Kingswood in Focus 2016/17

KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS

2016/17

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | HEADMASTER’S WELCOME

Headmaster’s Welcome Dear Parents and Friends, I am always hugely grateful to have the opportunity to write some introductory words to our annual magazine, a publication which seeks, in a little over one hundred pages, to reflect the life of an immensely busy, diverse and ambitious school. It is quite a challenge even to attempt to summarise equitably such a wealth of fine achievements, but it is one to which our new editor, Juliette Mainwaring, has risen absolutely magnificently. In their content, presentation and style, the pages which follow really do seem to do justice to the story which those of us who are privileged to work at Kingswood see unfolding each day throughout the year.

As school leaders, we understand the importance of accountability, and respect the increasingly demanding nature of regulatory compliance.

We in schools are not alone in this; what we see is, of course, reflected widely in many other sectors. What we are challenged in schools to do is to adapt to the changes which increased bureaucracy inevitably demands, whilst ensuring that we never lose sight of our prime educational purpose. Helping young people to grow intellectually, culturally, physically, spiritually and socially so that they are equipped to make a real and defining difference in their lives beyond school remains our motivation, as does the desire to do this ever

better for each individual student.

If greater expectations in terms of compliance have as their central goal the objective that every child in every school should thrive in an environment in which they are properly safeguarded – which must surely be the primary purpose – then we must applaud that wholeheartedly.

Central to a Kingswood education is the desire to help people develop an open-minded, tolerant and respectful mind set. We are never keen to impose individual viewpoints, but we actively do encourage students to analyse viewpoints critically, and to come to well-considered conclusions.

We would be hugely disappointed if school life was not characterised by lively, well-informed debate.

We would be equally disappointed if students’ views did not change over time, informed by more mature critical minds which have been exercised every single day.

We see the creation of a learning environment in which diversity and tolerance are celebrated as one of our more significant responses to ensuring that our responsibilities for safeguarding are upheld. I am often asked whether this creates any particular challenges in a school with a Christian foundation in the Methodist tradition. Interestingly, I am able to respond that having a foundation of this nature actually supports rather than hinders our

desire to nurture open-mindedness and tolerance. We are absolutely clear of, and enthusiastic about, the role the Christian message can play in helping create a fairer and more just world, but we certainly do not try to claim that as an exclusively Christian concept.

To return to the pages which follow; readers will see the breadth of opportunity which abounds and feel the enthusiasm of the students’ engagement. I hope what will also be clear is that the Kingswood community is defined not by A grades gained (or not), or by matches won (or lost), but by a deeper sense of purpose and a responsibility to others which extends well beyond the slopes of Lansdown.

I do hope you enjoying reading this fine publication as much as I have done.

With all best wishes

Mr Simon Morris (Headmaster)

CONTENTS | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

CONTENTS

HEADMASTER’S WELCOME

COMMUNITY ACTION 2 From the Chaplain 4 Charities 6 Sustainability 8 MUN ACADEMIC 10 Exam Results 12 Prizegiving 14 English 16 Science 18 MFL 19 Library 20 University Destinations HOUSES 22 Westwood 24 Fonthill 26 Hall 28 Middle 30 Summerhill 32 School 34 Upper CREATIVE ARTS 36 Art 39 ‘Made in Kingswood’ Art & DT Awards 40 Design & Technology 42 Drama 47 Theatre Tech 49 Music 54 Drama and Music Awards SPORT 56 Girls’ Hockey 58 Rugby 60 Netball 62 Boys’ Hockey 64 Orienteering 66 Swimming 68 Cricket 70 Athletics 72 Girls’ Tennis 74 Boys’ Tennis 76 Equestrian 78 Cross Country 79 Athletic Development

80

TRIPS & ACTIVITIES

STAFF & LEAVERS

99 Staff Farewells 102 Head Girl & Head Boy Reflections 103 Leavers 2017 104 Teaching Staff 105 Sarah Dawson Photo credits (this page and throughout the publication): Tim Martin, Stewart McPherson, Neil Phillips (professional), Mr Jamie Knights, Mrs Jenny Opie (staff), Rory Elliott and Jess Brown (pupils)

1

2

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | COMMUNITY ACTION

From the Chaplain ‘A Christian school is one in which the entire atmosphere is pervaded by the conviction that there is something mysterious and potentially wonderful in everybody’.

So said former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams.

T

hat is just what we seek to be at Kingswood. Our vision is to be an open Christian community: ‘Christian’ because we want our community life to be shaped by the ministry, teaching and values of Jesus Christ; ‘open’ in the sense that we welcome people from all faiths, and none.

We present and propose, but never impose Christian faith and believe it is our raison d’être to offer an excellent holistic education, driven

by Christian values, which equips our pupils to flourish in life and to live responsibly within the world.

It is fascinating that, when Jesus himself was asked about greatness, he answered by placing a child in the centre. He saw immeasurable worth personified in this form.

It is worth which must be intrinsic and innate, because all those things, which many cultures would recognise as valuable, are yet to be acquired or achieved. He didn’t even locate the child’s worth in his or her potential, for in his action the child became the model to which those who had achieved and acquired other things were to

aspire. As he placed the child in the centre, he said, ‘I tell you the truth: unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven’.

It is very tempting for schools in Western culture to place great emphasis on the child’s potential to gain excellent grades, obtain a place in a good university, and go on to do great things in the world.

There is, of course, an important place for all of that. However, our founder, John Wesley, recognised that the Christian vision for education must go far beyond that. He thus bequeathed to us the heritage in which we are proud to stand today. Writing over 250 years ago to Joseph Benson, one of Kingswood’s early Headmasters, Wesley warned, ‘Beware you be not swallowed up in books. An ounce of love is worth a pound of knowledge’. It can sometimes seem ‘soppy’, out of date and naïve to speak of love in this way. Wesley was, of course, referring not to romantic, salacious nor transient concepts of love often found in contemporary culture, but to the

COMMUNITY ACTION | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

love found at the heart of one of the simplest and most profound statements of Christian belief: ‘God is love’.

One of the great privileges of serving as Chaplain to Kingswood School is the opportunity I have to officiate at the Christenings of children of members of staff and former pupils. My favourite part of the service comes when I speak directly to the baby, attempting to look him or her in the eye, saying: ‘For you, Jesus Christ came into the world; for you he lived and showed God’s love; for you he suffered death on the cross; for you he triumphed over death, rising to newness of life; for you he prays at God’s right hand; all this for you, before you could know anything of it … We love because God first loved us.’

The baby, of course, will not understand the words, but that is the point. The words are equally true for the baby who understands nothing, and the whole congregation who understand a little more. It is against that same backdrop of faith that, as a Christian school, we can strive to be a community ‘in which the entire atmosphere is pervaded by the conviction that there is something mysterious and potentially wonderful in everybody’.

The Revd David A. Hull (Chaplain)

An ounce of love is worth a pound of knowledge.

John Wesley, Letter to KS Headmaster, 1768

3

4

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | Community ACTION

CHARITIES

John Wesley’s ‘Rule for Living’, which begins ‘Do all the good you can’, continues to inspire us to look beyond our immediate concerns here at Kingswood to the needs of others, both locally and around the world.

This year has once again seen a large number of initiatives across the whole school, within houses and academic departments, and initiated by individual pupils and members of staff, supporting many charities, including: • All We Can, the Methodist Relief and Development Charity

• House of Grace

• Bath Foodbank

• Kenyan Orphans

• Cancer Care • Children’s Hospice South West

• The Laura Crane Youth Cancer Trust

• Dorothy House

• Open Arms Infant Home, Malawi

• Down’s Syndrome Association

• The Restart Centre, Gilgil, Kenya

• Frome Active and in Touch

• The Young Carers’ Development Trust

• The Genesis Trust • Hemihelp • Hope and Homes for Children

The Chaplain’s Award for Charity This end of year prize is awarded annually to a pupil or group of pupils who have shown both commitment and initiative in their support of charitable

• Julian House

• The UK Sepsis Trust

Do all the good you can; By all the means you can; In all the ways you can; In all the places you can; At all the times you can; To all the people you can; As long as ever you can.

• UNHCR

ventures. This year the deserving recipient was Michelle Leung, Year 12, in recognition of her assemblies raising awareness of the international refugee crisis, and her own work as a UNICEF Young

Ambassador. Michelle both organised and ran a school-wide sponsored swim in aid of this charity, an event that involved both staff and pupils from all year groups.

Community ACTION | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

5

6

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | COMMUNITY ACTION

SUSTAINABILITY With the establishment of the Sustainable Development Society and the Feed Kingswood initiative, the introduction of a Kingswood Earth Day, and the launch of a new School Sustainability Framework, 2016-17 was a busy year addressing Sustainable Development at Kingswood.

The Sustainable Development Society The Sustainable Development Society was launched in September by a group of passionate students from across the school years. Its mission is to “raise awareness of local and global sustainability within the student population, and help enable the student body to deliver positive action.”

The pupils have worked together on a number of projects including multiple assemblies on the subject of Sustainability at school, and the organisation and delivery of the school’s Earth Day in June.

...we must not forget the footprint we as individuals and as a community leave in our wake.

COMMUNITY ACTION | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

Earth Day With activities such as a chilli planting competition, bug house making, green wall building and even a ‘dump Trump’ coconut shy (!), Kingswood’s Earth Day had plenty for all to get engaged in, as well as a strong message about the environment and particularly the devastating impact of plastic bottles. It also provided a launch pad for the School’s new approach to this issue, and with disposable plastic bottles disappearing from all packed lunches, a new less wasteful and less damaging future for the school is upon us.

Feed Kingswood In another attempt to connect us to our consumption, the Feed Kingswood initiative was also established this year. Through the generosity of the Friends of Kingswood, and the hard work of the gardening team and a small group of staff and pupils, a thriving cottage garden complete with polytunnel has been established at school.

The initiative runs as an activity multiple times a week, encouraging pupils to ‘grow’ green fingers and demonstrating the care and effort that goes into producing our food. In its first year, the project has had many successes, with home-grown produce on occasion being sufficient in quantity to find its way onto the school lunch menu!

School Sustainability Framework Engaging students with the future of our planet and our society is an essential role of a school like Kingswood, but we must not forget the footprint we as individuals and as a community leave in our wake.

The school is committed to tackling this footprint and has, through consultation with key stakeholders across the community, established a School Sustainability Framework. This framework, consisting of key objectives and targets relating to areas such as Energy, Water, Waste and Transport, sets out a pathway for all to work together to reduce this footprint.

Working with the Sustainable Development Society we hope that all get behind this framework and push for a more sustainable future – for Kingswood and the wider, even global, community.

Mr Will Musgrove (Sustainability and World Action Co-Ordinator)

7

8

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | Community Action

MODEL UNITED NATIONS Bath International Schools’ Model United Nations Conference As each year, in March Kingswood played host to the 27th Bath International Schools’ Model United Nations conference.

A

pproximately 500 students took part, representing 101 member states of the UN in two days of debate on a range of issues facing the global community, including the threat from Islamic State, antimicrobial resistance, the migrant crisis, marine pollution, weapons of mass destruction, and human rights in the Middle East.

This year the keynote speaker at the Opening Ceremony was Kingswood Old Boy George Gabriel who works for the charity Citizens UK, and is currently heavily involved in supporting child migrants who have fled conflicts in the Middle East. He spoke eloquently about the plight of refugees, and about his own experiences of MUN at Kingswood and the lessons it had taught him about the importance of political engagement.

...a powerful reminder of the dangers of young people staying silent in an ever-changing world.

Freya Jones (Year 13), Secretary General for this year’s conference, also spoke at the Opening Ceremony. Like George, she focused on the importance of political involvement, and ended her speech with a powerful reminder of the dangers of young people staying silent in an ever changing world facing numerous challenges.

Over a hundred Kingswood students took part in the conference, in roles ranging from delegate and committee chair to secretary.

Mr Craig Woodgate (Head of Sixth Form)

This year’s key positions were as follows: Secretary General:

Freya Jones

Head Chairs: Human Rights Committee 1: Frankie Kenyon William Moorey Human Rights Committee 2: Freya Jones Claudia Blofeld Security Council: Angus Forbes-Cable Middle East Committee: Jasper Davis

Adam Tappin Political Committee: Ben Juliano Economic Committee: Elie Gould

Rose Buxton Health Committee: Chloe Roberts Environment Committee: Natasha Thornton

Michelle Leung Africa Committee: Sabrina Robley Disarmament Committee: Lizzy Scott

COMMUNITY ACTION | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

EXTERNAL MUN EVENTS ‘LOSMUN’

HISTORIC GENERAL ASSEMBLY In September, 7 Year 12 and 13 students were selected to participate in an Historic Model United Nations debate, which was held at Methodist Central Hall, in Westminster.

T

his prestigious event, which was being coordinated by The World Action in Methodist Schools organisation, celebrated the 70th anniversary of the first session of the General Assembly, in the very building that it met in.

The aim of the two GA sessions was for students to ‘re-debate’ resolutions that were first written in 1946. The topics to be discussed were the problems raised by the discovery of atomic energy and the question of refugees.

During a lobbying session, delegates then had an opportunity to add, remove clauses, or amend original clauses, so that the resolution became relevant for today’s world. Natasha Thornton, Adam Tappin, Gregor Morton and Jasper Davis rose to the challenge of representing the United States of America as delegates, whilst Freya Jones, William Moorey and Frankie Kenyon were exemplary as Guest Chairs.

This day-long conference, held at the London Oratory School saw some new Sixth Form faces taking on the challenging role of delegate for the first time.

A particularly controversial debate was on the cards for Adam Tappin, representing Russia, and discussing “The Question of Doping at International Sports Events”. Also representing Russia were Leonids Osipovs, Niamh McCarthy, Adam Tappin, Jasper Davis, Sid Brunt and Angus ForbesCable. The South Korean delegation was made up of Ben Juliano, Michelle Leung, Rupert Bayliss, Matthew Choy and Cameron Thomas.

‘BGSMUN’ The most local conference attended

by Kingswood delegates was held at Bristol Grammar School.

‘MUNCH’ In October, an eager group of Year 12 and 13 students attended the highly-reputed Model United Nations Conference at Cheadle Hulme School, Manchester.

R

epresenting Italy and the Republic of South Korea, delegates took their places in a range of committees: Health, Environment and Science, Disarmament, Human Rights and a Special Committee on Poverty, to grapple with thought-provoking topics, ranging from LGBT rights violations to relative poverty in MEDCs.

There were two lively days of debate, during which all delegates confidently contributed to their respective committees and councils. Participating students were: Chloe Roberts, Natasha Thornton, Frankie Kenyon, Freya Jones, Angus Forbes-Cable, Lizzy Scott, Cameron Thomas, Sabrina Robley, Claudia Blofeld, Michelle Leung and William Moorey.

Mrs Alex Campbell and Miss Sandra Jones

It provided a great opportunity for some Year 10 and 11 students to begin their conference experience, taking their first impressive steps in tackling complex global issues. Making their MUN debut were: Jessica Norton, Charlotte Cutter, Maddy Attwood, Uliana Akimova, Elie Gould, Alix Keates, Hal Norman, Rose Buxton, and Joanna Vaughan. The future of MUN at Kingswood is safe with this kind of promising talent emerging.

9

10

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | ACADEMIC

EXAM RESULTS

GCSE Students at Kingswood School celebrated again with some excellent GCSE results.

Amid the uncertainty of a new grading system introduced in some subjects this year, an impressive 29% of all grades were at A*and 95% at A*-C. Amongst many exceptional individual results, the top performers were Callum Michie with 12A* grades, Abbey Vaid with 11 A* grades and Ana Fox, Sophie Garcia, Daniel Greenslade, Isla Sandeman and Daisy Shayegan with 10A* grades. Over 30 students achieved at least 5 A* grades.

The Headmaster commented...

“I am delighted to see so many students achieving such terrific results. They have naturally been aware that they are, in some subjects, taking new-style examinations which have deliberately been made more demanding, and I applaud them for taking on this challenge so impressively. This bodes extremely well for their Sixth Form careers, where they are very strongly placed to continue Kingswood’s tradition of developing students’ all-round excellence.”

...to continue Kingswood’s tradition of developing students’ all-round excellence.

AcAdEMic | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

a level Students at Kingswood School celebrated excellent A Level results, with 76% of all grades at A*-B, over 90% at A*- C, and a 100% pass rate.

Particularly outstanding results were secured by naomi sankaran, with 5 A*/A grades, whilst Louis charley, Tommy Phillips, Ana Fernadez nodal, Ella Reeman, Millie sergeant and Adrian Tse each achieved at least 3 A* grades.

The Headmaster commented... “in a year when it has been well publicised that the top grades

would be harder to achieve, i am delighted that Kingswood students have continued to score so well and achieve the demanding entry requirements for courses at top universities. i congratulate them both for reaching such impressive levels of academic excellence, as well as for the terrific all-round contribution they have made to Kingswood over their time with us.�

...Kingswood students have continued to score so well and achieve the demanding entry requirements for courses at top universities.

11

12

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | ACADEMIC

Prize Giving 2017 W. Somerset Maugham, a well-regarded British writer of the twentieth century declared that, ‘The common idea that success spoils people by making them vain, egotistic and self-complacent is erroneous; on the contrary it makes them, for the most part, humble, tolerant and kind.’

L

ooking at the very many successful pupils coming up onto the stage to collect their awards this year, alongside the lists of highly commended names celebrated simultaneously, it would seem that Maugham’s proclamation is still valid. Some schools choose not to have an annual prize giving in the belief that the occasion encourages vanity and jealousy. We never see this during Kingswood’s day of final celebrations. Students are genuinely happy for their friends’ successes, and grateful for any plaudits they may receive themselves. They enjoy the various forms of entertainment, the images that accompany the sports reports, and the ‘guess that tune’ element to the departmental musical accompaniments as the students process on and off the stage.

2017 saw a slight change in proceedings so that Upper Sixth parents could be part of their sons’ and daughters’ Prize Giving, and so all Year 13 subject prizes and Special Prizes were moved to the afternoon as part of the final assembly. However, the morning

was no less celebratory because of this shift. Indeed, we had more time to enjoy the visual feast created by the Art and DT departments as students took their seats. Our first live performance was a delicate, nuanced rendition of ‘A Chloris’ by Reynaldo Hahn, sung by Senior Chorister Charlotte Crowe. A little later, Kingswood was reminded of the variety of musical styles that we celebrate as Principal Musician Olivia Grinter brought along her guitar and entertained us with a really professional rendition of ‘Landslide’ by Fleetwood Mac. Her performance certainly packed an emotional punch, and the chorus, ‘Even children get older / And I’m getting older, too / Oh, I’m getting older, too’ was a poignant reminder that another school year was coming to an end. A different type of entertainment was enjoyed when Emily Vaughan (Year 10) read us her short story ‘Questions’ from this year’s Kingswood anthology, This Is the Golden City.

To use a cliché (something Emily certainly managed to avoid), you could have heard a pin drop!

Interspersed between these delights

ACADEMIC | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

were inspiring sports reports on Tennis, Swimming, Athletics and Cricket, accompanied by pictures and action clips. As the Captains spoke, it was clear that both the teamwork and friendship, as well as the first-class coaching they had all enjoyed in abundance were at the heart of their Kingswood sporting memories. Commitment and teamwork were also essential components of the brilliant Junior production, ‘Cautionary Tales’ which we had very much enjoyed in the penultimate week of term.

For those who missed the live performances, a film made by Joe White (Year 10) certainly captured the cast’s energy and focus, as well as the fun that was to be had from being part of such a venture. The morning Prize Giving drew to a close with a very important award: Heart of Westwood. This is awarded each year to a boy and girl in Year 8 who have impressed Westwood staff with their friendliness, their team spirit and their desire to be fully involved in all that Kingswood offers, both in and out of the classroom. The deserving recipients were Rex Evans and Phoebe Hall.

In the afternoon, it was the Upper Sixth’s turn for recognition of their academic efforts and achievements.

Once more, the music played, the students processed, hands were shaken, and much clapping

and even some cheering echoed round the hall. The first break in proceedings came when we sat back to enjoy Art student Ruben Cleghorn’s thought-provoking and topical sophisticated video exploration of our obsession with mobile phones. Entitled ‘Tunnel Vision’, do look it up on Vimeo – well worth the watch! Just before we reached the Special Prizes section, we also all enjoyed a superb performance of ‘The History of Wrong Guys’ from the musical Kinky Boots, brilliantly performed by the doyenne of musical comic timing, Isla Brendon. Then it was on to the Special Prizes, the first of which was a new addition: the William Cross Prize for Politics.

Awarded in memory of William Cross, who tragically passed away in May of last year, we were delighted that Mr and Mrs Cross were able to join us for the occasion to present this beautiful award. William was passionate about Politics, his interest extending far beyond the classroom to involvement in local campaigns and political activism.

He was a student of deeply held convictions and someone who was unafraid to stand up for what he believed in, even when that meant challenging the majority view.

In recognition of these qualities, William’s parents decided to donate a prize to be awarded annually to a student whose ideals have

led them to take an active role in the wider community beyond Kingswood, and whose actions stand as an example of what young people can contribute to the world of politics. Jasper Davis was a most fitting beneficiary and, in applauding him, we also held William very much in our minds.

And then it was on to the farewells. The Headmaster spoke most generously about all those members of staff leaving Kingswood, paying tribute to all that they had given the School during their years of service. Next it was the turn of the Deputy Head Boy and Girl and the Head Boy and Girl to reminisce fondly, humorously, thoughtfully and, understandably, emotionally about their Kingswood years, whilst reminding us all of the opportunities they had enjoyed, the friendships they had made and the moments that summed up their schooldays. The afternoon ceremony ended as every member of the departing Upper Sixth processed onto the stage to shake hands with Mr Woodgate, Mrs Dawson, Mr Opie and Mr Morris to the upbeat tune of ‘Best Day Of My Life’ by American Authors followed

by Elbow’s anthem ‘One Day Like This.’ What a send-off!

Mrs Sarah Dawson (Deputy Head Academic)

13

14

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | AcAdEMic

eNglisH eXteNded proJect

a

t the end of the summer Term, all Year 8 pupils worked in groups to complete their English Extended Projects (EEPs) – the culmination of their literary journey through the Year 7 and 8 curriculum. groups addressed complex ‘big’ literary questions such as ‘where Are All the women?’ ‘do Heroes need a conflict?’ and ‘do Heroes Always Have to do what is Right?’ Each group had to present their findings in visually attractive and innovative ways, and during the presentation evening had to express these verbally to parents and Kingswood staff, including members of the school’s senior Management Team. students impressed with their confidence and literary knowledge, and at the end of the evening awards were given as follows:

HiGHly COMMenDeD: Lisa cancellieri, Eleanor duke, Rose Bates HiGHly COMMenDeD: Finn Allan, Rufus dakin, cal Levitt, Angus Martin COMMenDeD: Thea Bailey, Alexander Bushell, Ella stubbings, gabriel westcott COMMenDeD: Bels Barry, Jonny Lester, naomi waheed, Max waring, Lizzie wylie

WinneRS: Rose Betts, Anisha gofton, olivia Patterson, Mia Randolph

eNglisH year 10 poetry slam eveNiNg In May, 35 Year 10 pupils participated in a Poetry Slam competition, in support of the charity Hope and Homes for Children.

The students wrote and prepared their poems with very little guidance from their teachers, and the results were in many cases exceptional.

All should be commended for their bravery in standing up and performing their own original poems, but special mentions should go to:

and Meg scott for their moving and thought-provoking poem on poaching and pollution.

Jasmin cameron, for her emotive portrayal of how it feels to have extra time in exams.

Viky shen, for overcoming many nerves to read a sensitive and beautiful portrayal of the life span of a white stag.

First Place, embracing the real spirit of the slam, was awarded to Henry McBraida, for his mathematical rap performed in the persona of not one, but three, famous mathematicians. it was a true performance – impressively learnt by heart, using props (notably a wig to turn him into sir isaac newton) and delivered with energy and humour. A well-deserved winner!

Maddy Attwood, for her own very personal poem on therapy, but also, for her willingness to perform someone else’s as well.

Felix Lynch, for his perceptive understanding of comedy timing in his poem about his parents’ decision to move him to a ‘posh’ school in Bath.

Menina nightingale, Holly guy

Runner up in the competition was

poetry aNtHology

sHort story aNtHology

This year’s poetry collection was titled The Waterfall’s Edge, and once again paid tribute to the wealth of poetrywriting talent at Kingswood.

The Summer term saw the publication of this year’s short story anthology, This Is the Golden City.

students from all year groups were invited to contribute to the anthology which had ‘dreams’ as its central theme. in turns thoughtful, dramatic and comic, the poems showcased the best of students’ compositions, and enabled all to then call themselves ‘published’ poets.

A new style of launch took place this year, as Kingswood’s Poet Laureate, Lizzy scott, chose her favourite poems, and read one each week in Monday morning assembly. Lizzy’s own poem, ‘There is Always a war,’ is reproduced below, and mention must also be made of Bridie Knox’s poem, ‘incontrollable Torrent,’ from which the title of the anthology was taken.

The brief was for nominated students - those deemed by their teachers to be the strongest creative writers - to write a story that had Bath as the central setting; this was to mark 200 years since the death of Jane Austen, in addition to the publication of Persuasion and Northanger Abbey, the two novels which feature Bath most prominently.

All who contributed crafted their stories with conviction, engaging the reader effectively and communicating their passion for the short story as a written form.

KiNgsWood literary publicatioNs tHere is alWays a War lizzy Scott i dreamt of death and Life once. it scared me, the way they fought.

‘There is always a war,’ they said. death won great swathes of land, Life only reclaiming them with hard labour and hurt.

‘Fight on!’ Life cried. ‘we must win!’

And death smiled and took another. death was gentle where he could be. i began to blame Life for the harsh way in which death must act.

Life forced death’s hand more than once.

‘Fight on!’ Life cried.

And death took another. so i went to war for death.

And dreamt i cut Life down in great swathes. i was angry that Life’s supporters were so sad at this.

Angry that they could not see the war was pointless.

That Life was pointless. death would always come.

‘Fight on!’ cried Life.

And i took another.

Then Life sat there.

And Life was alone and afraid, and vulnerable.

And i swore to death i would take him for our own.

And despite death’s frowns and unsettled looks, i took Life. i took another.

Then i woke.

And i cried, and felt sad for i knew death would take another i loved.

And as i cried, my heart broke.

‘Fight on!’ Life cried.

And death took another.

15

Artwork by isla Sandeman, year 11

Artwork by Tom Reeves, year 11

AcAdEMic | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

16

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | ACADEMIC

PHYSICS Physics remained a popular A Level subject choice this year, and we managed to guide our Upper Sixth pupils towards success in the new specifications.

W

e were also pleased to see many of our students going on to study Science or Engineering at university.

In July, Charlie Knight (Year 12) was awarded the Kingswood School Physicist Award in a ceremony at Bath University sponsored by the Ogden Trust.

The university and the Institute of Physics then organised a lecture a few weeks later explaining the nature of light and how our understanding of it has changed over the last few hundred years. Many of our Year 12s attended this event.

In the Spring term, the whole of Year 11 attended GCSE Science Live, where they were lucky enough to hear leading scientists such as Sir Robert Winston, Professor Simon Singh and Dr Alice Roberts enthuse about their specialist subject areas.

Physics is a constantly evolving subject in which incredible discoveries are still being made, for example the detection of Gravitational Waves and colliding Black Holes millions of light years away. Hopefully this, and the enthusiasm of Department staff, will help inspire Physics students of all ages within the School.

Mr Richard Burton (Head of Physics)

AcAdEMic | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

biology upper siXtH Field trip As part of their A Level studies, 23 Biologists spend two days ‘out in the field’.

gcse Field trip All Year 10 students had the opportunity to visit watchet and study rocky shore ecology. in glorious weather, students sampled the low, mid and top shore, recording the number of invertebrate species, including estimating the number of barnacles in a 10m by 10m area.

olympiad results nATionAL BioLogY sEnioR oLYMPiAd: involving six upper sixth Biologists, competing with over 7500 students from other schools.

Highly Commended: olivia chamberlain Bronze Medal: cameron Thomas and christy chiu Silver Medal: wilf nokes, Vyara georgieva and Jack Kenny nATionAL BioLogY inTERMEdiATE oLYMPiAd: involving Lower sixth

Biologists, competing against a total 5,600 students who took part.

Commended: Misha Bazarov Highly Commended: grace Tyrrell, Max Harris, natasha Thornton and Maddie greenway Bronze Medal: Eason sung and Easton chan Silver Medal: Archie smith, Angus Batchelor and cormac Paul Gold Medal and Top Performer in School: Yemi sawyerr

nATionAL BioLogY cHALLEngE: Kingswood Year 9 Biologists did very well in this, with 6 students commended, 11 Highly commended, and 14 achieving a Bronze Medal.

Higher awards were as follows: Silver Medal: dima Mai, Theo isaacs, oliver Tonge, Emma Rouffiac, Lottie davis, Ed gilpin, Tim green, Luke Phillips Gold Award and Top Performer in School: sam Bernstein

17

18

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | AcAdEMic

mFl speaKiNg competitioN The Second Routes into Language MFL Speaking Competition took place in March, with 58 participants involved in both non-native and near-native categories.

a

t Ks3 level, Bertie Phillipson and Finn Morris both gave amusing, confident and fluent german speeches about their family and hobbies.

Lara chalkley delivered an informative speech in French about her childhood in France, whilst Eleanor duke spoke with emotion and pride about her family in Japanese.

At Ks4, Henry McBraida spoke entertainingly in german about health, and numa Tumbahangphe imaginatively about holidays in spanish. issy crane’s French speech in the Ks5 competition was packed with detail and carefully considered ideas on the topic of dreams. Andrei dinu gave a mature and philosophical interpretation of the same topic in French, and Lea conze also spoke with great clarity in german, recalling childhood memories.

KinGWOOD WinneRS in THe COMPeTiTiOn WeRe: Andrei Dinu eleanor Duke

(winner - Ks5 near-native category) (Runner-up - Ks3 near-native category)

uK liNguistics olympiad in February, 70 pupils from Years 6 to 13 sat various levels of the uK Linguistics olympiad.

This intellectually challenging 2 ½ hour paper requires problem solving, pattern spotting, and the application of logic along with great determination! Languages that had to be fathomed this year included italian, an inuit language of northern canada, Basque, Maori, Tamil, a congolese tongue called Tshiluba, and choctaw - a native American language.

Pupils achieving awards in this were as follows: AdVAncEd LEVEL:

laNguage assistaNts The MFL Faculty once again employed three outstanding Foreign Language Assistants from our partner schools in France, Germany and Spain.

Miss Verdier, Miss Thomas and Miss Esteves-garcia all contributed fantastically, working on pupils’ oral confidence and fluency. They also undertook duties in all the boarding houses, and were big supporters of a wide range of school trips. Their warm send off from pupils and staff was testimony to the positive impact they had during their year with us, and they leave having set a very high benchmark for their successors.

Mr Roderick Duke (Head of languages)

issy crane and Henry McBraida (silver - awarded to top 15% of pupils nationally); Abbey Vaid (Bronze) FoundATion LEVEL: Eleanor duke (silver - awarded to top 15% of pupils nationally); Rose Bates, Max gooding, Jonny Lester, oscar Power and Max waring (Bronze)

ACADEMIC | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

19

LIBRARY - A Year in the J. O. Heap Library

T

his year was non-stop, kicking off with Year 7 Challenge Day and our ‘green’ storytelling activity. Students created and performed short stories without using any paper, and produced some wonderful ideas.

By November we were heading off to London to compete in the regional heats of the International Kids Lit Quiz. As first-time competitors, our students did extremely well to finish in the top half of the scoreboard, with one team even breaking into the top ten!

In March we celebrated World Book Day by welcoming the Prep School Year 5 and 6 students for literary-themed activities including a treasure hunt and a book character quiz. The Senior School staff and students then celebrated by choosing their Desert Island Books, which were then displayed around the School. Invited students also joined author Sara Barnard, fresh from her shortlisting for the 2017 YA Book Prize, for a Q&A session focused on what it takes to write YA fiction.

By the Summer term we were

reading furiously, as the Carnegie Critics reading group tackled the 2017 CILIP Carnegie Medal shortlist.

Clearly, we have some extremely discerning readers, since their favourite from the list was Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys, which won the overall prize.

In June we welcomed poet and author Steven Camden, also known as Polarbear, who gave the Year 9s a crash course in writing and performing poetry. Special mention must go to April Russell, Poppy Freeman and Tatiana Fairley, who performed on the day, and to Ayooluwa Thomas, Andi Newman and Ellie Webster who also contributed poems.

We look forward to next year in which we will be celebrating National Poetry Day in September, and the South West heat of the Kids Lit Quiz which will be hosted by Kingswood in November.

Miss Kirsty Sutherland (Librarian)

Pupils who participated in the Kids’ Lit Quiz were as follows: Lizzie Wylie, Naomi Waheed, Will Farmer, Rufus Dakin, Angus Martin, James Redman, Alexander Bushell and Coco Cox Year 9 Core Art: Lino print bookcovers

20

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | ACADEMIC

UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS SURNAME

COURSE

INSTITUTION

Jesse Akiwumi Archie Armitt-Goddard Elspeth (Elsie) Askew Claudia Barnard-Weston Charlotte Bean Charlie Bird Claudia Blofeld Isla Brendon Isabelle (Issy) Broom Jessica (Jess) Brown Emer Buggy Susannah Burke Natasha (Tash) Butt Andrew Chadwick Olivia Chamberlain Louis Charley Sung Ling (Christy) Chiu Sherriff Chu Ruben Cleghorn Charles (Charlie) Crow Charlotte Crowe Rory Crowther Jessie Davies Jesse Daybell Amelia (Mimi) Disney Rory Elliott Dexter Evans Ana Fernandez Nodal Rory Finnamore Angus Forbes-Cable Wilfred (Wilf) Foster Vyara Georgieva Harvey Goodliffe Nathan Grace Olivia Grinter Daniel Gurung Thea Guy Joseph (Joe) Han-Hauser Nicholas (Nick) Harris Henry (Harry) Heap Beth Hirst Ashley Hunt Patiphat (Jah) Jeerapaet Freya Jones Christy Judd Jack Kenny Francesca (Frankie) Kenyon Micah Lanez Che Ching (Jessica) Leung Jake Lewis Maximillian (Max) Lines James Little Yuhan (Liane) Liu Olivia Marshall Sofia Maughan Cameron McFadyen Ennea Miller-Hunt Daniel Mobley William Moorey Edward (Eddie) Narbett Robyn Newman Xavier Nicastro Wilfred (Wilf) Nokes Jasper Norman Oscar Oliphant Francesca Padget Charles (Charlie) Patterson Thomas (Tommy) Phillips Rachana Pun Sarah Rawle

Business Management (HR Management) Gap Year English with Study in North America Philosophy, Psychology & Scientific Thought Gap Year Nuclear Engineering English Law & French Law Education Studies (Psychology) Gap Year Gap Year; Product Design & Technology Japanese Studies Mechanical Engineering Gap Year; Theology & Religious Studies Architecture Biomedical Engineering Gap Year; General Engineering Art Foundation Economics Gap Year; Film Production & Cinematography Foundation Built Environment Gap Year; Music (Performance) Gap Year Gap Year; International Hospitality Management Gap Year Gap Year; Biomedical Science Gap Year Law Law & Business Management Information Management for Business Gap Year Economics Science & Engineering Foundation (Chemistry) Philosophy Art Foundation Jazz Accounting and Finance Gap Year Gap Year Gap Year; History Gap Year; Economics with Finance Law Psychology Business & Management Gap Year Marine Biology Biochemistry Political Science & International Relations Electrical & Electronic Engineering International Business & Marketing Gap Year Business Management Gap Year; Computer Science Engineering & Architectural Design International Business Management Gap Year Gap Year Biochemistry Gap Year; Politics & International Relations Gap Year Geology & Physical Geography Sport Science & Management Ethics, Value & Philosophy Gap Year; Liberal Arts & Sciences Gap Year Chemical Engineering Korean & Chinese Gap Year Gap Year; Natural Sciences Psychology with Professional Placement English Literature

Cardiff University University of Exeter University of Leeds University of Birmingham University of Exeter Durham University Loughborough University University of Sheffield University of Leeds University of Glasgow Oxford Brookes University Aston University Durham University University of Warwick Bournemouth University Oxford Brookes University University of Leeds Oxford Brookes University Manchester Metropolitan University Newcastle University Universidad Pontificia de Comillas UCL, University of London Lancaster University Queen Mary, University of London UCL, University of London Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama Swansea University

University of Leeds University of Edinburgh Queen’s University, Belfast Royal Holloway, University of London University of Reading University of Exeter King’s College, University of London University of Birmingham University of Bristol University of Leeds Birmingham City University University of York UCL, University of London Oxford Brookes University

University of Birmingham University of Reading University of Edinburgh Nottingham Trent University University of Reading University of Birmingham University of Birmingham SOAS, University of London Durham University Cardiff University Cardiff University

AcAdEMic | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

SURnAMe

COURSe

inSTiTUTiOn

Ella Reeman chloe Roberts Emma Roberts clara Robertson sabrina Robley Matthew Rodger Poppy Roper Lucy Rowlands Fiona Rundle Rohan sakhyani Jonathan (Jonny) sandeman naomi sankaran sapolachet (indy) sankosik stephanie sargeant Elizabeth (Lizzy) scott olivia sealy susanna sealy Amelia (Millie) sergeant oliver (ollie) sowler Flora stone olivia straker Joe Tait Roisin Tapponi Jake Taylor cameron Thomas Toby Thurston chi Hang (Adrian) Tse Adam Tuffery Fong ching (Founder) wan Harrison (Harry) warne Minna (Mimi) watts Frederick (Freddie) wells Hugo weston Matilda (Tilly) weston gideon whealy guy whitehead Ffion williams Kate woodcock cheuk chi (Tyana) Yee

Engineering Animal Biology operating department Practice Ancient History gap Year gap Year gap Year Psychology geography gap Year; Microbiology Higher Apprenticeship (Finance), deloitte Modern & Medieval Languages Architecture geography gap Year; international Relations gap Year; int. Equine & Agricultural Management French & English Literature gap Year; Psychology Evolutionary Biology gap Year Applied Languages gap Year comparative Literature Architecture (with placement) Biological sciences (Ecology) Politics & international Relations Mathematics, op. Research, statistics & Econ. int. Foundation Business & Technology Aerospace Engineering (with placement) gap Year gap Year gap Year; geography (Human) Mechanical Engineering Primary Education with QTs Entering Employment chemistry with a Year Abroad international Fashion Promotion gap Year chemistry

university of cambridge nottingham Trent university cardiff university university of Kent

ucL, university of London

Post A level Applicants Peter Aaron dylan Bruce charles (charlie) Fraser Maxim (Max) Hancock christopher (chris) Hannon Emma Hurring Montague (Monty) Keith Austyn Lloyd Kathini Logut william MacKenzie Edward Metcalf Emma narbett Frederick (Freddie) oliphant James (Jamie) Padkin george Paxton Jodie Price Eleanor Quekett Hannah sansford isabel street

Medical Engineering Film Production industrial design & Technology History Economics geography sport Management Engineering Politics with international Relations international Relations international Business with a Year in industry Zoology English with study Abroad chemistry industrial design & Technology Management Business & Management / Psychology Mathematics Primary Teacher Education

cardiff university university of westminster Loughborough university university of sheffield university of Bristol university of washington, usA cardiff Metropolitan university university of Birmingham Loughborough university university of Birmingham university of Liverpool university of Bristol university of Exeter university of Birmingham Loughborough university city, university of London Bath spa university university of Bristol oxford Brookes university

loWer siXtH WorK eXerieNce

university of Leeds durham university university of nottingham university of cambridge Arch. Association sch. of Architecture King’s college, university of London university of sussex Royal Agricultural college university of Edinburgh university of Edinburgh university of st Andrews oxford Brookes university ucL, university of London university of Bath university of Edinburgh nottingham Trent university university of warwick oxford Brookes university university of Bath

cardiff university university of Bath university of winchester university of York Manchester Metropolitan university

21

22

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | Houses

WESTWOOD HOUSE (LOWER SCHOOL)

HOUSES | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

23

24

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | HousEs

FoNtHill House Fonthill began the year with an incredible House Music victory with our rendition of ‘I’m a Believer.’

d Jess

Susannah

Dressed in bright colours and with glittery faces, we impressed the judges...

ressed in bright colours and with glittery faces, we impressed the judges with our bounding enthusiasm! we also enjoyed success in the senior girls’ House Hockey, led by our captain and Head girl Ella Reeman. in addition to our triumph on the playing field, Maddy Attwood, together with sam Hill from Hall House, delivered powerful and well-informed arguments to win over both judges in the annual House debating competition.

Following this, the Year 11 girls rose to the challenge of gcsE mocks with some outstanding results, and their tireless efforts were then rewarded by the excitement and glitz of the Year 10 and 11 ball.

Both year groups dressed for the occasion, looking stunning in their ball dresses, and we managed to raise a great sum of money for open Arms Malawi. once again, the Fonthill ‘elves’ were hard at

work just before christmas with yet another record number of candy canes being sold in aid of the Restart centre in Kenya, and the down’s syndrome Association.

Fundraising activities (including Love Heart sales, a sponsored sleep out, and swimming gala in subsequent terms) raised an amazing year total of over £1,600 for our two House charities. our winning streak continued into the spring term as the senior girls won the House netball matches thanks to incredible shooting from olivia sealy, vigorous defence from the 1st Vii duo of Lucy Rowland and Ennea Miller-Hunt, and of course exceptional house spirit from all supporters!

This year, the annual Boarders’ Bake off was based on the theme of sustainability, and after hours of careful work, Menina nightingale and Alix Keates were crowned ‘star

HOUSES | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

Bakers’ for their amazing iceberg cake. Fonthill was then heavily involved in Kingswood’s MUN weekend, with Freya Jones as an extremely professional and competent Secretary General.

The term’s sport ended with an impressive number of Fonthill girls participating in House Cross Country, many dressed in the ‘safari’ theme. As ever, Bridie Knox was our stand-out runner. We ended the Easter term with a fast-paced and chaotic dodgeball tournament - competing against Hall House boys!

A highlight of the Summer term was seeing Fonthill girls performing at Green Park, and Lizzy Scott, Emily Hill, Alice Kennedy, Ellie Gould, Olivia Chamberlain and Jess Brown all showcased their stunning voices to kick off the Bath Music Festival, supported by an enthusiastic audience. There were also many achievements in Art and Drama, including Lizzy Scott winning Best A Level Performer at the Music and Drama Awards, and Jess Brown, Susannah Burke and Olivia Marshall winning Gold Awards for their A Level pieces at the Made in Kingswood Art and DT Evening. Our string of successes was completed with the Senior Girls holding high the trophy on Sports Day. It was a privilege for us both to witness the many achievements of Fonthill girls in so many different areas of School life this year. We have many fond memories of all the fun times!

Jess Brown and Susannah Burke (Head and Deputy Head of House, Fonthill)

25

26

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | HousEs

Hall House This year was as eventful and fulfilling as any in Hall House history.

Every year I am so proud of the achievements of the boys, and there have been many of these over the past twelve months.

James Button and Jude Meaden, who all deserve a special mention for everything they do to help with the smooth running of events in the Theatre – they are a real credit to Hall. indy

Hugo

t

he Autumn term kicked off with success in House Music. After feeling we were robbed by Middle in 2015, we won back our crown with some top moves to the Monkee’s classic, ‘i’m a Believer.’ sam Hill then teamed up with Fonthill’s Maddie Attwood to win the inaugural House debating competition, and after more success in the senior Rugby competition, it felt like this was going to be Hall’s year! The boys comfortably beat Middle two tries to nil, and then went on to beat upper thanks to a try by Fin crowe set up by the Hong Kong flyer Founder wan. it was great to see Toby Thurston and Tom Royston awarded their full colours for rugby, and Jah Jeerapaet and Toby also win the top two rugby awards: Most improved Player and Player of the season. in drama, James Hatherell, Antonio Mba ivina, dexter Evans and Hugo weston all appeared in the thoughtprovoking senior production of our country’s good, and in the spring term, many of Hall’s Year 10 boys were involved in the hilarious production of The 39 steps. in this it was great to see Vladmir ovchinnikov on the Kingswood stage for the first time, along with experienced actors: Antonio Mba ivina, sabin Pun, nick Baines, Henry Mccollom, Lewis Taylor and sam Hill. The technical aspects for this show were operated by Joe white,

The spring term also saw the house raise £1400 pounds thanks to two events. At the annual Hall House Valentine’s dinner, thirty two lucky couples ate a superb dinner whilst listening to the dulcet tones of Mr chua accompanied by Max Lister and Johnny sedcole. Then in March, the team who ran the Bath Half Marathon (Rory Finnamore, Hugo weston, James Little, cam Thomas, Louis charley, John Kenny, charlie Bird, Mr smith and myself) also helped contribute towards our fundraising total.

of his cello…the list goes on.

A special mention should go to Tom craven who, for the last two years, has played the Last Post on Remembrance day; possibly one of the toughest gigs going but in which he has always played with great confidence. in the summer term, Hall were incredibly proud to win sports day with Fonthill. we were also incredibly sad to say goodbye to our Year 13 leavers, and Mr Jones and Mrs Herlinger, who have been fantastic tutors. it would be difficult to mention every Year 13 individually but i would like to thank indy sankosik for being a great Head of House, and Hugo weston for not only being

This year was as eventful and fulfilling as any in Hall House history. despite not winning House Hockey in other year groups, our Year 9s made sure that we won another sporting event, finishing the spring term strongly. it would be remiss to not mention our superb musicians. There have been numerous concerts and assemblies when we have seen Hugo weston play the drums, Tim Turek strum the guitar with class and poise, Johnny sedcole tinkle the ivories, Tayo sawyerr blow his trumpet, Easton chan glide the bow across the strings

deputy, but also a superb Head of Boarding. For some of the boys who have not only boarded during my time as Housemaster, but who also came across with me from westwood, it meant the end of seven years of sharing a house!

As ever we will miss our leavers, but they all know they are a part of the ever-increasing Hall House family.

Mr Darrell Harding (Senior Housemaster, Hall House)

HousEs | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

27

28

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | HousEs

middle House It was another tremendous year for the students and tutors of Middle House.

i

t was very exciting being back in the physical House, with its new extension, and we are all very grateful to the Headmaster and the governors for their development of Lewsdon.

Rory

Will

...to ensure they continued to uphold and engender the House ethos and spirit

so much has been achieved by so many in hugely varied aspects of school life. As a Housemaster it is always incredibly rewarding to hear how key the Middle House men are to the many successes that are reported back to the school in Monday morning assembly.

As always, the House entertainments were particularly enjoyable this year. This was very much down to the leadership and skill of the departing upper 6th, who were ably led by the dynamic duo of Rory crowther and william Moorey. As a year group the upper sixth have always been very inclusive, and they worked hard at getting to know the younger

years to ensure they continued to uphold and engender the House ethos and spirit.

My last eight years as Housemaster have been the most rewarding and enjoyable of my twenty years as a teacher. i would very much like to thank all of the tutors, parents and most importantly the boys, who made my time in Middle so much fun. i firmly believe the House system is at the core of all that is good about Kingswood. The five year journey a student takes through a senior house gives a real sense of belonging, and the friendships and bonds that are forged within this environment are essential to a student’s enjoyment and success during their time at school. it has been a real privilege to be part of this process.

Mr Jamie Matthews (Senior Housemaster, Middle House)

HOUSES | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

29

30

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | HousEs

summerHill House year 9:

Kate

Mimi

i have really enjoyed my transition from westwood to summerhill.

Although at first daunting changing houses, it didn’t take long for me to really settle in. i have loved how much freedom we have been given; this has really given me a chance to be more independent throughout my day. Also, i have especially enjoyed staying for supper and prep each day since i feel it has given me a chance to meet new people who i wouldn’t necessarily meet during the day, as well as being extremely beneficial academically.

Hannah Kelly - year 9

House music:

Despite this, the girls kept their heads up in true Summerhill fashion...

one of our Year 9s got to spend her birthday at House Music, which was an amazing way to celebrate, especially singing and dancing to the energetic and lively grease number, ‘You’re The one That i want!’ Precious Lee’s piano playing was beautiful, and the Year 9s loved experiencing and being part of

summerhill house spirit first hand, despite not winning this year. The best parts were the impressive choreography from the sixth form, socialising with loads of people, and making new friends from the house.

Summerhill year 9s

HOUSES | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

31

Boarders’ Bake Off Competition: This year we were helped in our efforts in the Boarders’ Bake Off Competition by the fact that we had Miss Elliott as Resident Assistant in the house. Her expert artistic eye helped us create a gorgeous floralthemed cake as our entry celebrating the competition’s eco theme.

Hockey:

Charity: Throughout the year, Summerhill has done as much as it can to aid both Julian House and the Genesis Trust, two charities which support the homeless. Firstly we replaced traditional Secret Santa presents for each other with gifts for the homeless. Taking these down and handing them out, and seeing how these gifts affected each individual for the better made the effort and sacrifice worthwhile. Equally, taking part in the Race for Life and raising money for Cancer Research was just as rewarding as every other year I have taken part, and was made even better when I beat my PB by 16 minutes!

Charlotte Brooke - Year 12

Despite having over half the 1st XI in our Senior team this year, we still managed last place, a feat we managed across the age groups in the House Hockey Competitions!

Despite this, the girls kept their heads up in true Summerhill fashion, and continued to both enjoy and impress throughout the season.

Mimi Watts - Year 13

Cross Country: Our Senior girls won the House Cross Country Competition this year, with a strong and determined team led by Lizzie White. The wide range of onesies worn by the more ‘casual’ members of the team entertained all, and brought out the Summerhill house spirit as always!

Jessie Davies - Year 13

Swimming: The turnout for the gala was amazing, despite us having few team swimmers in the house. Although we were beaten by the other houses, the girls truly embodied house spirit and did an incredible job.

Jessie Davies - Year 13

Wide Games: It would be true to say that the Summerhill girls have bought true strength to wide games throughout the years, showing the Middle boys just who to be scared of on the pitch black Upper playing fields in the middle of winter!

Memories of this house entertainment event will be among my best from Kingswood!

Mimi Watts (Deputy Head of House & Head of Boarding, Year 13)

32

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | HousEs

scHool House Ably led by Head of House Stephanie Sargeant, and Deputy Head Ashley Hunt, School House enjoyed much success this year.

Stephanie

Ashley

t

he House Music competition began the new term, with school and upper performing a wonderful rendition of Queen’s ‘don’t stop Me now.’ The ensemble also wowed the audience with Mica’s ‘Lollipop,’ which fully deserved 1st place – a great start to the year! The new Lower 6th boarders quickly got to know each other on the camping Trip, and whilst visiting Lacock Abbey for cream teas. Fast attacking play in the House Hockey saw school come 2nd in the senior competition, and winners in both the Year 9 and 10 competitions. great food and entertainment was enjoyed in the inaugural international Boarders night, and the annual school and upper ice skating trip ended a very busy term.

The spring term saw the girls playing netball and competing in cross country. The senior A netball team came a very close 2nd to Fonthill in the House matches, and the B team won all their games. once again the Year 9 and 10 teams did exceptionally, winning both the A and B team competitions, and echoing their Hockey success. The House cross country ended the spring term with some determined and committed performances. The Year 9 and 10s again experienced success, winning their competition, and the seniors came 2nd, this time to summerhill. The chosen theme for the ‘casual’ runners in this event was disney Pixar, and the girls sported some great costumes. school House also proved yet

again to be exceptional cake and biscuit makers, and together with a number of girls and staff taking part in the Race for Life, the House raised £1,345 for cancer Research, a charity close to the hearts of all school House girls.

The summer term saw the Year 11s and 13s preparing for their examinations, but despite this the boarders escaped out to take part in the Resident’s walk on a beautiful day. school House celebrated its 25th anniversary this year, and to mark the occasion we hosted an alumni evening with old girls and staff from 1993 onwards attending!

competition – a clean sweep for the year! The inter girls also did really well, winning their competition by a good margin. it was a sad day to say our farewells at the end of the year, to our Leavers, but also to Mrs Maria Brennan, who has been a tutor in school House for the past eight years, always giving a huge amount of caring support to all the girls. Mrs smyth and Mrs Herlinger were also leavers to ‘pastures new’ within Kingswood, and we wished them all the best in their new roles.

Finally came our spirit of school House Awards - given each term to a girl who consistently goes above and beyond with their

...a deserved accolade, and demonstration of the strength of School House girls’ spirit! school House members helped KJo and various singers open the Bath Music Festival. Lower 6th Formers Karyna Ter-Tumasova and Elsbeth overeynder wowed the crowd with their respective numbers, and it was great to see our upper 6th singers perform for the final time – great memories created by olivia grinter, isla Brendon, Ashley Hunt, susanna sealy and Thea guy. we will undoubtedly miss this very talented group of girls next year!

The start of exam leave for the upper 6th saw zombies descend briefly on the school before then disappearing off to hopefully ace their examinations! unlike these zombies, the weather behaved for senior sports day. The senior girls stayed true-to-form, coming 2nd in their competition, as did the Year 9s who won the Junior

contributions to the House. This year Thea guy was recognised for her support, friendship and leadership, olivia grinter for organising and leading endless musical numbers, always demonstrating a wonderful musical talent. Lastly, claudia Barnard-weston was recognised for her willingness to get involved, to help out, support the house, and always participate in house competitions with a quiet smile and gritty determination. Additionally, in the end-of year Prizegiving, school House was very proud that stephanie sargeant was awarded the colin Burns Prize for outstanding Leadership – a deserved accolade, and demonstration of the strength of school House girls’ spirit!

Miss Una Paver (Senior Housemistress, School House)

HousEs | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

33

34

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | HousEs

upper House The year in Upper was another busy and successful one. The atmosphere in the House was cheerful, with much of the boys’ daily activity focused on table tennis and FIFA.

a

s always, upper welcomed many other pupils, and it was great to see Kingswood boys getting on so well.

nick

Andy

...the house was very well represented, with no shortage of commitment and skill.

it is always pleasing to see upper boys involved in a wide variety of activities. whether it be sport, Music, drama, debating or Mun, the house was very well represented, with no shortage of commitment and skill.

As usual, the Rugby and Hockey House Matches were all very keenly contested, and decided by small margins, Ben shardlow’s winner against Hall in the Year 10 Hockey being one of the standout moments. However, upper’s main sporting success this year came in cross country, with the intermediate Boys winning the main event and the inaugural cross country Relays. oliver Tonge, James Bailey, Jules Hawking, Lucas Lawman and noah small made

significant contributions to this.

Tennis also proved to be a popular and successful pursuit. cameron crowhurst (only in Year 9) was a regular member of the first Vi, and many other boys represented school Tennis teams. in Athletics, Max Lines, Alex Rawle and Toby Bates all made competitive appearances for the school, and overall many Man of the Match awards for various sports were made to upper boys including Joe Han-Hauser, nick Harris, Joe Tait, Joshua Knight, stephen King, Matthew Hooper and Kit compton.

The year’s drama productions featured many upper thespians.

Amongst others, Felix Lynch and Llewy godfrey gave fine performances in The 39 steps, with nathan Bode and george Bendrey being two of the upper stars in the Junior Production, cautionary Tales. Jasper davis and Adam Tappin also continued their

HOUSES | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

fine work in both Debating and MUN, whilst in Music, Callum Michie and Archie Smith led the way as senior members of KJO and Chamber Choir respectively.

The end of term entertainments and other events were very well supported: House Music proved to be a lot of fun; the Upper 6th Curry Evening went down very well; and ice skating at Victoria Park was very popular. The House’s first table tennis tournament was dominated by the Year 9 boys, with Tim Green and Max Mohr contesting a very high quality final. Max eventually came out a close winner, 21-19! We ended the year with a kick-about and tug of war competition, followed by Head of House Nick Harris and Deputy Andy Chadwick giving a very amusing presentation and allocating some very amusing end of year awards.

For this academic year, Mr Allchorne, Mr Matheson and Mrs Curtis joined us as new additions to the Upper tutors.

However, we now wish Mrs Curtis well as she moves into Westwood, and as replacement welcome Mr Hollywell to strengthen the team. I would like to thank all the Upper tutors, and in particular Deputy Housemaster, Mr Darwin, for their excellent work this year. Thanks also to Nick Harris and Andy Chadwick who have made a great contribution to Upper through their leadership of the house.

Mr Roger White (Senior Housemaster, Upper House)

35

36

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | CREATIVE ARTS

1

2

ART 3

4

5

6

cREATiVE ARTs | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

7

8

9

10

11

13

14

15

12 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

olivia Marshall Andrei dinu olivia grinter nathan grace Jessica norton Finley Feaver izzy Jolliffe Andy chadwick

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

Joanna Vaughan Ema Kavaliauskaite indy sankosik Emma Askew Leonids osipovs Alex Zikos Barlow Emily Yates

37

38

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | CREATIVE ARTS

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

24

23

16. Jake Taylor 17. Howard Yuen 18. Isla Sandeman 19. Tom Reeves 20. Sophia Maughan

21. Liane Liu 22. Ruben Cleghorn 23. Joey Cleghorn 24. Alice O’Gorman

cREATiVE ARTs | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

OUTSIDE SPREAD

MIK_Invite_2017_v2_AW.indd 1-3

ART And dT EXHiBiTion And AwARds The following pupils achieved recognition at this event for their achievements in Art and Design & Technology throughout the year.

05/06/2017 18:01

year 11 gcse art silver Award:

izzy Jolliffe - textile anatomy series Joanna Vaughan - paper dress sculptures emily yates - sculpture gold Award: Joey Cleghorn - portrait painting on metal Finley Feaver - portrait of mum Alice O’Gorman - triple portrait Best in show: emma Askew - series of paintings of sections of the face

year 11 gcse desigN & tecHNology silver Award:

gold Award:

Joanna Vaughan - 3d printed drinking cup Play Pongsri - side table Amber Rees-Jones - copper & oak side table Hamish Walker - copper & steam bent light Harvey Heap - water feature emily Davies - oak coffee table Max Brindley - wall storage unit

year 12 as level desigN & tecHNology silver Award:

gold Award:

ella Holmes - steam bent chair Alexia Williams - child’s reading chair Anna Parker - key holder for the elderly Theo Gammie - 3d printed table James Mcleod - chess set Alfie Brooks - bike storage Zoe Brown - occasional table

year 13 a level art silver Award:

nathan Grace - portrait of Roisin Tapponi Olivia Marshall - series of sculptural dresses gold Award: Jake Taylor - portrait of James Matthews made of screws Andy Chadwick - airbrush series of ink explosions Best in show: Ruben Cleghorn - exam video Tunnel Vision

year 13 a level desigN & tecHNology silver Award: gold Award:

Kate Woodcock - resin table Jess Brown - sewing table Susannah Burke - industrial light Best in show: Jake Taylor - stool

39

40

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | CREATIVE ARTS

Arkwright Scholarships This year we have been proud to have two students who have been awarded Arkwright Scholarships.

T

his is an external school scholarship that is open to all students across the country. Both James McLeod and Anna Parker faced a tough round of applications, exams and interviews before hearing the good news that they had been awarded scholarships with two top companies, as well as getting a financial award. This places both James and Anna at the top of potential engineers of the future.

cREATiVE ARTs | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

1

2

desigN & tecHNology 3

6

4

7

5

8

1.

Jah Jeerapaet

2.

Jake Taylor

3.

Jess Brown

4.

olivia Marshall

5.

James Little

6.

Amber Rees-Jones

7.

susannah Burke

8.

Kate woodcock

41

42

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | cREATiVE ARTs

drama This year saw two very successful Senior Drama productions.

tHe gcse productioN Moustaches, murder, shootings, train chases, trilby-toting heavies in fast cars, villains with little fingers missing and dodgy looking ham sandwiches; the Year 10 Drama students had plenty of fun performing extracts from The 39 Steps, as part of their exploration of a set text.

tHe 39 steps

t

he audience were treated to a frantically fast-paced performance in the Theatre, as performers executed the complex spoof style of this well-known play - Patrick Barlow’s adaptation based on John Buchan’s gripping whodunnit, filmed by Alfred Hitchcock, including some of the most memorable moments in the history of cinema.

The actors delivered their parts with precise timing and sharp-edged wit, whilst the sound and lighting technicians pushed all the right buttons in all the right places, at lightning speed. The finished performance was a huge success, and the audience responded with great enthusiasm. All the performers embraced this project with energy and commitment, helping them to hone their performance skills.

CREATIVE ARTS | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

This play, by Timberlake Wertenbaker, has long been a favourite of the Kingswood Drama Department.

Its inclusion on the A Level set text list has enabled us to introduce it to generations of students, and classes have been full of lively debate for many years. What is the point of punishment?

Retribution or rehabilitation?

Nature or nurture? What is the purpose of theatre? What can the power of theatre achieve?

At the heart of the play is a love story – not just between the convicts and the officers; this is also about the love of theatre. In writing the play, Wertenbaker wanted to draw attention to arguments for and against theatre both in the context of the real-life events of the play, and in the contemporary period where Arts budgets were being slashed. In a modern world in turmoil - Brexit, Trump, refugees, the global rise of the far right, crippling austerity, hatred, fear and prejudice - the future is uncertain.

The Arts, especially Drama, directly contradict this negative mindset, helping us to understand and value difference, to empathise, to consider our treatment of others, and to reflect on how we fit into society.

We are extremely fortunate to be in a school which values the Arts, at a time when it is so vital to educate young people to engage with and challenge the world. Theatre is not just a means to entertain; it is a vehicle through which an understanding of the world can be developed, and helps better equip young people for the challenges of their future lives. Developing an open-minded outlook, and providing a wider perspective on our changing world will give tools to make it a better place for those who come after. That is the best we can hope for, and what we hoped this production would achieve.

Mrs Catherine Nash (Head of Drama)

The Senior Production Our Country’s Good

43

44

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | cREATiVE ARTs

tHe JuNior productioN cautioNary tales This was a performance based around the Cautionary Tales poems of Hillaire Belloc and Heinrich Hoffman funny, gruesome & chillingly compelling.

i

ncredibly enthusiastic and talented pupils in Years 7, 8 and 9 workshopped the stories during drama clubs, and many of the ideas came from the students themselves, through experimentation and practical exploration to arrive at the final concepts seen on stage. This allowed students to not only develop their creativity, but also skills of collaboration, confidence and perseverance.

The production was performed in an ‘ensemble style’ - in keeping with Kingswood drama’s ethos that ‘there are no such things as small parts, only small actors’. A part should not be measured in spoken lines alone and if you are in view of the audience, you should be performing!

CREATIVE ARTS | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

...there are no such things as small parts, only small actors.

45

46

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | CREATIVE ARTS

OTHER PERFORMANCES

Teenage Kicks Scholars’ Soiree

GCSE Devised Performances

A selection of monologues, duologues and short scenes performed by all of the School’s Drama Scholars, from Years 8 - 13.

Ruby O’Mahony, Bella Shorten (Year 8), Beth Harris, Lizzie Narbett (Year 9), Llewy Godfrey, Felix Lynch (Year 10), Charlotte Chilton, Ana Fox, Eva Hudson (Year 11), Conor Devlin-Cook, Hellie Painter (Year 12), Roisin Tapponi (Year 13).

A Level Devised Performances

CREATIVE ARTS | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

THEATRE TECH What makes a ‘Techie’?

We mostly wear black, hide in a dark cupboard at the back of the Theatre or in dusty corners of rooms, push buttons and untangle cables, and are mostly unnoticed ... until something goes wrong.

T

he Kingswood technical crew currently comprises around 20 student technicians led by the two Theatre Prefects. This group runs the technical requirements of assemblies, performances, assessments and many other events in the school. Numbers (and ability!) have grown immensely in the last nine years, and we now boast several talented techies who have progressed successfully into the entertainments industry.

We are very fortunate to have professional standard facilities, and the expertise and willingness of staff to instruct students to use these. Students taking GCSE Drama can now opt to be assessed on lighting, sound, set or puppet design, or costumes and make-up, and we currently have 12 students covering all design areas. This is

really exciting for GCSE Drama since students can now understand that design is equally as important as performing in the theatre, that one struggles to function without the other, and that there is a complex world of creativity, skills, safety and ever-developing technology to practise. We hope that next year will see our first A Level Theatre Studies design students.

When it comes to school events, even the simplest assembly requires a laptop, powerful

projector, big screen, complex sound kit and lighting. For our major productions we may additionally have hugely complicated and expensive sets, lighting, sound, costumes, props, puppets, pyrotechnics and other items to design, make, program, install, control, break (!), repair and operate.

This can be a massive job, and it is a great credit to our techies that everything (usually!) looks so smooth and organised, even under the pressure and unexpected challenges of live theatre.

...playing a loud chicken sound effect instead of a gunshot!

47

48

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | cREATiVE ARTs

while this all ticks along, often unseen and always aiming for the very highest standards, techies like to have some fun. we have decorated the control Room in unique ways - with everything from some unwanted (and fairly terrible) Art and dT projects, to lollipops superglued to the wall, and an international collection of mints. we operate a strict ‘fail system’ - a record of any technical mistakes or accidental swearing - and three of these result in a £1 donation to our money box which, along with dropped coins from the auditorium, is donated to a charity of the prefects’ choosing every year. Memorable recent fails include playing a loud chicken sound effect instead of a gunshot, and showing a chess game on the projection screen during a live show!

As Theatre Manager, i am very privileged to have such a varied and challenging role, but the highlight for me is always when a group of students successfully run the technical elements of a show, whether that means a good grade in their assessment, the positive feedback from those who have enjoyed the results of their hard work ... or simply just another event running smoothly and going unnoticed.

Mr neil Francis (Theatre Manager)

Last year i came out of my comfort zone … and went into a black box as a ‘techie’. As a newbie, i quickly found a place that i belonged to, and i am really grateful for the opportunities this position has given me to contribute, face challenges and grow (although not physically since i am still too short to fix sets!). i learnt from every show; not just how to operate the desks or how to remove a screw (harder than you think!), but new perspectives to think, create, and communicate. Techies do not just sit in a box; everything you see and experience when you visit the Theatre - lighting, sound, set designs etc. - is the result of hard work, patience and passion. Thank you to all the techies who have been through this fruitful journey with me, and to Mr Francis for giving me this opportunity. Lastly, to our audiences; you are our drive to make ‘good’ theatre, and i hope you enjoy any upcoming shows!

As a student who does not ‘do’ drama at all, the first time i stepped into the box was a revelation! i was inspired by all the buttons with labels i could not get my head around … and that was when i joined the tech crew. People (including me) might think tech is just jabbing random buttons and everything will work out perfectly, but behind the scenes is hard work, repeated practice, Mr Francis, and other young techies without whom none of the productions or concerts would look as perfect as they do. There are inevitable ups and downs (sometimes even sobbing tears!), and along the way there are many skills to be learned and perfected, but as a team we always make it work!

Jasmine Chan (Theatre Prefect)

Helen lam (Theatre Prefect)

CREATIVE ARTS | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

49

As usual, this year in the Music Department was busy and varied, with over half the pupils in the school participating in Music events which ranged from the KS3 Make Noise Festival, to the Scholars’ Concert and Sixth Form Showcase.

Senior Musicians This year the Music Department recognised three outstanding Upper 6th Musicians, who held the following positions for their final year in the School. These Musicians not only represented extremely high standards of musical excellence and achievement, but they also provided inspiration to the many up-and-coming young Musicians in the School.

• Principal Musician: Olivia Grinter • Principal Instrumentalist: Susanna Sealy • Senior Chorister: Charlotte Crowe Throughout the year, the trio performed on many occasions.

Highlights included Charlotte’s accomplished ‘Aria’ from Don Giovanni, ‘Di cor mio’ from Handel’s Alcina sung with great conviction and dramatic intensity, and her stylish ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ in the Sixth Form Showcase, showing her ability in popular, as well as classical vocal pieces. In the Spring Concert, Susanna performed the whole of Albinoni’s Oboe Concerto

The Chamber Choir performing at the Roman Baths as part of the city’s Annual Civic Ceremony – an amazing venue whose floodlighting and flaming torches inspired some of the choir’s best singing all year

MUSIC in D Minor, which showed incredible musical poise and elegance – a fantastic achievement for a schoolage Musician. Olivia showed her musical versatility throughout the year in her guitar accompaniment for her performance of a song by the Cranberries, her lively piano duet of a Spanish piece, and her very reflective piano and voice performance of ‘Lost and Found’ in the Sixth Form Showcase, which she also organised.

Two of these Senior Musicians now go on to continue their studies of Music at a higher level: Olivia Grinter to study Jazz at the Royal

Welsh College of Music and Drama; and Charlotte Crowe, who has been awarded two choral scholarships to take up alongside her degree course, at Leeds Cathedral and the Minster in Leeds.

The Music Staff

Grade 8 Musicians The Music Department were delighted that the following Musicians achieved Grade 8 during this academic year: Daisy Dai: Piano Thea Guy: Singing Ashley Hunt: Singing Hugo Weston: Drums

50

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | CREATIVE ARTS

Concert Programme 2016 -17 During the year, Kingswood Musicians performed in the following major concerts and events: • The Cherry Tree Concert – Sixth Form Musicians and the Music staff • Concert at Woolley Church – featuring the Chamber Choir & 15 soloists • Community Concert for Frome Active and In Touch – featuring Kingswood Strings & 21 invited Musicians from all year groups in 18 performances • The Christmas Concert - including over 250 performers in total!

• The Scholar’s Concert – featuring Music scholars from Year 7 to Upper 6th. Performers included: Alex Sedcole, Johnny Sedcole, Migle Astraukaite, Mia Randolph, Emily Vaughan (Piano); Mia Randolph, Georgina Charlesworth, Meg Scott, Anna Rowland (Violin); Tayo Sawyerr (Trumpet); Tim Green (Clarinet); Izzy Vaughan (Cello); Georgina Charlesworth (Voice); Freddie Stockton (Drums); Anna Rowland & Colby Chu (Violin duet).

• The Spring Concert – showcasing all of the School’s main groups and ensembles, including the Chamber Orchestra, comprising the School’s best string players paired up, side-by-side with professional players, and solo performances by Principal Musicians, Charlotte Crowe and Susanna Sealy • 3rd Annual Voices Festival – including over 70 performances in lunchtime concerts, and a Gala Concert featuring the best of the week’s vocalists • Evensong at Jesus College, Oxford • Piano Hands Concert – featuring Kingswood pianists from all year groups performing solos, duets, trios, and even a quintet with 5 players at the piano!

• Concert at All Saints Church, Weston – featuring 15 Junior Musicians from Years 7 to 10, across a variety of instruments and genres

cREATiVE ARTs | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

• Concert at the Roman Baths as part of Bath Annual civic ceremony • Sixth Form Showcase – a student-led concert featuring the best sixth Form Musicians • Green Park Station – featuring Kingswood Jazz orchestra and solo singers as part of the ‘Party in the city’ event, which opened the Bath Music Festival; the 10th year Kingswood have taken on this challenge • Dorothy House Concert – featuring 21 Junior musicians and 2 senior Musicians • Make noise Festival – featuring ensembles and soloists from Ks3 Music classes, and culminating in a Final concert showcasing the best performances from the year group concerts held during the week in addition, there were regular Lunchtime concerts throughout the year, allowing Musicians from different year groups to perform in an informal, intimate setting, to small audiences of Music staff, general staff and friends.

KiNgsWood music & cHarity As well as showcasing Kingswood’s Musical talent, many of these concerts were also in aid of charity, and the department are proud to have raised significant amounts of money for the woolley church Restoration Fund, Frome Active and in Touch, Hope and Homes for children and dorothy House.

51

52

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | CREATIVE ARTS

Special Events

Songs ‘N’ Swing Green Park Station was the packed venue as always for Kingswood’s 2017 contribution to the ‘Party in the City’.

T

he enthusiasm and engagement of the large audience inspired the performers, and told its own story of how the evening was enjoyed and appreciated. The individual singers were absolutely outstanding throughout, setting very high standards of musicianship and entertainment, and the Kingswood Jazz Orchestra produced undoubtedly its best performances for many

years, with Mr Morgan and Mr Knights eliciting both energy and precision from the band with relatively little rehearsal time.

Sealed, Delivered’, and Olivia Grinter’s outstanding performance of Carole King’s classic Seventies hit ‘I Feel the Earth Move.’

Although there were so many great individual performances, undoubted highlights came from Susanna Sealy making her solo vocal debut with Caro Emerald’s ‘A Night Like This,’ Charlotte Crowe singing Stevie Wonder’s ‘Signed,

Everyone - singers and instrumentalists - stepped up several gears in performance, and all deserve credit for making it such a fantastic evening.

The enthusiasm and engagement of the large audience inspired the performers...

List of vocalists who performed: Isla Brendon, Jess Brown, Olivia Chamberlain, Charlotte Crowe, Emily Hill, Ellie Gould, Olivia Grinter, Thea Guy, Alice Kennedy, Rebecca Ousby, Elsbeth Overeynder, Lauren Parsons, Lizzy Scott, Susanna Sealy, Karyna Ter-Tumasova, Grace Tyrrell, Kate and Sophie Woodcock.

cREATiVE ARTs | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

eveNsoNg at Jesus college, oXFord

F

or the first time in many years, an excited Kingswood chamber choir took on the great challenge of a full choral evensong service.

40 members of the choir together with 6 staff, the chaplain, Mr sealy to accompany, and Ben Juliano as reader, travelled to oxford to sing Evensong. on arrival, we travelled to Harris Manchester college where we had free use of the college chapel all afternoon to rehearse, as well as being provided with an amazing formal lunch in the college dining hall – quite an experience! Following some free time to look around oxford’s city centre and famous colleges, our final hour’s rehearsal took place in Jesus college chapel, just before the service.

The choir were in brilliant voice throughout the day, working really hard in rehearsals and then producing some of their best ever singing in the 40 minute service, which was almost entirely sung and therefore needed great stamina. About 60 Kingswood parents and friends were able to join us for the service, making it a very special and memorable occasion.

KiNgsWood voices Festival

t

his year saw the 3rd Annual Voices Festival, with a record number of singers taking part. during the week there were lunchtime concerts every day, with over 70 performances given by pupils from Years 7 to 13.

The range and quality of the singing was outstanding, but whilst the musical quality was really important, the festival was also about allowing pupils to develop their musical confidence by performing to friendly audiences.

The gala concert on Friday evening was the finale to the Festival. This year’s concert proved to be a superb evening’s entertainment, featuring a final programme of vocalists selected by Mr Haynes in a virtually impossible job given the quality of performances the week had seen (many outstanding singers not quite making it into the concert, showing the depth of talent of Kingswood’s singers). some of the standout moments of the evening were provided by Ellie webster, James wong, oliver Parry, Ana Fox, Ellie gould, Ashley Hunt, olivia grinter, Thea guy and charlotte crowe, but there were many special performances, and the adjudicator Mary nelson, from the London’s Royal Academy of Music, was hard-pressed in making the final awards.

THiS yeAR’S WinneRS WeRe: • Most Promising Young Performer: Anna Rose Read singing ‘christopher Robin is saying His Prayers’ • Performer’s Cup (for the performance that engaged most with the audience): Jess Brown singing ‘The Moon and stars’ • Most Outstanding Performance: isla Brendon singing ‘Popular’ from wicked

53

54

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | CREATIVE ARTS

DRAMA & MUSIC T AWARDS

In June, Drama and Music students along with invited guests gathered to celebrate the annual Drama and Music Awards.

(Kingswood Artistically Talented Students)

his event is always the glittering highlight of the Kingswood performing arts calendar, and the sun shone as the evening began with a drinks reception and entertainment provided by a magician. After a delicious meal there was an entertaining speech given

by Bath panto legend Jon Monie, and then the awards ceremony, presented this year by Miss Jones, began.

Throughout the evening high-quality entertainment was provided by musicians Olivia Grinter, Thea Guy, Charlotte Crowe, Isla Brendon, Jess Brown and Lizzie Scott.

CREATIVE ARTS | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

The full list of nominees and winners (in bold) is reproduced below, but congratulations to all Kingswood artistic and creative students, nominated or otherwise!

MUSIC AWARDS Most Outstanding Year 10 Musician Gabriel Montefiore-Vita Johnny Sedcole Emily Vaughan James Wong Most Outstanding Contribution by a Year 11 GCSE Musician Daisy Dai Sophie Garcia Harvey Heap Max Lister Most Improved Musician Ellie Gould Elsbeth Overeynder Tim Turek Grace Tyrrell Best 6th Form Performer Charlotte Crowe Olivia Grinter Anna Rowland Susanna Sealy Best A-level Composition Olivia Grinter Charlotte Crowe Alice Kennedy Anna Rowland Musos’ Muso Isla Brendon Charlotte Crowe Olivia Grinter Thea Guy

DRAMA AWARDS Best Newcomer Sula Levitt

Jasmine Chan Antonio Mba Ivina Hellie Painter Best GCSE Performer Charlotte Chilton Eva Hudson Ana Fox Rigam Chhantyal Best A Level Performer Lizzie Scott Nathan Grace Jess Brown Conor Devlin-Cook Best Performance in a Production Isla Brendon Conor Devlin-Cook Nathan Grace Lizzie Scott Best Group Performance Girls Like That It’s Just Business I Don’t Like Mondays The 12 Labours of Hercules Actors’ Actor Jess Brown Lizzie Scott Isla Brendon Conor Devlin-Cook

THEATRE TECH AWARDS Techies’ Techie Francesca Padget James Button Joe White Christy Chiu

This event is always the glittering highlight of the Kingswood performing arts calendar...

55

56

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | SPORT

GIRLS’ HOCKEY 1st XI Captain: Ella Reeman 1st XI Vice-Captain: Lucy Rowlands It was another impressive season for the girls’ hockey this year, with almost 200 girls competing each Saturday.

Junior Hockey The U12s impressed from the word go; confident and positive in preseason, they lived up to expectations.

In the As, player of the season was Hannah Gunn with a first touch that instantly beat the opposing defender, and Sophie Farmer (who fast-tracked from the Ds to the As!) was the most improved player. The B team only lost one match, with pick of the players being Tilly Bankes and most improved Annie McCarthy.

The U13As went from strength to strength. Defender Alice Small is a player to watch out for next year, and goalkeeper Evie Vaid improved the most, having grown expertly (and vocally!) into the role. The Bs also showed real promise this season, finishing with a very convincing 8-0 win. Most improved player was Bella March-Smith, and coach’s player was Jess Bailey, who scored the majority of the team’s goals.

Senior Hockey It was a term of enthusiastic and determined play from the U14As, only losing 3 tightly contested matches.

Charlotte Houghton and Amelie Morgan both made considerable progress in their game, but goalkeeper Evelyn Kerr was the deserved winner of most improved player. Stand out players over the whole of the season were Beth Harris and Iris Marrack. Beth, along with Kate Hollywood, was selected for the U15 JAC pathway, and Nina Brain and Ellie Webster for the U14 age group, showing the team’s overall strength.

The B’s best player by far was captain Lottie Davis, and Imogen Leakey’s ability to utilise her rapid pace also helped the team on many occasions.

exceptional captain in Ashley Hunt this season, leading the team by example each week. Amber ReesJones was the most improved player for her tireless defensive effort.

Both U15 teams made great progress this season. Libby Taylor’s excellent defensive strength earned her the most improved player in the As, and Bridie Knox the same award for the Bs with Alix Keates a deserving player of the season in the same team. In the As, sisters Martha and Jessica Brain, and Holly Harris all performed strongly, however captain Francesca Ledbury’s remarkable work ethic made her the player of the season.

1st XI Season Report

In the 4th and 5th squads, Millie Sergeant and Grace Tyrrell have been excellent captains for their respective teams, with Sabrina Robley being the most dominant player in the 4th team, and Lucy Tonge making the biggest improvement.

The 3rd team have had an

The 2nd team squad have become a tight-knit unit who have supported each other through the highs and lows of the season. Susannah Burke has been a tremendous captain, whose wholly positive and level-headed approach anchored the team. Year 11 Lexi Hart showed promise for the future, while Izzy Pope earned most improved player.

After 11 years playing hockey for Kingswood, I was delighted to be appointed captain since I couldn’t think of a more rewarding way to conclude my hockey career at the school. Over my time playing in the 1st team, our fixture list has changed considerably, to now face some of the most highly regarded hockey schools in the country. Although this makes every 1st XI

SPORT | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

weekend a challenge, these closefought matches are the ones that make you improve as a side and as an individual player, one of the reasons why I have found this season to be the most enjoyable.

prowess of any centre back I’ve ever come across. Robyn Newman and Issy Broom both showed an exceptional ability to break down the most organised defenses with their speed and vision up front; it is unsurprising that they shared over half the team’s goals between them this season.

The babies of the 1st team are Year 11s Jessica Norton and Lizzie White, who have both been absolutely integral to the team’s success. The Year 12s also made a key contribution to the team each week, with forwards Kate Hall and Rebecca Ousby’s pace and skill, and Elsbeth Overeynder’s defensive strength. In addition, our goalkeeper Zoe Brown has pulled off some truly magnificent saves that have kept us in the game at the most important times.

It has been an immense pleasure to play in the same team as Sarah Rawle since the age of 7. She has the ability to completely change a game with an outstanding goalscoring ability and moments of pure class when beating opponents.

My vice-captain, Lucy Rowlands, was the most incredible support in every way this season, and made my life as captain ten times easier!

As the most consistent player on our team, she has been a role model in the true sense of the word, and in each game we could always count on her to deliver a matchwinning performance.

This year, the 1st team had an unusual amount of leavers, some of whom have played together for over 10 years at Kingswood. Ennea Miller-Hunt and Jessie Davies were valuable additions at the start of the Lower Sixth, both enjoying two seasons in the first team, and we always relied on them to give their maximum energy and effort. The defensive duo of Poppy Roper and Mimi Watts continued to be ‘rocks’ at the back, with Poppy making almost every tackle that came her way, and Mimi showing the most attacking

1st

2nd

3rd

CLUB AWARDS & COLOURS Colts Colours: Jessica Norton and Lizzie White Half Colours: Jessie Davies and Ennea Miller-Hunt Full Colours: Issy Broom, Mimi Watts, Robyn Newman, Poppy Roper Grove Trophy: Ella Reeman

I sincerely hope each member of the Upper Sixth continues to play hockey wherever they end up next year, and I wish them all the best for the future. In the famous words of Mr Opie, our coach, I hope you all continue to “win your races”.

Ella Reeman (Captain)

4th

5th

U15A

U15B

U14A U14B U14C U13A

U13B U13C U13D U12A U12B U12C U12D

King Edward’s

W 4-1 W 3-0 W 6-0 W 5-1

W 4-0 W 6-0 W 1-0 D 2-2

W 3-0 W 6-4 L 1-9 L 1-3 W 5-0 L 3-5 W 3-2 L 0-3

Queen’s College

L 2-3

D 1-1

W 6-0

W 3-1 W 4-0

L 0-2

W 5-0

D 1-1

W 1-0 W 4-0

L 0-2

W 2-0 W 2-1 L 0-1

W 4-1

L 1-4 W 3-1 L 1-4 D 0-0

W 7-1

L 0-2

W 5-0

W 5-1 W 7-0

Bristol Grammar

W 4-1

Colegio Palermo (ARG)

W 7-0

Colston’s

W 3-0 W 15-0

Sexey’s

W 8-0

Clifton College

L 1-5

Dauntsey’s

L 0-3

L 2-3

Monkton

W 6-0 W 2-0

Wells Cathedral

W 11-0 W 2-0

Downside

W 3-2

L 0-2

L 0-2

L 2-1 L3-1 W 2-1 W 3-0

W 4-1

D 2-2

W 2-0 W 8-0 W 2-1 L 0-1

L 0-4

L 0-2 L 0-1

W 3-0 W 5-1

L 0-3 W 4-1 D 1-1 L 0-4

W 2-0

W 4-0

W 4-1

W 7-1 W 7-0

W 2-1 L 0-5

Dean Close

L 1-3

W 2-0 W 2-1

Taunton

L 0-2

W 2-1

Prior Park

D 1-1

W 2-0 W 3-0 W 11-0

W 5-0 W 12-0 W 1-0 W 1-0

Bryanston

W 1-0

D 0-0

W 3-0 W 2-1

L 0-1 W 3-1

L 2-4

W 2-0

D 0-0

W 3-2

W 2-1

91%

90%

The Royal High School

W 2-1

L 2-3

L 0-7

L 1-4

W 2-1 W 2-0 W 1-0

L 4-7

D 3-3 L 4-5

L 3-5

W 5-4

W 3-1 W 1-0

L 0-1

L 0-5 W 6-1 W 7-1 W 7-0 L 2-3

KPS Win Rate

W 6-1 W 4-0 W 5-3

W 1-0

All Hallows L 1-2

L 0-4

67%

85%

75%

80%

58%

40%

78%

83%

75%

75%

75%

57

58

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | SPORT

was the top try scorer with Matthew Hooper and Marcus Kershaw also very influential. And there cannot be many better kickers at this age group than fly-half Charlie Roach.

In the Bs, Nicholas Baines, Lewis Taylor, Jamie Deverell and Matthew Vaughan were excellent, and Henry Craig showed the most improvement.

RUGBY 1st XV Captain: Al Mackenzie | 1st XV Vice-Captain: Rory Crowther This season, more than 300 boys represented the School rugby teams in 135 matches, with Kingswood winning 60% of these.

Junior Rugby The U12As were the only team to finish unbeaten, superbly led by Louis Kenyon who was at the heart of an outstanding pack of forwards who were all equally influential in their own way. This enabled half backs Fraser Riddoch and Rafferty Weston to control matches and release Rory Bushell and Noah Nejad to have an impact in the backline.

The U12Bs only lost twice, emphasising the strength and depth in this year group. Noah Davis, Oscar Power and Elliot Ede were all fantastically consistent. Vic Lee showed the most improvement in this age group, across the season.

It was a much tougher season for the U13s, but Tom Roach, James Redman and Liam Toner were shining lights in an A team that recorded 4 excellent wins. For the Bs, Oliver Lechmere and Floyd Jones stood out in the backs, whilst Sunichi Gurung and Angus Martin were the pick of the forwards.

Senior Rugby The U14Bs had an excellent season built on hard work, a large and motivated squad, and their neverending willingness to learn and develop as players. There was also a maturity in the leadership and decision-making of the team as a whole and their captain Max Mohr in particular, which meant that they won and drew games they might otherwise have lost.

The U14As finally started to show what a great prospect they are for the future with a strong finish to the season. Well led from the front by captain Charlie Fry, other stand out players included fly half Ethan Hawtin, prop Louis Fryer and loose forwards Tom Connors and Kit Compton. The emergence of two genuinely good wingers in Gustav Asamoah-Bondzie and Marvin Lau was also a major positive.

The U15s were one of the most successful age groups, with both teams losing just 2 matches. Ashish Tamang and Ciaran McCarthy’s line-out work was a key feature, as was the driving play of Joe Crosby and captain Rory Padkin in the back row. In the backs, Jules Hawking

Rarely can a team have had more injuries in a season than the U16As who struggled as a result. Those who remained however, including the clear Player of the Season Jack Hau, kept going right to the end to secure an excellent final win against Dean Close. The most improved players were Finn Sayce and Conor Finnamore.

The U16Bs fared better, winning two thirds of their matches. Marcus Kendall made several try-saving tackles throughout the course of the season, and Jack Brain was often the spark in attack. Player of the season in this team was Robin Ledbury, who must have made more tackles and created more turnovers than any other player in the school this season. He is a fantastic example to anyone, especially smaller players, of what can be achieved through real bravery and good technique.

A 50-0 win for the 3rd XV was a fitting end for the handful of Year 13s in their final match, in particular James Little and Adam Tuffery.

The heart of the team, however, was made up of Year 12s of whom Rupert Bayliss, James Parker, Oliver Hall and Oliver Jenkins have shown real promise. The most consistent player was hooker James McLeod.

Facing some very large sides this year, the 2nd XV outplayed opponents through teamwork and sheer determination at the breakdown.

All players must be commended, but those of particular note are three Year 13s - captain Nick Harris, pack leader William Moorey and top try scorer and players’ player Joe Tait.

1st XV A relatively young team had an excellent season with 10 wins and only 4 losses, and an unbeaten second half of term. The hard

sPoRT | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

work off the pitch translated to a very dominant scrum and some entertaining and incisive back-play.

Year 13s Toby Thurston and Jah Jeerapaet brought the power in the scrum and with their ball-carrying, and Joe Han-Hauser’s service at scrum-half enabled the pacey back three of indy sankosik, Jesse daybell and wilf nokes to provide the threat out wide. The Year 12s also had a significant influence on the team’s progress with Brendan curran, and olivers Millichap-Merrick and Parry playing key roles in the pack, who were well marshalled by oliver Penney at scrum-half towards the end of the season. williams Thompson and Barnes complemented each other really well in the second row, and the new editions of Rory Murchison and Jack Kelly gave the team a real boost. The future certainly looks bright, and with gregor Morton leading the defensive line and captain Al Mackenzie again pulling the strings next season, the 1st XV have a real opportunity to create something special in 2017.

club aWards & colours coLTs coLouRs: Jack Hau HALF coLouRs: (1st XV) Jah Jeerapaet, william Barnes, william Thompson, Jack Kelly, oliver Penney, gregor Morton, Joe Han-Hauser, wilf nokes, Jack Kenny, Jesse daybell and indy sankosik.

(2nd XV) nick Harris and william Moorey FuLL coLouRs:

Toby Thurston, Al Mackenzie, Thomas Royston, Rory crowther and Rory Murchison

MosT iMPRoVEd PLAYER AwARd There were several contenders for this award. Jesse daybell has gone from the 3rd to the 1st XV, gliding through defences as he went. william Thompson also worked really hard to become a team regular and stalwart. The recipient this year is Jah Jeerapaet, who played his second season in the 1st XV. This year he has been an aggressive and technically efficient scrummager, as well as a very good ball handler. He is always at the heart of the action in contact, and is an excellent team man.

PLAYER oF THE sEAson

1st XV

Again, there were several players who deserved consideration for this award. Jack Kelly has made a tremendous impact during his first term at school, and william Barnes has been very consistent in all aspects of play. However, the winner is someone who has played for two years and been the cornerstone of the pack at tighthead prop, forming a platform from which all the team’s play has stemmed.

This year’s recipient is Toby Thurston.

1st King edward’s

2nd

3rd

L 19-24 w 14-12

U15A

U15B

U14A

U14B

L 0-46 w 14-10 w 42-5

U16A

U16B

w48-0

L 5-22

w 36-0 L 20-25 L 15-20

Taunton School

w 27-0 w 36-10 w 48-5 L 17-22 w 31-0 w 12-10 L 5-53

Bristol Grammar

L 18-27 w 31-12 w 63-19 L 0-34

Prior Park

w 50-0 w 29-12

L 5-27

U13C

U12A

U12B

d 5-5

w 25-0

L 12-40 L 10-36

L 0-19 L 17-20 L 0-21

w 40-7

L 0-65 L 15-40 L 0-35

w 10-0 w 40-15 w 35-5

w 30-0

w 25-5 w 15-10 won v won v KPs KPs

L 12-24 w 10-7 L 15-25 L 10-50

Beechen Cliff

w 18-11

Monkton Combe

w 33-7

w 14-5 w 32-19 w 26-0 w 53-0

Colston’s

w 22-15 w 38-14

L 0-57

Dauntsey’s

w 26-17

L 0-64

L 0-10 L 7-45 w 17-15 w 56-0

L 10-5 w 20-15 L 15-40

w 25-10 L 15-30

d 20-20 L 0-10

L 0-38 L 10-29 L 5-42 w 38-21 w 19-12 w 17-5

w 32-0

L 0-65

d 5-5

w 50-10

w 20-5 L 5-30

w 10-5 w 30-5 w 25-10

w 70-30

Warmisnter w 65-0

w 52-0

L 24-42 L 17-39 w 14-5 w 52-0

L 5-10

w 35-10

L 7-12

All Hallows

L 15-25

w 25-0

Clayesmore

w 25-0

w 20-0

QeH Bristol

w 62-0

w 51-0

Dean Close

w 14-5

w 20-5

71%

80%

Win Rate

U12C

L 0-19 w 19-12 w 40-7 w 55-5 w 17-7 w 41-7

Bishop Wordsworth

Kings Taunton

U13B

L 7-24 w 46-12

L 12-22 L 7-48 d 10-10

llandaff CS

L 0-17

U13A

L 12-26 w 24-7 w 29-10 w 31-0 w 20-5 w 17-15 L 5-25 L 20-25 w 25-15 d 5-5 w 50-0 w 19-0 50%

17%

L 0-5 w 15-0 L 20-25

L 10-14 w 24-5 L 12-21 w 28-0 63%

82%

80%

27%

78%

40%

14%

50%

100%

78%

50%

59

60

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | SPORT

NETBALL

1st VII Captain: Lucy Rowlands | 1st VII Vice-Captain: Jesse Akiwumi

The 2017 season saw much depth and versatility amongst the girls.

There were 121 matches in total, with a record 19 teams. Of these, the 4th, 5th, U13D and U12C teams all went unbeaten.

Junior Netball The U12s proved themselves to be a tight-knit and committed bunch, notably notching up a clean sweep against King Edward’s. There was often eye-catching play from the likes of Ciara Newcastle, Rachel Bedding, Amelie Antoniades and Yuma Rai. The unbeaten C team’s enthusiasm was boundless, and impressed their coach, Mrs Morris. A number of girls showed much improvement, in particular Sophie Farmer, Jessica Isles and Romy Sloane.

The U13s had multiple dangerous attacking players including Maya Lane, Olivia Singer, Jess Bailey and Bella March-Smith, as well as Georgina Charlesworth, Rose Betts and Evelyn Bradley for the Bs. Superb team play often led to excellent results for this age group.

The As often best found their rhythm at tournaments, and their season highlights were certainly winning two of these. Edie Morris was fast tracked to the As, and Madi Sayce also played her part in defence with outstanding timing. Marnie Lister was awarded pick of the players on numerous occasions for the Cs, and they were definitely the most versatile team!

Senior Netball The U14s had attacking options galore, through Andi Newman, Beth Harris and Lizzie Narbett, as well as impressively improved defenders including Ellie Webster and Nina Brain. Liv Wilson has a strong future in the sport as she continues on the Netball pathway. In the Bs, Emma Rouffiac and Niamh Harding were a fabulous defending duo, and in the Cs, April Russell become a solid holding shooter.

The U15s had to rely on teamwork in their matches, since they lacked the height to challenge a defence.

Nonetheless, Francesca Ledbury and Miya Cameron impressed all who played against them. The team was also blessed by the addition of Martha Brain, who was powerful on court and (unsurprisingly!) connected well with Jessica Brain. The addition of Natasha McFadyen to the Bs gave more attacking options, with Chloe Pearce shooting consistently and Libby Taylor being influential in defence.

1st VII

The 4ths had an excellent, unbeaten season, with Sarah Yates very instrumental defensively. Mid court players Ophelia Stott, Charlotte Cutter and captain Millie Sergeant also created dynamic passages of play, resulting in many goals from the shooters.

The 3rds had the best goal difference, winning their matches by a large margin, due to the excellent shooting of captain Tilly Baines, and Zoe Brown. Anais Osborne’s calm approach controlled the ball through mid court, and Katie Morton impressed all round.

The success of the 2nd team’s season was down to their outstanding effort and teamwork. Robyn Newman was a confident captain, although she was unable to finish the season due to injury. Susannah Burke was the other leaver for the 2nds, always showing her experience on court. Year 11 Izzy Joliffe showed excellent development throughout the season, although Lexi Hart was the outstanding player.

sPoRT | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

1st vii club aWards & colours

Ending my netball career at Kingswood by captaining the 1st team has been an honour, especially given the team’s success. with an increase in competitive fixtures, each match put our ability to the test, encouraging us to work as a team and become a tight unit of players.

The ‘babies’ of the team were Year 12s Rebecca ousby and Jess Lindsay.

Rebecca brought much energy and enthusiasm, often beating her opponents with endless various patterns of play, and Jess ensured that, as last season, she was a key contributor to the team through her ability to find space.

coLTs coLouRs: Lexi Hart, izzy Jolliffe, Jessica norton, Lizzie white HALF coLouRs: issy Broom, Beth Hirst, Kate Hall, Robyn newman, Rebecca ousby, Hannah spratt FuLL coLouRs: Ella Reeman, Jess Lindsay, Lucy Rowlands, Ennea Miller-Hunt, olivia sealy, Jesse Akiwumi

The large number of fellow leavers in the team made this season even more enjoyable, given that we have all developed together as players over the past 7 years. Beth Hirst’s defensive play, and issy Broom’s ability to read the game, were both valuable to the team’s play, and they were a force to be reckoned with on court as they blocked the opponent’s patterns of play.

ouTsTAnding PLAYER oF THE sEAson AwARd: olivia sealy

The remaining leavers have each experienced two very successful seasons in the 1st team. Ella Reeman’s movement and energy in attack are unstoppable when combined with her incredible vision feeding the ball into the attacking circle. My defensive partner Ennea Miller-Hunt is a most persistent and inescapable defender whose consistency is never in question. Her interceptions have, in many cases, been game changing.

At the opposite end of the court, olivia sealy’s growth in confidence and range when shooting was equally influential. To have a shooter as reliable as her was exceptionally lucky, and we always depended on her to get even her most ambitious shots on target. The second half of our outstanding shooting duo is the vice-captain, Jesse Akiwumi, whose calm nature on court always enabled the team to settle when tension rose, and she always maintained a smile on her face even during the highest intensity matches.

Lastly, we as a team would like to recognise the commitment of photographers Jess Brown and Rory Elliott, who provided us with many high quality mementos of our matches. Also all our coaches, whose positivity, desire for us to succeed, and sheer belief in our ability were the reasons we were able to finish this season with only one closely contested loss, so achieving a 90% win rate.

lucy Rowlands (Captain) 1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

6th U15A U15B U15C U14A U14B U14C U13A U13B U13C U13D U12A U12B U12C U12D

King edward’s

14-16 20-20 27-3

13-5 10-6 5-14 12-18 25-8

23-12 11-12 5-24 15-25

Prior Park

47-14 19-5

34-4

25-7

37-2

38-13 15-8

50-8

20-4

22-18 15-11

24-13 21-10

33-11 10-12 16-2

34-15 28-2

38-5

46-7

Monkton / Prep

26-21 18-10

Bristol Grammar

32-6

The Royal High

43-25 16-10

16-30 22-1

Bryanston

34-20 28-17 20-22 18-9

16-23 22-24 26-14 16-29 15-11

18-4

20-4

8-8

15-2

2-11

Clifton College / Prep

25-10 6-15

39-0

King’s Bruton

33-14 26-15 27-22 16-14

25-11 15-12

Dauntsey’s

35-30 21-11 33-9 13-10

15-22 14-13 28-5 34-25 22-8 18-23 15-18 20-7

9-9

20-43 3-37

5-6

Downside

8-7

6-8

14-3

23-3

9-17

8-4

21-5

21-2

11-9

18-8

21-3

10-1

5-8

5-31

12-3

28-1

4-11 13-12 13-10

43% 100% 57%

71% 100% 67%

15-8

21-2

23-6

9-10

32-4

30-22 27-5

32-6

17-8 11-7 22-16 23-6

llandaff Cathedral

24-2

40-5

St John’s on The Hill Win Rate

16-0

24-32 28-4

Millfield St Mary’s, Calne

13-1

28-3

23-25 16-2

18-10

9-4

31-10 8-11

The Downs

Beechen Cliff

12-6

40-11 89%

82%

75% 100% 100% 0%

43%

75%

33%

71%

88%

33%

50%

38%

61

62

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | SPORT

BOYS’ HOCKEY 1st XI Captain: Joe Tait 1st XI Vice-Captain: Joe Han-Hauser There were many highlights for our Hockey teams again this season. Both U12 teams went unbeaten, as did all of our C teams and the U14Bs. A further 4 teams only lost one match. As a result, the overall win rate of 80% was phenomenal given the strength of the teams currently on our fixture list.

The U16s were also crowned County Champions, the U14s came 3rd in the County, and the U12s finished as runners-up in the Booker Shield, losing in the final only on sudden death penalty shuttles.

In such a successful season, listing all the many key players would take far too long so this year, following on from the ‘Team of the Week’ theme in assemblies, the Hockey Club selected two fantasy ‘teams of the season’.

B Team Select XI (Made up of some of the stand out players from Junior B teams, and the 3rd & 4th XIs).

Goal Keeper Jamie Deverell U15B Sweeper Charlie Knight 4th XI Right Defender Elliot Ede U12B Central Defender Tom Connors U14B Left Defender Max Brindley 3rd XI Right Midfield Nicholas Baines U15B Centre Midfield Bertie Phillipson U13B Left Midfield Oscar Power U12B Right Forward Ethan Hawtin U14B Centre Forward Nick Harris 4th X1 Left Forward Alex Sedcole U13B Reserve Marcus Kendall 3rd XI Coach

Mr Forrester, who led the U12Bs

to an unbeaten season!

A Team Select XI (Made up of some of the stand out players from Junior A teams, and the 2nd XI).

Goalkeeper Tom Roach U13As Sweeper Louis Kenyon U12As Right Defence Ben Shardlow U15As Centre Defence Will Connors U12As Left Defence Joe Gould U14As Right Midfield Rob Wilson U13As Centre Midfield Charlie Roach U15As Left Midfield Rupert Bayliss 2nd XI Right Forward Tayo Sawyerr U14As Centre Forward Tommy Phillips 2nd XI Left Forward Harvey Brooks U15As Reserve James Redman U13As Coach Mr Drew, whose U14B team were

also undefeated

sPoRT | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

1st Xi The team started the season in exceptionally good form, remaining unbeaten until the half-term break. A slight mid-season dip in form was then rectified with a strong finish, culminating in an outstanding 5-0 win away to clifton college. with only three upper sixth regulars, the young players really stepped up, with Year 11 Harvey Heap and Year 10 Ashish Tamang both enjoying a great first season, and dominic carruthers also impressing in his debut year.

As for the Lower sixth players, Henry Brearey’s ability to pick a pass from almost anywhere on the pitch was key to unlocking opposition defences, and Harry Hodges and charlie Roberts were very reliable in defence. Alfie Brooks had a fantastic season, performing well in a variety of positions, and oliver Penney was equally versatile at the back and a contender for the most improved player. That award could also go to Thomas deverell who established himself as an attacking player, linking well with the pace of Zoltan Yasin and the skill and lead-running of Angus Batchelor, who created a large number of the team’s attacking chances. charlie Patterson’s pace and endless work-rate were also instrumental, and he was a constant threat to the opposition; it is no surprise that he finished the season as the team’s leading goal-scorer. Finally, the captain, Joe Tait and vice-captain, Joe Han-Hauser completed a partnership who have played over 100 matches together for Kingswood over the last 7 years. Joe Han-Hauser, who picked up a stick for the first time in Year 7, was the linchpin in central midfield for this relatively inexperienced team. Joe Tait is also a very accomplished player. There are very few things that he cannot do on a hockey pitch, and this year he added a physicality to his game that was hugely important in enabling the team to exert their authority in some very hard-fought matches.

club aWards & colours coLTs coLouRs: Harvey Heap and dominic carruthers HALF coLouRs: Alfie Brooks, Henry Brearey, Angus Batchelor, Tommy Phillips and Adam Tuffery FuLL coLouRs: charlie Patterson, Joe Han- Hauser and Joe Tait THE idRis cuP (awarded to the player who has made the greatest contribution to Kingswood Hockey) There were several contenders this year. in the 1st Xi, the three upper sixth leavers all made significant contributions. From the u16 team that reached the Regional finals, Harvey Brooks finished the season as the school’s top goal scorer, and Ashish Tamang has been a regular in the 1st Xi, despite being only in Year 10. several more players from the very talented Year 10 and Year 12 year groups were also discussed, and the strength in depth of Kingswood Hockey means that the list could go on and on.

However, the deserved winner of the award this year was1st Xi goalkeeper Harvey Heap whose match-turning saves established him as one of the best goalkeepers on the circuit.

1st

2nd

U16

3rd X1

Cheltenham College

d 2-2

w 2-1

w 3-1

L 1-2

Beechen Cliff

w 6-1

Monkton Combe

w 3-2

w 6-3

Bryanston

d 0-0

w 6-0

c

c

Prior Park College

w 1-4

L 0-3

w 2-0

King edward’s

d 1-1

w 5-2

w 3-2

Bristol Grammar

L 0-3

w 2-1

w 3-2

w 5-0

Queen’s Taunton

L 1-5

w 6-0

L 2-4

Wells Cathedral

w 3-1

Dauntsey’s

L 1-2

w 8-0

L 0-2

Clifton College

w 5-0

w 9-0

Win / loss Rate

63%

89%

U15A

U15B

U14A

U14B

w 5-1

L 1-3

L 1-3

w 1-0

w 10-0

L 1-4

U13A

U13B

U13C

U12A

w 7-0

w 9-1

w 3-1

w 1-0

L 6-0

d 1-1

L 2-3

U12B

U12C

d 1-1

w 4-0

w 4-0

w 1-0

d 1-1

w 1-0

w 5-0

Wellsway

w 7-0

w 3-0

L 0-4

w 6-0

w 8-0

L 2-5

w 6-0

d 3-3

w 8-0

w 3-0

w 7-0

w 8-0

w 5-0

w 3-1

w 12-2

w 2-1

L 2-3

w 6-0

w 9-0

w 5-0

w 4-2

w 7-1

L 1-3

w 12-0

w 1-0

w 8-0

w 5-0

w 9-1

w 2-1

d 4-4

w 6-3

w 3-0

w 1-0

w 3-0

w 3-0

w 2-1

w 3-0

d 0-0

w 4-0

w 8-0

w 6-2

w 8-1

L 0-5

d 0-0

L 0-1

d 2-2

w 4-0

w 3-1

86%

88%

86%

33%

100%

63%

80%

100%

100%

Millfield 71%

w 3-0

100%

100%

63

64

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | SPORT

ORIENTEERING The Avon Schools’ League Despite losing the first event to Redmaids, Kingswood then dominated the League, even scoring the maximum 600 points at four events, which led to an outstanding League victory this year.

Individual League places during the season were:  1st: Wilfrid Whishaw (Year 7) Sebastian Crow (Year 8) Oliver Tonge (Year 9)

Eddie Narbett (Year 13)  2nd: Rohan Harvey (Year 7)

Angus Martin (Year 8)

James Bailey (Year 9)

Lucy Tonge (Year 11)  3rd: Alberta Fryer (Year 7)  Other places Jamie Dale (Year 9, 4th); Henry

McBraida (Year 10, 4th); Callum Chamberlain (Year 9, 5th); Charlie Harden (Year 9, 8th)

...an outstanding League victory this year.

The British Schools’ Score Championships In October, the British Schools’ Score Orienteering Championships took place at Bagworth, Leicestershire; a mixture of woodland and open heath. The Kingswood Lower Secondary team were placed 2nd, with some excellent individual performances including the Year 9 duo of James Bailey and Oliver

Tonge who were 2nd and 3rd respectively, and Lucy Tonge, who ran well; to retain her title.

The British Schools’ Championships & World Schools’ Selection Race A group of Year 9 students trained hard in preparation for the trials for the England team at the World Schools’ Championships which were held at Sutton Park, Birmingham. Unfortunately the selection race did not go to plan for the team, with a few mis-punches and mistakes. Although the team were unsuccessful in this attempt, their efforts over the last year must be praised, especially regarding all the time, commitment and hard work they put in.

Individually however, James Bailey had a superb run to secure 4th place, and consequently a place on the England team to compete in Sicily. In the British Schools’ Championships the following day, the Year 9 boys team (Oliver Tonge, James Bailey and Callum Chamberlain) still managed a creditable 2nd place, despite their efforts the day before. Individually Oliver Tonge was 1st (Year 9), Eddie Narbett 1st (Year 13) and Lucy Tonge 3rd (Year 11).

sPoRT | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

tHe avoN scHools’ cHampioNsHips in March, the Avon schools’ championships were held in very blustery conditions at westonbirt, offering competitors the exciting chance to orienteer in the old Arboretum for the first time.

The Kingswood winners were:  Eddie narbett (Year 13)  oliver Tonge (Year 9)  sebastian crow (Year 8)  wilfrid whishaw (Year 7)

tHe isF World scHools orieNteeriNg cHampioNsHips 2017 This event was held in Palermo, Italy. The first race was the ‘model’ event held at the Event Centre, two hours away from our hotel.

Even though the journey there was very beautiful and passed through some of the most interesting and idyllic towns ever, many people chose sleep over this view, in preparation for the challenge ahead. Arriving at the centre, which was packed with young competitors and police, was an amazing experience although the terrain, which the team was allowed to view, was the worst we had ever seen. we basically had to walk since it was so impassable, and using features to navigate seemed like it would be a guessing game, but luckily as we got further up the hill it seemed a bit more runnable. After the team inspection we were allowed to explore the terrain ourselves, and get in the right mind-set for the long-distance event the next day. day one finished with the opening ceremony back in central Palermo.

At the next day’s event, we went straight into ‘quarantine.’ since i was first off, i went straight through to the start, but others had up to three-anda-half hours to wait. i had a reasonable run coming in 23rd out of about 50, but the terrain was the most vague i had ever known, and required the hardest running i have ever experienced. Luckily my team-mates did well so the team was 4th overall, meaning we had a chance at the podium.

WestWood cHampioNsHips There were very clear team wins this year for both boys and girls. cusworth finished over 100 points ahead of Posnett, with sebastian crow the only pupil to get all the controls and lead the Year 8s home, and will connors winning the Year 7 boys’ competition. Beckford had a clear win in the girls’ race with olivia Patterson the first girl in Year 8, and Molly williams leading the way in Year 7.

NatioNal HoNours

Eddie narbett was selected to run for great Britain at the Junior European cup this summer in Austria.

After a ‘rest’ day of cultural exploration in Palermo, including traditional performances by each team, the last day saw the conclusion of the competition proper, with the Middle distance race. in this i was 4th starter so had about an hour and a half to wait and prepare. i was happy with my first few controls but then got lost on a vague part of forest and lost my confidence. i tried to stay in contact with the map but got lost again on a later control with my compass bearing being off. i eventually got back in 11th place with a final position of 20th. Luckily my team-mates again had very good runs, and we finished an overall 2nd place in the team competition, being presented with medals and a trophy in the closing ceremony.

Mrs Jackie Hallett

James Bailey (year 9)

(Head of Orienteering)

England Team Member: world schools orienteering championship

Year 9 pupils James Bailey and oliver Tonge both ran for England in the interland Match, a competition between Belgium, northern France, germany, England and Holland.

65

66

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | sPoRT

BOyS’ CAPTAin: louis Charley GiRlS’ CAPTAin: ennea Miller-Hunt

JuNior teams The girls u12 and u13 teams were unbeaten in all relay races - both Medley and Freestyle - and they have both had unbeaten seasons. charlotte Hollywood (Year 7) was the pick of these teams.

The u12 Boys also had an unbeaten season, with daniel Adams and will connors producing fantastic win rates.

u16 teams despite having one of the smallest and youngest teams in recent Kingswood history, the u16 girls had a brilliant season, with the second best win rate of the senior teams. This is the biggest squad, with many girls proving themselves as fierce competitors. strong swimmers in this team were Anisha gofton (Year 8), Martha Brain (Year 10) and Jessica Brain (Year 10), with Eleanor duke (Year 8) also contributing, despite injury.

However, the youngster of the

sWimmiNg team, georgia Thompson (Year 7) was the standout swimmer, unbeaten in iM at u16 level.

The u15 Boys achieved yet another unbeaten season, perhaps most

satisfyingly winning every single race against rivals Prior Park. nicholas Baines (Year 10) achieved a record almost as perfect as his beloved hairdo, and Tayo sawyerr (Year 9) never missed a training

tHe sWimmiNg eNd-oF-seasoN speecH tHis year Had tHe tHeme oF ‘top trumps’ - some oF WHicH are reproduced beloW

sPoRT | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

session. Tom connors (Year 9) and Marcus Brend (Year 9) formed part of a relay team who never lost a race, however Lucas Lawman (Year 10) was the backbone of this team, winning all except one of his races. He is statistically the best swimmer, and is also capable of performing in age groups far higher than his own.

opeN teams The open girls didn’t have the strongest season, however this wasn’t through lack of trying, just occasionally a lack of swimmers. izzy Hirsch (Year 12) joined the team late in the season (we wish it had come sooner), and natasha Thornton (Year 12) was a very capable all-rounder, competing in every single stroke at least once and putting in a solid performance each time. Yemi sawyerr (Year 12) dominated the field of Fly, and is one of the most diligent trainers on the team, an inspiration to younger team members.

The open Boys also did not match the records set by younger teams, but always tried their hardest. Both oliver Hall (Year 12) and Jamie Rowley (Year 12) swum consistently.

club aWards & colours coLTs coLouRs: Ana Fox

HALF coLouRs: Ruben cleghorn, oliver Hall and Yemi sawyerr

FuLL coLouRs: Ennea Miller-Hunt (reawarded) Louis charley

MosT iMPRoVEd swiMMER cuP: sterling smith (Year 7)

seNior leavers The following pupils completed their final seasons in Kingswood swimming Teams, and were mentioned, with these comments, in the end of season speech: • Christy Judd – a consistent performer when the team needed her the most • Jessie Davies – one of the most consistent early morning swimmers with deceptive speed; could always be counted on to keep the relay lead • Ruben Cleghorn – the most committed member of the team; once beat Ennea in Fly!

club captaiNs Boys’ captain Louis charley had the best win rate of the senior Boys, and was always a strong contender in any race (including when swimming iM an age-group down!). He proved himself a classy and mature swimmer, able to pull out a win when the team most needed it. girls’ captain Ennea Miller-Hunt set an excellent example at both galas and training sessions, providing coaching expertise and helping out by managing the teams poolside. she performed most of her captaincy jobs before most people knew they needed doing, and without her leadership the team would not only have performed worse, but probably not made it to many galas. There could not have been a better role model for the rest of the girls.

TEncH cuP (awarded to the most successful school swimmer): Lucas Lawman (Year 10)

BEREsFoRd sHiELd (awarded to the person who has made the greatest contribution to Kingswood swimming): Ennea Miller-Hunt (Year 13)

67

68

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | SPORT

CRICKET 1st XI Team Captain: Tommy Phillips | 1st XI Team Vice-Captain: Joe Han-Hauser

This season, the weather was kind for once which meant only a handful of games lost to rain, and a 65% win rate of the matches that were played.

Noah Davis, Rafferty Weston and Louis Kenyon stood out in a strong U12A team, and the U12Bs, who lost only one match, owed a lot to the performances of Oscar Power, Jamie Hart, Will Rawlins and Oliver J Williams. Elliot Ede was the most improved player at this level.

The year group that developed the most were probably the Year 8s, since both teams won more games than they lost having finished with negative records last season. The As relied heavily on Tom Roach for their runs, and their bowling attack was always consistent with Jess Bailey, Rex Evans and James Eayres particularly impressive. They were also helped by Rob Wilson’s astute captaincy. The B’s top performers were Angus Martin and Finn Morris with the bat, and Noah Richardson and Edan Ledbury with the ball.

The U14As would have won more of their close games if they had been more reliable with the bat. Only Ed

Gilpin showed any real consistency, which was a marked difference to the bowling, where Tom Connors and Harry Jones were always dangerous. The U14Bs, however, lost just once with Kit Compton and Johnny Phillips getting regular runs. Newcomer Toby Bates’ leftarm bowling was also a welcome addition to the team.

The U15s finished strongly with three consecutive wins. They looked like a well-balanced team as the top order of Marcus Kershaw, Rory Padkin and Charlie Roach made runs, and the seam attack of Matthew Hooper, Freddy Bayliss and Ashish Tamang impressed. Stephen King was another key player.

In the Seniors, the 3rd team were the only unbeaten side, and the 2nd team lost just twice. Jake Lewis impressed all season as an opening bowler, and Will Jeffery and Joshua Knight scored valuable runs in a number of matches.

scoring the best part of 300 runs, and Nathan’s leg spin always threatening to take crucial wickets.

The Year 12s formed a larger part of the team than in recent years, and they rose to the challenge with great maturity and spirit.

Al MacKenzie’s accuracy as an opening bowler was key in the fielding performances, and he was the team’s leading wicket-taker. With the bat he was equally impressive, his best performance being 61 from just 29 balls (including three consecutive sixes). Henry Brearey’s leg spin always picked up wickets, and he often raised the tempo of our batting displays in the middle order. Harry Hodges also produced some matchwinning spells with his left-arm spin.

1st Team

When the rest of the team struggled with the bat, it was often Oliver Parry who made important runs, scoring two crucial half centuries. Oliver Penney was the heartbeat of the team in the field, joined later in the season by 2nd XI captain William Barnes.

The season for the 1st XI surpassed expectations, coming runners up in the League, only losing the final, deciding, match. This achievement came through a good team ethic, and strength in depth in both departments, which enabled us to beat teams who rather relied on a few star players.

Of the Upper Sixth members of the team, Charlie Patterson bowled exceptionally, proving himself a match for any batsman on the circuit. His final batting average of almost 55, from number 9 and having only been dismissed twice all season, showed his talent.

Nathan Gregg and Hamish Walker both made good starts to their 1st team careers, with Hamish

Adam Tuffery was an exceptionally reliable member of the team, scoring valuable runs down the order and

sPoRT | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

picking up some key wickets with his fast bowling. Likewise, Jake Taylor was a key all-rounder, consistently building partnerships with the bat and bolstering the seam attack.

The vice-captain, Joe Han Hauser successfully made the transition from a number 10 batsman to an opener. He managed two halfcenturies, and scored nearly 300 runs. His partnership at the top of the order with captain Tommy Phillips almost always got the batting off to a positive start. He has also been one of the most natural wicketkeepers that Kingswood has seen.

club aWards & colours coLTs coLouRs: Hamish walker and nathan gregg HALF coLouRs:

Adam Tuffery, Jake Taylor, charlie Patterson, Henry Brearey, oliver Parry, Harry Hodges & Al Mackenzie

FuLL coLouRs:

Tommy Phillips and Joe Han-Hauser

THE cRicKET TRoPHY (for outstanding contribution to one of the Kingswood teams) There were two real contenders for this award. u12 player noah davis had an excellent season, and was the key performer in a very talented team. He produced several match winning innings, and is a dangerous bowler and reliable fielder.

The award this year, however, goes to the 1st Xi captain, Tommy Phillips. A former somerset age group leg-spinner, Tommy has more recently focused on his batting, becoming one of the most consistent openers on the circuit. This season he produced a run of 5 half-centuries in 6 matches, including an innings in which he carried his bat to guide the team to one of their most impressive victories of the season. He has also taken 46 wickets in his 4 years in the first team, and held some memorable catches. His leadership and run-scoring this year have helped the team evolve into a really competitive unit, and he will be sorely missed next year.

1st langley School

2nd

3rd

U15

U14A

U14B

U13A

U13B

U12A

U12B

won

Lost

won

won

Lost

won

Lost

won

won

Lost by 2 wkts

King edward’s

won by 70 runs

Wycliffe

won by 137 runs

won

Kings Gloucester

won by 43 runs

won

Monkton Combe

won by 111 runs

won

won

Bristol Grammar

won by 5 wickets

Tied

Bgs withdrew

won

All Hallows

won

Lost

Lost

Lost

Lost

won

Abandoned

Lost

Abandoned

won

Abandoned

won

Lost

Lost

won

won

Lost

won

won

won

Lost

won

Lost

won

Lost

won

won

Lost

won

won

won

won

won

won

won

Lost

won

won

won

Lost by 11 runs

won

won by 5 wickets

won

Dauntsey’s

Lost by 9 wickets

Lost

Xl Club

Lost by 10 wickets

Headmaster’s Xi

Lost

Lost

Beechen Cliff

Colston’s

Lost

won

won by 56 runs

Prior Park Dean Close

won

won

Lost by 31 runs

MCC

Abandoned

QeH

won by 75 runs

won

KEs (L)

Backwell conceded

Round 2

Monkton (w)

clifton (L)

Round 3

Beechen cliff (L)

CUP MATCHeS Round 1

Win RATe

59%

75%

100%

63%

KEs (L)

22%

88%

BYE

colstons (w)

Monkton (L)

wellsway (L)

50%

57%

67%

86%

69

70

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | sPoRT

atHletics The Athletics Club had yet another successful season, breaking various records and with athletes achieving multiple personal bests. club colours coLTs coLouRs: Lizzie white HALF coLouRs: Rebecca ousby, Kate Hall, and Beth Hirst FuLL coLouRs: Lucy Rowlands, Jessie davies, Jesse daybell and wilf nokes

seNior sports day aWards Awarded to the most successful girl and boy athlete on the day: VicTRiX LudoRuM: Rebecca ousby VicToR LudoRuM Jesse daybell

girls’ atHletics CAPTAin: lucy Rowlands | ViCe-CAPTAin: Jessie Davies The girls continue to grow in strength and numbers. The Junior girls impressed throughout the season with a large contingent of Year 7 and 8 girls stepping up to join established Year 9s. standout performers in this age group this season were:

admirable competitor in the 300m.

• lizzie narbett (1500m)

• Jessie Davies (400m) – new school Record

• ellie Webster (800m, Long Jump) • imogen leakey (100m, High Jump) – new PBs in both events; new school Record in 100m These girls were joined by promising Year 7 newcomers ciara newcastle (1500m) and grace Horswell (300m, 800m, High Jump). competing as a group rather than individually, both Junior girls Relay teams also had some first-class races, often beating very strong opposition. in the intermediate girls, Lizzie white was the strongest athlete, successfully competing at BAnEs and setting a new school Record in the 1500m. in addition, Francesca Ledbury improved her Javelin significantly to be a strong performer, and soraya Yasin was an

The senior girls had a strong season, at times winning over half of the events at a meeting. Athletes and achievements of note in this age group were:

• Kate Hall (A string 100m) • Rebecca Ousby (all round) – new PB in Triple Jump, increasing distance by 80cm to 11.05m (new school Record) • Jesse Akiwumi (100m) • Beth Hirst (shot Put, Javelin) • 4 x 100m Relay team – winners of every race; just missing school Record by 0.6s other regular and dedicated team members included: Kiana Portman, izzy Pope, Abigail wylie and natasha Thornton. in addition, captain Lucy Rowlands and Vice-captain Jessie davies have led by example, producing some first class performances both on the track and in field events.

sPoRT | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

boys’ atHletics CAPTAinS: Jesse Daybell and Wilf nokes There were a number of standout performances for the boys this season. in the senior Boys, both Jesse daybell and wilf nokes enjoyed healthy competition against each other in the sprints and the Long and Triple Jumps, often finishing in the top three in even the most competitive meetings. Both were the core of a highly successful 4 x 100m Relay team, joined by charles so, Archie smith, Max Lines and Founder wan.

Their best result was finishing 3rd, in a time of just over 46s, beating Eton, sherborne, Abingdon, clifton and Marlborough in the process. in the intermediate Boys, nicholas Baines has worked hard towards a sub-12s time in the 100m. oran Hawkins, Harry Bristow and Max Brindley were also all regular podium finishers.

The Junior Boys team improved and grew in numbers throughout the season. notable athletes at this level included: • Toby Bates (Long Jump, Triple Jump) • Tayo Sawyerr (1500m) • Tomiwo Owoseje (shot Put, discus) • Ben Cox (shot Put, discus) • Callum Chamberlain (Hurdles) – new PB • Gustav Asamoah-Bondzie returned after an ankle injury and showed much promise in the 200m, 400m and Triple Jump. The 4x100m • Relay team of Harry Maskell, Ethan Hawtin, dima Mai and Toby Bates were also very successful.

...yet another successful season, breaking various records and with athletes achieving multiple personal bests.

baNes district atHletics cHampioNsHips & eNglisH scHools’ atHletic cHampioNsHips A number of Kingswood athletes competed at the BAnEs district Athletics championships this year. winners in their events were: • imogen leakey (Junior girls High Jump and 100m) • ellie Webster (Junior girls Long Jump and 800m) • lizzie White (intermediate girls 1500m) • Rebecca Ousby (senior girls Triple Jump and 200m) • Ben Cox (Junior Boys shot Put) • Jesse Daybell (senior Boys 200m and Long Jump) The Junior girls team also won their overall competition. in addition, two Junior girls went on to qualify for and compete in the English school’s Athletic championships. in the 800m, Ellie webster came 6th in her heat, missing out on the final by a couple of seconds. imogen Leakey ran a really good 100m heat, recording a Personal Best time. Although she missed out on a semi-final place, she was placed in the top 20 overall.

71

72

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | sPoRT

girls’ teNNis 1ST Vi CAPTAin: ella Reeman | 1ST Vi ViCe-CAPTAin: Susannah Burke

To be able to captain the side this year has been an absolute dream.

This year, Tennis captain Ella Reeman chose to deliver her end-of-season speech in the form of a poem, which is reproduced below. ode to teNNis, 2017 To read this report in the form of a poem seemed like a good idea at the time, But now i’m here i sincerely hope you don’t mock my efforts in making this rhyme. we’re going to start with the year 7s who enjoyed a fantastic first season; The energy and enthusiasm they brought to training was definitely a huge part of the reason.

Evelyn Pilcher has tremendously improved since the first trial, And sophie Farmer is notable for playing all of her matches with a smile.

But player of the season must go to the youngest of the Burke sisters, Romilly, who played with control and precision, shame i can’t say the same for the eldest of the family...

Alice small and Maya Lane were central to the success of the u13 team, while the tactful gamesmanship of the Ardus sisters was also absolutely supreme.

Moving on to Year 9, a number of players show brilliant potential, For example the duo of Andi

newman and Kate Hollywood was absolutely essential. charlotte Houghton is recognised as the most improved player, But pick of the bunch is Lottie davis; i’m just happy i never had to play her! in the u15s, Molly Hamilton’s improvement makes her the deserved winner of that award, whilst the mature craftsmanship of Emily Vaughan regularly gave rise to an impressive scoreboard. in addition, the consistency of Rhea Lewis was always highly appreciated, But player of the season was charlotte scruton after all the matches she dominated. now onto the senior teams where strength in depth was our strongest asset, And the competition for places was definitely the toughest i’ve seen yet.

Therefore we set our standards high; having unbeaten seasons was our aim, which our 3rd team managed this year, winning every single game. over the past few weeks charlotte Fillis has shown some great improvement, whilst Zoe Brown is named best player due to her efficient on-court movement.

sPoRT | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

After hearing a speech at the sports dinner last Friday, i understood the way you can tell how good a school’s sport is right away, is by analysing the strength of their 2nd team, which for us bodes very well, since consistently from match to match we’ve seen its players all excel.

The pairing of Millie sergeant and izzy Jolliffe has been pivotal to the success, But sarah Rawle is pick of the players for her thoroughly reliable on-court finesse.

Finally now to finish with talking about the 1st team, To be able to captain the side this year has been an absolute dream.

Amber Rees-Jones is our very own baby of the team, And her improvement this season has been really extreme. without a doubt she has one of the most powerful serves on the circuit, i’ve thoroughly enjoyed watching all her opponents struggle to return it.

Along with her partner issy Broom’s match play experience it made them a formidable pair, And for a 3rd couple to win as

many matches as they did this season is extremely rare.

Moving on to the second pair we have Ellie Jackson and charlotte crowe, whose intelligent and tactful play makes them an outstanding duo.

Ellie’s groundstrokes are nothing less than perfection, while charlotte’s volleying always draws the crowd’s attention.

Being able to play with susannah Burke this year is a memory i will always treasure; she’s the most positive person i’ve ever played with which has made this season an absolute pleasure.

Her fantastic forehand makes my life very easy at the net, And beating the Monkton first pair in our last ever match for Kingswood is something i’ll never forget.

2nd 5-4

9-0

Monkton Senior & Prep

6-3

8-1

9-0

Dauntsey’s

9-0

8-1

7-2

3rd

Clifton College

5-4

6-3

4th

U15A

Bryanston

7 - 2 5.5 - 3.5 5 - 4

The Royal High School

8-1

5-4

6-3 5-4

9-0

4-5

Wells Cathedral

1.5 - 7.5

6-3

St Mary’s, Calne 5-4

HALF coLouRs: sarah Rawle and Millie sergeant FuLL coLouRs: Ella Reeman, susannah Burke, issy Broom, Ellie Jackson

9-0

9-0

9-0

7-2

8-1

9-0

MosT iMPRoVEd PLAYER sALVER: Molly Hamilton THE BLEATHMAn TRoPHY: (left by former pupil and teacher Becky Bleathman, who was passionate about Tennis, and admired artistry, fair play and good sportsmanship) sarah Rawle PLAYER oF THE sEAson: Ella Reeman

U15B U15C U14A U14B U14C U13A U13B U13C U12A U12B U12C 9-0 9-0

1-8

KeS

Prior Park

coLTs coLouRs: Amber ReesJones, izzy Joliffe, Alice o’gorman, natasha Burke

i’ve had the best time playing tennis for Kingswood over the past few years, so after my final match it really was difficult to hold back the tears!

And finally to all the coaches i’d like to say a big thank you, we’re fully aware that the success of our teams is largely down to everything that you do!

1st Downside

club aWards & colours

3-6 4-5

9-0 9-0

9-0

9-0

6-3

7-2

9-0

6-3

9-0

4-5

8-1

5-4

6-3

4- 2

3-3

5-4 5-4

3-3

6-3

4-5

2-7

8-1

2-4

2-4

1-3

2-4

1-3

4-5

2-7

C

4-2

3-3

3-3

2-4

7-2

9-0

8-1

7-2

4-5

9-0

3-6

6-3

7-2

3-6

1-8

8-1

7-2

7-2

9-0

73

74

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | SPORT

BOYS’ TENNIS 1st VI Captain: Indy Sankosik | 1st VI Vice-Captain: Charlie Roberts

The level of participation amongst Kingswood Tennis players continues to grow. The addition of an Aerobic Tennis training session and early morning practice attracted healthy numbers of boys to the courts, and the Junior activity slot regularly saw 20 – 30 Year 7 and 8 boys indulging in competitive matches and large scale games of ‘Around the World’. A successful season culminated in a highly enjoyable fixture with current and former parents in a genteel tournament against boys, and a few girls, from Years 9 – 13.

In the Junior teams, Ollie J. Williams, Fergus Kerr, Bertie Phillipson, Fergus Matthews, Will Farmer, James Redman, Arthur Gilles and Xavier Gadras all performed especially well in matches. Alex Sedcole may only be in Year 8, but he is a talent for the future, and was never fazed when stepping up to accompany his brother, Johnny, in the 1st VI.

The U14 team had a challenging season, including two wellcontested draws. Max Mohr played well with Oliver Tonge, and other players to watch out for are Toby Bates, Tim Green and Nathan Bode.

The keenest Tennis year group is Year 10. Matthew Cheung and Gabriel Vita impressed throughout, dropping only 2 sets all season, and Matthew Cheung was subsequently recognised as Most Improved Player. Other players who deserve a mention are Jules Hawking, Joe Crosby, Harvey Brooks and Fin Paul.

The future of boys’ tennis with these young guns and more coming through excites the coaching team.

The 2nd team managed to win two thirds of its matches, the highlights being two 9-0 wins against Dean Close and Wycliffe. Alfie Brooks and Zoltan Yasin proved to be a strong pairing before Zoltan was sidelined due to a Hockey-induced injury, but

...they enjoyed a good deal of success through deft touches and intelligent court craft.

sPoRT | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

the team was built mainly around Tom craven, charlie crow, oscar oliphant, Ken Liu, Andrei dinu and Aves cheung. These players trained very hard and made real progress under Mr white’s attentive eye; few boys can now volley better than Aves! in the 1st Vi, the young duo of cameron crowhurst and Johnny sedcole regularly outplayed opposition 3 or 4 years older than them, by virtue of their strong groundstrokes and serves. The first pair comprised of Joe Partridge and vice-captain charlie Roberts, and they enjoyed a good deal of success through deft touches and intelligent court craft. indy sankosik really

stepped up to the plate as captain and worked hard to improve the consistency of his serve and his backhand. He was paired with fellow Hall boy, John Kenny, and they picked up valuable points for the team throughout the season.

At the end of the season, indy and charlie were deserved recipients of Half colours, and after five years in the senior squad, Joe Partridge was awarded colts colours.

All the boys who represented Kingswood boys’ tennis did so with enthusiasm and a smile. The staff involved really enjoyed the season and hope to build on the successes of 2017.

club aWards & colours

1st Vi

coLTs coLouRs: Joe Partridge HALF coLouRs: indy sankosik and charlie Roberts MosT iMPRoVEd PLAYER: Matthew cheung (Year 10) BiggEsT conTRiBuTion To BoYs’ TEnnis: charlie Roberts (Year 12)

1st Vi

2nd Vi

Prior Park

3-6

3-6

Dean Close

5-4

9-0

KeS

5-4

6-0

Monkton Combe

4-5

7-2

Wycliffe

4-5

9-0

Donside

7-2

8-1

Dauntsey’s

5-4

0-9

Sherborne Boys’

2-7

6.5 - 2.5

Warminister

1-8

4-5

Beechen Cliff

3rd Vi

U15

U14

U13

U12

1-8

4.5 - 4.5

36 - 18

18 - 37

4.5 – 4.5

8-8

7-9

3-1

4-5 4-5 6-3

75

76

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | SPORT

EQUESTRIAN 2016/17 proved to be a very busy year for the Equestrian Team, with 16 active members competing regularly for the School, their Pony Clubs, their Riding Clubs, and individually at Affiliated competitions around the country.

The highlights from a memorable year are as follows.

National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA) Events: Rectory Farm Show Jumping - Sept 2016 Individual:

Team:

Anisha Gofton and Naomi Waheed - clear in 70cm class Naomi Waheed, Charlotte Hall (both clear) and Rory Ferguson (4 faults) - just outside the placings in 80cm class

Eventers’ Challenge, Wickstead - Apr 2017 Individual: Rose Betts - competing in both 70cm and

80cm classes

Hannah Spratt - close to optimum time and

only 4 faults, finishing 9th in 90cm class Olivia Sealy - 3rd place in 100cm class

Stonar School Senior One Day Event - Sept 2016

Calmsden One Day Event - Apr 2017

Individual: Anisha Gofton - 10th place in 70cm class

Marnie Lister - 4th place in 80cm class Olivia Sealy - 3rd place in 100cm class Team: Marnie Lister, Rory Ferguson and Charlotte

Hall - 5th in 80cm class Grace Tyrrell and Isla Sandeman - 7th place

in 90cm class

Individual: Lexi Hart - competing for the first time on

a young horse, finishing 2nd in 80cm class

Marnie Lister - 8th place in 80cm class Charlotte Hall (9th), Hannah Spratt (7th) 90cm class Grace Tyrrell and Olivia Patterson - clear in

90cm class Team: Charlotte Hall, Hannah Spratt, Grace Tyrrell

and Olivia Patterson - 3rd place in 90cm class

Arena Eventing, West Wilts EC - Jan 2017 Individual: Rory Ferguson - 4th place in 70cm class

Rory Ferguson and Anisha Gofton - clear

in 80cm class Naomi Waheed - double clear in 70cm &

80cm class Team: Grace Tyrrell, Marnie Lister and Olivia

Patterson - just outside the placings in 80cm

class and also competing in 90cm class.

Marnie Lister’s first competitive round at

this height!

Show Jumping, West Wilts EC - Feb 2017 Individual: Rose Betts - joined the team for her first

event, in 70cm class

Rory Ferguson - maiden clear in 90cm class Team: Naomi Waheed, Rory Ferguson, Olivia

Patterson and Charlotte Hall - just outside

the placings in 80cm class

Rory Ferguson, Charlotte Hall and Olivia

Patterson - 7th of 21 teams in 90cm class

Jumping and Style, West Wilts EC - Apr 2017 Individual: Naomi Waheed - only 4 faults in both the

75cm and 85cm classes and Hannah Spratt competed in 95cm class.

Swalcliffe Park One Day Event - Apr 2017 Will Connors finished on his dressage score of 33 to finish double clear and 7th individually Stonar School Junior One Day Event - Apr 2017 Individual: Rory Ferguson and Marnie Lister - double

clears in 80cm class Charlotte Hall - clear XC in 90cm class Show Jumping, West Wilts EC - May 2017 Individual: Rose Betts (70/75cm); Naomi Waheed,

Rose Betts and Marnie Lister (80/85cm); Charlotte Hall, Grace Tyrrell, Olivia Patterson

and Hannah Spratt (90/95cm); Hannah Spratt

and Olivia Patterson (100/105cm)

SPORT | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

Kingswood Equestrian team members also compete in their own right, and this year has seen some remarkable individual achievements.

The club hopes to be able to continue these school and individual successes in the future, hopefully welcoming new Kingswood riders at all levels to the team.

Naomi Waheed...

Olivia Sealy...

has competed over 30 times for her Pony Club and Riding Club, with many wins and placings. As part of a Pony Club team, she finished 4th overall in the Area Championships, and was also given the rare honour of being a mounted steward at the prestigious Badminton International Horse Trials.

managed to combine studying for her A Levels with amazing riding successes at a very high level. She was part of the Beaufort Pony Club team that won the Area Dressage Championships, qualifying for the National Championships. She was then selected to represent the South West at the Under 25s Dressage Inter Regionals, finishing 5th individually and the team 2nd.

Will Connors... had an amazing year as part of the Beaufort Hunt Pony Club Tetrathlon Team – a specialised event in which competitors run, swim, shoot and ride. In June, Will was selected to compete in the Central England Junior team which triumphed in the Junior Regional Tetrathlon Championships. He later repeated a team 1st place in Tetrathlon at the National Pony Club Championships in June.

...amazing riding successes at a very high level.

Olivia Patterson...

Olivia also represented England at the Home International, in which she won the Novice Restricted Championship over 2 days (the highest-placed rider in the South West Team), and helped the team finish 3rd. She then went on to qualify for the British Dressage National Championships, as well as being invited to parade her stallion at the internationally renowned Burghley International 4* Horse Trials.

also had a busy year, successfully moving from BE90 to BE100 classes at Affiliated events around the country. Representing the Avon Vale Hunt Pony Club in Show Jumping at the Gatcombe International Horse Trials, her team finished 8th out of more than 20 teams.

Olivia also qualified as part of her Pony Club Dressage team for the National Championships, where the team came 7th, and Olivia 8th individually in her section.

77

78

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | SPORT

CROSS COUNTRY Boys’ Captain: Eddie Narbett | Girls’ Captain: Jessie Davies 2017 was a very successful year for Cross Country at Kingswood, with some excellent individual and team performances in house, inter-school and regional competitions.

...a number of strong Kingswood runners qualified to represent the Bath and Bristol Region in the South West Championships.

In the Autumn term, Kingswood played host once again to the BANES County Championships, and had four category winners in Will Connors (Year 7), Ciara Newcastle (Year 7), Ellie Webster (Year 9) and Lizzie White (Year 11). All these, along with a number of other strong Kingswood runners, qualified to represent the Bath and Bristol Region in the South West Championships in Truro.

The team then performed excellently over the course of the Spring term, with many team and individual wins against top schools in the South West and beyond. Particular mention should go to Captain Eddie Narbett who, despite a constantly nagging stitch, managed to win or place second in all of his races. Both the Inter Girls and Boys teams also came home with plenty of podium finishes, and show excellent promise for the future of the club.

The House Cross Country competition at the end of the Spring term was an excellent event, with all of the school community taking part in one form or another. In addition, the introduction of the house Relay event in the Summer term was a great addition to the Cross Country calendar, and proved a spectator favourite as pupils (and staff) battled the steps to the Middle playing fields.

At the end of the season, the club were sad to say their farewells to Mr Matt Jones who has been a large part of the team’s success in recent years, and whose scenic training run routes will be much missed.

CLUB COLOURS Half Colours: Louis Charley Full Colours: Eddie Narbett (reawarded), Jessie Davies

SPORT | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

ATHLETIC DEVELOPMENT This year has seen an exciting new initiative introduced within the PE & Games Department. The Athletic Development program runs throughout the school from Years 7-13, aiming to provide pupils with the athletic foundations from which they can flourish.

By combining the latest evidencebased research with biological ageappropriate application, the program aims to provide an optimal athletic developmental environment for the pupils, and helps to promote injury prevention, strength development, power / speed development and metabolic conditioning.

The Movement Literacy program in Year 7, 8 & 9 now runs as part of the PE curriculum, focusing on motor competency, mobility and basic movement patterns. These

are assessed and developed at an appropriate level, ensuring pupil safety through a steady progression.

Strength & Conditioning in particular has proven to be very popular, with year group ‘S&C’ clubs running most days each week.

The 1st VII Netball squad and the 1st XV Rugby squad have both been involved in team S&C training over the course of the year, showing great physical progression. There has been a notable impact from these training programs, leading to improved

sporting performances and results.

Other popular initiatives have been the numerous speed workshops, the sport performance ‘roundtable’, and a term-long series of leadership workshops.

While only in its first year, the positive attitude and energy of all involved pupils towards Athletic Development has been key to the growth and success of this program.

Mr Digby Webb (Athletic Development Coordinator)

79

80

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | TRiPs & AcTiViTiEs

sports tour...

GiRlS’ TOUR: For the first time ever, 3 hockey teams were involved in the Sports Tour.

t

he party of 38 girls travelled to calgary to begin training. while there we visited the 1988 winter olympic Park, which featured the Jamaican bobsleigh from the movie ‘cool Runnings’ and watched some of the performance athletes training. our first fixtures were against local clubs, and the tour got off to a great start with wins for the 1st and 3rd teams, and a draw for the 2nds. in Edmonton we were thrilled to find the largest mall in north America, for an afternoon of entertainment before our second fixtures against Red deer storm and Edmonton select. This was our first experience

of playing on an American Football field - not quite what we were used to! it was another great set of matches, with our teams all winning.

The journey then continued to the spectacular Rockies, stopping at the columbia icefield for a glacier walk, and at famous ski resort Banff, before continuing on our journey which included a stop at the breathtaking Lake Louise. our next set of fixtures were against the chilliwack Pink Panthers. The 1st team came up against a very physical side, but held their own to come away with yet another win.

A mixture of 2nds and 3rds then played the junior team and won 3-0.

Arriving in Vancouver, to our surprise we ended up participating in a premier league Punjabi sports Festival featuring many canadian, indian and Pakistani international

players on the same pitch as we then played our games. These were the most competitive fixtures we played. The 2nd team were unlucky to draw 1-1, and the 3rd team came up against opposition rumoured to be the best in canada for their age group, which was reflected in a wellfought 4-0 loss. The 1st team played a very tough side which featured someone with 14 caps for canada, but still came away with a 3-2 win. in more matches, this time against a west Vancouver side, the 3rd and 2nd teams drew, however the 1st team went on to win 4-0. The Vancouver team then requested to play our 2nd team again, just beating us 1-0 with stamina in the unfamiliar sun and heat being the deciding factor.

Journeying across the border into the usA, we flew to california to relax on the beach before playing our first tournament at El capitan High school.

Every team came away unbeaten.

The final part of the tour was spent exploring san diego – including its great shopping opportunities! our final set of fixtures were another tournament, again very successful since all teams once again came away unbeaten.

Following these last victories, it was sadly then time to leave, and time to reflect on a successful tour; our 1st team returning unbeaten and the 2nds and 3rds only losing one game each, which goes to show the depth of Kingswood Hockey.

Rebecca Ousby (year 12)

TRiPs & AcTiViTiEs | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

america & caNada BOyS’ TOUR: This summer’s tour to North America was an experience that none of us will ever forget.

o

ur tour party included players who had rarely represented the school, and some who had played every saturday of their time at Kingswood. we quickly had to adapt; to the heat, and to the fact that we were playing with different teammates to usual. our early adventures on tour (including our ‘ugly shirts’) however meant that everyone was able to settle in, and begin enjoying what was going to be a brilliant 18 days. our trips to calgary’s sporting hall of fame were definitely highlights of the first week, and the calgary Tower’s glass-floored, overhanging observation deck gave some people the chance to remember exactly why they hated heights, and others the chance to take some of the incredible photos.

The first matches against calgary irish RFc gave us an insight into

what the Rugby might be like on our tour. The 2nd XV had the honour of playing the first game, working well against a larger opposition.

Their win set the bar high for the 1st XV, whose match was a slightly different affair, pulling away from the opposition through good skills and execution, setting a very high benchmark for the matches to come.

Before playing strathcona druids RFc, time was spent in local billets, where many boys were treated extremely well by their hosts, but not so well that match performance was impaired, and we won both our next games. with all four games in canada won, we were able to relax for the journey through Banff and down to Vancouver, stopping off at Athabasca Falls, giving us a chance to walk on a glacier. The natural scenery was a welcome contrast to our days in calgary, and many appreciated

visiting the alpine town of Banff for an evening. The epic landscapes of canada were amazing, emphasised when we visited the magnificent Lake Louise – the exemplification of the Rocky Mountains. on arriving at chuckanut RFc, we were quickly immersed in American culture. The matches here were the most successful for both teams in terms of points difference, with both the 1st and 2nd XVs coming away with convincing wins. carlsbad, LA, was the final leg of the trip, where we began to realise the ‘American dream’ we had wanted so much. with a large, sandy beach and a surf shop both on the doorstep of the Army and navy Academy where we were staying, many of the boys relaxed and enjoyed themselves in the final few days. despite this, both teams put in coherent and structured performances in their final matches of the tour, continuing their unbeaten record.

To finish, we visited theme parks and water parks, and had our first experience of professional baseball at the Houston Astros’ stadium. Here we took the opportunity to dress up again, utilising our shirts and ties, and combining these with sunglasses, shorts and flip-flops to make sure we stood out for the cameras. These last few days were a perfect way to finish off what was a successful but entertaining and educational tour, packed with genuinely ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunities.

Gregor Morton (year 12)

81

82

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | TRIPS & ACTIVITIES

India & HimalayaS In July, 23 students from Years 10 to 12 and three members of staff travelled to northern India to broaden horizons, learn about culture, religion, geography and politics, and meet new people.

T

he trip was aimed at building on students’ understanding of academic subjects such as RS, Geography and Politics, but what we came away with certainly surpassed these limits.

First we travelled to New Delhi, then up to Amritsar, next taking a long drive through the beautiful Punjabi region up to a town in the foothills of the Himalayas called Dharamshala, the site of the Government of Tibet in Exile. We spent the majority of our trip in and around this town, before again travelling to Delhi and Agra where we had the exciting opportunity of visiting the Taj Mahal.

We visited many other holy sites including the Golden Temple in Amritsar, an international pilgrimage destination for Sikhs. Here we helped out as (not so skilled!) volunteers, making chapattis for the up to 100,000 pilgrims who the temple feed every day, free of charge. Despite our lack of skill and the language barrier, for most of us this experience was one of the most memorable.

We were also guided around a Hindu temple which led to another highlight of the trip when we were invited to receive a blessing from a local priest and then sing with him. The exchange of music, with a few shaky renditions of some well-

known songs (carried by Kingswood Chamber Choir members), was well received by the locals.

The religion which fascinated us most was Buddhism. We had the privilege to visit Buddhist monasteries and nunneries, and were introduced to the extraordinary lifestyles of these devout and deeply spiritual people.

RS students in particular were thrilled when we were visited by a Buddhist monk who talked to us about secular ethics and Buddhist philosophy, and clarified complicated concepts with which we had struggled all year in class.

Further to this, on our visit to the temple of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala, we gained an insight into the Tibetan Buddhist organisation and a sense of the importance of the Dalai Lama in the lives of these Buddhists.

The cohabitation of the different religions in India in an atmosphere of peaceful harmony left a profound impact on many students. The contrast between this and the West is remarkable; I think that we all left with a greater appreciation of the need for tolerance in today’s society.

Tibet was another focus of our trip.

Given the large Tibetan population

TRIPS & ACTIVITIES | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

of Dharamshala, we met many people who had fled the occupation by the Chinese Government, and visited many NGOs focused on helping these refugees, for example Dolls for Tibet. Everyone came back from the trip knowing more about the history and continuing struggles of the Tibetan people - in exile and those still in China.

A highlight was the ‘Kindness’ workshop with local school children which happened at Tong Leng, a school set up to provide local slum children with an education.

This was one of the fondest memories of the trip for the whole group. As well as the cooperative workshop, we played sports with the children, predictably being beaten at cricket. Everyone was hugely impressed by how good their English was, whilst their constant excitement and warm spirits were touching.

Another memorable encounter was the game of ‘Kabaddi’ we played with some local school children in their village which instantly broke down any cultural barriers. We also experienced a similar feeling of excitement at the Tibetan Children’s Village when we greeted the children with soft toys and bubbles.

...we all left with a greater appreciation of the need for tolerance in today’s society.

Going to a country which is so different from the UK was a big cultural shock for many of us. But none of those who went on the trip would say this was a negative. From the unusual sights of poverty, different landscapes and new colours, the smells, trying new Indian foods, and the language, India undoubtedly delivered. Our encounters with local monkeys on the roofs of our hotel and cows blocking the roads were exciting. The trip also offered Hindi lessons, tailored traditional dress, and Punjabi dancing lessons. The extensive markets in Ganj gave us the chance to bring home some souvenirs, and the joy of watching each other struggle to haggle with the locals.

We tried to capture all of the memories we could in the many thousands of photos we took between us, some of which really show the natural beauty and bright colours of the places we visited. All who went will hold memories of this trip for many years, with so much learnt and so many things seen. Thanks must go to the staff who accompanied the trip, our trek leader Pat, and to local guides Sachin and Vinnay to whom the students all feel grateful for their efforts in organising everything for us.

Jasper Davis (Year 12)

83

84

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | TRIPS & ACTIVITIES

Iceland 2016 In October 2016, 44 students from Years 10 – 12 spent five days on an action packed trip enjoying the wonders of Iceland.

T

he ‘characters’ began to emerge before we left the airport and the good spirits continued throughout. This was to everyone’s credit since for much of the time the Icelandic weather was very unpredictable and generally wet! No one complained; instead they willingly donned their waterproofs at each stop and piled out of the bus to be excited and awed by the Icelandic landscapes.

For anyone who hasn’t had the pleasure of visiting Iceland, much of the landscape is uneven, black / grey basalt that looks like it has very recently forced its way out of the earth and cooled mid-flow (which, in geological terms, it has).

Not much grows there apart from vivid green mosses and lichens which add to the character of the

place. Black volcanic beaches, with pounding surf, hexagonal columns in the basalt cliffs, towering waterfalls, eerie icebergs calving in a pro-glacial lake, erupting geysers, a chance to see two adjoining tectonic plates – what more could Geographers want? A walk on a glacier, perhaps, giving us a better understanding of the power of nature and the shrinking ice stores around the world; and of course, a chance to see the northern lights?

We had almost given up on that prospect, due to the persistent cloud cover. Following a snowstorm on our final journey back to Reykjavik, the clouds broke, temperatures plummeted and the opportunity we had been hoping for presented itself.

After our evening swim in the pool, we wrapped up warmly and went to

What more could Geographers want?... the darkest place we could find to wait and watch for the atmospheric show.

We were not disappointed as the pink, white and green lights swirled and danced around our heads for about an hour. This was a fitting end to a most enjoyable trip. Bring on Iceland 2018!

Mrs Debbie Jenner (Head of Geography)

TRIPS & ACTIVITIES | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

...to be excited and awed by the Icelandic landscapes.

85

86

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | TRIPS & ACTIVITIES

Drama Trip to New York In March, the Drama Department took 29 students from Years 11 to 13 to New York.

The trip got off to an exciting start with the group visiting the Empire State Building at night, seeing the city lit up in the dark.

T

he next day we took part in a workshop teaching us acting skills and techniques we could use when portraying characters. Throughout the trip we also took part in a stage combat workshop and were lucky enough to talk to a member of the cast of the Broadway show ‘Kinky Boots.’

We were lucky to see two shows: a new musical Anastasia and Kinky Boots which was a clear favourite with the majority of the group. Both were fun, lively musicals with lots to see.

We were also able to visit the NBC studios and do a studio tour, seeing where Jimmy Fallon hosts The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. After this we also went up to the ‘Top of the Rock’, a viewing area at the top of the Rockefeller Centre. That our view of the city was somewhat obscured by the low hanging cloud did not however diminish this experience. Amongst all of this, we still found time to adventure along 5th Avenue and do some shopping – a must when visiting New York!

All of the students and staff who came on this trip had such an amazing time, and we would like to thank Mrs Nash for organising such a brilliant experience for all of us, and to all the staff who also came and made it such fun.

Hellie Painter (Year 12)

TRIPS & ACTIVITIES | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

Junior ski trip to FLACHAU, AUSTRIA

87

88

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | TRIPS & ACTIVITIES

German Trip Rhineland In October half-term, over seventy (!?) sleepy Year 8 and 9 students boarded the overnight coach to Cologne for the biennial Rhineland trip.

W

e started with a tour up Cologne Cathedral, which gave everyone who climbed a breath-taking view of the city (and a sense of accomplishment after triumphing over the 533 steps!). Students were then sent on a race around the city, answering their questionnaires as efficiently as possible in order to prove their linguistic prowess. And if the ‘Berliner’ and ‘pommes frites’ that they had to acquire weren’t enough to keep the students going, then they were fortunate enough to be visiting the Lindt factory that afternoon.

Needless to say, everyone enjoyed learning about the production of chocolate, how to distinguish good quality from poor, and the value of cocoa in trade (the latter prompting one student to philosophically state, “So you could say money did grow on trees.”). However, judging from the amount that was purchased from

the gift shop, they possibly enjoyed tasting the chocolate even more than learning about it.

Another highlight of the trip was the river cruise down the Rhine.

The misty atmosphere was suitably spooky for going past the Lorelei Rock, although thankfully nobody was lured in by the siren’s singing…

We were, however, all lured in by the delicious ice creams that afternoon, and enjoyed a very competitive afternoon of bowling (although Mr Francis was undoubtedly the champion, scoring over two hundred points in his first match).

Over the next couple of days, students were also able to enjoy a day in Phantasialand (a German theme park), a quick stop in a Haribo outlet to stock up on supplies, and lunch in Bruges on the return trip.

Miss Charlotte Wormald

...answering their questionnaires as efficiently as possible in order to prove their linguistic prowess.

“My two favourite parts of the trip were Phantasialand and the ice-cream café.

I enjoyed Phantasialand because the log flume gave me such an adrenaline rush, I had to do it twice!

For those who didn’t do it, imagine gently floating down a stream with calming music, and suddenly the ground comes away beneath you and you plummet down.

The apple strudel that I ate at the café was too good even to describe – it was like a little warm, cinnamon apple pocket of deliciousness. Thank you, Mr Duke, for taking us!”

Rory Ferguson (Year 8)

TRIPS & ACTIVITIES | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

89

For this year’s French exchange, a group of five Year 10s (including me) hosted our French correspondents in December.

S

ince we live in Bath (a world heritage city), we wanted to make our exchanges’ experiences as amazing as possible, so along with their pre-planned schedule, we also took them to play mini-golf and ice skate, and they accompanied us to school events such as the Winter Ball as well as the Upper playing fields to watch our Hockey matches (a typically chilly ‘Kingswood’ experience!). We also managed a trip to the cosmopolitan food ‘heaven’ Jimmy Spices, which, safe to say, everyone enjoyed.

Unfortunately the time flew by too fast and we had to say our goodbyes for the first time.

A few months passed and before we knew it, it was time to set off to Toulouse – how exciting! We left on the last day of the Spring term - just missing House Cross-Country (!?) to catch our flight, with most of us practising our French until we arrived and each of us was whisked away by our host families.

...the highlight for me was the different atmosphere in France...

We had lots of exciting activities planned, such as a culinary course, a guided tour of Toulouse, going to a few lessons in a French school, and a scenic cycle along with some interesting museums and lots of other things. As well as all this, a few of us met up and went to play laser tag, which was absolutely amazing!

I think the highlight for me was the different atmosphere in France; speaking a completely different language, and of course spending a week in a different country with a bunch of your friends, what else could you want?

And at the end of it all, you can’t visit France without having a croissant to finish off!

I enjoyed the trip immensely since it helped both my French and my confidence. I would definitely recommend the experience to anyone!

Alix Keates (Year 10)

THE FRENCH EXCHANGE

90

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | TRiPs & AcTiViTiEs

tHe germaN eXcHaNge In December, 18 students walked out of the school gates, onto a coach, onto a plane, onto some tarmac… with the eventual result of arriving in Deutschland for our exchange visit.

a

ls wir in Deutschland waren, we first met our partners.

They were, naturally: a) extremely nice; and b) very much better at English than we at german! And i am sad to say that consequently many of us gave up early and reverted to English in discourse during the trip. on our first day, we spent time at our exchanges’ school: das Schillergymnasium, listening attentively to the german lessons before later visiting the great german town of Münster. we went to a christmas market – at which some ordered Currywurst, to supplement the already overly bounteous lunches

provided by our host families – and took ourselves off exploring the town.

The rest of the trip comprised visits to many other places (which are too numerous, and too varied to write about individually), but there was also a large amount of free time (not complaining!), in which we were supposed to speak as much german as possible, and also ensure that each person had a minimum Haribo mass of 10kg in our bags (or alternatively in our bodies). Even when we visited some (abandoned) mines, before being told, to our disappointment, that no tours actually went underground (too dangerous apparently), we

enjoyed the excellent facilities nevertheless, such as the 30 metre long downwards escalator where some people (okay, this included me) wondered how difficult it would be to run up it. whilst two of my companions thoughtfully gave way to an old german lady, i erratically stormed past, reaching the top in first place!

Thus we enjoyed the tours, trips and towns we visited, but perhaps understated thus far in this report are our exchange partners. They were excellent people, who looked after us well, and who were the icing on the Lebkuchen of one of my favourite Kingswood school trips.

Also important were the staff who accompanied us - Mrs Morris and Mr Reeman - who not only were the responsible and more mature members of the trip, but who were also excellent company.

This concludes the summary of a hervorragenden und erstaunlichen Ausflug; i look forward to returning next year.

Henry McBraida (year 10)

TRIPS & ACTIVITIES | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

THE SPANISH EXCHANGE On arrival in Moralzarzal, at Leonardo da Vinci Bilingual School, we finally met and spent the evening with our exchange families, after having previously communicated via social media.

W

e then returned to school to have a morning of lessons. It was interesting to compare these to Kingswood their classes were much bigger and there was even a subject teaching you how to be a good citizen, called ‘Valores Eticos’. Later we walked to the Plaza de Toros for a guided tour which gave us an insight into the cultural significance of bull fighting in Spain.

The next day we split up and went off with our exchanges and their families, having a variety of different experiences.

Andrei went to the small village Fuente Pelayo, and played football with friends of his exchange until late in the evening. He ate dinner at 11pm, which was very different to his normal supper time at 5:30pm! The next morning, he left for Segovia where he visited an art gallery and a local castle before later having the exciting experience of watching a traditional bull run. His family also took Andrei to visit a typical Spanish Catholic church and to sample a number of traditional Spanish dishes in different tapas restaurants!

Alice also experienced Spanish life. Accompanied by her Spanish family, she visited a nearby castle

in Manazares before enjoying a delicious, homemade paella lunch.

She then travelled to Segovia where she met with Grace, Lauren and their exchanges for ‘cochinillo’ before walking around the historical town centre and seeing its many famous monuments, including the 15km long wall of Segovia, which was used to transport water in Roman times.

We also visited Toledo, the old capital of Madrid. With a tour guide we had a chance to visit a mosque, a cathedral (incredibly ornate, and the second biggest in Spain) and a synagogue, allowing us to see how three different religions are able to live in harmony together in the city. Each day also included free time to explore and buy souvenirs, including the worldfamous marzipan from Toledo.

Later in the trip, we visited different parts of Madrid, having a guided tour of both old Madrid and literary Madrid before having the chance to sample some authentic Spanish tapas, including calamari, patatas bravas, flan, tortilla and croquetas. Needless to say, this was absolutely delicious and definitely a highlight of the trip!

We would all highly recommend going on the trip since it was a fantastic cultural experience and benefitted not only our accuracy but also our confidence in speaking Spanish.

Grace Tyrrell, Alice Kennedy, Neve Matthews, Andrei Dinu (Year 12)

...we split up and went off with our exchanges and their families, having a variety of different experiences.

91

92

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | TRIPS & ACTIVITIES

Normandy Battlefields Trip In the first week of the Summer holiday, 28 Year 9 students and 4 staff travelled to France to see the sites associated with D-Day and the Battle for Normandy, which was the campaign launched by the Allies in 1944 to liberate France and hasten the defeat of Nazi Germany.

T

he group visited many of the key locations along the Normandy coast that were central to the story of D-Day, 6th June 1944, when a vast Allied invasion fleet composed mainly of US, British and Canadian forces crossed the Channel and fought their way onto the Normandy beaches. Among these were Omaha Beach, one of the American sectors made famous in the film Saving Private Ryan, and Arromanches, scene of one of the ‘Mulberry’ floating harbours, which were designed at Kingswood during the war when the school was taken over by the Admiralty. The group also visited some fascinating exhibitions, such as the Caen Memorial Museum, as well as US,

British and German cemeteries which vividly illustrated the scale of the sacrifice during the campaign. Kingswood, like many communities, suffered loss as a result of the Battle for Normandy, and the group was able to pay their respects at the grave of Old Kingswoodian Derek Grange, who was killed in August 1944, aged just 21. The staff would like to thank all the students for being such fantastic company throughout the week – they were a credit to themselves and the school. Many thanks also to the staff who accompanied the trip: Mr MacDonald, Mr Woodgate, Mr Newbould and Miss Thomas.

Mr Peter MacDonald (Head of History)

...the group was able to pay their respects at the grave of Old Kingswoodian Derek Grange, who was killed in August 1944, aged just 21.

TRIPS & ACTIVITIES | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

93

Year 12 Politics Trip to the Houses of Parliament In November, Year 12 Politics students arrived in a bustling Parliament Square ready for a tour of the world famous Houses of Parliament.

M

eeting in Westminster Hall, the site of key historical events such as the coronation of Henry VIII and the trial of Charles I, students experienced a tour of the Palace of Westminster, taking in rooms of historical and royal importance, the House of Lords debating chamber, impressive statues and priceless art works, sightings of MPs, Secretaries of State and various Lords (most of whom were on first name terms with the Rev. Hull!) and even watching the Speaker’s Procession make its way into the House of Commons for the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement.

Following this, the group were immensely lucky to delve deep into the bowels of the building, to gather in a committee room and hold an open discussion with Lord Griffiths, a Labour peer, and ex-parent and governor of the School. Lord Griffiths’ no-nonsense, honest and relaxed attitude greatly impressed us all, and he answered questions on topics such as House of Lords reform, the impact of Brexit, immigration and the refugee crisis, electoral reform, and the engagement of young people in politics. Our luck continued when Lord Griffiths showed us into the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft beneath Westminster Hall (usually completely

closed to tourists), which contains the broom cupboard where Suffragette Emily Davison hid the night before the 1911 census, so that she could record her address as the House of Commons. We were all overwhelmed by this access to a place of such political and historical significance.

The day ended with a visit to the Public Gallery in the House of Lords Chamber to watch House of Lords Questions, in which members challenged representatives of the government on a number of key issues. These included the use of force by police when making arrests, proposed cuts to the Royal Navy and the price of Justin Bieber tickets. Whether all members of the House knew who Justin Bieber is, was a debate for another day.

Amongst all the amazing prearranged parts to the visit, the

To be part of a normal working day in the Houses of Parliament was a truly unforgettable experience. group were blown away by chance meetings and sightings of eminent politicians: Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson on his way to lunch, MP Jacob Rees-Mogg rushing late into the House of Commons chamber, Baroness Chakrabarti giggling over the acronym ‘BOTS’ in the debate, and Black Rod interrupting a conversation between Baroness Cox and (of course) our very own Rev. Hull. To be part of a normal working day in the Houses of Parliament was a truly unforgettable experience.

The school would especially like to thank Lord Griffiths for his generous hospitality and organisation of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Mrs Sarah Herlinger (Teacher of History & Politics)

94

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | TRiPs & AcTiViTiEs

overvieW

We have had a large number of Year 10 students undertake Bronze Duke of Edinburgh this year, with over 70 students participating in the final qualifying expeditions in June. silver numbers have been our highest ever, with 22 Year 11 students going on the final qualifying expedition, whilst at gold we finished the year with two groups completing their qualifying and a further two their practice. in order to complete the duke of Edinburgh Award, the participants must complete 3 sections as well as the expedition. 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.

duKe oF ediNburgH broNze QualiFyiNg eXpeditioNs –

silver traiNiNg eXpeditioN –

meNdips aNd Forest oF deaN

QuaNtocKs

due to the large number involved, two Qualifying Expeditions were run simultaneously in June, with the majority of Year 10 participants completing two days either in the Mendip Hills or the Forest of dean. groups in both expedition areas enjoyed fine weather and clear visibility, but had high temperatures to contend with on sunday which represented a challenge when carrying heavy rucksacks over undulating terrain. However, all of the groups made excellent progress over the two days, and were able to navigate with far greater accuracy by sunday afternoon than they had during saturday morning.

TRIPS & ACTIVITIES | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

Gold Training Expedition – Brecon Beacons Silver Qualifying Expedition - Exmoor The Silver Qualifying Expedition represents a great way for Year 11 students to celebrate the end of their GCSE examinations, and it was great to see so many doing so this year. The Expedition area is in the beautiful Exmoor National park, where groups are able to enjoy great views from Dunkery Beacon, as well as over the Bristol Channel. Walking from Bridgetown to Simonsbath, the routes are long and challenging, but the groups did manage to secure some great camping spots (despite the extremely annoying flies and midges that were in the campsite in high number) and were able to pass this part of the award.

Gold Qualifying Expedition – Lake District During the first week of the summer holidays, 19 students undertook their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Qualifying Expedition in the Lake District.

The groups enjoyed some fine weather and varied but testing routes.

During the first day, groups ascended nearly 700m in the morning alone. Luckily, on both days 1 and 2, they were rewarded with some great views of the Langdale Valley, as well as Bow Fell and Scafell Pike. On day 3, the groups enjoyed the delights of Patterdale and some lakeside camping on Ullswater, while on day 4, one of the practice groups managed to get some scrambling done on Striding Edge as they summited Helvellyn. The two qualifying groups impressed the external assessor who wrote a glowing report on each of the participants and passed this section of the award for them.

Thanks must go to the many staff who assisted with all of the training and expedition weekends, as well as congratulations to all students who were involved.

Mr John Davies (Head of Co-Curricular)

95

96

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | TRIPS & ACTIVITIES

Training This year, training walks took place in the Mendips, the Marlborough Downs and on Dartmoor for two weekends. As ever, competition for places on the team was fierce, with many strong walkers in evidence.

...competition for places on the team was fierce, with many strong walkers in evidence

Ten Tors 2017 Expedition 2017 Both of Kingswood’s Ten Tors teams successfully completed their 35 mile routes on Dartmoor.

Conditions were generally good for the weekend, although everybody endured a cold and windy night on Friday at Okehampton Army Camp before the expedition began.

Setting off at 7am on Saturday, the teams made excellent progress down the eastern side of the moor before facing challenging legs later in the day. Both teams reached their 7th tor just before 8pm and camped there for the night.

On Sunday, both teams made an early start, waking before 5am, and finished their routes within just over an hour of each other in the early afternoon.

The successful teams this year were: Kingswood A • Emma James (Leader) • Freya Disney • Niamh Goodwin • Molly Hamilton • Bridie Knox • Emily Vaughan Kingswood B • Nicholas Baines (Leader) • Darcy van Gerwen • Henry McCollom • Ben Shardlow • Noah Small • Ashish Tamang

TRiPs & AcTiViTiEs | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

97

year group HiKes During the year, several hikes were well-attended, with many pupils enjoying the experience – good preparation for the challenges of Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and Ten Tors in years to come.

The year 7 Hike happened in november, with 26 pupils successfully completing a route from selsley common to dursley along sections of the cotswold way. The weather was kind and all enjoyed fine views of the River severn, particularly from the summit of cam Long down.

35 Year 8 pupils then completed a hilly 8 mile circular walk in the Mendips for the year 8 Hike. Luckily the rain had passed by the time the walk began and although it was very muddy underfoot, conditions were generally excellent with lots of sunshine and great views.

in May, 74 pupils completed the year 9 Hike in the Black Mountains. Three groups completed different circular routes from the village of Llanbedr in excellent weather for walking, and were able to enjoy fine views from the summits.

The pupils were excellent company and walked very well, coping with some considerable height gain and distance, as well as some difficult conditions underfoot.

year 13 WelsH tHree peaKs cHalleNge In July, a group of Year 13 pupils and staff celebrated the end of examinations by completing the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge. starting at 6am from Pen-y-pass Youth Hostel, the group summited snowdon, cadair idris and Pen y Fan in just 8 hours of walking. driving between the peaks took a further 8 hours, and the group arrived back at Kingswood tired but satisfied at 10pm.

The weather for snowdon and cadair idris was reasonably dry but visibility was often very poor, however, conditions improved during in the day with some welcome bursts of sunshine and lovely views in the afternoon.

The pupils coped very well with the varied conditions and were pleasant company throughout the trip. Mr Burgon must also be thanked for his vital role as support staff and driver.

98

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | TRiPs & AcTiViTiEs

circuit oF batH WalK year 9 & 12 boarders’ campiNg WeeKeNd Over the first weekend of the school year, 63 Year 9 and Year 12 boarders and 9 staff enjoyed superb weather whilst camping in the Forest of Dean.

a

fter pitching their tents, students enjoyed a fantastic barbeque followed by lots of singing round the camp fire.

Morning dawned early for many bleary-eyed campers who were short of sleep but nonetheless remained in high spirits as they set off for their activities which included raft building, caving and climbing.

Morning dawned early for many bleary-eyed campers...

Well done and thank you to the 62 pupils and staff who walked an 8km section of the Circuit of Balk Walk to raise money for Julian House.

b

oarders from Hall and Fonthill walked from Kingswood to Bathampton Mill, whilst boarders from Middle, summerhill and school walked in the opposite direction. despite a few brief showers, the sun shone for most of the time and the views of Bath were as spectacular as always. it is part of a longstanding tradition for boarding pupils to participate in the walk and, as is customary, the chaplain makes a contribution to support Julian House in recognition of their efforts.

STAFF & LEAVeRS | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

STAFF FAREWELLS At the end of the academic year, the Kingswood community bade farewell to the following members of staff. The valedictions below are adapted from words shared by the Headmaster with the School in the end of term assembly.

Mr Charles Burkinshaw Computer Science Mr Burkinshaw was with us for just one year, playing an important role in the teaching of Computer Science.

The School were seeking someone to take this on and, by sheer good fortune, found Mr Burkinshaw, an experienced and talented teacher and Head of Department, who happened to be returning from overseas. During the time he was here, he showed real commitment to his classes and took on the challenge of teaching a subject which, perhaps of all, is the most fast-changing. He now embarks on a new career as an IT Trainer.

now moves on to Hertford, to take on some further study and, in due course, continue with teaching; any future school that secures her services will be very lucky indeed.

Mr Matt Jones Business and Economics

and many pupils benefited from his naturally generous nature and terrific sense of humour! It was no great surprise therefore, given his all-round talents, that Mr Jones was snapped up by Prior Park as their new Head of Economics and Business; part of Mr Jones’ plan to either attend or be employed by as many Bath schools as possible!

We wish him luck in this new position and institution.

Mr Mike Haynes Director of Music

Mrs Alex Campbell English Mrs Campbell joined the School three years ago to teach English.

Anybody who had the privilege of having Mrs Campbell as a teacher knows how very fortunate they were. She is hugely talented – a gifted communicator, a natural innovator, someone with a real talent for getting the very best out of each student. She has great personal warmth, and she helped many pupils to grow in their selfbelief, and achieve extraordinarily impressive things. She has also taken a lead role in developing the School’s MUN programme; this has grown in the past couple of years and Mrs Campbell’s dedication and expertise have been a crucial part of this. She was also involved in Westwood, where her supportive nature was always very much appreciated. What is even more extraordinary in all this is that Mrs Campbell was, officially at least, only a part-time teacher! Mrs Campbell

Mr Jones also joined the School three years ago, having previously enjoyed great success as a programme leader at City of Bath College. He was looking for a new experience, and Kingswood definitely offered him that. He, in return, offered the School much in so many areas. An engaging and committed Sixth Form teacher, he formed a formidable partnership with Mr Hills in the Economics and Business Department, which has enjoyed so many recent successes.

He was also a terrific tutor in Hall House, and made a hugely varied contribution to the wider life of the school, from Young Enterprise to cycle maintenance to sports coaching to DofE – and that is just a selection. It is one thing to have all these gifts and interests; it is another to be prepared to give up time to share them with young people. Mr Jones is a natural giver

Mr Haynes joined Kingswood in 2013 as Head of Academic Music, forming a formidable partnership with our then Director of Music, Mr Mainwaring. He came here having already enjoyed great success in a range of schools, and he immediately made a significant impact, both in terms of classroom music, but also in the broader musical life of the school. What, of course, none of us knew at the time was that Mr Mainwaring would soon be off to pastures new and that various changes in the Music Department would see Mr Haynes initially called on to be Acting Director of Music and, then to take

99

100

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | STAFF & LEAVERS

on that role on a permanent basis.

Throughout this time, Mr Haynes ensured that Kingswood Music has thrived and remained central to the life of the School; he has worked tirelessly to ensure we are a school where music is for all, whilst also properly nurturing and supporting our real stars. His own skills as a musician, and especially as a pianist, are, of course, phenomenal, but it is the ability and desire selflessly to share these that defines the very best teachers, and Mr Haynes is one of those very best teachers. Running music in a school is not for the faint-hearted, requiring as it does great stamina, endless enthusiasm, a good dose of tolerance and, occasionally, an iron fist. It is not the easiest job in the school, but it can be one of the most rewarding. Mr Haynes put so much into our music over the past four years and he must be thanked most sincerely for that. He moves now back into a role running Academic Music, this time at the renowned Malvern College, which is a little closer to his home.

Mr Stephen Campbell Head of English

him to develop a department to which many others understandably look for inspiration. He is a deep thinker about education, and someone who never rests on his laurels – there is, in Mr Campbell, that sense that we can all do things differently and better. He is focused very much on outcomes for students and, with such a lively mind, he is able to see new ways of doing things which might inspire greater self-confidence in the School’s learners. He is an absolutely first-rate teacher himself, of course, and an equally impressive tutor, for strong as he is on developments in teaching and learning and on classroom innovation, he is also , and rather importantly, very people-focused and has real strengths in building loyalty amongst students and staff.

Although Mr Campbell’s time with us was relatively short, what he achieved in that short time many would not in twice as many years – and that is no exaggeration.

However, the most talented will always be in demand and, once Mr Campbell had decided that he wished to move into a senior management role, it was inevitable that a top school would come knocking. He moves now to be the Academic Deputy at Haileybury, a terrific move for him personally and, secondly, a reflection of the esteem with which other top schools see Kingswood that they should come knocking at its door to find their senior leaders.

the very highest level. He has also been a fine tutor, has been much involved with DofE, and since last September has led our Gifted and Talented programme, an obvious responsibility for someone with academic breadth and a range of Interests – his first degree was actually in History, with his specialism in modern languages coming later. Mr Legg also gave particular emphasis to public speaking – another of his interests – and introduced Inter-House debating to the School, an initiative which we have much enjoyed and which is now very firmly established in the school calendar.

However, to do all of this, he has commuted some distance, and now moves to Wellington School, where his experience will stand him in good stead and where the daily commute will be on foot!

Mr Jean-Michel Legg

Miss Donovan joined Kingswood in 2009. In interview she was the least experienced teacher in a very strong field of applicants – at the time of the appointment completing her teacher training at Bristol, where she had also gained a first class degree – and was also competing against others who were clearly a terrific match for Kingswood. Miss Donovan, however, was the stand out candidate - bright, driven, full of interesting ideas, a wide range of interests – and it was brilliant that she accepted the offer of the post.

In her eight years at the School she has more than lived up to the

MFL

Mr Campbell came to Kingswood four years ago as Head of English.

It must have been quite a leap of faith on his part for him to agree to join the School from his position at an international school in Kuala Lumpur. But we are very glad that he did! English really thrived under his intelligent, perceptive and innovative leadership. He built a very strong team of like-minded teachers who worked closely with

Mr Legg joined five years ago to teach Modern Languages, and especially Spanish, at a time when that language was becoming increasingly popular. He has been a crucial part of the team that, under Mr Walker’s leadership, has properly established Spanish at Kingswood, and has also made an important contribution to our French teaching. He has real presence in the classroom and has always been committed to ensuring each pupil challenges themself to

Miss Katie Donovan EPQ Co-ordinator; Geography

STAFF & LEAVERS | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

promise she showed at interview.

She has been an outstanding teacher of Geography, contributing hugely to the outstanding successes and development of that department. She is a first-rate classroom teacher who not only knows her subject well, but who has the skills and imagination to put that across at all levels. But that is only part of the story. An incredibly committed tutor, she was also for some time resident in school as part of the Fonthill duty team, and she has coached sports throughout her time here, giving up many Saturdays to run her teams. More recently, she took on the leadership of EPQ, and has done so with great skill, great commitment and great energy. This has become a huge responsibility, and she has done it brilliantly, establishing EPQ – which has grown significantly under her expert leadership - as something very important to the Sixth Form programme. In every way, Miss Donovan has left quite a legacy.

Sadly for the teaching profession, she is now stepping away to pursue a career, in the first instance at least, with the Environment Agency.

They are very lucky to have her; Miss Donovan does not know how to do anything in a half-hearted manner, and many have benefited from her immense generosity over the past eight years. Kingswood will miss her greatly, but wish her every success in her new career.

Mrs Maria Brennan Mathematics Mrs Brennan was appointed some ten years ago as a part-time teacher of Mathematics and many pupils have, over those years, benefited from her very fine teaching. Her classes have always achieved terrific results, and she is well known for the clarity of her teaching and her ability to respond to the particular needs of each individual.

What also stands out with Mrs Brennan is her flexibility; she has always been keen to support the school in whatever way is most helpful, both in terms of what she teaches each year, but also in

extra-curricular work, in undertaking boarding duties and in tutoring.

Being a part-time teacher in a school such as Kingswood is not always easy, but Mrs Brennan has certainly been a part-time teacher who has given very much more than just those excellent lessons. It is now time for her to enter retirement, hopefully bringing with it many new opportunities which, as with her work at Kingswood, she will undoubtedly grasp with both hands.

Mrs Julie Cook Head of Learning Support; Mathematics

Mrs Cook joined Kingswood in 1993, some 24 years ago, with a background in junior school teaching as a Maths specialist.

Over her career however, she developed a real expertise in special educational needs and, in 2008, she assumed a role leading Kingswood’s SEN provision across the Foundation (that is the Senior School and the Prep School). This was in itself quite a remarkable feat, but one which she took to with real skill and commitment. Quite how she managed this is difficult to know, and with the demands of such a role ever increasing, five years ago the role was split and heads of Learning or Study Support at both schools were appointed.

Mrs Cook was ‘headhunted’ to be that person in the Senior School; how brilliantly she interacted with teenagers, often making an amazing difference to students who needed extra support in all sorts of ways.

It was a natural gift rather than a learnt process. She initially took

some persuading, feeling that she belonged more at junior school level, but was eventually and fortunately persuaded, leading the senior school department brilliantly over the past few years. Any pupil who has in any way benefited from the help of the Learning Support Department, and also many parents who have equally relied on Mrs Cook’s kindness and expertise, will know what an amazing difference she makes. The same is true of those she tutored.

Most people will have been quite unaware of what Mrs Cook did, quite unaware of the pastoral support she offered to so many students and families dealing with significant difficulties of so many different types but, without wanting to embarrass her, it is important that this is recognised at her time of leaving. She is kind and generous beyond measure, but also astute, knowledgeable and firm. As already said, much of what she does goes unseen, but that is the case for many of the highest achievers who do not shout about what they are doing, but who make those key, and often difficult, decisions which make all the difference. Although Mrs Cook was persuaded to stay on for rather longer than she had originally planned, now, sadly, she will be retiring. We wish her well for her much deserved retirement.

The staff who left this year had collectively given 62 years of service to the School…

We wish them well in future careers, teaching or otherwise, or in well-deserved retirement.

101

102

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | sTAFF & LEAVERs

Head girl & Head boy: reFlectioNs The following are excerpts from the farewell speeches given by the Head Girl and Boy to the School, as part of the Final Assembly: ellA ReeMAn (HeAD GiRl)

RORy FinnAMORe (HeAD BOy)

“... the thought of saying my final goodbyes to the school in the next couple of days holds such a big significance … ”

“You watch people come and go every year and it always seems so far away and then suddenly without even really realising it, it’s you”.

“Arguably the most important lesson Kingswood has taught me, is how important it is to be selfless with your time ... i think it’s essential that we recognise just how willing the staff are to put in that extra effort. They have a genuine interest and desire to make sure that every pupil has enough support to achieve their goals, and enable them to fulfil aspirations in life, after Kingswood”.

“There are many things that have stood out about being at Kingswood, but there are a few things in particular that really have made a massive difference to my time here”.

“Although playing sport at Kingswood has taught me so much, i think above all what i’ve learnt is the reality of the team being far more important than the individual ... The attribute that often puts Kingswood teams a cut above the rest is how the players all work together ... the most successful teams i’ve played in have definitely been the ones where the team spirit is the strongest, and i think this is at the heart of so many of our successes”. “... the people who have had the biggest influence on my time here at Kingswood … i’ve learnt how important the people around you are in your development as a person … over the past few years, they have moulded who i’ve become ... i am going to really miss seeing daily all these people that i have grown up with”. “i will miss too many aspects of the school to even try to list, but i’d love to mention just one thing in particular … community at Kingwood is second to none, and i have learnt what a strong community really is… only now i realise the importance of this aspect of the school, epitomised by the way everyone is always so keen to share a smile with each other; it’s a quality that really is very special”.

The PR

“Teachers at Kingswood really are in a league of their own … as you move through the school, you start to see the scale of the effort that goes into making sure that you are being pushed to your absolute best … the time teachers are willing to put in beyond what is required is genuinely inspiring, and often the level of your success is reflective of how willing you are to take these chances given to you”. “... the school has gone from being academically respected to being so highly regarded in every area.

Each time i ask a prospective parent what it was about Kingswood that made them want to find out more, i am never sure what answer they will give. whether it’s the arts, sports or academia, the ability to pursue your passions is such a key part of the school”. “i really couldn’t have asked for three more organised, committed, and reliable people to have worked with this year, so thank you”. “i would also like to take this time to say thank you to the upper 6th for making this year so enjoyable … i know that everyone has formed some incredible friendships that will last for many years to come. i wish you all of you the very best for the future”

STAFF & LEAVERS | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

LEAVERS 2017

103

104

Kingswood in Focus 2016-17 | STAFF & LEAVERS

TEACHING STAFF 2016 -17 Name

Joined

Subject

Name

Joined

Subject

Mr Simon Morris

01/09/2008

Headmaster

Mrs Sarah Dawson

09/01/2004

Deputy Head (Academic)

Mrs Juliette Mainwaring

09/01/2003

English; Housemistress Westwood

Mr Gordon Opie

01/01/1990

Revd David Hull

09/01/2015

Deputy Head (Pastoral)

Mrs Suzanne Marshall

09/01/2004

RE; Head of PSHCE

Chaplain

Mr Lewis Matheson

09/01/2016

Head of Science

Mrs Alexandra Matthews

23/04/2007

Geography

Mr James Matthews

09/01/2002

Games; Senior Housemaster Middle

Miss Alice Moore

09/01/2016

English

Mrs Caroline Morris

10/11/2008

French and German

Mrs Rebecca Murchison

09/01/2016

Mathematics

Mr William Musgrove

09/01/2014

Physics

Mr Garrod Musto

09/01/1994

Mathematics; Director of Continuing Professional Development (SMT)

Mrs Catherine Nash

09/01/2005

Head of Drama and Theatre Studies

Mr Edward Allchorne

13/06/2016

Biology

Miss Nicola Beale

09/01/1993

French and German

Mrs Maria Brennan

09/01/2007

Mathematics

Miss Sarah Brookes

01/01/2011

Head of French

Mr Barnaby Brown

09/01/2010

Head of DT

Mr James Brown

09/01/2009

Head of Boys’ Games

Mrs Mary Brown

09/01/2001

Physics; Senior Housemistress Summerhill

Mr Stephen Brown

01/01/2011

Head of Art

Mr Charles Burkinshaw

09/01/2016

Computer Science

Mr Richard Burton

09/01/1999

Head of Physics

Mr George Newbould

09/01/2016

History and Politics

Mrs Alexandra Campbell

09/01/2014

English

Miss Michelle Newman

12/01/2004

Games

Mr Stephen Campbell

09/01/2013

Head of English

Miss Alexandra Nicholson

09/01/2014

Art and DT

09/01/2016

English

Mrs Jenny Opie

07/09/1992

Head of Biology

Mr Jude Chua

09/01/2010

Mathematics; Head of Activities

Mrs Eugenie Pasco

09/01/2014

French and Spanish; Head of Careers

Mrs Julie Cook

22/11/1993

Mathematics; Head of Study Support

Mrs Mary Patterson

09/01/2000

Biology

Mrs Nicola Curtis

09/01/2016

Head of Academic PE

Miss Una-Jean Paver

09/01/1990

Games; Senior Housemistress School

Mrs Sarah Dakin

09/01/2008

Head of Classics

Mr Edward Peerless

09/01/2011

Physics

Mr Daniel Darwin

09/01/2012

History and Politics

Mr Stephen Pentreath

09/01/2015

Chemistry

Mr John W Davies

09/01/1994

History and Politics; Director of Co-Curricular (SMT)

Mrs Amanda Phillips

09/01/2016

Classics

Mrs Jacqueline Reeman

09/01/1990

Mathematics

Mrs Katie Donovan

09/01/2009

Geography; Head of EPQ

Mr Tim Reeman

09/01/1988

Director of Sport

Mr Roderick Duke

09/01/2003

Head of Languages; Head of German

Miss Nadine Robinson

09/01/2010

French and Spanish

Miss Bethany Rolfe

09/01/2017

Biology

Mr Gareth Edgell

09/01/2010

Head of Computer Science

09/01/2005

09/01/2008

Head of Psychology; Assistant Head of Sixth Form

Mrs Clare Sergeant

Mrs Claire Edwards

Computer Science; Senior Housemistress Fonthill

Mrs Victoria Sim

09/01/2012

Head of Girls’ Games

Miss Sophie Elliott

09/01/2015

Art

Mr Matthew D Smith

09/01/2016

Mathematics

Mr Simon Forrester

09/01/2007

Head of EAL

Mr Matthew W Smith

09/01/2016

Head of Mathematics

Mrs Samantha Fountain

09/01/2007

Humanities and Classics

Mrs Laura Smyth

09/01/2011

Biology

Mrs Elaine Francis

09/01/2015

Music

Mr Steven Smyth

09/01/2012

Geography

Mrs Jacqueline Hallett

09/01/2008

Learning Support

Mrs Janine Solomon-Gardner 09/01/2013

Computer Science

Mr Darrell Harding

09/01/2002

Drama and Theatre Studies; Senior Housemaster Hall

Miss Nicola Sparks

09/01/2013

Chemistry

Miss Kirsty Sutherland

17/08/2015

Librarian

Mr Matthew Thatcher

01/01/2012

Head of RE and Critical Thinking

Mr Sean Thomas

09/01/2012

DT

Mr David Walker

09/01/2009

Head of Spanish

Mrs Elizabeth Ward

09/01/2013

Drama

Mr Digby Webb

09/01/2015

Games

Mr Roger White

09/01/2012

Mathematics; Senior Housemaster Upper

Mrs Jo-Anne Wilcock

23/04/2012

Chemistry

Miss Harriet Wilson

09/01/2013

RE

Dr Jennifer Wood

09/01/2016

Head of Chemistry

Miss Orla Chapman

Mr Michael Haynes

09/01/2013

Director of Music

Mrs Sarah Herlinger

09/01/2012

History and Politics

Mr James Hills

11/04/2008

Head of Economics

Mr Phil Hollywell

09/01/1992

Games; Geography; Senior Housemaster Westwood

Mrs Ann Holsgrove

09/01/1997

Learning Support

Mrs Marjorie Huckle

09/01/2016

Music

Miss Hazel Hughes

09/01/2016

French and Spanish

Mrs Deborah Jenner

09/01/1985

Geography

Mr Matt Jones

09/01/2014

Economics

Miss Sandra Jones

09/01/2015

English

Mrs Anna Knights

09/01/2004

Mathematics

Mr Craig Woodgate

09/01/2001

History and Politics; Head of Sixth Form(SMT)

Mr Jamie Knights

04/09/2006

Musician in Residence

Miss Charlotte Wormald

12/03/2015

English

Mr Jean-Michel Legg

09/01/2012

French and Spanish

Mr Peter MacDonald

09/01/2003

Head of History and Politics

Miss Angela Wright

09/01/1983

Psychology; Head of Boarding (SMT)

GOVERNORS 2016 -17 Mr Tim Westbrook (Chair of Governors)

Wing Cdr Colin Burns

Mr David Humphreys

Mrs Katie Pillinger

Maj Gen Tony Raper

Mrs Susan Cook

Mr Robert Jolliffe

Revd Dr Jonathan Pye

Mr Robert Sandry

Mr Paul Baines

Mr Simon Crowther

Mr Danny Lau

Mr David Quine

Mr Chris Stafford

Revd Dr John Barrett

Mr Peter Freeman

Mrs Barbara Pendle

STAFF & LEAVERS | Kingswood in Focus 2016-17

Sarah Dawson Deputy Head Academic 2004 - 2017

B

eing a Deputy Head is a rather challenging business. Not only is the role multi-faceted, with huge responsibilities towards students, staff and parents (and, of course, the Headmaster!), but it is also one which requires great intellect coupled with endless patience and immense tolerance, together with unerring drive and ambition, absolute integrity, total commitment, and plenty of flexibility. It is certainly not a role for the even slightly faint-hearted.

When Gary Best, my predecessor, was seeking a new Academic Deputy Head some thirteen years ago, he will certainly have been looking for all those things, and in Mrs Dawson he found an absolute gem who not only had all those qualities in abundance, but so very much more besides. I have no doubt that Mr Best rates Mrs Dawson’s appointment from her then position as Head of English at Wells Cathedral School as one of his very finest; I know how immensely fortunate I was on my arrival at Kingswood in 2008 to inherit a Deputy Head of

such exceptional calibre.

Kingswood has, in Mrs Dawson’s time, significantly raised its academic profile; this can certainly be seen in the consistently outstanding public examination results, but it would be a misjudged short-selling of Mrs Dawson’s brilliant, and quite natural, leadership of all matters academic if her success were to be judged on these alone. Academic success should be about breadth, about attitudes, about self-belief, about ambition.

It should be about a culture which values learning, where everybody feels included and challenged to achieve his or her very best, and where individual horizons are constantly broadened. It is the hugely impressive development of that culture, and the abundant success stories that have accompanied it, which really define Kingswood’s stunning academic progress under Mrs Dawson’s leadership.

It has been an immense privilege to have shared the crowning stage of Mrs Dawson’s exceptional career with her. She could, of course,

have moved swiftly onto headship – and was certainly never short of suitors in that regard – but this role, at this school, was just the right fit for her. How fortunate we were.

An Academic Deputy Head who never lost the human touch, whose pastoral qualities were equally as strong as the administrative, operational and strategic ones which such a high profile role demands.

Someone with the stamina to keep going when others were flagging and the wisdom and intelligence to only ever implement change in the light of a perceptive analysis of true educational value. Someone of great humility who so easily embodied the values which John Wesley espoused when he founded the School.

Quite simply, Kingswood would not enjoy the reputation it does today had Sarah Dawson not led the academic life of the School with such extraordinary energy, wisdom and vision. She has left the most impressive legacy.

Mr Simon Morris (Headmaster)

105

Lansdown Road, Bath BA1 5RG T. 01225 734210 E. admissions@kingswood.bath.sch.uk www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk