of assessment.

The introduction of more sport events such as the inter-house athletics was a highlight of the term, allowing Old House to display its athletic ability, however strong that may be.

THE DOLPHIN

with the help of various entertaining House Nights put on by Mr Jeffrey via Teams. These ranged from Kahoot quizzes to a casual beer with the Upper 6th, which helped to keep the House going, and remain connected throughout this difficult period. Events such as the virtual inter-house music were also helpful in maintaining a good link with the School during lockdown, with the Old House U6th’s rendition of “I Want It That Way” being robbed of a top three place, in my opinion.

Even though this year has been far from normal, Old House has continued to have a laugh and make great memories, despite difficult circumstances. Therefore, I am honoured that Old House comes to an end on such a successful year, with so many memories and lessons being taken on by all the boys.

Tom Jones Deputy Head of House

HOUSE NEWS - OLD

Despite a difficult year, the Old House community has remained strong and intact. The House Prefect meal, before the start of the Christmas term, was the new beginning that we all needed to set the year in motion. It provided a chance to sit down together and spend some time reliving memories of our time at King's, before welcoming in the new 3rd Form pupils as they began their journey.

It was great to start the year coming back into school, where we could get back to some sort of normality, after an unusual end to the 2020 school year.

The absence of inter-house rugby, as well as other events, was noticed by the whole House, however, these were made up for, by the large amounts of dodgeball played to a high level on many Thursday nights.

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THE DOLPHIN HOUSE NEWS - OLD

A Tribute to Old House from the Housemaster Old House, the home of hundreds of boys over the ages, remains a wonderful part of the history of King's School; parts of it are delightfully ancient and others newer, yet it has a feel, a presence like no other part of the School and I hope to capture this and celebrate it for you here. As we come to the end of its time as a boarding house (but not the end of its life, or its significance to King's Bruton) it is worth celebrating Old House’s place in the School, and the wider community.

Old House may seem like a jumbled collection of buildings, ranging in age from 1519 to 1982; but to those that have lived here, it does have a personality. It has an impish feel to it, that is combined with a benign and nurturing quality.

Not only is it a parent to many of the boys who have travelled through it, but it is also seen as “best friend” to many boys and girls over the years (including my two daughters). It is an astonishing place packed with history and warmth, and although some may scoff at my sentimentality, it does feel alive. I am sure that the past Housemasters and the incredible Matrons who have spent their time here would agree with me when I say that it is a place like no other.

The last year has been both difficult and yet at times uplifting. The Christmas term was marred by restrictions, but at least we were here! Our chances in the inter-house rugby would have been high, certainly our Senior Team would have had an incredibly good chance of winning, having at least eight of the 1st XV players amongst them. Sadly, this and a lot more was removed by restrictions and lockdown, and much has been missed by the boys; the opportunity to shine on the sports fields and around the School have been taken from them, yet they have shone in other ways.

The Upper 6th in Old House is one of

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the best I have seen in ten years. Led by Ollie Luck who has been an incredible Head of House. His dedication and his efforts are almost without parallel, and in many ways, I think it is fitting that he will be the last Head of Old House.

Quite frankly, he would be a very difficult act to follow, and Old House bows out on a definite high, with Ollie at the top.

He was supported by an enthusiastic group of young men in the Upper 6th who have always got stuck into every opportunity. At every stage they have proudly represented the ideals and the ethos of Old House. I will personally miss them, and they have set the bar high for future years. We wish them well in all they hope to achieve, as we also do to all our leavers and of course, the boys that are moving on to other Houses.

Remember the House, remember your fellow pupils and remember to always do your best, in every situation.

Our new pupils have dealt with difficult times, they have not yet experienced a normal year and I am sure that they will get stuck into the opportunities that will come up in the Houses they are moving to, we wish them all well.

We have had some incredible staff in Old House over the years, but this year we leave on a “high”. Our cleaners, Wendy and Trish have been tireless in their efforts over the years. They have cheerfully gone about their work and shown understanding as well as nurture towards the pupils. They are as fond of the boys as we are, and I thank them for their unbelievable efforts (countless blocked loos, endless dirty washing) and for their humour over the years.

The Tutors will move on to other Houses, and those Houses will be blessed. Mr Harkness was the Resident Tutor when I started at King's and his

efforts with the boys through the years have been, frankly, inspirational. Mr Hambleton, Mr Brice, Mrs Goffe, Mr Higgs, Mr Gibbins (more on him later) have given so much to the boys as Tutors; you will not find a more committed and thoughtful group of people, who have dealt with everything (good and bad) with humour, intelligence, and sensitivity. My gratitude to them is difficult to put into words, suffice it to say I am constantly humbled by their contributions. Mr Gibbins is moving on to start his own business (a gym and fitness centre) and we wish him well.

He has been friend and mentor to the boys; friend and cherished colleague to me and the other staff. He is unflappable and his rapport with the boys has been exceptional. We will miss him at King's, he has improved fitness and confidence in so many pupils and we hope that his next venture is as successful as his time has been here at King's.

We say goodbye to Julie and Mel. Here words fail me. Two of the most incredible people that I have ever encountered. They nurture, they care, they laugh at my jokes! and they have given everything to their roles as: surrogate mother, nurse, conscience, guide and protector of the boys.

Whatever Houses they go to, will be a better place with their presence and I cannot thank them enough for the years of loyalty and the immense kindness they have shown throughout.

Personally, I have spent 10 years as Housemaster here. This equates to 0.02% of its 500-year history. However, it has been home and work for nearly 20% of my life, and so I feel that I can dwell on its significance and its place in the School. I have put out fires, I have faced floods, a roof falling off, and most recently pestilence, which gives me the whole set! I have even hoisted the Royal Standard on the flagpole during Her Majesty The Queen’s visit. In my time as

In 1519 Magellan sailed around the world, proving it was round. Since then, the world has seen the “Scientific Revolution”, the settling of North America, the English Civil War, the “Age of Enlightenment”, the “Industrial Revolution”, two World Wars as well as countless other hugely significant world events. Old House has seen them all. Recently the world has begun the “Technological Revolution” and Old House was resolutely stubborn to let WiFi penetrate the walls, like an aged relative bemoaning the changes in society, it has tried to keep the internet at bay!

From the basement (which not many people have seen) to the Tower and the newest part of the House, Old House is a place of warmth and comfort. I have spoken to Old Boys who remembered where they were (exactly) when JFK was shot. Old Boys who remember the Tower before heating was installed, indeed the Housemaster in those days insisted that the windows were left open, and the boys did not wear pyjama tops!

I have spoken to boys who sneaked out of the Tower and went caving in the Mendips overnight. Boys who

When we arrived at King's, my children were one, five and eight years old. I often think about what Old House means to them and it has been a wonderful home, full of fun and warmth. When my children were young, they were welcomed into the House by thoughtful and caring boys.

As the girls grew up, they naturally (and rightly) spent less time in the House (although Angus still likes to shoot the boys with his Nerf gun!) but have always understood its significance to the School.

As my eldest daughter heads off to University, I am minded that during the last ten years (my tenure) two cohorts of Old House boys have passed through its walls. We have laughed, cried, lost boys through poor behaviour, through illness and through their sad and untimely demise. We have seen boys head off to incredible success and to a life full of possibilities, taking with them ideals and principles gained through their time in Old House.

for what it means, what it offered and what it will give in the future.

It has been the greatest privilege for me, to be the Housemaster (final) of such an incredible and respected House.

I wish everyone good fortune and good health for the future, wherever life may take you.

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The majority of the boys who passed through Old House, spent five years there, and I think that these years are the most important in a young person’s life.

During their stay in Old House, the boys go through puberty (always a traumatic event), they receive an education, they can awaken (not only spiritually and intellectually but also developing their humour and personality) as well as forming lifelong friendships (often like no other), and they leave with a sense of pride and belonging, to a wider, yet still exclusive club (hopefully being able to flush a loo properly, although that usually takes the boys at least four years to learn). Old House has been an incredible setting throughout King's 500-year history and the change in teaching, as well as the changes to the wider world have been astounding.

drank, who distilled illicit alcohol, who cooked on primus stoves when the Housemaster’s back was turned. I suppose the overriding sentiment, across the board has been one of affection for the building, and a sense of being home, or coming home when Old Boys return.

Malcolm Jeffrey Housemaster, Old House

HOUSE NEWS - OLD

Housemaster, I have taken boys through bereavement, illness, breakdown and recovery.

To me Old House is a nurturing and caring young man, Ollie Luck, Hamish Sanford, Max Mason, Rupert Leschallas, Ross Tudhope, Tris Wrighton, Will Luck, Yan Le, Henry Smith, Callum Thorner, Will Robinson, Hal WyndhamJones, Jonathan Bentham. These are just some of the Heads of House that have given their all to fellow pupils, and to me. I could go on for ages naming hundreds of boys who encapsulated the spirit of Old House and, for me, represent the personality of Old House.

He stands here, strong, wise, caring and still humble. I hope that the future is long for Old House, I hope the people who walk through it know of its past.

I hope that people like Ben Ross, Alex Buckler, Alex Edwards, Henry Vickery and anyone else who we cherished, and miss, are remembered. I hope that it is looked on with pride, and with thanks 25

THE DOLPHIN HOUSE NEWS - PRIORY

Priory House @KSBPrioryHouse

As this academic year comes to a close, I can safely say that it has been a complete success for Priory. We will always be characterised by our unity and positivity, and I take pride in how each girl never fails to lift my spirits. Although still affected by the monotonous Covid-19, 2021 has been a true triumph, and I can truthfully say I’m honoured to have been a part of it.

Everyone has shown compassion and perseverance to make a year of slow progress into a year surrounded by vibrancy.

To mention a few inspiring individuals from our House, during the UK’s third lockdown, Isca Bird, Bella Turton, Liv Hooker and Georgia McDade all ran 27 miles in March to raise money for the charity ‘Mind’. The running was in specific aid of the 27% of students who report a mental health problem during their time at university. Together they raised over £1,100. In addition, Maddie Hooker fundraised over £2,400 for the charity ‘Canine Partners’ by spending an entire week in a wheelchair adapting her entire lifestyle. I would also like to mention Lily Innes who will be shaving off all her hair as soon as we break up this year and has raised almost £800 so far in aid of the ‘Make-A-Wish’ Foundation and will donate her hair to the ‘Little Princess Trust’. On behalf of the House, I’d like to say a massive well done to all of them - they have all become significant role models within Priory and have shown their initiative and resilience.

As always, Priory has flourished in the inter-house sporting events, with every member of the House giving their all to show off our talents. In the Christmas term, we all appreciated inter-house hockey going ahead, as it was a great way to integrate ourselves back into school life and re-spark our competitive natures. While being reasonably unsuccessful, it was a

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brilliant opportunity for us to bond with each other again and the new pupils.

For this Summer term, Sports Day was split between year groups and our 3rd and 4th Form were all presented in 1st place whilst our 6th Form were placed in 2nd place.

In the remote inter-house music competition Lily Ingvaldson and Amelia Warren performed two beautiful pieces that blew us away. Also, congratulations to Jenna Coverdale on her successful audition for a place in a British Youth Theatre project in August, and to Emily Weekes who has become Individual National Champion in her equestrianism.

Lastly, I’d like to thank all of our wonderful staff in Priory: Mrs Simper, Miss Brearley, and all of the tutors who have supported us though such a demanding year and have likewise managed to push through as it has been equally as challenging for them. They have really helped us stay motivated and hopeful.

Therefore, as a member of the Upper Sixth leavers, I can safely say that I’m not sad to be leaving - I’m grateful that I have been able to be a part of such an encouraging House with every individual in Priory displaying confidence and generosity.

Charlotte Elway Head of House

Our many successes throughout the year would not have been possible if it weren’t for the constant support from our House Tutors and Matrons.

Ms King, Ms Checketts, Mr Owens and the recently married Mrs Fear nee Miss Hoskins, and our new Tutor Miss Gea Neff have been instrumental in providing outstanding pastoral care to the Priory girls whilst our exceptional matrons Jane, Angela and Emma continue to be the backbone of Priory.

Finally, the Upper 6th leave King's for gap years and university life. Charlotte Elway has been inspirational as Head of House, ably supported by the Deputy Head of House Amy Ruddock. Ella

Docherty and Katie Ruddock have been hard working School Prefects whilst Isca Bird, Izzy Bridge, Katie Wootton and Scarlett Yeandel have been dedicated House Prefects.

Maya Wigram, Georgina Woods, Molly Wootton, Lexi Sapsford and Ryanne Woods also leave us for new challenges. We will miss you all and the part you have played in the Priory family. After nine years I continue to feel very privileged to be Housemistress of Priory and it is the Priory girls, tutors and Matrons which make it such a wonderful job. Despite covid restrictions, we have carried on and we are all very proud of our achievements in 2020/21.

Emily Simper Housemistress

THE DOLPHIN

Miss Brearley has been a wonderful Resident Tutor and we are so sorry that she is leaving us but so exciting for her that she is off to join the Royal Marines band and travel round the world. We thank her for her enthusiasm, patience, kindness and everything she has done in Priory for the past two years encouraging and guiding the girls.

We will also miss Angie, our Sunday Matron, who is retiring after five years.

She has been wonderful and very much a second Mummy to us all.

HOUSE NEWS - PRIORY

Life in Priory is certainly never dull, and over the past twelve months each and every one of us in Priory have had ups and downs, worked hard and enjoyed some fantastic times together and remotely.

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THE DOLPHIN

Wellesley House @KSBWellesleyHse

HOUSE NEWS - WELLESLEY

Coming back to Wellesley after the previous Summer term spent at home meant that the House was buzzing with excitement and happiness, making it the perfect atmosphere to start the year!

In the Summer term of 2020, we sadly said goodbye to Mrs Howarth who was a treasured member of Wellesley. We were lucky enough to welcome Miss Ling as our resident tutor. Bringing creativity and kindness to the House, she has become a valued member within the Wellesley community. She has taken on the role of welcoming the new 3rd Form and being their tutor, which provided stability to the new girls.

Along with Miss Ling, we welcomed Miss Townsend (Head of Chemistry) and Dr Brown (Science Teacher) who have provided great laughs both online and in person.

In the Easter term, Wellesley was lucky enough to receive a 6th Form area, which consists of a common room, kitchen, two bathrooms and four study rooms. This has been a great addition to the House as it has allowed the older years to have more independence and freedom. More recently in the Summer term, we have had two new Wellesley members: Daphne and Donald, a pair of ducks who reside in our garden.

Despite the obvious hindrance of COVID-19, Wellesley has maintained a strong spirit and strong relationships between year groups whilst having a term online. The virtual House Nights were a real highlight throughout lockdown, allowing each year group to host and provide a lot of fun for Wellesley. The activities ranged from scavenger hunt to quizzes, with my personal favourite being the Lower Sixth’s ‘Would I Lie to You’ where we learnt a lot about the members of staff!

Along with this, we created ‘Wellesley Families’ which are small groups of around ten girls from all the years and 28

allowed all the years to talk and become closer as we were online.

This year, Wellesley has also celebrated many successes in interhouse events. In the Christmas term, we won the photography competition showing the artistic nature of our House and participation from all years. As the Summer term was upon us, inter-house athletics approached allowing the 6th Form to win overall, which was the first sporting event between the Houses.

Unfortunately, we missed out on the inter-house hockey and netball which are the sporting highlights of each term.

It was also a shame that we could not do a whole house song for inter-house music, but Wellesley displayed a lot of talent with the online entries. Juliette Webb sang ‘Writing’s On The Wall’ and Lottie Rundle performed ‘Somewhere Only We Know’, both of which were brilliant!

Although the year at times has felt disjointed and at times challenging, Wellesley has remained a place of laughter, friendship and happiness.

Laura Purefoy Head of House

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HOUSE NEWS - WELLESLEY

THE DOLPHIN

THE DOLPHIN

We say goodbye to...

Isabel Brearley

COMMON ROOM - VALETE

By Ashley Marshfield

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and U15C Netball and assisted with Junior Athletics. Tiggy has also taken part in Duke of Edinburgh expeditions to Snowdonia, the Lake District and Dartmoor.

T i g g y Brearley started at King's in September 2017 as a Graduate Music Assistant and quickly found her feet in the Music School.

Alongside providing support in the classroom, she has rehearsed and played accompaniments at concerts and provided training to pupils for ABRSM aural tests and Grade 5 theory examinations. Tiggy is a talented oboist and has played in various ensembles; she also covered oboe and bassoon teaching at both King's and Hazlegrove. Tiggy also has much experience of singing and has supported the School Choir and Chapel Choir at concerts and at termly visits to cathedrals; she has also provided organ accompaniment at several School Services in St Mary’s Church. Tiggy’s directing skills have seen her lead the Girls’ Chamber Choir and Wind Quintet as well as being a general helping hand around the Music Department.

I asked Tiggy what she had enjoyed most at King's and she had this to say:

No task has ever been too much for Tiggy, including photocopying music for rehearsals, organising choir folders, opening the Music School on Sundays and cataloguing the entire Choral Music library! Initially appointed for an academic year, Tiggy expanded her responsibilities when she became Resident Tutor of Priory House, supporting the girls and in particular her tutor group. Tiggy loves the outdoors and has enjoyed supporting the CCF and leading the Ten Tors activity including the organisation of training and expeditions. In addition, Tiggy has played an active role in sport, assisting with coaching of the U14B, U15B Hockey, U14B, U15B

K i n g ' s Bruton loses one of its true characters this summer, when Adie Davis, our Head Groundsman, retires having originally joined the School in 1989. Although he was lured away for a short period in the noughties, like so many others, Adie found his true calling was back at King's, and since his return he has committed himself to making sure the pupils had the best sports pitches he could turn out. Adie is at his happiest when pupils are using the facilities, particularly if King's are winning and his eternal optimism and

“I have really enjoyed the complete variety that has come with my job here at King's, whether that’s singing Evensong at St Paul’s Cathedral or zip lining through slate mines in Snowdonia, there’s certainly never a dull moment and I am incredibly grateful for all the amazing opportunities I have been given.”

The Music Department and King's will miss Tiggy, but we wish her well as she moves on to pastures new having been offered well-deserved position as Oboist in the Royal Corps of Army Music. I am sure that Tiggy will relish a new challenge.

Adie Davis

By Louis Tuson

good humour are infectious. Over the years, Adie has got to know hundreds of pupils and has always had a word of encouragement, or advice to help them on their way. Nothing is too much trouble, and he happily works though the grimmest of weathers to make sure the pupils get the best playing surfaces he and his team can produce.

The transition of the 1st XV rugby pitch to a cricket outfield and back each year is miraculous, and is only possible because when it comes to his profession Adie is up there with the best. Many is the member of staff who has fallen into the trap of asking him about grass and been given a masterclass for the next hour. Over the years, he has delivered continuous improvement to all of our sports pitches, but the 1st XI cricket pitch is his true legacy. His skill and experience have given us a pitch that you would have to travel a long way to match.

He has tried to retire before, but this time it is for real, and having built his house locally, he is ready to take on a more prominent role at the Seymour Arms, but I am sure we will see him pitch side checking on the bounce and carry of the ball on his beloved 1st XI wicket where he will always be welcome.

Sam Gibbins

By Henry Eriksson Sam joined King's in January 2019 to take over as Old House Resident Tutor and Strength & Conditioning Coach.

Having achieved a degree in Strength & Conditioning from Plymouth Marjon University, and enjoyed travelling around Australia, Sam decided to take the opportunity to broaden his experience by immersing himself in

With the quantifiable nature of Strength and Conditioning support, Sam should be hugely proud of the progress that the pupils he has worked with have made. He leaves the King's Strength & Conditioning Programme in a very good place, and he has set the foundations which will allow it to grow further still, of which I am very grateful to him for.

Sam has also been a big support in helping to build and improve the popularity of the King's rugby programme and his coaching expertise has been very much appreciated by Mr Hawley. Within the boarding house, Sam has been an excellent Resident Tutor and his ability to build positive relationships through his good sense of humour, approachability, and generally likeable personality, has made him very popular in this environment too.

There are exciting times ahead for Sam as he embarks on a new adventure, and one that sees him start his own Strength & Conditioning business at home in Devon. We all wish him the very best of luck for the future and I have no doubt that this new venture will be a great success for him.

Dan Hodder

By James Pearce

By George Beverly

Jamie’s first introduction to King's began in April 2014 when he worked onsite as an ICT Technician for the company that was providing IT support to the School. I first met him when I came for an interview in the Summer of 2015. A fresh faced (no signs of facial hair in those days), slightly nervous, young man gave me a tour of the School and took great pride in explaining the technical setup that was in place. When I started working with Jamie later in the year, it was evident very early on that he was a very gifted individual.

K i n g ' s Bruton is losing an utter treasure. An Old Brutonian who returned to his school and has enriched it in so many ways. From the moment I met Dan in September 2013, I knew I had encountered a genuinely kind and outstanding schoolmaster who, eight years later, I am proud to call my friend. In my early days as a tutor in New House, observing Dan on duty and chatting to him in the House office, taught me some excellent skills about rapport with pupils. Whilst I was training for my PGCE, Dan recommended various lesson ideas and behavioural strategies that turned out to work a treat. It was always done with heaps of encouragement, laughter and a relentless “can do” approach.

He’d finish his evening New House duty shift at 10.30pm and then run home to Castle Cary in the pitch black dark.

When the decision was made to bring the IT support provision back in-house, it was an easy decision to promote Jamie to become the new ICT Manager. His natural talent for all things technical, thirst for knowledge combined with excellent communication skills and crucially a lack of arrogance, made him the ideal candidate.

We had very ambitious plans for the transformation of ICT at King's, but noone could have predicted the rollercoaster ride we were to experience over the next five and half years. Wholesale infrastructure changes, Bring Your Own Device, moving to the Cloud, cybersecurity incidents, GDPR, remote working/learning - it was stressful, exciting, and rewarding in equal measure with Jamie fundamental in this seismic shift.

Jamie leaves us to join one of the UK’s largest Microsoft partners as a cybersecurity consultant, an area he has driven forward throughout the Foundation over the last few years. We won’t miss his tendency to grab a pen and draw huge, detailed technical drawings on the whiteboard coupled with very long explanations, but we will miss an extremely talented IT professional with a deep love and affection for King's, and a supportive and caring colleague.

THE DOLPHIN

Sam has been a popular member of staff, both with the pupil body and Common Room alike, and he should look back upon his time at King's fondly and proud of what he has achieved in his two and a half years at the School. When Sam joined, Strength and Conditioning was something which few pupils had access to, whereas now, at least a sixth of the School have regular sessions with him and the impact he has made is clear for everyone to see. Our junior pupils have become better movers and are more comfortable in a gym environment and understand the importance of taking their physical training seriously, whilst our senior pupils and 1st teams have become, faster, stronger, and generally fitter.

Jamie Hayes

COMMON ROOM - VALETE

King's Bruton school life.

It’s hard to try and summarise all that Dan has done whilst at King's.

But here goes: Tutoring some eclectic groups of boys in New House for a few years. Scores of evening duties in New House. Heading up the Geography Department and transforming it to become one of the most popular GCSE and A-Level subjects. Printing millions of his trademark A3 worksheets.

Devising new schemes of work for different exam boards. Organising and leading numerous Geography trips within the UK and overseas.

Being a leading member of staff on the incredible extended trip to Costa Rica. Mentoring NQT and PGCE teachers. Refereeing rugby matches.

Coaching hockey and cricket teams to victory. Masterminding and running a joint Science and Geography EcoWeek. Helping run Duke of Edinburgh expeditions. I could go on and on.

Perhaps Dan’s defining moment has 31

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been his Housemastership of Lyon House. It is no exaggeration to say that Dan has transformed the House in terms of ethos, facilities, academic standards, and wellbeing. I asked some of the Lyon boys what they think of Mr Hodder. The level of heartfelt glowing responses was overwhelming. Here’s a snapshot of Housemaster Hodder:

COMMON ROOM - VALETE

“Mr Hodder didn’t give up on me when I felt like everyone else had. He made me feel like I wasn’t hopeless.”

“Mr Hodder is an utter legend. He’s turned Lyon into a second home for me. I arrived at King's a nervous 3rd Former with barely any friends, and he is the one who has helped me to feel happy and confident.”

“One word to describe Mr Hodder is fun and awesome! I know that’s two words! But the House Nights he runs, and the weekend activities are amazing.”

“When I was feeling really sad, Mr Hodder was one of the few people who actually cared. He had the time to sit and talk with me and made me know that I would be alright.”

“The amount of times I’ve wasted Mr Hodder’s time because I’ve done something wrong, and he still has a smile for me the next day - thank you sir.”

Those boys speak the truth. Dan has the time to genuinely listen to, talk with, encourage, and support pupils going through a rough patch.

Dan makes the effort to put an arm round a colleague in need. Moreover, Dan’s an excellent one for making colleagues see perspective. Dan never does it for the limelight; often it’s hidden and unnoticed, but it’s made a huge difference to so many. Victoria College’s gain is King's Bruton’s loss.

I know that Dan will be keeping in touch with the KSB Community, and we all wish him and his wife Cerin the very best as they start a new chapter of their lives in Jersey. Thank you Dan - you will be sorely missed, but the difference you have made will be long remembered.

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Adrian Kewell

By Angela Ashworth Dr Adrian Kewell has taught at King's for two short years and has navigated his way through the demands of teaching during a global pandemic, becoming adept at teaching live and remote lessons simultaneously.

Adrian is a highly qualified Physicist having completed a Batchelor of Science degree in Physics with Astrophysics at the University of Leicester, a Master of Science in Optics and Laser Devices at the University of St Andrews as well as a PhD in Electronic Engineering from the University of Surrey. Adrian then worked in Engineering and Project Management in the UK, Spain, Ireland and the United States, as well as a period of time working as a Spanish Translator in the Universidad de Santiago de Compostela; many of you may not have realised that Adrian is a fluent speaker of Spanish.

In more recent years, Adrian decided to have a career change and re-trained as a teacher, completing his PGCE at the University of Chester. He arrived at King's in 2019 to take up the post of Physics Teacher.

During his time here, Adrian was always willing to give up his free time to offer support to his pupils and he embraced the role of Academic Tutor within Blackford House. He enjoyed the opportunity to help with sport, and many pupils have told me how much they have enjoyed their recreational tennis sessions with Adrian this term.

Adrian also relaunched the Astronomy Club, and this proved popular with pupils across all year groups. Adrian was always willing to get involved, and who will be able to forget his performance as Grandpa Joe in the 2019 staff performance of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!

Adrian leaves King's to move to the Midlands for family reasons. He will be missed within the Department, and I wish him every success for the future.

Georgie McLeodAsh By Inmaculada Gea Neff Over the last year, we have had the pleasure of working with Georgie in our Languages Department. Georgie studied Politics and Spanish at Bath University and, being an Old Brutonian, she fitted into the workings of school very naturally.

She is a wonderful colleague and has contributed enormously to pupil progress, the Spanish and French curriculum, and school as a whole.

Georgie taught Spanish in 3rd and 4th Form as well as in Upper 6th and French in 5th Form.

She has made the most of this year, even with the restrictions of remote teaching, both the good, the bad and the hilarious sides of it, “cameras on”!

The benefits of using a computer for countless hours in the day is that one becomes far more ‘tech savvy’.

Especially in regard to such platforms as Parents Meeting portals where Georgie and I spent many confusing minutes in the lobby not realising we had to actually press this button or that.

In House, Georgie is very popular with the girls, and has made a good impact on them. She is fun, positive and inherently kind, she also has gained lots of experience pastorally as a House tutor. Georgie was also very flexible and adaptable and covered the House tutor positions both in Wellesley House and Priory House.

Georgie has been active in her role in the time she has been here at King's,

Rose VigersBelgeonne

By Gilly Bunday R o s e joined King's in 1993, as Catering Manager, initially for two months and only to cover maternity leave. Little did she know that 28 years later she would still be here. During her time at King's, she has covered a myriad of roles. In 2003 she was asked to run Arion House, which at the time was a boys’ House for Sixth Formers only.

For over 20 years she has been involved in the Friends of King's including a stint as Chair, and been passionately involved in the Old Brutonian Association, as the Honourable Secretary. She was an integral part of the idea behind and the organising of the annual Day of Celebration, introduced the Day of Celebration Car Tours and co-organised the 500th Anniversary Ball. The highlight, however, of her 20+ years has to be training her pupils to serve lunch to Her Majesty The Queen in March 2019.

When the decision was made, four years later, to turn Arion into a girls’ House, she remained in place and oversaw the transformation of everything to pink. I believe, therefore, that she is only member of staff ever to have been Housemistress to both boys and girls!

It is hard to put into words what Rose means to King's and indeed what King's means to Rose. She will leave a huge hole - few people are as committed, hard-working, loyal, supportive and caring. She will certainly be missed and we all wish her well on her next adventure.

Having studied for an OU degree in her own time, whilst being Catering Manager and Housemistress (quite how she found the time is anybody’s guess), she then taught GCSE Biology before moving to teaching GCSE and A-Level Food Studies and, ultimately, on to becoming Head of Department.

She set up the hugely successful BTEC Hospitality course, initially with only four pupils and, this year, finds herself teaching the subject to 40 pupils across the Sixth Form.

Andrew (Wilf) Williams

By Louis Tuson

THE DOLPHIN

We will all miss her here at King's, but we are sure she is going to enjoy her new adventures in London. We wish her all the very best for the future.

the cadets to Gibraltar; was a swimming and water polo coach (including a very successful match against Clayesmore); she climbed Mt Toubkal and Mt Sinai as part of the King's Orphanage Challenge and is currently Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. By her own admission, and having spent a little time coaching hockey, tennis, and netball, she was asked never to do it again! For the past ten years, she has been an outstanding tutor in Blackford House and the boys for whom she has cared, mentored, and tutored will remember her fondly, for her patience, her boundless time and commitment to the role.

Although Wilf only joined us as our Estates Manager in 2018, in his first job on leaving the Army, he has had a huge impact and all the staff will be sad to see him leave.

King's occupies buildings from 5 centuries, so understanding how they work is hard enough, let alone making sure they are fit to accommodate all the functions of a 21st Century educational institution. The task is enormous and never ending, but Wilf has made the role his own and achieved huge improvements in his short time here.

He is an absolute professional and nothing is ever too much trouble.

Invariably, when something went wrong it was Friday evening, but Wilf would smile through every problem, and putting pupils and staff first would always solve the issue.

COMMON ROOM - VALETE

helping in wider school activities such as Spanish workshops and the DofE Award activity days.

Wilf has been a major contributor to the School’s response to Covid, where his wisdom and experience in assessing and managing risks has been a key factor in keeping the pandemic out of the School. Most of all we will miss Wilf’s positive enthusiasm and good humour. His is perhaps one of the most challenging roles in the School, but he has been outstanding.

He moves on to a bigger role to work for Amey where no doubt he will also make his mark and we wish him well for the future.

During her time here, other roles have included Head of the Navy section of the CCF, during which time she took 33

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The King's Spirit Highlights Alison Grant

THE KING'S SPIRIT

Deputy Head

In an effort to keep the morale of pupils and staff high during the first lockdown, we launched The King's Spirit. An email newsletter designed to make the King's community smile, to lift morale and to keep us well mentally and physically. It came out regularly and featured whatever pupils, Old Brutonians and staff sent in.

We started the newsletter up again for the third lockdown to keep our community strong when we were separated all over the world.

The King's Spirit has given me the chance to view the King's community in a completely different light. It has been a window into the lives of our pupils outside school - their hobbies and the fun they’ve had from simple everyday things.

Another highlight has been getting to know the Old Brutonians - their friendships and memories. It has given me a perspective of a life before, in these beautiful old buildings we inhabit

Click on or scan the QR Code to view all of our King's Spirit email newsletters.

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We baked a lot...

THE DOLPHIN THE KING'S SPIRIT

We enjoyed our pets...

It was great getting to know our Old Brutonians...

Photograph courtesy of Atlantic Campaigns

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THE DOLPHIN

Family Roots at the Heart of King's Gilly Bunday

FAMILY ROOTS AT THE HEART OF KING'S

Registrar In a school that is over 500 years old, it will come as no surprise to discover that some of the current pupils are relations of past pupils.

What is somewhat more surprising, however, is that in a school of only 350 pupils, over twenty of them are descendants of Old Brutonians. Indeed, several pupils are third generation Brutonians. This speaks volumes about the enduring strength of the King's Community, encompassing as it does “Knowing that my grandfather and father went to King's is always a great comfort to me, especially as I am a boarder. Whenever I miss my grandfather, knowing he went to the same school that I do, and that he did the same things in the same buildings, brings me closer to him and makes my time at King's even more special. It is also nice to know that they sent me to this School because they had had such a great time when they were here, and they wanted me to benefit from the School in the same way that they did, and have the same great experiences that they had, all of which they obviously cherish for life.”

Laila, 5th Form Wellesley House “I have always understood the culture and special spirit of the School, as several relatives from both sides of my family were members of this community - my dad, three uncles and a grandfather. So consequently, I have grown up hearing about the community at King's. When I joined the School, I soon realised just how true this all was and how the School has such a family feel. I am very proud to be a part of King's Bruton, and look forward to becoming a part of the Old Brutonian family in due course!”

Sandy, U6th Form Blackford House 36

the Old Brutonian Association and Friends of King's, as well as the current pupils and staff. It demonstrates that King's is not just an ancient institution of learning, but also, where lifelong friends and memories are made.

(as the American, Ralph Emerson, once said), it is encouraging that these Old Brutonians appreciate that the King's education has assisted them in their own journey and wish the same for their own children.

Strong ties regularly draw Old Brutonians back to visit the School, and it is wonderful that what they see today encourages them to send their own children to King's Bruton. Since “life is a journey and not a destination”

And what is equally exciting is that we already have more sons and daughters of Old Brutonians lined up to join King's over the next few years. King's is a very special place. It always has been, and I am sure it always will be.

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The Old Brutonian Association David Fleming Another year has passed and what a year it has been! I trust you are keeping safe and enjoying being back at school, even under these difficult circumstances.

OBs from all generations. Many OBs have formed long lasting friendships with OBs they did not go to school with, which makes sense as they have so much in common. The lunch ends with OBs retiring to a nearby pub for more good comradery and a pint of beer! It is a sign of the unprecedented times we live in, that last year, for the first time in the history of the London Lunch, it had to be cancelled. So as you can imagine we are very much looking forward to this year’s lunch.

Last year, in The Dolphin, I wrote about the importance of remaining connected to your King's friends and the School for the many years to come. This year, I would say that this is even more important than ever. The pandemic lockdown has re-emphasized how important staying in contact with our school friends is to our wellbeing.

In addition to its social activities, The Dolphin, The Old Brutonian Magazine and newsletters play a big the OBA also maintains a charitable part in keeping OBs connected and up trust that finances charitable activities including the three Bursaries to current to date.

King's pupils. Due to the impact of the Every year, in early December, the Covid pandemic, the OBA has added OBA hosts our popular and much three more Bursaries to further help enjoyed Old Brutonian London Lunch King's parents and pupils. in one of the great Livery Halls. This is The OBA is in regular contact with a wonderful opportunity for OBs to stay in touch with their friends and to meet the Headmaster and the teaching staff

and is grateful for the support given by the School for the activities that take place in Bruton.

The OBA office is run by Rose Vigers-Belgeonne, the Hon Secretary and Emilie Head, Assistant Secretary. The Association has its own Old Brutonian website that is part of the bigger King's Community.

On behalf of the OBA, I very much look forward to welcoming you into your Association.

Floreat Brutonia.

David Fleming (B72-76) OBA President

Click on or scan the QR Code to go to The OBA website.

THE OLD BRUTONIAN ASSOCIATION

Old Brutonian Association President

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Friends of King's Bruton

By Karalyne Hyde Friends Committee

FRIENDS OF KING'S BRUTON

The Friends of King's Bruton is a volunteer committee run by staff and parents past and present.

The aim of the Friends Association is to provide a helpful network for parents and staff to get to know each other, as well as raising money to support the School’s chosen charities, school projects and luxury extras for the children, Houses and School Departments. We work alongside the School’s Events Manager to organise events throughout the year.

On the 22nd May 2021, we successfully held our 67th Annual General Meeting - by Zoom. Little did we know that this would be our 3rd Friends Committee Meeting by Zoom since lockdown in 2020. Bids from Houses and Departments were presented to the committee for consideration.

Despite lockdown and the ensuing lack

of events being able to take place since ‘Swing Into Spring’ last March, we are very pleased to report that we were able to support all requests.

The increasingly popular Chess Club were successful in their bid to receive a wonderful giant outdoor chess set for everyone to enjoy. The Dolphin Garden group were thrilled to receive tools, mesh and a mini polytunnel. Food Studies asked for a deep fat fryer, the Philosophy Department requested a visualiser and Learning Support had three significant pieces of artwork by a former pupil, framed. The Sports Department requested a VEO camera and stand, the Sixth Form Centre asked for a chess set and an Umbra Photo Display and some lighting went to the 6th Form Club. The Music Department were awarded some new robust, stackable music stands and the Biology Department received a replacement

fish tank and some house plants. Arion House were grateful to be awarded reading lights and canvasses. Wellesley House were delighted with their BBQ and Pizza oven, Priory asked for a fire pit (to be adorned with the Friends of King's logo) a swing chair and Wii games, New House had two extra large canvases, a secondhand PlayStation 4 with extra controller, a FIFA game and new pool balls and cues. Old were given a fire pit (with the Friends of King's logo) and an events shelter, and Blackford requested a donation towards the framing of an Olympic Freestyle Skiing Vest in honour of OB Lloyd Wallace!

We were also pleased to be able to pledge a generous donation towards the future building of the new Pavilion on Hyde.

We were sorry to have say “goodbye” to four committee members who have all worked tirelessly for The Friends of King's Bruton for many years: Rose Vigers-Belgeonne (Bids Coordinator) Sarah Main (Secretary) Adrian Garnon (Treasurer) Col Mike Sykes OBE (Chair) On behalf of The Friends Committee, and the whole of the King's community, we would like to take this opportunity to thank each and everyone of them for their amazing support and commitment, they will be sorely missed!

The Friends Committee is always keen to welcome new members, to help with its work in deciding where best to provide financial support, as well as arranging social and fundraising events.

If you would like to find out more about The Friends, and how to get involved in any way, please click or scan the QR Code to go to the Friends webpage.

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THE DOLPHIN

King's Community Supporting Charity Alison Grant Deputy Head

SUPPORTING CHARITY

This year King's has raised money for School in a Bag. This is a local charity based in Somerset to raise money for children around the world who have no access to school books, pencils, a lunch box and water bottle. Each bag is sent to a disaster area where children are in need and each of the bags is tracked so that King's knows where in the world we are helping.

The charity was established as a result of a huge fund raising effort by family and friends of Luke Simon who lost his twin brother, Piers, in the 2004 tsunami in Thailand whilst on holiday.

As our normal charity events have not happened as usual, we are extending support for this charity next academic year, when we hope to have raised a sizeable sum for School in a Bag. The King's community have also been active in supporting many other charities too this year. These are some of them.

Scan or click the QR Codes to read more about each event.

Yeovil Community Foodbank.

Mental health charity, Mind.

Yeovil Breast Cancer Unit Appeal and Guide Dogs.

Mental health charity, Young Minds.

Homeless charity, Julian House.

Cancer Research and School in a Bag.

School in a Bag.

Cancer Resarch, School in a Bag and the British Heart Foundation.

Papyrus, Teenage Mental Health and Cancer Research.

Parkinson’s Disease and Prostate Cancer.

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Interesting Times DofE - A Tribute to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh Talking Music with the Headmaster Podcast The Dolphin Garden My Journey Towards an Army Scholarship Bella’s Brunch Bagels A Year on from King's - Santina McKechnie Thinking About 9/11 Mental Health Awareness Week Creation, Manufacture and Distribution of the COVID-19 Vaccine King's Staff Vaccination Volunteers A Year on from King's - Alex Baxter The Gazelle Squadron A Small Act of Kindness Blondin in Bruton 1892 A Covid Rescue Story Calling the Elderly During Lockdown Two Are Better Than One Re-enactment and Me Caring for the Environment The Super Bowl - The New vs the Old 100 Years of Dance Travel Journalism with Mr Mitra Podcast Brexit Debate Podcast Mental Health Matters A Young Entrepreneur Old Brutonian, George Read, Back in Bruton Time Capsule Should Schools Have Unlimited Free Speech?

We are Never too Small to make a Difference Podcast A Year on From King's - Katie Proctor The Sixth Form Club

THE DOLPHIN DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD - A TRIBUTE TO PRINCE PHILIP 42

DofE - A Tribute to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh We have just concluded our Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. Looking back at the expedition, it had its ups and downs, and there were points where everyone struggled, however, we were part of a very supportive team and that kept us motivated.

Dartmoor is a very interesting place.

It can be very pretty, with no clouds in the sky one minute, to becoming a tropical storm very quickly. I think one of the most special things about about Dartmoor is the feeling of being completely submersed in nature. We could look around at the top of a tor and see no man/woman made structures, which I think is a feeling I have never had before. I also really enjoyed the feeling of not having phones for the expedition. Our generation really relies on our mobile devices to take photos and snaps of our mates, without them we spent a lot more time “living in the moment”.

DofE has been a very important qualification/experience and I would definitely recommend it to anyone and everyone. I have done Silver DofE Cycling, which was a different experience compared to Gold Walking.

Nevertheless, it’s amazing how helpful people become in a time of need. A prime example of this was during my Silver DofE Cycling, we climbed this steep hill and one of the team got a puncture, so we all came together as a group, sharing resources to fix the issue as quickly as possible.

There is a lot more to DofE than just the expedition, for example, volunteering, a physical skill and finally residential.

For all these things I had to find an activity that I wouldn’t mind doing for 12 months. So, for my voluntary work, I worked at North Cadbury Primary School reading with the children and painting, which was fun. When I had

finished that I became a member of the Sixth Form Club Committee, and planned Theme Nights and filled up the fridges. For my physical activity I did swimming and started really enjoying it.

For my skill, I learned how to play the guitar. I have carried it on after finishing DofE and I’m still really enjoying it. For the residential part of my Award, I am planning to go out to Spain and go to a surf camp when travel is allowed again.

Prince Philip described the aims of the Duke of Edinburgh Award as “It’s what I like to describe as a ‘do-it-yourself’ growing up kit”. In my opinion, this is a very good summary of the whole thing.

I feel that I am a more independent and more confident person, after not only the expeditions and other activities, but the communication with members of staff, team members and strangers we had never met.

One major part of the completing the Duke of Edinburgh Award at this time was the recent passing of the Duke himself. This made the experience seem surreal, as the amazing opportunities we had been lucky enough to experience were made possible because of Prince Philip.

I encourage everyone to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award, at any level, not only because of the opportunities and experiences we had, but because of the life skills we learnt.

THE DOLPHIN Blackford House U6th Form

Jamie Richmond Blackford House U6th Form

DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD - A TRIBUTE TO PRINCE PHILIP

Leo Haywood

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THE DOLPHIN TALKING MUSIC WITH THE HEADMASTER PODCAST

Amelia Warren

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Priory House L6th Form Dolphin Editorial Team

Talking Music with the Headmaster Podcast Amelia chats to Ian Wilmshurst about how music has affected his life in an interesting and amusing interview.

To listen, please click or scan the QR Code.

Bella Andrew Priory House L6th Form Dolphin Editorial Team Within our King's Bruton community, it is important for us to recognise our environmental impact. Sustainability is an important aspect to focus on.

Within Bruton, businesses such as the Roth Bar & Grill, Osip Restaurant and The Newt have taken onboard the concept of sustainability, and are focusing on farm to table. A concept of using locally grown food and taking it directly into restaurants, reducing a large amount of carbon emissions and processing.

In our King's Bruton community, we want to be able to apply concepts like farm to table. Consequently, we have introduced our own allotment, called The Dolphin Garden. This allotment is managed by The Dolphin editorial team, however, anyone can help. It is situated near the Hauser & Wirth allotments, by some of the school greenhouses.

We want to be able to produce locally grown food into our school community. The School already grows its own herbs, but it would be very environmentally friendly to introduce more fresh produce.

To mark the beginning of The Dolphin Garden, next academic year we will be creating a Time Capsule, to be planted within the allotment. It will include a copy of this year’s Dolphin, a gardening book, a newspaper, and anything else which represents how the environment is currently being helped.

Artist in Residence Over the course of the academic year The Dolphin Garden allotment team has made great strides towards building the foundations for a new on-site allotment at King's.

The construction of two sturdy raised beds with close access to greenhouse facilities have vastly improved our potential to plant and grow. We have gratefully received generous support from the Friends of King's in terms of essential equipment such as veggiemesh, garden hoops and the essential watering can.

After a gruelling cold winter, this year’s growing season has taken a hit with a slow start, but after recent warm weather both plants and weeds have sprung back into action! We plan to share the fruits of our labour with our BTEC Hospitality department.

We are hoping to provide tomatoes, courgettes, sweetcorn, kale, sunflowers and broccoli.

THE DOLPHIN

George Cole

THE DOLPHIN GARDEN

The Dolphin Garden

Moving forwards, we plan to develop an all-year round seasonal calendar focusing on sustainable agriculture. We will aim to run the allotment group during an activities session next year, open to all year groups to get involved any interested green fingered pupils.

Watch this space as we plan to invite inspirational figures such as Charles Dowding, along with potential trips to The Newt and the Roth Bar & Grill kitchen garden.

A huge thank you to all involved from the Dolphin Team members and the Friends of King's for supporting our project.

Click or scan the QR Code to read about the creation of the Dolphin Garden 45

THE DOLPHIN MY JOURNEY TOWARDS AN ARMY SCHOLARSHIP

My Journey Towards an Army Scholarship

Lily Crossfield Priory House L6th Form Dolphin Editorial Team I am working towards, hopefully, being awarded an Army Scholarship.

I have always aspired to be in the British Army as I grew up in an Army family, with my dad serving for 30 years this year. I love hearing about the adventures and the memories the Army has brought him throughout his time serving.

As well as my dad, my time as a part of the School CCF team has really enhanced my love for the Armed Forces.

One of my favourite experiences during my time was climbing Mount Snowdon and Mount Tryfan. I really loved the experience so I decided to apply for an Army Scholarship. My journey so far has not been easy, and I have had challenges along the way, but the end goal would be such an achievement for all my hard work.

In the future, I hope to go and study Nursing at the University of Birmingham. But in this article, I am going to take you through the steps I have taken this far, and the steps I will take in the future, to hopefully, be awarded a British Army Scholarship.

In order to start my first step, I had to put my application forward and fill out many forms. These included criminal records, piercing forms, family information and many medical forms.

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After I cleared this stage, I then had to get a report from the Headmaster, who also kindly gave me the email address of his niece who serves in the RAF as a nurse. She was so helpful and explained many things including how sport linked within the Forces as I am a keen sport player.

The next stage in my application is where I ran into a problem. After my medical forms were done they put my application on hold because of my history with a peanut allergy, knee pain and shoulder pain. I had to send a lot of extra forms to my doctor’s surgery, and they then sent them on to the Medical Board. Eventually, I got the confirmation that I had passed my RGMD, which was such a relief.

Throughout the time that I was waiting for my forms to be completed, I was attending seminars that included what to expect and how to prepare for upcoming events. I even had the chance to meet previous Army Scholars, and they gave me some tips. I have taken these onboard and am training to make sure that I can do the best possible when it comes to the selection day.

Most of the testing and physical testing is over the summer. I will undergo a thorough medical examination by the

doctor to confirm that I am fit enough to conduct further selection activities without incurring any undue risk or injury. I will also have to undergo an ECG, which is a heart trace. I will also have to provide a urinalysis (urine test) and have an audiogram (hearing test) and other tests, including a vision test and a colour perception test. Also, my height, weight and waist will be measured to calculate my body mass index.

When I start the interview process, the things we talk about include my background and current situation, my motivation to become an Army Officer, my general knowledge about the Army, current affairs, my basic mental arithmetic, especially my ability to calculate speed, distance and time, we will talk about my fitness and my job/ regiment choices.

The biggest event I have to attend is the ASB, which is the Army Scholarship Board, because of COVID a lot has changed. It used to be a couple of days, and now it is 27 hours with an overnight stay. There are many of these running between 4th to 9th July 2021 and 1st to 5th August 2021. This year is the largest number of candidates going for an Army Scholarship at around 550 candidates and only around 120 scholarships

THE DOLPHIN If I am awarded the Army Scholarship, I will be given £3,000 at the start of U6th Form. I will also get a bursary so that my university fees are paid for. This would be amazing as I wouldn’t be left with debt and money to pay back after my course. It will also ensure that I have a guaranteed space at Sandhurst for when I finish my nursing course.

MY JOURNEY TOWARDS AN ARMY SCHOLARSHIP

available. The tasks I have to do while at ASB include a briefing, psychometric online tests, writing an essay, opening tasks, individual interviews, written planning exercise, planning exercise discussion, multi-stage fitness test (MSFT), command tasks and individual obstacles. Over the last few months, and the months running up to the ABS, I will be training hard to ensure that I can complete all the tasks to the set standard.

Before the start of the 2021, I had no idea there even was an Army Scholarship, but I believe it’s such a great way to join the military and I would highly recommend going through the process to anyone who is aspiring to join the military. It is hard work but it’s such a great opportunity.

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THE DOLPHIN

Bella’s Brunch Bagels Bella Andrew

BELLA’S BRUNCH BAGELS

Priory House L6th Form Dolphin Editorial Team In lockdown, I loved baking for my family. This recipe, adapted from BBC Good Food, was a big hit for brunch.

Bagels are versatile and can be topped or filled with whatever you like.

My favourite combination is smoked salmon with cream cheese and chives.

You will need:

7g sachet dried yeast 4 tbsp caster sugar 2tsp salt 450 bread flour Poppy seeds

Method:

1. Tip the yeast and 1 tbsp sugar into a large bowl and pour over 100ml warm water. Leave for 10 mins until the mixture becomes frothy.

2. Pour 200ml warm water into the bowl, then stir in the salt and half the flour. Keep adding the remaining flour (you may not have to use it all) and mixing with your hands until you have a soft, but not sticky dough.

Then knead for 10 minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic. Shape into a ball and put in a clean, lightly oiled bowl.

Cover loosely with cling film and leave in a warm place until doubled in size, (about 1 hour).

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3. Heat oven to 220C/ fan 200C/ Gas 7. On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough into 10 pieces, each about 85g. Shape each piece into a flattish ball, then take a wooden spoon and use the handle to make a hole in the middle of each ball. Slip the spoon into the hole, then twirl the bagel around the spoon to make a hole about 3cm wide. Cover the bagel loosely with cling film while you shape the remaining dough.

4. Meanwhile, bring a large pan of water to the boil and tip in the remaining sugar. Slip the bagels into the boiling water. Cook for 1-2 mins, turning over in the water until the bagels have puffed slightly and a skin has formed.

Remove with a slotted spoon and drain away any excess water.

Sprinkle over your poppy seeds and place on a baking tray lined with parchment. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes until browned and crisp. (The bases should sound hollow when tapped). Leave to cool on a wire rack, then serve with your preferred filling.

THE DOLPHIN

A Year on from King's Santina McKechnie In 2020, I started my first year at the University of Birmingham’s Medical School, doing a degree in adult nursing.

It’s been great, although the majority of the year has been online because of COVID-19 and the restrictions across the UK and the rest of the world.

Although my cohort has missed an opportunity to properly be a fresher at uni, it has still been one of the best years of my life, where I have gotten to meet some of my closest friends and have gotten to meet and help members of the public on placement.

Our year has been split into theory, where we learnt the anatomy, physiology and pathology of the body, along with epidemiology and pharmacology and clinical practice on placement. Uni is very different to school. There is a great emphasis on independent study outside of seminars and lectures, especially on my course, you want to be reading outside of what the lecturer says. This year it has been mainly pre-recorded lectures with a couple of live Zoom or in person lectures a day. It’s really up to you if you want to do the pre-recorded lectures that day or if you want to leave it until another day. The great thing

about my course is that you could have come from any background. At school, I did French, Spanish and Art at A-level, although I have had to catch up on the Biology and Chemistry parts of my course, it really didn’t matter where you started out as long as you were willing to put in the work.

I have just finished my first placement, where I worked in one of the local hospitals on a surgical ward. This allowed me to gain experience of a great number of procedures and illnesses and I was able to put the theory that I learnt at uni into helping the patients on the ward. Honestly, there is no other word for placement than cool. I can honestly say I learnt so much more on placement than I did in lectures as you have no choice but to learn, or hurt the patient.

The ward had a big military presence which was great as it confirmed to me that once I finish my degree, I want to join the Army as a nurse. I got to see surgeries and my mentor allowed me to administer medications, and I was able to give my first injections. On placement the patient doesn’t see you as a student even though you have to tell them you are a student before each procedure. At

the end of the day you are the person who is in a nurses uniform and you are helping to make them better. So even though I have only had a year of theory out of my four year course, I still have to act with professionalism and knowledge which can be very scary and stressful. If anyone had told me a couple of years ago that I’d be doing a degree that involved a huge science part, I would have laughed; but it has been so interesting.

Uni isn’t just study though. Alongside my degree I have joined the Medics Hockey Club where I have gotten to socialise outside my friendship groups with people who study all different courses within the medical school. I really recommend anyone starting uni to join a sports team as it’s the best fun. Although I didn’t get the normal freshers’ experience this year, I wouldn’t change my first year at uni at all. I can always be a fresher again next year as the majority of us are going to do in September.

A YEAR ON FROM KING'S - SANTINA MCKECHNIE

Priory House (2016-20)

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THE DOLPHIN

Thinking About 9/11 Amelia Warren

THINKING ABOUT 9/11

Priory House L6th Form Dolphin Editorial Team On September the 11th 2001, four commercial airliners were hijacked by members of Al-Qaeda and used to commit acts of terror against the United States. These attacks were orchestrated by the founder of Al-Qaeda - Osama Bin Laden.

American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175 crashed into the North and South towers of the World Trade Center, killing close to 2,750 people. The third plane, American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the west side of the Pentagon and the fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, never reached its final target - which we can assume, because it was heading for Washington D.C., for the Capitol Building or the White House - and crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania after a struggle between terrorists and passengers.

This was not the first terror attack

on the World Trade Center - indeed, in 1993 a bombing killed 6 people and injured over 1,000, and this too was executed by Al Qaeda, but the size and destruction of the attack and death toll are what make 9/11 so harrowing.

In total, roughly 3,000 people died in the attacks, and that includes the 19 terrorists who initiated them and the 400 emergency personal, such as firefighters and policeman, who gave their lives trying to save those inside the buildings. Even now, 20 years later, the world has still not recovered.

In 2019, I was fortunate enough to see the musical Come From Away; set during the week after the 9/11 attack, it tells the true story of the 38 planes forced to land in Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador, and the passengers who were taken in by its residents. It’s an incredibly moving musical and shows the good moments of a truly terrible event. In a Q&A session with the cast of Come From Away, they said that remembering this event, and all aspects of it, is incredibly important - it’s a pivotal moment of America’s history.

Germany and we were in the final stages of our work up training prior to deploying to Kosovo for six months.

The work up training was being held in the Sennelager Training Area and it had been a necessarily long and tiring exercise.

On the day itself, we were responding to the various scenarios that the training team were throwing at us, when all of a sudden in the afternoon we were told to move into a lecture theatre where the scenes playing out in New York were being screened. We watched in horror as the replays of the plane flying into the twin towers were shown over and over again, as well as pictures of the efforts to save lives. Initially, we all thought that this was a film and that somehow it was part of the exercise, but the realisation quickly dawned on us that this was for real.”

But how does it connect with King's?

I asked the current members of staff what they were doing on September 11th 2001.

“On 11 September 2001, I was the Officer Commanding B (Rorke’s Drift) Company of The Royal Regiment of Wales (24th/41stFoot).” said Nick Bunday, th

Blackford Housemaster and History teacher. “At the time we were stationed in Paderborn in Nord Rhine-Westphalia,

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At the 9/11 Memorial in the Foundation Hall stands the Last Column, the final piece of World Trade Center steel to be removed from Ground Zero. As rescue and recovery workers cleared the site after 9/11, they covered the 36-foot steel column from top to bottom with inscriptions, mementos, and signatures. The Last Column was removed from the World Trade Center site on 30th May 2002, in a ceremony marking the official end of the recovery period.

Photo courtesy of Ashley Marshfield

Memorial to Firefighters & Police St Paul's Chapel, New York Photo courtesy of George Beverly

“It was a typical Tuesday early on in the new Christmas Term,” remembered

Robert Lowry, then Housemaster of Priory House, which was, at the time, a boys’ House.. “It was just after lunch,

Shortly after this moment that I received a message to phone Richard Smyth, the Headmaster. He asked all his Housemasters and Housemistresses to seek out any pupils who might have family in New York, or in the USA, to locate them, wherever they were in the School, and ensure that they were in communication with their families and supported if they were upset by the events unfolding. There were certainly several such pupils in the School. I recall that the TV in the Common Room stayed on for much of the rest of the day.”

It’s strange to think that an event from 20 years ago can still be affecting us today, but even now, traces of the 9/11 attacks exist in our lives. In an interview with Giles Wastell, British Airways Pilot and King's parent, I asked him what the residual effects of an event such as this were.

“It changed the way we operate; it changed the way we allowed people onto aeroplanes, it changed security. For us as pilots, sitting now behind a closed door -

it’s never allowed to be open for more than a few seconds at a time, and that is a direct result of that terrible day.”

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in America was created on the 21st September that same year, as President George Bush’s response to the attacks.Originally, it was run as an office inside the White House by Tom Ridge.

THE DOLPHIN

teacher at King's, morning break, and some of the staff entered the Senior Common Room with whispers of something catastrophic having happened in New York.

The television was switched on quickly; a group of us gaped in awe at the film footage of the horror unfolding. The full scale of the attack emerged over the following hours: it felt like the world had undergone a palpable change somehow.”

thick plume of smoke of smoke spewing from one of the two skyscrapers that stood out higher than their surroundings on what appeared to be a sunny day in New York. I quietly said it was all right to keep watching. A few minutes later we were all absolutely stunned by footage of a second apparent crash into the neighbouring tower filmed from a news source. By this time the commentary was saying it must be a terrorist attack.

“He will lead, oversee and coordinate a comprehensive national strategy to safeguard our country against terrorism and respond to any attacks that may come” said

Bush in regard to Ridge’s role.

Air travel into the United States was suspended for roughly three days after the events, and I asked Giles how soon after 9/11 he’d flown into America.

“I think it was about four days after when they first opened up the airspace again to Washington, we flew over New York, and it was basically still smouldering. It was awful - we flew over the top and you could still see the site quite clearly, the scar that was still smouldering. It’s one of the most sanitary and horrible things I’ve seen.” The

fires went on to burn for another 90 days in Lower Manhattan before they could be put out.

THINKING ABOUT 9/11

Maggie King, English and Drama teacher recounted her memory of the day too. “It was my first full week as a

It’s important to remember 9/11, even if it didn’t affect you directly.

In April 2003, the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation decided to launch an international competition to

and everyone had hurriedly set off to sports that afternoon. The main game for boys was rugby, but some did cross-country and others sports like badminton, so they tended to hang back after lunch in the House as their games sessions started later.

In 2001, computer ownership was sporadic, and none of the pupils had access to Wi-Fi or smartphones - they simply didn’t exist. So the television and video player in the Common Room were a big attraction, but strictly off-limits during the day, which was why I was annoyed to see a gathering of older sixth formers watching something on it. I opened the door and rather crossly asked what they thought they were doing.

One of the Prefects replied with real concern ‘there’s been a plane crash in New York….

The World Trade Center’.

I joined the gathering to watch the screen.

It was just about 2 o’clock, and we were watching, in real-time, various shots of a

A salvaged 20-foot section of the 360-foot-tall antenna from the North Tower forms a display at the 9/11 Memorial.

Photo courtesy of Ashley Marshfield

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THE DOLPHIN THINKING ABOUT 9/11

King's pupil, Imogen Dawe, visited the Memorial. “I visited the 9/11

These stairs are known as the Survivors’ Stairs.

On 9/11, this staircase at the edge of the elevated World Trade Center Plaza provided an unobstructed exit for people fleeing the site. After 9/11, the stairs were slated for demolition but were saved during the national review process of the site’s historic assets. As you arrive at the main exhibition and education level, you follow the stairs that led hundreds of survivors to safety on 11 September 2001.

Photo courtesy of Ashley Marshfield

design a permanent memorial at the site of the World Trade Center. The entries had to honour the victims, speak to the needs of families who’d lost loved ones and provide a space for reflection and healing. In January 2004, Michael Arad’s and Peter Walker’s design Reflecting Absence - was chosen. Their design featured two waterfall pools encased in bronze parapets that listed the names of those killed in the attacks, and the 1993 bombing. The pools were to be set within a plaza, surrounded by more than 400 swamp white oak trees. The pools represent “absence made visible”, said Michael Arad. The Memorial opened on September 11th 2011, on the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

Memorials for the attacks exist in their hundreds across the world, including Italy, Israel and even on Mars!

“I visited the 9/11 Memorial in August 2015, whilst on my Honeymoon in New York,” said Ashley Marshfield,

Housemaster of New House and Director of Music at King's. “I found it to be a

powerful and hugely moving experience.

What struck us the most was the enormity of the site within the bustling financial district of New York; the colossal loss of life and the scale of devastation is difficult to comprehend.

If you ever have the opportunity, I highly recommend you book a visit to Ground Zero, as the site is now a tranquil and peaceful memorial to those who lost their lives.”

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Memorial a few years ago during the summer holidays whilst staying in New York. I wasn’t quite prepared for the impact it would have on me. It was truly moving.

You could see the emotions on people’s faces; I had never experienced a place, or an atmosphere, like it before. I am so glad I went - it’s difficult to put into words how it made me feel. If you have the chance, I couldn’t recommend going enough, so you get to experience that same feeling. Even though there were constant photos being taken, along with large crowds of tourists walking around, a real sense of peace and remembrance hung in the air. Amongst all the hustle and bustle, one can still reflect on the tragedy as if there was no one around, which for me is what made it so special. I just stood there in complete silence, taking in my surroundings. It was truly moving.

Overall, it was an experience I will never forget.”

George Beverly, Chaplain and History teacher and King's, remembers visiting the Memorial in 2013. I visited

the Ground Zero Memorial during Easter, 2013. I have an aunt and uncle who live in a small town called Cohasset near Boston and cousins who live in New York. It was my first time to the USA and I was keen to spend three days in New York, seeing the famous landmarks and catching up with family. I could vividly remember 11th September 2001. I was at school and just as I was catching the bus to go home, a pupil in the Sixth Form said to someone near me, “have you seen what’s happened in America?! Some planes have flown into buildings. Some sort of terrorist attack.” The bus driver turned the radio on and we could hear the report going. My brother, sister and I were all worried about our cousins in the USA - were they alright? My dad texted me, telling me to “put the TV on when you get home - this is a terrible day, you’ll never forget.” Thus, twelve years later when I walked the streets of the Big Apple I felt a deep need to go and visit the place that had dominated my family’s discussions, the news media, geopolitical landscape and global affairs for the formative years when I was growing up. The thing that struck me was

Visitor ticket pass to the World Trade Center Memorial Photo courtesy of George Beverly

the scale of the memorial - all those names and the vastness of the holes in the ground where the towers had stood. Everything was so pristine and yet the memories I had were of a smouldering pile of rubble - of utter destruction. It was truly sobering for me and emotionally absorbing. In the middle of one of the world’s busiest and most vibrant cities stood this memorial to the victims of such a barbaric and wicked attack. The most moving part for me was visiting St Paul’s Chapel, a church that stood next to the twin towers. During 9/11 it had been used by the fire department to treat firemen who had risked their lives seeking to rescue those trapped inside the towers. There were still uniforms of firemen who had died in their acts of bravery. If you ever visit New York, I would highly recommend a visit to the memorial. I found it educational, formative, inspiring and most of all poignant.

It’s almost impossible to find the light in an event so dark, but it does exist. Take for example, the residents of Gander, who took in roughly 7,000 passengers and rallied together to help them through what was a terrible time.

Or the millions of people who pass through the memorial site and museum every year - they go to remember the stories of those who lost their lives, and to share them with others. We must remember them, not just those who died in the initial attacks, but in the Pentagon, Shanksville, the emergency response teams that risked everything to minimise the causalities, everyone. It may not have affected you directly, but it did affect the world. And we should never forget that.

World Trade Center Memorial Photo courtesy of George Beverly

THE DOLPHIN

Mental Health Awareness Week Lulu McDade

Mental Health Awareness Week has always been a significant point of each year, however, after Covid and lockdown, having good mental health has been more important than ever.

Many people, all across the world, from different age groups, have found it difficult to stay positive over the last year, and have struggled with mental health.

It was important that as a school, we recognise this, and so we dedicated a week to show how we can improve our mental health and bring everyone together after being apart during lockdown.

Each boarding house was asked to put on a certain activity where everyone, including staff, could get involved.

The week started with Blackford’s traditional Zumba. The Lower Sixth boys dressed up, and all year groups congregated on the Prefects’ Lawn to dance. The brightly coloured shirts and ridiculous glasses made the Blackford boys look the real deal.

Priory House organised some Mindful Colouring, Arion House organised skipping and Lyon House, football.

Despite the temperamental weather, everyone was able to do their activities and people from all the year groups could get involved.

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENES WEEK

Photo courtesy of Charlotte Elway

Priory House L6th Form Dolphin Editorial Team

The highlight of every Mental Health Awareness Week is on the last day when dogs and puppies are brought in for petting. This year, however, as well as the dogs, two alpacas called Guinness and Champagne also came, and they brought a smile to everyone’s face.

This all wouldn’t have been able to happen if it wasn’t for the efforts of Mrs Grant and all the Lower Sixth pupils who organised and supervised the events.

During a stressful term, of assessments and Covid, it was the perfect opportunity to bring everyone together and the week was a huge success.

To read more and view the photographs and fun video, please click or scan the QR Code.

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THE DOLPHIN

The Creation, Manufacture and Distribution of the COVID-19 Vaccine

THE CREATION, MANUFACTURE & DISTRIBUTION OF THE COVID-19 VACCINE

Adam Barret-James

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New House U6th Form Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, there has been a race to develop a safe and effective vaccine against the virus. It was evident that a post COVID-19 world would involve a mass immunization programme, however, vaccine development is an arduous process, which typically takes between 10 and 15 years. Despite this, within a year, the UK had approved different vaccines for use on the public in the mass vaccination programme. There are multiple main vaccines being used in the UK with many other vaccines also being approved for distribution. The main two being used are Pfizer-BioNTech (Pfizer) and Oxford UniversityAstraZeneca (Oxford-AstraZeneca).

Despite both being vaccines against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, they are different in the way they are created.

There is a big misconception that work on the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine started when the pandemic began,

however, this is not the case. Since the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak, a plan was created for how to tackle the next big outbreak. At the end of a list of known threats was “Disease X” - the sinister name of a new, unknown infection that would take the world by surprise.

The central piece of the plan was a revolutionary style of vaccine known as “plug and play”. Conventional vaccines use a dead or weakened form of the original infection, or inject fragments of it into the body, but these are slow to develop. Instead, Oxford researchers constructed a building block for any vaccine, called ChAdOx1. This was created by taking a common cold virus found in chimpanzees and engineering it to become the building block of a vaccine against almost anything. When the full genetic code of the coronavirus was published on 11th January 2020, Oxford scientists could insert the genetic code for the spike protein into ChAdOx1, and a COVID-19 vaccine had been created.

Pfizer involves using an RNA template for COVID-19 which allows mRNA to be created and inserted into the vaccine.

The mRNA codes for the spike protein of the virus, which contains the antigen: this is a protein that distinguishes the virus from other cells.

Due to the high global demand of COVID-19 vaccines, it is essential that the vaccines must be manufactured on a mass scale to provide for countries’ demand. The Pfizer vaccine involves the linking on RNA nucleotides together using a template strand of RNA, with this reaction being catalysed by specific enzymes which are made in bacteria and the free RNA nucleotides being made artificially. The mRNA strand which is created by the free RNA nucleotides is then encapsulated into lipid spheres, these mRNA containing lipid microspheres are the vehicle through which the mRNA enters the cell to be translated and express the Spike protein on the cell surface. The Oxford-

The UK is one of the leading countries in the world in terms of the vaccination programme, part of this has been due to the early orders of millions of units of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. As of writing this article, 40.2% of the UK population has been fully vaccinated and 59.9% have had at least 1 dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccination programme started in the UK on 8th December 2020, when Margaret Keenan became the first person in the UK to receive a COVID-19 vaccine (and first in the world to get vaccine as

The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine was being described as a “game changer” in the vaccination programme as it can be stored between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius, therefore making it easy to transport and store at vaccination centres. This is compared to the Pfizer vaccine which must be stored at extremely low temperatures (-60 to -80 degrees Celsius), making it logistically harder to transport and distribute.

Initial studies suggested the Pfizer vaccine had roughly 95% effectiveness and Oxford-AstraZeneca about 70% effectiveness (effectiveness is the ability of the vaccine to protect against the individual from becoming infected).

But, as further data has been released, the difference in effectiveness has decreased with the Oxford-AstraZeneca

being more effective than originally thought. These figures compared to the flu vaccine which often only is around 60% effective shows the success of the pharmaceutical industry in rapidly creating a COVID-19 vaccine.

With the current news of new variants emerging and beginning to circulate in the population, the effectiveness of vaccines is constantly being analysed to examine whether current vaccines help to prevent against viral transmission and infection in the individual.

Research from numerous medical trials has suggested that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and the likelihood of serious side effects as extremely low.

Therefore, I would encourage anyone who is offered the vaccine to get vaccinated and help in the world’s fight against the virus.

King's Staff Vaccination Volunteers Andrew and Tracy Shean are helping with the deployment of the vaccine.

Andrew is a King's DT Technician, and Tracy previously worked at the King's Reception Desk. Tracy has now left King's to spend more time to volunteer at the vaccination centre.

In February 2021, Tracy wrote this for The King's Spirit:

Excerpt from the Mendip Times

I have been volunteering at the vaccination centre in Shepton Mallet whilst on furlough. It has been very worthwhile. Initially I started by helping with some pre-screening on the NHS database but have now supported wherever there is the need. I have made sure everyone moves through the vaccination centre as quickly and efficiently as possible. Yesterday I was on car parking duty all in my hi visibility

and wet weather layers. There has been so much positive praise from the public. Yesterday, there were many letters and treats of homemade flapjacks, cakes and biscuits which were delivered by the public to say thank you to the volunteers and NHS team. The people I have met have been enthusiastic and inspiring.

THE DOLPHIN

part of a mass vaccination programme).

THE CREATION, MANUFACTURE & DISTRIBUTION OF THE COVID-19 VACCINE

AstraZeneca vaccine is manufactured by the insertion of viral mRNA into the genome of a virus found in chimpanzees, which then infects cells. With the UK having ordered 100 million doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, there are now 25 sites in 15 countries where it is being produced.

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A Year on from King's Alex Baxter

A YEAR ON FROM KING'S - ALEX BAXTER

Lyon House (2016-20) A lot can change in a year. I am sat writing this on a cold Edinburgh evening, watching the snow melt outside the window of my university accommodation. I am eternally envious of my friends on the floors above me, who get views of city rooftops on one side and the familiar silhouette of Arthur’s Seat on the other, while I spend my nights looking out into the street and the block of flats opposite.

Even though it’s not quite as idyllic as my friends’, or even as Bruton, it’s something that, for the time being, has quickly become home; if nothing else, watching the vast array of random passers-by on the street is an everyday reminder that I’m not alone.

A year ago, I left King's for the February half-term having had a whirlwind of a month, from the House Music to the rapidly-approaching Debate Final to my 18th birthday just a few days before. Covid-19 was still confined to the backs of minds and jokes on the Internet. Unbeknownst to most, it was about to send most of our lives upside down - mine especially, since I was about to be taking my A-Levels and leaving school. As far as I was aware at the time, I was headed for a pretty normal future. I was still waiting on my offer from Edinburgh, where I already had my heart set on going to study Politics, Philosophy and Economics, and was anxious to do as well as I could in my exams to ensure that I met the requirements. I was terrified but looking forward to my last term at school and the chance to conclusively close five years of dedication to its community.

What I did not expect at the time was that that all would disappear within a number of weeks.

March 18th, the day A-Levels and GCSEs were cancelled, remains clear in my head; I remember watching the press conference in the Lyon House common room and feeling the whole room be struck by a wave of uncertainty (on top of our admitted elation). The subsequent months of the first lockdown are, I think, going to be ones we reflect on a lot in years to come. What struck me most about them was how they granted the world a time to press pause, and reflect on where we all were, what we were doing, and where we were going.

Perhaps, as someone caught between two such important points, this effect was more prevalent for me; despite its obvious major impacts on me in that light, I was anxious to see that those whose livelihoods had been seriously adversely affected were supported through it all. Otherwise, I spent my copious amounts of new-found free time over summer playing American Football with my brother, reading to prepare for my university course, and writing articles for my blog. I also got a buzzcut, which I am sure would’ve been to Mrs Grant’s utter dismay (she will be relieved to know that my normal hair has subsequently grown back, however).

My experience at university so far has obviously been pretty different than your usual. My room is my new library, my computer screen my lecture hall, and my kitchen my nightclub. I think it would be pretty easy to get bogged down in the negatives of how impacted and changed my life has been by this new world we’re living in, but I have tried my utmost not to; honestly, I am still loving every second of my time here. I really miss King's in so many ways, but the move up here has been

a refreshing change of scene; being able to live independently, especially in this beautiful city with which I am already in love, is a dream come true.

I’ve even managed to cook for myself, something which I strongly doubted I’d be able to manage (but trust me when I tell you that I miss the King's catering department more than ever). I love my course, and I find myself more excited to learn every day than I’ve ever been before; despite the fact that I dream of in-person lectures, I am reassured that they will one day be a reality (although preferably sooner rather than later).

In May 2020, I wrote a piece for The Dolphin about lockdown, and how it had flipped the world on its head, but, more importantly, about how it had brought everyone together; there was a certain nationwide atmosphere of solidarity, and a common belief in embracing the hand we’d all been dealt.

If I’ve learned anything since leaving King's, it’s that - though on my last day at school I could never have seen this year going the way it has, the best thing I can do now is to make the most of what I’ve got.

Life doesn’t always go the way that you’d hope or expect; sometimes, the only thing you can really do is just live it, and know that that’s enough.

All the people I am pictured with below, are from my household bubble here at uni.

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THE DOLPHIN

The Gazelle Squadron Kylo Gray I am very lucky to be a member of The Gazelle Squadron. The Gazelle Squadron are a civilian helicopter display team that fly ex-military Gazelle helicopters and raise funds for various charities. My dad is the current team leader of the display team.

My roles within the Squadron are varied, from showing the public around the aircraft and answering their questions, to marshalling the pilots as they arrive and depart the airfield. I also help passengers strap securely into the aircraft and make sure that they are aware of the safety aspects.

On the August Bank Holiday weekend 2020, The Gazelle

Squadron went to Pembray Airfield in West Wales. On arrival we set up camp and immediately got to work on the skills that are required to operate safely at airshows. These include, refueling, marshaling and, of course, display flying.

The weather was fantastic, with glorious sunshine and light winds which allowed all of us the opportunity to fly and take in the breathtaking scenery of the Brecon Beacons.

On the final day, I was extremely lucky to be able to fly with another aerobatic team called Team Raven. Team Raven are a fixed wing display team and The Gazelle Squadron flew an eight aircraft mixed formation display with them.

The whole weekend was busy and great fun. The Gazelle Squadron are very lucky to have British Astronaut, Tim Peake, as one of the helicopter pilots. A particular highlight was being able to chat to Tim about his experiences in space.

THE GAZELLE SQUADRON

Old House 3rd Form

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THE DOLPHIN

A Small Act of Kindness Ian Wilmshurst

A SMALL ACT OF KINDNESS

Headmaster 150 years ago, the then Headmaster of King's, D.E. Norton, presented a book at Speech Day to Clement Newsham Trotman, a prize for mathematics. This book has turned up in Saratoga Springs USA. Friday 13th November was actually World Kindness Day, and it was on this Friday that I opened an email addressed to ‘Headmaster Wilmshurst’. I started reading this email with a slight feeling of trepidation, as some of my emails do bring bad news, but this one was very apt for World Kindness Day. It was sent from the USA by Alexander Apicella, and Alexander wrote that he had bought a book, as a present for a member of his family, in a local book store and that the book dated from 1887. It was given as a prize to a King's Bruton pupil, Clement Newsham Trotman, at Prizegiving by the then Headmaster, DE Norton.

The subsequent email exchange with Alexander has been fascinating and it is wonderful to know that this book will be treasured by Alexander’s family from now on.

So, this small act of kindness was a great way for me to start that Friday, and who knows where the books I present at Prizegiving will end up in 150 years’ time?

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Hello Headmaster Wilmshurst, My name is Alexander Apicella, I hope this email finds you well. I’m sending you this message because I recently came across and purchased a book that has some relevance to your school.

I currently live in United States in a town called Stillwater, which is in upstate New York.

In Saratoga Springs, which is a historical town about 10 minutes away from me, there is an old bookstore that has books dating back to the 1600s. For Christmas this year, I thought it would be a good idea to get everybody in my family a unique book. Whether it is a first edition book, or a book dating back 100+ years. In my search, I came across a rather interesting book titled “Making of England”, and inside the first couple of pages there is a message written to a student who won a mathematical prize in the year 1887.

The individual who wrote and signed the message was the headmaster of your school in 1887, D. E. Norton. The book is a red leather bound book with a picture of the King's seal. A gold dolphin lies on the front in a gold circle.

Above the dolphin reads Deo Juvante. The message that the headmaster, D. E. Norton, wrote at the time is still as visible as if he wrote it yesterday.

I never heard of your school until I did a little research into the headmaster and the writings on the cover of the book. Your school seems to have a deep history that is riddled with tradition and integrity. Ultimately, I just wanted to let you know that this book is in very good hands, and will stay well preserved at my families estate here in Stillwater, New York.

Regards, Alexander Apicella.

The Headmaster looked Clement Newsham Trotman up in the King's Bruton Pupil Archive.

Clement was at King's 1886 to 1890. Our School Archivist, Andrew Leach, found this picture of him in cricket attire.

THE DOLPHIN

Blondin in Bruton 1892 Andrew Leach 1892 is a year that stands out in the history of King's School. It was the year that saw the foundation of the Old Brutonian Association, as well as the first issue of The Dolphin magazine. But there was another event that occurred in Bruton in 1892 that was remembered for many years by the people of the town and surrounding district.

On Thursday, October 13th 1892, the East Somerset Agricultural Society held their Annual Show. The Society had been formed from the amalgamation of three smaller societies, those of Bruton, Castle Cary and Wincanton, who took it in turn to host the Show, and in 1892 it was Bruton’s turn. The townspeople decorated their houses, fir trees were planted in the High Street, and great arches, floral displays and a large quantity of bunting erected. During the day, the weather remained fine, the Bath Railway Band played throughout, and the agricultural exhibits were of a very good standard.

But the highlight for most of the visitors was provided by ‘The Wonder of the Age’, the remarkable Charles Blondin.

The background story of that day was told in a letter written by a witness to the events, R.W. Gregory of Hexham in Northumberland, sent to the Western Gazette in 1949:

‘In order to attract more visitors than would come if the shows restricted their offerings to agricultural exhibits, special attractions were provided, often at great expense. Castle Cary was the first to offer one of the Spencers from the Crystal Palace who made a parachute jump from a balloon filled with the Cary Gas Company’s gas. The next year at Wincanton, a lady parachutist was billed to perform, but during the night before the show a gale sprang up and carried the partially inflated balloon, with a length of gas piping attached, well

across England into the Eastern Counties.

Balloon performances could be seen by a large public outside the showground, and consequently these were not too profitable to the Society so, in 1892, at the Bruton Show, the world famous Blondin was engaged, and on a beautiful summer day his thrilling tight rope walking exhibition was witnessed by a large crowd - most of whom had paid to see it! The following year at Cary, the Society engaged the famous boxing kangaroo from the Royal Aquarium in London, but after Blondin this was an anti-climax and in the annual shows following the super attractions were dropped from the programme.’

Details of Blondin’s performances were reported in the Bristol Mercury the following day, 14th October 1892: ‘Blondin’s world-wide reputation as

a most intrepid performer on the tight rope, apart from his daring performance in walking the falls of Niagara, is wellknown. Yesterday, he performed on a wire erected with scrupulous care 60 feet from the ground and 200 feet in length. Having first walked the rope, he changed his robe and crossed blindfolded with a bag over his head, subsequently taking a cooking apparatus to the centre and cooking a meal.

He then carried his son across on his back, and concluded by riding a bicycle over.

The marvellous performance was very loudly cheered by the immense number of spectators, and in the evening he gave a performance which was rendered very effective by fireworks and illuminations.’

Thus, the enterprising spirit of the Bruton Show organisers was generously rewarded.

BLONDIN IN BRUTON 1892

School Archivist

This photograph was taken at the East Somerset Agricultural Society Show held at Bruton on 13th October 1892. It shows Mr T.O. Bennett, who engineered the visit, linked “arm in crook” with Blondin. The picture also includes George Read (butcher), Josiah Jackson (of Durslade Farm), John Feltham (secretary of the East Somerset Agricultural Society), Cuthbert Lockyer (of Gant’s Mill), George English, and Christopher Moody (auctioneer).

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A COVID Rescue Story WO1 D Branfoot

A COVID RESCUE STORY

King's Parent On 5th February 2020, LCpl Prabjot Singh, his wife and their baby son, visited his family in Jammu State in India. It was the first visit since having their first child 8 months earlier. He and his family had planned to spend 6 weeks in India, and had been saving money for a year to ensure they could have a holiday to remember and see all their family. At 8pm on 4th March 2020, the Indian Prime Minister announced the country would go into national lockdown from midnight.

The lockdown was planned to last 21 days. On 4th April, the lockdown was extended until 3rd May, on 1st May, the lockdown was extended to 17th May, and on 12th May, the lockdown was extended until 31st May! All public transport ceased operating.

Movement of people was only allowed to collect food and medication. This was enforced by police checkpoints and barricades every mile or so in cities. The police would check your paperwork and reason for leaving the house, and if they decided your reason was not correct, you would be beaten with the policeman’s sticks and you could have your photo taken to be put on social media as a form of shaming those risking the lockdown for others.

This lockdown posed many issues for Prabjot and his family. His return flight

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was now cancelled and he had to apply for a refund which could take months to receive. Worse still, his wife’s UK Visa was due to run out on 14th April.

With the risk of his wife not being able to return with him and his son to the UK as the lockdown continued, and the family stayed cramped in a small flat with other family members, action was required. Prabjot had emailed the UK Visa office about his situation on 23rd March, he had no reply. He called the UK Home Office as his stress over the situation grew, and was told only a specialist could advise him and they would be in contact - nothing further was heard from them. He emailed the British High Commission, however, the Embassy was inundated with messages and its staff couldn’t get to the office to respond, and he heard nothing back.

On 6th April, I saw a news piece saying that the UK Government had started repatriation flights from India to bring our national’s home. Issue 1: The ticket price had more than doubled to £1416 and Prabjot still had not received his refund. Issue 2: Getting out of the state and past the border police. The Airport for the repatriation flight was 200km from the city and only a taxi could be used; no taxi driver would do the job as they would have to quarantine in a police cell for 14 days on return. This

also pushed the cost way higher than normal.

On 1st May, I suggested he contact the Colchester MP about his plight, whilst I spoke to the Army HQ on the matter. By 5th May, I managed to get the Embassy staff to speak to Prabjot directly, and we organised a loan to Prabjot to ensure he had funds to pay for the taxi and flights home. The Brigade Commander spoke to the Home Office and got a guarantee to allow Mrs Singh to re-enter the UK without a valid visa.

By 12th May we had organised the paperwork to allow his family to cross the border, found a taxi driver willing to take him (with paperwork guaranteeing no 14-day quarantine), paid for the flight with the Army loan and had promised his wife’s visa would not be an issue at check in or arrivals in the UK. The flight went well and the visa was not a problem, however, the taxi driver had his guarantee ripped up by the border police and spent 14 days in quarantine in a prison - he was not happy!

On 15th May, Prabjot and his family arrived safely back in the UK. He received his money back from his original flight and repaid his loan within a month of his return.

THE DOLPHIN CALLING THE ELDERLY DURING LOCKDOWN

Calling the Elderly During Lockdown

Adam Barret-James New House U6th Form Over the Spring lockdown, I had a weekly telephone call with an elderly gentleman from Sexey’s Hospital.

With the pandemic being such a challenging time for those who couldn’t see family and friends, it was important that we contact those in the

local community. What I have found out from these phone calls, are the similarities between generations in what we enjoy doing in our day to day lives, and also how we have kept entertained in the numerous lockdowns. I enjoyed listening to his different perspective of today’s world. He looked forward to

our chats, and it’s pleasing to see that I was making a small positive difference to someone’s week.

Over the past year, I think we have learnt the importance of everyday interactions and to appreciate those around us.

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Two Are Better Than One George Beverly

THE CHAPLAIN REFLECTS

Chaplain

It’s one of the great conflicts of King's Bruton: Who’s the biggest Celine Dion fan? Mr Bunday or Mr Fletcher? Some have called it a clash of titans. Others have said it can never be settled. Both historians paint a very convincing air of being rather formal and traditional; but if you were to peel away the tweed, the Max Hastings books, and the cricket, you’d discover two unashamed fans of the Queen of the 1990s Canadian music scene. Both have all her albums favourited on Spotify. Both have posters of Celine in their classrooms.

Both are die-hard Dion fans. Joking aside, Celine’s 1996 hit, All By Myself, contains some very pertinent words for the quasi-COVID/post-COVID world we inhabit: Livin’ alone I think of all the friends I’ve known.

But when I dial the telephone Nobody’s home.

All by myself Don’t wanna be, all by myself anymore.

All by myself Don’t wanna live, all by myself anymore.

Indeed, it’s no surprise that COVID has seen far more people than usual experiencing the anguish of Dion’s chorus: All by myself. Don’t wanna be, all by myself anymore. Grandparents separated from their grandchildren.

University students unable to visit mum and dad. Single folk (yes, like me!) stuck on their own in their hovels/ homes. Sure, we can see and hear each other through Zoom. But the other senses are muted: the embrace of a hug.

The smell of a loved one. The taste of mum’s famous crumble. Most of all: the presence of someone else.

The point is, we weren’t made for this. Scripture oozes with the great truth that God’s purpose has always been for humans to be together, to enjoy relationship, to forge unity. To laugh together, learn together, eat together, weep together, worship together. We weren’t designed to be hermits. One of my favourite verses from the Bible 62

is found in Ecclesiastes chapter four; it puts this truth as follows: Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.

But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.

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What truth! When we’re with someone else we work better and achieve more; as the verse said, ‘they have a good return for their labour.’ When we’re with a buddy or brother we are safe - ‘if either of them falls down, one can help the other up.’ Two really are better than one.

Like everyone, I’ve had plenty of falls so far in my life. Some of them have been physical - I have the scars to show for it.

Other have been mental - dark seasons that seem irreversible. Some have been embarrassing - I wished the earth had swallowed me up. A few have been lifethreatening - I lost all hope! But in all of them, the truth of Ecclesiastes chapter four has shone through: ‘Two are better than one…If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.’ If it wasn’t for friends, family, neighbours, and strangers providing a word or hand or action of help, I’m convinced that things would have turned out for the worse.

Indeed, whilst our pride tells us that “I can do this,” or “I’m strong enough to handle this,” often, if we’re honest, we know that the end of verse ten is the reality: ‘But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.’

A couple of years ago, the Bundays kindly gave me a book. Not Celine’s 1999 Almanac, but The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy. In it, there’s this powerful line: “What is the bravest thing you’ve ever said?” asked the boy. “Help,” said the horse. It’s true, isn’t it? So often our arrogance makes us believe, “you can go it alone!” and our culture tells us, “you’ve got this.” But the reality is, God calls us to collaborate, to share, to help - to be together. God calls us to be two, or three, or four, or four hundred…not to be one.

And nowhere is this truth demonstrated better than in the incarnation of Jesus Christ. He came to be with us. He is

God with us. He came to provide the reality of two being better than one.

Forget the lie of a distant and detached God. Knowing Jesus as our Lord and Saviour means we can be certain of never being alone, no matter what life throws at us. He loves us immeasurably - so much that he died for us to ensure that our sin doesn’t leave us alone and separated from God, but is taken away so that we can be united with God. As a man he experienced hunger, weariness, grief, anger, and every emotion we face - so he can empathise with us in every way. Moreover, he watches over us, and we can cry out to him in prayer about anything, anywhere, at any time. Jesus Christ’s immeasurable love for us is the greatest demonstration of two being better than one. Celine seems to be hitting the nail on the head when she sings: Hard to be sure Some times I feel so insecure.

And love so distant and obscure Remains the cure.

So here’s the question I’m left pondering: When I feel alone, will I tap into that ‘cure’ of love? Will I draw on the infinite love that Jesus Christ has for me? And regardless of whether we’re locked down or enjoying freedom, when I learn of others’ loneliness, will I demonstrate Christ-like love to them?

Will I give them the joy of knowing that, ‘two are better than one?’

Hannah Branfoot

THE DOLPHIN

Re-enactment and Me

In the summer of 2019, I was boarding on the weekend when I got a text from my Housemistress saying that I should go to Sexey’s Hospital, as she believed that I would enjoy what was going on there. So I went down and saw that there was a Civil War reenactment going on.

I watched one of their displays and I thought the drums they used were interesting and the rhythms they played were deliberately memorable, and so when they all went back to their camp I went around and talked to the musicians while my friend (Grace) went and tried on the Armour. The reenactors enthusiastically let me play the drum, and when they found out that I was a flute player they asked if I could play their fife as it is the instrument that seems to stump almost every musician they have. When they saw that I could play it, whilst not knowing any tunes (yet), I was asked what I was doing next weekend, which just so happened to be the half-term and I was invited to be part of the re-enactment team. I agreed to do this, and the next week I was given clothes and instructions on how to play the drum and a business card so that I would know when the next events were coming up.

Since then, I have attended 3 other events, as Covid stopped last season, and some of my highlights have been enjoying the food of the era. The worse the food looks the tastier it will end up being. My favourites have been syllabub, a sherry based cream dessert usually reserved for Officers, and apple and cream stew, which we commonly refer to as cement, due it having the exact same texture and colour as wet cement but tasting of heaven. It is generally considered a good idea to hang around the kitchens throughout the day and helping where you can, thus getting first dibs on any food and also getting priority of the leftover Officers food.

I was given a beautiful green doublet (formal coat usually used at banquets) by my mentor (a man generally considered the head drummer of all regiments) on my 3rd event, as I was the only musician it fit and just so happened to be taking a nap when he brought it over. To go alongside this, spending multiple hours learning drum calls and tunes in big groups and learning that if you can count to 4, understand when to do a ‘dee dum’ and silly ditties to learn it better, sitting in tents learning one fife line at a time, and they are supportive despite you getting two tunes mixed up ten times over.

On my 4th event due to an abnormal overabundance of drummers, I joined the artillery squad on the end of season event, and I had the pleasure to fire a canon. I learnt the different historical methods and reasoning for certain things, and managed to get out of the initiation ritual, which usually involves sending a unsuspecting newbie to stand at the back of the canon as it being cleaned out at the end of the day and covering them in soot, gunpowder and water.

RE-ENACTMENT AND ME

Arion House L6th Form Dolphin Editorial Team

Overall, it has been a great experience both in camp when everyone has left and we are all sat around half in modern clothes half not, singing folk tunes and chatting, but also being a part of skirmishes, helping to command the troops, shouting historically accurate insults, and being a part of a big chorus of people shouting at the top their lungs ‘God Save The King!’

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Caring for the Environment Lulu McDade

CARING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

Priory House L6th Form Dolphin Editorial Team

Environmental issues are coming to the forefront of discussions, and I’ve always had an interest in conservation and how people can be more ecofriendly.

As a school, we have made efforts over the years to contribute to the race to save our planet, but I wanted to look more into these efforts.

After an interview with the Headmaster, I was able to find out what the School is doing to be more sustainable.

The effort to save energy has been largely focused on solar panels on the sports hall to generate our own electricity, as well as solar thermals in Lyon House to create hot water directly from the sun. LED light bulbs are also in all school buildings, which switch off 64

automatically when they aren’t in use.

The steps that have been made have been hugely beneficial at decreasing our school’s carbon footprint. A large project of creating a new car park with electrical charging points is also an important step the School is taking to be more sustainable.

These successes have been great for King's, however, there are other aspects which can definitely be worked on. It was clear from the discussion, that it is mainly down to the pupils to make a difference. If we, as pupils can generate awareness with our peers and other year groups, and maybe even Old Brutonians through reading this article, we will be able to make a good impact towards the environment.

There are a few issues with the practicalities of making large

environmental changes, however, if as a school we make one individual change, we can at least say we are doing our part for the environment. In House, I have started encouraging the girls to use bars of soap and bamboo toothbrushes as alternatives instead of plastic. By doing this the amount of plastic waste is largely reduced.

Next year when I am in the Upper Sixth Form, I hope to be able to introduce this idea to the rest of the School, as I believe that a simple switch to soap will go a long way in protecting the environment.

THE DOLPHIN

The Super Bowl - The New vs the Old Isaac Baxter Every year, from Week One in September, all the way up to the Super Bowl in early February, the National Football League (NFL) acts as a focus of a large amount of my energy; many of my friends and family would say I’m obsessed. But I think I have a right to be, and in this past year more than any other, watching the NFL has been a way for me to maintain some normality.

This year, the Super Bowl Matchup: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs the Kansas City Chiefs, is one of the most fascinating in years, and for me to explain just how fascinating it is, we have to have a history lesson.

Enter Bucs QB, Tom Brady. People who have never watched a game of NFL Football may still have heard of him. 43 years old. From an inauspicious start, he was the 199th selected new player (rookie) entering the league, he is now a multi-record holder for the Quarterback position: in number of Super Bowl wins, playoff game wins, total wins, 2nd in career passing yards and touchdowns, 3rd in career win percentage. He is truly the greatest player of all time. Having won 6 Super Bowls with New England in 20 years, Brady has now done a thing all old rich men from Boston do, taking a retirement trip to Florida, to play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

These Bucs are a strange story, however. Their Coach, Bruce Arians, dubbed the Quarterback Whisperer, a coach who has never won a Super Bowl as a head coach, came out of retirement just a few years ago to coach this team, with a hope of finally winning a championship. Despite a superstar studded roster, and what seemed to be an excellent coaching staff, the entire Bucs team looked out of sync, and entirely lost, for the first month of the 2020 season. Sports Media everywhere, and almost every fan, wrote off the Bucs, saying they would never be able to make it anywhere come the Postseason.

But here they are, after winning 3 games in a row on the road, something only done by 3 Super Bowl Champions before, and earning a spot in the Super Bowl, playing in their home stadium, significantly, for the first time in Super Bowl history.

On the Chiefs’ side of the field, Patrick Mahomes. A true “wonderkid” if that phrase could ever be used for someone in the NFL. The 10th overall pick in 2017, and much like Brady, criticised massively coming out of college. He could throw a ball 80 yards with ease, at 62 miles per hour at the point of release, but he looked startled constantly, and couldn’t command a game. Nowadays, not so much. In his first year as a starter

for Kansas City, Mahomes won the NFL Most Valuable Player, tearing through competition as he threw ball after ball for hundreds of yards a game more than his opposition. His amazing run continued until the semi-finals, where he was stopped in Overtime by one Tom Brady-led New England Patriots.

But next year, he was back. Not an MVP year, due to an injury that cost him 6 weeks of playing time, but a playoff run that led the Chiefs to a Super Bowl win, and Patrick to an MVP of the game. This year, after being 2nd place in the MVP by most people’s thoughts, he yet again hasn’t slowed down. His Chiefs are back, and after only losing one game in the 15 they played this year, they look unstoppable.

With weapons galore, a coaching genius in his HC Andy Reid, and a team that desperately wants two titles in a row, these Chiefs are hungry.

THE SUPERBOWL - THE NEW VS THE OLD

Lyon House L6th Form

This game, especially for us here in the UK, was on at a very antisocial time at 1.15 on a Monday morning. This game was more than a spectacle: it was the passing of the baton. Brady for the last 20 years has been the man the entire NFL fears, Mahomes is turning into that now, and this game was Brady’s chance to show he’s still got it in him, and Mahomes’ chance to take the crown.

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THE DOLPHIN

100 Years of Dance Gabriel Galley

100 YEARS OF DANCE

Old House L6th Form Dolphin Editorial Team Within this article I will be exploring the different dance trends of the decades, the genres of dance which became increasingly popular, as well as the cultures which contributed to them.

1920s

The Roaring 20s was an extremely iconic moment in history introducing many new dances, trends and fashions which are still appreciated today. The 1920s saw the rise of the ‘Flappers’ who were young, fashionable women who challenged social norms and defied strict etiquette of past generations by wearing shorter and more revealing clothing, bobbed their hair, listened to jazz and were a new generation of women who were intent on enjoying themselves as well as battling conventional behaviour of the time. The lifestyle of the flapper was seen as both outrageous and scandalous by many, however, these women began the change in society for the better as they had made enormous leaps in economic, sexual and political freedoms for women.

One of the dance trends which was popular with the flappers was called

‘The Charleston.’ The Charleston was a dance which involved fast pace swinging of the legs and big arm movements, however, it became mainly popularised from its feature in the song “The Charleston” by James P. Johnson, in the Broadway musical “Runnin’ Wild” in 1923. Experts believe that the origins of the dance came from areas of Africa like Ghana, Nigeria and Trinidad, and that its first appearance in the US was around 1903 in Black communities in the southern parts of the US. To dance the Charleston, one would step back with their right foot and kick their left foot backwards with their right arm moving forward, and then you would step forward with your left foot, whereas you would kick your right foot forward with your right arm going back. This is done with a little hop in-between steps and swivelling of the foot.

Famous American dancer Josephine Baker added her own moves whilst dancing the Charleston, such as crossing her eyes to make it appear silly and funny.

Josephine travelled to France, managed to spread the dance across Europe and became more famous in France than her

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own home country. One dance which also became very popular at the time was given the name “The Fox-Trot.”

The Fox-Trot originated in 1914 by actor Arthur Carringford who went by the name of Harry Fox. The Fox-Trot is composed of simple walking steps which most people imagine when they think of ballroom dancing and can be done with fast or slow-paced music.

There are many variations you can do however the music is usually in 4/4 time with syncopated rhythm and so steps are usually done in 4.

1930s

Right before the turn of the decade, the Wall Street Crash happened in 1929.

This was a major moment in history as it was known as the most devastating stock market crash in American history however, although this was a dark and unsettling time for America, all hope was not lost as forms of entertainment like dance and movies were able to bring some joy to the people suffering.

It was still the jazz age and so dance marathons, ballroom and swing dances were still extremely popular. Swing itself was a very popular form of dance

THE DOLPHIN

Lindy Hop is an American dance which has its origins in African American communities of the time and is known as the father of swing. It is a fast-paced dance with lots of quick turns and tapping of feet on the floor and kicks with your feet as well. Lindy Hop was first danced in the famous Savoy ballroom by African American dancers in 1928, and it carried on being danced throughout the 30s and 40s. Jive was, of course, extremely popular and there are many variations of it such as Lindy Hop being one of the oldest forms of it and also Jitterbug Jive which was another type of fast swing. The Balboa originated from Balboa Island in California in a large ballroom, and is known for its smooth and tight footwork. The tight footwork was created on purpose as ballrooms had become increasingly crowded and therefore, there was less room for couples to dance and swing their partners. It is also known famously, as the dance done by the cartoon Popeye.

Finally, The Big Apple is also a dance which began in the Black community and gained popularity very quickly and became widespread. The dance consists of individual jazz steps, all performed in a circle and called out by a leader.

announced in the House of Commons that dance was not to be included in the activities to be banned for interfering with the war effort, and so dance was still prevalent in the UK and US during this time.

The 1940s were very similar to the 1930s in the way that jazz and swing were very much still prevalent, however, there was a rise in Latin dances in the 1940s which also became influenced by the jazz culture of the time. Tango, Samba and Rumba were some of the dances which became much more popular throughout this period. Rumba is a type of ballroom dance of Cuban origin, that became increasingly popular during this time, with side-to-side hip movements as well as two quick side steps and one flow forward step. Samba was of Brazilian origin and consisted of simple forward and backward steps, tilting, rocking body movements and it is also danced to a 4/4 time with syncopated rhythm. Tango reached its peak in popularity in the 40s and was performed in many places in Argentina as well as around the world. Hollywood also pushed forward the genre of dance which again made it increasingly popular. A few dances had evolved as well such as the Fox Trot. Different genres like jazz and blues managed to create more variations of the dance and many big band charts like “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” were written for jazzy Fox Trot.

and so these more provocative dances were taken with open arms much to the dislike of the older generations.

Alongside all the dances of the time, which were already extremely popular prior to the 50s, dances such as the boogie-woogie, bop and twist began to emerge. One perfect example of popular 1950s dances being used is in the film ‘Grease.’ Within the film you can see plenty of famous 50s dances in action, for example, in the Dance-Off scene at the prom. Rock n’ Roll was also a genre which took the world by storm and is still hugely influential today.

100 YEARS OF DANCE

with many variations such as “Lindy Hop”, “Jive”, “The Balboa” and the “Big Apple.”

1950s

1940s

Whilst half of this decade was during the Second World War, there was always room for dance for people to lift their spirits from the dismal and uncertain times they were living in.

“It is not proposed to make total war total misery,” said the Home Secretary Herbert Morrison in 1942, as he

The 1950s was when America was at one of its most prosperous moments in history and was once again the centre of dance across the world. The 1950s has given so much to the world and still plays a massive part in popular culture today. The 50s also saw the rise of arguably the most famous singer in the world, Elvis Presley.

Elvis Presley, as most people know, was a huge icon in the 50s, breaking social norms and dancing in such a way which was perceived too sexual that he was filmed at one stage from the waist up. Teenagers of the time wanted to separate their style from their parents

1960s

The Swinging 60s was a youth-driven cultural revolution where the youth began to break away from the societal norms and restraining traditions and beliefs of the time. America also saw the Civil Rights Movement as well as the Vietnam war with a lot of hardship and progression straining relationships between the people and the government.

The decade however ended on a fairly good note with the first man on the moon. With all this tension came new dances as well. A couple of the dances which became popularised during this 67

THE DOLPHIN

time were the “Twist” which involves you twisting your body, hence the name. It was named after the Billboard number 1 “Chubby Checker.” Another dance which became extremely popular was called the “Mashed Potato” which is similar to the 1920s Charleston.

The Mashed Potato consists of the dancer twisting their heels inwards and outwards as well as sliding one foot off of the floor at the same time.

100 YEARS OF DANCE

1970s

The 70s was the time of disco and one of the films that represented this era the best was “Saturday Night Fever.” The protagonist practices disco dancing as

he wants to be one of the best dancers on the scene and some of the most popular dances from the 70s are showcased in the film such as the disco finger, which is when the dancer points their finger up and down diagonally. Another dance which became extremely popular during this era was, of course, the Y.M.C.A dance. In the 1970s Y.M.C.A.s had become one of the only areas LGBT people could safely be themselves in New York, so much so that gay icons, the Village People, wrote a loving ode to them. The dance itself was not created by the band though. During an appearance on American Band Stand, the audience mistook the over-head claps the band were doing for a Y and so the audience carried on making the other letters and so the Y.M.C.A dance was born and is still well known to this day. With martial arts films dominating the box office, a surge of love for Kung Fu had spread across America. The song “Kung Fu Fighting” by Carl Douglas inspired dances across the country and the moves were easy to pick up as you needed to imitate the skills of the fighters, obviously without having to 68

train and fight at their level.

1980s

The 1980s was also a very important time for dance, as many iconic dance moves which we know and love today originated from this era. Dance moves like “The Running Man”, the “Worm” and the “Electric Slide.” Although the worm was created decades prior to the 80s, it fully reached its peak in popularity during the 80s funk era and is still massively popular today. One of the most iconic figures of the 1980s was, of course, Michael Jackson. Although Michael Jackson had already been extremely popular from his involvement in Jackson 5 and his solo career, his most iconic and well-known songs and dance moves are from the 80s. Michael Jackson’s 80s songs include “Smooth Criminal”, “Billie Jean” and “Thriller.”

Smooth Criminal includes Jackson’s famous lean, “Thriller” includes one of his most famous dances, which is a staple for Halloween, and above all, the pioneering that Michael Jackson had already done, he also invented the moonwalk, one of the most famous dance moves to be created and is still baffling people to this day.

1990s

The 1990s were, of course, right before the new millennium, and it didn’t end the old millennium without

a bang. Many dances during this time became extremely popular through the rise of the internet, and it was through the internet that they could get further exposure in comparison to earlier decades. A few dances of this

decade which made an impact were the Macarena and Vogue. We all know that the Macarena is an easy but fun dance to do and has Spanish roots. The dance consists of putting your hands on your waist, arms, head and jumping to the side. The song Vogue by Madonna, also popularised the voguing dance moves which consist of making sharp movements with your body and solid movements.

2000s

With a new century and a new millennium, came more new dances with most of these new dances coming from popular singers and songs. Many moves became popularised through famous pop singers like Beyoncé with “Single Ladies.” Many songs also managed to keep some form of longevity by having a choreography to go with it, such as the “Cha-Cha-Slide” which is one of the most well- known dances of the 2000s and “Party Rock Anthem.”

2010s

With the rise of the streaming era, mainstream music and apps, dance trends became more tailored to the fast-paced pop music of the time. Gangnam style is easily one of the most recognisable dances from the 2010s, and not only did it become a huge hit all across the world, but it also opened the doors to more Asian music and dance trends ,making them become more prevalent in the West. Choreography added to Asian pop music is also extremely popular nowadays, and people are constantly learning the difficult but energetic choreographies which go with the song.

Back in the West, there were, of course, other dance moves becoming popular like the whip and nae nae. People have also created their own dance moves to a particular part of any song and try to make it grow popular as well.

2020s

The dances of the 2020s have yet to be made, however, I think it is safe to say that it will be extremely difficult for them to reach the flare which so many dances had achieved within the last century.

THE DOLPHIN

Gabriel Galley

Wellesley House L6th Form Dolphin Editorial Team

Old House L6th Form Dolphin Editorial Team

Travel Journalism with Mr Mitra Podcast Rosie and Gabriel interview Guyan Mitra, King's English Teacher, who used to work for The Sunday Times as a travel journalist.

To listen, please click or scan the QR Code.

TRAVEL JOURNALISM WITH MR MITRA PODCAST

Rosie Longman

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THE DOLPHIN BREXIT DEBATE PODCAST

Amelia Warren

Liv Nicol

Lily Ingvaldson

Priory House L6th Form Dolphin Editorial Team

Wellesley House L6th Form Dolphin Editorial Team

Priory House L6th Form Dolphin Editorial Team

Brexit Debate Podcast A Question Time style debate on Brexit, reflecting on some key arguments both for and against leaving the European Union. This PodCast was recorded earlier in the year.

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To listen, please click or scan the QR Code.

THE DOLPHIN

Mental Health Matters Georgia McDade

Hello! My name is Georgia McDade, and I am in Priory House and in the 4th Form. In March, I decided to join a running challenge to support the mental health charity called Mind. The challenge was to run 27 miles in 27 days. I did the challenge alongside Liv Hooker (Priory 5th Form), Bella Turton (Priory L6th Form) and Isca Bird (Priory U6th Form).

health issues are developed before the age of 18. Mental health does not solely affect children. 1 in 6 working-age adults have symptoms associated with mental ill health. However awful these statistics may sound; they were some of the reasons that inspired me to do the challenge and are unfortunately, the reality around us that we have to accept and work together to change.

Together we ran 141.1 miles, and we raised the absolutely incredible amount of £1,153.50!

There also came a point during the challenge where I had completed the target of 27 miles, on around day 14.

My legs were tired, due to me doing a lot of running before the challenge, the weather was horrible, and all I wished for was a rest day. On that day, my dad said something to me that has stuck with me throughout the challenge.

I wanted to use this article to thank everyone for their amazing support and extremely generous donations. I hope through seeing us participate in this and understanding the important message that Mind promotes, it will have encouraged you to speak up if you feel as though you need help, or to sympathise for those around you who may have had a tough time throughout lockdown.

I have learnt that checking up on your friends, family or loved ones is vital during times where one can feel so isolated and alone, and a call or a message can really change someone’s mindset as to how they view their life in that present moment.

This year has been a challenging year in many ways - especially for people’s mental health. According to BBC News, the number of girls aged 11-16 with a probable mental health issue has increased from 13.9% in 2017, to 20.1% in 2020. This means that now currently, 1 in 5 girls aged 11-16 have a mental health issue. Numbers have increased by 4% in boys too. Furthermore, excluding dementia, 75% of mental

MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS

Priory House 4th Form

He said, ‘People with mental health issues don’t get rest days.’ So, from then on, when I was struggling up that hill, or wanting to lie in bed instead of running, I would think of that line and remember how lucky I am to have the support of friends and family, and how a lot of people are not as lucky as me and could really use the help of charities like Mind, to make their lives better.

And after all, you can’t run away from depression, or anxiety, or other mental health issues - but you can run towards a better future and you can run towards help. I wanted to run the miles, and I wanted to raise awareness for mental health. But most importantly, I wanted people to know that mental health matters.

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THE DOLPHIN

A Young Entrepreneur Lily Crossfield

A YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR

Priory House L6th Form Dolphin Editorial Team Archie Coulsey-Belgeonne is in the U6th Form Blackford House. He is a young entrepreneur, who over lockdown set up his own company.

His business, CB Bike Services, offers servicing and repairs for bicycles. He has different service plans which customers can choose from. Archie offers to collect the customers bikes from their homes and deliver them back, a service which is especially helpful for the older citizens within the community as they may struggle transporting such a large item. Archie also does more complex things, such as rebuilding bikes.

I first heard of Archie’s business during one of my remote learning BTEC Enterprise lessons, when he talked about his business. I thought it would be interesting to find out more. I wanted to understand the steps Archie had taken to make it to being a successful entrepreneur. I wanted to find out where his love for cycling began.

He told me that it all started in Year 8 when his friends took him to a track in Exeter in Halden Forest and introduced him to mountain biking. He really enjoyed the time he spent there and has been back many times. One of his favourite places to ride is the Forest of Dean. He likes to go biking with an Old Brutonian, Max Mason, and enjoys meeting new people who have the same interests.

Archie has been racing on his bike for 3 years, but as a consequence of COVID, there hasn’t been any competitions being held over the last year. Archie was sponsored in 2018 by Flow Vision and he said that he enjoyed riding and competing with them as part of a team.

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One of Archie’s favourite races was in March 2020 at Exeter just before lockdown. When Archie first started competing, he was very self-critical as he hadn’t been riding for long and the competition was much stronger than he expected. When it comes to advice for younger biking enthusiasts looking to get into biking, he says, enjoy the small wins, as when you start you won’t be the best, so don’t expect to be doing massive things to begin with, enjoy the progression while still aiming high.

the academic year. He isn’t planning on going to Uni, and instead, he plans on working on his business. He has worked so hard to make the business a success and he said that it would be a shame to throw all this hard work away.

His advice for young entrepreneurs looking to go into business would be to do your research first and make sure you are aware of the competition you have around you.

Archie chose to take BTEC Enterprise as it is a useful skill to have and it is important to know how a business should be run and how to set one up.

This is a life skill you can take forward even if you are not interested in setting up a business in the near future. He said that it’s important to know the mindsets of entrepreneurs and that this was one of the first topics he covered. He made and planned his business in these lessons. He originally wanted to get a job in a bike shop, but as a consequence of COVID this couldn’t happen. So, he decided to use all the research and the skills he had learnt from BTEC Enterprise to start up his own business. CB Bike Services has been doing well with glowing reviews.

On the 31st December 2020, sadly Archies workshop got broken into and his personal bike and all his tools were stolen. The insurance money ensured that Archie could get a new bike and better tools than previously. But his bike was so rare he couldn’t get the same make which was understandably upsetting for him.

Archie is currently in the U6th Form, he will be leaving King's at the end of

Click or scan the QR Code to watch Archie in action on his bike. He has nerves of steel!

w w w.cbbikeser vices.com

THE DOLPHIN

Old Brutonian, George Read, Back in Bruton George Read My experience of King's was split into two parts, outdoors and indoors. I love sport and most of my enjoyment came from being out on the rugby pitch or astro-turf. Although, I think my father would have a preferred to spectate at a few more King's victories, rather than our regular losses through the course of the rugby season!

academic and they can but hope that they receive her genes in that department. I spent a further few years working for a wine merchant in Bristol which gave me experience in the commercial side of the business, and provided the opportunity to learn about and taste wines from regions and parts of the world that I was not familiar with.

That said, it was a great way of expending some energy and feeding my competitive nature. Though I clearly still had energy left over when I returned to the classroom; possibly too much as some of my teachers discovered! I remember Mr Dawes found me particularly exasperating, and I found myself outside the classroom door on numerous occasions. He was an excellent teacher though, and despite the time I spent outside the classroom, I was chuffed with the B in French that he helped me achieve.

I’m Bruton born and bred and my family have been here for at least four generations. My great grandfather worked at the local timber yard with the horses, and I’m told he even taught the gentry how to ride. My grandfather was a plumber and had a shop on the High Street called Read and Son. My great uncle ´Ted´ Edmundson worked at King's for many years under David Hickley, who respected him greatly, maintaining the School and grounds; and my father along with my mother ran a successful export furniture business for around four decades from the same building I am now trading from. Alongside my family connections, there is a growing food scene in and around Bruton, with a great number of independent shops on the high street, so we felt there was real opportunity and market for a specialist wine business here.

Since I left school, I have tried my hand at many things. I like to think of myself as a bit of a free spirit and always felt it was interesting to try numerous things, to see different parts of the world and to meet people from different cultures. With wine, I found a way to do all of that. I was fortunate enough to land a job as a cellar hand in Marlborough, New Zealand, where I worked on the front-line with over 100 people from all around the world making wine!

It was an amazing insight into the industry and I had such a great experience. It led me on to undertaking vintages in England, France (twice) and Chile, where I met my beautiful wife, who is also a qualified winemaker.

Luckily for our children, she is very

world that we believe represents both great quality and great value. Our selection is largely dominated by the old-world countries of France, Italy and Spain, alongside some more unusual discoveries that you might not have tried before. We’ve assembled a broad spectrum of styles and varieties, while still being accessible at various price points. We also have a small selection of spirits, ciders and beers from artisanal producers, some of which are locally made, and we have ambitions for a small amount of wholesale to local establishments in the near future.

Art also plays a part in our shop and we’re lucky to have some pieces from a talented artist called Giles Penny, who is better known for his sculptures, which includes the man on the bench which is down by the stepping stones in Bruton.

OLD BRUTONIAN BACK IN BRUTON

Lyon House (2001-04)

The business started trading from the shop at the Old Mill Business Park at the end of October. It’s not ideal timing with the latest lockdown coming in to effect, but we are very grateful that we can remain open and at least continue to trade, as the government deems wine to be an essential product, which we wholeheartedly agree with!

My wife and I hand-picked a wide selection of wines from around the

w w w.thecellarhand.co.uk

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THE DOLPHIN

Time Capsule Andrew Leach School Archivist

TIME CAPSULE

The Events of 100 Years Ago (as described in the pages of The Dolphin magazine 1921).

A new Gymnasium that became known chiefly for being ‘one brick thick’; the disruption of Corpus Christi celebrations thanks to the National Coal Strike; a Grant of Arms confirming the School crest; a graphic report on a visit to the battlefields of Flanders; the annual collection of birds’ eggs and butterflies still a highlight of the Field Society year; the hockey players outshone the cricketers; and the rugby team finally break their duck after three seasons.

1921 began promisingly. There were 126 pupils in the School, the weather was kind in January and February, allowing all hockey matches to be played, most of which were won, and a new Gymnasium was under construction - thanks to the generosity of James Lyon and three other Old Brutonians.

It was hoped that this building - ‘one brick thick, well-buttressed walls, non-existent insulation, red-tiled roof’would be completed and put to use by the summer for gymnastics, boxing and fencing.

The gym was built close to the railway embankment and the Great Western Railway asked for an annual payment of 10/- (50p in new money) as a wayleave in respect of the windows of the new gym overlooking the railway. The Governors considered this request to be unreasonable and replied accordingly.

A letter came back suggesting that 1/, and not 10/-, would be acceptable, and the Governors quickly agreed! I wonder whether the School continues with this payment?

1921 was the year of the National

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Coal Strike which impacted greatly on the Corpus Christi celebrations - the Governors’ lunch and the School Concert were postponed, and ultimately cancelled, but at least the annual Commemoration Service went ahead, and the Prizegiving took place as usual on the last day of the Summer term when ‘it was a cheerful gathering, several parents being present’!

The Field Society, still going strong, had their annual outing on June 1st, visiting Cogley Wood and surrounding country. ‘Considerable numbers of birds’ eggs and butterflies were collected, and several dippers’ nests were found but none had eggs’.

In the annual competition at the end of the Summer Term. ‘C.C.D. Jarman and R.S. de V. Awdry both had excellent egg collections, but although Awdry

had a larger variety of eggs, Jarman was awarded the prize on the grounds that Awdry being a day boy had greater opportunities for collecting his specimens! However, Awdry was given a special prize in compensation.”

The Retrospect of the Cricket season pulled no punches. ‘We have had nothing but a series of disasters. Overall, we played 15 matches over the term, of which 11 have been lost, 3 drawn and 1 won. Our bowling has not been deadly, and our fielding has let ourselves down, but it was our batting chiefly which has failed miserably. There was a want of stability about the batting, and the early fall of a wicket seems to have struck terror in the rest’.

It was reported in the Christmas Term Dolphin that ‘the zeal of an OB

THE DOLPHIN (James Lyon) had procured for the School a regular Grant of Arms’. It was described as ‘AZURE IN CHIEF AN OPEN CROWN OR AND IN BASE A DOLPHIN EMBOWED ARGENT, as designed by the Herald’s College’ and this was to be used ‘for ever hereafter on their common Seal and on shields, Banners or otherwise according to the Law of Arms’. And this has been the shield we have used ever since.

A moving article on a Tour of the Western Flanders battlefields by car in August 1921 reminded everyone that it would take many years before the area, so heavily fought over during the recent war, lost the signs of battle.

‘Much of the country was devastated; there is no cultivation to speak of taking place. The roads towards Ypres and thence to Dixmude were naturally

very bad. The chief occupation of the peasants is to clear up. They make their money chiefly by selling shells and articles of interest, and by helping in the construction of houses. At the Forêt d’Houthulst, where some of the heaviest fighting took place, we saw the body of a man who had only just that day been found among the ruins. Then we drove through Poelcapelle; everywhere along the roads and in the fields were tanks in a most dilapidated condition.

Of course the land is all hopelessly cut up, and one wonders how many years it will be before it is used once more for cultivation. The few trees that have survived the terrible shell fire are like rotten telegraph poles with a few branches sticking out. On reaching Ypres, it was very pitiful to see what remains of the world famous Cloth Hall and St. Martin’s Church. The journey

TIME CAPSULE

To put this article together, our School Archivist, Andrew Leach, did some research in Taunton, where our school archives are kept. This report contains a selection of photographs from an album that used to belong to a King's pupil from the 1920s.

from Ypres to Dixmude took us over the Yser Canal, which is now absolutely dry and blocked up, and along the way, we passed hundreds of cemeteries, both French and English.’

The Christmas Term was affected by a whooping-cough epidemic after halfterm, and this affected many activities, including rugby, which had taken over from football as the Christmas Term sport in 1919. However, the term finished on an encouraging note - the last day of term, December 20th, saw the first victory for the rugby 1st XV after three long seasons of ‘fighting but never despairing’, when they defeated the OBs 11-6. An uplifting end to 1921!

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TIME CAPSULE THE DOLPHIN

Time Capsule

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TIME CAPSULE

THE DOLPHIN

THE DOLPHIN

Should Schools Have Unlimited Free Speech?

Lily Ingvaldson

SHOULD SCHOOLS HAVE UNLIMITED FREE SPEECH?

Priory House L6th Form Dolphin Editorial Team

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Freedom of speech is and has been the hot topic in every society throughout the centuries. There have been authoritarian governments supressing freedom of speech in the name of order, as well as the more liberal governments suppressing freedom of speech in the name of progress.

But what does freedom of speech actually mean? Freedom of speech as defined by the dictionary as “the power or right to express one’s opinions without censorship, restraint, or legal penalty”.

This however, opens the doors to all the craziest and offensive views out in the world, from Holocaust deniers to racists and to homophobes, free speech allows them all. But freedom of speech

is important and intrinsic to a free society. If a government were to make some views/beliefs illegal the beliefs don’t suddenly disappear, you have to change believers in order to affect the belief. This is normally done through open debate where opposing ideas can be discussed and argued, and as society is becoming increasingly egalitarian and diverse, it is inevitable that there will be conflicts between different groups.

However, it is not right to censor one group over another as it leads to resentment and future conflicts.

But should freedom of speech be unlimited in a school environment? I am a big advocate for freedom of speech in society as a whole, but I don’t believe that it should be unlimited in a school environment. If freedom of speech

were unlimited in schools, it would mean that teachers could potentially teach impressionable children that the Holocaust never happened, or that certain political ideologies were right, and some were wrong. I don’t think that is what a school’s role should be.

In my opinion a school’s role initially should be in grounding students with skills needed for later life. With freedom of speech directly in mind, schools should facilitate the gentle introduction of free speech as the maturity of pupils increases, while also teaching the values and responsibilities that go with it respect, civility etc.

Equally, this doesn’t mean that there is no introduction of free speech. Rather that as the age of students increases so does the subject matter.

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Georgia McDade

We Are Never Too Small to Make a Difference Podcast My podcast about global warming and the effects of climate change on the planet is something that everybody should hear about as it is such an important topic. Throughout writing the podcast and researching all about it,

I started to change a few of my habits too. They weren’t massive changes, but included things like recycling more. As I say in my podcast, the small things really do add up and really will make a difference.

To listen, please click or scan the QR Code.

WE ARE NEVER TOO SMALL TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE PODCAST

Priory House 4th Form

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A Year on from King's Katie Proctor Priory House (2016-20)

A YEAR ON FROM KING'S - KATIE PROCTOR

I finished at King's last summer, and now I am studying Performing Arts at the Institute for Contemporary Theatre in Brighton.

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and told to wear masks when not in them. To be lucky enough to actually be in the studio during these times has allowed me to socialise and meet new people.

I moved to Brighton in September 2020 to start my course, and I have been there for the majority of my time, even during the pandemic. It was such a weird start and being a fresher isn’t what it was supposed to be, however, I have met so many lovely people. We are doing online learning and despite the isolation, I still have a good connection with the people with whom I have made friends with in these last few months.

Before all of the lockdowns hit, I was able to experience some ‘normal’ uni life, and went out to pubs, clubs and bars, got takeaways way too much and spent all my afternoons on the beach with the people I met. To know that as soon as this pandemic is over, then we can all get back to normal and enjoy the experience of being at uni and being independent.

Before the third lockdown, I was in uni at least three days a week for up to 10 hours a day training and learning things that I never thought was possible for me to do. For example, I do tap dancing, jazz, ballet and I have done a week of Bollywood dancing too! My other lessons include music theory, acting and loads of singing. Due to the virus, we got put into little boxes for our dance lessons (lined up with sticky tape on the floor to be socially distant)

Obviously, leaving King's was very unexpected, as we didn’t finish properly, even though I have had chances to meet my friends during the little breaks in between lockdowns, it still wasn’t what it was supposed to be. I am so grateful for how much King's did for us during the first lockdown and the School supported us as much as they could.

Breaking off so early did not help the transition of moving from school to university. However, with every other

18-year-old in the country, I was certainly not alone. I can’t wait to get back to normal life, but I am so blessed to have had the community at King's and the new people that I have met to help me get through the pandemic.

I have always wanted to be on the West End stage, but when I finish uni, I want to do a teaching degree and then teach either Drama or Music to others in the community that I was schooled in.

So then I can keep my boarding school community and then get involved in so many other things too.

I finished Year One at the end of May, and I am so shocked about how quickly it has gone. I did a massive performance on my last day which we had been practicing for two months, and now I am just waiting for my results. I am so lucky to have been able to have been physically there and to have tried to experience the normal uni life with COVID. I hope everyone can be back to normal soon. See you soon King's!

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The Sixth Form Club Freya Smith

Priory House Priory House L6th Form L6th Form Dolphin Editorial Team Dolphin Editorial Team

The Sixth Form Club is cherished by the Sixth Form as a place where they can go to unwind on a Friday and Saturday night. Over the course of the COVID-19 year, the Sixth Form have been denied some of the privileges that are associated with the Club, such as dancing, music and theme nights.

However, due to an ease of restrictions, the Sixth Form Committee teamed up and decided on the theme of ‘Mamma Mia’ for the reopening of the beloved Sixth Form Club.

After meticulous planning and organisation by the Committee pupils, our evening of ABBA and Flower Power began. The dress code was well received, with some phenomenal guest

appearances from Ms Bell-West and Mrs Vigers-Belgeonne. There was a variety of ABBA themed motifs, some of which included bright vibrant colours, floral patterns, flared jeans, dynamo boots and Hawaiian shirts. Mr Keogh and his team of committee members worked tirelessly to hang up lights and decorate the club to bring it back to its former glory pre COVID-19.

Freya Smith and Isabella Andrew were designated photographers for the evening tasked to capture fun photos of our fabulously dressed Sixth Form to honour their Mamma Mia experience, and these will go towards our wall of club memories. The catering team provided an array of Greek and

THE SIXTH FORM CLUB

Bella Andrew

Mediterranean foods at the start of the night, which was “polished off” within the first half hour. Another special mention goes to our DJ’s, Olly GassonHargreaves and Jack Fowler-Baxter, who created the ultimate 70s fun loving atmosphere with their ABBA themed mixes.

With further easing of restrictions, we will bring in a new code of conduct that ensures the safety and enjoyment of the pupils attending Sixth Form Club.

We look forward to welcoming the new Lower Sixth into our Club and enjoying a variety of new themes recommended by the pupils on the Sixth Form Club Committee.

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An Eventful Year

Academic Matters 5th Form Creative Writing Music Performing Arts Art The Sixth Form U6th Form Leavers 2021 English as an Additional Language Learning Support The Classics The Chess Year Remembrance Day Community Service Chaplaincy CCF Dolphin Productions Sport

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Academic Matters Dan Cupit

ACADEMIC MATTERS

Deputy Head - Academic

I want to start by congratulating all those in the Sixth Form, and those Old Brutonians (2020 Year) who received external qualifications last August.

After a disrupted Summer term, the cancellation of examinations, and the well-documented algorithm, I was delighted that all pupils were awarded the grades that they deserved, and that their hard work was rewarded with such success.

The 2020-21 academic year started with great optimism, with the majority of pupils able to return to classroombased teaching. It was brilliant to see the School busy again and hear the ‘buzz’ around the School site. Whilst it was amazing to see pupils return (despite some interesting lockdown haircuts), it was also fantastic to welcome new pupils to King's and for them to become part of this amazing community.

Sadly, we were unable to welcome 84

all pupils back to King's, with remote learning continuing for a number of pupils in locations across the world. The brilliant work done by all teachers and pupils during the first lockdown meant that they were very well prepared, when remote learning became a requirement for all pupils as the country entered a second lockdown, and a further period of school closures.

The Easter term really tested the King's community, but once again, everyone rose to the challenge with great determination and optimism.

Whilst remote learning can never fully replace classroom-based teaching, it was brilliant to see the engagement and enthusiasm shown by so many pupils.

I thoroughly enjoyed dropping into lessons and catching up with pupils, and very often parents, siblings, and pets! I even witnessed one boy listening to his lessons whilst driving a tractor in order to help during the pandemic,

another pupil experienced monsoon rains, and to top it all, a recording of an earthquake during a lesson!

I want to take this opportunity to thank all pupils, parents and colleagues, for the commitment, support and perseverance that has been seen all year, but especially during the second period of remote learning. This was an immensely challenging period for everyone, but by the time schools re-opened in a phased manner, over 10,000 lessons had been delivered across 20+ countries.

For the second year running, all external examinations were cancelled due to the impact of C-19 on schools and pupils across the country. In 2021 Teacher Assessed Grades have replaced external qualifications and all pupils will be awarded grades based on a range of evidence that they have produced. I have been amazed with how pupils have

THE DOLPHIN ACADEMIC MATTERS approached this new process and the way in which they have adapted to the new requirements. Whilst the incredible resilience and determination shown by so many was brilliant to see, I shouldn’t have been surprised by this, for pupils had demonstrated the importance they place on their education through their outstanding commitment, both whilst schools had been closed, and when they re-opened.

Whilst the end of term will allow for the awarding of Governors’ Prizes, I want to congratulate all pupils for the success that they have achieved this year. I have been fortunate enough to witness this success throughout the year, having seen some incredible Drama performances, BTEC Hospitality events, fantastically creative DT and Art work, numerous Music performances and a range of amazing activities and events across all departments. All pupils deserve a huge amount of praise for the

success that they have achieved, both academically and in all aspects of their education.

Whilst I hope that remote learning will not be required again in the future, King's has shown that a fantastic education can be delivered, and that the community can remain as strong as ever, even when pupils can’t physically be in school. We have developed new systems to help support pupils, established extensive online resources and started ‘remote’ Parents’ Meetings, all of which will continue.

with great confidence.

I wish every pupil receiving examination results this summer the very best, and I bid a fond farewell to those in the U6th Form as they leave King's. I very much look forward to welcoming all pupils back to King's in September for what will, hopefully, be a more ‘normal’ academic year!

Whilst the pandemic has had an immeasurable impact on everyone’s lives, it has also helped highlight what is important. So, when on a daily basis I see pupils supporting each other, applying themselves to the best of their ability, and above all enjoying their time in school, I am certain that pupils can tackle the many challenges ahead 85

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5th Form Creative Writing

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5th Form Creative Writing

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A Year of Music Ashley Marshfield

A YEAR OF MUSIC

Director of Music

It has been an academic year like no other with the many challenges that the pandemic has presented us all. The Music Department has been particularly hit by measures that have limited our usual way of working considerably, not least with ensembles being limited to year group bubbles. Nevertheless, I am tremendously proud of the many achievements made by pupils and to the professionalism and creativity of all the music teachers.

Concerts have been livestreamed and given by individual year group bubbles, and these have worked particularly well and enabled family, friends and staff to watch performances from the comfort of their homes or in boarding houses. The Winter Concert included a variety of pre-recorded performances given by a selection of bubble ensembles, recorded by our Studio Manager, Lluc Tupman.

In addition to the Winter Concert, the choir bubbles recorded performances and Oliver Higgs worked hard to piece together bubbled orchestral performances to provide some familiar carols during the pre-recorded Carol Service.

With the closure of schools at the start of the Easter term, our remote teaching provision came back into force with pupils and instrumental teachers seamlessly switching back to this method of delivery. It was a huge shame that the Inter-House Music Competition (usually the highlight of the year for the Music Department) had to be held remotely this year.

Nevertheless, pupils got involved by submitting solo performances from their Houses, ranging from traditional performances to those using music technology in creative and imaginative ways. I was astounded at how

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successfully the Houses responded to the competition, particularly in the ensemble performance challenge with many pupils showing great initiative to piece together ensemble performances recorded remotely using technology with some outstanding results.

It was wonderful to welcome pupils back to The Queen Elizabeth Music School for the final weeks of the Easter term, and to hear live music lessons and ensemble rehearsals taking place once again. During the Summer term, many pupils took the opportunity to record ABRSM remotely assessed examinations, and at the end of term, face to face London College of Music examinations in Musical Theatre and Popular Music were held in the Hauser & Wirth Recital Hall. This academic year has seen pupils achieve the following results: 15 passes, 7 merits and 5 distinctions with further results expected to be published at the time of writing. Two cellists also entered the Mid-Somerset Festival by submitting remotely recorded performances that achieved a Commended and Merit award.

We were also able to hold a 5th Form livestreamed concert and on Friday

25th June, we livestreamed our Summer Concert. This was a memorable occasion with performances given by soloists and by year group ensembles who have all worked tirelessly hard to produce remarkable results. Our final event of term was the Leavers’ Concert which was also livestreamed, and by its very nature is an emotional event.

However, it was wonderful to be able to hold a concert this year when we take time to enjoy music and reflect upon the musical development of our musicians here at King's.

I am hopeful that restrictions will continue to ease as we look to start the Christmas term 2021 and are able to restore our full and diverse schedule of weekly rehearsals across all year groups.

The news articles released throughout the year speak for themselves and it is a pleasure to read back and reflect upon pupils’ achievements. Well done and congratulations to all involved including pupils, Mr Higgs, Miss Brearley, Mr Tupman along with our dedicated team of peripatetic music staff. My thanks also to Mrs Warren who does an amazing job at photographing the performances and piecing together video recordings of our concerts.

A-Level Musicians’ Teatime Concert Please click or scan the QR Code to read the news story, which includes photographs and video.

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Please click or scan the QR Code to read the news story, which includes photographs and video.

A YEAR OF MUSIC

New Musicians’ & Award Holders’ Concert

4th Form Concert

Please click or scan the QR Code to read the news story, which includes photographs and video.

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Inter-House Music Competition Please click or scan the QR Code to read the news story, which includes photographs and video.

A YEAR OF MUSIC

Please click or scan the QR Code to read the news story, which includes photographs and video.

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Sixth Form Concert

5th Form Concert Please click or scan the QR Code to read the news story, which includes photographs and video.

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The Summer Concert Please click or scan the QR Code to read the news story, which includes photographs and video.

THE DOLPHIN A YEAR OF MUSIC The Leavers’ Concert

The magazine was printed before this concert, but by the time you read this, there will be photographs etc.

Please click or scan the QR Code to read the news story, which includes photographs and video.

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Performing Arts

Will Stainton

Head of Performing Arts

PERFORMING ARTS

Due to the physical distancing and closure of theatre venues, Performing Arts at King's Bruton has been a year of adaptation and improvisation. New courses have started, existing courses have been adapted and performances have continued behind closed doors to cameras, between countries, and in previously unexplored formats.

I have been consistently impressed with the fortitude and ambition of the pupils across all years, but specifically those faced with external examinations.

Academic Drama This academic year saw the introduction of Drama lessons to the 3rd Form curriculum for the first time, allowing the pupils an insight into GCSE Drama and a continuation of their studies from previous schools.

The course loosely follows the GCSE Drama specification, offering a broad development of skills and an introduction to the demands of the course. The 3rd Form have been creative, collaborative, and enthusiastic.

The 4th Form GCSE Drama class have worked on to complete Component 1: Devising this year and produced two excellent pieces of original theatre in response to challenging stimuli.

The devising units are some of my favourite as they challenge the pupils to collaborate creatively, to challenge creative ideas, and to navigate opinions.

The growth of these pupils is not just seen in their practical work, but also in their time management, listening skills and co-operation.

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Reviews of GCSE Drama 4th Form Devised Performances I really enjoyed coming to watch the performances by the 4th Form. I thought all the monologues performed focused on different interpretations and types of mental health issues, especially depression. The monologue linking to the Stanford Experiment was really intriguing, as having studied the experiment in Psychology, I think that the monologue was extremely powerful and emotive. Overall, this group used the use of tone, pitch, and projection successfully. The movements and the therapy idea were impressive and conveyed to the audience a change in character. The second group focussed on the suffragette movement. This group displayed an amazing use of teamwork.

The movements including the crowd lift were impressive and really highlighted what was being said. The use of the platform downstage was also compelling as it helped to break the fourth wall and helped us to engage with the character and scene.

Phoebe Slight L6th Form Arion House I was so impressed with this group of performers. They had some challenging stimuli given to them, and they grasped it with both hands. They had complete control over communicating their intentions. From looking at mental health disorders and then going on the journey of the suffragette movement, we were taken on a journey of emotions and struggles, which some audience members may have been able to relate to. The representation of some of the themes was intense, and all the performers had the attention of every single member of the audience gripped. They were confident and clear individuals and used physical theatre strongly, and held moments of silence within their performances very well. Their projection and characterisation were phenomenal and their teamwork was strong and they worked with each other very well.

Charlotte Burton L6th Form Arion House

I have been so impressed with the adaptability and consequent focus of the 5th Form Dramatists this year.

A course that is usually spread over the two years, was condensed into 4 terms. The quality of their work was spectacular; both written and practical skills demonstrated maturity and determination. Their course culminated in a performance of an extract from A Monster Calls originally created by the cast at Bristol Old Vic. They were challenged to multi-roll, to use a flexible performance space and create the set and locations through mime. They were superb. I wish them all the best for their future studies.

One of my favourite performances of the year was written and produced by the L6th Performing Arts pupils during the Christmas term. They began with the question, What is Normal?

This led to discussions and research into themes of normality, pressures from societal and cultural norms, however, they settled on the feeling of abnormality many people face at some

Each of these scenes were an attempt to incite feelings of confidence and recognition within the audience, that your perceived abnormalities are not something to fear or shy away from, but something to embrace.

An extremely mature and thoughtprovoking piece of theatre.

Arsenic and Old Lace

The whole production is now available on Soundcloud, please do have a listen and get transported to the living room of the Brewster family home in Brooklyn. It is a brilliant piece of theatre, and the cast should be extremely proud of their achievement.

With the restrictions imposed upon rehearsals and mixing of year groups, it was decided that a Sixth Form play would replace the annual whole school production. However, approximately 8 weeks into the rehearsal process, further lockdown restrictions meant that theatres were, again, to close. I was adamant that the work the cast had done would not go to waste, and

The cast and crew worked incredibly hard to produce this and I am incredibly proud of their work ethic and adaptability. My thanks go to Maggie King for her direction and to Lluc Tupman for the many, many hours of post-production.

To listen, please click or scan the QR Code.

Monologue Performance Evening

years involved and learning from each other throughout the rehearsal process. The monologue choices varied from classical Shakespeare villains to abstract, 21st Century Edinburgh Fringe plays exploring the battle of everyday survival. All of which challenged the individuals both intellectually and physically.

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we approached Dolphin Productions and the recording studio with the aim of making a radio play.

PERFORMING ARTS

point in their lives. Through the medium of monologues and physical theatre, the class explored how and when they have felt abnormal, from having illegible handwriting to drastically changing your haircut.

After an impressive first year of Performing Arts, the U6th continued with a blended learning approach with Pyalyang remaining in Bhutan for his U6th year.

Review of the U6th Unit 3 Group Performance Workshop Devised theatre is important as it shows peoples own personal styles, their thoughts and opinions on topics, and can focus on poignant, current topics. I also think it is important as it makes both the performers and audience think and be creative in a way they would otherwise not.

I really enjoyed watching Fin and Alpha’s performance. As both the high quality of work they produced and also because it is nice to see live theatre, even with one of them in another country.

This added another level of interest and intrigue, seeing how they were to create and perform in this situation. I personally really enjoyed when Alpha’s dog decided to join in unbeknownst to both until after the performance. The piece was very well thought out and in both the execution and their answers to my questions after.

Hannah Branfoot L6th Form Arion House

The Summer Term allowed for certain rehearsals and activities to commence again, and as a department, we embarked on a series of rehearsals focusing on monologues. This allowed all year groups to take part and finally get to perform.

It was great to see pupils from all

I have been hugely impressed with the rehearsal process, and this dedication to their roles was evident in their performances.

To watch and view the photos, please click or scan the QR Code.

Please be aware, that some of the monologues contain mature material.

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Bruton to Bhutan A conversation with Will Stainton and U6th Form BTEC Performing Arts pupils Finlay Pender-Cudlip (FPC) and Pyalyang “Alpha” Dorji (PD).

Finlay Pender-Cudlip PERFORMING ARTS

Blackford House U6th Form

This year has been a challenge for everyone, but the U6th Form have managed to find new ways of creating live theatre through Microsoft Teams and briefly describe some of the challenges and highlights of their year below.

What would you say were the difficulties in creating performance material via Microsoft Teams or via an online platform?

FPC I think the relationship with the audience which is a main drawback and one of the reasons you create theatre.

PD The use of IT was, at first, new and extremely different to the ways we were used to, so to begin with, work wasn’t as productive. We were so used to working face to face and with each other, rather than having to work from afar. However, as time went on I guess it has definitely gotten easier.

FPC I also think the lack of control began to be quite frustrating. We had to plan a lot more ahead, especially for an outdoor performance which was weather dependent. For a piece of technology to be out there in the rain, the process is not feasible.

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Maintaining collaboration over 5000 miles and six hours of time difference.

What were the most challenging limitations to Unit 3 – Group Performance Workshop?

PD Oh, definitely time zones.

FPC That impacted our time management as well. We couldn’t just take a break time for rehearsals. We both had to find specific times that were early afternoon/ midday for me (UK) and late evening for Alpha in Bhutan.

So, you feel that the actual logistics rather than the creativity were the hardest parts?

PD Absolutely. I think the hardest part was just time management. I’m 6 hours ahead so I have to work quite late at night at times in order to get work done with Finlay.

FPC However, it’s just the obstacles that we had to overcome. I think creativity is always there, it changes to suit the environment, particularly having worked with Alpha for so long.

I think watching the both of you throughout this process, being creative people regardless of the situation, you would always be creative. So, yes, I agree there that you adapted incredibly well creatively to the situation, but finding specific times to rehearse, even to just chat through things, not being in the same room or even country, was

Alpha Dorji Lyon House U6th Form

certainly the hardest part on observation.

PD Definitely the most difficult part, but luckily, you know, we have got phones, we have technology, and I think, since we started this process the technology has improved dramatically.

What did you enjoy about the process?

PD I found it really fun just to experiment with ideas. I feel this is the most creatively free we’ve ever been working on a unit.

FPC We could experiment, we could talk to each other about what works and what doesn’t work without a problem.

It was super interesting playing with two mediums, like we were playing with film and you know, you can play around with what shots to include and why, and all that kind of thing, which is completely different to how it could have been. We also had the opportunity to experiment with live theatre as well.

So in a way, there was more scope for creativity and different ways we could work.

Do you think that freedom was because of your age and school year, or do you think that freedom was because of the situation you found yourselves in?

PD I’ll be honest, if I was in this situation when I was 15 or 14, I don’t think I

I would suggest that your discipline has grown. Your maturity and your relationship with your learning or wanting to do the work and wanting to make a success of it has changed. Do you think that it is due to your age or do you think that it is because you’ve been pushed into this situation and forced to do something that is probably more structured than you would normally had within your learning?

PD I think it’s growing up. It’s not that you choose to do this whole situation and like being so far away. We were kind of forced into it, but it’s because of this fact that, I guess you sort of surprisingly, mature. My attitude to working independently is we adapted quickly, and I remember a few years ago, I would struggle to learn lines for an actual performance so, yes I think you’re right.

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FPC I think it would be harder when we were younger. You need other people, their input and immediate collaboration.

It would have been frustrating and unproductive if we hadn’t have worked together for four years prior to this.

FPC I enjoyed getting the food for the performance. I’ve never worked with food before, I liked it. They do say you should never work with children or animals, but food is definitely something I could get on board with.

PD I enjoyed going to go play golf in the mornings and then coming back and starting school at 1.00pm.

I found that that working with you both in this way was initially a novelty, particularly last March 2020 not knowing that it would be the same 16 months later. But as it progressed and became more permanent and a more normal way of working, the flexibility of the course, and more impressively actually, the flexibility of both of you, made it such a success.

I think what I have most enjoyed working with you both this year, is your ability to chop and change when something does not quite work, to be creative, and to maintain your collaboration over nearly 5000 miles with six hours of time difference. I think that this is such a testament to your maturity and desire to succeed and it has been a complete joy to witness.

Well done.

PERFORMING ARTS

would have done as well or participated as fully.

So, what were your favourite moments about this process?

PD It has been fun and all the times when something went on in my world (Bhutan) that would add something interesting to the lesson. For example, one lesson we were disrupted by an earthquake. Luckily it wasn’t a huge one. A few years ago we had a massive one where there were cracks all over the walls in my house and everything. But this time when the earthquake came in, while we were rehearsing, the whole house shook and all my stuff fell off the walls and surfaces. I remember looking around and panicking at first, I thought I looked like such an idiot from your perspective, because I was just looking around. I could not tell if you both knew that there was an earthquake going on.

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Trinity Speech and Drama During the Summer Term 2020, six pupils took their Trinity Speech and Drama examinations under extraordinary conditions. They were taught at home, via MS Teams, and recorded their examination material before uploading it for the examiners to mark.

I was hugely impressed with results these pupils achieved.

• Charlotte Burton - Grade 5 - Acting (solo) - Distinction

• Jemima Hurst - Grade 4 - Acting (solo) - Distinction

• Olivia Hooker - Grade 4 - Speech & Drama (solo) - Merit

• Tia West - Grade 4 - Acting (solo) - Merit

• Joseph Walsh - Grade 4 - Acting (solo) - Merit

• Archie Stewart-Cox- Grade 4 - acting (solo) – Merit Huge credit to their dedication and commitment to the course. I would like to thank Ms Harriet Grasby for her work with all Speech and Drama pupils throughout the last year. The grades these pupils have managed to achieve, despite the adaptations to assessment, is a testament to her teaching.

My British Youth Music Theatre Online Audition During lockdown in February, I decided to audition for the British Youth Music Theatre (BYMT); the opportunity was too big to miss!

The 2-hour long workshop began with a short introduction of the company, then we went straight into learning choreography, led by top theatre professionals. I found this quite challenging to learn so quickly, but I soon got the hang of it, after a lot of practice!

We then learnt a section of a song, performing as a solo. I was quite nervous, yet I picked up the tune and lyrics very quickly and I really enjoyed performing it as different characters, as well as learning how to improve my tone and voice delivery.

We finished with improving a sketch and solo acting activities, such as given stimuli and thinking on your feet straight

away. I learnt so much in the short amount of time and it was such a good experience (and a lot of fun!)

I received an email a month later explaining that I have been offered a place in BYMT and had been cast in a musical called ‘Ministry of Truth’! I was completely taken by surprise, yet ecstatic that I am now a part of a national theatre company. The course will be 2 weeks in Cardiff, ending with 2-3 performances during August. I will work with West End professionals and receive a Grade 8 certificate from Trinity College London!

I am so excited for this incredible opportunity and the many new skills I will learn and the people I will meet; I am so grateful!

Jenna Coverdale 4th Form Priory House

Eight For Silver Following his success in Rocketman in 2019, Max Mackintosh, 4th Form Lyon, tells us about his experiences during the production of another film. In January 2021, Eight For Silver premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

I am so lucky to have been able to work in professional situations. One experience that I had was that I worked on a project called Eight For Silver. It was, without question, one of the best experiences of my life. It started out with, a single audition.

And they took about 4-6 weeks to come back to tell me I got the job. I later found out that this was because another boy had originally got the part of Edward. However, they then, luckily for me, changed their minds and chose me. Which, of course, I was over the moon about.

I then discovered that it was set to be in Cognac, France - which I was thrilled about, because it meant that I got to go abroad. A great part of the experience that made the film so amazing to be a part of, was all the crazy things I got to do. One of those, which definitely stands out, was a scene which was the transition of me turning into this ‘beast’. I remember I arrived on set and all the amazing cast and crew were saying that there was this big surprise for my next upcoming scene.

However, they would not tell me what it was. They then brought me into this room, where about a third of the crew and a few of the other cast members were. And there was a big black steel box.

Then this man, (who I later found out was an exotic animal trainer) opened the box and brought out this huge 12 foot yellow and white albino python. I do have a snake at home, however that one is only 4 foot 6, so they were not similar in that respect. However, I was very comfortable around the snake. And to be honest even though mine is extremely small compared to this 12-footer, it did help me to be more comfortable with it for the filming. I jumped at the chance when he asked me if I wanted to hold it before the scene started.

When it came to the filming, the actor who played my sister in the film was not as comfortable with the snake. So when she had to lift off the bed covers in the scene, to find this huge yellow python slithering around me, she was absolutely shaking.

And that was an understatement!

On the first couple of takes, she sort of pre-empted what was under there which

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Behind the Scenes of Arsenic and Old Lace Bella Andrew Priory House L6th Form Dolphin Editorial Team The School Play had to be done a little differently this year. First of all, it had to be a Sixth Form play only, due to the ‘bubble’ situation. Everything was going well, and rehearsals were underway, however, lockdown struck leaving the cast to stop rehearsals all together. The idea of a radio play was thrown around, much to our dismay.

With the original concept of the play, the focus surrounded acting and ignored accents. However, with a radio play, you really have to portray your character with your voice. This was something none of the cast members had come across before.

The play itself is set in Brooklyn,

USA in 1948 and has an abundance of interesting characters. The plot focuses on two sisters, Abby and Martha who get up to no good, alongside their family members, Mortimer and Teddy, who each have an interesting life within the Brewster household, as well as the return of a few characters who want to bring about the demise of, not only Mortimer, but a few other unfortunate souls.

PERFORMING ARTS

everyone found hysterical. But after the first couple of takes she was fine. However, it started kissing my toes under the blanket, which I did find a bit weird. Then when they took the blanket off it came right up to my face and kissed me again straight on the lips. So it definitely had a thing for me.

After we finished the film and we had to say goodbye, (which of course was extremely sad) we all left thinking that was it. However, they then saw the footage that they had, and decided to do another 6 weeks of filming, which was amazing for me. After that finished, I had to go to a studio to do an ADR session, which is the vocal overdubbing to make sure you can hear all the words clearly. When I went there, I was nearly not allowed in because I had a temperature. This is because luckily the film had just finished a month before COVID. But then my temperature went down, and it was all fine to go in.

Once I got in, I was told some of the greatest news of my life. It was in the running for the Sundance Film Festival, which I later found out it won. I was overjoyed about that. However, sadly, it was only available to watch in the U.S. One of the producers of the film very kindly called me up and gave me a link to watch the film. Sadly, it only lasted for 24 hours, so I got all my family to come down and watch it at home, which I have to say was honestly really lovely. I know it was not some big cinema in London with a red carpet, however, I was home, with all my family. And I could not have thought of anything better.

Max Mackintosh 4th Form Lyon House

In rehearsals, we got to make use of the brand-new recording studio, in The Queen Elizabeth Music School. The cast worked very hard to adapt to the new situation and really enjoyed the process of creating the radio play.

To the Future...

I am hoping that by September the theatre industry has found its feet again and we are able to rehearse and perform once again. I cannot wait to see performances and audiences back in the Fitzjames Theatre once again and shall look forward to welcoming you all back when we can.

Will Stainton Head of Performing Arts 101

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A Year of Art Seamus Harkness Head of Art

A YEAR OF ART

This year has been a particularly strange one and it’s been hard to get out to galleries, nonetheless, it’s been a very productive and effective 12 months.

In September we welcomed the new cohort of 3rd Form pupils, and we can honestly say, never in recent history have we had such a talented group of individuals arrive at the same time. The new scholars amongst them have led the way throughout the year and they have been ably matched by an impressive support group. Next year we anticipate some outstanding work in the GCSE 4th Form group.

Although a lot of the trips had to be postponed or cancelled, we still managed to get out and about. Heading to Oxford for the Ashmolean was a particular highlight.

The pupils made a fun video of their trip to St Ives.

More recently the annual trip to St Ives was a great success.

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To watch, please click or scan the QR Code.

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Miss Ling’s textile club had to be put on hold for a while as she recovered from an injury, but she is extremely keen to get this up and running again next term.

Mr Cole led the way for the photographic enthusiasts throughout the year, teaching them all about digital and wet photography as well as Photoshop for beginners. It was difficult to get any continuity over the lockdowns but we feel that pupils, when given the chance, have managed to improve their skills whilst also showing increasing confidence.

Georgina Woods

This year we have possibly had the most exciting GCSE group for a very long time. Whilst they have had the benefit of not having an exam, it has meant that they have spent longer on their coursework, and the quality of their outcomes is clear to see. We thank them all for their continued efforts and those that are leaving us all the best with their artistic journey. This year the Junior Prize was awarded to Laila Squire, the Painter Stainer Prize for painting to India finch Hatton and the Bruton Art Prize to Georgina woods.

In the Christmas term, we ran the ceramics club and the pupils made a variety of pieces whilst also learning about clay, slip and glazes. We were lucky enough to have the support of local potter Hiro Takahashi come and give a workshop too.

The U6th Form have been an exciting group that have been managed expertly throughout the two years by Mr Cole.

His enthusiasm for art both past and present has left an indelible mark on this young group. We wish Daisy all the best with her Foundation at Oxford Brookes. Well done to Katie Wootton for deservedly winning the Senior Art Prize - what an incredible year she has had.

A YEAR OF ART

This year we have had more activities than ever before. Much thanks must go to Mrs Warren for her ongoing enthusiasm, knowledge and passionate teaching style. The pupils that she has taught silversmithing have loved every minute of it and they have made some beautiful pieces.

India Finch-Hatton

Laila Squire

The 4th Form and L6th groups are both making extremely promising strides, and although it’s been a disrupted year for them, they have maintained their focus and are producing high quality work.

Next year, it is our aim to have more pupils in the Department, to have textiles, art enrichment and to continue to encourage and inspire the creative pupils under our care. With better access to galleries both far and near we sincerely hope to be able to resume normal service from September.

Katie Wootton

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Art Enrichment George Cole

ART ENRICHMENT

Artist in Residence After building on the success of last years ‘Energy’ themed project, pupils had the opportunity to continue exploring a wide range of environmental topics and sustainable practices. This year’s investigation focused on the theme of ‘Water’ with an aim to explore movement, rhythm and examine our relationship with water.

In the Christmas term, we ran a series of workshops experimenting with a wide range of media such as: digital and wet photography, light projections, and printing with the focus on how we can depict, record, and describe water as a form or translate as a universally recognisable motif.

As pupils returned in the Easter term, we focused our attention on an inspirational figure, such as Olafur Eliasson’s immersive moving water artworks; Riverbed, 2014 and Waterfall, 2019. Eliasson’s art challenges the way we perceive the world with a belief that culture, and art can ask questions.

He states, ‘Reality is relative, and we can change things as we are artists’.

From one future focused talisman of the natural world to another, David Attenborough reminds us, ‘Where there is water, there is life’, giving a new lease of life into asking ourselves, what does water look, sound, taste like?

We still managed to get out and about to see the Henry Taylor exhibition at Hauser and Wirth, Somerset with our 4th Form Art Enrichment cohort.

This also included a warm welcome introduction by Debbie Hillyerd, Head of Education, and an inspiring tour with Briony giving pupils a chance to explore beyond the classroom giving an opportunity to connect with a broad range of subject matter first-hand. Henry Taylor’s subjects combine figurative, landscape and history painting. Talking 104

points included Taylor’s use of domestic objects, and his spontaneous playfulness in relation to his approach to painting, his combination of found objects, and forms of miniature and large-scale sculpture.

Please click or scan the QR Code to read more and view photographs of this trip.

Finally, we invited David Daniels, a local accomplished animator and educator, who provided a welcome opportunity to explore fresh ideas and chance to learn new skills. This Stop Motion Animation challenge stretched pupils’ creative parameters, the possibilities are literally endless, and this technique really does allow room for creativity to grow. In basic terms, the process of stop motion is taking a still frame of an object, moving the object a bit, and taking another frame.

Repeat this process, tens or hundreds of times and you have a stop motion video!

In collaboration with the community of King's Bruton and its talented cohort of young creatives, I am delighted to share our results of this wholly cooperative process. From water inspired motifs, light projected installations, and a series of stop motion animations to discover. A huge thank you to all involved enjoy browsing through our photographs of experiments, outcomes, and animations.

Please click or scan the QR Code to watch some of the animations that were created.

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ART ENRICHMENT

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The Sixth Form Will Daws

SIXTH FORM

Deputy Head - Sixth Form The introduction to the Sixth Form article in the 2020 Dolphin, commented on how the year ended so unimaginably differently to how it had started. As I write in June 2021, the circumstances are not too dissimilar to those of June 2020, and yet, despite the challenges this year has presented, the Sixth Form pupils have not ceased to impress with their adaptability and resilience. Sixth Form life has continued to be busy, with pupils progressing in their various stages, growing ever closer and more ready for their transition to life beyond their formal school years. Whilst much of the provision moved online, the pupils embraced what was asked of them and continued their development into the movers and shakers of tomorrow.

Enrichment and Development

The Sixth Form is a key time for individual personal development and year group enrichment. It was excellent to be able to set the tone for this with some in-person workshops to start the year. For the U6th Form, a workshop on leadership, led by experienced business executive Christopher from Inside Knowledge, helped pupils explore the critical components of successful leadership and how they can model this in their approach in the final year of their school careers. Meanwhile, fresh into the Sixth Form, the L6th Form considered their aspirations for the year under the guidance of Peter Radford from Beyond This.

Enrichment continued throughout the year and there were a number of highlights. It was a pleasure to welcome Old Brutonian, Tom Heal, back to King's to share his experiences climbing Mount Everest. He delivered a fascinating insight into the challenges he faced, inspiring the pupils with how to keep going in spite of significant challenges in order to reach one’s goal.

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Delivering much of the talk whilst wearing an arctic down suit in a hot theatre added further to the drama of his message!

A more introspective view was encouraged by psychologist Richard Bevan, who gave some practical exercises to improve pupil’s mental health and self-perception during his talk on the Psychology of Happiness.

This broke down and applied science for all, helping pupils to have a more positive outlook going forward.

Enrichment continued elsewhere in the Sixth Form. The Headmaster’s Essay Society has been a particular highlight through the year. Whether tackling modern medicine discoveries, psychological differences between genders, art history or legal issues with Adam Barrett-James, Constance Pollard, Rory Gibbs or Juliette Webb from the Upper 6th, or debating the challenging fields of diversity, the definition of art, trickle down economics and antibiotic resistance with Lower 6th pupils, Hannah Branfoot, Sophie Doig, Isaac Baxter or Lily Ingvaldson, the pupils impressed as they grappled with complex and fascinating issues. The depth of thought was particularly impressive and testament to a high level of academic engagement.

Exploring Futures

With important futures ahead, the process of exploring and preparing for the next steps after Sixth Form carried on apace.

Whilst not being a full substitute for physical visits, pupils nevertheless embraced opportunities to explore universities and careers virtually. Many took part in online Higher Education fairs, be they UCAS Discovery Exhibitions, Study Abroad shows

from the University Guys or Student World, or apprenticeship fairs from the National Apprenticeship Show and other careers providers. The pandemic has dramatically accelerated the number of opportunities available to pupils to meet with universities and employers, and it has been fantastic to see pupils take advantage of these.

We have also been pleased to virtually “host” speakers at King's, ranging from the University of Surrey, to the University Guys and Aspire USA. A particular highlight has also been the talks delivered by Old Brutonians and current apprentices. Freya Fearn ran a live interview with OBs Anna and Poppy as they shared their experience and tips on how to make the most of the first year at university, whilst Abs, Clara and Harry inspired Sixth Form pupils with their gap year experiences, expertly interviewed by prospective journalist Ollie Luck. The latter of these clearly struck a chord with the Upper 6th, with record numbers of pupils choosing to defer university offers following the talk!

An integral part of preparing for the future is the employability enhancement programme which all King's Sixth Form pupils participate in. Whether writing CVs, building LinkedIn profiles, enhancing their personal brand or developing interview skills, the pupils continued to prepare for future career paths.

A highlight once again was the interview practice day. This year the practice interviews were conducted remotely, with twenty parental volunteers kindly giving their Saturday morning, in November, to test and improve the pupils’ readiness for an external interview. Whilst there were inevitable nerves, this was a formative

Sixth Form Club

Perhaps unsurprisingly, one of the most-missed aspects of school life during the UK lockdowns was the Sixth Form social scene. When regulations permitted, the Sixth Form Club has been an undoubted highlight for many pupils, enjoying a chance to relax in the company of others. The theme night of Mamma Mia in the Summer term was a particular success, and allowed some experience of normality amongst the pandemic controls!

Unsung Service

There are many Sixth Form pupils for whom visible success is rightly celebrated. However, what has impressed me hugely this year has been the unseen service given by pupils to communities and charity organisations, throughout their time in the Sixth Form.

The pandemic brought the best out of many pupils, and I note a few from the Upper 6th (though there are many more who have been busy selflessly volunteering): Luke Tappuni volunteering with Dubai charity Helping Hands supporting those who had lost their incomes; Adam Barrett-James helping with the testing programme; Archie Coulsey-Belgeonne (whilst also successfully starting up his own bicycle repair business) and many others helping with food distribution in Bruton. Beyond the pandemic, Rory Gibbs and Isabelle Bridge volunteered

Growing Team

A key development this year was the growth of the King's Sixth Form staff team. Mr Daws was joined by Dr Corrigan as the Assistant Head of Sixth Form, taking particular responsibility for the Enrichment Programme and developing the support of those pupils who are applying to highly competitive university programmes, particularly the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, as well as Medicine, Dental and Veterinary course. Mrs Goffe also joined the team, taking on the key role as the Apprenticeship Adviser, helping to guide pupils in their applications for this increasingly popular pathway.

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Over the course of the year, the Sixth Form Team continued their programme of individual guidance, including conducting well over 100 individual Teams meetings during the lockdown periods, supporting applications and explorations in spite of the remote challenges. It has been excellent to see pupils being ambitious with their applications, with Upper 6th pupils gaining offers from a wide range of UK universities, as well as global institutions in Canada, France and Spain, whilst others have seen their aspirations lead them to apply to apprenticeships across the UK.

with Riding for the Disabled; Isca Bird ran every day in March for the mental health charity, Mind; Ella Docherty became a Youth Ambassador for the development charity, People Against Poverty; Amy and Katie Ruddock volunteered on sports camps in Kuwait; Freya Fearn and Laura Purefoy running a half-marathon for Young Minds; Charlotte Elway publicised and fundraised for the catastrophic impact of the Australian bushfires. There are many other examples of selfless service from the Upper Sixth leavers, too many to do justice to here.

SIXTH FORM

experience for many, and I am grateful to the parents who gave their valuable time to assist in the development of King's pupils.

The items in this report only scratch at the surface of what the Sixth Form have been doing this year. They have led in so many areas of the community and achieved so much in the face of the pandemic challenges, be that in fields of sport, the arts, Duke of Edinburgh, CCF, or within important leadership roles within the schools. They have also risen to the challenge and persevered in their work in spite of the unfamiliar means of assessment this year.

The Upper Sixth leave for exciting gap years, university places and jobs for which we wish them every success and optimism for the return to a greater sense of normality.

For the remaining Lower 6th, the step up into the Upper 6th beckons, and an exciting year ahead as they take on the mantle as leaders in the School. There is much to look forward to!

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U6th Form Leavers 2021

Poppy Agabani

Laurie Alderson

Alexander Bairstow

Oliver Barber

Adam Barrett-James

William Bartlett

Daisy Burland Smith

Ben Burton

Jago Cole

Freddie Comer

Archie Coulsey-Belgeonne

Imogen Dawe

Freya Fearn

Jack Fowler-Baxter

Joseph Gartell

Rory Gibbs

Frederick Goggs

Llewelyn Harper

Daniella Ker

Oskar Lefebvre

Oliver Luck

Aidan McFarlane

Isaac Michaels

Lara Milne

Laura Purefoy

Samuel Rabbets

James Richmond

Amy Ruddock

Katie Ruddock

Jasmine Spilsbury

Juliette Webb

Archie White

Charles Wichary

Natalie Wilmshurst

Jake Woods

Katharine Wootton

THE DOLPHIN Isabella Bird

Joshua Blunden

Isabelle Bridge

Hugo Burgess

Ella Docherty

Pyalyang Dorji

Arthur Drury

Charlotte Elway

Oliver Enderby

Harry Farragher

Leo Haywood

Thomas Horner

Amy Hurst

Luca Hutchison

Thomas Jones

Rocco Kawar

Sophie Newman

Rowan Oliver

Finlay Pender-Cudlip

Sandy Phillips

Toby Phillips

Constance Pollard

Oliver Sykes

Luke Tappuni

Katiya Towler

Pippa Venner-Coombes

Lisa Wang

Liam Ward

Scarlet Yeandel

U6TH FORM LEAVERS 2021

Cressida Bird

The majority of these photographs have been reproduced by kind permission of Gillman & Soame

Charles Bascombe

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English as an Additional Language Nicola Checketts

ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE

Head of EAL “Language is power, life and the instrument of culture” so wrote Angela Carter. And before her, Nathaniel Hawthorne - “Words - so innocent and powerless as they are, as standing in a dictionary, how potent for good and evil they become in the hands of one who knows how to combine them”.

The message of these two authors rings very true for our international pupils and the task we undertake in teaching them English as an Additional Language. Very aware of the global diffusion of ideas and knowledge through the means of English, these pupils are keen to ensure access to the global space and empower themselves through their knowledge of English. Of course, we aim to engender the ‘good’ ends of combining words and how to use the tools of language to their benefit.

Academic language usage requires the writer or speaker to be aware of what they want to achieve with their language: do they need to describe, to explain, to evaluate or discuss, to hypothesise or deduce? - just to give some examples of what we do with words. When and how to execute each of these communicative functions effectively - the grammar of them - must be learnt. But that is only half of the story, as each of these functions is then to be applied to contexts (and their vocabulary) as infinite in number as the human experience can contemplate. So, as you can see, the task of learning a language, and learning to use it to effect, is colossal. English is renowned for its weird pronunciation and spelling: it can be taught through tough and thorough exercise of thought, though.

And this year we have of course been given the extra challenge of having to do all this remotely, while holed up in our own little spaces, reaching out to the 110

world through the morass of messages in cyberspace.

How can we not congratulate our international pupils for still being with us and following their learning? Those who did manage to return spent a fortnight here and there in quarantine, whether at Mill on the Brue or in other schools or with guardians. And sadly, some decided to withdraw and stay in their own countries.

Among our ongoing remote learners, our three 4th Form pupils from China, SiRu, Steve and Miya deserve a word or two of recognition for making a huge effort to access and deliver the work set for them by their now ever-so-Teams-savvy teachers. EAL managed early-bird lessons at 7am UK time, so as to be able to interact with these pupils ‘live’, before the day turned to night in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. Online, we practised those academic language skills; describe, explain, evaluate. Online, we trawled through vocabulary frequently and less frequently encountered in the learning process and in their subjects. Online, we studied and practised using the different parts of speech of that vocabulary in context.

Online, we practised those weird spellings, all with internet connections sporadically dipping out leaving us enunciating ‘th’ and ‘ght’ to a blank screen. I do look forward to welcoming those pupils back into the classroom in September.

Despite beginning the year with some 28 pupils doing EAL lessons and finishing with only 7 in the classroom and 3 online, EAL was proud to deliver TAGs for 4 of those pupils and take 2 to Bristol for Cambridge ESOL exams: Matteo sat his First Certificate and Peter courageously went for the Advanced Certificate. Superb work by these pupils. In class, Leo, new this year, settled well into 4th Form and made

huge progress, extending his vocabulary and becoming clearly more proficient in his written and spoken expression and taking away the Most Improved in EAL(Junior) prize. Well done, Leo! We also welcomed two new pupils into the 3rd Form from France for the Summer term only, both of whom have been superb pupils. Unfortunately, the trips and excursions were all cancelled for obvious reasons. We did manage a remote bespoke visit to the Houses of Parliament with an online workshop in the Christmas term which afforded an afternoon of Britishness to the 5th Form pupils. In truth, it did not hold the same fascination as hearing “ayes to right 239, noes to the left 174” live from Mr Speaker’s mouth (queries always being raised about the mobility of facial features of British MPs). So bring back proper visits next term, please!

The International Committee pupils delivered a colourful and fascinating film for Assembly, wherein we were taken on a world tour from Uzbekhistan with Bekhruz to Spain, from China to Germany, and back home to Bruton.

Outside their classrooms the international pupils have contributed in their many ways in music and sport, in House Nights and matches with some superb talent being exhibited. Leo has competed in Regional Athletics, Johnny in the 5th Form concerts and taking a grade 8 piano exam, and all of them just happy to be part of the life and fabric of boarding at King's. However, much we have had to cut back on due to the pandemic, it has still been a huge privilege to work with our international pupils in EAL. And from two pupils who leave us this year, we have a contribution about their experience here.

THE DOLPHIN Blackford House U6th Form Since I arrived at King's Bruton in 2016, I have had 5 years of being a border in England and in this time I have managed to turn my strong French accent into a clear English accent.

To start with, I was one of the foreigners who all had an accent and mainly stayed for term or a year. This however, did not stop me from joining club activities as well as sports to continue my progress throughout each year, all of which I have really enjoyed participating in.

Out of all my five years, I have to say that the first year of my time at King's was probably the most difficult for me as it was difficult to communicate and so integrate socially early on at school. I can say that I am proud of all the friendships I have made and hugely thankful as well to the School, and above all to Blackford House, for helping me become the best I can be. In years to come, I am sure, my memories of King's will always be fun and fond.

Peter Schweyer Old House L6th Form When I first came to look at the School, I immediately noticed the friendly and open atmosphere where everyone seemed to know each other, as it is a relatively small school. So out of two other options, I chose King's Bruton.

One of the big attractions, and which I will never forget, is the 6th Form Club on Fridays and Saturdays. Despite Covid-19, and respecting all necessary restrictions, it has mostly been open. I always have great fun talking to other people. It’s amazing how much I have experienced here.

As a keen sportsman, I also love the football sessions and the tennis games after Second Prep or on weekends and House Nights.

ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE

Arthur Drury

Overall, I have had an unforgettable year here, which has exceeded my expectations. I can’t think of a better year in England.

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THE DOLPHIN LEARNING SUPPORT AND THE CLASSICS

Learning Support

Kirsty Moran

Head of Learning Support What a wonderful and exciting academic year the Learning Support Department has had! Both Miss Moran (Head of Learning Support) and Mrs Dixon (LS teacher) were new to the department, each with considerable knowledge and experience of SEN, which they were keen to share and adapt into the King's environment. Both have felt truly welcomed by the staff team, who - together with the fantastic pupils - have ensured that they quickly felt part of the School community.

Dan Lovell

Head of Classics An eventful but exciting year, all things considered, in the Classics Department!

The LS team meeting on St Andrew’s Day (in honour of Miss Moran’s heritage)

Not long into the Autumn term, after all the screening assessments were completed, Miss Moran decided a ‘makeover’ was in order. Firstly, the beanbags arrived, very kindly bought for us by the Friends of King's. Next, and mindful of how colours affect mood, wellbeing and ability to learn, came the painting of the LS area; the offers of help from colleagues were testament to the family ethos of the School.

Alongside LS lessons (which focus on strategies for Specific Learning Differences), drop-in sessions have been available for those who have wanted some help with study, needed some coaching with organisational skills, or just wanted to relax at the end of the School day by engaging in brain gym. Also created was ‘The Green Room’, a space for pupils who need to work/revise/relax in a more calming environment.

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Pupils have read a wide array of texts covering topics such as the destruction of Pompeii, a werewolf attack on unsuspecting victims and a scored lover’s revenge. We also brought the Department into the 21st century with the construction of temples and bath houses in virtual realities, and created film trailers for imagined upcoming productions of both the Romulus & Remus and Daedalus & Icarus myths.

Future plans include an evening of classical drama and, when possible, the return of trips in the local area.

Volunteers hard at work!

The Department have worked closely with all staff to ensure they are up to date with the latest strategies for teaching pupils with SpLD; the monthly challenges from ‘Dyslexia Matters’ have been a real hit and have increased the awareness of the difficulties faced by pupils who have additional needs.

We look forward to continuing our work with the fantastic pupils, who have engaged so well with the department over the last year.

The Classics

Mrs Dixon was keen to be one of the first to try out the new beanbags

Head of Chess In the Autumn term, we were able to play chess face-to-face, but this had to be in our year-group bubbles. As a result, live chess was limited to 3rd Form in one classroom and 4th Form in another, with 5th Form and 6th Form playing online. There was a lot of enthusiasm for chess in the 3rd Form, so we now have a thriving group of enthusiastic players, which bodes well for the future of chess at King's. Competitions against other schools all had to be online, via the lichess.org website. We took part in local competitions (Bristol and the South West) and in national competitions, where we came up against players of a very high standard.

We wanted to hold an Inter-House Chess Competition but restrictions over mixing bubbles meant that we had to be imaginative. In the end we used plastic screens to ensure covidsecure conditions and we managed an afternoon of chess between pupils from different year groups and different Houses. Blackford emerged top of the Houses for the second year in a row, retaining the trophy.

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Tomi Owens

THE CHESS YEAR

The Chess Year

We followed the same covid-secure conditions to hold a staff versus pupils match. The pupils had by now become accustomed to playing under time pressure with the ticking of the chess clocks, but it was a bit of a challenge for the staff, with many of them not having played chess for a number of years.

Nevertheless, their solid experience triumphed over youthful enthusiasm, with the result being a resounding win for the staff. We look forward to repeating this event in the near future.

With the sunshine out and a lot of help from the Friends of King's, we finished the year with a giant chess set to play outdoors. Hopefully, this will become a regular activity for pupils and staff during breaks and lunchtimes.

We look forward now to September and more normal conditions.

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We Will Remember Them

George Beverly Chaplain

REMEMBRANCE DAY

On Wednesday 11th November, the School held an Act of Remembrance to honour the fallen boys and masters of King's Bruton who served and died in WWI, WWII, the Korean War and the Afghanistan War. Covid-19 lockdown restrictions meant we were unable to gather as a whole school for our usual Act of Remembrance in the Memorial Hall.

Thus, this year all pupils and staff gathered in their classrooms, offices and in the case of Old Brutonians, their homes - to watch a livestreamed video of the Act of Remembrance.

This livestreamed video was broadcast from the side chapel of St Mary’s, where the School has two fine memorials to the fallen former boys and masters of the School.

The livestream featured some words of remembrance, prayers, the famous Binyon words of exhortation, a silence and The Last Post and Reveille performed by L6th Form pupil, Tom Matkevich, from New House.

It was wonderful to know that hundreds of current Brutonians and Old Brutonians had made the effort alongside millions of people across the nation to mark this important time of remembrance.

To watch the Service, please click or scan the QR Code.

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Zanna Wilson-Brown Community Service Officer

This year has been a challenging year for Community Service. Many of our regular placements are in Primary Schools and Care Homes which, because of the pandemic, we have not been able to visit. A small number of placements did remain; with Bruton Residents who welcomed the help of our pupils in the garden and the friendship and chat that came with it. We also were able to help for a few weeks in the Christmas term at Hazlegrove and All Hallows.

We maintained the vital shopping supply line from Church Bridge stores to Sexey’s Hospital, where some of pupils met up with residents each week and they really enjoyed that point of contact. The Church Bridge stores staff were also really impressed with the pupils’ cheery attitude and heavy lifting skills as they walked the shopping

down Lower Backway, continuing this essential service which Alison Grant had set up in the first lockdown. We also began a new placement supporting the Bruton Walks group, testing out and reporting back on the quality of local footpaths and registered walks.

Having lost so many weeks in lockdowns, we decided to continue Community Service into the Summer term; which is usually the term off for exams. I was really impressed that a number of pupils volunteered for this

extra service, to maintain the support they had already given in previous terms.

Well done to all the Community Service warriors who really stepped up this year to ensure we provided a service for those Bruton Residents who really needed us, and also managed to clock up some precious hours of service towards their Duke of Edinburgh awards, in a year that has greatly challenged us all.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Community Service

Well done and thank you one and all.

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Chaplaincy George Beverly

CHAPLAINCY

Chaplain

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As Chaplain, I’m often asked various questions. Some are pretty big: “What’s the meaning of life?” Others are everyday: “What’s time’s chapel sir?”

Whilst a few are deeply personal: “Please can you pray for…?” But one of the best questions I’m asked is: “Another burger Mr Bev?” This usually sounds forth from Mrs Loveless, Mr Hodder, or one of the many HsMs slaving away behind a hot grill on during the several Thursday House Night BBQs I’ve been invited to this past year. But in all seriousness, it’s great to attend such events to chat to the pupils. To hear what life in the 4th Form is like. To understand the demands of the dreaded TAGs on 5th and 6th Formers. To discover the latest social media frenzy. And to wear down another group of 3rd Formers with some cheesy humour. So much about the Chaplaincy’s work is based around relationship. We long to foster relationships between one another. We seek to nurture weak relationships, and to help heal broken relationships. Most of all, we hope for people to come to know the wonderful news about the best relationship: one with Jesus Christ, which wonderfully begins now and goes on infinitely.

Luke’s gospels worked together to produce a wonderful atmosphere.

SBS (Sixth Form Bible Study) was rebranded to ‘Forum’ because it’s a time of discussion and questioning based around the Bible. Indeed, I’m pleased to say that’s just what it has proven to be.

Each week we have welcomed a good dozen Sixth Formers and we will miss many of the U6th Form as they head off to pastures new.

One of the sad realities of COVID has been the drastic increase in food poverty. Indeed, the foodbank in Yeovil has seen demand for food treble. Once again, the King's pupils and staff stepped up to the plate, at our virtual Harvest Service, donating a record amount of food from our plenty towards those who have so little. A particular shout out must go to the Community Service Team who spent a long afternoon in the Chaplaincy checking dates on all the donations and categorizing all the food - thank you.

The continued restrictions of COVID have made the way we go about doing such relational work rather different and at times difficult. Indeed, I long for the day when all the year group and House bubbles can be burst so that we can rebuild a stronger and closer King's Bruton community. That noted, God has generously blessed us all with many ways this past year that we have been able to gather in order to engage with the big questions of life and the wisdom of his word.

In the midst of the Christmas term busyness and restrictions, we were also pleased to support Bruton Town in running their Remembrance Sunday Act of Remembrance by the War Memorial at Church Bridge. The School’s livestreaming technology meant that an event that was usually attended by several hundred Bruton folk, could be watched online from the security of their homes. On Remembrance Day itself, we live-streamed to the whole school community past and present, an Act of Remembrance from the King's Remembrance Chapel in St Mary’s Church. My special thanks to Tom Matkevich for his outstanding trumpet playing.

The Christmas term saw TGI for the 3rd Form swell with a packed-out JCR most Friday afternoons. Fun, games, food, drink, and time in Matthew’s/

Chapel during the Christmas Term remained on video with all sorts of quizzes, crazy challenges, plus much quirkiness and madness to help inject a

bit of fizz into school life. Our sermon series ‘Bible words’ saw us consider one word from the Bible each week and how it is deeply relevant to our lives in 21st century Bruton. Chapel videos were infused with various quizzes, challenges, and silly scenarios which pupils competitively embraced within their tutor groups.

In many ways, the video camera for the past year has been an extra limb for me. This was especially the case as Christmas approached. On top of the weekly chapel videos there were Advent Services and Christmas Carol Services to record then edit. My deep thanks to all the readers and choristers who worked tirelessly to help produce some wonderful footage that reinforced the best news of all: that God has come to be with us! A particular mention must go to all those who took part in the Inter-House Chocolate Advent Calendar eating race - well done to Phoebe and Hannah from Arion House on a resounding victory! Similarly, a big “thank you” to Mrs Vigers-Belgeonne for allowing me to create chaos in the Hospitality kitchen by trying to cook a Christmas mug in a microwave…the less said the better! It was also a real joy and privilege to support Hazlegrove during their Advent and Christmas Services.

That said, I do regret eating locusts (like John the Baptist) - an acquired taste is putting it lightly! Additionally, I must apologise once again for taking a humorous aim at the Headmaster and senior staff at Hazlegrove. Indeed, I was amazed they invited me back to speak at Easter!

Talking of Easter, that term saw the School plunged into another season of remote teaching. I find that it’s so easy and tempting to join in with the grumbling during such times. However, in the midst of the isolation and internet chaos, we enjoyed such treats as “Knowing Me, Knowing You – A-Ha” a weekly series of light-hearted video interviews with the newest members of King's Bruton staff. Silly questions saw us discover all sorts of oddities about these fresh members of the KSB Community.

We learnt of Mr Lovell’s hatred for feline companions, Ms Moran’s proud Scottish identity, and Mr White’s antics

Alongside, “Knowing Me, Knowing You – A-Ha,” Chapel had to be filmed in isolation. With a lack of guests, this saw me having to dig deep and scrape the barrel when it came to my rather limited acting repertoire. My apologies to all those who were inflicted with such “treats.” We met various brothers/ cousins/grandparents who all looked a lot like Mr Bev and all seemed to live in a similar house. The accents and costumes were almost as poor as the acting. But hopefully there were some laughs and some important points made as we looked at how the Bible addresses “mistakes we all make” our sermon series for the term.

If there’s one final thing I’m especially thankful for from that second lockdown it was time. Time to be able to invest in talking to and meeting with (social distanced of course!) those staff and pupils who needed it the most. So often, term time becomes all consuming: a never-ending rat race of lessons, emails, activities, sport, music, roll-calls, preps, duties etc. Lockdown removed many of those features and gave us space to check in and care for one another.

The truth is, we all struggle and have seasons of hardship. I can genuinely say that during lockdown it was a great honour to walk alongside people during those times of adversity. Indeed, it has nearly always made a huge difference to me too.

After a year of weekly video services, the Summer term saw a change in approach. The easing of restrictions meant that in-person house services at roll calls could occur. What joy it was to meet face to face in House gardens, common rooms, and even kitchens to consider the reassuring hope God offers all of us at times of anxiety. We’d managed to do a few similar House services during the Christmas term, and

Lastly, I am pleased to say that the end of the Summer Term saw me complete my degree training for ordination into the Church of England with St Mellitus College in London. I have utterly loved my three years of study - it has been formational. I will miss much of it, especially the fellowship - though I shan’t miss the weekly trips in and out of London late at night. I’d like to take this moment to say a big THANK YOU to the School for all their support during the three years – it has meant a great deal and I never take it for granted.

So that was a whistle-stop tour of the Chaplaincy’s year. I’m sure I’ve forgotten various moments, and if I forgot to mention you, or thank you, please accept my apologies. 2020-21 will not be forgotten for a long time.

I like to think of it as a vintage year.

In the face of adversity and challenges, God graciously equipped us in so many ways. The Psalmist seemed to know this better than anyone else. After having experienced grief, anger, lament, fear and all sorts of trials, they were still able to sing, “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.” How true. Through thick and thin. Through times of joy and sorrow.

Through achievement and hardship.

Through 2020, 2021 and beyond, God’s love endures forever.

To watch, please click or scan the QR Code.

Hazlegrove Advent Locust Eating

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this is definitely a format I’m keen to keep using in the future. Indeed, small, intimate House services are a fantastic discovery. The second half of the Summer term saw a return to videos with the theme of “Lies of our Culture.”

So often we’re told to “be busy” or that “winning is everything” or that “if you disagree with someone you must hate them.” What rubbish! Praise God for his liberating truth that combats these deceptions of our society. Moreover, it has also been a great to see how the Christian faith addresses all sorts of school issues this year: from gender equality through to mental health and the environment; there really is nothing more relevant than the eternal truths of the Bible.

Inter-House Advent Calendar Eating Race

Christmas Carol Service

Knowing Me, Knowing You - A-Ha Miss MacLeod-Ash & Mr White

CHAPLAINCY

during his time as a boarder in Lyon House. In the seriousness of school, it’s important to pause, laugh, and spend some time getting to know one another.

Sometimes I worry that we forget how precious such things are. Indeed, often we all take things a bit too seriously and get stuck in a task mentality. So let’s remember to: pause, breath, laugh, live.

Knowing Me, Knowing You - A-Ha Mr Lovell

Food Bank Donations

House Service in the Blackford House Common Room

Deo Juvante!

Me & my formation group of Ordinands at our last ever evening of lectures & tutorials

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CCF Craig Barrow Contingent Commander CCF

CCF

2020-21 was the year that CCF continued to be impacted by the worldwide pandemic - Covid 19, as most of society and the world was.

Strict return to work protocols and C19 insets were compulsory from the MOD to even allow for onsite training for CCF’s to take place. Officers and NCOs were to wear masks and to keep a strict 2m distance when teaching.

Whenever possible, lessons should be outside, and all equipment needed to be wiped down after use. Hand washing was the norm and CCF’s had to adapt to provide some form of activities for the cadets.

Parade was a separate affair to stop ‘bubbles’ mixing. The 4th Form & 5th Form were separate entities, and a real feel of collectiveness was lost, but at least training was on in some form. The RN were not sailing, however, at Cheddar Reservoir due to C19 regulations virus.

Sadly, the term saw the cancellation of many exciting off-site activities including the Advanced Infantry Live Range Day at Yoxter Ranges. The CCF Formal Dinner in November was another casualty due to C19, and the November lockdown saw the cancellation of two Field Days on site as external providers were not allowed to visit.

The January/February lockdown saw the cancellation of Ten Tors for a second year, a real shame for the group who had been training on site throughout the Christmas term. The Biennial Inspection was another casualty, alongside the planned Isle of Wight Easter Camp, and with remote teaching there was no CCF again. Finally, in the Summer term 2021, there was hope on the horizon and the RN were able to sail again at Cheddar Reservoir and then finally in June 2021, for the first time since March 2020, a CCF group ventured off-site 118

for a Field Day/Night in Cornwall.

The 4th Form group ventured south to Newquay for an afternoon of fire making, axe throwing and night vision with instruction provided by Footsteps of Discovery. An overnight camp in tents in a wood was such a highlight after 16 months of reduced activity. The next morning we ventured into the sea for a morning of exciting coasteering with Newquay Activity Centre. The excitement on the faces of the cadets in the sea on that morning was a joy to behold and showed what we had been missing and to never take such trips for granted.

Sadly, we have to say a fond farewell to Lt Brearley who leaves for a career in the RM Military Band. We wish her well in her new career and cannot thank her enough for her contribution to CCF and her energetic leadership of the RN section, but also as Ten Tors Manager and her commitment to DoE. She has thrown herself, literally when doing coasteering and Hi/low ropes, into everything that CCF, Ten Tors and DoE can offer, and her presence will be sorely missed. We look forward to welcoming her back for the Formal Dinner in November in her new uniform.

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CCF

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THE DOLPHIN

Dolphin Productions Lluc Tupman

DOLPHIN PRODUCTIONS

Recording Suite Manager It’s been an eventful time in The Queen Elizabeth Music School, King's Recording Studio and Hauser & Wirth Recital Hall. Despite ongoing complications with the pandemic we have strived to open our doors as much as possible, as well as adapt our facilities to help pupils continue their musical education and performances to the highest standard.

I was pleased to welcome author, Mark Macauley, into the studio and help him produce an audiobook of his novel ‘The House of Slamming Doors’.

It was an exciting experience as we took the production to new levels with the inclusion of many Foley sounds. These were created by us in the studio, utilising various objects in creative ways, as well as a vast array of professional sound effects to bring the production to life.

I also created several trailers for the release of the audiobook to help with promotion and advertising on YouTube.

I was thrilled to be the producer on such an exciting project and am pleased to say the audiobook has been met with some fantastic reviews after being released on Audible. These include a spot by the very talented Stephen Fry “A marvellous achievement! A Tubular Bells for the podcast and audiobook generation!” and “An Audacious one off!” review in The Guardian.

Although persistent lockdowns would have us closing our doors several times, I was pleased to welcome the theatre group Extraordinary Bodies into the studio and the performance space in the concert hall. Extraordinary bodies ‘is the UK’s leading, professional, integrated circus company. Creating bold, radical and joyous large scale performances.’

Their leading artistic practice increases national awareness of the integration of D/deaf, disabled and non-disabled artists working equally together.

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Partnered with leading show makers Cirque Bijou and leading arts and diversity practitioners Diverse City.

The space was used by an incredible ensemble of musicians and performers to prepare for an original show launching early 2022. With Charles Hazlewood composing original music and leading the band of multi-instrumentalists incorporating synths, guitars, drums and a vast variety of effects. Across a week of writing, practice, recording and making lots of noise the cast created some amazing stuff and, although I can’t mention too much about the show (more info to come in time!) I can say it won’t be one to miss!

Although fantastic to have many ensembles using the concert hall, it’s always a highlight to welcome some exceptional solo musicians to the studio.

I had the pleasure to film, record and mix, double bass player Josie Jobbins.

Josie came to me wanting to produce four pieces of music to use as a portfolio for her orchestral interviews as well as promoting her website and channel online. Accompanied by pianist Clair Sydenham, we decided to do a live recording in the hall utilising the fantastic acoustics and natural reverb to make the strings shine! I was able to edit the videos to the recording and produce a music video of her performance. Josie played brilliantly and has used her videos to showcase her skills in various interviews since.

Another fantastic musician I had the pleasure of recording, is Trinity choral scholar Sumei Bao-Smith. Sumei came to record in our vocal booth as part of a Christmas collaboration that saw her sing with four other accomplished vocalists for a charity track. Sumei is exceptionally talented and not only performed brilliantly throughout the day but harmonised all her parts with little effort. It was a wonderful

experience to record someone with such technique.

Of course, we have been very active at trying to give the pupils at King's the best possible experience, considering the restrictions that have been in place.

With this is mind there have been areas and subjects where the studio has enabled pupils to thrive where they may not have been able to otherwise.

I have had the pleasure of recording the Sixth Form Drama and Performing Arts class over the last term. Where they were set to perform the play ‘Arsenic and Old Lace’ by Joseph Kesselring before lockdown, Head of Performing Arts, Will Stainton, and I decided to adapt it into a radio play instead. This enabled the pupils to still perform the play as well as push their skills into a new format, building their experience in voice acting and being behind a microphone in the studio. All of the pupils did a brilliant job despite some of them never being recorded before!

With restrictions in place, exams have also had to be adapted, and I’m happy to say that we had over a dozen excellent results in Grade exams all of which had to be filmed and recorded for submission throughout the last two terms. Despite the persistent problems, we have also managed to livestream and film all of our school concerts giving the pupils a platform to perform without parents missing out.

I look forward to some new and exciting projects on the horizon and to welcoming back all who would like to use our facilities in the future!

Click or scan the QR Code to go to King's Bruton SoundCloud.

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Click or scan the QR Code to go to King's Bruton YouTube.

DOLPHIN PRODUCTIONS

Click or scan the QR Code to go to the Dolphin Productions webpage.

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Sport Director of Sport Rugby Girls’ Hockey Boys’ Hockey Netball Cross Country Cricket Athletics Tennis Swimming Health Related Fitness Equestrian Team Photographs

Henry Eriksson Director of Sport

DIRECTOR OF SPORT

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A Year of Sport

This has been another highly frustrating year with the disruption that COVID 19 has brought to all areas of school life, with sport being no exception.

As pupils were asked to; adjust to limited or no inter-school sports, adapt to rule changes and the ways games are played, as well as having to motivate themselves to exercise during another lockdown, I have been nothing short of amazed at the resilience and positive attitude displayed by so many King's Bruton pupils during such difficult times.

However, despite operating under such tight restrictions, I was immensely proud to see our equestrian team perform to such a high level, with the 1 metre team becoming National Champions in the Open Eventers Challenge at Hickstead, whilst Emily Weeks became individual National Champion in the same class.

This is an outstanding achievement on both counts.

I am delighted that we managed to get some inter-school fixtures played 124

during the Christmas term and playing cricket in September, whilst a gamble, was an undoubted success. There were some excellent performances from our girls’ hockey teams, whilst we also saw the first football fixture played in several years. The Easter term challenged us all, not least because we faced the uncertainty of another lockdown whilst having to motivate ourselves to remain active during the cold and dark winter months. However, for many of us, the King's fantastic community spirit shone through, as pupils, staff and parents alike rallied together to compete in the various Strava competitions on offer.

It was refreshing to welcome pupils back for the summer term as we felt some level of normality return, with spectators allowed back on site and with full inter-school fixtures resuming.

As we have become accustomed to in recent times, the term was not without its challenges as the weather took its toll. The wettest May on record saw us lose numerous cricket fixtures whilst pupils had to get used to a wet weather

programme. However, the pupils and indeed staff, consistently demonstrated their positive attitude and enthusiasm as they again adapted to overcome another difficult and highly pressurised period of time. The latter half of the summer term saw the sunshine return and allowed our very talented tennis players, cricketers and athletes the opportunity to demonstrate their prowess and finish a challenging year for school sport on a positive note. It was also a huge bonus to be able to play some hockey and netball fixtures, whilst a highlight of the term was the 1st XV finally being able to play a match to reward them for their months and months of training!

As always, none of this would be possible without the energy, enthusiasm and attitude of the pupils but also the outstanding commitment of the staff and I am safe in the knowledge that come September, we will be stronger and ready to embark on the next adventure that is King's Bruton sport.

Firstly, I want to say a huge thank you to all the staff for keeping our pupils motivated throughout the first term with some excellent rugby sessions. We had over 70 training sessions without a fixture, and it is a credit to both staff and pupils for the way they engaged.

Whilst touch rugby has improved pupils handling ability and ability to find space. I am excited to hopefully have some normality back to rugby in September.

We were lucky enough to have one 1st XV game against Wells Cathedral School. This game highlighted to me that our boys have worked extremely hard in training and have understood the balance between unstructured and structured rugby. It also demonstrated

that the pupils have worked extremely hard in the gym as we were much bigger and stronger in the contact area. A big thank you to Mr Gibbins for his time and excellent programming to get the pupils in fantastic shape. It also showed that this team could have been one of the strongest sides that King's Bruton have seen for a long time.

In the first 15 minutes of the match, Wells Cathedral competed well in the tackle area and were determined that we were not going to get over the line.

However, fantastic ball carrying from Alex Bairstow, Oliver Barber, George Johnson, James Newcombe and Javdat Muminov broke down the defence.

It was great to see the new L6th Form come in and make a real impact. Lewis O’Grady and Charlie Wichary both controlled the game well at 9 and 10 with both Josh Hyland and Felix Mornement looking impressive in the midfield. We finally got onto the scoreboard with a penalty kick from Lewis O’Grady. After this, we started to look at the stronger side. Some fantastic

team tries from Ben Burton and Oliver Barber where we used our pick and go game well to secure some points.

Lewis O’Grady then scored a fantastic individual try with a chip and chase into the goal area. Isaac Pugh finished a well worked try with some outstanding footwork to beat three defenders to get over the line. Oliver Luck also scored, surging through the defence and using his 6ft 5inch frame to dive over the line in style.

Thank you to all the U6th Form, you have transformed the rugby here at King's over the last four years and have built a culture and a love for rugby. I wish you all the very best in your next journey and please do keep in touch. A special farewell to Mr Gibbins who has been instrumental in creating a love for the gym and I know the U6th along with the whole school will truly miss him and his sense of humour. I am looking forward to the normal season next year with exciting year groups coming up through the ranks.

THE DOLPHIN

Ben Hawley looks back upon a most frustrating season whereby his talented group of players should be hugely commended for their unwavering commitment, dedication and resilience to keep training and improving despite not having matches.

RUGBY

Rugby

Harry Bishop & Pepe Cassinello Gonzales

Tom Hackney & Kai Cierach Oliver Barber

George Johnson

Oliver Luck

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THE DOLPHIN SPORT - GIRLS’ HOCKEY

Girls’ Hockey Despite the restrictions and uncertainty surrounding school sport, it was fantastic for the girls to be able to play some inter-school fixtures and have some semblance of a hockey season.

Under the circumstances, the senior girls managed to enjoy a productive pre-season at school with two days of intense and high-quality training. What stood out in particular was the energy and enthusiasm demonstrated by the girls as they were clearly delighted to be back on a hockey pitch. With some schools deciding not to play interschool fixtures, the whole programme was amended, and I was very pleased that we still managed to find schools were also willing to play, albeit with a reduced number of teams.

The first weekend saw the girls line up against Warminster School and with the emphasis on enjoyment and making the most of being out on the pitch together again, there were some fantastic team

The 1st XI were comprehensive winners as some very exciting attacking play resulted in some excellent goals being scored. The movement of Jasmine Spilsbury, Kitty Walker, Anya Evans and Georgina Woods in the front line was difficult for Warminster to deal with and the energy that Julia Schedl, Sophie Gould and Marcia Kennard showed from midfield was impossible for Warminster to compete with.

The U15As enjoyed a frustrating draw as they simply could not make their dominance count against a gritty and hardworking opposition. Despite the best efforts of Skyla Cannon, Honey Halperin and Mimi James, the ball simply would not go in and although Anouska Loveridge and Ellie Duval in the King's midfield controlled proceedings, it was a very scrappy affair.

Finally,

playing

in

their

first

ever fixture for King's, the U14s enjoyed a comfortable victory as they demonstrated some of their huge potential. With so many exciting attacking options available through Lilah Bird, Harriet Vallings, Emily Weeks, Anna Ingvaldson and Araminta Wakelin and the solid defensive platform of Lucy Duval, Sophie Coverdale and Florence Wood, Warminster found it difficult to cope despite having some talented players of their own.

With the same three teams in action versus Marlborough College, in what was a very difficult fixture, there were some hugely encouraging performances.

The 1st XI battled their way to a 1-0 away victory with some excellent attacking play from Julia Schedl and Marcia Kennard whilst the defence of Davina Ellis, Millie Venner-Coombes, Isca Bird, Katie Wootton and captain Pip Venner-Coombes held firm and produced some outstanding last-ditch

Julia Schedl

Harriet Vallings & Araminta Wakelin

Sophie Coverdale

Poppy Agabani

Marcia Kennard

Emily Weeks

Winnie Dawes

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and individual performances.

Alexina Andrew, Winnie Dawes & Coralie Smith

The U14As faced very tough opposition but showed incredible determination to listen and improve, resulting in a very encouraging 5-2 loss. Some excellent goalkeeping from Alex Griffin was also a positive to take from the game, whilst Emma Sheldon, Bel Rundle and Ryanne Woods also demonstrated the progress they were making as they continue to adjust to senior school hockey.

Some midweek fixtures with Wells Cathedral saw the 1st XI defeat their talented side 1-0 with Liv Kunz at the heart of the defence controlling the game, whilst the U15As secured another

In their first match of the season the 2nd XI produced a fantastic performance to win 4-1, with Maya Wigram, Lily Ingvaldson, Natalie Wilmshurst and Charlotte Elway all impressing. In what ended up being the final fixture of the term, King's produced some very impressive performances against Millfield.

The 1st XI won 2-1 versus Millfield’s U16A team after two very well taken goals by Jasmine Spilsbury. The 2nd XI came unstuck as they lost 1-0, despite the best efforts of player of the match Lottie Rundle.

It was also great for ‘The Mighty 3rd XI’ to have their first run out of the season versus a ladies Yeovil and Sherborne Hockey Club side and although the result went in the favour of the visitors, it was fantastic for the girls to put some of their training into practice. Captain Imogen Dawe was

ably assisted by Lulu McDade, Grace Tillman and Lily Crossfield who all produced fantastic performances.

Finally, the U15As defeated Millfield U15Bs comfortably 4-0 whilst the U14A and U14B teams had difficult afternoons against strong opposition.

However, in their first match the U14Bs showed outstanding work ethic and commitment with Winnie Dawes, Satine Miles, Hannah Motojima and Maisie Rees leading by example. Olivia Walker in the King's goal also had an excellent afternoon.

With inter-school fixtures not being allowed half term, I was hugely impressed with the way the girls embraced our ‘Crowns’ vs ‘Dolphins’ competition and it was fantastic to witness the competitive spirit which remained despite being restricted to playing internal fixtures only. As always, a huge thank you must go to the exceptional staff and all the girls for their unwavering enthusiasm and willingness to improve their hockey throughout the course of the season.

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Equally the U15As showed outstanding fighting spirit to secure a 0-0 draw in a game either side could have won. Georgia McDade in the King's goal, alongside her defence of Jenna Coverdale, Rose Cobden, Ellie Grieve, Freya Cameron-Clarke and Ellie Williams.

0-0 draw, whilst in a rematch later in the term, King's impressively won 3-2 courtesy of goals from Skyla Cannon (2) and Honey Halperin.

SPORT - GIRLS’ HOCKEY

tackles. Constance Pollard in goal was also a force to be reckoned with as she pulled off some fantastic saves.

Davina Ellis

Girls’ U15A

Girls’ U14A

Pip Venner-Coombes

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THE DOLPHIN SPORT - BOYS’ HOCKEY

Boys’ Hockey This will go down as the season that never was, as frustratingly, it was lost to the lockdown. However, it was wonderful to welcome the boys back in for the last two and a half weeks of term, and I was delighted that we got some hockey played. Despite having such limited pitch time in the previous few months, I was impressed with the standard of play that the boys were producing across the board, from the U14s through to the seniors.

In spite of the disappointment of losing an Easter term of hockey, it was wonderful to be able to get some competitive hockey played with senior boys matches with both Wells Cathedral School and Bruton HC taking place.

This was an opportunity for the boys to test themselves against an opposition and there were some fantastic individual and team performances alike.

Whilst I would like to take this opportunity to thank the U6th leavers, and particularly 1st XI captain Sam Rabbets, Oliver Sykes, Joe Gartell and Adam Barrett-James for their contribution to King's Bruton hockey in their five years at the School. I am also very excited at what the future holds as we, hopefully, are able to have a full boys’ hockey season next year.

Peter Schweyer

Toby Phillips

Archie Hunter & Max Mackintosh

Sam Rabbets

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James Squire & Ben Longman

Adam Barrett-James

However, as a result we have experimented with some new fun, playing mixed senior netball. This has been running as a club after school and has grown in popularity over the Summer term. With some of the boys having never played netball, it has taken a while to develop the more controlled aspects of the game, but their flare and speed has been amazing to watch. This has inspired the girls to play with a similar enthusiasm and the combination of exuberance and speed of passing, inherited from rugby, with the control and athleticism from netball has been incredible to watch.

With very little opportunity to play matches, we finally managed to get a small mixed tournament with Wells

Cathedral School, bringing two teams each. They played a round robin tournament, mixing positions and combinations to allow everyone to gain experience of the competitive game.

Although we came out on the lower end of the results sheet, it was a fabulous morning of netball and hopefully this will become an annual event with Wells Cathedral during the Summer term.

The U14s managed to get one competitive game against Millfield Prep School. Having never played together and some girls being unsure which position their strengths lay, this was a fabulous opportunity to try lots of combinations under the pressure of competition. Saskia shone in defence and gained in confidence throughout the game. The centre court had numerous possible combinations with Minty, Harriet and Emily controlling the attacking end and Lucy flying for interceptions in WD. Sophie made outstanding progress, listening carefully to advice and having an exceptions final quarter. The shooting gained in confidence throughout with Emma, Ryanne, Emily and Harriet all having a quarter in the attacking circle. This was an amazing experience and is very exciting for the future of the junior netball.

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With some of the most promising players we have seen in the senior squad, it has been devasting to be unable to fulfil their potential in the netball season. The girls were preparing well for the netball season with strong competition for top senior squad places.

Jasmine Spilsbury, as captain, with Pip Venner-Coombes as club captain, led by example on their return to school, training hard and hoping they may get some competition in during their final year.

SPORT - NETBALL

Netball

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THE DOLPHIN SPORT - CROSS COUNTRY

Cross Country Malcolm Jeffrey reflects on a season where cross country fixtures did not happen but the opportunity for training increased.

The cross country season was largely a wash out due to COVID, but that did not stop the boys and girls (and staff) from achieving their usual enthusiastic and challenging goals. Fitness was the order of the day and from Mr Hambleton’s relays (both mentally and physically demanding) to the amazing runs round Bruton, every member of the squad improved their technique and their stamina. No runner was lacking in individual effort, and as a group we became stronger, fitter and tougher.

But we enjoyed every second!

We were inspired by our captains of cross country, Josh Blunden and Ella Docherty. They had their opportunity to lead the teams at away fixtures taken from them, but they led well here at King's. They were always enthusiastic and always ready to challenge themselves, as well as others. The staff were indefatigable and we would all like to thank Mr Hambleton, Mr Mitra, Mrs Simper and Mr Parks for their continued and unwavering support.

The crowning glory for the term was being able to run the inter-house cross country which was both entertaining

and competitive. It is the first year of trialling “relays” and proved to be most successful, with some incredible individual efforts.

The results were as follows: 1st Place Girls’ House - Priory 1st Place Boys’ House - Lyon The individual results of the top three runners in the different categories were as follows: Senior Girls: 1) Anya Evans 10:29 2) Marcia Kennard 10:53 3) Lulu McDade 11:13

Sophie Gould & Anya Evans

Senior Boys: 1) Jonathan Read 09:07 2) Archie Coulsey-Belgeonne 09:33 3) Freddie Goggs 09:44 Junior Girls: 1) Anouska Loveridge 10:55 2) Coralie Smith 11:16 3) Skyla Cannon 11:23 3) Georgia McDade 11:23

Oliver Stuart

Junior Boys: 1) Max Palmer 9:17 2) Charlie Galpin 9:36 3) Ben Longman 9:55 3) Will Hawkins 9:55 Thank you for everyone who helped out and supported the event. We are all looking forward to next year when we will be able to travel and compete again.

Max Palmer

Lily Innes

Phoebe Slight & Sophie Doig

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Alexandria Griffin & Cara Buck

THE DOLPHIN

Cricket Playing cricket in September this year was a first but undoubtedly a success, particularly as were unsure as to whether inter-school fixtures would be able to go ahead. However, we played against Wells Cathedral School, Monkton Combe and Warminster, with the 1st XI winning all of their matches, and what was most pleasing, was the level of excitement the teams demonstrated in being able to go out and play competitive fixtures again against different schools.

Cricket at King's has really excelled this year considering the circumstances.

In the Summer term, we managed to field three senior sides and four junior sides most weeks, which is excellent because we are giving all the pupils who want to participate in a cricket fixture the opportunity to do so.

Our 1st XI and U15A teams have been particularly strong this season, with some brilliant performances against some bigger schools with larger pupil numbers, and so huge credit must go to

the King's boys and girls.

One of our tougher fixtures vs Sherborne School saw the 1st XI pull off a great win, with Jay Terry scoring 78 runs from 59 balls with the bat and then Harry Love achieving bowling figures 4 overs for 21 runs and 3 wickets. In the U15s, Ronnie Frost, Ben Longman, Felix Mounde and Georgia McDade also all put in strong performances against Sherborne. The future is bright for cricket at King's with Daniel and Darius, our exchange pupils from Barbados also significantly contributing to the cricket programme.

Our comprehensive winter programme, run at King's by Mark Davis, also continues to go from strength to strength with an increasing number of pupils looking to train in the off season.

Exciting further still, is that girls’ cricket is becoming increasingly more popular here at King's, and consequently the after school sessions have been well attended, and next season we will be looking to incorporate it into the games programme as an option as well as also putting a fixture programme together.

Harry Love

Jay Terry

SPORT - CRICKET

In his first year as King's Bruton Head of Cricket, Chris White contemplates a year of cricket like no other, with training and inter-school matches taking place in September.

Joe Gartell

Grace Sansom

Finally, well done to Jay Terry and Ronnie Frost who continue to perform well for Somerset County Cricket.

Sam Rabbets

Photo courtesy of Nick Rabbets

Freddie Goggs

Will Hawkins

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THE DOLPHIN SPORT - ATHLETICS

Athletics Alex Ireland recognises the benefits of increased training time due to the fewer numbers of athletics meets and the positive impact this had on performances later on in the term.

jump, with Jenna Coverdale jumping a personal best in the triple jump to finish 2nd. Skyla Cannon competed in both the high jump and long jump gaining huge personal bests in both events.

With an uncertain season ahead for the athletes, training began in the sunshine, and allowed us plenty of time to establish good baseline fitness and techniques.

With the promise of more relaxing of lockdowns, we prepared to have our first meeting at Dauntsey’s. We had a fabulous afternoon of athletics. With lots of very promising performances, including hurdles by Emily Weeks and Benji Pugh, Long Jump. Personal bests from Skyla Cannon and Emily, as well as triple jump personal bests from Emily and Jenna Coverdale. On the track Felix Mornement ran a great 200m, Araminta Wakelin a fast 800m and Anya Evans a very fast 1500m. In the throwing events there were great performances by Millie Venner-Coombes, Hayley George, Tom Jones and Toby Phillips.

The midweek competition saw the 3rd and 4th Form combining for the English Schools Cup Team event at Millfield.

This is a different event whereby places are not relevant but times, distances and heights result in points gained for your team. The afternoon began with some fantastic performances from Leo Cao, throwing 10.85m in shot, and Hayley George a personal best of 23.09m in discus. Louis jumped an incredible 11.61m in triple jump, another personal best after Saturday’s county performance and Emily Weeks jumped 4.56m in long jump.

This inspired some positive training back at school leading up to the county championships. These were held over two weekends this year, with the Seniors and Inters on the first weekend.

With a much lower number of athletes competing, the standard was very high across all of the events. We took 21 athletes in 26 events, most of whom recorded either a personal or season’s best performance. There were 3 county champions - Oliver Luck in the triple jump, Toby Phillips in shot and Tom Jones in the discus, all of them in their last year of school athletics.

On the track there were very strong performances by Anya Evans in the 1500 steeple chase, James Black with a very fast 800m race finishing 2nd, Lily Innes, Florence Carter, Felix Mornement and Hugo Walker all ran PBs in the sprint events, and Max Palmer ran his first competitive 3000m in a new personal best time. Louis Farrell entered his first ever county championships coming 2nd in both the triple and long 132

This left both the boys’ and girls’ teams in 3rd place after the field events.

The track began with a bang with both Emily and Benji Pugh winning their hurdles race and Hugo Walker running really well for a third place, but with a quicker time than heat A! Both the girls and boys middle distance runners ran well, with Anouska Loveridge and Lucy Duval scoring good points in the 1500m and Charlie Galpin and Max Palmer having a fantastic race to finish with good points.

The sprinters performed very well scoring in mid to high teens. Araminta Wakelin and Harriet Vallings had a very competitive 800m race between them finishing on equal points, with Henry Heggarty running very well for 19 points in his 800m. The relays, which are not necessarily the fastest 4 sprinters, but those who hadn’t competed in a second event, performed their changeovers very well, to score good points.

Overall, the Inter girls scored 338 points finishing 4th and the boys a fantastic 344 points finishing 3rd. The athletes really enjoyed this event and the team effort and encouragement of their teammates was very pleasing to see.

Inter-House Preliminary Sports Days Due to the restrictions in place this year, we ran sports day preliminary rounds for every year group. This ensured that everyone had the chance to perform in athletics and find events which may suit them for the season.

This started with the 4th Form. The atmosphere was full of energy and enthusiasm, helped by some musical beats provided by Mr Stainton! Notable performances on the track for the girls came from Skyla Cannon, Lily Innes and Ellie Grieve in the sprint events and Anouska Loveridge and Lucy Duval in the middle distances. The relay was won by Wellesley, in a tightly fought race. The boys had fantastic races in the sprint events, with Will Hawkins winning the 100m and Mats Sander the 200m. The distance races were dominated by Max Palmer, winning both the 800m and 1500m. Lyon won another closely contested relay.

THE DOLPHIN SPORT - ATHLETICS

The final event of the season was the Junior County Championships.

With both hurdlers, Emily and Benji, performing very well we had a good start to the day. Toby threw very well in the javelin and discus with personal bests. On the track Charlie ran a strong 1500m, with Coralie, Alex and Minty all running well in the 100m, 200m and 800m respectively. Emily jumped a PB in the long jump and Minty throw a very good javelin over 20m. For their first competition at this level all of the juniors performed very well.

In the throwing events, there were some great throws by Leo Cao to win both the shot and discus, and Mats throwing over 20m in the javelin. The jumps were dominated by Louis Farrell who won all 3 convincingly, setting up a promising season for him. Georgia McDade threw an incredible Javelin throw, over 24m with Ellie Grieve winning the shot and Hayley George the discus. Wellesley controlled the jumping events, with Skyla Cannon winning both the long and triple jump and Niamh Wright the high jump. Special mention must go to the boys in Lyon who competed in every 133

THE DOLPHIN SPORT - ATHLETICS

event between just 4 boys! A tiring but impressive effort by them all.

The final results were: Girls Boys 1st - Priory 1st - New 2nd - Arion 2nd - Lyon rd 3 - Wellesley 3rd - Blackford

4th - Old An enthusiastic energy accompanied the Sixth Form to Farr Field for their afternoon of sports. An incredible race started the track events with Sam and Issac in the hurdles, followed by some fantastic sprints, involving Ollie, Felix, Aiden, Sam and Will. The 800m was won by Peter and Luca and Archie ran personal bests for a very close 1500m race. In the field Wellesley’s Millie and Pip dominated the throwing events winning all 3 between them! Rowan nearly got a PB in high jump in the first competition of the year on grass!

Ollie jumped over 11.40 in triple jump and Sam jumped 5.50m in long jump.

The girls high jump was contested between Kitty and Issy, with Jasmine winning the triple jump and Emily the long jump. The relays should have been close to a school record, were it not for a poorly executed baton change, leaving New House to run in for the victory. The girls race was much closer with Wellesley coming in just ahead of Priory. The seniors also ran a whole House egg and spoon race over 800m - a fun and interesting end to the day, won by Old House.

The final results were: Girls Boys st 1 - Wellesley 1st - Old nd 2 - Priory 2nd - New rd 3 - Arion 3rd - Blackford

4th - Lyon A sunny afternoon greeted the 3rd Form for their first athletics competition at King's. Again, the atmosphere was lively, with the Lyon house Lyon being carried around for support! The hurdles were won convincingly by Benji Pugh and Emily Weeks, both demonstrating text book technique throughout the race. Priory dominated the girls track events, with Coralie Smith, Lucy Duval and Araminta Wakelin winning all the events from 100-1500m! The boys event was much more even, with

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Alex Scott winning the 200m, Henry Heggarty the 300 and 800 and Charlie Galpin the 1500m. Toby Farragher achieved a first place and two seconds in the throws, beaten by fantastic efforts

by Harry Bishop in the Javelin and Ronnie Frost in the shot. Araminta, Emma Sheldon and Ruby Andrews won the girls throwing events, with lots of personal best performances. In the jumps, Emily Weeks won both the long and triple jump with Belle Rundle a close second. The relays were won by Priory and New House.

The final results were: Girls Boys 1st - Priory 1st - Lyon 2nd - Wellesley 2nd - Blackford rd 3 – Arion 3rd - New

4th - Old

Girls’ 1st VI The girls’ 1st team have had a great season of tennis. Led by their captain Isabella Bird, they have had some tough battles and close tennis matches in which they will all develop and grow as tennis players from. A tricky start to the summer season against some strong schools proved to be a confidence drainer for some players. However, this did not last long after some good wins over Downside, Monkton Combe, and Clayesmore, they began to come together as a team and play some wonderful and clever tennis, particularly Lulu McDade and Olivia Nicol. Jemima Hurst, India Finch-Hatton, and Jasmine Spilsbury also played some great tennis in pivotal moments to secure the overall win for the team.

India Finch-Hatton

Girls’ 2nd VI The Girls’ 2nd VI have evidently been a strong team over the summer. After initially losing to Bryanston 6-3 in the first match of the season they then went on a six-match winning streak. Winning in rubbers very convincingly. Natalie Wilmshurst and Sophie Doig started the season a little tentatively, but soon began to find confidence as a team and began winning sets with ease. Laura Purefoy produced a lovely display of

serving whilst Marcia Kennard showed lovely feel with her volleys at the net.

Natalie Wilmshurst & Sophie Doig

Girls’ 3rd VI The Girls’ 3rd VI team have had a steady season, with a mixture of losses and wins. Amy Hurst and Cressida Bird worked well together over the summer, fighting back hard in a lot of matches after finding themselves down, before eventually going on to win in a match tie break or 6-4 set. Juliette Webb and Imogen Dawe also had some close battles. Winning about 50% of their matches with some very close points that could have gone either way. Their most recent win against Clayesmore school 5-4 in rubbers was a match filled with lots of drama and long baseline exchanges, in which King's Bruton manage to get the better of.

Well done to all senior girls teams this summer for a very productive season of tennis.

Boys’ 1st VI: The 1st team, led by captain Archie Martyn-Smith have had some nail biting matches this season. They have come up against some hard-hitting opponents, with powerful and accurate serves. The boys started the season with a good win against Downside and more recently began losing some close matches 5-4 in rubbers. Aled Downes, Javdat Muminov, Archie Martyn-Smith

Oscar Price

and Lewis O’Grady had some fantastic wins against 1st pair oppositions such as Bryanston and Wells Cathedral.

Freddie Comer and Oscar Price also at times played some consistent tennis in important moments. A good effort from all players and a season in which all the 1st team can take positives away from.

Boys’ 2nd VI: The 2nd team started the season with some heavy losses against some high standard opponents. As the season went on, they began to find some rhythm and started to win matches more comfortably. Luke Hutchinson and Hugo Fisher had some fantastic comebacks, particularly against Monkton Coombe. After trailing by 4-0 they fought back in the 20-degree heat and took the match 6-4. Jack Binns and Tom Curry also displaying some lovely tennis over the summer and winning a lot of rubbers for the team.

THE DOLPHIN

In his first season as King's Bruton Head of Tennis, Callum Forder reflects on an impressive and enjoyable term of tennis.

SPORT - TENNIS

Tennis

Tom Matkevich & Jack Binns

Girls’ Junior A VI: The Junior A team, like the senior girl’s 1st team had a slow start to the season. Their opening match against Bryanston school proved to be a tough contest. However, they quickly got over this defeat and had some convincing wins against Downside, Clayesmore, and Leweston. The 1st pairing of Lilah Bird and Anouska Loveridge dominated

Anouska Loveridge

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THE DOLPHIN SPORT - ATHLETICS, SWIMMING & HLF

Marie Goffe, Kirsty Fear and Heidi Bell-West should all take credit for the way in which they have promoted the importance of leading a physical, healthy lifestyle with their engaging and enjoyable Health Related Fitness Programme.

Girls’ Junior B VI: A solid all-round performance from all the B team players. Florence Wood, Freya Cameron-Clarke, Millie Hutchinson, Ryanne Woods, Eleanor Duval and Alienor Lagraulet all played consistent, patient, and smart tennis. As a team they came together to finish the season with a 4-win streak. It was great to see them taking what they learn from training sessions into the match. The B team will take a lot of growth from this summer, hopefully this can be used next season and they can all produce the high-quality level of tennis they have shown.

Girls’ Junior C VI: After a 9-0 defeat on their opening match, the Junior C team soon turned this around. They all worked very well in games sessions, got over their nerves, and allowed themselves to make mistakes in practice which clearly led to higher levels of success in matches. Lucy Duval and Freya Jones showed some lovely net play at times, both players always looking for the intercepting volley. Georgie Neville-Rolfe, Sophie Coverdale, and Freya Jones made some imperative first serves in pivotal moments, this proving to be costly points that led to them winning those rubbers.

A productive summer of tennis for all the Junior C Team players.

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Health Related Fitness

many of their matches, the high intensity this pair brought to the court was clearly reflected in their successful results. 2nd pairing of Honey Halperin and Mimi James showed a great display of baseline hitting, they were able to take some very tight matches 6-4 and played some brave shots under pressure.

A productive season of tennis with lots of learning to be taken from.

Health Related Fitness has gone through a major transformation in the past year, evolving from recreational sport. The main aims of the sports program was to engage pupils in ways that had a real benefit on their physical and mental health whilst increasing basic fitness levels. The program had a mixture of activities ranging from five mile runs, weight training, circuits, yoga, quick cricket and Saturday rounders.

The pupils have loved the variety that has come over the last year and being able to try new sports, as well as gain a basic understandings of fitness more than they may have ever done before.

Swimming Heidi Bell-West has taken on the swimming programme and she is excited at what the future holds for swimming at King's.

This year has been a difficult year to get in the pool. However, we finally made it in the Summer term! Great to see so many of the U6th boys getting in some training and taking on the specialist knowledge from Mrs Griffiths and Ms Bell-West. News travelled through to other years, and they were soon joined by budding 4th and 5th Form swimmers. We are really looking forward to next year’s swim season and already have a gala in the programme against Godolphin in the Christmas term, and there will hopefully be many more to come with the swim squad starting again in September.

Every single pupil has come out fitter, healthier and with a smile on their faces.

Since September the equestrian world has been a little stop-start, and quite often just when combinations started riding well together, we were put back into lockdowns. However, in September a number of pupils attended the Eventers Challenge qualifiers at Pontispool. This event requires the riders to complete a show jumping course, followed straight away by a round of cross-country fences in an arena. It was designed to keep the eventing ponies going during the winter months when the ground is too wet to compete on grass. Over a difficult track, we had some pleasing results, with Lilah Bird coming 2nd in the 90cm and Emily Weeks 3rd in the 1m, both qualifying as individuals for Hickstead. We also had two teams qualify at 90cm, with Sophie Gould and Patrick Dick-Read making up the team. Anna Ingvaldson managed to qualify as an individual in the 1m at KSEC in a small gap in lockdown in January, meaning we needed another team outing to qualify another team at KSEC in April.

On a very wet day we took two small teams, and managed to get a team 1st, with Freya Cameron-Clarke, Lilah Bird and Phoebe Slight, with individuals placings for Lilah and Phoebe. In the 1m class Phoebe won and Lilah came 5th to secure the four members for the 1m team at Hickstead. This meant that we had a team in both the 90cm and 1m class qualified for Hickstead, as well as two individuals.

Sadly, Anouska’s pony was unable to be ridden at the finals, but everyone was delighted that she came to support and be part of the team.

We travelled up to Sussex on the Sunday evening, stabling the ponies and camping in lorries and a local B&B. Having walked the course the evening before, settling ponies and enjoying a BBQ, the girls got a relatively early night! The following day we were late in the class allowing for Emily to drive up that morning. This

meant we could watch a lot of the teams go and we knew that we would need a relatively quick clear for three out of the four riders. Anna Ingvaldson led out with a very quick clear on Roe, followed by Freya on Annie, who was clearly loving her day out, flying around with ease.

Lilah went next and having started very well, had a surprising stop, leaving them departing company. This meant Emily had to go clear to leave us in contention, on the highly experienced Magic.

Keeping a very cool demeanour Emily flew around the track, leaving the team in 2nd! Phoebe also rode as an individual and rode beautifully, to go clear, just too slow for an individual place. Anna’s time was only 0.86 off the optimum time, placing her in 8th individually.

Later in the day we had the 1m class and knowing we could go clear left the girls in a positive frame of mind. They walked the track carefully, with a few bogey fences being identified early on and fence two seemingly being knocked down by every other rider! With very few clears we knew that was a priority as Anna went first for the team. Frustratingly she rolled the same pole on fence two that so many others had but kept her calm and completed the rest of the course in a fast time. Lilah rode next and overcame her disappointment in the 90cm to ride a strong round, only having a minor issue at some tricky angled brush

fences off a tight turn. With two rounds of four faults, we needed two clears to stand a chance! Phoebe rode an amazing round on Robin to secure the clear we needed leaving Emily to go in last for the team. With all of Magic’s experience the expectations were high, and Emily rode a positive and very fast clear, taking all of the short cuts! This left us sitting in 1st place with three teams and 15 individuals to ride. As riders kept having little mishaps the chances of staying in the lead remained high and with only Leweston to go as a team they knew they needed the clear and the pressure was on them.

Fortunately for us three of their riders had faults resulting in our team becoming National Champions! We had to wait for a few more individual results to hear that Emily had also won the class and was the National Champion as an individual too!

Sadly, due to restrictions the girls couldn’t be presented their sashes and prizes in the ring or have a lap of honour - we will have to return next year to gain that experience!

THE DOLPHIN

Alex Ireland describes what can only be seen as an exceptional season for our riders, particularly with the uncertainty of the world we have found ourselves living in.

SPORT - EQUESTRIAN

Equestrian

An amazing experience for the riders, horses and parents!

Click or scan the QR Code to watch a video of this event.

The Arena Eventing National Champions at Hickstead - sadly there was no mounted presentation for the team due to restrictions. Emily Weeks (National Champion as an Individual), Anna Ingvaldson, Lilah Bird and Phoebe Slight.

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THE DOLPHIN SPORT - EQUESTRIAN

Moreton Equestrian Centre hosted a qualifier for the Windsor Horse Show and Hickstead Elite. With tough opposition from both local and some travelling schools, and only the top team qualifying we knew this would be a challenge.

Anouska rode first, with a strong clear round, followed by Anna, who was also clear and fast. Phoebe then rode on her new pony, in only their second competition together and got round clear meaning that Emily could afford to aimed for a fast clear. They flew around and the team got a very quick team score with only Leweston to go. As they had already qualified a team at another event it meant that we would finish 2nd as a team, but took the qualifying spot for Windsor Horse Show on July 3rd. This event also had a team 1m class which we came second in as a team and Emily won on Magic, with only three team members, qualifying the team for Hickstead Elite in July and Addington in October. Emily also competed in the 110 pony class taking a 1st and 2nd place and qualifying for Hickstead Elite and Addington.

On Bank Holiday Monday, some girls went to Dorset Showground in some terrible weather to compete in a BS Schools National Qualifier. Between the rain showers they rode brilliantly to win the 90cm class with Anouska, Freya, Lilah, Anna and Emily. They then went on to win the 1m class, leading to two teams being qualified for the British Showjumping National Finals in Stoneleigh in August.

The qualifying team for National Schools finals for British show jumping, Anna, Emily, Anouska and Lilah.

Anna Ingvaldson riding Ballylee Port Roe, who won the Schools Equestrian Games qualifier for eventing over 90m, came 8th as an individual in the eventers challenge final at Hickstead, has won and been placed 2nd and 7th at BE 90 in her first season.

Freya Cameron-Clarke who was part of the qualifying team for Hickstead at Pontispool and winning at KSEC. She jumped a fabulous clear at the Hickstead eventers challenge finals at 90, with a team 2nd nationally.

Luli Loveridge was in her last year on Ponies (148) and was selected to represent GB in Belgium before the final lockdown which prevented the trip. She won at the Horse of the Year show, The National Championships at Bolesworth Castle and many other events.

Marcia Kennard has had a quieter season while concentrating on her GCSEs. However, in the short time since, she has returned to competition she has won at Moreton ODE and had several BE placings.

With three National Finals to compete at over the summer: Stonar, team and individual eventing in September, and Addington in October, we wish the riders all the best and look forward to hearing the results at the start of the new year.

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She has become National Eventers Challenge Champion at 1m on Drop The Subject, both as an individual and in the King's Bruton team.

THE DOLPHIN

Emily Weeks has had an outstanding season on her ponies - with the summer yet to come.

She has had a fabulous season at BE pony trials eventing on her 2 ponies.

On Corker Buachaill, Emily has also been competing at BE pony trials and U18 competitions with a win and many placings.

Emily awaits selection news on the U18 BE 100 South West squad for the Youth Championships in Yorkshire in July. Best of luck!

SPORT - EQUESTRIAN

Island Boy II has had numerous placing, including a spectacular 15th place in the National Pony Trials at Belsay International.

Anouska Loveridge

Lilah Bird

Team Qualified for the Windsor 90cm & 95cm

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THE DOLPHIN SPORT - TEAM PHOTOGRAPHS 140

1st VI Girls’ Tennis Standing (L to R): L. Nicol, I. Finch-Hatton, J. Hurst Sitting (L to R): A. Ruddock, I. Bird (C), L. McDade

Junior A Tennis Back Row (L to R): P. Freeman, M. James Front Row (L to R): H. Vallings, L. Bird

2nd VI Girls’ Tennis Standing (L to R): D. Burland-Smith, L. Purefoy, P. Agabani Sitting (L to R): J. Spilsbury, N. Wilmshurst, S. Doig

Junior B Tennis Back Row (L to R): E. Duval, M. Hutchinson Front Row (L to R): A. Lagraulet, F. Wood, R. Woods, F. Cameron-Clarke

3rd VI Girls’ Tennis Standing (L to R): I. Dawe, I. Bridge, S. Shone, A. Hurst, E. Gilmour, I. Mason, J. Webb Sitting (L to R): L. Hassler, K. Ruddock, C. Bird, C. Rundle, A. Dawes

Junior C Tennis Back Row (L to R): G. Neville-Rolfe, E. Williams, E. Sheldon, O. Walker, F. Jones, F. Hayward Front Row (L to R): A. Andrew, S. Porter, S. Coverdale, L. Duval, M. Moore

THE DOLPHIN Senior Athletics Back Row (L to R): M. Lenox-Conyngham, M. Wootton, K. Walker, M. Wigram, A. Coulsey-Belgeonne, T. Proctor, S. Gould, A. Evans, L. Hackney Middle Row (L to R): J. Vallings, F. Mornement, W. Cundy, L. Wigley, R. Kawar, O. Luck, O. Barber, H. Strevens, P. Schweyer, J. Hyland, O. Hooker Front Row (L to R): J. Blunden, B. Burton, A. McFarlane, P. Venner-Coombes, T. Jones (C), M. Venner-Coombes, I. Pugh, T. Phillips, G. Woods

SPORT - TEAM PHOTOGRAPHS

1st VI Boys’ Tennis Standing (L to R): J. Muminov, O. Price, L. O’Grady Sitting (L to R): F. Comer, A. Martyn-Smyth (C), A. Downes

1st VI Boys’ Tennis Standing (L to R): J. Muminov, O. Price, L. O’Grady Sitting (L to R): F. Comer, A. Martyn-Smyth (C), A. Downes Junior Athletics Back Row (L to R): R. Edgar, F. Burton, J. Walsh, J. Coverdale, S. Young, A. Scott, L. Cao, L. Farrell, E. Burgess, T. Buck Middle Row (L to R): S. Cannon, C. Binns, T. Farragher, M. Mackintosh, G. Fairburn, H. Walker, M. Palmer, L. Roberts, K. Cierach, B. Pugh, H. Allen, C. Galpin Front Row (L to R): E. Weeks, H. George, H. Hubbard, A. Santoire, A. Ingvaldson, D. Woods, F. Watts, C. Smith, M. Wakelin

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THE DOLPHIN SPORT - TEAM PHOTOGRAPHS 142

1st XI Cricket Standing (L to R): W. Owen, H. Love, C. Binns, L. Ward, J. Terry, A. Frost Sitting (L to R): D. Millard, L. Haywood, J. Gartell (C), A. Barrett-James, S. Rabbets

Junior A Cricket Back Row (L to R): H. Bishop, M. Cole, D. Joseph, A. Hunter, D. Joseph Front Row (L to R): G. McDade, O. Price, H. Heggarty, R. Frost, F. Mounde, B. Longman, J. Squire

2nd XI Cricket Standing (L to R): J. Read, K. Wood, O. Gasson-Hargreaves, H. Burgess, I. Baxter, M. Hayward, O. Sykes Sitting (L to R): G. Sansom, A. White, F. Goggs, L. Hutchison, A. Evans

Junior B Cricket Back Row (L to R): J. Warburton, C. Smith, E. Smith, L. Millard, D. Kittermaster Judd Front Row (L to R): M. Sander, C. White, A. Stewart-Cox, B. Charles, O. Stuart

3rd XI Cricket GCC Standing (L to R): O. Enderby, T. Horner, J. Fowler-Baxter, W. Bartlett, O. Barber, C. Wichary, R. Gibbs, T. Phillips, S. Phillips Sitting (L to R): E. Weekes, O. Baldwin-Battersby, H. Wareham, J. Richmond, O. Lefebvre, B. Haywood, O. Mepham

Junior C Cricket Back Row (L to R): C. Carr, J. Kilby, K. Gray, J. Macro, S. Pole, L. Weston, T. Hackney Front Row (L to R): M. Hopkins, R. McGlynn-Fry, J. Edmondson, A. Mulford, A.Croft, D. Longman, H. Foot

THE DOLPHIN SPORT - TEAM PHOTOGRAPHS

1st XV Rugby Back Row (L to R): H. Strevens, J. Hyland, T. Jones, S. Rabbets, L. Hutchinson, M. Hendrie Standing (L to R): B. Hawley (Coach), L. O’Grady, G. Johnson, C. Wichary, O. Luck, J. Fowler-Baxter, R. Kawar, I. Pugh, S. Gibbins (Coach) Sitting (L to R): B. Burton, S. Phillips, J. Muminov, A. Bairstow (C), O. Barber (C), F. Mornement, J. Newcombe, J. Blunden

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The Dolphin Editorial Team (From left to right) Gabriel Galley (Old House) L6th Form Rosie Longman (Wellesley House) L6th Form Lily Ingvaldson (Priory House) L6th Form Bella Andrew (Priory House) L6th Form Hannah Branfoot (Arion House) L6th Form Lily Crossfield (Priory House) L6th Form Lulu McDade (Priory House) L6th Form Liv Nicol (Wellesley House) L6th Form Amelia Warren (Priory House) L6th Form Freya Smith (Priory House) L6th Form

The Editors thank you for your contributions to this edition of The Dolphin and we hope you enjoy reading it.

Acknowledgements Formal pupil photographs have been reproduced by kind permission of Gillman & Soame photographers and can be re-ordered by contacting Gillman & Soame directly, by email to action@gillmanandsoame.co.uk.

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