Kingswood in focus 2013/14

focus Kingswood in

2013 - 2014

Contents

42

46

48

72

Regulars 1 2 4 8 9 10 24 28 29 30 43 44 50 70 71 74 78 80 81 82

Letter from the Headmaster Staff News Chapel and Community Examination Results Prizegiving The Houses Art KATS Year 10 & 11 Ball Performing Arts From the Archives Work Experience Sport Friends of Kingswood MUN Foreign Trips and Exchanges Trips and Visits Eco-Schools Ten Tors Outdoor Pursuits

Features 42

New Humanities Block Opens A glimpse inside our fantastic new Humanities building

46

Focus on Art and Design Technology Our Art and Design Technology Departments go under the spotlight as we focus on their progress of the last few years and recent successes

86 48

Activities Highlights from the increasing array of activities we offer our students

72

Malawi Revisited We return to Malawi to see how the money Kingswood have raised over the last few years has benefitted the Open Arms Charity

86

A Road Trip to Scotland Ten pupils and staff took to their bicycles to take on the challenge of the Scottish Highlands

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Kingswood Senior School, Lansdown Road, Bath BA1 5RG T. 01225 734210 E. enquiries@kingswood.bath.sch.uk

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Letter from the Headmaster

A Warm Welcome Dear Parents and Friends, Each year Kingswood in Focus chronicles a year in the life of our school; each year I marvel at the reminder of everything that our talented and aspirational young people are achieving, in the full knowledge that a magazine such as this can only ever scratch the surface. Kingswood is by choice a very busy school and a school which is always seeking new opportunities and new openings; you will see much evidence of this in the pages which follow, and my hope is that, as the school grows in this way, so our students grow as individuals as we help them prepare for life beyond Kingswood. We should never lose sight of that fact that, whilst what happens in schools should most certainly be intrinsically valuable and worthwhile in itself, its real value can only be seen in the context of how well our students are prepared for the challenges which they will face beyond school.

At the root of our wholehearted commitment to holistic education is a belief that an education which is academically, culturally, physically, spiritually and socially rich and which at the same time encourages inclusivity, selflessness, humility and tolerance is an education which provides the foundations for our students to embrace life beyond school with confidence, with ambition and equipped with the qualities to make that difference which defines real success. We are naturally delighted that our students secure brilliant examination results and places at leading universities, that they are technologically aware, that our art, music and drama are stunning and that our sport is enjoying unprecedented success. Yet what fundamentally matters is the process by which this happens, the relationships which allow this, and the open-mindedness which allows and indeed encourages change, exploration of new ideas and a willingness to take risks. I count myself very fortunate that I am able to lead a school which is truly independent in this regard; independence allows us to weigh up our options, to decide what is really in the best interest of the students, and to commit ourselves to delivering this at every turn.

“What we really want is for every child in every school to enjoy the very finest education focused very firmly on each child’s individual needs...”

In recent years charitable independent schools such as Kingswood have increasingly been under scrutiny to show that they should continue to receive the benefits bestowed by their charitable status.

We are challenged to share the privileges we enjoy as widely as possible and to actively embrace our responsibilities towards those in the wider community. At Kingswood we are very comfortable with this; indeed such willingness to look well beyond our walls has long been a strength of a school with such clear charitable foundations and with a long-standing commitment to the ideals of the Methodist Church. We are, for instance, currently engaged

in an exciting partnership with Oldfield School, one of our many excellent local state schools, whilst for some years we have been leading projects offering modern languages teaching in local junior schools and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics initiatives across local junior and senior schools. We see such work as a fundamental part of our identity as a school, but crucially we see such relationships as being of enormous benefit to all the young people in all the schools involved. So whilst our bursarial programmes allow us to offer wider access to Kingswood, we are acutely aware that we do have a broader responsibility to those both in our local community and further beyond. For us, this is an absolute cornerstone of our educational philosophy; in preparing students for life beyond school, we wish them to gain an ever deeper understanding of the wider world, and thereby of the possibilities for positive and socially responsible change.

We have absolutely no intention of resting on our laurels. As the school develops in exciting ways and as we seek to maintain our position as a leading local, national and international school, we should not lose sight of one fundamental fact. What we really want is for every child in every school to enjoy the very finest education focused very firmly on each child’s individual needs; my hope is that we may not only be able to do that for Kingswood students, but that the Kingswood community as a whole may be able to have a much broader influence on the education of young people across the city.

Now that really would be true both to the ideals of our founder and to the charitable objectives which define us.

With my very best wishes

Mr Simon Morris (Headmaster and Principal of the Kingswood Foundation) Kingswood in Focus 1

Staff News

EDITOR’S COLUMN As we reported to you in the last edition, KIF is now under new management!

Goodbye...

Following Peter Clarke’s retirement, the Headmaster and I had the difficult task of finding a replacement – certainly a hard act to follow. I am very pleased, however, to confirm that Stephen Campbell, Head of English, has kindly agreed to take up the reins and has already been instrumental in bringing this splendid edition to print after a hand-over from Peter during the Summer holidays.

I am sure that over the coming months Stephen will be able to add his own personality to the style and flavour of this much enjoyed record of school life and I certainly look forward to working with him.

Best wishes, Mrs Angela Dudley-Warde (Director of Maketing & Development)

A word from our new Editor...

It is a great privilege and honour to be responsible for the editing of KIF, especially given all of the outstanding work that has been led by Peter over the last few years. The idea that this magazine will be read in decades to come is quite sobering; it does act as a wonderful record of the truly inspirational things that go on here at Kingswood. I am looking forward to my role in this and hope that I can do the school, and the people who make it, justice.

Mr Stephen Campbell (Head of English) 2 Kingswood in Focus

At the end of the Summer Term we said farewell to two members of the teaching staff who have served Kingswood with distinction over a number of years: Mr Peter Clarke, who joined Kingswood in 2009, has retired after a highly successful tenure in the twilight of a most distinguished teaching career. He joined us with extensive experience as a Physics teacher both in the UK and overseas, yet his influence at Kingswood has extended well beyond his outstanding teaching in the science department. Sports Umpire and supporter, leading member of the Friends of Kingswood, Editor of Kingswood in Focus and selfless supporter of all things Kingswood, Peter Clarke has been a true all-rounder. His openness, honesty, sense of service to the School, and the people in it, and, of course, his quirky sense of humour are defining qualities of a quite outstanding member of the teaching body.

Mr Richard Mainwaring leaves for pastures new, having joined the Music Department in 2000 and, as Director of Music, led Kingswood Music with notable distinction since 2003. Inspirational, creative and innovative, he has had a huge influence on Music, taking it in many different directions and, most significantly, encouraging wide involvement and enjoyment.

A hugely gifted and versatile musician himself, he has sought to encourage both a real appreciation for music and a willingness to experiment and take risks. Music under Richard Mainwaring’s dynamic leadership has been one of the school’s defining strengths: it has never been allowed to stand still, and students have, each year, been offered a whole range of new challenges and new opportunities to develop their musicianship. From weekly worship, lunchtime concerts and master classes, through Abbey services, Green Park, annual themed concerts and performances in local churches, to major choral performances and ambitious recording projects, Music at Kingswood under Richard Mainwaring has been extraordinarily diverse and exciting. Running all of this, whilst also overseeing Academic Music and peripatetic music teaching, is in itself a great challenge; to do this whilst also increasingly being in demand for media and recording engagements beyond Kingswood has been an even greater one, and it is to this that he will now be devoting more time, no doubt with the same energy and success which has defined his exceptional contribution to Kingswood.

Welcome...

I was delighted to welcome the following new teaching staff this year: Mr Stephen Campbell joins us as Head of English.

Mr Campbell was educated at All Hallows RC School and the King’s School, Macclesfield and has an English degree and PGCE from the University of Bristol. Before joining Kingswood he was Head of KS4 English at the Garden International School in Kuala Lumpur (a highly respected international school), having previously taught at St Laurence School in Bradford on Avon.

Mr Michael Haynes joins us in the new post of Head of Academic Music. Mr Haynes was educated at All Saints School, Bloxham and has an MA in Music from Jesus College, Cambridge. Before joining Kingswood he was Joint Subject Leader for Music at The High School for Girls in Gloucester, having previously been Director of Music at Marling School in Stroud. He has also taught at both Taunton School and Wycliffe College.

Mrs Joanne Bruce joins us as a part-time teacher of Economics and Business Studies. Mrs Bruce is a graduate of the University of Bradford, holds a PGCE from Manchester University and, having worked for a few years in accountancy and recruitment consultancy, was teaching at Hardenhuish School in Chippenham before joining Kingswood.

Mr Michael Foster joins us to teach English. Mr Foster attended St Brendan’s College, Bristol for his A levels and has a BA in English Language and Literature from Pembroke College, Oxford and a PGCE in English from Bath Spa University. Before joining Kingswood, Mr Foster lectured in English Language at SGS College, Bristol, having previously worked as an EAL teacher in China.

Mr Jeffery Peabody joins us to teach Mathematics to cover Mrs Knight’s maternity leave. Mr Peabody was educated at Wells

Cathedral School, where he was a colleague of our Academic Deputy Head, Mrs Dawson, has a BEng from the City University London and a PGCE from Oxford Brookes University. Before joining Kingswood he was Deputy Head at All Hallows, Shepton Mallet having previously taught Mathematics and been a Housemaster at Wells Cathedral School, Head of Mathematics at Perrott Hill School, Crewkerne and teacher of Mathematics at Cokethorpe School, Witney. Before becoming a teacher, Mr Peabody was an Engineer with the RAF. Miss Nicola Sparks joins us to teach Chemistry. She has a degree in Chemistry from Reading University and a PGCE from Leicester.

Before joining Kingswood, she taught at St Joseph’s Catholic College in Swindon.

Mrs Janine Solomon-Gardner joins us as part-time teacher of ICT. Mrs Solomon-Gardner was educated at La Swap Sixth Form College, Camden, has a BA from the University of the West of England and a PGCE from Bath Spa University. Following her PGCE she taught part-time at Oldfield School.

Mrs Elizabeth Ward joins us as part-time teacher of Drama.

Mrs Ward was educated at Hurtwood House, Dorking, has a BA from Middlesex University and a PGCE from Edinburgh University.

Before moving to the West Country she taught Drama at St George’s School for Girls, Edinburgh.

At the end of the Summer term we said farewell to...

Mrs Jo Bruce (Economics and Business), Mr Chris Follett (Maths) and Mr Mike Foster (English), all of whom have given a great deal to the School in their short time with us.

Miss Harriet Wilson joins us to reach Religious Education. Miss Wilson was educated at Oundle School, has a BA in Religious Studies from Newcastle University and a Graduate Diploma in Law and LLB from Nottingham Law School.

Miss Serena Guthrie, who coached netball for us last year, joins us as a full-time Sports Assistant, whilst ex-Kingswood student Miss Natasha Brand is this year’s Actor in Residence.

Mr Simon Morris (Headmaster) Kingswood in Focus 3

Chapel and the Community

Worship at Kingswood: A World of Confidence & Indifference In April of this year the School hosted the Methodist Independent Schools’ Annual Conference.

Eighty delegates from across this family of educationalists met at the Bath Spa Hotel to enjoy each other’s company, wisdom from a variety of speakers and the comforts of a fine venue.

On the Friday evening, prior to a meal provided by our school caterers, and which matched anything the Bath Spa could offer, we worshipped in our Chapel.

What happens in the worship of our schools varies. Some still have the pattern of gathering minority groups of boarders on a Sunday. Some select only a few Sundays a term and try to make them ‘big’ occasions for day and boarding pupils and their parents. All will see the Chaplain interact with pupils mid-week, within short acts of 15 minutes duration.

Only Kingswood fits all worship between Monday and Friday, including a weekly ‘whole school’ gathering in its first period of Friday morning (two concurrent services, in the Chapel and Theatre).

of worship with a congregation of mostly teen age.

Period one at Kingswood comes to a close with an ‘Amen’ because it is our main, weekly act of worship. Just short of 800 boys, girls, men and women are in compulsory attendance. Sadly, we can no longer do this in one venue, so the Theatre and Chapel are both busy at the same time.

I’m inspired by the content of these services. Many students will feel the same, because in these schools they ‘get it’; the notion that we do good stuff because the founding faith of the place expects it of us. Outside is a huge lump of Caithness Flagstone, some 8 feet tall, carved with words that begin “Do all the good you can…”. I have lost count of how many people have incorporated those words into their worship. OK, it’s not justification by faith, it’s a bit more James than Paul, it’s not John’s gospel, but it is what registers, and when Chaplains talk about worship, they say that the one guaranteed passage that students have some truck with is the Good Samaritan. They love it, of course, because the clergy look like muppets, because the one despised is elevated, but they love it most of all because it’s faith that does something. For they are disappointed that so much conventional church seems to step outside of an urge to make a difference.

When the Methodist Relief and Development Fund, to which we are linked by World Aims, went for a name change, it absolutely knew that to produce fruit from youth, something churchy or denominational was not on. ‘All we can’ implies effort, commitment, offering – and our worship is the vehicle in which we name the Christ who offered and ask ‘can we do the same?’

In moments like John’s day today, spirit touches spirit. They are not rushing out to the front looking for the mercy seat, but they are absorbing something of what servanthood can be.

Consequently, we have more practice at putting such events together.

It is not unfair to say two things: firstly, the Chaplain here is afforded more time to be creative than in most schools; secondly, there is a much more committed involvement to worship in terms of staff and pupil leadership and skills (particularly those in music) than in most of our schools.

So, trying to encourage others to experiment and being honest about their chances of success, I decided that the theme of my sermon for the Friday evening would be ‘Worship in our Schools’. I felt that the words reflected a lot of which I feel makes up worship at Kingwood and I wanted to share these words with you.

‘Five weeks ago I tried to teach our opening hymn here in the Chapel.

The theme was ‘Music designed to lift’; how the writer uses the octave jump from C to C and then parks words like ‘exalted’, perfect prosody, on the topmost F in his scale.

On the Tuesday, Years 7 and 8 declared uncertainty with little voices.

On Wednesday Years 9, 10 and 11 hid themselves under a blanket of hormonal silence. On Thursday, the Sixth Form, led by the boys, ‘took the roof ’ off the Chapel. Such is the ebb and flow, high and low 4 Kingswood in Focus

Inspectors just love School Councils. Lots of feedback gets lots of ISI brownie points. I don’t love them as much as inspectors do but I do think they offer some interesting insights in to school life.

For example, the food here is really good but when student pickiness outweighs praise during a School Council session, I just want to give them jam sandwiches for the whole week, on white bread, Stork not butter, crusts left on, cut across the middle not corner to corner.

Like food, Chapel worship has its own paragraph during Council sessions. My all-time favourite Year 11 backhander delivered during one such meeting was the exasperated ‘Why is there so much God in Chapel?’ It was edited out of the printed minutes.

But here is the positive. Those minutes, and some of their nice comments from students, have created a real, sustained and valued upsurge in the number of staff who lead Friday worship. Some of them have obvious and long-standing personal commitment and will create their offering over many weeks. Some, are chewing on the bone of a worthy idea that needs the Chaplain to give it Christian flesh – but whichever, because the leaders are known, esteemed, and because they are not the Chaplain, there is a greater sense of worship emerging from within; something organic, better owned by the school. Over the last two years, 16 members of the Common Room

have led Friday acts of worship. That does not include the Head and the Deputies who, as well as prefect groups, all lead worship.

Kingswood calls itself a Liberal outfit. Theologically, that position is influenced by the Liberal academic background of its Chaplain, but being truly Liberal is more than a college tag. It means creating the space, opening the doors, debating hugely variant ways of seeing and doing faith, all of which we encourage during our Friday worship.

Chris Tomlin’s ‘I Will Follow’ was recently part of an act of worship.

At the close, Richard Mainwaring, Director of Music, said, if ever we did it again, he would re-write the arrangement. A few weeks after this, we interviewed for a new Director of Music. One of the tests was to watch a YouTube clip of a song, write the melody line on Sibelius 7 software, chord it and arrange it for several instruments under time pressure. That is a realistic worship-related test for any music teacher here. It’s a far cry from my first meeting with a Director of Music in one of our schools who gave me a list of 28 hymns and said ‘pick from this’. I think that I was meant to feel grateful that it did not include the Christmas Carols.

two is often lost to student opinion on what just happened. Twenty years ago we worshipped with boarders only, on Sundays. Shifting numbers, boarders down, day up, meant this could not be sustained.

At the time, we were one of the best orienteering schools in the land because 50 or more pupils volunteered to run, and they left in buses from the school gates before Chapel ever started. Some would rather be lost in a forest than found on the woodwork in here.

I regret the loss of what was once genuinely called the Whole School Service. But the time is still set aside and day and boarders and staff are together, as best we can make it over two venues. Did we not recently speak about community?

In our best offering, time is the key. We wouldn’t shape a good rugby side without giving it the hours. Rugby was not on John Wesley’s agenda when he founded this school, but worship was.

“In our best offering, time is the key.”

To conclude, let’s be realistic about worship in schools, but not naïve. If I gave students the choice between being in here or sitting in a locker room accessing their Facebook account, the vast majority would choose the latter. There are some who enjoy their life within the more obvious Christian Union activities of the school. There are some more who are confirmed, sitting in a pew with mum and dad on Sunday, but who will not come forward for bread and wine here because it is still not that cool to be openly Christian at Kingswood. At 14 years and 354 days they are far more focused on the dermatology in the mirror than the eschatology in the miracle.

But they are not entirely impervious; there are times when the Spirit moves, when the kingdom, not necessarily the church, taps gently on the window. Worship doesn’t always work well, but good or occasionally not good, it is debated. The first five minutes of period

Chaplains need the hours to write and shape, and pupils need the confidence to be as boldly and skilfully involved as they can be. That comes with the assumption that music and drama departments are keen to be seen. We should never pander entirely to the frequent call of ‘entertain us’. That is not to say that performance, humour, even joviality should be set aside, but that they fit within words created with care for the occasion.

How we have all struggled over the years to know how best to define just what it is that makes us distinctively Methodist. I am going to suggest that in terms of inclusivity, a willingness to listen to many voices, a deep desire to link word and deed, a birth and continuing tradition in song, and expectations about its prominent place within our days, we ought to put worship very near the top of our list of what makes us different.

Revd. Mike Wilkinson (School Chaplain)

The Big Squat More than two hundred Senior School students and staff took part in the Big Squat in response to the call of the UN and major charities to mark 19th November as World Toilet Day.

The campaign is designed to highlight the fact that 2.5bn people do not have a toilet. We live in a world where more people have something to ‘talk on’ (a mobile phone), than something to ‘go on’ (a loo). With 1.8m deaths each year associated with the spread of disease due to inadequate toilet facilities, this global call to squat, whilst slightly inelegant, did capture the imagination of those of us who take our bathroom facilities for granted.

Revd. Mike Wilkinson (School Chaplain) Kingswood in Focus 5

Colin Burns:

Chairman of Governors 2009-2014

At a special dinner to mark Colin Burns’ tenure as Chairman of Governors, I spoke of the privilege of being able to say a few words about someone who has had such a profound impact on the recent development of Kingswood School.

Mr Burns has addressed all these challenges in a typically focused and transparent fashion, developing a strong committee structure and, significantly, setting up an influential Strategic Planning Group which has supported the school’s ambitious vision for development. He has recruited governors with a keen eye for achieving the right balance of skills, supported the Headmasters in making key appointments and decisions and kept fully abreast of the business and educational challenges faced by independent schools and their governors.

All this would, in itself, mark Colin Burns out as an exceptional Chairman of Governors, but this at the very most only scratches the surface of the real influence he has had during his 6 years at the helm. What really defines his contribution is his deep affection for and belief in the School, his wholehearted support of all aspects of the education we offer and his dedication to the values which make the School so distinctive.

Simon Morris, Jane Burns, Katie Pillinger and Colin Burns

I now have the welcome further privilege of being able to write some words for a much broader audience and to record more permanently our gratitude for such dedicated and influential service to the Kingswood Foundation.

Following nearly 40 years of service in the RAF, where he reached the rank of Wing Commander, Colin Burns was invited to join the Kingswood Governing Body in 2006. This signalled a new stage in his relationship with the school; he and his wife, Jane, had chosen the school some 20 years previously for their two daughters. Just three years later, he became Chairman of Governors, a role to which he has brought great energy, commitment, enterprise, tact and wisdom. The role of a Chairman of Governors is increasingly complex, bringing with it significant responsibilities for ensuring legal compliance, whilst also overseeing the body which sets strategic direction and ensuring the School both remains true to its historic roots as well as prepares itself for the challenges posed by the dynamic nature of 21st century education.

“What really defines his contribution (to Kingswood) is his deep affection for and belief in the School...”

In the very best schools, Heads need to have Chairs of Governors who both challenge and act as critical friends, who know when to be involved and when to stand back and leave managers to manage, who intuitively know how to support in more difficult times and how consistently to get the best out of those leading the School.

I have no doubt that the School would not be anywhere near where it is now without the leadership Mr Burns has shown in so many areas; we owe him a great deal and, on behalf of all in the Kingswood community, I thank him for such exceptional and selfless service.

Mr Simon Morris (Headmaster)

Remembrance Day 2013

6 Kingswood in Focus

John Willis Completes the 50:50:100 Challenge Old Kingswoodian John, father of two, has studied at Cambridge University, travelled the world, had a successful legal career, runs a thriving business consultancy, has just launched his own charity and, earlier this year, took part in a triathlon.

It’s an impressive list of achievements by anyone’s standards, but given that John was born without properlyformed arms and legs, it’s really rather remarkable.

John’s latest venture is a new charity, Power2Inspire, which began when a good friend persuaded him to take part in a team triathlon. “I’ve been swimming all my life - it’s the only exercise I can really do - so I said ‘What do I have to do?’ And he said ‘You have to swim 1500 meters in an hour’. I went in the pool and I did it in 73 minutes, and I thought ‘Ooh, well that’s enough of a challenge’, so I took him up on it; but I knew that I had to really get fit.”

“John decided to end his challenge here at Kingswood, his ‘Home Pool’, and was truly an inspiration to the students.”

And he did. So fit, in fact, that this summer, guided by a canoeist, John completed the swimming leg of an able-bodied triathlon at Eton Dorney in just 52 minutes and 23 seconds. The team raised a magnificent £18,000 for charity.

In addition to raising money for charity, the idea behind Power2Inspire is to inspire everybody - disabled and able-bodied alike - to set themselves a challenge: “It doesn’t matter what it is, if it’s a stretching target for you, and you can work towards it and do it, it’s fantastically powerful,” he says.

John’s latest challenge, the 50:50:100 challenge saw him swim 1000m at 50 schools in 50 pools in 100 days, starting in January 2014! He decided to end his challenge here at Kingswood, his ‘Home Pool’, and was truly an inspiration to the students.

Mr Gordon Opie (Deputy Head) Kingswood in Focus 7

Exam Results

ION RESULTS A AND AS EXAMINAT A*/A,

56% at ults at grades A*-B and With 81% of all A2 res r. The overall yea al e enjoyed an exception Kingswood students hav least 3 A*/A at g nin gai ts den h over 30 stu pass rate was 100%, wit iev ach ed by Alec standing results were grades. Particularly out des, and Charlie gra A* 4 who received Shute and Alex Robinson re each awarded Sarina Ganapathy who we Pope, Andrew Tang and 3 A* grades. or B, Leonard of all grades were at A At AS Level, where 70% each achieved hel Kan and Catherine Lo Budd, Cyrus Cheung, Rac ts achieved at den stu , whilst a further 31 a remarkable 5 A grades least 3 A grades each. pleasure to see commented: “It is such a Headmaster Simon Morris ressively by imp so ng people, supported al results. the work of such fine you ion ept exc se the h wit ng rewarded standing outstanding teachers, bei out of view that the achievement ion, but I am very much of the cat edu nt elle exc an one aspect of in these e examination results is but prid e tak t our senior students can s, will ses equally I am delighted tha pos y the s litie the many other qua results which, alongside beyond school.” equip them so well for life

RECORD GCSE RESULTS AT KINGSWOOD Kingswood School students are celebrating record GCSE results with over 32% A* grades, 67% A*/A grades, 90% A*-B grades and 99% A*-C grades.

Amongst many exceptional individual results, the top performer with 12A*s was Christopher Hannon; with 11 A*s each were Olivia Bools, Harriet Haysom, Rhiannon Osborne, Tokes Sawyerr and Isabelle Thornton, whilst other top achievers included Ben Bates, Peter Edwards and Prapti Gurung with 10 A* grades and Freddie Barnes and Niamh O’Sullivan with 9 A* grades each.

Headmaster Simon Morris commented: ‘I am obviously thrilled to see such strong results across this excellent year group. To see our students record the School’s best ever results in a year when we have been told to brace ourselves for a dip in top grades is particularly satisfying and is a great credit to the students and their teachers.

Most importantly, these grades give the students the opportunity to move confidently onto the next stage of their education in the knowledge that they have a really strong foundation at GCSE behind them. I much look forward to welcoming them back into the Sixth Form, to congratulating them on their success and to following closely their further successes over the next two years at Kingswood.’

8 Kingswood in Focus

Prizegiving Stephen Hawking wrote that, “No one undertakes research … with the intention of winning a prize. It is the joy of discovering something [they did not] know before.”

It would surprise me if all of our prizewinners and highly commended students did not agree with this observation. I very much doubt that our students include ‘winning a prize’ as one of their termly academic targets and neither should they. That would suggest a very narrow approach to the business of learning. This does not suggest that we discourage personal ambition at Kingswood; far from it. Rather, it is the pleasure and satisfaction that comes from researching, learning and applying knowledge that we foster and weekly, throughout the year, the students’ academic achievements are celebrated in our whole school assemblies.

Nevertheless, the last full day of the School year is special. It is both uplifting and emotional as we recognise academic progress and say good bye to our leavers, and July 4th did not disappoint! Many students were awarded prizes for their efforts or achievements and many more were highly commended.

We were also reminded of skills honed outside the classroom too as our sports captains celebrated all the year groups’ triumphs, alongside the pleasures of team work, the unforgettable moments, and, as departing sportsmen and women, friendships forged over the years.

SPECIAL AWARDS Heart of Westwood

Max Lister Alice O’Gorman

Model United Nations Cup

Alistair Blackburn

E.P. Thompson Prize

Anna Connolly

Friends of Kingswood Silver Salver

KJO

Dikran A. Knadjian Award for Medicine

Harry Waring

Chaplain’s Award for Charity

Neve Matthews

Rebecca Bleathman Memorial Award

Rachel Greenslade

Juba Prize for Endeavour

Benjamin Papuca

John Allison Memorial Award

Robert Blackburn

Richard Neal Memorial Prize

Ringo Dai

Sullivan Drama Prize

Mimi Templar-Gay

Grove Shield

Emily Bristow

Golden Mask

Angus Hawking

Warmann Shield (Team Award)

U14 Boys’ Hockey Team

Jean Pratten Music Prize

Isabelle Gardiner-Smith

Rebecca Bleathman Travel Scholarship

Olivia Watts

Tom Pritchard Music & Drama Award

Isabelle Gardiner-Smith

Heap Trophy

BOYS: Ben Mayall GIRLS: Sophie Roberts

Charlotte Hecquet Butterfly Award for Fine Art

Cecilia Mabey

Gary Best Travel Scholarship

Sarina Ganapathy Antonia Leckie

Music and drama highlights were also recollected. We all very much enjoyed the guitar ensemble comprising Tristan Brown, Will Cross and Louise Fisher who played Habanera and the lively drama presentation by Conor Devlin-Cook, Louise Fisher, Kate Hall and Kelly Read, recalling the Summer production of Rats’ Tales. The History department also shared memories of their biennial Spring Berlin trip with us through a thoroughly engaging and informative video which highlighted the huge number of experiences packed into the first week of the Easter holidays, not forgetting that now famous coach journey!

No one spending the morning in the sports hall could fail to imbibe the positive mood of Kingswood’s upbeat and energetically celebrated Prizegiving. The School takes great pleasure in recognising those who have worked hard and achieved highly, and even more in noting that those who are not called up for special mention are both genuine in their admiration of their peers and generoushearted in their applause.

Mrs Sarah Dawson (Deputy Head Academic) Kingswood in Focus 9

The Houses

Westwood House 2013-2014 Before Westwood became co-ed, the two boys houses, Posnett and Cusworth, took part in Sports Day, an annual inter-house competition of field and track athletic events each summer term. The climactic event was the boys’ 4 x 100 metres relay, the senior team using two handmade wooden relay batons first introduced in the 1930s. Each baton had inscribed on its side the years that its house had won the competition.

“...two hand-made wooden relay batons were first introduced in the 1930s.”

With the introduction of girls, Mr Garforth thought it would be appropriate to extend the traditional use of wooden batons to the two new girls’ houses, Beckford and Hamilton, and so four new walnut batons were made with the names of the houses inscribed on their sides, in the colour of each house. These were presented to the four House Captains by Mr Garforth as a leaving gift to Westwood after fifteen years of tutoring, and were first used in June 2014.

10 Kingswood in Focus

Kingswood in Focus 11

Middle House 2013-2014 It has been another busy year for Middle House.

During the summer, before school started, the tour to South Africa led up to the rugby season. Middle’s strength in rugby was shown by over half of the 1st team coming from Middle House this year. This included Captain Jack Crowther. Throughout the season Jerry Chou has played his part in the success with his input on the video camera.

House entertainment this year has kept to the tradition of Wide Games, Easter Egg Hunt and then a waterslide. These classic activities throughout my time at Middle have never grown tiresome and always have a very large turnout. The emphasis is on good old fashioned fun.

In House matches we have had a difficult year.

The Year 9s have been dominant in almost all House sports. However, in the senior competition we have battled strong opposition and been able to hold our heads high at the end. I’m sure in future years the younger members of Middle will carry on the legacy of our strength in sport.

12 Kingswood in Focus

We were very lucky this year to have most of the captains of the sports teams in Middle - Leo Fini, captain of tennis, Tim Rouse captain of cricket and hockey and Jack Crowther, captain of rugby. All these Middle men have led from the front well and they set a hard act to follow in future years.

Middle’s depth of talent is not just limited to sport; it also includes great skill in the ability to entertain a crowd in Exit Stage Right. Connor McAlpine was in his element and Ben Bates’ quick witted humour and singing made it an entertaining and enjoyable night. The school will miss the acting talents of Luke Stockley and Charlie Seymour. In the younger years, Conor Devlin-Cook again excelled on stage.

House music this year was well choreographed once again by senior member of the prefect body Connor McAlpine.

The song choice was 5,6,7,8 by Steps which proved to be very entertaining. At the annual Green Park Station event, Josh Gammie, Gerald Lau and Ben Hepburn were Middle’s three leading musicians. They provided an excellent show and contributed hugely to the evening.

“Excellent food and good friends are often all you need for the most memorable of evenings.”

I have had my first experience of boarding this year, and in the House the different year groups have mixed and bonded well. A personal highlight of a Middle boarder’s event for me was the Christmas Mexican meal. Excellent food and good friends are often all you need for the most memorable of evenings. Middle House provides the best boarding experience with a great atmosphere, made even better by the company of Mr and Mrs Matthews.

Now it’s time for us all to move on. There are so many things we will miss about Middle. Middle has its own individual feel to it and, to all of us, it becomes our second home. Thank you, Mr Matthews, for all of your support, time and enthusiasm.

We have all made memories never to be forgotten.

Thank you Middle; we come as boys and leave as men!

Ben Papuca (Head of Middle)

Kingswood in Focus 13

Summerhill House 2013-2014 We started the year with House music. As always, this event is an excellent way for all the Year 9s to start to feel part of the House.

Our song this year was ‘5-6-7-8’. This involved many complicated dance moves and lyrics to be taught by the U6 in Summerhill and Middle to the younger years in hope of producing a winning routine for the evening performance. Though the day was met with enthusiasm and we had brilliant weather to practise outside on the Dixon lawn, we weren’t triumphant. However our cowboy theme definitely caught the eye and was embraced by both Houses.

Summerhill and Middle take pride in their ‘home-made’ end of term entertainment, which gives both Houses the opportunity to get all the year groups to play various wild, fun games together. It’s always a brilliant liberation from all the hard work done during the term! At the end of the Autumn Term, we all trek to the Upper Playing Fields [braving the cold] to carry out our wide games special – involving balls of all sizes, socks and some very unusual team tactics. It was safe to say the team led by the Leavers were the winners – finding Mr Redman’s base conveniently behind a hedge, metres from the stock of tennis balls [which act as points]. Easter entertainment saw Mr Redman, Mrs Brown and the U6 hopping off to their hiding places waiting to be found. The Year 11 boys stole the show finding the majority of the hiding humans,

cut-out eggs and cardboard rabbits dotted around the school grounds.

An extra special thank you to Mr Burgon, whose accordion playing accompanied our camp songs afterwards. And finally, onto the summer house entertainment, where we all dived onto the tarpaulin slide by the lower astro! As always both houses enjoyed showing off stunts and thanks go to Amy Matthews and Isla Campbell for refreshing the washing up liquid source. The event was topped off with an amazing BBQ and a chance to say goodbye to the leavers.

Summerhill have done numerous events to raise money this year.

We started with raising £800 for Ted’s Day Out. The Forever Friends charity is raising money for a new Cancer Ward at the RUH. Kingswood has supported the charity for the past 13 years. Inspired to help from seeing news footage, Neve suggested raising money for Shelter Box – a charity which put together basic essentials for the people in The Philippians who were affected by the typhoon.

Together with the Year 9 girls they raised enough to be able to send one shelter box (worth £500). They primarily had a bake sale but also asked for other donations. And, finally, Meghan organised “Sock it to ‘em” which raised money for the eating disorder charity, B-eat; this involved students wearing bizarre socks with their uniform and then donating money we raised.

In July, the girls said goodbye to Mrs Smyth as she finished her maternity cover as Resident Assistant Housemistress – to go on maternity leave herself. We welcomed back Mrs Knights and her new arrival, Sophie.

We’re all looking forward to another constructive year of working hard but playing harder.

Mrs Mary Brown (Senior Housemistress Summerhill House) 14 Kingswood in Focus

“Summerhill have done numerous events to raise money this year.�

Kingswood in Focus 15

Upper House 2013-2014 This has been another very successful year for the House due in no small part to the leadership of Angus Hawking as Head of House and Ali Blackburn as Deputy Head of House.

Angus made his mark early leading the House with great energy through the House Music Competition. Other highlights from House competitions include victory in the Senior Rugby competition, albeit with 1st and 2nd team players not participating, and victories in the Junior and Intermediate House swimming galas. The approach to all such events and indeed the way the boys have conducted themselves more generally throughout the year has been really pleasing. End of term events such as the winter wide game and the Easter quiz have been very enjoyable but perhaps the memory that will linger longest was the victory of the Year 9 boys over the Upper Sixth in the tug of war competition at the end of the year. The Upper Sixth, who have contributed so much to the life of the House and School, will be much missed. There is plenty of evidence of their contributions in the pages of this magazine but this would seem to be an appropriate place to record the recipients of our traditional House awards. Ben Mayall was named as ‘Sporting Legend of Upper House’ in recognition of his versatility and outstanding attitude to House competitions

16 Kingswood in Focus

over the last five years whilst Adam Parker was given the ‘Spirit of Upper House’ award for his boundless enthusiasm and wholehearted commitment to all aspects of House life. I wish all of the leavers every success as they move on to new challenges.

As always I would like to pay tribute to the hard work of the Upper House tutor team and in particular to thank Mr Hills for his invaluable support as Deputy Housemaster. I would also like to wish Mr Clarke and Mr Foster well as they leave Kingswood and Upper House.

Mr Musgrove and Mr Smith are the new additions to the Upper House tutor team. The Head of House for 2014-15 is Oliver Morgan and his deputy is Matthew Holmes.

For further insights into the activities of Upper House boys and House events the ‘Upper House blog’ is now available through the school website.

Mr John Davies (Senior Housemaster – Upper House)

“End of term events...have been very enjoyable.”

Kingswood in Focus 17

School House 2013-2014 Another year has flown by with a busy and demanding timetable. School House has risen to the challenges and in its customary spirited fashion has thrown itself wholeheartedly into another school year.

Ably led by Rachel Greenslade and Emma Lewis, the house has thrived and relished the opportunities it has faced. The boarding side of the house has grown to 14 Sixth Form boarders with plans to increase this to 20 in the coming years! The house now numbers 82 girls, giving the tutors much to do but much to celebrate too!!

Pride of place this year has to go to the great support given to the charity work the House has taken on. We raised £760 for Breast Cancer Care by selling pink sweets and promoting a Pink Day in school. This was followed by the sale of pink biscuits in support of a group of pupils and staff who ran the Race for Life. An amazing amount in excess of £1,000 was raised for Cancer UK. And all this during the busiest and most arduous time of the year – during the public examinations!

I cannot quite believe my second year is over and I have taken great pride in all the house has achieved. I would like to share some words from two of our leavers which encapsulate for me the School House spirit: ‘The School House spirit and attitude is something I take pride in and hope to carry with me through the coming years. It has certainly been a privilege to be part of School House.’

Sarina Ganapathy ‘I feel that the high spirits and ‘give it a go’ attitude have been perfect in encouraging me to truly fulfil my potential…’

Emma Lewis

It all started off with the House Music competition in which we were pipped to the post – again! Head Chorister Isabelle Gardiner-Smith did a great job organising the singing and the contribution from all was fantastic. Despite our valiant efforts in the House Hockey it was only the Year 10s who emerged victorious – a great effort from all who took part. The Year 9s were triumphant in the House Netball and we came a creditable second in the Cross Country. It was wonderful to see so many competitors taking on something that stirs up such horrors! The Senior Girls won the Athletics, and House Tennis and Rounders were enjoyed by the junior years in the House.

18 Kingswood in Focus

A big thank you to the staff and matrons for all their hard work and support. To Jayne, V, Mrs Bradbury, Miss Telford, Mrs Brennan, Mrs Reeman, Mrs Marshall, Mrs Morris and Mrs Dakin. Mrs Herlinger has been a great support as the Resident Assistant and we wish her happy times in her new home and in her new role in Westwood.

We look forward to next year with Head Girl Rosemary Wakefield at the helm. Olivia Harris will lead the house, ably supported by Katy Humphrey, and Jojo Li takes on the role of Head of Boarding.

Miss Harriet Wilson takes on the role of Resident Assistant and we wish her all the best in her new post.

Miss Una Paver (Senior Housemistress - School House)

“Pride of place this year has to go to the great support given to the charity work the house has taken on.�

Kingswood in Focus 19

Hall House 2013-2014 And so the end of an era is upon us: Hall House has completed its final year in its original home before moving to a purpose built new boarding house just above the Tower Field, much nearer to the Astro but a long way from the Dining Hall!

No more getting up at 7.30am (at the earliest) to slope downstairs, bleary eyed, to breakfast. We will now look as fresh faced as all our sister and brother boarders from the west side of the campus, who we understand get up at 7.00am (at the latest) before marching across in a sprightly manner to eat their breakfast regardless of the weather!

Our final year in the main school building was a great one, which started with us winning House Music with Fonthill and culminated with us winning Senior Athletics, also with Fonthill. Along the way, we won the Senior House Swimming Gala with Fonthill (can you see the pattern developing here...!) and also Senior Hockey, thanks to a wonder strike from our illustrious Head of House, Orion Mathews.

There were many great moments from our boys but particular mentions must go to our Principal Musician, Matt Bolland. We regularly heard him perform and, unsurprisingly, he won two KATS awards whilst also representing the successful 1st XV, along with Oscar, Parimal, Jack, Owen, and Prabhat, to name just some of our

20 Kingswood in Focus

successful sportsmen. In a similar vein, several of our new Year 9 boys played in the invincible U14 Rugby Team who amassed over 330 points and only conceded 12!

To hear the names of Hall House boys regularly read out in Monday morning assembly for sporting, academic or artistic achievements was again always the highlight of my week! As with 2013, several of the boys ran in the Bath Half Marathon which has meant a serious amount of pressure on the Senior and Assistant Housemasters to don the trainers again in 2015 to run it once more.

It is sad and exciting to be moving, but the real heart of Hall House will always be the people: students, staff and matrons, Hall are very lucky to have the best and now a special new building which we also look forward to welcoming you all to in the future. We hope the first group of visitors will be our 2013 leavers who are already missed.

Mr Darrell Harding (Senior Housemaster - Hall House)

“It is sad and exciting to be moving, but the real heart of Hall House will always be the people: students, staff and matrons...�

Kingswood in Focus 21

Fonthill House 2013-2014

22 Kingswood in Focus

Fonthill started off with Year 3000 by Busted, We won House Music leaving the other Houses disgusted.

The judges said our underwater outfits impressed, But it was our brilliant voices they liked the best.

We won the Inter-House hockey when we joined up with Hall, Clever tactics and skills were demonstrated by all.

Christmas term was extremely full and busy, Leaving hockey players, actors and musicians considerably dizzy.

In true Fonthill spirit we did something kind, Selling candy canes and love hearts to support the charity MIND. For House Entertainment we put on some skates, Then we went to Jimmy’s Spices and loaded our plates.

Cross Country saw Fonthill fairies out in full force, Showing great House spirit as we completed the course.

It turned out to be quite a sporty day With games in the sports hall for House Entertainment - hurray!

The favourite and most competitive was over-under, Although for some the ball games were a bit of a blunder.

It turns out the swimming talent in Fonthill runs high; Amelia, Meg and Sophie really seem to fly, Especially in House matches where we had a clean sweep, Winning all bar one race which was pretty much dead heat, Everyone looked beautiful when KATS came around, And Fonthill had success - with nominations all round.

Our wonderful House Prefects deserve a special mention, Their hard work and punctuality warrants attention.

We need to thank all our tutors as well, They really care which you can certainly tell.

Our last year at Kingswood has been a smash, So you can be sure we won’t be leaving in a dash.

Being Head and Deputy has been such an honour, We hope that we’ve done it in a good manner.

Now it’s goodbye to the leavers, we can’t believe it’s over, But we’ll definitely hold Fonthill memories in our hearts forever.

Sophie Roberts and Nat Hemmings (Head and Deputy Head of Fonthill)

Kingswood in Focus 23

Art Department

Jessie Palmer Y12

Ben Crowe Y11

Kristy Lo Y11

Thomas Connolly Y13

24 Kingswood in Focus

Cecilia Mabey Y13

Robert Harris Y13

Christopher Falconer Y12

Tatiana Millichap-Merrick Y11

Charlie Watts Y11

Kathryn Mitchell Y12

Kingswood in Focus 25

Angela Liang Y12

Livi Gauntlett Y11

Emily Seagrove Y13

Olivia Bools Y11

Evie Jones Y12

26 Kingswood in Focus

Olivia Chan Y13

Olivia Parker Y11

Georgia Grinter Y13

Bella Plumbly Y12

Elle De Pass Y12

Jane Stroykova Y11

Kingswood in Focus 27

KATS

KATS 2014 The 11th Annual KATS Awards was, as ever, THE event of the year in Kingswood’s social calendar.

Sparkling and glitzy as always, it celebrates the creative work of our GCSE and A Level students in Art, Design & Technology , Drama and Music. Along with a wonderful meal and an inspiring speech by playwright and Kingswood parent Simon Warne, the ceremony itself was glamorously hosted by Mr Stephen Campbell and Mrs Caroline Clarke. In typical “Oscars” style, the nominees were announced, followed by hushed silence as the envelopes were opened and the winners announced. And then, a burst of music, applause, whirling spotlights and a beaming student walked up to the stage to receive their well-earned trophy.

“Sparkling and glitzy as always, it celebrates the creative work of our GCSE and A Level students in Art, Design, Drama and Music.”

Although the evening has nominees and winners, fundamentally everyone gathers to celebrate all of the Arts at Kingswood, one of the school’s most vibrant and exciting areas of study. And, of course, an evening like KATS takes a very big team to make it such a success. Thanks to all who contributed to that success: Mr Campbell and Mrs Clarke; Mr Simon Warne; Ms Smith; Mr Francis and his team; the Catering Department; Mr Neil Watson; Kingswood support staff and, finally, all members of staff from the four key subject areas.

MUSIC

DRAMA

DT

ART

Mr Richard Mainwaring (Director of Music)

28 Kingswood in Focus

Best GCSE Level Artist

Jane Stroykova

Best AS Level Artist

Jessie Palmer

Best A2 Level Artist

Georgia Grinter / Thomas Connolly

Artists’ Artist Award

Emily Seagrove

Best GCSE Product Design

Charlie Watts

Best AS Product Design

Richard Lane

Best A2 Product Design

Josh Gammie

Designers’ Designer Award

Oliver Hill

Best GCSE Group Performance

Charles Clague, Olivia O’Mahony, Niamh O’Sullivan, Kofi Sawyerr

Best Performance in a Production

Lizzie Wootten

Best A Level Performance

Ollie Gardner, Mimi Templar-Gay, Martha Overeynder

Actors’ Actor Award

Angus Hawking

Best GCSE Composition

Peter Aaron

Best 6th Form Performer

Leonard Budd

Best 6th Form Composition

Matt Bolland

Musos’ Muso Award

Matt Bolland

Year 10 & 11 Ball

Kingswood in Focus 29

Drama

Into The ‘Kings’ Woods In December 2013 the theatre at Kingswood was transformed into a real woodland playground – complete with working roundabout, swing and slide.

It looked beautiful, smelt wonderful and was to be the setting for a fabulous joint Music and Drama production of Stephen Sondheim’s ‘Into the Woods’. Mr Mainwaring had always warned me that Sondheim’s music was harder than professionals make it sound – and I had no reason to doubt that this is so. However, as usual, our talented Kingswood cast tackled the challenge with gusto and we were confident that this show was going to be another one to remember. Ethan Chilcott and Grace Curtis played the childless baker and his wife who go ‘Into the Woods’ in search of a cure against the witch’s curse. The witch, played with delightful malice by Isabel Calvert was just one in a range of recognisable fairy tale characters – all played by students for whom the parts could have been written. Lara Lawman as Cinderella, Mimi Templar-Gay as Red Riding Hood and their respective princes, played by Ollie Gardner and Tom Lechmere, all handled their songs with maturity, confidence and a real sense of character.

Toby Douglas-Bate as the wolf, Sophia Marshall as the grandmother, Lillia Gill as Jack and Lizzie Wootten as ‘Milky White’ the Cow provided some wonderful comedy while Lottie Bell, Melissa Tyler-Eyre, Luke Stockley and Zoë Townsend made their Kingswood debuts.

Danielle Whealy, Luke Jackson, Martha Overeynder and Isabelle 30 Kingswood in Focus

Gardiner-Smith played Cinderella’s unloving family while Ben Brearey played the pompous steward alongside India Matthews as Jack’s down trodden mother. Finally, Angus Hawking, stuck on a high stool due to recent sporting injury, kept the pace and story flowing smoothly as the narrator.

The actors were ably supported by the musical skills of Leonard Budd, Ben Richardson and Mr Morgan, as well as by the technical skills of Mr Francis and his crew: Peter Aaron, Ali Dark, Alex Whitehead, Ringo Dai, Kristy Kwan, Chris Borgars and Toby Thurston.

So, despite the reservations and fears that the music would prove too difficult, I am sure that we are all very glad that Kingswood decided to go ‘Into The Woods’!

Mrs Kate Nash (Head of Drama and Theatre Studies)

A Taste of Shakespeare THE WINTER’S TALE Being part of the Shakespeare Schools’ Festival this year was a great experience. The whole process was a rollercoaster ride with 35 of us just wanting to get up on stage, but having to learn lots of lines before we could do so. Throughout rehearsals we all put in 100% trying to stay focused and to listen to the teachers’ advice in order to make the performance even better. The audience gave us all an extra boost by laughing in the right places and even shedding a tear or two in the sad bits. It meant that the weeks of hard work had all been worthwhile. Finally, on behalf of the cast, can I give a big thank you to Mr Harding and Miss Brand for directing the play and keeping the whole thing together.

Kelly Read (Year 9)

“The audience gave us all an extra boost by laughing in the right places and even shedding a tear or two in the sad bits.”

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING In the first term, the Drama Scholars were called upon almost immediately to start rehearsing for Much Ado About Nothing - one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays; a comedy- drama of love, tragic near-death and loss, family resentment, war and a group of night watchmen in mismatched hats.

We only had a few weeks to pull things together which was quite a challenge for everyone, especially so early into the term. Poor Mrs Nash was close to exploding with some of our (epic failures) during the rehearsals - including a run-through performed in front of Westwood that skipped five scenes! Some of our Scholars had to drop out, leaving others to fill their place and hastily learn lines during frees and lunch breaks. Despite these lows there were many highs:  Ethan Chilcott stepped up to play the outcast Don John, and gave an excellent performance as the dark and moody villain.  The henchmen, played

by Nick Roberts and Conor Devlin-Cook, nearly stole the show with their hilarious drunk scene.  The young couple, Hero and Claudio, played by Lizzy Wootten and Freddy Oliphant, had some adorable scenes together, but not quite

as passionate as the chemistry on stage between Ollie Gardner and Lara Lawman, who played the couple in denial - Benedick and Beatrice.  The frantic antics of the nightwatchmen performed by the Year seven scholars, Llewellyn Godfrey and Felix Lynch.  Classic comedy routines from Mimi Templar-Gay and Kate Hall, who were led by the boastful Dogberry, the copper with a “Bristolian Lisp” played by Sophia Marshall.  Luke Jackson as a great prince Don Pedro, carefully controlling the action on stage, as well as in the story, with his clear loud voice.  Danielle Whealy’s dramatic performance of the old man Leonato.  Martha Overeynder, who went from a part with no lines whatsoever to the long paragraphs spoken by the Pastor in the space of a few days!

We must thank Mr Francis and the Theatre Tech crew, whose combined skills provided the music and helped to make us all look good under the stage lights. Finally our biggest thanks go to Mrs Nash and Miss Brand, whose sterling efforts and constant whip-cracking kept the cast going even when things looked bleak! They helped us to live up to the proud tradition of being a Kingswood Drama Scholar, and so that, in the end, all that fuss at the beginning...was Much Ado About Nothing!

Sophia Marshall and Luke Jackson (Year 12) Kingswood in Focus 31

A Fistful of Kingswood Dollars Year 10 Murder Mystery Evening for Friends of Kingswood.

This year Mrs Nash and Mrs Ward tasked the Year 10 Drama students to delve deep into the world of the rootin’, tootin’ Wild West! They had to release their inner Cowboys and Indians and devise a group of misfits; one would meet an untimely death, another would be the one holding the smoking gun!

Once all the students had completed a little background research into ‘How The West Was Won,’ they all created their own colourful character. They then mastered the drawl and the swagger and set up the relationships between the characters. Now all that had to be done was to weave a plot, so dastardly that no one would know who the murderer was until the ‘Big Reveal’ on the night of the performance.

The scene was set and the whiskey flowed, poured by the steady hand of Macey Willows (Emma Roberts) as she welcomed the audience to her ‘spit and sawdust’ saloon.

Goldie and Clara Foster (Flora Stone and Susanna Sealy), the saloon girl sisters, were on hand to refresh your glass or flash you a smile. The mourners gathered; Slim and Pearl Swagger (Harry Warne and Charlotte Crowe), the brash couple from out of town; Frank Inkwell (Dexter Evans), the rookie journalist looking for his latest scoop; Lucy-Lou Jones (Robyn Newman), the sweet maiden with a wandering eye and her beleaguered mother, Josephine Jones (Olivia Chamberlain). The gunslingers, Leroy Strange (Freya Jones) and Billie Rae (Sabrina Robley), were on hand to keep the misfits in check;

“They had to release their inner Cowboys and Indians...”

Jolene West (Hannah Foley-Bird), a cowgirl with a feisty feminist spirit; the honest (or is he?) doctor, Jeberdiah Hooch and his loyal wife Jemima (Gideon Whealy and Isabel Stuart-Harris respectively). Mrs Morrison (Emma Stephens) smoothed her apron and nodded hello to the customers who came to buy tobacco and string from her general store. The resident galoot, Bill Buckle (Elliott Hawtin), was desperate to get his hand on the missing half of a map, pointing the way to a trove of gold coins sited on the land belonging to the enigmatic Black Hawk, the Indian ‘chieftainess’ (Lizzie Scott).

Bringing up the rear with the misfits were Alejandro Sanchez (Jack Kenny) and the demon card shark and the mysterious Dolly Millstone (Thea Guy). All had gathered.

What could the assembled horde gain from the death of a local prospector? Only the Undertaker, Joshua Hawthorne (Jess Brown), with his measuring tape primed, would be bound to profit from the murder of the unkind and selfish Harry Wilder Jnr (Nick Harris), shot dead during his father’s wake. Sheriff Lawless (Millie Sergeant) and her deputies, Dallas and Dakota (Isla Brendon and Bipina Gharti), would soon be on the trail, like a posse of hungry bloodhounds!

At the wake, the audience were entertained by the talents of the town’s residents; songs, Russian Dancing, the Can-Can, a fiddle solo and a (dubious) stand-up comedy routine.

Suddenly a shot rang out and the bad guy hit the deck!

As they enjoyed their dessert, the audience were then invited to cast their votes as to who they thought was guilty. Bill Buckle was the biggest suspect. His tin can was full to the brim with accusations!

Mrs Nash and I had to keep the murderer secret for a very long time! They could hardly contain their excitement.

The murderer only found out they were in the frame on the day of the performance and would have to improvise the ‘Big Reveal’ live on stage. Full credit must go to Thea Guy for keeping her countenance and not telling a soul that it was her character, Dolly Millstone, who was to pull the trigger!

The students worked very hard on this unusual and creative project and their wonderful imaginations breathed life into a fantastic array of characters.

They worked very well as a team and in true Kingswood style devised a thoroughly entertaining evening.

Mrs Lizzy Ward (Teacher of Drama) 32 Kingswood in Focus

Rats’ Tales

In their own words: comments from the cast.

“It was really hard work but the effort we put in really paid off!” Jessica Norton (Year 8) “It was awesome - the best play EVER! I had a great time.” Nick Baines (Year 7) “It was a great play to dance in!” Rebecca Ousby (Year 9) “I have thoroughly enjoyed all of it - even the embarrassing bits!”

Henry McCollom (Year 7)

“Such great fun and an amazing experience - even though it was tiring at times!” Conor Finnamore (Year 8) “It has been such an amazing experience and I can’t wait to do another play.” Ellie Brearey (Year 8) “I loved it. I had one of the best costumes the wardrobe department has ever seen!” Louise Fisher (Year 9) “Rats’ Tales has been an unforgettable experience. We loved every moment.” Natasha McFadyen & Rhiannon Knowles (Year 7)

THE COSTUMES of King Rat, Queen Rat and Baby Rat were designed and created by Olivia Marshall (Year 10) Kingswood in Focus 33

Drama and Theatre Studies Assessments

Exit Stage Right This year saw the return of Exit Stage Right, an improvised comedy evening loosely based on the hit TV programme ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’

I remember coming along to the shows as a pupil here and being totally in awe of the comic talents of those involved - they made it look so easy. I always secretly wished I could be one of the chosen few to be selected for the evening, but I never quite realised just how difficult it is to stand in front of 370 people and make them laugh without a script.

“The evening was a huge success... the audience seemed to really enjoy themselves.”

Five minutes before we were due to go on, Angus Hawking, Luke Jackson, Connor McAlpine, Sophie Roberts and I, having convinced ourselves that no one would laugh, were standing backstage discussing escape options. Nevertheless, Mr Harding introduced us all onto the stage and proceeded to put us into various bizarre and wonderful situations suggested by members of the audience. There was a three-headed expert discussing Hugh Grant’s baby scandal; an expressive dance with the title ‘Back Of My Van’, and a party where guests included a magic unicorn, an astronaut, and Lenin… among other things (and people!). The evening was a huge success and, in contrast to our nervousness before the show, the audience seemed to really enjoy themselves.

(We certainly did! Ed.)

Miss Natasha Brand (Actress in Residence) 34 Kingswood in Focus

Practical work is at the very heart of GCSE and A Level Drama.

Although there is a written examination at both stages, students would, I am sure, all agree that it is the practical work that makes a Drama qualification memorable. This year, like so many others, has seen our students produce some truly outstanding work.

Traditionally, our students do extremely well in these practical assessments. They often break new ground, create pieces in unusual or challenging styles, and fully explore their creativity.

The Drama Department is always proud of what they produce and we have had some very flattering comments from moderators over the years.

“This year...has seen our students produce some truly outstanding work.”

This year has seen our students work with Physical Theatre, in the style of Kneehigh Theatre Company, Frantic Assembly and Melly Still. They have tackled Naturalism, Comedy, Storytelling, Commedia dell’Arte and Verbatim Theatre to name a few. Most importantly, they have made audiences laugh, cry, gasp and think. In addition, this year we have had two technical theatre candidates - setting standards in set design, lighting and sound. All of our students should be proud of what they have achieved - they are an inspiration to the many others who will follow!

Mrs Kate Nash (Head of Drama & Theatre Studies)

THEATRE TRIPS:

This year we have been so lucky to see some of the highest standard theatre in the country.

During the first weekend back at school, we embarked on the trip that we all look forward to the most - the A Level Drama Trip to London.

We were all entranced by the cube style set and the incredible performing in The National Theatre’s ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’ at the Apollo Theatre - fortunately it wasn’t the night when the theatre ceiling fell down!

‘Henry IV Part I’ at The Globe Theatre was challenging, not least because we had to cope with the opening of the heavens!

In January we went to see ‘One Man, Two Guvnors’ at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket. I think we would all agree that it was one of the most enjoyable productions we have ever seen. It inspired us to use the style of Commedia dell’Arte for our final piece of coursework.

Our third major trip was to see ‘The Little Mermaid’ at The Bristol Old Vic. The inventive use of costume and set transported us to a brightly coloured, vibrant world under the sea.

Lara Lawman (Year 13)

Kingswood in Focus 35

Music

Highlights of the Music Department Year Cherry Tree

Ensemble Fortnight

The musical year started, as it has for many, with the annual Cherry Tree Concert. This provides a chance early in September for new AS and A2 students (as well as staff!) to perform solos to a select audience of parents and guests. The audience was most appreciative of the 10 soloists and the 3 music staff who performed (including a tour-de-force performance from the new Head of Academic Music, Mr Michael Haynes). The concert had its usual eclectic mix of styles from Romantic era piano pieces to heavy rock guitar solos, from jazz trumpet solos to Baroque keyboard sonatas.

Ensemble Fortnight has always been an opportunity for Kingswood musicians to play in smaller groups.

This is of particular value to pianists, singers, and those who plough more lonely instrumental furrows!

This year, as ever, the fortnight culminated in a Friday evening concert bursting with duets and trios, but there was also a chance to hear some larger ad hoc bands.

Even though musicians only had two weeks to prepare, the standard was incredibly high. There was an eclectic range of pieces, from Jewish Klezmer string dances to a Stevie Wonder bass guitar trio and a performance of Mendelssohn’s “Lift Thine Eyes”. The evening, as ever, was rounded off with Mr Harrup’s traditional 20-strong guitar band “pumping out” Green Day’s “21 Guns”.

Woolley Church Annual Concert In October, Sixth Form musicians ventured out into the community to perform a wonderful evening of solos and ensembles at the beautiful Woolley Church. This annual gig was well attended by parents and locals, and students raised a substantial amount of money to help keep this beautiful church in good order.

“This annual gig was well attended by parents and locals...”

Many thanks to all parents and friends who supported, and a big thank you to ex-Kingswood caterer Margaret Foster who organised the event.

36 Kingswood in Focus

“There was an eclectic range of pieces...”

Year 9 Musicians at Bath Abbey As part of the City of Bath’s Remembrance Celebrations in November, the Year 9 Core musicians took part in a high profile concert at Bath Abbey in aid of the Royal British Legion. The band of 15 musicians performed a special arrangement they had been working on for many weeks, featuring solo singers Grace Tyrrell and Lauren Parsons, and pianist Matthew Choy. All performed the five minute piece from memory. They based their arrangement on the song “All Together Now”, which was originally written by The Farm in the 1990s. It tells the story of the famous football match during Christmas 1914, between German and British soldiers in No Man’s Land. Kingswood’s version of the piece combined “The Last Post” (played by Oliver Jenkins), Pachelbel’s “Canon”, and two readings from Archie Smith and Sebastian Nicastro. The concert, which also featured the choirs of Organum, Corsham Choral Society and Noctis, raised thousands of pounds for the Royal British Legion.

40 Spire Challenge – Kingswood Senior Choir Bath is blessed with so many beautiful places of worship. During the Autumn Term of 2013, it occurred to Mr Mainwaring that he had only been in a small proportion of these churches and chapels. And so the idea of the 40 Spires Challenge was born. coach stuck in Oldfield Park; having to abandon the coach and walk an extra 2 miles back to town; trying to politely leave a priest at one church who insisted on telling the choir the whole history of the church; having to sing the carol extra times for the TV crews (as if the choir weren’t singing it enough!) and finding a locked church at five-to-nine. In order to not to disturb the neighbours, the choir whispered the carol in church 38. Soon after this the choir was applauded back into Kingswood Chapel by proud parents, thirteen and a half hours after setting out!!

On a thankfully dry December morning, the 100-strong Senior Choir sang the first of 40 renditions of ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing’. This was in Kingswood’s Chapel, at 8am, and the last performance was at 9.20pm back at school! In between, the choir walked in the region of 7 miles to get to all 40 churches. There was only one half hour stop for supper at 5pm. Highlights of the day included: having BBC and ITV news crews almost fighting over us to get the best footage; getting two buses stuck on the narrow roads of Monkton Combe, causing traffic mayhem; getting another

But they did it, and in the process raised almost £4000 for a charity that Kingswood has supported for many years – Hope and Homes for Children.

“They raised almost £4000 for Hope and Homes for Children.”

“A Laugh A Minim” at Komedia Music and comedy have always gone together. Our concert in January proved that link beyond a doubt, with a fabulous range of performances which raised smiles and laughter and even moments of extreme hilarity.

For this concert, the Music Department decamped to Komedia in the centre of Bath. The packed venue witnessed favourites including the Senior Orchestra’s Unfinished Symphony and the Chamber Choir’s Let’s Do It by Noel Coward. KFC entertained with a humorous take on Kylie’s biggest hit (set in a nunnery!), whilst the Senior Choir performed O Fortuna from Carmina Burana, with misheard lyrics! Did KJO’s accompaniment of the staff film, featuring Mahna Mahna, steal the show? Or was it Westwood Orchestra’s upside-down William Tell? Or even the Staff Orchestra’s murdering of Pomp and Circumstance?!!

Kingswood in Focus 37

Many Piano Hands Make Light Work With over 60 pianists at Kingswood, the Music Department was once again keen to showcase many of its students.

Not content with a few soloists in a concert, the Piano Hands event in February saw a wonderful array of duets, trios, quartets, and even 10 hands at once! Highlights of the gig included: Leonard Budd’s breathtaking reading of the first movement of Bach’s Concerto in D minor; Isabelle Gardiner-Smith’s poised

Sixth Form Composers’ Concert Returns 2014 saw the first composers’ concert for a number of years. There were 10 original works on offer, all from AS and A2 Music students. Pieces ranged from Ben Brearey’s avant-garde jazz piece Rise of the Machines, to Melissa Tyler-Eyre’s atonal composition for clarinet and piano entitled Ein Spaziergang Im Wald. The audience moved between the lower classroom and the recording studio where Ben Richardson’s superb clock-inspired piano duet was performed. Back in the classroom, there were recordings as well as live performances, including Matt Bolland’s orchestral work, Four Minute Warning.

The standard of the works was superb, and the small but appreciative audience was treated to a musical feast.

John Wesley’s New Room Museum Choir Recording Both the Chamber and Senior Choirs made a fantastic contribution to John Wesley’s New Room Museum in Bristol with recordings of 5 Wesley hymns.

The pupils’ professionalism was exemplary, and the recording session finished ahead of schedule – almost unheard of! The event was gruelling in terms of concentration and physical effort, especially for those Chamber Choir members who also sang as part of a dectet for 2 hymns. The recording company Pastporte – who specialise in binaural recording techniques – and the New Room were delighted with the result.

38 Kingswood in Focus

Nottorno; and Abigal Pert and Patricija Starkovskyte’s duet Cha-Cha-Cha. The ten right hands in Charlie Is My Darling were quite a sight to behold…and it sounded good too!

A fantastic evening of piano pieces, from Bach Concertos to Cha-Chas, from 20 to 50 fingers and thumbs!

Stringfever & Strings Week There was a big round of congratulations in the New Year to all who contributed to January’s String Week. There were 44 solo, duet and trio performances in 4 lunchtime concerts, all broadcast on-line on the Music Department’s TV Channel. Highlights included Tom Connolly’s beautiful folk fiddle piece, a harp trio, and an unusual viola and double bass duet from Maddie Greenway and Yemi Sawyerr. Friday afternoon saw a masterclass with visiting string quartet Stringfever. Olivia Bools, Ruth Cheng, Anna Rowland and Tokes Sawyerr all performed in front of the professionals, and were given some basic tips to improve their performance skills. This was followed by the evening concert, which featured Kingswood string players in the first half, and the amazingly talented electric string quartet Stringfever. Anyone present who wasn’t inspired by their performance obviously wasn’t listening! After performing at Kingswood, Stringfever were off to the Cayman Islands to perform a few gigs – who said a music career doesn’t pay?!!

The Great Chorus A Massed Concert is a Massive Success.

Kingswood musicians, from young to not-so-young, joined forces for a wonderful concert of instrumental and choral music, entitled The Great Chorus. Seventeen Music Scholars performed during the first half, in a dazzling display of virtuosity and musicality. Johnny Sedcole and Thomas Hudson opened the concert with a clarinet duet, followed by Anna Rowland, Meg Scott and Emily Vaughan performing El Choclo, accompanied sensitively by the Senior Orchestra.

Yemi and Tokes Sawyerr played the piano duet In Your Stride, followed by a really sophisticated reading of Arrival of the Queen of Sheba featuring Susanna Sealy and Francesca St Clair-Wilcox on oboes. Will Cross performed Etude III on classical guitar, and Johnny Sedcole returned to the stage for a quick jazz rendition of Wise Budd. The Senior Orchestra accompanied Harriet Haysom in a fantastic trombone solo of Dances With Bears, and Olga Trunova sensitively played Grieg’s An Den Frühling. Melissa Tyler-Eyre’s clarinet solo was a beautiful rendition of the Larghetto from Mozart’s Clarinet Quintet, and Len Budd and Ben Richardson completed the first half with a stunning performance of Miles Davis’ jazz classic: So What.

The second half opened with Matt Bolland’s A Level composition Four Minute Warning performed by a professional orchestra led by Kingswood violin teacher Anna Salamonsen.

And then the choir started Zadok the Priest…….wow!! The mass choir combined Kingswood’s Senior Choir and around 60 parents, staff and friends, all of whom had been rehearsing for many weeks.

The sound was amazing throughout the eight choruses. From Beethoven’s Ode to Joy to Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances, from Orff’s O Fortuna to Handel’s Hallelujah, the audience was treated to a quick tour through some of the greatest choral pieces ever written.

The evening featured around 260 musicians in total and was a truly superb and memorable event.

Kingswood on “The One Show” When The One Show asked for 14 Kingswood pianists to play Beethoven’s 14th Piano Sonata live, Mr Mainwaring thought that they were joking!

As part of a week of 14-inspired live musical acts at the start of 2014, our piano pupils and staff had 2 days’ notice to learn an arrangement of the Moonlight Sonata.

Of course, one problem was that they couldn’t rehearse in advance, as getting 14 pianos into one area was going to prove tricky at the very least. So, the first chance to practise collectively was a chilly outdoor session in the late afternoon. After retiring to the Green Room, it was back out into the January cold, and, before they knew it, the cue for “action” was upon them, and the performance commenced…oh yes, to an estimated 5 million people!

“Everyone was most impressed with the students’ professionalism and technical skill.”

The presenters Alex Jones and Matt Baker, along with all of the BBC crew, were most impressed with the students’ professionalism and technical skill. Thanks also go to the music staff including full-time and peripatetic staff.

Kingswood in Focus 39

Music Trips To start the autumn term with a musical flourish, a number of GCSE and A Level music students attended one of the final BBC Prom concerts of the season at the Royal Albert Hall. The Proms is the world’s largest classical music festival, and it was fantastic to witness one of the gigs first hand.

The orchestra played dazzling interpretations of Part, Britten, Berlioz and Saint-Saens. It was a great experience for all concerned, with superb performances from the Orchestre de Paris and violinist Janine Jansen. Ex-Kingswood musician Hannah Bishay performed in a number of 2013 Prom Concerts with the BBC Symphony Chorus, including the Last Night of the Proms.

In October, Kingswood brass players visited St David’s Hall in Cardiff to see the absolutely stunning Mnozil Brass from Austria. Superlatives are far-too-often bandied about, but Mr Mainwaring rated this ensemble as one of the best musical acts he has ever seen. The technical accomplishment, stamina and sheer entertainment was staggering.

Lunchtime On-Line

“The Music Department received numerous compliments for the venture...”

There were fifteen lunchtime concerts in the Lower Classroom throughout the year. All 14 scholars hosted concerts, and collectively there were around 100 solo and ensemble performances. Highlights included a performance on a traditional Chinese Erhu by Amelia Zheng, and a series of self-composed songs from the Czech exchange students. A technological innovation this year was the introduction of webcam streaming. Concerts were filmed and broadcast live on the internet throughout the world. The Music Department received numerous compliments for the venture, and the gigs were watched as far afield as Spain, Monaco and Hong Kong, not to mention a car park in Neath!

In May, 17 musicians went to London for the first Music Scholars’ trip. They were invited to visit the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, one of the world’s leading music conservatoires. After a pleasant train journey and walk past some of London’s sights in the beautiful spring sunshine, the scholars stopped at the South Bank Centre, one of the capital’s cultural hubs. Here they had lunch and took in part of a live Radio 3 jazz broadcast from the foyer of the Royal Festival Hall.

In the afternoon, the musicians were given a personal tour of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama by none other than the Director of Music, a current Kingswood parent. The students visited the old building as well as the brand-new £90 million Milton Court building. There, they saw a drama workshop in progress; were shown a wonderful opera theatre; listened to a Guildhall jazz ensemble in the 600-seater new hall, and were given a short but fascinating presentation by the Director of Music, Jonathan Vaughan.

He discussed the notion of performance; his passion for learning, and possible career choices.

All-in-all, it was an incredibly inspiring day for all the musicians.

40 Kingswood in Focus

Music in the Community Year 9 Core musicians once again went out into the community to spread their musical happiness at Oldfield Park’s Merry and Bright Club. Kingswood Music Department has visited this senior citizens’ club for many years, and the audience were delighted with the range of excellent performances that the students had to offer.

As well as ensemble pieces such as The Cup Song (which you can see on the Music Department website) and the specially-composed Friendly Song, there were vocal and instrumental solos aplenty, from melancholy piano pieces to hillbilly violin songs. Next year’s Year 9 Core class has already been booked for 2015!

Latin Jazz at Green Park Station May saw the return of one of Kingswood’s favourite gigs: our annual jaunt to Green Park Station for the opening night of the Bath Festival, Party in the City. Kingswood Jazz Orchestra and singers returned to the venue for their sixth performance there. The weather was amazing, the crowd as large and enthusiastic as ever, and the band and singers were sparkling in their sun-drenched tropical outfits. Latin Jazz at the Station was a runaway success again this year. Of particular note were some of our younger Year 8 and 9 performers who joined the band for the first time – Sophie Garcia (who did a great job on drums), Yemi Sawyerr on bass, Max Lister on percussion, Lily Palmer and Anna Parker on cornets, and Rebecca Ousby on sax.

The fabulous singers entertained us throughout the evening with songs ranging from the classics Sway and Oye Como Va, through to the modern Latin numbers of Livin’ La Vida Loca and Smooth, all ending in an incredibly memorable massed rendition of Pharrell Williams’ Happy.

Westwood at the West End The Summer Term saw a chance for Westwood musicians to come to the fore. As well as the ensembles of Westwood Choir, KFC and The Disney Band, there was a tremendous array of talent from solos, duets, trios, quartets etc!

Many of the audience commented upon the confidence and skill of all of the performers, and we would all certainly concur.

Kingswood certainly has a wealth of musical talent for many years to come.

“Let’s Go To Disney” “Let’s go to Disney” was the first line of the first song that 36 Westwood musicians performed at Disneyland Paris at the start of the summer holidays. After a tortuous audition process which started back in September 2013, we were finally there, performing on the very large Videopolis Stage, right next to Space Mountain. The students had spent hours learning the newly-composed show of 5 songs, and, bedecked in red T-shirts with smiley faces on the front, the first notes were struck in the opening number: the reggae-style song “Mickey”.

Throughout the rehearsals, soundcheck and performance, the musicians were an absolute credit to the school, and staff at the stage were impressed by their professionalism. And then after the lunchtime show, the students had 8 hours (yes, 8 hours!) of rides in both Disneyland and Walt Disney Studios.

It was a brilliant trip - a rollercoaster ride for everyone concerned!

All music articles written by Mr Richard Mainwaring (Director of Music) or Mr Michael Haynes (Head of Academic Music) Kingswood in Focus 41

Development Updates

We Love our New Humanities Building!

The start of the Autumn Term 2013 was a very exciting time for the whole school community.

After many months of earth-moving, building works, scaffolding and porta-cabins, staff and pupils were delighted to be stepping into the fabulous new Humanities building for the first time. They were welcomed inside for their first lessons by the Headmaster and Mrs Jenner (Head of Geography). The construction of the building itself was a remarkable project. Beautifully designed, it complements the historically significant Ferens building to one side and it sits perfectly below Westwood House on the Ferens Lawn. However, expectations of the inside were far exceeded when the doors finally opened.

Excited children were in awe of the beautifully decorated classrooms, the wide open spaces and the stunning views.

The Ferens Quad has a new makeover too!

Teaching staff had really excelled in bringing the building to life. From inspiring quotations, thought-provoking scripts and intricately created models in the Religious Studies area, to incredible photographic displays and maps in the Geography department the range and diversity of teaching materials and tools have been inspiring for pupils of every age. It was certainly a big draw on Open Morning to our many visitors with many ‘oooohs’ and ‘aaarghs’ from the children!

The new building is truly a stunning landmark within the school campus in every sense of the word, and it is something that will be greatly enjoyed by many generations to come. We look forward to opening the doors of the new Hall House in the next edition of KIF – our next exciting Capital project.

Mrs Angela Dudley-Warde (Director of Marketing & Development)

“The new building is truly a stunning landmark...”

“As you come up the stairs, the wall of iconic, geographical photos - kindly funded by Friends of Kingswood - provides the perfect entrance to the Department. Spacious, light, clean, versatile; the Geography Department are really fortunate to have such an idyllic teaching and learning environment, with fantastic facilities. Being on the top floor of the new building gives us, without doubt, the best location to teach Geography in the whole city. The changing meteorological conditions, along with the inspirational views extending across Bath, to the Mendips, brings the subject to life right outside our beautiful panoramic windows!”

Mrs Debbie Jenner, Head of Geography

STOP PRESS: Theatre seating project at Kingwood completed – Summer 2014!

A huge thank you to so many parents, former parents, pupils, staff, Governors and former pupils for their support in raising a magnificent £90,000 to replace the entire seating system in the Kingwood Theatre. The Gala Performance in December to celebrate the success of this project and the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Theatre will be featured in the next edition of KIF. 42 Kingswood in Focus

From the Archives: Operation Mulberry Operation Mulberry, a STEM project to inspire the next generation of STEM employees, Engineers and Designers!

Building Phoenix Caissons So the STEM staff at Kingswood set about conceiving a project that focused on one of the main design features of the harbour.

Looking at the cartoon created by the Admiralty for the school, the harbours were essentially made up of four main components.

A few years ago Kingswood STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) teachers decided to create a meaningful project for our students, which in some way connected to the school, and its inspiration came from an unlikely source: D-Day. The reason: 70 years ago Kingswood School was a very different place to the vibrant, engaging seat of learning we see today. Surrounded by a ring of barbed wire and with armed sentries posted on each entrance, the school building, which had been requisitioned by the Admiralty, had become the centre of planning for one of the most audacious Engineering projects to be conceived during WW2. Indeed, Operation Mulberry, as it became known, was to be later hailed as one of the major success stories of D-Day, as it helped to supply allied troops as they advanced inland during the latter part of the summer of 1944.

Churchill realised, after the disastrous raid on the heavily fortified port of Dieppe, that it would be difficult to secure a major French port to supply the allied invasion force post D-Day. Therefore, he approached the Allied Command to create a solution. The design specification was clearly defined: design an artificial harbour twice the size of the Port of Dover. The plan was to; build it in the UK; tow it across the channel, and assemble over two sites - one in the American sector (Mulberry A), and a second within the British and Canadian sector at Arromanches (Mulberry B). The timescale for this project was daunting. The allies had 150 days to fabricate all of the various components of the harbour required, under a blanket of complete secrecy. When one WW2 Historian described the impact of the artificial floating harbours, he said that they; ‌must surely rank as one of the greatest civil engineering and construction management achievements of the Twentieth Century.

The outer harbour wall (Phoenix units) the inner harbour muster points (Corncob Bombardons) the floating pier-heads (Spuds) and the floating roadways, (Whale units). We decided to base our project on the outer harbour wall Phoenix caissons.

Cartoon in Museum in Arromanche

At Kingswood in 1942 the Engineers were given specific information about the caissons, and were expected to meet the following four main points: 1) They had to be sea-worthy and towable 2) They must be easy and quick to sink 3) They must be stable when planted and strong enough to stand up to normal summer weather in the channel 4) They must be so designed as to be built in the required quantity in the time available A final design was approved in December 1943, and it took over 40,000 workers working around the clock for 150 days to meet the required deadline of June 2nd 1944. However, due to logistics and the fact that they were each over 7,000 tonnes, 6 storeys high and over 60 metres long, we decided to create a scale model!

The model caissons that were created were surprisingly stable in the water, and sat at approximately the same height as we had predicted, so overall we were pleased with the results. When evaluating the project, I mentioned it to the Royal Academy of Engineering and asked for some feedback regarding the wider appeal of Mulberries in school. Their Education Department were so impressed with the unique perspective we have at Kingswood, that I was asked to create a short talk based on the project so that it could be shared with schools and teachers to illustrate Engineering in action.

We used many of the images and a caisson created by our students to help design a talk, Operation Mulberry, which has already been shared with over 100 Maths and STEM teachers, and around 400 students in the Southwest, in addition to the captive audience of Kingswood students during assemblies of the same name!

Thanks must go to Mr Brown from the Design Dept and Mr Burton (Physics Dept), without whose help and expertise this project would simply not happen each year. Also this article and the project is dedicated to the memory of Mr John Allison, former Head of Design Technology, teacher and supporter of so many initiatives at Kingswood School.

The School Library

Mr Garrod Musto (Director of Continuing Professional Development) Kingswood in Focus 43

Work Experience

Year 12 Work Experience Oblong Films

Gerald Lau at KPMG

JONATHON AIKEN For my work experience, I went to Oblong Films in Bristol where I spent the week working on a Channel 5 documentary about school proms. I also spent a day in Evolutions, which is one of the biggest editing houses in the country, meeting an experienced TV editor and having a good conversation with the colourist who colours Top Gear, as well as many other well-known shows on TV.

Waitrose HYWEL JONES My week at Waitrose was very valuable and I engaged in a range of different tasks such as working on the help desk, sorting out stock and sitting in on meetings. My main interest was to see how the store was managed and I was lucky enough to sit in on various meetings where I was able to observe the roles of the different managers and the key skills that they employed.

Bath Artists Studio ANGELA LIANG

Bath Chronicle

Rachel Kan and I were working in the Bath Artists’ Studio with different artists. We joined their development group meeting and found that they had different themes every week. During our week, we had the opportunity to do a piece of work which was inspired by Henri Matisse. We also got to work with some of the ceramic artists and I particularly enjoyed working with clay, a material that I had not previously worked with.

SOPHIA MARSHALL During my week at The Bath Chronicle, we were told to go into town and ask members of the public questions, as well as to take their photograph. We learned that people are quite suspicious of reporters and cameras asking questions, even if it is just “What do you think will happen in the England v Uruguay game?” (A lot of the British public had very accurate predictions!) This taught us a lot about approaching people in the right way - your opening line had to be exactly right, otherwise they assumed that you were another salesperson bothering them.

44 Kingswood in Focus

Roman Baths RORY COLES Throughout our week working at the Roman Baths, Matthew Holmes and I both undertook a wide variety of jobs which were very useful in helping us to improve our confidence in dealing with the public. We also expanded our historical knowledge of the ancient Roman site.

Alpaca Farm CIELLE VAUGHAN For my work experience I was very lucky to get the opportunity to work on an alpaca farm near Keynsham. I am a passionate animal lover and, growing up in Kenya, I’ve had exposure to quite a few exotic breeds. Generally, I feel pretty confident with animals but working with the alpacas was a new and interesting challenge!

University of Bath: Engineering AUSTYN LLOYD Throughout the week, Hannah Sansford, Jamie Turek and I all participated in small projects that the first year students do when studying Engineering at Bath University. Friday was definitely the most technical day, as we were set the task to disassemble and reassemble a lawnmower engine, thankfully with the help of a set of instructions!

Margaret Coates Centre LUCY MORRIS During work experience week, Zoe Townsend and I were lucky enough to go to the Margaret Coates Centre for Autistic Children. There we were able to observe the work and commitment that goes into helping children of primary school age who are on the autistic spectrum. Throughout this week, we were not only able to help the children in their school work but also to participate in activities such as shopping, cooking and swimming, all of which will be useful to them one day in the world outside the classroom.

University of Bath: Pharmacy CATHERINE LO For my work experience week, I went to the University of Bath and shadowed postgraduates in the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. The University of Bath is one of the few places where animal testing is allowed, and during the week, I saw some experiments that involved mice. One was a behavioural test in which mice were given anti-depressant drugs, such as saline; the time the mice spent exploring before drinking was then recorded.

RUH BELLA PLUMBLY

Jim Pope, Cameron Owens, George Logut and Rhys Williams at BAE Systems

A group of us had a fantastic week at the RUH, in the Geriatrics, Radiology, Orthopaedics, ENT, Oncology, A & E and Anaesthetics Departments. Each experience was very interesting. I observed an Orthopaedic clinic in which I was asked to give my diagnostic opinion. I also viewed a bronchoscopy procedure live, in Radiology, where I was able to handle the instruments and learn how on-screen imaging helps to aid the process.

Kingswood in Focus 45

Academic Feature

The Art Department Since my last contribution to KIF back in 2011, shortly after my arrival at Kingswood, the Art Department has seen many developments.

The Octagon Gallery in Milsom Place

The studios have been dramatically improved through a number of refurbishment initiatives. The two most significant of these have been the removal of the print room wall to provide much needed natural light and the addition of a large format etching press. We also now have regular Sixth Form trips to London art galleries which provide inspiration and context for the pupils’ ideas, and which hopefully foster a lifelong appreciation of Art in its broadest sense. And, of course, the students continue to turn out art work ever more innovative and exciting and of the highest standard.

“...the students continue to turn out art work ever more innovative and exciting and of the highest standard.”

Realising that Art is both a challenging and rewarding subject, we have introduced new schemes of work at Key Stage 3, which have provided pupils with the opportunity to combine continuous discovery with the acquisition of skills and confidence. Numbers of pupils taking the subject at examination level remain strong and the results have been exemplary for the past few years.

In 2013, 58% of all pupils achieved A* / A, with 91% securing a B or above. As always, a significant number of our young artists have secured places at highly respected art institutions both in the UK and abroad.

Each summer, the studios of the Art Department are successfully transformed into an exhibition space for the end of year shows. Whilst they have always been very well received, in a drive to raise the profile of the department even further, the Summer Art Exhibition 2014 opened on Friday 20th June, at The Octagon Gallery in Milsom Place, in the centre of Bath. With approximately two hundred pieces of artwork on show and a large crowd of pupils, parents, friends and guests in attendance, the evening was a terrific success.

David Cobley, an elected member of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters, who opened the exhibition, was astonished by the high quality and variety of artwork on display.

The exhibition was busy over the weekend and the general public were amazed by the standard of the work - most could not believe it was the work of secondary school students! The show highlighted the strength of the Art Department and showcased the creative capability of Kingswood School students.

Mr Stephen Brown (Head of Art) 46 Kingswood in Focus

Design & Technology As a subject, Design & Technology has transformed dramatically over the years.

From the bygone days of traditional Woodwork and Metalwork, through to the 80s move to CDT (Craft, Design and Technology) the subject has evolved into the modern Design & Technology that we know today. Nowadays, it encompasses everything from product design, engineering, food technology and resistant materials to graphic products, systems control, electronic products and textiles technology.

Here at Kingswood, at Key Stage 3, all students produce both a design folio and a finished product each year. This process really helps them to not only build their core workshop skills, but also to hone their presentation skills. At GCSE we offer Resistant Materials and at A level Product Design. This allows the students the freedom of manufacturing projects in any material they choose – from textiles and foodstuffs, through to wood and modern plastics. Since I joined the department four years ago, the department has undergone a complete overhaul in both its appearance and infrastructure, as well as seeing the introduction of activities such as jewellery making.

This has, I believe, really influenced our students in choosing the subject at GCSE and above. It has also benefited them in their study of it, leading to many exciting and innovative projects. We have also seen an increase in the numbers of our students going on to study a range of DT related degree courses.

Our department’s philosophy is to challenge our students’ reasoning and get them to question their own design decisions in order to further their understanding of their design choices. We encourage everyone to develop their designs based on design styles and periods, or designs influenced by famous designers. We often enhance the curriculum with external visits to put the reality of industry into perspective. Recent trips have been to the Williams Cosworth F1 Centre, Swansea University Automotive Design Faculty, the Gordon Russell Design Museum, Morgan Cars, the Design Museum as well as the Victoria and Albert Museum. These trips often help to inspire and develop the thinking within projects or enhance the theory that we have been teaching in the classroom.

A large part of the department’s profile within the school exists through the activities programme. The popular activities include precious metal jewellery making, where we use sterling silver to make a variety of pieces of jewellery, and the welding activity with Mr Thomas, which I know everyone looks forward to immensely. The STEM club (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) is a nationwide initiative and here at Kingswood we run a club with Mr Musto, Mr Burton and me. The club focuses on the link between Kingswood, WWII and the Admiralty’s use of Kingswood where they designed the Mulberry Harbour, as used in Normandy in the aftermath of D Day. All in all, the Design & Technology department is in rude health and has plans to develop further in the forthcoming years. The exhibition of pupils’ work seems to be higher in standard each year and I would encourage any parent to visit on Open Day for a look at the way we are constantly improving and evolving.

Mr Barney Brown (Head of Design and Technology) Kingswood in Focus 47

Activities

Boarders’ Activities Kingswood has greatly increased the provision for boarders’ activities at the weekend over the last few years.

This year, our external activities have included clay pigeon shooting, Laser Fusion and canoeing taster sessions, in addition to organised shopping trips to Bristol and a beach trip to Porthcawl.

These have been extremely well received by our boarding community, and are set to continue over the next few years.

Pupils have the freedom to use the school’s many facilities at the weekend, including the indoor swimming pool, sports hall with fully equipped gym, table tennis, astroturf, squash courts and tennis courts.

Pupils take part in mixed year inter-house sports tournaments in volleyball, hockey, basketball and tennis, among others. Film nights are also offered once every halfterm in the theatre, with popcorn and drinks provided to encourage a cinemalike atmosphere. Houses take it in turns to select the film for each evening.

In addition to these community-wide activities, each house has their own activities for the weekend. These range from cooking together as a house on a Saturday night, to intra-house Olympics and video game tournaments.

Life at Kingswood is definitely busy, and our boarders certainly enjoy activity-filled weekends.

Mr Jude Chua (Head of Activities)

Kingswood Boat Club 48 Kingswood in Focus

“Life at Kingswood is definitely busy, and our boarders certainly enjoy activity-filled weekends.”

Kingswood Boat Club (KSBC) was formed in December 2013.

The training of our members began in early January 2014 with circuits and conditioning drills under the watchful eye of Mrs Nicola Feaver, our head coach.

Over the next few months, we included time on indoor rowing machines, or ‘ergs’. Finally, after three months of preparation (and a lot of sore muscles!) and capsize drills in the swimming pool, we were ready for our first water session. Our intrepid rowers displayed nerves of steel to climb into sculls that were barely wider than they were, and were delighted when their months of hard work paid off – they were finally out on the water!

They displayed great determination and commitment, even asking to go on training days over the school holidays. KSBC is greatly looking forward to our first racing season, starting in January 2015. We wish our rowers the very best of luck!

Mr Jude Chua (Head of Activities) Kingswood in Focus 49

Sport

Rugby 2013 The 2013 rugby season was one of the most impressive seasons in Kingswood’s recent history. With arguably the toughest fixture list we have had for many years, the overall 70% win rate of our teams is something we can all feel proud of.

There were two unbeaten teams: the U14As and 2nd XV. The U14As have now not lost a match in 3 years and again were grateful for Al Mackenzie’s leadership at fly-half, the combined try tally of 42 from centres Gregor Morton and James Milford and the impact of forwards Tom Royston and Ollie Parry. The 2nd XV also had an outstanding leader in Zinny Norman who, in many other years, would have been a 1st XV regular. The same could be said of several others, for example fellow Year 13 leavers Saugat Gurung and Harry Merrill, who finished as the school’s top try scorers with 29. Upper Sixth students also led the way in the 3rd XV with Alistair Blackburn, Matthew Griffiths and Hugh Schofield featuring prominently in the pack. Leo Fini and the top try-scorer and captain, Ben Mayall, were influential in the backs but a Year 12 student, Anish Shrestha, was arguably the most effective player.

they lost to heavily last season. Henry Corp, Lucien Calkin and, in particular, Billy Greenway had strong seasons in the pack.

The midfield trio of Ollie Millner, Lucas Reeman and Oliver Akiwumi also started to gel nicely. However, this is another year group where the B team has out-performed the A team. Dylan Bruce, Peter Edwards, Jack Brock, Charles Clague and Gordon Ip were all key contributors to the B team’s success.

Of the teams to lose just one game, the U12As benefitted from the strong running of Marcus Kershaw and Antonio Mba Ivina in the back line.

Mr James Brown (Head of Boys’ Games)

However, the forward effort, led by captain Rory Padkin and typified by hooker Ashish Tamang, was just as important. The U14Bs success owed much to the efforts of Alfie Brooks and Jamie Rowley in the backs and Harry Kerrison and Angus Batchelor in the pack.

In many ways, however, it is a greater challenge to maintain a consistency of performance in a team that is struggling. Credit must therefore go to Rory Crowther and Elliott Hawtin in the U15As and Jack Hau, Hamish Walker, Harry Bristow and Conor Finnamore in the U13As. Both of these sides showed signs of improvement in the last few weeks of the season and both finished with good victories in their last game. A further positive sign for these two year groups is how their B teams have performed this season. George Brunskill, Max Brindley and Oscar Plant have all been consistent for the U13Bs, with Robin Ledbury the real star of the season.

The U15Bs were arguably the most improved team in the school.

Charlie Patterson, Dexter Evans, James Little and Indy Sankosik all played a big part in their resurgence.

There has also been some improvement from the U16As which included excellent wins against Prior Park and Colston’s, who 50 Kingswood in Focus

And finally to the U12Bs: Jamie Deverell’s bravery, Finlay Paul’s consistency and Freddy Bayliss’ all round qualities have all been features of their season.

Well done lads, a great season!

“There were two unbeaten teams: the U14As and 2nd XV.” Rugby Roll of Honour  England U16 South Owen Waters  England Independent Schools South West Matt Scott Connor McAlpine  Bath Academy George Broom Dominic Mackenzie Miles Thompson

Jack Crowther Parimal Shrestha Owen Waters

think he is such a great coach is his passion for the game. He just loves it (especially the scrums!) and this enthusiasm rubs off on the players.

1st XV

We have also had opportunities outside the regular school fixtures.

For example, the 1st XV played (and won) against Blundell’s at the Rec as a curtain raiser for a Bath Rugby game. This, for me, was definitely one of the highlights of my school rugby career.

In the regular season, the 1st XV started with some of our best performances against Queen’s Taunton and local rivals King Edward’s with a total of 150 points scored. The performances of the backs in these games was sublime with Parimal Shrestha, Owen Waters and Dominic Mackenzie particularly prominent. However, this could not have been possible without a solid pack. The all Year 12 back row of Jack Hurring, George Broom and new addition Oliver Morgan played some outstanding rugby and had a relentless work rate. In addition, Miles Thompson was a reliable presence alongside me in the front row. These players will surely form the backbone of another strong team next year but I want to pay tribute to the huge part that the Year 13 leavers played in this season’s success. Kieran Gibson, Connor McAlpine, Oscar Ryan, Jonathan Roberts, Joel Lees-Massey, Matt Bolland, Prabhat Gurung and my fellow front row cuddling buddy, Matt Scott (who I have played shoulder to shoulder with since Year 7), were all superb.

In addition, my vice-captain, Nick Haller, has been crucial in helping me lead the team and provide some extra grind and extra physicality when needed. Thanks also to Ben Papuca and Angus Hawking who had to sit and watch from the touchline in their final year due to serious injuries but did so with good humour and a real understanding of the team ethos. It has been a privilege and a pleasure to lead them onto the pitch every Saturday. They are what I will miss most about rugby at Kingswood!

George Broom, Dom Mackenzie, Owen Waters, Miles Thompson Connor McAlpine, Jon Roberts, Joel Lees-Massey, Prabhat Gurung, Adam Parker, Ben Papuca Ollie Morgan, Jack Hurring, Parimal Shrestha, Kieran Gibson, Ollie Gardiner Matt Bolland, Matt Scott, Jack Crowther (C), Nick Haller, Oscar Ryan Mr T Reeman, Mr J Matthews

1st XV Report Put simply, the school’s 1st XV has had the most successful season in the last 30 years!

Clearly, success does not come just from the efforts of the players. The school has an amazing set of coaches and staff that spend a lot of their time and effort developing the 15 teams that we have been fielding in recent seasons. The standard of coaching is outstanding and it is certainly shown by our results. However, a personal thank you must go to the two coaches who led the 1st XV to such a successful season.

Firstly Mr Reeman, who has had a massive influence on the backs, helping with the handling and the team’s attacking play. Having him also coach us at U16 level really helped both years to bridge the gap between junior rugby and the quicker, more physical senior rugby.

And secondly, Mr Matthews, who coached me for my first ever game of rugby for the U12Bs and my last one for the 1st XV. The reason I

Jack Crowther (Captain of Rugby)

Rugby Results - Autumn 2013 Queen’s Taunton King Edward’s

1st XV W 92-0 W 63-0

2nd XV W 61-0 W 60-0

Clifton College

3rd XV

4th XV

U16A U16B W 55-5 W 44-10 L 10-22

W 31-17

U15A L 5-26 L 0-55

W 22-17

Bristol Grammar School

W 47-8

W 35-0

W 70-5

L 15-38

L 5-34

Taunton School

W 40-5

W 55-7

W 50-0

L 8-24

W 15-7 W 36-22

Prior Park College W 64-0 W 67-0 Millfield Bishop Wordsworth’s W 36-12 W 37-5 Monkton Combe W 38-3 W 60-0 Monmouth Beechen Cliff W 66-0 Llandaff Cathedral School Colston’s W 33-0 W 60-5 Dauntsey’s Sir Thomas Rich’s King’s Taunton W 28-17 W 19-10 Blundell’s W 31-8 Monkton Prep School Dean Close L 10-39 W 41-8 QEH Bristol W 63-0 W 65-0 Win Rate 94% 100%

L 0-51

U15B U14A U14B U13A U13B W 19-0 W 102-0 W 50-7 W 36-10 W 55-7 L 0-41 W 54-0 W 54-0 L 0-36 L 22-32 W 55-10 (C team) L 0-22 W 56-0 W 48-7 L 7-51 L 0-26 L 5-14

W 81-0

L 10-18

L 7-24

W 36-5

W 7-0

W 53-3

U12A W 24-0 W 36-0

U12B W 37-5

L 0-29 W 21-14 v KPS

W 43-17 L 19-45 W 29-17 W 45-0 W 24-10 L 21-29 L 12-42 W 17-0 L 0-48 W 17-12 W 26-24 L 0-33 L 0-45 W 57-0

W 46-5 W 36-7 W 19-15 L 5-24 L 5-43 W 26-7 W 69-0

L 3-30

L 0-27

L 0-19 L 0-50

L 0-22

W 31-0

L 7-24

W 33-0 W 31-10

L22-36 L 7-32

W 22-16

L 7-26

L 5-39

W 12-5

W 55-0 W 20-19

L 0-32

L 12-19

W 52-0

W 5-63

W 51-0

W 44-5 L 10-39 45%

W 51-0 L 12-36 W 48-5 L 7-48 W 17-10 W 50-5 60% 27% 64%

L 5-12 L 7-22

L 7-17

W 29-24 W 21-17

L 7-32

W 21-17 W 52-0 W 42-12 W 64-0 W 48-10 W 56-0 W 48-7 W 31-5 W 17-7 W 33-12 100% 91% 30% 56% 90%

L 0-20 50%

W 36-5

W 29-0 W 34-0 W 10-0 60%

33%

Kingswood in Focus 51

Girls’ Hockey This season 239 goals have been scored by Kingswood girls; this is not the only statistic that can sum up the season. Here is the 2013 hockey season in numbers: 6: The number of Westwood teams This season the Westwood teams were tested with a more competitive fixture list and ultimately rose to the challenge. The U12s had a tough start to the year. However, their hard work paid off as they persevered and finished the season in fine form. Holly Harris has been influential at centre mid and has been the architect behind many of the goals. Libby Taylor and Francesca Ledbury worked tirelessly in defence, anchoring the U12As at the back. Soraya Yasin injected energy into the B team and Charlotte Scruton showed great potential for the coming years. Emily Vaughan and Georgia Drew were the unsung heroes, always showing determination.

The U13A team had a formidable defence line, who were consistently strong and well organised. Hannah Morris held together the mid-field, and Charlotte Cutter was the outstanding forward. The B team showed improvement from the early games to the final 9-0 victory against Pate’s Grammar School. Grace Blackburn’s finishing was of particular value to the side as she signed off the season with four goals.

12 (to nil): The largest goal difference for the U14As The U14s have gained in confidence, implementing tactics with progressive maturity. The U14As scored an amazing 38 goals this season, with Kelly Read top scorer. The key player was Elsbeth Overeynder, controlling the play. Most improved player was Abigail Wylie playing at right back this season.

Other impact players have been Natasha Thornton as sweeper with excellent and sometimes fearsome distribution, and Becky Ousby who has wheels instead of feet and has been very influential in attack.

52 Kingswood in Focus

1st XI

Sarah Rawle, Emily Bristow, Anna Bools, Eloise Ball, Ellie Lyne Mr G Opie, Sophie Roberts, Freya Courtaux, Rhiannon Osborne, Ella Reeman, Orla O’Sullivan Maddie Dumpleton, Hattie Leventhal, Ellie Tullberg (C), Meghan Duncan, Olivia Lines

The U14Bs only lost two regular fixtures and their most rewarding win was beating a very skilful Dean Close side 2-1. India Folker was pivotal with her fearsome presence and hunger for the ball. However, the player of the season was Niamh McCarthy whose skills impressed and earned her a call up to the As.

19: Different players have represented the U15Bs This shows the depth of strength within this year group leading to only two losses this year. Top goal scorer was Olivia Sealy, who was consistently alert. Pick of the players, Chloe Roberts, started the season playing in goal and moved outfield, becoming a dominant presence in the midfield.

The U15A’s highlight of the season was their 10-0 win against Wells Cathedral School. Issy Broom was a model captain; organised and consistent in mid-field. Robyn Newman was reliable, showing great versatility throughout the season. Lucy Rowlands and Mimi Watts earned the accolade of Players of the Season.

0: The number of U6th girls in the 4th XI After an early defeat by Clifton College, the 4th XI soon started to play as a team, winning against both Prior Park and Bristol Grammar School - no mean feat. Jessie Palmer was instrumental in defence and Emma Narbett’s work rate was remarkable. The girls worked hard and had an enjoyable season led well by Rosie Wakefield.

9: The number of different players who took Rhys* home The 3rd team, the Dragons, had a number of talented players including Rachel Greenslade, who was Player of the Season and Esther Chilver Vaughan who was Most Improved Player. Old hands, Olivia Harris, Hannah Sansford and captain, Josie Fraser, used their experience to good effect playing influential parts in every

game, especially the win against Queen’s Taunton. (*Rhys is a cuddly toy the 3rd XI team mascot - awarded to the player of the match. Ed.)

7 (to nil): The best 2nd XI score this season The 2nd XI had an excellent season. Poppy Clark captained the side well, controlling the play from centre midfield. Jennifer Robson had electric pace on the wing and Georgia McKibbin and Charlotte Williams scored many goals between them. In defence, Stanya Gardner made crucial tackles, often being the last line of defence at the back! Newcomers to the team, Abigail Jeffery and Olivia Pope, demonstrated great promise for the next couple of years.

3: The number of games the 1st XI lost this year It has been a pleasure to be part of the first team this year. With ten new players joining the squad, we worked hard to rebuild after last year’s unbeaten season. The ‘babies’ of the team, Sarah Rawle and Ella Reeman, played with a maturity beyond their years. The Year 11 students, Freya Courtaux and Rhiannon Osborne, added strength in attack and defence respectively.

impressed in the midfield creating goal scoring opportunities, and Orla O’Sullivan, aka ‘team manager’, was a constant support throughout the season.

31 & 16: Goals scored for and against for the 1st XI Our top goal scorer this season is Olivia Lines with 12 goals. She has an impressive work rate and always entertains the team. We only let in 2 goals in the second half of the season, highlighting the fact that goalie Ellie Ball made many crucial saves. Harriot Leventhal created many opportunities from the right and Maddie Dumpleton worked tirelessly in midfield, always winning the race to the ball.

38: Caps for Ellie Lyne With one more season to go, 38 caps shows just how vital Ellie Lyne is to the team. She is one of the best playmakers I have ever played with or seen at school hockey level. Ellie will continue to be the driving force next year and I wish the team the best of luck.

0: The number of training sessions where Mr Opie said nothing I made a fatal mistake one games lesson when I politely asked Mr Opie to reduce the amount of shouting during a session. What followed was a refusal to say anything, absolutely anything. Mr Opie knew we would come grovelling back and ask him to shout again!

I can’t thank Mr Opie enough for all he has done for my hockey.

0: The number of times Meghan Duncan was taken off this season This demonstrates what an important and influential part of the team Meghan Duncan was. She was a great vice-captain who led by example; I could not have asked for more. I am proud to have played the last five hockey seasons with her.

6: The number of leavers Three of the six leavers this year made their debuts on the pre-season tour. Anna Bools at the back added to the defensive unit with impressive tackling. Sophie Roberts was ever-reliable when transferring the ball and stayed composed on and off the pitch.

Emily Bristow

Finally, I have loved being captain this year. If I had been told in Year 10, when I joined the 1st team as a little stick person who was too scared to play good hockey, that I would be captain in my last year, I would not have believed it. However, here I am, a proud captain of the 1st team and hopefully a little less twig-like. A big thank you to all the girls I have played with this season; you have made it the most enjoyable yet.

Ellie Tullberg (Captain of Girls’ Hockey)

Girls’ Hockey Results 2013 1st XI King Edward’s Queen’s Taunton

2nd XI 3rd XI

4th XI

5th XI

W 3-1

U15A

U15B

L 2-5

L 0-2

L 0-1

W 4-0

Clifton College

D 4-4

L 1-2

L 0-2

L 0-3

Dean Close

L 1-2

D 1-1

L 0-1

L 0-2

Taunton School

W 2-0

W 3-1

W 2-1

Bristol Grammar School

W 2-1

W 1-0

L 2-3

Colston’s

D 0-0

W 3-0

W 4-0

W 3-0

U14A

U14B

U13A

U13B

W 2-1 D 2-2

W 4-0

W 2-0

W 1-0

L 1-2

W 3-2

All Hallows

L 0-7 W 2-0

L 0-1

W 2-1

L 1-5

L 1-2

D 0-0

W 2-1

D 1-1

D 2-2

W 3-0

L 0-6

Red Maids

W 7-0

Dauntsey’s

W 4-0

L 2-3

Wells Cathedral School

W 7-0

W 7-0

W 2-1

D 1-1

L 1-5

W 2-0

W 2-0

W 5-0

Prior Park College

W 3-1

W 1-0

W 3-0

W 3-0 D 0-0

W 2-0

L 0-4

L 1-4

D 1-1

W 3-0

W 10-0 D 2-2

Bryanston

W 2-1

L 1-4

D 1-1

L 1-2

Win Rate

63%

63%

33%

33%

100%

L 0-1

D 0-0

U12B

U12C

D 1-1

W 2-1

L 0-2

W 3-0

L 3-10

W 5-0

D 0-0

L 2-4

W 2-0

U12D

L 1-2

L 0-3

L 0-2

L 0-3

L 0-2

D 0-0

L 0-1

W 4-1 W 3-0

L 2-4

Pate’s Grammar School

U12A

W 2-1

W 12-0 L 1-4

L 2-4

L 2-5

Millfield

Royal High School

L 2-4

U13C

L 0-2

D 1-1

W 2-0

L 2-4

W 2-1

L 0-2

W 6-1

W 4-1

W 4-1

D 1-1

30%

50%

0%

W 6-0

W 2-0

W 5-0

W 2-0

W 9-0

56%

57%

L 0-2

L 0-5

L 1-2

L 0-4

44%

29%

80%

67%

0%

0%

Kingswood in Focus 53

Boys’ Hockey Despite a tougher fixture list in 2014, Kingswood’s hockey teams were still able to produce an excellent set of results, winning 80% of the 116 matches that were played.

Pride of place must go to the U14 teams, who were unbeaten at A, B & C team level, with the A team also being crowned county champions and winners of the Prior Park Super 6s. An agonising loss on penalty strokes in the semi-final of the regional tournament prevented them from going to the National Finals for the second successive year. There are so many of this team worthy of a mention. The back 4 and goalkeeper Oliver Parry did everything that they had to do effectively and efficiently.

The midfield was extremely well balanced with Henry Brearey’s attacking threat, Al Mackenzie’s phenomenal work rate and Charlie Roberts’ ability to snuff out opposition attacks. On the right wing, Joshua Brace was at times unplayable, providing countless chances for the prolific forward line of Angus Batchelor and Alfie Brooks. In the B team, Jamie Rowley and Rupert Bayliss were the stand-out performers and should keep the A team forwards on their toes next season.

The Year 7s also gave notice of their potential with only 3 matches lost all season and some very impressive performances along the way.

Ashish Tamang was the player of the season and Freddy Bayliss scored 20 goals. Harvey Brooks, Ben Shardlow, Marcus Kershaw, Charlie Roach and Darcy van Gerwen were also impressive but this is another team that is fortunate to have a really good player in every position, which is very unusual in Year 7. For the B team Antonio Mba Ivina was the most improved player whilst Joe Crosby was their defensive rock until he broke his arm. Stephen King, Matthew Vaughan, Finlay Paul, Jamie Deverell and George Hannon can also be proud of their efforts.

The A teams in Years 8 and 10 won half their matches and have both made positive strides this year. In Year 10, Joe Tait, Joe Han-Hauser, Tommy Phillips and Charlie Patterson all performed consistently and William Moorey was the most improved player. In Year 8, Hamish Walker, Harry Bristow, Callum Michie and Harvey Heap all gave the team solidity but Finley Feaver was often the match winner.

The B teams in both year groups went very close to unbeaten seasons but both fell at the final hurdle. Josh Knight, Oscar Kenyon, Finlay Marks, Jack Brain and Ben Narbett all excelled in the U13Bs, Captain Harry Heap led by example in the U15Bs with good support from Jonny Sandeman, Max Lines, Freddie Wells and Harvey Goodliffe. Andy Chadwick was their most improved player.

Of the senior teams, the 4th XI again went unbeaten and again boasted an enormous goal difference having scored 73 and having only conceded one! Josh Gammie was Mr Matthews’ best kept secret of 2014 and Jack Crowther and Matt Scott were also extremely influential.

54 Kingswood in Focus

You could argue that the 3rd XI was the most successful team of the season as a mixture of character and hard work saw them grind out narrow wins against consistently tough opponents. Freddy Oliphant scored some important goals and worked tirelessly up front. Rupert Halls was always composed in midfield and the entire defensive unit was excellent. Oliver Akiwumi’s athleticism and Player of the Season Charlie Clague’s organisational skills were important factors in their success, and we mustn’t forget keeper Freddie Barnes who also made some crucial saves. The 2nd XI had a very good season but will ultimately be frustrated with the losses to Prior Park and Monkton Combe by a single goal that denied them an unbeaten season. Captain Oliver Robley led the team well and Ben Mayall and William Davies were the other key contributors from Year 13.

In midfield, Lucas Reeman, Matt Holmes and Rhys Williams all showed that they have the potential to make the step up next year.

Mr James Brown (Head of Boys’ Games)

1st XI Report This season has been one that, as a squad, we can be very proud of. Having played in the 2012 team which was the most successful hockey side that Kingswood has seen in recent years, this season has been an even more enjoyable one on a personal level. This is not only because we enjoyed almost as much success, becoming County champions, winning the Bath Super 7s tournament, and only losing two Saturday matches, but also because of the great bunch of players that I had the pleasure of captaining. It was a shame that the strength in depth that we had meant that talented players such as Ben Mayall and Lucas Reeman missed out on a number of games. Nevertheless youngsters Jeremy Hardman and Calum Montgomery showed their quality in their first season.

The Lower Sixth players this year have been influential, especially the defensive unit of George Broom, Owen Waters and Jack Hurring. Dom Mackenzie was effective in midfield and Parimal Shrestha’s staggering pace and skill have made him the team’s main attacking force on the right wing, scoring numerous goals and being involved in many more.

The final member of the Lower Sixth, Hywel Jones has deservedly been representing Wales at Under 18 level this season which is a huge testament to his ability as a hockey player. He has been a leading figure in the centre of midfield this season, and I have no doubt that he will continue to be successful in school hockey and beyond.

1st XI

Before I move on to the Upper Sixth leavers I would just like to pay tribute to Mr Opie who is clearly held in very high regard by everyone on the hockey circuit, and rightly so. He has a real passion for the game and the ability to ingrain skill and determination into any team.

He has been at the centre of my hockey development for a long time now, and I cannot thank him enough for what he has done for me and the rest of the team this year.

Hywel Jones, Owen Waters, Dom Mackenzie, George Broom, Jack Hurrung Matt Bolland, Parimal Shrestha, Calum Montgomery, Nick Haller, Oscar Ryan, Ben Papuca Leo Fini, Tim Rouse (C), Tom Hardman, Jeremy Hardman

“...it has been an immense pleasure captaining the first team this season.”

And finally, on to the leavers, many of whom I have played hockey with for as long as I can remember.

Firstly, I would like to acknowledge our goal keeper Matt Bolland, who has excelled this term in this crucial position.

Oscar Ryan and Nick Haller were extremely effective forwards and Leo Fini’s role as a utility player really benefitted the team in the

second half of the season. Harry Merrill has consistently been one of the most skilful players in our side and I am sure that he will be a key figure in any team that he goes on to play for. We should also not forget Ben Papuca. Missing the season due to injury was a huge shame, not just for Ben himself, but also for the team, as he would have been such a crucial figure. However, Ben showed his passion for Kingswood sport by being at nearly every game, regardless of the weather, and supporting us through every moment. And last, but definitely not least, my vice-captain, Tom Hardman. Tom has become one of the best right backs this school has seen, and is fully deserving of the full colours that he received. I hope to play with him again at some point in the future.

It feels like it has gone all too quickly, but it has been an immense pleasure captaining the first team this season. I am in no doubt that the future of Kingswood Hockey is in very safe hands and I wish everyone all the best in the coming years.

Tim Rouse (Captain of Boys’ Hockey)

Boys’ Hockey Results 2014 1st X1

2nd X1

3rd X1

Clifton College

W 4-0

W 1-0

W 4-0

Beechen Cliff

W 6-1

Monkton Combe

W 3-1

L 1-2

W 1-0

Colston’s

W 9-3

W 6-0

Prior Park College

D 2-2

Bristol Grammar School

4th X1

U15A

U15B

U14A

U14B

U13A

U13B

L 2-4

W 7-0

W 8-0

W 10-0

L 2-6

W 1-0

W 4-0 W 11-0

W 11-2

U13C

W 2-1

U12A

U12B

W 7-0

W 1-0

U12C

W 6-0

W 3-2

W 8-0

W 7-0

W 3-0

W 2-1

W 3-0

W 2-0

L 0-1

W 4-0

W 3-1

W 3-1

W 2-0

W 3-2

L 4-5

W 4-1

D 2-2

W 2-1

W 2-1

W 2-1

W 2-0

L 1-3

W 2-1

D 1-1

Queen’s Taunton

W 9-3

W 8-2

Wells Cathedral School

W 6-1

W 13-1

W 5-0

W 7-0

W 6-1

W 5-0

W 3-0 W 3-0 (v KPS)

W 5-1 (v KPS)

Wellsway W 7-0

L 3-5

L 2-3

W 3-0

W 3-0

L 1-4

D 3-3

L 1-2

W 2-1

W 3-1

W 13-0 W 8-1 W 14-0

W 1-0

W 7-0

W 9-0

W 3-0

L 1-3

W 7-0

W 3-0

W 3-1

W 7-0

W 5-0

W 10-0

W 2-0

Dauntsey’s

L 2-3

W 2-1

L 1-2

W 11-0

W 1-0

W 2-1

W 3-0

W 2-0

Dean Close

W 6-2

W 3-1

L 1-2

W 16-0

D 0-0

W 2-0

W 3-0

D 1-1 L 1-6

D 3-3

L 1-4

L 3-6

W 11-0

W 1-0

L 2-6

L 0-1

W 10-0

W 4-0

L 0-4

L 0-1

W 5-0

W 3-0

W 8-0

W 9-0

80%

78%

50%

78%

100%

100%

50%

100%

100%

80%

89%

100%

Millfield Prep School King Edward’s Win Rate

71%

100%

Kingswood in Focus 55

1st VII

Netball The Netball Club is proud to boast a 76% win rate, which is a superb figure. However, it has been the progress and development of the girls as players that is perhaps the greater achievement this season.

The U13s put in a great effort this term, with both their individual skills and tactical play improving dramatically. A highlight was retaining the title at the King Edward’s School Tournament, where they won comfortably. Jess Norton and Hannah Morris have been particularly strong in mid-court, as has Lizzie White in defence. Charlotte Chilton secures Player of the Season for her fine shooting. Beth Roberts has shown consistency and enjoyed her debut in the U13As for the final two matches. The U13Bs and U13Cs are two of our four unbeaten teams and their score lines have been fantastic, with Lizzie Davis being pivotal under the post. Stand out players in the U13Cs are the defensive duo Daisy Shayegan and Rigam Chhantyal.

The 3rd team and 4th team complete the unbeaten group. Both teams have had some remarkable score lines which highlight the depth of talent in the senior girls. It was great to see so many girls train and commit to Saturday matches. The 3rd team have had the luxury of Rhiannon Osborne in defence, reading the game well and hunting balls down. Charlotte Williams was the architect behind many victories and Abigal Jeffrey caught the eye with her improvement.

Indeed, a highlight for the 4th team was beating Bryanston 30-2. Rosie Wakefield was their most consistent performer.

The U12s have grown in confidence throughout the season and enjoyed their netball immensely. Decisive wins against King Edward’s School and Dauntsey’s saw the team at their best, utilising space on court and showing some fluid passing. Holly Harris has been outstanding throughout and Freya Morris’ height gave them a huge advantage. The U12B team’s mid-court partnership of Freya Disney and Eliza Brunt has been excellent and Miya Cameron, much

improved, has made the position of wing defence her own.

56

Mrs Sim, Emily Bristow, Olivia Harris, Bella Plumbly Ellie Lyne, Hattie Leventhal, Orla O’Sullivan (C), Livia Gauntlett, Maddie Dumpleton Absent - Georgia McKibbin

The U14s produced some mature performances, showing strength of character by turning their fortunes around several times, especially against The Royal High School. Kate Hall was influential and ‘Miss Versatile’; Rebecca Ousby, led by example in attack and defence.

The U14Bs improved considerably, showing plenty of potential for the future. Player of the Season is Tilly Baines, but a notable mention goes to Lillie Keith, whose timing, when it came to intercepting or passing, was absolutely outstanding.

The U15B team has demonstrated great versatility throughout the season, with the girls adapting to different court positions as needs have arisen. Frankie Kenyon and Claudia Blofeld have both defended consistently, making crucial interceptions and distributing the ball efficiently. Mimi Disney stood out in mid-court and played a major part in some of the wins against our local rivals. Our U15A Team have been exceptional, losing just one game in two years.

The shooters used their height to excellent effect and worked hard to develop their range of skills and tactics in the circle. Captain Lucy Rowlands has led by example and Ella Reeman is an excellent tactician with an astute approach to play in the mid-court. Pick of the players, Beth Hirst, is a force to be reckoned with - she reads the game well and has provided the team with countless turnovers.

“Kingswood matches have defined my weekends...and it’s a part of school I will certainly miss and will never forget.”

The 2nd team had a near flawless season, narrowly losing just one match to King Edward’s School. I would be very surprised if there was another team in the country who can boast a head girl, a deputy head girl and three heads of houses in the same squad. Although the team was captained superbly by Sophie Roberts, there was leadership and authority all over the court! The matches were characterised by fast, counter-attacking play through the mid-court, with two hot shooters, Anna Bools and Katya Kerrison, in the goal circle. Rachel Greenslade and Olivia Pope worked well in the defensive circle and improved throughout the season. For Ellie Tullberg, Izzy Hodgson and Sophie Roberts, ‘wing’ was a perfect name to describe for their position as they flew around the court, providing great balance to the side. That leaves one player to be mentioned - the mercurial Meghan Duncan who finally threw off the ‘I hate netball’ mantle and totally dominated games, playing in the centre. Her robust play and ability to catch and

feed accurately from anywhere on the court was a huge asset.

Finally, we come to the 1st team. Despite losing half the players from last year, the 1st team have had one of the most successful seasons for several years, only losing two matches.

This was Livi Gauntlett’s second season in the 1st team, having already proved herself to be an influential player, making numerous interceptions in every match. Her talent and experience is certainly going to be crucial to the team’s success over the next two years. Five Lower Sixth girls made up the bulk of the team with Olivia Harris’ height being crucial in defence and Maddie Dumpleton’s presence in mid-court being instrumental in many victories.

Bella Plumbly, my partner in crime up front this season, has been very consistent with her shooting.

Her confidence grew as the season progressed, making her become one of the most dependable of players. Ellie Lyne is probably the most versatile player I have ever had the pleasure to play with. Ellie will certainly be the key to next year’s success.

This was my third season playing with Harriet Leventhal. She has been pivotal in mid-court, offering her talents in attack and defence.

She has been a constant support to me throughout the season in her role as vice-captain.

Now, I come to the leavers; Emily Bristow and Georgia McKibbin.

Having played together since Year 7, they are an incredible defensive duo. Georgia’s height and competitive edge has been hugely beneficial to the team’s success and Emily is the most dependable player, consistently playing well and always giving a strong performance. I am so glad that we got to start and finish our Kingswood netball playing in the same team and I will certainly miss playing with you two next year.

I would like to thank all the teachers involved in netball this year, but most of all I would like to thank Mrs Sim. Despite the fact that you made us wake up at 7am on Monday mornings to train, our season would not have been the same without you. Since joining the school last year you have raised Kingswood netball to a new level and I know the whole team has really appreciated your enthusiasm and advice.

Lastly, netball has always been extremely important to me and to finish my time here playing with such a talented group of girls has been nothing but a pleasure. It is a weird feeling knowing that this report marks the end of freezing training sessions on the Upper and of Saturday matches. Kingswood matches have defined my weekends for the whole of my Kingswood career and it’s a part of school I will certainly miss and will never forget. I wish all players the best of luck next season, and judging by the talent coming up through the school, Kingswood netball will be successful for many years to come!

Orla O’Sullivan (Captain of Netball)

Netball Results 2014 1st VII 2nd VII 3rd VII 4th VII 5th VII U15A

U15B

U15C

U14A

U14B

King Edward’s

L 23-29 L 20-23 W 43-14 W 30-3 W 51-2 W 25-19 W 19-4

L 13-25 W 27-10

Prior Park College

W 29-21 W 21-11 W 18-9 W 31-2

W 22-12 L 16-17

Monkton Combe

W 22-16 W 35-8

W 25-11 W 12-5

U14C

St John’s-On-The-Hill

U13B

U13C

U13D

W 35-14 W 27-5

W 34-5 W 33-7

Bryanston

W 32-20 W 23-15 W 20-15 W 30-2

W 28-4 L 13-15 L 9-11 L 12-25 L 9-15 L 8 -11

Downside

W 28-10

W 24-13

W 27-0

W 19-2 W 25-7

W 9-8

W 9-8 L 6-10

W 23-10 W 18-2

L 10-14 W 9-5

L 5-31 W 38-31 W 23-18 W 24-19 W 14-10

W 18-2 W 16-6

W 19-17 W 14-3

U12C

U12D

L 4-20

W 20-10 W 24-2

Clifton College

L 7-18 L 3-16

W 14-4 W 13-7 W 8-2

Beechen Cliff

W 8-2

L 8-9

L 3-8

50%

0%

L 1-6

W 35-19 W 42-2

Wells Cathedral School L 24-38 W 31-11 W 33-9 W 24-11

L 18-28 L 11-19

W 19-17 W 14-3

W 15-2 W 22-2

Royal High School

W 49-6 W 17-6

W 20-17 W 22-6

W 33-3 W 39-3

W24-23 W 37-7 W 50-5

W 21-13 W 21-2 L 9-17 L 9-10

Kingswood Prep School Dauntsey’s

U12B

W 13-1

Millfield

Win Rate

U12A

W 14-11 D 13-13 W 8-4

L 12-14

Colston’s

Bristol Grammar School

U13A

W 25-20 W 16-13 W 12-3

W 18-9 W 35-20 W 30-11 W 26-11 W 28-7 80%

90%

100%

100%

W 31-9 W 13-8 100%

89%

75%

W 20-10 L 11-12 0%

78%

63%

W 18-8 W 26-2 0%

78%

100%

L 14-18 W 18-5 100%

100%

44%

50%

Kingswood in Focus 57

Cross Country The B&NES Cross Country Championships last November on Kingswood’s Upper playing fields were attended by 440 pupils from 18 schools in the Bath area.

Kingswood topped the medals table with 17 runners gaining automatic selection for the County Championships in January. The Year 8 and 9 Girls’ squad of Lily Landman, Lexi Hart, Lizzie White, Rebecca Ousby, Charlotte Cutter and Kiana Portman repeated their success of last year finishing 1st, while Lily also won a silver medal. In the Year 7 Boys’ race Marcus Kershaw won the individual gold, while the Year 7 Girls were worthy winners of the team gold. First home was Bridie Knox, followed

by Miya Cameron, Holly Harris, Charlotte Scruton, Freya Morris and Emma James The Intermediate Boys were 3rd, while the Girls’ team of Emma Narbett, Ella Reeman, Izzy Broom, Beth Hirst, Mimi Watts and Chloe Roberts were 2nd, with Emma gaining the individual silver medal. Katie Humphrey was 4th in the Sixth Form Girls’ race. In the Sixth Form Boys’ competition, 5 boys gained automatic selection to the County Championships: Jonathan Brend, George Logut, Harry Waring, Ben Brearey and Josh Gammie. In the County Championships at Blaise Castle, Lucas Lawman and Marcus Kershaw gained top ten places in the Year 7 Boys’ race, with Marcus gaining automatic selection for a place in the county team at the South West Championships in February. In the Senior Boys’ event, Jonathan Brend had an excellent run, finishing 7th and also gaining selection for the next round.

The first inter-schools event of the term took place at Downside.

The Kingswood Boys’ Intermediate team gained their first podium place of the season in 3rd place. Calum Wylie was first home for Kingswood in 9th place, followed by Henry Corp, Ben Crowe, Matthew Choi and Ashes Gurung. Later in the season, at the Ken Baily races at Bryanston, the Intermediate Boys’ team came 2nd.

However, it was the Year 8 Girls’ team who stole the show with all 4 runners being placed in the top ten, which won them the Ken Bailey Junior Girls’ Trophy. The team comprised Lily Landman (who also won individual silver), Lexi Hart, Lizzie White and Charlotte Cutter.

Y7 Bryanston Winners

58 Kingswood in Focus

The Captains

Very tough, muddy and slippery conditions were experienced by all competing in our major home match of the season.

In the Intermediate Girls’ race, Emma Narbett had the highest finishing position of the day for Kingswood in 5th place.

The Intermediate Boys’ team repeated their success at Bryanston, gaining 3rd place behind Clifton College and the winners Downside. In the first race after half term at Marlborough, Harry Waring was first home for Kingswood in the Senior Boys’ event while Charlie Patterson finished a very impressive 8th in the Intermediate Boys’ category. The Senior Girls’ team gained their first win of the season, beating strong competition from Bryanston and St Edward’s Oxford. The team included Emma Narbett who was 3rd, followed by Esmée Charley, Katie Humphrey and Anna Thompson. At Sherborne, Emma had another impressive race, winning comfortably. In the final fixture of the season at King’s Bruton there were mixed conditions of sun and hailstones. Emma Narbett had another excellent run, claiming the silver medal in the Intermediate Girls’ category. This marked the final success of the season.

Harry Waring and Katie Humphrey (Captains of Cross Country)

HOUSE MATCH RESULTS

Individual winners

Year 7

Posnett & Beckford

Oscar Stevens & Niamh Goodwin

Year 8

Cusworth & Beckford

Fin Crowe & Charlotte Cutter

Years 9 & 10

Middle & Summerhill

Charlie Patterson & Rebecca Ousby

Seniors

Hall & Summerhill

Harry Waring & Emma Narbett

COLOURS AWARDED Colts Colours: Half Colours:

Emma Narbett Jonathan Brend and Harry Waring

Kingswood pupils have once again excelled at orienteering throughout the year.

The highlight of the year is always the British Schools’ Championships. This year they were held at Shipley Country Park in Derbyshire. Kingswood’s Year 7 boys, Ben Shardlow (4th), Jamie Deverell (11th) and James Button (30th), claimed the trophy as the winning team for the third year in succession. In the Year 10 competition, Eddie Narbett was 6th and James Little was 16th. Lucy Tonge was 6th in the Year 8 competition.

In the Avon Schools’ League, the outstanding individual performance came from Lucy Tonge who was the overall league winner in her age group.

Many other individuals contributed to the team scores throughout the season with Kingswood finishing third overall.

The competitions involved running over a great variety of terrain, ranging from open, gentle parkland to the steep slopes of the Mendips and the magnificent woodland in the Forest of Dean.

At the British Schools’ Championships

Orienteering Lucy Tonge

Jamie Deverell, Ben Shardlow, James Button – Y7 British Schools Winners

Eddie Narbett

The Avon Schools’ Individual Championships were held on a glorious sunny day, high on the Mendips. In their respective age group races, Ben Shardlow and Eddie Narbett were both winners with Alex Dale in the Year 9 competition coming in third and James Button just missing out on a podium place, finishing in fourth place in his race.

Ben Shardlow, Lucy Tonge and Eddie Narbett have all excelled at other major orienteering events throughout the year, bringing home gold, silver and bronze medals from various national and international competitions. Both Eddie and Lucy have been selected to attend national junior training camps and Lucy has been selected to run for England at the Junior Home International later in the year.

The Inter Schools’ Relays always provide excitement, and Kingswood would have to run well if they were to win the open trophy. They didn’t disappoint, as Eddie Narbett stormed round the first leg. Then Ben Shardlow extended the lead to give Lucy Tonge the honour of safely bringing home the team and the trophy!

Mrs Jackie Hallett (Teacher i/c Orienteering)

Lucy Tonge

Kingswood in Focus 59

Equestrian

This year Kingswood has achieved some notable successes in a sport that, as a school, we are relative newcomers to.

When competing against schools renowned for their equestrian facilities and training, it is an even greater achievement when we find our riders in the top ten at the Interschools competitions.

School equestrian competitions fall into three categories: Dressage, Show Jumping and Eventing. The last of these contains both dressage and show jumping, with the addition of a cross-country element to finish.

This year we took part in 10 competitions and had 5 team placings and 8 individual top ten placings.

STONAR SENIOR ONE DAY EVENT - SEPTEMBER 2013 Team Highlights

Lexi Hart, Lily Landman, Grace Tyrell - 8th in the 70/75cm class

Individual Highlights

Olivia Sealy - 6th (90/95cm), Lily Landman - 7th (70/75cm), Claudia Wallis - 11th (80/85cm)

HARTPURY COLLEGE DRESSAGE COMPETITION - SEPTEMBER 2013 Team Highlights

Claudia Wallis, Olivia Sealy, Chiara Conze, Lea Conze - 6th

Individual Highlights

Claudia Wallis - 9th

MALMESBURY SCHOOL SHOWJUMPING - APRIL 2014 Individual Highlights

Claudia Wallis - 3rd in 1m class, Lily Landman - 6th in 70cm class

ST MARY’S SCHOOL SHOWJUMPING - APRIL 2014 Team Highlights

Lily Landman, Grace Tyrell, Isla Sandeman , Ellie Webster - 10th in 70cm class

STONAR JUNIOR ONE DAY EVENT - MAY 2014 Team Highlights

Olivia Sealy, Lexi Hart, Sabrina Robley - 4th in the 90/95 cm class Chiara Conze, Lily Landman, Isla Sandeman - 7th in the 70/75 cm class

Individual Highlights

Olivia Sealy - 1st, Sabrina Robley - 9th, Lexi Hart - 11th (all 90/95cm), Chiara Conze - 2nd (70/75 cm)

60 Kingswood in Focus

Special mention must go to the following: Olivia Sealy who achieved the highest placing of the season with her first place in the Stonar One Day Event in May; Lexi Hart who has consistently jumped clear; Claudia Wallis who has put in consistent performances across all three disciplines, and to Lily Landman and Chiara Conze who have both shown a huge improvement in the sport and have been duly rewarded with ribbons.

We also welcomed Jonny Sandeman to the team this year who has shown tremendous potential after a very short period of time in the saddle, and Ellie Webster from Year 6 in the Prep School, who put in some solid performances for the team. Other members of the squad include Grace Tyrell, Isla Sandeman, Sabrina Robley and Lea Conze who have all played their part in the team successes.

We also bid a sad farewell to our two oldest team members, Poppy Clark and Oliver Robley; we wish them every success in their future equestrian endeavours.

Mrs Amanda Wallis (Parent i/c Kingswood Equestrian Team)

Senior Ski Trip Kingswood Senior Ski Trip 2014 began with a bleary-eyed early morning departure from Bristol Airport.

The flight to Grenoble passed by quickly though and, by the time we’d woken up properly, we were cruising along the autoroute in our coach with a running commentary by Steve the Ski Rep. The sunny blue skies and hot weather didn’t seem right for a ski trip but, as we climbed higher and higher up to Tignes, the temperature dropped and the snow appeared. The rest of Day One was spent settling into our rooms, getting skis, poles, boots and helmets fitted, along with time for a little wandering around the resort and some shopping.

Next morning, after meeting our instructors, the action started on the slopes. Beginners tentatively slid downhill; intermediates tried their best to look good, and experienced skiers in the advanced group (mostly) managed to zoom around with grace and style.

All our groups were able to ski across the whole resort during the week and we enjoyed plenty of snow, coupled with excellent ski conditions (even though it was a little slushy by the afternoon). All our pupils enjoyed expert tuition and made progress with their ski technique and all received awards from their instructors at the presentation evening at the end of the week.

After each day of skiing, we enjoyed a range of après ski activities such as bowling, bumboarding, swimming, a disco and a quiz, courtesy of Mr Hollywell.

Mr Burton and Mrs Brown would like to thank all the pupils for their good company and excellent behaviour during the trip.

Mr Richard Burton (Head of Physics) Kingswood in Focus 61

Athletics This year, training sessions started terribly, as the coaches thought it would be a good idea to ease everyone into the season with a sprint pyramid.

Ellie Ball had the shock of her life and was probably put off immediately; Oscar Ryan couldn’t hold down his three doughnuts; the girls’ captain couldn’t handle the pressure and fainted behind the shed, and Ben Mayall pulled his hamstring and was out for the next session. We managed to convince the coaches that maybe a more relaxed approach was needed!

Since then, training has never been anything less than interesting.

We have enjoyed complicated stretching (as demonstrated gracefully

by Oliver Beere); the traditional everlasting run to the Blathwayt Arms; a guest appearance by Mr Redman; fun competitions held by Mr Matthews, and to cap it all, Mrs Sim livening up a few sessions by turning up in her husband’s smart new Audi, claiming ‘we share it!’

England’s summer decided to come late this year, so a few fixtures had to be cancelled. Nevertheless, Kingswood athletes rose to the challenges set by many prestigious schools. There have been some eye-catching performances from the following junior girls: Kate Hall, Rebecca Ousby, Lizzie White and Charlotte Cutter.

The intermediate girls went from strength to strength, with Hannah Foley-Bird performing consistently well in the long jump, Lucy Rowlands being as versatile as ever, and Olivia Pope improving her triple jump. Livi Gauntlett again demonstrated her supreme talent at the South West Schools’ Competition and qualified for the English Schools’ Championships in the process.

The intermediate boys showed great promise this season with Elliott Hawtin being the standout performer. Elliott is now unbeaten for 2 years.

Year 10 has also provided good additions to the team. These include Eddie Narbett who broke the 5 minute barrier in the 1500m and Founder Wan who discovered a hidden talent for the 800m - he even beat Mr Griffiths! We have had a number of Year 11s compete and they show great potential as they move into the senior age groups next year.

Our senior boys put in some impressive performances, including Oliver Beere appearing on the start line for the hurdles at Marlborough, as professional as always, barefoot! Despite this, he excelled in the race coming 3rd. It is a shame that he got disqualified for going under a hurdle rather than jumping over it! George Logut won nearly every 400m and 800m during the season, and ran a personal best at the county trials. Jack Hurring was again one of our most reliable athletes, attending every match and every training session. Of the leavers, Matt Bolland was one of the main contributors to the team’s success, not only winning discus and shot-put on many occasions, but surprising himself as well as us, by coming 2nd in the 100m at the district trials. Harry Merrill won the triple jump every week and was a tough competitor in the 200m. Ben Papuca made a great recovery from injury and enjoyed success in the 1500m. Adam Parker, Angus Hawking and Connor McAlpine also deserve to be mentioned for the fun that they brought to our games lessons on a Thursday afternoon.

Front L-R: Harry Merrill, Clare Dyer (Vice-Captain), Ben Mayall (Captain), Harriet Leventhal (Captain), Oscar Ryan (Vice-Captain), Katie Humphrey 2nd Line L-R: Mrs Victoria Sim, Founder Wan, Chloe Roberts, Lea Conze, Kiana Portman, Eddie Narbett, Kelly Read, Kate Hall, Lizzie White, Charlotte Ousby, Charlotte Cutter, Mr Steve Smyth 3rd Line L-R: Becci Ousby, Hannah Foley-Bird, Elliott Hawtin, Jesse Akiwumi, Beth Hirst, Ashley Hunt, Isabel Stuart-Harris, Lucy Rowlands, Ellie Ball, Matt Bolland, Barney Elliot 4th Line L-R: Wilf Brunt, Jah Jeerapaet, Jack Hurring, Gordon Ip, George Logut, George Stuart-Harris, Oliver Akiwumi, Oliver Beere, Ben Papuca, Gideon Whealy

62 Kingswood in Focus

Without them, athletics sessions simply wouldn’t have been the same. And finally, Oscar Ryan. He is truly an outstanding athlete and was a great vice-captain. He won the javelin every week and was a solid member of the senior relay team.

The senior girls’ team was thin on numbers this year, to say the least.

Nevertheless, the girls did show spirit and talent in their events. Katy Humphrey, clearly sharing the running genes of her brother James, showed great consistency in her races. Charlotte Ousby was always willing to take part, even in the dreaded 400m. Jessie Palmer was a cheerful presence at many meets, showing great determination to improve in the high jump, and Ellie Ball was a great addition to the team - her personal drive to get out and run on and off the track led to success. Finally, we come to vice-captain Clare Dyer. Clare’s reputation as the ‘English Schools athletics star coming to Kingswood’ has remained untarnished. Clare has consistently come first in long jump, been an invaluable part of our relay team, and stormed to wins in many 200m races. She has never failed to offer her support and effortlessly puts smiles on the team members’ faces.

We’d like to thank the members of staff who have been unwaveringly encouraging and organised, lending their support without fail. Thank you for everything that you have done to make the season so enjoyable.

Ben Mayall and Harriet Leventhal (Athletics Captains)

Harriet Leventhal reports on Boys’ Captain, Ben Mayall Ben has had an outstanding season. He has worked tirelessly on his technique and speed, and I think it’s safe to say that all his training

has certainly paid off with him winning every one of his races for the school. He is a force to be reckoned with, not only winning sprint doubles but also leading the sprint relay team to victory. He has grown as an athlete over the past few years, and Ben, you very much deserved your captaincy in your last season. It has been a pleasure being your co-captain and your presence on the track will be greatly missed.

Ben Mayall reports on Girls’ Captain, Harriet Leventhal Hattie is one of the most talented athletes I have ever come across.

She has been a really inspirational captain this year, acting as a great role model to many of the younger years. She has now gained regional standard for her triple jump two years in a row.

Hattie has excelled in all the events that she has competed in, and she is an all-round athlete gaining success in the 100m, 200m, triple jump and relay. She has really helped make my last season a success and I wish you all the best for next season.

Kingswood in Focus 63

1ST VI

Boys’ Tennis Tennis is a game which demands impeccable on-court behaviour and this has been a feature of boys’ tennis this year. We have won and lost with dignity.

Mr R Duke, Dan Banan, George Broom, Calum Montgomery, Mr R White & Mr D Walker Johnny Sedcole, George Roberts (Vice-Capt), Leo Fini (Capt), Chris Kelly & Joe Partridge

The senior boys’ tennis teams recorded a respectable 65 percent win return with each team losing just 3 matches. Given the young composition of the squad these were encouraging results. As tennis captain, I was apprehensive at first, but the young stars have stepped up to the mark. The premise for the tennis team has been: if you are good enough, but young, you will get your chance to play U18 tennis at Kingswood. A good number of Westwoodians have shown potential, in particular Joe Crosby, Finlay Paul and the Year 9 pair of Charlie Roberts and Alfie Brooks, who all won an encouraging number of their matches through deft doubles’ teamwork.

In the second team, Ben Bates, Chris Kelly and Indy Sankosik showed the reactions required to play decisive doubles at the net and an ever-improving selection of shots from the baseline.

They should be pushing for first team places next year. Ollie Morgan was also crucial in maintaining high levels of team moral for the 2nd team. Other pupils who contributed to good performances were Rupert Halls, the Gurung twins Anan and Anuj, Charlie Pope, Orion Mathews, when he was not swimming, and Rhys Williams.

“I sincerely hope all of our boys continue to enjoy their tennis.”

SENIOR RESULTS OPPOSITION

1st VI

2nd VI

Prior Park College L 3½-5½

L 4-5

Dean Close

W 5-4

W 9-0

King Edward’s

W 8-1

W 6-3

Monkton Combe

L 4-5

L 3-6

Wells Cathedral School

W 7-2

W 9-0

Dauntsey’s

L ½-8½

L 0-9

Cheltenham

W 5-4

W 5-4

Sherborne Boys’

W 8-1

W 8-1

3rd VI (U16)

L 1½-7½

JUNIOR RESULTS OPPOSITION

U12

U13

U14

U15

Prior Park

W 8-1

L 1-8

L 2-4

L 1-5

King Edward’s

L 2-7

L 3-6

L 3-6

L 4-5

The first team was strengthened by the addition of younger blood.

Joe Partridge is a hugely talented player and enjoyed success at county level. He played effectively with either Dan Banan or Calum Montgomery. Dan Banan enjoyed a good season and was much more involved in school tennis than previously. Being Dan’s partner was not always an easy task, believe me! However, I cannot deny the power of Dan’s whippy forehand, and his hugely competitive nature is an admirable attribute. Calum showed his finesse on court; he is a very graceful player with a Federer-esque single-handed backhand.

He remained unflappable on court. Unfortunately, Tom Connolly’s tennis season was cut short by a toe injury – the Kingswood tennis fraternity had to come to terms with metatarsal angst, akin to the England fans worrying about the availability of Beckham and Rooney down the years! Tom has enjoyed his school tennis and I have enjoyed my doubles with him coming up through the school. His injury led to a ‘selection headache’ for the tennis staff, but up stepped Johnny Sedcole, more commonly known as ‘Sedders’. Sedders was the ideal partner and I think it must have been our combined height of about 8 ft that intimidated our opponents on court! A particular triumph occurred when the experienced pairing of George Broom and my vice-captain, George Roberts, managed to beat the Dean Close first pair to obtain a 5-4 win overall. I sincerely hope all of our boys continue to enjoy their tennis.

In my years at Kingswood, the tennis fixture list has grown and we now play against more schools, some of which have academy players amongst their ranks. The win ratio is testament to the hours of practice put in and also owes much to Mr White’s invaluable coaching tips, Mr Walker’s endless supply of cheap gags and, of course, Mr Duke’s eye for detail.

Leo Fini (Captain of Boys’ Tennis) 64 Kingswood in Focus

Girls’ Tennis

1ST VI

Last summer, during Wimbledon, I entered a ‘fantasy team’ in a competition, confident that my knowledge of the game would win me a prize.

Unfortunately, my team failed miserably, largely due to my ‘wild card’ David Ferrer going out in the second round and my other picks not faring much better! However, with Kingswood girls’ tennis getting stronger every year, it would have been much easier to pick my team from our girls and I know that my Kingswood ‘dream team’ would be a truly great one.

My first pick would be from the U12s. Holly Harris only dropped one set in all of her matches. This was due to a combination of a fantastic top-spin forehand and her great team work with Emily Vaughan.

From the U13s, who were one of the most successful teams, winning all their matches in both the As and Bs, I would pick Izzy Jolliffe and Alice O’Gorman for their intelligent play and great consistency. I would also pick Sophie Garcia from the B team for her outstanding volleying.

The U14s have also been very successful with the B team only losing one match. My pick from them would be their player of the season, Zoe Brown, whose powerful angular volleys often fool opponents.

From the U15s, another pick would be Susannah Burke who has been a great all-rounder this year. She is one to watch in the future, as shown by her performance at the Eton Doubles and the Avon County Doubles.

Her partner, Millie Sergeant, has made enormous progress this year, especially in match play.

My wildcard pick is Ellie Jackson. She has played for her own year group, the U15s and the 2nds this year, showing just what a versatile player she is.

Becky Jackson, Ellie Lyne, Anna Bools, Ellie Tullberg, Bella Plumbly, Ella Reeman

With the 1sts and 2nds both being unbeaten, the senior teams have had the best season for years and provide many candidates for my dream team. Our leavers from the 2nds - Orla O’Sullivan and Emily Bristow - have played as a partnership for the last five years. Their teamwork is unrivalled and they always play with smiles on their faces. In the 3rds, player of the season was Jen Robson and, in the 4ths, Merryn Jones was the most influential player.

“...I know my Kingswood ‘dream team’ would be a truly a great one.”

As mentioned, the first team has not been beaten this year, with many 9-0 victories achieved. I would therefore have them all in my fantasy team. I would pick Becky Jackson for her determination; after suffering injury last season she has worked hard to get back to her previous level.

Ella Reeman would be in for her consistency; rarely does a ball hit the net and every shot is predetermined and carried through effortlessly.

Masha Moltchanik would be chosen for her coolness and mental strength on the court. Ellie Lyne would be in for her intelligent play; every ball is placed in the perfect position thus making it difficult for opponents.

My fellow first team leaver, Anna Bools, would be picked for her big serves; she often serves a string of aces, rarely giving opponents a chance. My final choice would be my Vice-Captain Bella Plumbly, who has been a constant support to me this season. She also has the most powerful crosscourt backhand which is often unreturnable!

Any team, fantasy or otherwise, needs coaches and I would like to thank all the staff who helped with girls’ tennis this year. Special mention must go to Miss Wright and Mrs Reeman for coaching the 1st team. Our success would have been impossible without them! I have loved my term as captain and I will definitely miss playing with such a talented group of players every week. I wish all the girls the best of luck in the future.

Ellie Tullberg (Captain of Girls’ Tennis)

Tennis Results 2014 1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Prior Park

W 9-0

W 8-1

W 6-3

W 5-4

Dean Close

W 5-4

W 5-4

W 5-4

U15A

U15B

U14A

U14B

U13A

U13B

W 7-2

W 8-1

W 6-3

W 5-4

St Mary’s Calne

W 8-1

W 7-2

W 5-1

W 4-2

W 5-1

D 3-3

L 2-7

L 1-8

W 8-1

W 5-4

W 6-3

L 1-8

W 6-3

W 7-2

L 3-6

W 6-3

W 9-0

W 5-4

L 3-6

W 9-0

W 9-0

L 4-5

W 8-1

L 4-5

W 9-0

W 9-0

W 8-1

W 6-3

50%

83%

100%

100%

Bryanston

W 9-0

W 8-1

W 9-0

W 9-0

Monkton Combe

W 9-0

W 9-0

Win Rate

100%

100%

KES

W 9-0

W 8-1

W 7-2

W 9-0 100%

50%

U13D

U12A

100%

100%

75%

U12B

W 7-2

Dauntsey’s Warminster

U13C

C

100%

100%

W 9-0

Kingswood in Focus 65

Boys’ Cricket Once again, the cricket teams had to battle the rain in the early part of the season which made finding batting or bowling form difficult. However, as the season went on and the sun came out, many of our teams started to get into winning ways.

The U15s again had Tommy Phillips to thank for the lion’s share of their runs and wickets but he received good support from Jake Taylor, Charlie Patterson, Adam Tuffery and Joe Han-Hauser.

The U14As were too good for all except Colston’s. Al Mackenzie was the key contributor with bat and ball, but newcomers Harry Hodges and Oliver Penney both added much to the team. Oliver Parry also made some key contributions. The U14Bs, under Conor Devlin-Cook’s impressive leadership, also lost just once. Angus Batchelor and Jamie Ker both scored match-winning fifties but Rupert Bayliss’ spell of 5-10 against Beechen Cliff was perhaps the highlight of their season.

For the U13As, Hamish Walker recorded the only fifty and Josh Knight is a strong contender for most improved player in the school.

Nathan Gregg, Fin Crowe, Oscar Kenyon and Will Jeffery also impressed. In the Bs, Conor Finnamore, Hal Norman and Robin Pun were all consistent performers.

In Year 7, Noah Small was the stand-out bowler for the U12Bs, but Matthew Cheung also made good progress in his first season of cricket. Oscar Stevens and Lewis Taylor were the main run-getters.

The U12A team was the most improved team in the school. Having lost their first three matches, they went on to win four of their next five and were also victorious in the annual Kingswood Ten10 tournament. The hard-hitting of Charlie Roach was one reason for this change in fortune, as was the economical bowling of Stephen King and Rory Padkin’s wicketkeeping. Antonio Mba Ivina and Marcus Kershaw will also be a formidable new ball partnership in a couple of years.

66 Kingswood in Focus

Of the senior teams, the 3rd XI was unbeaten under Ethan Chilcott’s expert stewardship. Head Boy Jack Crowther undertook his third term of captaincy, as he led the 2nd XI to a near perfect record. Matt Holmes was the leading run-scorer and narrowly missed out on a century against Prior Park, as he was left stranded on 96 not out.

“Captain Jack” and Max Pugsley also scored regular runs and George Postlethwaite and Monty Keith were the pick of the bowlers.

Mr James Brown (Head of Boy’s Games)

Review of the 1st XI season The 1st XI takes part in two competitions - the National Schools Twenty20 Knockout and the local Peak Sports 40 Over League. In this year’s Twenty20 tournament, there were good signs early on as we sailed through the first round, making light work of Prior Park. The second game took us to the picturesque setting of Downside School where Kieran Gibson and Tim Rouse hit well-crafted 50s. We then bowled them out for 90, with Osh Devlin-Cook and Matt Scott bowling particularly well. The regional semi-final against a strong Filton Academy side, however, signalled the end of our campaign. Meanwhile, in the Peak Sports League this season, we managed to go unbeaten with 4 wins and 2 no results, meaning we finished as joint winners.

The season ended perfectly with an unbeaten cricket week, which included wins against the MCC and the Headmaster’s XI. There were key contributions from several members of the team. Lucas Reeman has established himself as a fine all-rounder this year, taking wickets in every game and finishing as the third highest run scorer in the team.

His 82 against Prior and 77 against the MCC were both match winning innings. Cameron Walker has been a great addition to the squad - his off-spin bowling and ability to get runs down the order were crucial to the team’s success. The Lower Sixth this year have been excellent contributors. Owen Waters was arguably the best fielder and Miles Thompson certainly the most unorthodox but, more importantly, both were effective at increasing the scoring rate in the middle order. Dom Mackenzie and Osh Devlin-Cook have again been the pick of the bowlers and Hywel Jones showed what a good team man he is as he reluctantly took over the wicketkeeping duties towards the end of the season and did an outstanding job.

1ST XI

Lucas Reeman, Owen Waters, Dominic Mackenzie, Osh Devlin-Cook Miles Thompson, Mr J Brown!

Felix Barnard-Weston, Kieran Gibson, Matt Scott, Hywel Jones, Cam Walker

Felix Barnard-Weston finished the season as the team’s highest run-scorer with 477 runs, including five fifties.

In addition to these regulars, several younger players, including George Postlethwaite, Lucien Calkin, Joe Han-Hauser, Tommy Phillips and Al Mackenzie, had their first taste of 1st XI cricket and look to be key players for the future.

There are three Upper Sixth leavers that deserve a special mention. Kieran Gibson has proved himself as a genuine all-rounder, scoring runs consistently, including two fifties, and taking regular wickets with the ball.

Secondly, joint captain Matt Scott has been a key all-rounder for the last three seasons.

He grew into the captaincy and played a big part in the team’s strong finish to the season, the highlight being his matchwinning effort against the Headmaster’s XI when he became only the 23rd Kingswood centurion. The third player is Tim Rouse.

He made his 1st XI debut in Year 7 and has performed consistently with bat and ball ever since. In total, he has scored 1500 runs and taken over 60 wickets for the 1st XI.

He scored a century against the MCC last year and can be seen receiving his award at Lords from Mike Gatting (above left).

He is now a regular member of the Somerset 2nd XI and featured for England U19s last season. We wish him well as he attempts to pursue a career as a professional cricketer.

Finally, the 2014 season would not have been as successful without all the effort from the staff. On behalf of every cricket team, we thank you all for giving up your time to help us train and take us to matches every Saturday. We wish all cricketers at Kingswood a successful 2015.

Matt Scott and Tim Rouse (Joint Captains of Boys’ Cricket)

Cricket Results 2014 Wycliffe King Edward’s Dean Close Clifton College Bristol Grammar School Prior Park Wells Cathedral Colston’s King’s Gloucester Monkton Combe Beechen Cliff Dauntsey’s XL Club Headmaster’s XI MCC

1st XI Won by 10 runs Won by 60 runs Won by 2 wkts A Won by 10 runs Won by 117 runs Won by 133 runs Lost by 8 wickets Won by 8 runs Won by 48 runs A A Match Drawn Won by 111 runs Won by 5 wickets

2nd XI A A Won A Won Won

3rd XI

U15 XI

U14A XI

U14B X1

U13A XI

U13B X1

U12A XI

U12B XI

A Won A Won Won A Lost

A Won A Lost Won

A

A

A

A

Lost

Lost Lost Won Won Won

Won Lost

Won

Won Won Lost Won Lost

Won Won

Won

A Lost A Won Won Won Lost

A Lost

Won

Won A

Won A

Lost A

Lost A

Lost Won

Lost Won

Won A Won

Lost

CUP MATCHES Round 1

Won v Prior Park

Round 2

Won v Downside

Quarter-Final Win Rate

Lost v SGSC 88%

BYE BYE Lost v Lost v Beechen Colston's C 80%

100%

58%

67%

BYE

BYE Lost v Beechen C

Lost v Colston's 80%

43%

50%

50%

40%

Kingswood in Focus 67

Girls’ Cricket

Swimming

Two years ago, Girls’ Cricket at Kingswood was completely non-existent – only a handful of girls were familiar with the game from their time at the Prep School and even fewer had ever played in a competitive game.

Awards 2014

Now, thanks to dedicated coaches and the popularity of women’s cricket throughout the UK, we have 50 girls involved from Years 7 to 11 mainly playing softball and quick cricket.

On the 19th June 2013, an U13 Kingswood Girls XI played their first ever competitive hard-ball T20 match on the Upper against Abberley Hall from Worcester. This was an achievement in its own right but what is truly astounding is the emergence of so much natural ability across all the age groups. The girls never fail to embrace the opportunity to learn new skills from the coaches and I feel I can say for all of us that we love it! It’s something different, something a little special and incredibly enjoyable.

Throughout the year, we have embraced cricket with good spirit, an open mind and the aim to play the best we can and enjoy ourselves. We’ve competed in the Lady Taverners’ County Tournament this year and the hard work paid off. Our U13 team convincingly beat an U15 Hayesfield side in the preliminary round and Millfield in the divisional round.

This led us to the Somerset County finals in Taunton which were hosted by the former England opening batsman, Marcus Trescothick.

The cup for the most improved swimmer goes to someone who is in Westwood. She has worked very hard throughout the year and made considerable improvements to her technique.

This year it is awarded to Alex Forbes-Cable.

The Tench Cup is awarded to the most successful school swimmer and as usual there are a number of contenders.

Amelia Maughan is unbeaten in the individual medley and freestyle. Jonny Brend and Lucas Lawman both qualified for the ASA South West Regional Championships. Brandon Dyer-Pallister has had 8 wins to his name. However, this year the Tench Cup is awarded to a swimmer who has had 11 wins, and who broke the 60 yard backstroke record which had stood since 1996 – Tokes Sawyerr.

The Beresford Shield is for the person who has made the greatest contribution to Kingswood swimming.

This goes to someone who has been a key member of the Open Girls’ team, swimming a range of different events.

She has been an excellent role model and she has helped out regularly with swimming sessions for Westwood. This year’s winner is Emily Clutterbuck.

After losing our opening match against a strong side from Castle School Taunton, we ended up in the play-offs for third position.

In this match, we returned to full form with Jess Norton and Lexi Hart fashioning a superb partnership against Broadoak School, helping us on our way to a total of 95. Some tight bowling and sharp fielding limited Broadoak to a total of 66.

Now a mention to all the girls who played in our U13 team who have so many strengths: Izzy Jolliffe, Charlotte Chilton, Lexi Hart and Hannah Morris never failed to give consistent all round performances.

They can all dazzle with the bat, ball and even gloves if needs be! Lizzie White always bats intelligently, always darting between the wickets to snatch runs and build partnerships. Jess Norton is definitely the best of all of us in a crisis, with a cool head and a good eye; she can save a game with the bat. Katie Morton has been the pick of the bowlers this year, only picking up a ball for the first time in April. Her quick pace gave her the edge with the hard ball against Abberley Hall to collect her season’s best figures of 2 for 3 off 2 overs – not bad against a side who were Lady Taverners’ National Finalists in 2013. Sophie Garcia has probably taken the most catches out of us all; the ball seems to simply find her in the field. Furthermore, Libby Taylor and Miya Cameron also impressed playing up an age group. The U13 team will be in safe hands with you next season! Every single girl who took part in girls’ cricket has tried something new, which is kind of what this club was all about in the first place - something new and different.

I would like to say a big thank you on behalf of everyone to all the coaches that have helped us! We are all looking forward to the start of next season already.

Charlotte Cutter (U13 Girls’ Cricket Captain) ...and a special mention for Charlotte herself who has not only been such a strong player but also a terrific leader.

68 Kingswood in Focus

50:50:100 Challenge John Willis completing his amazing challenge in the Kingswood School pool. (See full report on page 7)

S

for Statistics

Number of Galas cancelled due to poor weather ….0. Number of pools we have swum in ….6. Number of different schools we have swum against in regular galas ….17. Number of schools swum against in the National Relays ….29. Total number of races …..332.

Number of pupils in swimming teams throughout the year ….56

W

for Wins

Overall win rate …61%. U16 Girls & Boys and Open Girls all won more than ….70%. Number of clean sweeps … 6.

I Front L-R: Charlotte Williams, Alex Johnson, Brandon Dyer-Pallister (C), Sophie Roberts (C ), Nick Haller, Emily Bristow Middle L-R: Yemi Sawyerr, Jamie Rowley, Esmee Charley, Ana Fox, Isabel Calvert, Meg Royston, Louis Charley, Lucas Lawman Back L-R: Oliver Hall, Jonny Brend, Fergus Leckie, Emily Clutterbuck, Tash Thornton, Tokes Sawyerr

U16 Girls

U16 Boys

Open Girls

Open Boys

Stonar (Oct)

-

-

L

-

Dauntsey’s (Oct)

L

L

W*

L

Dauntsey’s (March)

W

L

W

L

Marlborough (Off season)

W

-

W

W

Stonar

L

-

W

-

Bradfield

W

-

W

-

Godolphin

W

-

-

-

Cheltenham

-

-

-

W

Winchester

-

-

-

W

Marlborough (May)

W

W

L

W

Bradfield

W

W

L

W

Clifton

-

-

W*

L

Sherborne

L

W

W

L

Canford

W*

W

W

L

Taunton

L

L

W

L

Clayesmore

-

W

-

L

Leweston

W

-

W

-

Milton Abbey

-

W

-

W

Monkton

W

W

-

-

Dauntsey’s (April)

W

W

W

L

Girls

U14

Boys

Girls

U15

Boys

Girls

Boys

Stonar

L

-

-

-

W

-

Sabis

W

L

-

-

W*

W*

Prior

W

L

W

W*

-

-

Dauntsey’s

L

L

L

L

L

L

*A clean sweep

There are two people who have inspired us by their swimming.

Firstly, John Willis who raised money for the charity Power 2 Inspire.

We love his ‘can do’ attitude and hope we can have the same mind set when things get tough. Secondly, Amelia Maughan, whose dedication to training is a real inspiration. She does more in one day than most of us do in a month. We are delighted that she has been selected for the Commonwealth Games.

M

for Money Raised

M

for Magic Moments

Sponsored Swim for Malawi - Johnny Brend and Matt Williams swam one length for each of the 700 babies ever looked after by Open Arms. Sponsored swim in memory of Dilys Brake special mention must go to Esmée Charley who swam 410 lengths in 2 hours.

SWIMMING RESULTS 2013-2014

U13

for Inspiration

Sophie falling off the block at Marlborough because she was so exhausted from the previous race. Sophie being sick out of the window at Dauntsey’s pool because she had swam so hard. She did go back to clean it up! Sophie leaving her blazer at Dauntsey’s, even though her blazer was found in the changing room and she went up and down the bus asking if anyone had left it behind. Sophie leaving her goggles behind at a gala but telling her mum she broke them instead.

I

is for Individuals

Our unbeaten swimmers in their respective age groups are: Amelia Maughan in the IM and freestyle, Charlotte Williams and Esther Archer-Brown in Freestyle, Ana Fox in Breaststroke and Oli Hall in Backstroke. Lucas Lawman and Johnny Brend have both competed at county level. Tokes Sawyerr broke the 60 yard backstroke record – a real achievement

N

is for Nurture

G

is for Goodbyes

We must thank Mrs Wilcock and Emily Clutterbuck who have been central in helping with our Westwood swimmers. A huge thank you must also go to Trish Pallister for her incredible work with us all.

Finally, Mr and Mrs Opie have been essential in encouraging, supporting and pushing the team. They’re always so positive and we cannot thank them enough.

Now we must say goodbye to our Upper 6th. Alex Johnson has been a vital member of the Open Boys’ team this year both in the pool and out of the pool when he had to step in as a time keeper at Millfield! Alex Shute has impressed with his backstroke and he was able to work out his acceleration, terminal velocity and angular motion as he was swimming. When the tennis team could spare him, Orion Mathews has swum fiercely in the freestyle. Despite regularly turning up without trunks, goggles, a hat or a towel, Nick Haller never forgot to bring his other half. But on a serious note we must thank Emily Bristow for stepping in to the Open Girls’ team on so many occasions. Charlotte Williams has stepped up incredibly this year, becoming a real success in the freestyle.

Sophie Roberts (Year 13) & Brandon Dyer-Pallister (Year 12) Kingswood in Focus 69

Friends of Kingswood

Once again the Friends of Kingswood thank all of the parents and staff for their support over this busy and successful year. We are always trying to involve more parents in our activities so please, if you would like to come along to any of the events or our regular meetings, you would be very welcome.

FOK organises a number of events for parents to meet up and socialise and also to raise funds which, together with the annual FOK subscriptions, are used to purchase extra equipment for the School in response to requests from staff and pupils.

This year’s social events included our popular annual Quiz Night, held at the Upper Pavilion which, as always, was a great success. In the Spring term, we held a Murder Mystery Evening in the theatre, featuring a fantastic production by the Drama Department, and we rounded off the year with a Summer Party on the Upper. In addition to the big events, each term we hold tea and coffee get-togethers at the Pavilion – look out for the adverts in the weekly newsletter and do come along to meet other parents.

FOK Committee

“FOK bought a wide range of items this year, spending over £12,500 in total.”

FOK bought a wide range of items this year, spending over £12,500 in total.

These are items which would not be funded through the usual budget and we try to benefit as many students as possible, enriching both the curriculum and other activities. Among this year’s purchases were photographic prints to decorate the new classroom block, the garden in the Ferens Quad, radio station equipment, cameras and other technical equipment, a weather station, sports equipment and more besides. We also made a donation to the Theatre Seats fundraising.

The Friends also support the School by running the Friends Bar for Theatre events, refreshments at parents’ evenings and assisting at the MUN. In addition, the Second Hand Uniform Shop is much appreciated by parents and has been taken over by a new team of volunteers this year. We are always looking for more volunteers to help with all of these activities, so please step forward if you would like to get involved.

None of this would be possible without your support so once again, thank you and we hope to see more of you at meetings and events next year.

Mrs Jacqui Harris (Chairperson) 70 Kingswood in Focus

Model United Nations

MUN 2014 In early March 2014 Kingswood once again played host to one of the largest Model United Nations conferences in the country as, for the twenty-fourth year in a row, students from across the UK and beyond descended on the school for a weekend of debate and discussion on the major issues facing the world today.

Such is the popularity of the event that we had to turn away some schools that wanted to take part, as our venues were at full capacity. Six hundred and fifty students did, however, join us for the conference, with debates being held on topics as diverse as the situation in Syria, climate change, the rights of the disabled, weapons of mass destruction and internet freedom.

In time honoured fashion, the conference began with the Opening Ceremony on the evening of Friday 7th March. This year we were fortunate in being able to welcome Nick Gough to give our opening address, who had just completed a round the world expedition in a “tuk tuk” to raise awareness of the importance of education. He spoke powerfully about some of his experiences and, in particular, about some of the individuals he met during his travels who were struggling to provide schooling in some of the poorest parts of the world today.

Alistair Blackburn, Secretary General for the 2014 conference, also spoke, choosing to focus his comments on the challenge posed by extremism, and the practical steps we can all take to ensure the voices of moderation are always heard. Saturday saw the conference participants break up into their separate specialist committees before, on Sunday, the conference climaxed with the emergency scenarios, where the delegates were asked to respond to an unexpected international crisis. This year the General Assembly scenario proved all too prophetic, focusing as it did on an international crisis precipitated by a clash between Russia and Ukraine.

Around 150 Kingswood students were involved in what was again a highly successful conference. From the Chairs who ran the committees to the Westwood secretaries and technical support team, all played their part in helping to ensure that everything went smoothly. Thanks are also due to the catering and facilities departments, who always go the extra mile behind the scenes to support the conference, and the Friends of Kingswood, who helped to host visiting teachers on Friday evening and did sterling work manning the tuck shop over the conference weekend. Thanks, too, to Mrs Hayley Smith who, as Conference Administrator, had worked hard over many months to help organise the event. Finally, a particular mention must be made of the Chairs, on whose efforts the success of the conference rests.

All rose to the challenge of taking charge of their committees magnificently, showing exceptional organisational skills as well as great maturity in dealing with a variety of sometimes difficult situations.

The Head Chairs for the weekend were especially impressive, and deserve a special mention; they were Ali Blackburn, Natasha Hemmings, Will Metcalf, Tom Connolly, Sarina Ganapathy, Anna Bools, Antonia Leckie, Olivia Chan, Luke Stockley, Sophie Roberts, Emma Lewis, Adam Parker, Anna Connolly, Tom Butterfield and Sam Haysom.

“Around 150 Kingswood students were involved in what was again a highly successful conference.”

Mr Craig Woodgate (Head of Sixth Form)

Kingswood in Focus 71

Malawi

Malawi Revisited Since 2014, Kingswood has raised over £170,000 for Open Arms, an amazing charity in Malawi. Open Arms has two Infant Homes which provide shelter, nourishment and care to orphaned and abandoned infants.

The aim of Open Arms is to get these vulnerable children back to good health and then return them to their extended families. Each child is assigned three ‘Mothers’ to care for them 24/7. When it is not possible to get them back into their village, they are moved to one of five foster homes where they will be brought up by Malawian ‘Mothers’. There is also a large outreach programme which includes supporting extended families, providing medical care and education in surrounding villages and helping to establish village based industries.

On the 7th of July, 22 lucky pupils and 4 members of staff departed from Kingswood School and began their travels for what was to be a life-changing trip. Arleens very kindly provided a free bus to Heathrow and we then had an eleven hour flight to Johannesburg, followed by a flight on to the Blantyre Airport. It was here that we first met Neville. Neville has become a really close friend of the school and he is the man who makes these amazing trips possible. He organises the itinerary, sorts out appropriate projects for us to work on and gives us access to all that Open Arms does.

Travelling on our bus through the heart of Malawi was in itself an experience. There were fruit sellers every five metres along the road and small children running and playing with rags and sticks.

Everybody waved at the bus as we passed by. The natural friendliness shown to us by all Malawians was inspirational; they are people who have so little and yet give you so much, and share with you everything they have.

Our first destination in Malawi was Rose’s House, a foster home for young orphaned boys, including Aubrey. Aubrey has cerebral palsy, and Kingswood pupils have watched him grow up over the years from a toddler in 2004, into a fine young man in 2014. With the money raised by Kingswood and with the help of Open Arms, Aubrey can be sent to school, have physiotherapy and access medical care to help his needs.

He leads a normal life and, like most other boys the world over, he loves football and doesn’t like doing homework!

After waving goodbye to Rose’s, we moved on to Open Arms Infant Home. Here we were made to feel very at home when the ‘Mothers’ sang and danced to welcome us. Spending time in Open Arms was a real highlight of the trip as we were given the opportunity to see what happened on a day-to-day basis, and we really got to know some of the amazing ladies who work there, as well as, most importantly, the children. Feeding the children and playing with them will be an experience none of us would ever forget. It is these children who remind you of what all of the bag packing and fundraising in Bath was all about.

“...the real highlights...were small children who have nothing to give, but give you their biggest smile, children who want nothing more than to be your friend and to learn.”

Our first work destination was Makokesi School where we painted a classroom and the Headmaster’s office. Kingswood supports this school by paying the Headmaster’s salary and also pays the fees for a number of the students. The staff were particularly delighted with the boxes of old prep school jumpers that we took out with us - these will be used as school uniform by some of the orphans who attend the school. Whilst in Blantyre, we also cemented an area at Rose’s House so the boys would have somewhere to play football, and we painted a computer room at the back of the house. This will be used by the children from all the Foster Homes and we hope that pupils at Kingswood can do some academic mentoring via Skype.

Next on the itinerary was a walk up Mount Mulanje and this was an experience many of us (especially the less fit members) will never forget. Three different groups scrambled up the mountain; ‘The Lead Group’ with Mr Burgon and Mrs Jenner, ‘The Dream Team’ with Mrs Opie and Mr Opie’s ‘Elite Squad’ bringing up the rear. We all felt a real sense of achievement once we reached the top and we were treated to a delicious three course meal cooked on an open fire in the log cabin. In the evening we sang some Kingswood classics including ‘The Music Man’ and ‘The Quarter Master’s Stores’, accompanied

by Mr Burgon on the accordion and George Broom on percussion (a spoon on an enamel mug).

72 Kingswood in Focus

The French Aid worker who was sharing the cabin with us said it was one of the most bizarre, but enjoyable, evenings he had ever had! After a cosy night in the cabin (with two people squashed onto each of the narrow bunk beds), we spent the next day at the top of the mountain and this included a walk to a breath-taking viewpoint and a plunge (by a brave few) in to ice cold pools. I have never heard anyone scream as loudly or for as long as Niamh O’Sullivan! The descent was initially a really grim experience, as the rain was persistent and the wind cold; we were all soaked to the skin within about half an hour.

Fortunately, the sun came out by the time we were half way down and so we dried out completely and were back in good spirits by the time we reached the base camp.

After the mountain, we were treated to 2 nights of real luxury at Mvuu Camp on the banks of the River Shire. It was a first safari experience for many of the group and we were lucky enough to have two boat trips and two game drives. Sitting watching the herd of elephant coming down to the river to drink is something that I will never forget.

of a hindrance - plastering was not as easy as the Malawian builders made it look!) After 4 days of work, we felt that we had really made a difference to other people’s lives. We also felt that it was a real privilege to have been allowed into the village.

Our final night of luxury was spent on Domwe Island. Here we celebrated Jodie Price’s birthday with a delicious cake baked by Lillia Gill. We also spent time relaxing on the beach, snorkelling, kayaking and playing frisbee, led by a very competitive Mr Opie.

The final few days of our trip were spent at Nkhotakota where we helped put in an ant proof course, as well as strengthening the foundations for a new classroom block. This involved 3 days of shovelling sand from the beach and then carrying water from the pump to make cement for the foundations. It was fantastic that the children were so keen to learn and make friends that they gave up their weekend to come and help with the water-carrying and to join in and play games, a favourite being the Hokey Cokey. Some of the group painted a building that serves as a classroom in the week and the village church on a Sunday.

A friendly netball match was set up between Kingswood and the local girls. There was little in the way of a court, and very few rules, but the Kingswood netballers stepped up to the mark and we remain undefeated, key players being Ella Alcott and Abi Jeffery. The final score (even after the B team had been on!) stood at 8-4. Then came the boys’ football, which continued the same pattern as previous years. Hundreds lined the side of the pitch, the team put in a great effort and, despite a well taken penalty by Lucas Reeman and some outstanding goalkeeping by Jonny Brend, we still lost!

From Mvuu we travelled to Open Arms 2 at Mangochi and here we were given an amazing welcome by the ladies. It involved a lot of singing and dancing with which we all had to join in! While at Mangochi, we stayed on the shores of Lake Malawi and worked at Takondwa Nursery School. A grandmother generously donated land to Open Arms, which she had previously used to make a living by growing crops, as she was very keen for her eleven grandchildren, all of whom lived with her, to have a good start to their schooling. We were the final volunteer group to work on the building, and after painting base coats, Niamh set to work on a giraffe which could be used to measure the height of the children and Jessie Palmer and her team completed a lovely mural of an African village scene. A-level Mathematicians sprayed number lines on walls; English experts took charge of doing the alphabet, days of the week and months. It is good to think that these will all be used to enhance the education of the children for years to come. Calum Montgomery and George Broom worked on bricking the walls of a pit latrine behind the school. This was not a glamorous job but essential as a number of children would not come to school as there had been no toilet. In return for donating the land, Open Arms built the grandmother a new house for her extended family and she was very pleased that she would have her own bedroom for the first time in her life. We helped to plaster the walls of her house (actually, I think we were more

The Malawi trip was the best experience many of us have ever had and the journey on the way home really enabled us to talk about our highlights. These included the safari, the new friends we’d made, and most importantly the small children who have nothing to give, but give you their biggest smile, wanting nothing more than to be your friend and to learn. We have come back and said, like every group who have been out or will go out, that this was a once in a lifetime experience that really makes you thankful for all that you have. It also reminds you that everything Kingswood donates (big or small) is so important and cherished.

Emma Hurring (Year 11)

Kingswood in Focus 73

Modern Foreign Languages

French Exchange to Toulouse Easter 2014 MONDAY Having spent the weekend with our partners and their families, we all had an early start and had to catch the train and then the metro to get to school. We had lessons in the morning which were quite challenging as we had to listen to a Spanish (!) lesson in French. We then experienced difficulties getting into the canteen with what resembled airport security, but eating our lunch was fortunately uneventful.

In the afternoon, we took the metro to a cookery school where we proceeded to make the most delicious macaroons ever! The chef gave us all the instructions in French and everyone mixed, baked, decorated and ate their creations.

TUESDAY

THURSDAY We visited a nearby town called Albi. We visited the ToulouseLautrec Museum which was dedicated to the painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. The museum opened in 1922 in the historic centre of the town. It has the biggest collection of the artist’s work, many pieces of which were donated by his mother after he died in 1901.

In his early years, he drew horses and men which later developed into a collection portraying different people and activities. His painting style was very linear combined with bold colours. Next to the museum of Toulouse-Lautrec is the Cathedral of Saint Cecilia of Albi which is huge and absolutely beautiful on the inside.

“...our exchange partners had been so friendly and it had been such a fun week.”

After another early start, we had a tour of Toulouse where we learnt about the history of the Basilique Saint-Sernin.

We then went to our favourite coffee shop and had a much-needed Oreo frappé and a cake. As it was Chloe’s birthday, we asked one of the staff on the counter to place a candle in the cake that she wanted, and we all sang Happy Birthday! After lunch, we met back up outside the gates to go to ‘Cité de l’Espace’ which was a massive science museum featuring ‘space’ and everything to do with it. It was amazing! The three hours sped by as we went round all the activities and everyone got their “Certificate d’Impesanteur” (Weightlessness Certificate!) as a souvenir to take home.

WEDNESDAY During the morning, we had some spare time as our exchange partners were otherwise engaged. This enabled us to go into town and enjoy the cafés and shops. After our partners had finished, we joined them for lunch and then went home for the afternoon. In the evening, we went to the theatre and watched a performance of “A Midsummer Night’s 74 Kingswood in Focus

Dream” in French which was truly amazing. Even though we didn’t understand the jokes or much of what they were saying, their actions definitely spoke louder than their words and their acting was fantastic!

FRIDAY Our last day! In the morning, we went to the Victor Hugo Market where you can buy every type of fresh food that you can imagine.

We saw lots of traditional French specialities, as well as some more unusual things that we didn’t even know you could eat like ‘pâté de tête’! You could also buy normal things like fresh French baguettes, and pastries. In the afternoon, we got the bus to the airport and flew back to Bristol. We were really sad to say goodbye to our exchange partners, as they had been so friendly and it had been such a fun week. We had learnt so many new French words and definitely felt more confident trying to speak the language!

Olivia Sealy, Chloe Roberts, Vyara Georgieva and Mimi Watts (Year 10)

Prague Exchange Having hosted our guests from the English College in Prague in late June of the last academic year, our four intrepid pupils in Year 13 (Sophie Roberts, Aoife McCarthy, Cecilia Mabey and Lizzie Wootton) and two members of staff, were very much looking forward to our stay in Prague during the first week of the October half-term. The pupils were reciprocally hosted by their Czech guests and were warmly welcomed by their families. The pupils were able to sample and see the delights of this magnificent European capital over the weekend. They were invited to a party, enjoyed sight-seeing and a visit to the opera.

The host pupils are all educated at the English College in Prague, a British school which works within the Czech system offering IGCSE and International Baccalaureate. The pupils are largely Prague-based, but the school has built a strong international flavour since its inception after the 1989 Velvet Revolution.

We marvelled at the splendour of Prague’s buildings, many of which date back to the turn of the 20th century. The iconic Prague Castle charts the city’s history from the Middle Ages and dominates the skyline. In addition to lessons, the pupils and staff enjoyed art deco cafés, a boat trip under the Charles Bridge, a day trip to the silver mines and the magnificent gothic cathedral of St Barbara at Kutna Hora. The sporting highlight of the week was a visit to an ice hockey match between one of Prague’s three teams, taking on a team from Riga, Latvia in the

Russian Continental League. Having never been to a match, we were fortunate enough to witness the exciting denouement of extra time and then a penalty shoot-out which went in favour of the home side, much to our delight! Throughout the week, we gorged on great hunks of meat and cabbage and the odd meal was washed down with a refreshing glass of Pilsner made by one of a number of well-known breweries in the vicinity.

Whilst in school, apart from attending IB lessons, the pupils also experienced a little Anglo-Czech ceremony at the Founders’ Day event which included a visit from the new patron of the College, Karel Schwarzenberg, who has run previously for the Czech Presidency. He is a real celebrity in the Czech Republic and very popular with the pupils at the College. Not only is he a vociferous advocate for Human Rights in Eastern Europe, but he was an advisor to Vàclav Havel in the aftermath of the Velvet Revolution and has served as Foreign Affairs Minister more recently. Mrs Skinner and Mr Duke were delighted to accompany these pupils who acquitted themselves well. This was the third trip to Prague after the link was established by Mr Morris, and it is hoped more Year 12 pupils will be keen to be involved late in the summer term when we will once again play host to pupils from Prague.

Mr Roderick Duke (Head of Modern Languages)

Kingswood in Focus 75

Spanish Exchange During the October half term, a group of Kingswood Spanish students spent a week just outside Madrid in a small town called Moralzarzal where we stayed with our exchange families.

To begin with, we spent the weekend with our exchange partners doing a variety of different activities including shopping, visiting family and going to the Madrid Theme Park. For a lot of the group, the theme park was a highlight as they had a lot of fun and were able to really bond with their “exchanges”. As the visit coincided with the Halloween period, there were lots of people dressed in Halloween costumes and Halloween themed rides!

On the final day, everyone went to classes with their Spanish exchange and we were split up into groups to experience a typical day at Colegio Leonardo Da Vinci, which is a typical Spanish school. Every year, two students and a teacher do an interview for the local radio station and this year they were asked about the differences between Spanish and English schools, daily routine, people and the weather. For the rest of us, we all went to five classes with our exchange partners, meeting lots of new people and trying to understand what the lesson was about! There was then a lunch break during which some people had lunch at the school and some went home to eat with their families - it is normal for Spanish children to go home at lunch time. In the afternoon we went to the bull ring – La Plaza de Toros – to listen to a talk from a man who works at the bull ring and another man who used to be a bull fighter. It was interesting to hear what the bull fights were like and they gave a demonstration with a fake bull and cape. It was then time to say goodbye to our partners who we would see again when they came back to Kingswood in March.

“...it was so interesting to be immersed in Spanish culture.”

After the weekend, the first trip we all went on was to the capital of Spain for a tour of Old Madrid. Here we saw famous landmarks such as the Plaza Mayor and El Mercado de San Miguel. The next day was a trip to Toledo, a famous town outside Madrid, where we had another guided tour including cathedrals and old streets. We then had free time to look round Toledo and have a look at some traditional Spanish shops. The following day was a trip to El Escorial, where we had a tour of the Palace and where we saw a room full of all the dead kings and queens of Spain! That afternoon, the group went to the Plaza Norte 2, a huge shopping mall in which we had free time for lunch and shopping. The next day, we went on a trip to Segovia, a pretty town outside Madrid where we saw a big castle and old parts of the town such as the main plaza and the impressive aqueduct. Every evening was spent with our host families, living the normal life of a Spanish family. Some of us went to our partner’s sports classes or went out for meals with the family.

76 Kingswood in Focus

It was a really fun trip – the weather was really sunny, especially at the weekend. Everyone got on well within the trip and it was so interesting to be immersed in Spanish language and culture. We all felt that we learnt so much and, in our exchange partners, we have made friends for life!

Sophie Sergeant, Tom Lechmere and Olivia Watts (Year 12)

Paris Trip 2013 This year some of the students in Years 8 and 9 who study French went on a trip to Paris in the October half term.

It was an early 5.00 am start and the coach journey was very long including miles and miles (and kilometres and kilometres) of motorways. However, the sights we saw in Paris were brilliant, and the journey was livened up by Richard, our enthusiastic and amusing coach driver, who never seemed to get bored.

When we arrived in Paris in the late evening, we went straight to Les Bateaux Mouches, which is an enjoyable boat ride down the River Seine. We saw lots of impressive sights, such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame. Later that evening, we made our way back to the hotel for a meal and then a well-deserved good night’s sleep. The next day we got up early and had a traditional French breakfast, before setting off to Disneyland Paris. We all enjoyed meeting the magical characters and fun rides. That evening we visited the Eiffel Tower and watched the lights sparkle on the hour. We then took the lift up to the first floor where the “scared of heights” people stayed with Mr Thomas, whilst the rest of us zoomed right up to the top where the views were inspirational. Paris at night is truly beautiful.

The next day we set off to the Stade de France where we were shown around the stadium and changing rooms by two enthusiastic guides. We ran through the players’ entrance onto the pitch and went up to the President’s Box. From there, we went to the Palace of Versailles where we looked around and took in lots and lots of historical information. Back in the city centre, we then went on a guided bus tour which was very informative and factual. On our last day, we headed off back to England, stopping off on the way back at a lovely French chocolate factory where we were shown how the chocolate is made and where many gifts were bought! We thank all the teachers who came on the trip, especially Miss Brookes. Overall, we had a memorable and fantastic time and we really recommend this trip!

Hannah Morris and Maddie Edwards (Year 8)

Spanish Trip

The Spanish trip in February half term was a fantastic chance to enjoy the culture and sunny weather of Southern Spain.

From the climb to the top of the Cathedral in the centre of Seville, to enjoying a flamenco show on the final night, the activities were all very enjoyable!

I especially liked the tapas tasting lunch, consisting of delicious paella with breads and Serrano ham.

We were also treated to ‘chocolate con churros’ after a historical tour of the bull fighting arena.

The day trip to neighbouring Cordoba offered an interesting visit to the cathedral surrounded by the world’s second biggest mosque – La Mezquita. The trip also allowed us to practise our Spanish and I would highly recommend going to younger Spanish pupils!

Grace Tyrell (Year 9) Kingswood in Focus 77

Trips and Visits

History Department Visit to Berlin Construction cranes are as much a part of the Berlin skyline as the grand old Fernsehturm, or TV Tower, which was the first site visited by the 52 students and 7 staff on the biennial History GCSE trip to Germany’s capital.

The early twentieth century art critic, Karl Scheffler, described Berlin as ‘a city condemned forever to becoming and never to being.’ Undoubtedly, however, this ever-changing urban landscape is part of Berlin’s appeal, and one of the reasons that it continues to be a source of great fascination to its visitors, particularly to those studying History. Every new creation is as much a re-consideration of an aspect of the city’s past, as a monument for the future.

The moving Memorial to the Sinti and Roma of Europe, visited by a Kingswood party for the first time on this trip, is one example among many of Berlin’s ability to articulate those histories that need to be communicated, lest they be forgotten. Another edifice to rise out of what used to be wasteland near the Berlin Wall is the greatly enlarged Topography of Terror, which left our students with a much clearer appreciation of the structure of the Nazi Police State.

Almost long in the tooth by comparison, the striking Holocaust Memorial and its superb visitor centre was profoundly moving, an experience complemented by a morning spent taking in the desolation of Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp.

There are also those more venerable landmarks which have survived the vicissitudes of different eras to be given new leases of life in recent years, such as the Reichstag building and the Olympic Stadium, both witnesses to events which feature prominently in the GCSE course.

Finally, even those buildings which perished a long time ago are seemingly able to rise again, despite Berlin’s understandable lack of sentimentality about aspects of its past. Most of the cranes that tower over central Berlin

78 Kingswood in Focus

“Our students enjoyed a unique encounter with a city that will never be the same as it was during that balmy Easter of 2014.” are engaged in the controversial - and surprising - rebuilding of the Berliner Schloss, the old imperial palace. Further proof that, as a French government minister once said, ‘Paris is always Paris and Berlin is never Berlin’.

Our fantastic group of students, therefore, enjoyed a unique encounter with a city that will never be the same as it was, during that balmy Easter of 2014.

Mr Peter MacDonald (Head of History)

Economics & Business Studies Visit to Jaguar Land Rover Year 12 Economics and Business Studies students had the pleasure of visiting Britain’s largest automotive manufacturing business, Jaguar Land Rover.

The car plant in Castle Bromwich, approximately 112 acres in size, manufactures the Jaguar XJ and the F-Type Coupe, both with retail prices ranging from £55,000 to £130,000.

The visit included a tour of the Jaguar XJ assembly line, which covered the Press Shop, Body-in-White Build, Trim & Final Stage and Car Dispatch sections.

The assembly line is capable of producing 450 cars in a 35 hour week or one new XJ every 4.5 minutes.

With over 300 robots, worth at least £250,000 each, and a 3,000+ devoted workforce, pupils could see why this plant is the world’s most advanced aluminium car construction facility.

The programme also included an exciting and competitive challenge – the group was split into ‘cells’ that had to build trollies that varied in design and colour. With limited time and having to build to order, each ‘cell’ contested with enthusiasm and skill; a great exercise that developed teamwork and communication.

This hands-on experience provided a great insight into manufacturing and its contribution to the UK economy. Observing an organisation such as this, in a competitive environment and uncertain economic climate, has helped pupils to appreciate the influence of outside factors and learn how establishments change and adapt to succeed and prosper.

Mr James Hills (Head of Economics and Business Studies)

Year 8 Science In the Summer term, as part of their Science topic on water, the Year 8s had their annual trip to have a look round a sewage farm and to do some stream sampling.

Dr Nick Sheffrin (Head of Science)

Kingswood in Focus 79

Eco-Schools

Working Towards a More Sustainable Future B&NES Youth Climate Summit, 2014 On the 3rd and 4th of February 2014, the sixth annual B&NES Youth Climate Summit was held in the Kingswood pavilion, with pupils and staff from seven local schools in attendance. The event comprised of two days of talks by inspirational speakers, speaker-led workshops, and student-led sessions. The attendees were encouraged to think about ways in which they themselves could make a difference within their respective schools, local community, and even nationwide.

For the first time, this summit was primarily student-led and organised, with the facilitators ranging in age from 14-18.

“The event had a high level of energy throughout both days...”

Food over the two days was provided by Kingswood’s fantastic catering staff and sourced completely from the charitable group Fareshare, which makes use of the huge quantity of food that supermarkets throw out. The event had a high level of energy throughout both days, with the fantastic speakers really inspiring the young people to ask questions; learn more about the world that they live in and search for their own solutions to the problems facing them and future generations. Amongst the impressive range of speakers who kindly contributed to the event were: leader of the Green Party Natalie Bennett; top environmental lawyer Polly Higgins; social entrepreneur and chief executive of Embercombe, Tim ‘Mac’ Macartney; esteemed eco-architect Peter Clegg, and founder and director of Fin Fighters UK, Louise Ruddell.

The enthusiasm with which all present threw themselves into the event was truly admirable. As a result of the discussions, plans were made for further action (see right for an example). We hope to see schools in Bath working more collaboratively in the future to support the action plans which these young people have started to develop.

Isabelle Thornton (Year 11) & Elie Gould (Year 9)

Our Campaign Against Shark Finning This year members of the Ocean Awareness activity have been finding out about the great ecological importance of sharks and the problems associated with their recent decline, largely due to the increase in demand for the Asian delicacy, shark fin soup. We learnt that China has now banned this dish from all state banquets and Hong Kong University has banned it from its campus. This is a major statement from the country where the dish originated. We were shocked to discover that Great Britain, along with Spain and France, are in the top 20 shark finning fisheries. Although this is clearly a global problem, Britain has been slow to address it. We have been inspired by working with Louise Ruddell, a driving force behind making Cambridge the first British city to be declared ‘fin free’. Our campaign was designed during two enjoyable evening workshops. Our first step was to give an assembly to the whole school to increase awareness. As a result, over 600 members of our community signed a petition adding their support to make Bath ‘fin free’. Thanks to establishing links during the Youth Climate Summit, we are now working with other schools to hopefully gain enough signatures so the petition can be taken to Bath City Council.

Natalie Bennett and Sophie

Workshop with MJ Church

80 Kingswood in Focus

“We have been inspired by working with Louise Ruddell...”

35 mile team at the finish

Avebury

Mendips

Dartmoor

Training for Ten Tors 2014 began with two trips to the Mendips and one to The Marlborough Downs before the focus moved to Dartmoor.

Competition for the Year 10 (35 mile) team was tough, with nearly 30 pupils starting training. For the Year 13 (55 mile) team, there were only ever 6 pupils willing to have a go given the many other pressures of a final examination year. With the local walks completed, the teams visited Dartmoor on three occasions, culminating in a ‘Trial Run’ which included two nights of camping and routes of up to 35 miles.

Training was often undertaken in very poor weather but all of the pupils, successful or otherwise, demonstrated great determination and good humour throughout.

EXPEDITION

Ten Tors

35 mile team before the start

“The 35 mile team completed their expedition - a tremendous achievement considering the conditions...”

55 mile team before the start

Once again, the actual Ten Tors Expedition took place in extremely challenging weather conditions with high winds and persistent rain. Both Kingswood teams started well on Saturday morning, making good progress on their respective routes.

On Saturday evening, the Year 13 (55 mile) team camped in between their 5th and 6th tors, whilst the Year 10 (35 mile) team camped just beyond their 7th tor. On Sunday morning, both teams set off early but delays due to illness led to the 55 mile team having to drop out mid-morning. The 35 mile team, however, continued to walk strongly and completed their expedition by 11:30am. This is a tremendous achievement considering the conditions that they endured on the moor.

The successful 35 mile team were Freya Jones, Eddie Narbett, Louis Charley, Rory Finnamore, Harry Heap and team leader Poppy Roper.

Mr John Davies (Head of Outdoor Pursuits)

TRAINING Kingswood in Focus 81

Outdoor Pursuits

Kayaking In partnership with Bath Canoe Club, the Kingswood kayakers were able to use the skills developed in the swimming pool during their weekly activity on the River Avon.

Once again, the Year 9 boarders enjoyed the traditional camping and activity weekend in the Forest of Dean. Based at the Biblins Youth Campsite on the bank of the River Wye, the pupils spent Saturday evening having a BBQ and a campfire sing-a-long led by Mr Chua. On Sunday, they had the chance to try climbing, caving, canoeing and kayaking at Symonds Yat.

Mr John Davies (Head of Outdoor Pursuits)

Year 9 Boarders’ Trip to the Forest of Dean 82 Kingswood in Focus

Year 9 Hike Black Mountains - June 2014 Eleven Year 9 pupils enjoyed perfect weather for the annual hike in the Black Mountains. The circular walk from Llanbedr was completed in just under 6 hours and all of the pupils acquitted themselves very well.

Mr John Davies (Head of Outdoor Pursuits)

Kingswood in Focus 83

BRONZE AWARD

Forest of Dean

A large number of Year 10 students undertook the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award this year, with 54 students participating in the final two qualifying expeditions in June. In order to complete the Bronze Award, the participants attend training sessions nearly every week during term-time as well as volunteer, develop a skill and undertake a form of physical activity on a regular basis. The award is therefore a notable achievement and it is great that such a high proportion of students have continued with the scheme throughout the year.

Of course, for many, the highlight of any Duke of Edinburgh Award’s is the expedition phase.

The participants’ first taste of this was back in March when they completed their practice expedition. The groups had to endure some heavy hail storms during the afternoon, before camping on the Upper. The following day, the groups were given a little more independence and set off unaccompanied on a 14 mile route between manned checkpoints. This gave them a chance to practise all they had learnt the preceding day and prepare for the qualifying expedition at the end of the year.

Forest of Dean

Due to the large number of participants, two qualifying expeditions were run simultaneously in mid-June, in the Forest of Dean and on the Mendip Hills. Despite severe weather and thunderstorms being forecast, both expeditions did enjoy some fine sunny weather, which certainly helped navigation and made camping in the evening far more enjoyable. The groups were able to work together and navigate their routes to finish in good time and pass this significant part of the award.

Mr Steven Smyth (Teacher of Geography)

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Checking the route on top of Cheddar Gorge, Mendip Hills

84 Kingswood in Focus

Pitching the tent at Longbottom Farm, Mendip Hills

SILVER AWARD Following the continued success of the Bronze and Gold awards at Kingswood, this year we were delighted to be able to reintroduce the Silver award. Primarily aimed at Year 11 (as participants need to be 15 years old to start this level), Silver has the same four elements as Bronze but demands a greater level of commitment, with a minimum time frame of 6 months for completion.

Under Mr Legg’s guidance, 14 Year 11s began working towards the award and, having completed one of the wettest and windiest training expeditions on Dartmoor this April, 10 made it through to undertake their qualifying expedition in the beautiful surroundings of Exmoor National Park. In spite of some very long days, but aided by some glorious sunshine, both groups successfully completed this stage of their award.

“...this year we were delighted to be able to reintroduce the Silver award.”

GOLD AWARD Kingswood’s Gold award participants have continued to show initiative and commitment as they work towards the achievement of this prestigious award. Recent leavers have had success at Gold level; Rosie Dixon and Sally Hargrave have been to St James’ Palace to receive their awards, and congratulations also to Alex Hill who has completed her award after leaving school. Sam Haysom deserves a special mention for completing his Gold award during his final year at Kingswood.

This year we ran three expeditions: in October, three groups of students faced appalling conditions in Snowdonia during their training expedition but proved to themselves that they were able to cope in extreme weather, even if it wasn’t much fun! At Easter, four Upper Sixth students, Josh Gammie, Ellie Tullberg, Jenner Gudge-Brooke and Josh Saunders, took to the Black Mountains for their qualifying expedition and enjoyed some unexpected spring sunshine. Finally, ten Lower Sixth students made the long journey to the Lake District at the start of the summer holidays. Under blue skies and in blazing sunshine, they successfully negotiated their way around some of England’s most challenging terrain – the boys even conquered Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak, which is not easy with a full pack on!

Mr Smyth and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the staff who help out with DofE on a weekly basis, as well as thank all of the additional staff that support the expeditions and help ensure their success.

Miss Mary Telford (Teacher i/c Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme) Kingswood in Focus 85

Cycling Trip to the Scottish Highlands The group of ten pupils and staff left Kingswood at 10pm on Saturday 19th July and 13 hours of driving later arrived at the idyllically situated Ratagan Youth Hostel on the shores of Loch Duich near the Kyle of Lochalsh.

What followed was the biggest challenge of the entire trip, a ride over the Bealach na Ba, which rising from sea level to 2,054 ft, boasts the greatest ascent of any road climb in the UK. The 6 mile climb finished with a series of hairpins and sections of up to 20% gradient. The descent was, needless to say, spectacular as were the views of the Cuillin Ridge on the Isle of Skye from the summit. The hostel at Applecross was delightful and dinner was taken in the Walled Garden Restaurant on the Applecross Estate, a well-deserved treat after 7000 ft of ascent during the day.

Dawn on the second full day arrived hot and sunny and this was to remain the case for the remainder of the trip. The route now followed the beautiful single track coastal road from Applecross to Shieldaig where a short break was followed by 20 hot miles along Glen Torridon beneath towering peaks such as Liathach and Beinn Eighe. This was to be the site of the only accident of the trip as Austyn achieved a spectacular somersault which fortunately resulted in significant road rash but nothing worse. Patched up and a little more cautious, the group then finished the

Pausing to admire Loch Torridon

The group then tackled the Mam Ratagan Pass by way of testing bikes and legs in preparation for what was to come. The 20 mile route to Glenelg and back proved to be a very useful introduction to cycling in the Scottish Highlands and included 2300 ft of ascent and the only puncture of the trip. After an early night to recover from the overnight drive, the trip began in earnest with a 55 mile ride to Applecross. The first 40 miles were hilly and scenic and a sunny picnic lunch was enjoyed on the shores of Loch Carron.

86 Kingswood in Focus

Hartfield House, Applecross

day with a 20 mile stretch alongside Loch Maree and on to Gairloch (total mileage for the day 64). Accommodation for the night was in ‘wigwams’ overlooking Sands beach. Taking advantage of the amazingly warm weather, most of the group swam in the chilly waters of Loch Gairloch admiring the many jellyfish as they did so. The wooden ‘wigwams’ proved to be extremely hot particularly as the presence of the ubiquitous midges made opening any windows impossible. The night was endured rather than enjoyed.

The next day’s route was another 61 miles of wonderful highland scenery finishing at the bustling port of Ullapool. Highlights included Gruinard Bay, views of the impressive An Teallach and the very long descent towards Loch Broom. The final day of cycling was to be the longest at 70 miles and once again included a great deal of climbing. However, the Kingswood pupils, by now thoroughly acclimatised to the challenges, completed the day by 5pm and bikes were swiftly packed for the return journey which began at 8am the following morning, after a well-deserved rest in Durness Youth Hostel. The return journey of 14 hours was enlivened by the radio ‘shout out’ arranged by the boys via Twitter.

Applecross to Fearnmore Road

Huge thanks must go to the staff involved.

To Mr Hills and Mr Wilkinson for leading the cycling and particularly to Mr Skinner for being the endlessly patient and helpful support driver throughout. Well done also to the pupils involved: Ben Brearey, Austyn Lloyd, Oliver Richards, Billy Greenway, Tokes Sawyerr and Ben Crowe.

Mr John Davies (Head of Outdoor Pursuits)

“What followed was the biggest challenge of the entire trip, a ride over the Bealach na Ba, which boasts the greatest ascent of any road climb in the UK.” Kingswood in Focus 87

School Prefects 2013 / 2014 The PR

Sporting Roll of Honour In 2013-2014 full colours were awarded to the following: RUGBY

Joel Lees-Massey Jonathan Roberts Nick Haller Kieran Gibson Oscar Ryan Owen Waters Jack Crowther Matthew Scott Connor McAlpine Head Boy

John (Jack) Crowther

Head Girl

Eleanor Tullberg

Deputy Head Boy

Charles Pope

Deputy Head Girl

Anna Bools

Heads of House

Sophie Roberts (Head of Fonthill); Orion Mathews (Head of Hall); Benjamin Papuca (Head of Middle); Rachel Greenslade (Head of School); Meghan Duncan (Head of Summerhill); Angus Hawking (Head of Upper)

Additional Members of the PR

Timothy Rouse (Middle)

Senior Prefects

Natasha Hemmings (Deputy Head of Fonthill); Saugat Gurung (Deputy Head of Middle); Nicholas Haller (Deputy Head of Hall); Emma Lewis (Deputy Head of School); Evangeline (Evie) Cronchey (Deputy Head of Summerhill); Alistair Blackburn (Deputy Head of Upper) Robert Blackburn; Emily Bristow; Olivia Chan; Poppy Clark; Anna Connolly; Thomas Connolly; Ringo Dai; Joshua Fry; Joshua Gammie; Sarina Ganapathy; Kieran Gibson; Georgia Grinter; Prabhat Gurung; Thomas Hardman; Pui Yu (Peonie) Ho; Jessica Jeffery; Lara Lawman; Cecilia Mabey; Yulia Mashtaler; Benjamin Mayall; Connor McAlpine; Annabel Moss; Oliver (Zinny) Norman; Orla O’Sullivan; Emily Priest; Jonathan Roberts; Oliver Robley; Jennifer Robson; Harry Waring; Charlotte Williams

GIRLS’ HOCKEY

Ellie Tullberg Meghan Duncan Ellie Lyne BOYS’ HOCKEY

Tom Hardman Tim Rouse Matthew Bolland Harry Merrill Parimal Shrestha Hywel Jones NETBALL

Ellie Lyne Orla O’Sullivan Georgia McKibbin Emily Bristow CRICKET

Felix Barnard-Weston Kieran Gibson Matt Scott Osh Devlin-Cook Tim Rouse ATHLETICS

Kingswood School Governing Body 2013 / 2014 Chairman

Wing Cdr C S Burns RAF (Rtd)

Vice-Chairman, Chairman PEC

The Revd Dr J Barrett MA

Vice-Chairman, Chairman FEC

Mr T Westbrook MA MSc

Governing Body

Mr P Baines; Mr M Bishay; The Revd R J Borgars; Mrs S M Cook; Mr A G Douglas; Mr A G Gibbs; Dr M C Hayden; The Revd A W Jones; Mrs B R Pendle; Mrs K M Pillinger; Mr DJB Quine; Major General A J Raper CBE, Rtd; Mr R Sandry; Ms G Smith; The Revd Canon P Whitworth; His Honour Judge Peter Wright.

88 Kingswood in Focus

Ben Mayall Oscar Ryan SWIMMING

Johnny Brend Brandon Dyer-Pallister Sophie Roberts Amelia Maughan TENNIS

Bella Plumbly

Kingswood School Teaching Staff 2013 / 2014 APPOINTED

APPOINTED

Mr S A Morris

Headmaster

01/09/2008

Mrs C M Sergeant

Head of ICT (Academic)

01/09/2005

Mr G D Opie

Deputy Head; Games; PE; English

01/09/1990

Dr M D Fletcher

Head of Chemistry

01/09/2006

Mrs S C Dawson

Deputy Head Academic; English

01/09/2004

Mrs M J Hutchison

German and RE

01/09/2006

Rev M L Wilkinson

Chaplain; Deputy Head Pastoral; RE

01/09/1992

Mrs A K Matthews

Geography

23/04/2007

Mr J R Garforth

Chemistry; Head of Careers

01/09/1973

Mrs M L Brennan

Maths

01/09/2007

Miss A T Wright

Games; PE; English; Psychology

01/09/1983

Mr S J Forrester

Head of ESL; Resident Assistant Housemaster Hall House

01/09/2007

Mrs D J Jenner

Head of Geography

01/09/1985

Mrs S C Fountain

Humanities

01/09/2007

Miss U J Paver

Games, PE; Senior Housemistress School House

01/09/1990

Mr J P Hills

Head of Economics / Business

11/04/2008

Mrs J Reeman

Maths

01/09/1990

Mrs S Dakin

Head of Classics

01/09/2008

Mr S J Burgon

Maths; Head of Dixon

01/09/1991

Mrs C E Edwards

Head of Psychology; Economics / Business

01/09/2008

Mrs J R Opie

Head of Biology

01/09/1992

Mrs J Hallett

Learning Support

01/09/2008

Miss N J Beale

French; German

01/09/1993

Miss M E Telford

01/09/2008

Dr N M H Sheffrin

Head of Science

01/09/1993

Second in English Department; Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme

Mrs J Cook

Head of Learning Support

22/11/1993

Mrs C D Morris

French; German

10/11/2008

History; Senior Housemaster Upper House; Outdoor Pursuits

Mr J B Brown

Head of Boys’ Games; PE

01/09/2009

Mr J W Davies

01/09/1994

Mr P Clarke

Physics; Editor of School Magazine

01/09/2009

Mr G J Musto

Maths; Director of CPD (Member of SMT)

01/09/1994

Miss K M Donovan

Geography

01/09/2009

Mrs L J Court

Head of RE and Critical Thinking

01/09/1995

Mr D Walker

Head of Spanish

01/09/2009

Mrs A Hirst

Learning Support

01/07/1997

Mr B N Brown

Head of Design Technology

01/09/2010

Geography; Games; Senior Housemaster Westwood

Mr J C H Chua

Maths; Activities

01/09/2010

Mr P J Hollywell

01/09/1998

Mr G D Edgell

ICT

01/09/2010

Mr T P R Reeman

Director of Sports

01/09/1998

Miss N Robinson

French and Spanish

01/09/2010

Mr S R Snowden

Director of ICT

01/09/1998

Miss S B Brookes

Head of French

01/01/2011

Mr R E Burton

Head of Physics

06/09/1999

Mr S T Brown

Head of Art

01/01/2011

Mr R Mainwaring

Director of Music

01/09/2000

Mrs C A Clarke

English

01/09/2011

Mrs M K Patterson

Biology; ESD Coordinator

04/09/2000

Mr E C Peerless

Physics

01/09/2011

Mrs M L Brown

Physics; Timetabler; Senior Housemistress Summerhill House

01/09/2001

Mrs L E Smyth

Biology; Resident Assistant Housemistress Summerhill House

01/09/2011

Mr C B Woodgate

Head of Sixth Form; History; Politics (Member of SMT)

01/09/2001

Mrs S Chilver-Vaughan

Latin

01/09/2011

Drama and Theatre Studies; Senior Housemaster Hall House

Mr D M Darwin

History and Politics

01/09/2012

Mr D T Harding

01/09/2002 Mrs S F Herlinger

01/09/2012

Mr J Matthews

Games, PE; Senior Housemaster Middle House

History and Politics; Resident Assistant Housemistress School House

01/09/2002

Mr J-M Legg

French and Spanish

01/09/2012

Mrs L J Bradbury

Art

01/09/2003

Mrs V M Sim

Head of Girls’ Games; PE

01/09/2012

Mr R J Duke

Head of Languages; Resident Assistant Housemaster Westwood

01/09/2003

Mr S D Smyth

Geography

01/09/2012

Mr S R Thomas

Design Technology

01/09/2012

Mr P P G MacDonald

Head of History and Politics

01/09/2003

Mr J R White

Maths

01/09/2012

Mrs J L Mainwaring

English; Housemistress Westwood

01/09/2003

Mrs J L Bruce

Business / Economics

01/09/2013

Miss M Newman

Games

12/01/2004

Mrs S J Marshall

Head of PSHCE; RE

31/07/2004

Mr S J Campbell

Head of English

01/09/2013

Mrs K Fox

Art

31/08/2004

Mr M R Foster

English

01/09/2013

Mrs A M Knights

Maths

01/09/2004

Mr M D Haynes

Head of Academic Music

01/09/2013

Ms N McNee

Librarian

28/08/2005

Mrs J C Solomon-Gardner

ICT

01/09/2013

Mrs K L Nash

Head of Drama and Theatre Studies

01/09/2005

Miss N J Sparks

Chemistry

01/09/2013

Head of Maths; Resident Assistant Housemaster Middle House

Mrs E L Ward

Drama

01/09/2013

Mr C J Redman

01/09/2005

Miss H C Wilson

RE

01/09/2013

Kingswood in Focus 89

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