Kingswood In Focus - June 2006

focus Kingswood in

June 2006

Contents

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Letters Staff News Chapel & Community School Visitors Achievers Clubs & Activities Autumn Sport Eco-Schools Art Performing Arts Kingswood Association Spring Sport Special Events Out & About

Features 28 International Day at KPS

Life at the Prep School adopts an International flavour for the day

30 Model United Nations Students debate World issues

48

32 A Focus on Religious Education Improvements to the facilities for a highly successful department

36 Lord Moulton

The Kingswood boy who became the reason why Britain won World War One

48 I.B. or Not I.B?

Examining the current and possible future examination systems

focus Kingswood in

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Letter from the Headmaster

Our Caring Community Dear Parents and Friends, Schools have their highs and lows. The highs have been numerous over the past two terms – an outstandingly good report from the ISI inspection team on what the School is offering educationally both in and outside the classroom, an array of sporting achievements that must rank among some of the best results in my many years at the School, a wider range of musical events of an ever-increasing quality which have brought the school increasing recognition and acclaim, a programme of plays and revues that has been amazingly diverse and of an exceptional standard, one of the largest ever and most successful Model United Nations, and so the list could go on. Even those activities which involve smaller numbers have shown their capacity to excel – notably in orienteering where the School was chosen to represent Britain at U14 level. The problem for Kingswood in Focus has, therefore, been our inability to do justice to all that has been going on. Those of you in receipt of the School’s weekly e-newsletter will know how much we have not been able to include!

The lows have centred around illness with what has felt like more than our fair share of “bugs” affecting the health of the nation this spring, so that at its peak we had a Medical Centre bulging at the seams with the sick, and 170 pupils absent from the Senior School. However, this paled into insignificance when, in the space of three days, we had Mr Cornah, the Head of KPS, suffer a brain haemorrhage (from which thankfully he is now almost fully recovered) and Mrs Brake suffer a stroke and subsequently die. Her loss has been keenly felt because she was such a kind, conscientious and long-serving member of the school community, highly regarded by the Staff for her unfailing helpfulness, good humour and common sense. There is an Indian saying that when we enter the world we cry, but when we leave it, it is a sign of how well we have lived our lives by how much other people cry.

Many tears have been shed over Mrs Brake. It is at such low times, however, that one comes to appreciate fully just how much Kingswood is a caring and very supportive community in which to work.

Amid these highs and lows, there has also been a considerable amount of time spent by a few dedicated staff on planning the forthcoming new Jo Heap Library, which is scheduled to open in September and which will encourage independent learning. This has only been made possible by the generosity of an Old Boy. As this state of the art resource centre will occupy the School’s historic Moulton Hall (and what a splendid setting that will provide!), I thought you may like to know more about Lord Moulton, who was one of the School’s most distinguished Old Boys – so you will find out in this issue how he contributed probably more than anyone else to Britain’s victory in World War I. In the next issue of KIF we shall, of course, feature the new Library itself.

New developments in a school setting like ours are only achievable by the philanthropy of our alumni or parents. Kingswood has no significant endowment and no profit from our fee income. As we move into the next phase of our development plan to improve our sports facilities for KS and KPS we shall need the support of everyone to realise our dreams. Sometimes I am asked whether schools should seek donations when there are many deserving charities requiring assistance, but I think the answer is “yes” because schools undoubtedly help shape tomorrow’s leaders. At the recent funeral of John Gardner, a former Kingswood housemaster who served the School for almost forty years and who died aged 93, there were a number of Old Boys present, some of whom had travelled long distances to pay their last respects and a number of whom were highly distinguished men in their own fields.

What all these Old Boys had in common was an appreciation that here was a man (and a school) that had positively shaped their lives.

I hope that, with your support, Kingswood will continue to shape lives for the better.

With every good wish,

Mr Gary Best (Headmaster and Principal of the Kingswood Foundation)

Letter from the KPS Headmaster

A Time for Reflection I am delighted to be back in harness at the start of the Summer term having missed the last three weeks of last term (except for the final day) having suffered from a spontaneous brain haemorrhage in early March.

My recovery has been rapid, helped in no small way by the care I received in Frenchay hospital from the staff there, and in particular from my consultant, David Sandeman, who has the good sense to have two children at KPS. I certainly benefited from his close relationship with the School... he even lives in the KPS estate!

I have reflected on the whole event during my recuperation at home during the Easter holidays, and many positive things have come out of it. I have always felt that Kingswood is a real and caring community, and this was really brought home to me by recent events.

I received a vast postbag (which has now been made permanent by being transferred to three large photo albums.) Most of my cards and letters were, of course, from KPS families, governors and friends of the School. I also received several cards from pupils and staff at the Senior School. One in particular had perhaps 200 names on it, at least 50 of those names were from children who had never attended KPS (or PC) and whom I do not know personally, but who responded because a member of the Kingswood community needed their support.

My recovery has been, as I have already mentioned, a quick one. I am sure that the goodwill and very kind sentiments expressed in these cards and letters aided my rapid return to good health. Many of you reading these words will have sent in cards and letters, and I thank you most sincerely for them.

I have tried to see the positive and humorous side to being ill such as there being rather more cash than is usual in the MC bank statement for March (I may have it framed!). There has also been a significant and very welcome weight loss (one stone), which combined with a generally more healthy appearance, has caused a degree of real astonishment among KPS families. Since the start of term I have been very warmly greeted

by KPS parents for my appearance. ‘Mr Cornah, you do look well’, has been a common response. This is, of course, extremely gratifying, but in idle moments I have wondered what I have looked like for much of the preceding half century!

2 Kingswood in Focus

We have had a very happy start to the summer term at KPS. Rehearsals for our School play ‘Seussical The Musical’ which will be performed in the KS Theatre in early June, are going well with narrative clarity, the keynote! (Last years’ play was very well performed but it had, how shall I put it, a rather difficult storyline.) Every child in the Prep School takes part in the play and I suspect that the production team of Mrs Cross and Mrs McGlynn have chosen another winner. (Mrs McGlynn has returned from her well-deserved sabbatical last term, which she used to continue her LAMDA studies.) We hope for a happy show and a report will, of course, be in the next edition of KIF. The happiest event of the School year to date, was the success of all our pupils in being offered a place at Kingswood after the entry assessments in January. This has brought great delight to all at the Prep School and I am sure that the 50 or so KPS pupils who are moving on to our Senior School will prove their worth in the years to come. Continuity of education is greatly prized by our families. (It is interesting to reflect that all five Independent schools in Bath now offer this.) So it seems that a fifteen-year stay at Kingswood will become the norm. I have used the word ‘stay’ as opposed to the word ‘sentence’ and although the average prison sentence for murder in this country is, I am told, fourteen years, it will not, I assure you, seem like that in our community despite the fact that we charge and that there is no time off for good behaviour! (For what it is worth I am now in my twenty-third ‘Kingswood year’: this includes my years as a pupil, as well as years spent as Deputy Head of PC and my years at KPS. Perhaps it is the moment to assure you that I have been elsewhere!)

May I close by thanking so many of you for your kind thoughts, words and deeds in recent weeks. A real community in every sense of the word.

Mr Marcus Cornah (Headmaster of the Kingswood Prep School)

Staff News

Farewell to the Thompsons James and Viv Thompson joined Kingswood Preparatory School in September 2002, James as Director of Studies and Viv as a Year One Class Teacher.

During their time at KPS both James and Viv have given their all; not only in the classroom, but also on the extra-curricular and social fronts.

Already an accomplished teacher, James rose to his new challenge as Director of Studies, a role which takes great commitment and organisational skills, both of which James has in spades. James has worked tirelessly on numerous KPS projects in order to set in place the majority of its systems and routines over the past three years.

On the pastoral side he has been a Form Tutor for Year Six and a Boarding House Tutor, as well as continuing to teach Mathematics to Year Five and Six, and games to pupils in both the Prep and Senior schools at Kingswood. Never one to miss out on the opportunity to organise people, James has run school trips for Year Six to France and Devon, and whole school skiing trips to France and Italy. All of these have been thoroughly enjoyed by pupils and parents.

In addition to his work at the Prep School he has been a key figure in the Senior School’s sports programme. He has coached the boys’ and girls’ 2nd XI’s at hockey and both sides have been very

successful. (The boys’ 2nd XI have only lost four games in his four years in charge - an impressive record by any standards!) He has also umpired countless 1st XI games. He has given his time willingly every weekend and his expertise and enthusiasm were evident from day one.

The Thompson ‘whoop’ of delight when another goal rattled in or his utter dismay, on the rare occasions when Kingswood sides did not meet his exacting standards, has been a feature of senior hockey. There was never any doubt that it mattered to the big man! We did not let him rest in the summer term as we persuaded him to run the school 2nd XI cricket side. He tackled this in his usual forthright manner and he certainly raised the standard of 2nd XI cricket.

"...James and Viv have given their all..."

Viv will hold a special place in the hearts of many of the youngest children in the Pre-Prep department at Kingswood, teaching Year 1 children in her first year and subsequently working with her confessed “favourite age group”, Reception. Always giving generously of her time and energy to the life of the School, Viv has run an extra-curricular Dance club for the Pre-Prep children and worked in the boarding house with the older ones. She has also held the post of Acting Foundation Stage Co-ordinator, working with children and Staff in both Nursery and Reception to establish children’s vital first steps of learning.

Shortly after this there was a new development in the Thompson household. It seems only a short time ago that we were saying goodbye to Viv as she began her maternity leave awaiting the arrival of her new baby. Baby Melissa has now visited the School with her proud parents on several occasions to the adoration of both Staff and children, and Viv has this term rejoined the Staff for two days a week supporting both Prep and Pre-Prep departments.

We extend all our best wishes to James and Viv as they move on to new challenges, James as Deputy Head at Ardingly College Junior School and Viv as full time mum to Melissa.

Mr Phillip Titley (Boarding Housemaster, High Vinnalls)

Happy Retirement - Pam Turner Kingswood School has benefited from a long relationship with Pam and her family which dates back to when her granddaughter, Rochelle, was a pupil at Priors Court in Newbury.

"...an excellent work colleague and a loyal, caring friend."

After relocating to Bath, Pam joined the Catering Department in September 1998, with responsibility for controlling finances. Known affectionately as “Aunty Pam” by so many, she is missed both as an excellent work colleague and a loyal, caring friend. Pam is someone whose faith sustained not only her and her family through many challenges but also enabled her to encompass and support the cares of so many in the community. Pam retired from Kingswood on 8 September 2005. We wish Pam and husband Tommy a long and happy retirement!

Mr John Allison (Chairman of Common Room)

Changing Faces In the autumn term it was with understanding but sadness that we accepted the loss of two fine staff who each chose not to continue teaching after giving birth to their first child.

Mrs Stephanie Thomas joined Kingswood from Downside School in September with the brief of initiating Spanish as a subject at Kingswood. In this she proved highly successful, attracting increasing numbers of pupils and with considerable academic success. It came as no surprise that when she left us, the pupils presented her with a very memorable, specially prepared book of her time at Kingswood.

She has been temporarily replaced for the remainder of this academic year by Mr Dominic Jones, an experienced teacher of Spanish. Mr Jones was educated at Taunton School, achieved a BA in Spanish from Nottingham University and obtained his PGCE in Spanish and French from the University of Bristol. He has previously taught at Broadoak Community School, Weston-super-Mare, St Bede’s Catholic School, Bristol and Hengrove Community Arts College in Bristol.

Mrs Eleanor Muddiman joined Kingswood from her role as National Development Officer for the Scottish Lacrosse Association in September 2002 as the first female teacher of PE and Games to have a teaching role across both the Senior and Prep Schools. She rapidly made a very significant difference to girls’ games, notably at the Prep School, whilst also working as a Tutor in Fonthill. She was temporarily replaced by Mrs Michelle Newman, who was captain of Ellie and Olivia hockey for Wimbledon in the Premier National League and coached both boys and girls in their thriving Junior Section, as well as running Health and Fitness Clubs. Such has been Mrs Newman’s success that she has now been appointed to become Head of the Girls’ Games at KPS to popular acclaim.

Gap Students Danielle and Luke

Stephanie and Patsy

"We welcomed our gap year students from Sydney and Cape Town."

We also welcomed in January our gap year students for this calendar year: Danielle Jacquet from Sydney, Australia, and Luke Jones from Cape Town, South Africa.

They are both already making a noticeable contribution to the life of the School.

Mr Gary Best (Headmaster) 4 Kingswood in Focus

Chapel and the Community

From the Chaplain It is the way that a school deals with its most painful moments that marks the character of the place and its people.

As much as staff, pupils and parents of Kingswood have spent the weeks of this year in our usual mode of celebrating achievement, we will, in our more reflective mood, remember sudden illness and death as the ‘telling’ times within this academic year. Those of us who become intimately involved at those times need to register just how much we are sustained by the words, prayers and kindnesses of the young and not so young alike. Am I allowed to say that I am proud of the way this community carries its pain, with honesty and without fear of ridicule when the tears need to flow? I think I am.

Rev. Mike Wilkinson (Deputy Head (Pastoral) & Chaplain)

In Memory of a Wonderful Woman On Thursday 9th March, Dilys Brake, the School Secretary, was suddenly taken ill whilst on her usual after-lunch walk with colleagues in the grounds. The hospital diagnosed that she had suffered a stroke.

The next day there were words of ‘slight improvement’ but, on the Saturday evening, she had a second stroke and died during the night.

She had always been a lady who maintained extraordinary energy levels. These were devoted to her family, her friendships, her work and the coaching of swimmers through the Bath Dolphin Swimming Club. Dilys was a very strong swimmer herself and took her fitness seriously, so her death leaves a deep sense of tragedy amongst us.

Some 70 members of her family gathered with close friends on Monday 20th March for her funeral at Haycombe Crematorium.

On Saturday 25th March, close to 350 people packed the Chapel at Kingswood in a service that celebrated her life.

There were words from her brother David; her closest friend Ros; Paul, a fellow swimmer and coach at Bath Dolphin S.C.; and Sally Johnston, her friend and P.A. to the Headmaster here at Kingswood. Dilys’ nieces read their own words and grand-daughter Freya sent a message via her dad. The Chamber Choir sang two pieces, Elgar’s 'Ave Verum' and 'If Ye Love Me' by Tallis. Marcus Sealy and Richard Mainwaring played an organ and violin duet of 'Berceuse' from Faure’s Dolly Suite, something especially requested by Dilys’ dad. We also had time for silence, reflective readings, prayers and some powerful hymn singing.

"Many are the people who have sought joy and solace in her office..."

As difficult as it was, is, and will be, to cope with the sorrow associated with this loss, we retain a knowledge that the closeness of Dilys’ family and friends will provide the kind of strength it takes to live through some very difficult days.

Phil and Dil, as they were known, had been married for almost 35 years and took enormous pleasure from their lives together. In these days, their children, Nicki and Paul, their partners, the grandchildren, Dilys’ parents, Phil’s mum, brother David, sister Evelyn and all associated family will be that close knit unit they have always been, offering the right word and gesture that came so easily to Dilys.

A very special lady has been lost; someone who gave us her time, her laughter, her optimism and the level-headedness that good managers need. Many are the people who have sought joy and solace in her office space here at Kingswood. Memories of her will linger for a long time, aided by the family. A cherry tree has been planted just below the main entrance to the School: a bench will be sited looking over the slope to the south west and towards Dilys’ home. Her ashes are scattered amongst the roots of the tree and in days to come we shall, friends and family alike, have time to reflect on the impact on our lives of a wonderful woman.

Rev. Mike Wilkinson Kingswood in Focus 5

Commonwealth Day 2006 The Service: As we walked through the huge doors of Westminster Abbey I gazed up at the vaulted ceiling. To my surprise it wasn’t that big, but the architecture was beautiful.

We were here for the annual Commonwealth Day Service. We arrived in plenty of time; in fact we had an hour and a half to spare. We sat right in the front row, nearest to the doors so we got a good view of everything.

Brentwood School Steel Band provided some entertaining music before the service began as the flag bearers of the Commonwealth lined the nave in their tribal dresses. One man must have been frozen, as all he was wearing was his skirt and beads covering his chest!

The theme for the service was “Health and Vitality”. This is what the Commonwealth aims to improve this year.

Then there was a personal testimony by Rachel North, a survivor of the 7/7 bombings. She talked of how the other survivors became friends and set up a website. Her interesting and moving words were followed by the Reverend Barry Dunsmore and his talk on the Good Samaritan and how Jesus brought peace to us all.

The next subject was about combating disease and how people keep going because they have hope. This I thought was very important as it is the way forward in life.

The final topic was Excellence in Sport and included a personal testimony by Findlay Young, a man diagnosed with cancer but who is planning to “run around the world in 24 days in September.” That is, he will be running a half-marathon in each time zone raising £100,000 in the process.

Everything went quiet as the procession began. It started with the Chairman of the Commonwealth Society, representatives of faith communities and ended with His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall. We then sang the National Anthem and the procession moved into the end of the Abbey. After a hymn and a welcome from the Sub Dean of Westminster, the Commonwealth Day Message was read by Prince Charles.

It had benn written by the Queen who was in Australia opening an extension to the Sydney Opera House, before she was going on to the Commonwealth Games.

Her message talked about health issues like HIV and how we can prevent these diseases, how keeping good health is important and L to R: Katy Yates, Katy Peck, Gareth England is shown on the sports field. & Charles Price

She wrote, “I will be opening what are known as the ‘friendly games’. Commonwealth athletes will gather once more in a spirit of goodwill and fellowship and will strive to achieve new heights of excellence.” To reinforce the Queen’s message, Ade Adepitan MBE, the wheelchair athlete who presents “X-Change” on CBBC, read his personal testimony about his dream to be an Olympian. He said that if you showed courage and determination you could achieve anything.

After overcoming disability and responding to natural disasters, working for peace was the next step to health and vitality.

The St Bonaventure’s and St Angela’s Sixth Form Gospel Choir then sang “Here I am to Worship,” one of my favourite songs. It was sung at my confirmation and brings me hope.

Throughout the service we had to say Affirmations; these were promises to the world and its people. The prayers about attaining health and vitality and the Sixth Affirmation were the most important. We all said together, “We affirm the importance of health for all and the need of each if us to pursue life with vitality and fulfilment.”

The Jets Gymnastics Display team performed an exciting routine to the music from Cirque du Soleil. It was an excellent performance, which must have been very difficult to do on the hard stone tiles. This was followed by a thoughtful piece of quieter music called “Jaki Svaram” performed by the Bharan Institute from West Kensington.

Then followed the blessing and final hymn, sung to the tune “Slane”, a traditional Irish Melody. During the hymn the flags of the Commonwealth processed out along with all those who had previously processed in.

Outside there was a huge crowd waiting to see the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.

The service was very good and I enjoyed listening to people’s views and testimonies. I am very grateful to have been asked to represent Kingswood School on such a memorable occasion. I hope the message of health and vitality is fulfilled, as it is an important feature of keeping the world together.

Charles Price (Year 7C)

‘Loud Tie Day’ Staff and pupils throughout the Kingswood Community competed to see who might be wearing the ‘loudest’ tie - an initiative suggested

by Nicola McNee, the new School Librarian, as part of the School’s ‘alternative calendar’.

All the money raised went to the national Beat Bowel Cancer appeal.

Mr Steven Grzadkowski (Photograph courtesy of The Bath Chronicle) 6 Kingswood in Focus

Harvest Time at KPS Harvest is the time when we give thanks for all the plentiful harvests we enjoy and think of others who are not so fortunate. the necessary amount. One competition was to suggest a name for the cow and the other was to think of a witty caption for the large cow kindly created by Miss Hazeldine for the Harvest display in the entrance hall. Alongside these competitions pupils were challenged to earn some money at home by completing some jobs for mums and dads. So competitions were entered, cars were washed, bedrooms tidied and the office staff had the mammoth task of counting all the money that literally poured into school for this worthy cause.

"It was with great excitement that the final total of £1,067.38 was revealed..."

L to R: Thomas Wheatley, Mrs Bridget Poulson, Harry Hankins, Florence O'Connor (Photo courtesy of The Bath Chronicle)

This year at the Prep school we decided to support the charity ‘Send a Cow’ for our Harvest appeal. This locally based charity gives direct, practical help to poor farmers in Africa by providing cows and other livestock, training in animal husbandry and organic farming, and low-cost veterinary and advice services.

The School was set the challenge to raise £750 - the amount needed to purchase a cow for a farmer - and competitions were set to help raise

Bristol Half-Marathon

It was with great excitement that the final total of £1,067.38 was revealed in Whole School assembly. The children gasped when they realised that not only did we have enough money to buy a cow but a pair of goats, a flock of poultry, a beehive, some sheep, 100 fruit tree saplings and seeds and training for farmers. An ambassador from the charity was on hand to receive our cheque and also gave a lively presentation of how the money would be used. It really was a Harvest to remember but more importantly a Harvest for the world.

Kathryn Morrell (KPS - Charities Co-ordinator)

www.sendacow.org.uk T. 01225 874222 • E. info@sendacow.org.uk Send a Cow, The Rickyard, Newton St Loe, Bath BBA2 9BT

"The boys raised £500 for their chosen charities."

Kingswood Sixth Formers, Charlie Taylor, Alex Quinn, Will Leslie and Andy Purnell took part in the recent Bristol Half-Marathon to raise funds for Barnardos Homes and Cancer Research.

All four achieved excellent times with Charlie and Alex both with a time of 1 hour 26 minutes, closely followed by Will (1 hr 31 mins) and then Andy (1 hr 34 mins).

The boys were all awarded medals and raised £500 for their chosen charities.

Mr Sandy J Burgon (Head of Sixth Form & Cross Country Coach) Kingswood in Focus 7

Visitors

Don Foster’s Visit We were delighted to welcome Don Foster MP on 3rd February when he came to address the Sixth Form as part of their General Studies.

Rather than simply recounting a prepared speech he engaged students in a question and answer session on a range of issues including All Women Short Lists, the Bath Spa Project and the Liberal Democrat Leadership Contest. His answers were very enlightening; even for the extremely able politicians among us! He spoke very directly, giving us fascinating insights into current affairs, as well as different careers within politics.

This proved extremely beneficial in light of the fact that we are all turning 18 and shall be able to vote in the forthcoming local elections, as well as the general elections in the future. Our thanks go to him for taking time out of his busy schedule to face our rigorous questioning!

Patricia Hughes & Ajeet Mankoo (U6)

Poetry in Motion The Literary Society was honoured last term by the distinguished presence of the poet laureate, Andrew Motion, who came to open the society officially.

The Literary Society were also given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to quiz Andrew (as he insisted we call him), who will remain poet laureate for the duration of ten years. Questions focussed on his role as the nation’s poet and his inspiration for becoming a poet in the first place. In the evening he stayed on, taking time out of his busy schedule to enjoy an intimate supper with members of the department and a few lucky students, before awing us all with his dulcet tones and critically acclaimed poetry. The reading was well attended by students, teachers, parents and even a few local residents who made a special effort to join us in the Theatre.

The School bookshop received great business too, selling Andrew’s books to be signed and personalised by the poet himself. Everyone who attended was privileged to be at such a prestigious event, and our thanks and gratitude go out to Andrew Motion for coming, and to all those who helped to make the evening pass so smoothly.

Elizabeth Kebby-Jones (U6)

The Mayor of Bath... ...Councillor Peter Metcalfe, attended Morning Worship in the Chapel with Westwood pupils and spoke about the history of the Mayor’s role and the duties performed.

Andrew Paines (Y8) tried on a ‘mini’ version of the splendid robe worn by the Mayor of Bath, during formal occasions.

Achievers

Catering Class!

Sword Play

Over the last couple of years there have been major improvements to our kitchen facilities and Mr Brown and his excellent team have been engaged in regular meetings and discussion with the School Council so as to best respond to what pupils would like to see in School menus, whilst, of course, trying to ensure a healthy diet. This has paid off not only in terms of the pupils recognising considerable improvements in what they are offered but also the Kingswood caterers being awarded the Education Star Team Award 2005 against competiton not only from schools, but also other educational establishments. We are delighted with their hard-earned and much-deserved success!

Sarah LLoyd in Year 10 was the winner of the South-West U14 Girls’ Sabre Fencing Trophy and recently won a bronze in the U17 Public Schools’ Fencing Championships, the largest youth fencing event in Europe. Sarah, age 14, started Sabre Fencing four years ago and trains twice a week with Bath Sword Club and Millfield Fencing Academy with competitions on most weekends.

She was the 2005 Girls Under-14 Sabre Champion for the UK South West Region and in 2006, the Bronze Medallist in the National Public Schools Fencing Championships Under-17 Women’s Sabre representing Kingswood taking part in competitions in Hungary, Italy, Germany, France and the UK. Freddie Dean in Year 11 was eleventh in the U17 National Sabre Fencing Championships in Wolverhampton and was selected to represent Britain in an U17 International event in Koblenz, just missing out on selection for the Commonwealth Games.

Josh Cook Wins National Kart Championship For the second time in 3 years Josh Cook has won the NKRA National Kart Racing Championship held this year in Wigan, Lancs. The event took place over the weekend of February 25th and 26th February at the Three Sisters International Kart Circuit.

The event drew competitors from the whole of the UK with Regional Champions from Scotland, North of England & Midlands and South of England. Following a frustrated Saturday which was hampered by mechanical problems Josh did tremendously well to qualify in 4th place on the grid in his 100 cc Tony Kart EV for the final on Sunday. The physical demands of this 1.6km,100mph track are huge and the final produced some fantastic racing.

The lead changed place on no less than 4 occasions with Josh passing the Scottish Champion Alex Young with 4 laps remaining.

Despite considerable pressure from the Scot Josh took the chequered flag 0.2 seconds ahead of Alex and 0.4 seconds ahead of 3rd Place Steve Moore from Barnstable, Devon.

Josh can now add the 2006 “O” Plate Championship to the one he achieved in 2004 along with National Junior Blue title of 2003.

Swimming Star Charlotte Barnes in Year 10 was ranked third in the country as a fourteen year-old and was very successful in the Commonwealth trials and Youth Nationals. She has been invited to attend the World Class Championships in Slovenia in April, following her recent performance in Sheffield, where she won gold in the 200 metre breaststroke and silver in the 50m and 100m breaststroke. She is a potential contender to represent Britain in July at the European Championships in Spain and the World Schools’ Games in Athens.

This is a great tribute to her dedication and commitment.

Kingswood in Focus 9

Clubs and Activities

Bird Box Activities No, they’re not all going up in that tree!

But they are now up in various places around Kingswood’s grounds.

You have probably spotted them. They’re not hard to miss! The ten nest boxes were made by members of the Kingswood Wildlife Club in activity time under the helpful guidance of Mr. Allison in the DT department. Inspired by the RSPB’s call to put up nest boxes in National Nest Box Week, and as our contribution to the Eco-Schools programme to enhance our school environment for the benefit of wildlife, we have responded. Let’s hope our blue tits and great tits, jackdaws and woodpeckers respond too!

The photo (right) shows some of the pupils involved in the project.

Many thanks to all the others who also contributed.

Mrs Stephanie Lockhart (i/c Wildlife Club)

L to R: Chris Riley, Jon Shute, Elisabeth Simons, Joe Davey & Hatty Richardson

eXtraDICTION... is a completely new board game, based on word and phrase knowledge, that is fun to play, challenging, and can be played in a wide variety of ways. eXtraDICTION is not yet available to buy in the UK, but is likely to take both the recreational and educational markets by storm when it is released later in the year.

At KPS, Judo is one of the many clubs available

eXtraDICTION has been introduced to Kingswood School and has given the opportunity for our middle school students to play the game regularly on a Tuesday lunchtime as part of the activity programme.

The game of eXtraDICTION was invented by Mr Hock Soh, a Malaysian businessman, who was looking for a way to provide a fun way for his daughter to learn the many subtle nuances of English. Since the launch of the game in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, it has proved incredibly popular and has even been transformed for use as competitions in newspapers.

"B (9) extremely clever or skilful eXtraDICTION is a brilliant game" Kingswood has been the launch pad for eXtraDICTION in the UK. Each week our students have investigated the many ways in which eXtraDICTION can be played. About 20 students have been working towards their first competition – against the teachers of the English department.

That sounds very one-sided, but the game allows for the students to answer questions from the Intermediate game, while the teachers answer questions, in the same game, from the Advanced level cards. One of the useful things about this game is that small groups, individuals, and people of different ability levels and ages can play together. And all of them can enjoy learning - increasing their knowledge of phrases and their meaning, of words, and the art of correct spelling. Educational and good fun, the lunchtime club has proved both interesting and worthwhile. Katy Campbell was presented with the first book token as prize for top aggregate score in the first session, and we are looking forward to the competition against the Staff and moving on to challenge other schools – once we have introduced them to eXtraDICTION.

Mr John Allison (Head of Design Technology) & Mr David Sims (Head of English) 10 Kingswood in Focus

Autumn Sport

KPS Boys' Rugby Autumn Term 2005 The busiest term of rugby ever at KPS saw every boy in Years 3 - 6 given a number of chances to represent the School and, as the quantity of rugby increases, the quality seems to improve at an even faster rate.

The U11's found the transition from 9-a-side to 12-a-side a little difficult to handle at first and ended the season with a record of won 6, lost 6 in the “A” team. The team relied heavily on Mackenzie, Scott, O’Sullivan, Jobin, Darch and Garner whilst the explosive pace of Asher-Esiri produced some exciting moments.

After losing each of their first 3 games to a single score the U10's have demonstrated genuine potential and have developed an exciting brand of rugby which should convert well to the larger format of the game next year. A, B and sometimes C team players have been completely inter-changeable as this age group has become able to set up quality possession and to move the ball wide. It is very difficult to pick out individuals but Messrs. Merrill, Hardman and Bates have been very consistent performers.

The U9 team have found that they quite enjoy contact rugby and from a total of 16 games they have lost on only one occasion. Once more, at least 18 boys are good enough to play “A” team rugby and that group has an excellent mixture of pace and finesse, strength and aggression, ball-handlers and ball-winners.

The U8's have responded really well to their first taste of inter-school sport. Theirs is a relatively small year-group of boys but all have responded well to the challenges facing them. As a group, their handling skills are outstanding considering their tender years, whilst they have a real understanding for the game and what they are trying to achieve. Whilst many have made significant contributions, Kyle Scott has impressed everyone with his pace, balance and vision.

As ever, all the success comes as a result of a great deal of hard work, effort and enthusiasm. Many thanks are due to Mr Dixon, Mr Titley, Mr Gerrish and Mr Kellock for the work they have done with the boys this year.

Mr Ian Shrubsole (Head of Sport, KPS)

KPS Girls' Hockey Autumn Term 2005 As ever this term the shout from the side line of “move the ball wide” has resounded at 100 decibels across the astro on many occasions!

However, this season the response from the players has been one of understanding and determination to move the ball in the required direction as opposed to the blank stare which so often is directed at a frustrated coach from a bewildered midfield. The U11’s and U10’s have been well versed in the calls of “wide”, “square” and “through” and they can be heard chanting them across Bath as they travel to school! Joking apart, all the teams this year have managed to grasp these concepts and this basic understanding has benefited the teams, enabling them to produce some excellent results this season.

The emphasis has not only been on winning matches but also on giving the opportunity to as many pupils as possible to experience the honour of representing their School. Kingswood were proud to field three teams from Year 3 incorporating all the girls from that year group to play in the Monkton Combe Festival. All the girls were proud to represent their School and they enjoyed the camaraderie and team spirit which overall was an enriching experience for everyone involved.

The U11 A team deserves particular credit this season for reaching the semi-finals of the Avon School Championships and the U11 B team was victorious winning the Stonar Tournament at the beginning of the season.

I would like to thank all the teachers who were involved in the coaching, organisation and transportation of all the pupils which allowed Kingswood to operate an extremely full fixture and coaching programme this term, namely Miss Atterbury Thomas, Miss Elliott, Miss Lane, Miss Glenday, Mrs Johnson, Mr Gerrish, Mr Shrubsole and Mr Thompson. I would also like to thank all the parents that regularly supported the teams in weather fair and foul!

On a final note I would like to bid farewell to Mr Thompson and recognise the huge contribution he has made to hockey at Kingswood both at the Prep and Senior Schools. We all wish him well as he travels to astros new!

Michelle Newman (Head of Girls’ Games, KPS) Kingswood in Focus 11

Girls' Hockey All sports reports contain lots of figures, so you will have to bear with me but I must gloat for a minute about just how successful we have been!

This has been an incredible season for many of our teams and the development of individuals and teams must be satisfying for players and coaches alike. The U14’s qualified for the County finals finishing 4th in Avon, and our 1st XI and U16’s are county runners-up. The strength of Kingswood hockey is clearly evident and it’s quite nice to turn up to schools where we are feared as opponents.

A special mention first for the U12 B team who are unbeaten this season. Played 7 won 7 and impressively for such a young team 22 goals scored.

That is largely due to Cara Simpson who scored in every game bar one and scored more than half of the team’s total goals to notch up a personal tally of 12. The most improved player is Steffi Clutterbuck and the player of the season is Hannah Bottle.

The U12 A’s won 5 of their 7 matches and look ready for the step up to the full 11-aside game. They have some very skilful players. The most improved player in the side is Emily Moores and the player of the season is Dorrie Power.

Our awards were given out at an end of season dinner - Players’ player went to Alizé for her outstanding skills. Most improved to Nandi, and player of the season was awarded to Cindy Lithimbi for her overall consistency in all areas, especially in defence.

The U14’s won 4 and drew 3 of their 8 matches.

New-comer to School Kelly Duncan teamed up with Aimee Marshall and Sophie Murray and they formed a powerful midfield line. Charlie Kraus and Sophie Wheeler terrorised opposition defences with fearsome running and striking up front and Vivienne Dean was the most reliable defender.

Nina Fini was voted the most improved player.

We have a tradition of giving a wooden spoon for the ‘clanger’ of the season - it was a close run thing between Nandi, Lydia and Rachel, but it was finally won by Bibi. She can tell you why!

Lara Mousley Verstile player and inspirational Captain

The U15’s won 6 and drew 3 of their 12 games.

Parhnia Parsons has been the outstanding player this season with Gemma Wheeler and Ellie Batterham the most improved. Keeper Katie Nannestad has also had a great season in goal.

12 Kingswood in Focus

The 2nd XI have done well to gel so quickly and produce a season’s results of played 10 won 7 and drawn 1. A big thank you to leavers Hannah Gregory, Elle Williams, Abi Tagoe (as vice) and Captain Emily Jones. Georgia Sharp was voted the best defender, Issy Watson the most improved player, and Hannah James was one of the most consistent players. Abi was voted the players’ player, and Emily Jones the player of the season. There is one more leaver who deserves a special mention and that is Mr Thompson from the Prep School. He has coached 2nd XI girls for 4 seasons and we will greatly miss his input into hockey.

You’ll have to forgive me for spending a little time on the 1st XI. We have had a fantastic season, winning 9 of our 10 matches. It started thousands of miles away where 9 of our current squad gained invaluable experience, fitness and bonding on our tour of Australia and Fiji. We have only conceded 3 goals - thanks to our awesome goalies Penny and Carmen. Overall we scored 44 goals, with Nandi being top scorer converting 15 and Alizé 11. I think that over the course of this season we have become a more mature side, capable of playing some very good hockey.

The U13’s have had a season badly affected by injury but should be commended for their positive spirit.

Beth Garner is a player who shows much promise, and Jessica Gregory, Gemma Holmes and Chloe Roberts’ workrates have carried the team through many games. Jo Hough is the most improved player.

The U14 and U15 B’s enjoyed their matches, with Georgia Stone, Robyn Churchouse, Lydia Honey, Emily Bird and Amber Tomkins playing influential roles in the team.

The 3rd XI who are nicknamed the Dragons - something to do with Welsh coaching connections rather than mythical beings - have had a good season winning 5 and drawing 3 of their 10 matches. Goal keeper Sarah McMeekin kept 8 clean sheets, captain Jen Clarkson was the best defender, ably helped by her vice-captain and fellow leaver Rhona Greene. Phillipa Watson and Cara Prettejohn were most improved players and the player of the season for her control and composure was Persia Parsons.

It is said that these days taking part in sport is all about winning, and fortunately owing to our drive to do well as a team we have been very successful; although I think it’s been more than just about winning. As a team we have had fun every match played and I personally I have got so much from just playing alongside and having the opportunity to captain such a great squad. There are 9 of us leaving the squad; they are all the K’s, 6 of us being Kenyan, a Keeper (Penny Dye), Kelly Elliott and the King-Harmans. I’d like to say good luck to next year’s team and hope you have as much success as we did this season; there is clearly a lot of potential coming up.

On a more personal note I’d just like to thank Lydia for supporting my role, as vice-captain. I have played hockey with Lydia for 13 years and this year in particular she has helped me captain the squad so well and has contributed so much to the team on and off the pitch, thank-you Lyds. It has been an honour to captain the 1st XI this year.

Lara Mousley (Captain 2006)

Trophies

Awards / Colours

1ST XI PLAYER OF THE SEASON AWARD goes to Cindy Lithimbi who has made a forceful impact on the game in her 2 seasons with us at Kingswood. She is a skilful, fast and tenacious defender and has consistently been picked out by opposition as a dangerous opponent.

COLTS: Already awarded to Sarah Ryder and Sacha Craig.

New awards to Kelly Greene, Rachel Murray & Georgia Sharp.

HALF:

Re-awarded to Kelly Elliot & presented to Penny Dye, Bibi King-Harman, Olivia Knight & Emily Jones

THE GROVE TROPHY: This was donated by former pupil Amanda Grove who valued the experience that playing in the hockey teams at School gave her. This year the award goes to someone who has consistently led by example in her 4 years of playing for Kingswood.

She never won her Colts colours but she has worked on her fitness, and worked as hard in training as she does in matches. She has been instrumental in her team’s success, always giving 100% and her game is hallmarked by good tackling and incisive passing. This year she has earned her full colours - the award goes to Lydia Craig.

FULL:

Already awarded to Lara Mousley & Alizé King-Harman.

New awards to Nandi Kegode, Lydia Craig & Cindy Lithimbi.

SPECIAL AWARD: You have heard Lara speak of the girls’ success this season but what you did not hear is her particular contribution to the sport. In her 4 years of playing at 1st team level she has twice been top scorer, been part of the Avon County U17 training squad, played for the 1st XI 59 times and scored 28 goals, and this term has led the team to a special season - we would like to present Lara with this special award.

Cindy Lithimbi Player of the Season

Miss Angie Wright (Girls’ Hockey Coach)

"The 1st XI have become a more mature side, capable of playing some very good hockey."

Hockey Results 2005 Teams

1st XI

2nd XI

3rd XI

15’s XI

14’s XI

Queen’s Taunton

(W) 6-0

(D) 2-2

(D) 0-0

(L) 0-8

(D) 1-1

Wycliffe

(W) 3-0

(W) 4-0

(W) 8-0

(W) 9-0

Monkton Combe

(W) 5-0

(W) 2-0

(D) 1-1

cancelled

cancelled

(D) 0-0

(W) 5-1

(W) 2-0

Stonar Wells Cathedral Prior Park

(W) 6-1

(W) 2-1

King Edward’s

(W) 4-0

(W) 3-0

Bristol Grammar

(W) 5-0

(W) 2-0

Royal High School

(W) 3-0

Wellsway

13’s XI

12’s XI

12(B’s) XI

(W) 3-2

(L) 1-4

(W) 3-1

(W) 2-1

(W) 10-0

cancelled

(W) 2-0

(W) 6-0

(W) 3-1

(W) 4-0

(L) 0-1

(L) 0-4

(W) 3-1

(W) 2-0

(W) 1-0

(D) 3-3

(D) 2-2

(W) 4-0

(W) 1-0

(W) 1-0

(W) 3-1

(L) 1-4

(L) 0-1

(W) 2-1

(W) 1-0

(D) 2-2

B’s (L) 2-3 (L) 0-6

(W) 3-1

(W) 2-0

(L) 0-4

(L) 2-1

(W) 5-1

(W) 1-0

(W) 3-0

(W) 8-1

cancelled

cancelled

cancelled

cancelled

cancelled

(L) 0-1 (W) 2-0

Clifton College

(L) 0-2

(W) 1-0

(L) 1-3 B's (L) 1-0

Dauntsey’s

(W) 7-0

(W) 3-0

(W) 3-0

Warminster Bruton Dean Close

B's (W) 2-0

(W) 5-2 cancelled

cancelled

(L) 0-1

(L) 0-4

(L) 1-3

cancelled

cancelled

(L) 0-1

(D) 3-3

B’s (L) 0-1 Downside Redland High

(D) 0-0 cancelled

Kingswood in Focus 13

Boys' Rugby Rugby this term has been another positive aspect of Kingswood School with teams performing at a high level.

The U12's showed lots of potential, being one of the most successful teams in the School, losing only one of their seven matches, with a well led side by Captain Sam Harman.

The U13's results didn’t reflect their ability, with a small pack being out-muscled on occasions. Captain Will MacKenzie led the side well and Adam McBraida was the top try scorer.

The U14's ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams struggled this season, but the ‘A’s had two outstanding players, Charlie Harman and Heesung Moon.

The U15's were the outstanding year group in the School with the ‘B’s remaining unbeaten and the ‘A’s losing only two of their fixtures.

The strength lay in their teamwork and organisation and lots of players competing for places. Theo Boyce proved an inspirational Captain, but all players in both squads deserve a mention for their input.

The 1st team had a slow start to the season as there were many new faces stepping into the side, but showed improvement throughout the season, as the team began to bond. The forwards led well with pack leader, Matt Hill, in full control and a first class return for Charlie King-Harman from a long-term injury. Our Number 8, Head Boy Lewis Baxter, was also an important point scorer for the side. In the backs, our youngest player, Alasdair Maspero, stepped up to the position of scrum half and fitted easily into the side with a demonstration of great potential for next year’s team. Both Alex Quinn and Robbie Hynes played an important part in the fluency of the back line and a great strength in defence. Nick Marshall was the kicker for the side and converted many important and challenging kicks.

In the senior sides, the 4th's won four of their eight matches and unveiled some players who will be crucial to the success of the senior sides next year, Tim Hamilton and Amon Warman being two of them.

But there is one player I have missed out who really must have a mention and that is my trusty ‘right-hand man’ Alex Carlton-Porter. He has been a great support and his added knowledge of training techniques really helped the team. He has had a great season playing not only for Kingswood, but also having been selected for both the County and Bath Academy sides. I wish you all the best for the future playing rugby and I hope you make it as far as your talents deserve.

The U16's proved to be the most improved side, losing their first three, but ending up winning all but one of their remaining matches.

Henry Heffer led them well and Tom Jelly controlled them maturely.

However, it was the team work and determination which proved crucial to their success.

Personally, I have really enjoyed my time playing rugby at Kingswood and it has been an honour to have captained a side with such ability and talent and to be able to oversee the younger sides who have such potential for Kingswood’s future success. I would like to wish all the players lots of luck as they become the leaders of the future.

The 2nd team had a good season, winning five of their matches with many players improving throughout the season, showing their true potential and working their way to 1st team appearances, with special mentions being made to Dipo Faloyin, Stui Laurence and Andy Purnell with Captain Chris Darch leading by example.

Playing rugby for the School has given me so many opportunities and I am very grateful to Mr Duke, Mr Hollywell, Mr Matthews, Mr Opie and Mr Reeman for their on-going support. And last, but certainly not least - Mr Westcott, who has helped me both on and off the pitch with my rugby and my life at Kingswood - thank you Sir, for everything.

"...it has been an honour to have captained a side with such ability and talent..."

14 Kingswood in Focus

John Paines (U6, Boys’ Rugby Captain)

"The 1st team (pictured above) showed improvement throughout the season, as they began to bond."

Rugby Results 2005 1st XV

2nd XV

3rd XV

4th XV

U15 A

U15 B

U14 A

U14 B

U13 A

U13 B

U12 A

Wells Cathedral

Won 29-10

Queen’s College

Lost 12-7

Lost 12-5

Lost 17-5

King Edward’s

Lost 26-5

Lost 15-8

Lost 24-0

Prior Park

Lost 5-0

Won 12-0

Lost 34-7

Wellington

Won 12-10

Won 20-10

Won 14-0

Beechen Cliff

Won 12-10

Won 29-0

Dauntsey’s

Lost 24-10

Lost 13-3

Won 10-5

Lost 24-0

Won 32-0

Won 27-0

Lost 42-0

Lost 34-5

Won 27-22

Won 30-10

Q.E.H. Bristol

Lost 24-0

Lost 12-0

Lost 17-15

Lost 22-0

Won 35-7

Won 27-5

Lost 48-5

Lost 37-0

Lost 29-12

Won 29-0

Won 10-7

Won 58-5

Won 45-12 Won 43-0

Won 45-19

Lost 31-10

Lost 39-22

Won 55-0

Won 22-5

Lost 27-5

Lost 58-5

Lost 17-12

Warminster Wycliffe

Won 34-0

King’s Bruton

Draw 10-10

Monkton Combe

Won 15-12

Won 35-0 Lost 19-17

Won 29-0

Won 15-0

Won 106-0!!

Lost 44-10

Lost 57-0

Lost 26-0

Won 43-12

Won 52-0

Lost 12-50

Won 39-7

Lost 34-0

Lost 24-0

Lost 22-0

Lost 43-0

Won 12-5

Lost 36-12

Won 32-7

Won 48-0

Lost 17-7

Won 48-0

Lost 17-12

Won 52-8

Lost 14-10

Won 50-5

Lost 12-0

Lost 34-5

Won 27-0

Won 44-7 Won 17-0

Won 12-5

Won 28-3

Won 44-3

Won 44-0

Won 17-8

Won 55-0

Won 42-5

U12 B

Lost 39-5

Won 35-0

Won 35-5

Lost 17-7

Lost 27-24

Semi finalists at Devizes

Kingswood in Focus 15

Orienteering: The Kingswood Team Runs for England Though getting a higher total score than the declared winners at the British Schools Score Championships in Derbyshire there were no gold medals for KS as we were one team member short. Ralph Eliot took the Y9 first prize however. The British Schools Championships in Leeds saw KS become Y9 Champion Team but more significantly qualify as a school to represent England in the H2 junior boys class at the World Schools Meeting in Slovakia in April 2006. Matt Lyle, Kingswood’s most successful international orienteer ever had a trip to Denmark with the GB Start Squad in March for the Danish Spring Cup - the opening event of the Scandinavian season. Kingswood orienteers, both parents Ralph Eliot and pupils, put on an impressive Avon League making a good start event at Lords Wood despite the snow and nearby noisy clay pigeon shooting. The Tuck Shop tent cleared over £100 for the Tour Fund. Furthermore the team scored well enough to retain the ASO League Trophy for a 3rd year with one event still remaining.

After three months of competition between the seven contenders for the World Schools team, the five selected to travel were: Huw Stradling (Y10), Ralph Eliot (Y9), Elliot Haines (Y9), Alex Russell-Bates (Y9) and Jordan Bruce (Y10).

With the honour of representing your country costing well over £600 some serious fundraising was called for, and Mr Stradling led the way with a sponsored night run down the K&A towpath which cleared £1,400. Thanks also to the generosity of the SWOA (South West Orienteering Association), BOK (Bristol Orienteering Klub), the Kingswood Association and, not least, World’s Greatest Minds, the Bath firm of Paul Baines - an ex-orienteer with KSODA, the target was reached.

Huw Stradling studying his map

‘selected’ individuals in the two age groups. These also knew each other from squad training. KS were the new boys and had many challenging learning experiences ahead of them.

Each team of 5 had a coach - Mr Lewis went from KS. The event opened with a march through the streets of Pezinok - Huw Stradling was chosen to carry the England flag - an honour visible to the whole world via the internet pictures. The team result was decided by two competitions - the Classic Distance (4.5 km) on Tuesday and the Middle Distance of 2.7 km on Thursday, the times of the best 3 team members each day being totalled. In the Classic race England’s scorers were Eliot (7th place), Stradling (13th) and Russell-Bates (15th) and we lay in 4th place behind Latvia and Slovakia (2). In the Medium race Huw Stradling ran early and was leading for quite some time. The split times were broadcast via the internet so the race could be followed from Bath as it progressed. Huw eventually finished 5th but this gained him a coveted podium place in the afternoon presentations. Ralph Eliot also scored (13th) but other team members had disappointing runs except for Jordan Bruce who saved the day and his 21st place was enough for England to keep 4th ahead of Ukraine, Austria, Israel, Slovakia III, China and the two Belgian teams.

"More significantly the Year 9 / Year 10 team qualified Kingswood to represent England in the Slovak Republic..."

The flight to Vienna for WSSMO at Pezinok, nearby in Slovakia, was preceded by a night at RMA Sandhurst for training and meeting the other 35 members of the team. There were school teams of senior boys, senior girls and junior girls - these three from the all-conquering Ulverston Victoria High School in Cumbria. The other half of the contingent were BSSC Y9 Winners: Alex Russell-Bates, Ralph Eliot & Rex Bannerman

16 Kingswood in Focus

It was a very exciting first week of term for the Kingswood boys.

The flags were paraded out, the ISF flag lowered and handed over for safe keeping to Scotland. WSSMO 2008 is in Edinburgh and our boys would like to be running again for England as 16/17 year olds. Will there be those currently in Years 7 and 8 challenging as well? It’s a great opportunity, but only time will tell!

Mr R J Lewis (Orienteer Leader)

Eco-Schools

Progress Towards a More Sustainable School Kingswood with its beautiful grounds and close, supportive community has great potential in developing ways to look after the environment.

PAPER - We have based this project on the 3R theme: first REDUCE waste whenever possible, then REUSE and, finally, RECYCLE. In classrooms, prep rooms and offices around the School we’ve put 2 boxes made from reused materials (see below). A team of students manages these boxes.

Y3 put their recycling skills to fantastic use during their Geography topic, 'Improving the Environment', by creating their very own Scrapmen.’

Other schools are also interested in trying to become more sustainable and encouragingly, interest is growing daily. Last year when we first introduced the Eco-Schools’ programme, we were the only school registered between Bristol and Malmesbury. Today there are 6 registered in Bath alone including Kingswood Prep School, King Edward’s and Prior Park.

So what have we been doing at Kingswood this year? Following the Eco-School framework described in KIF last June, we now have an established Eco-Committee. This consists of a core group of students and staff that lead the Eco-School activity. The response to the activity has been impressive and has enabled all of our goals for this year to be achieved. Many thanks to all of those who have contributed their time, expertise and enthusiasm!

Our main goals for this year were: 1. To increase awareness, interest and concern for the environment within our community. We have made significant progress with this due in large part to the assembly given to the whole School in November.

Also, presentations were given to other members of our community.

I gave the presentation to the Non-teaching Staff and was very impressed with their enthusiasm and support. The way the whole School works together on environmental projects is a great attribute of the programme.

2. To develop ways to improve our environment - see details below.

3. To publicise our achievements and, hopefully, encourage others to follow suit. To date, we have had articles in KIF, the Bath Chronicle and Human Scale Education News. Also, several notices in the parents’ newsletter have generated positive responses. Encouragingly, we’ve had requests from two local secondary schools for details of our environmental activities.

Early this year, we launched a WOW campaign challenging our community to a War On Waste. By this we have been trying to change people’s attitudes which will lead them to be subconsciously less wasteful.

So far we have introduced a variety of achievable, high impact projects to reduce waste at Kingswood. The main ones are as follows:

ENERGY - Eco-Schools’ members have been working with the Carbon Trust to reduce carbon emissions given off by wasting energy at the School. So far we have come up with light switch covers with catchy messages (see below). If you have any ideas of how we can encourage people to turn off lights, we’d like to hear about them.

RECYCLING - This year we have been working with the Bath & North East Somerset Council to try and increase the efficiency of recycling at the school.

This has included developing a new recycling centre adjacent to the new bike shed.

KPS' Scrapman

FOOD - We have been collaborating with the Catering Department to try and reduce food waste. In our assembly, we emphasised how much food is wasted and encouraged everyone to think before they choose their food.

This year, our other projects have included fundraising activities and setting up schemes for monitoring our successes (we now record electricity, gas and paper use on a monthly basis). In addition, we have introduced stationery, made from reused materials, to the School shop and mouse mats, made from old recycled car tyres, to the IT suites.

So what are our future plans? Next year we will carry on developing projects to reduce waste. In addition, we aim to get Eco-School accreditation and help develop sections on Environmental Issues in the new Heap Library and Kingswood’s website.

If we are successful, Kingswood will be a more aware and less wasteful community than it is today. This means that in the longer term we will be able to focus on projects that will give more hands-on experiences of the environment for members of our community. These could include nature trails, gardening, and enhancing our School grounds. Our other long-term interests include looking into sustainable energy sources, decreasing transport costs and trying to compost our food waste.

So where could you come in? We are always looking for good ideas.

Our Action Plan certainly isn’t written in stone but is meant to be dynamic and flexible. We hope that the changes that are brought about will be seen by all to be desirable and leading us all towards a more sustainable school community. Although we are a student-led initiative we value everyone’s input.

If you have any advice or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact us by e-mail at ecoschools@kingswood.bath.sch.uk

Hannah Gregory (U6) Kingswood in Focus 17

Art Rhona Greene U6

Tobia Stella U6

Sophie Graham-Wood U6

Tobia Stella U6

Bags and background image

by Bibi King-Harman U6

18 Kingswood in Focus

ce L6

s Bru

Jame

Persia Parsons L6

Elishka Stirton U6

Y1 planning African themed ceramic tile designs

3J's bowl of papier machĂŠ fruit

KPS Artwork Angus Batterham 6T

Y6 Figures in Movement

Sebastian 1M

Y1 experimenting with cutting into clay

Kingswood in Focus 19

Performing Arts

A Baptism of Fire

A portrait of the actress as a new Drama teacher March 2005

The scary looking rugby player grins and asks ‘Will you cope working for someone else?’ ‘Is this man really a drama teacher’, I think as I smile broadly and reply, ‘I can’t wait, and it will be so easy not being in charge’.

As Head of Drama at Oldfield School I was sure that life at Kingswood would be so straightforward. Having previously worked in a private school I knew about the long hours, the duties and the seemingly endless sports reports in assemblies. At least lunch was provided and there were fantastic facilities. I just wish someone had pointed out that my new boss was a cross between Laurence Olivier and Mussolini....

September 2005

So far so good. The rugby player is a proper drama teacher but he also coaches rugby - they’ll never believe that at the National Drama Teachers’ conference. In fact, all the teachers look really fit. It turns out that they all take some sort of sport. And they all enjoy it. Is this the secret to remaining thin while still enjoying the sandwiches and cake at tea time?

‘Netball? Yes I’ll play netball - but I have to let my tea go down first.’

Life outside the common room has started innocently enough with the casting of seven sixth form pupils in the David Farr play ‘The Queen Must Die’. Several of the pupils are drama scholars, so the standards are naturally high. Juggling the rehearsals of this with the newly formed Year 7 and 8 drama clubs is relatively easy and it is lovely having the odd trip out to the theatre. Seeing ‘The Rivals’at the Bath Theatre Royal has really brought the play to life for my Year 13 students. Maybe now they will stop moaning about the play?

October 2005

Following a particularly enjoyable trip to see ‘Tristan and Yseult’ at The Bristol Old Vic I suppose that the alarm bells should be ringing loudly when ‘he who must be obeyed’ announces that ‘next time we will take the GCSE pupils as well’. Does he realise this means taking seventy-five students? I consider the consequences briefly before remembering that I can always blame him if things go wrong.

December 2006

‘The Queen Must Die’ plays to packed audiences in the drama studio.

We are exhausted but elated at how well the students did. The boss and I ponder momentarily on the conundrum that a ‘small scale’ play takes up as much time as a large scale one. We modestly decide that it is because we are so dedicated and we agree that we deserve a holiday.

"'The Queen Must Die', gave us a great opportunity to perform challenging roles and also to work with an excellent group of actors."

Jake Warren (‘Billy’)

January 2006

The shock of finding nearly sixty Year 7 pupils waiting for drama club to start will haunt me for a long time to come. I divide them into two groups and send thirty of them away until next week. After putting the remaining thirty through their dramatic paces I find my boss, stage a small scale rebellion and hand responsibility of the weekly Year 8 club over to him.

The rest of the department seems to be running smoothly - although we have just worked out that we only have six weeks to stage a full scale production of ‘Daisy Pulls it Off’. We have a professional set designer on board which is encouraging, and we are busy showing off the model he has made to everyone that wanders past our new, small but perfectly formed office. We wonder why everyone laughs heartily when they see it and push the nagging doubts to the backs of our minds.

November 2006

Space is at a premium with the GCSE performances coming up. I hear rumours of bribes being taken and large amounts of chocolate being handed over in exchange for an hour’s rehearsal in the coveted drama studio. I think about the other spaces I have taught in - damp basements, dining halls, maths classrooms and wonder if the pupils appreciate how fortunate they are.

Year 7 Drama Club

February 2006

The Year 7 Drama Club have successfully staged an evening of ‘work in progress’ - a useful term meaning we can get away with any mistakes.

Because of numbers, the performances have to be moved out of the Drama Studio and into the Theatre. I worry that my smallest pupils will struggle to be heard. I position myself at the front with a large sign saying ‘Speak Up’. However, they are true professionals and I only use it once.

And they didn’t see me anyway.

March 2006

The pace really picks up as the boss and I juggle final rehearsals for ‘Daisy’ with the increasingly demanding preparations for both final GCSE, AS and A2 level practical examinations. We are living on nervous energy and Cadbury’s Cream Eggs. I know things are bad when my daily supply runs out before 11.00am.

The production is a resounding success - even if I do say so myself.

The set is fabulous, the costumes stunning and the make-up professionally applied. The actors prove that they have listened to all our direction and pull off three fantastic performances. No rest for the team of two, however, and the applause is still ringing in our ears as we enter what is to be the most frantic period yet.

"I had so much fun playing Trixie that I have found it increasingly difficult to distance myself from her and still catch myself saying things like, ‘spiffing’ and ‘how topping’!"

Emily Jones (‘Trixie’)

Are we nearly there yet? We breathe a large sigh of relief as the serious stuff draws to a close. Our elation is short lived, however, as there are still rehearsals for the Year 9 play and auditions for the lower school production of ‘Arabian Nights’. It is a bit of a shock to realise that we are actually only two-thirds of the way through the year.

The boss and I keep adding to the list of ‘things to do next term’ and I’m not sure how we will fit it all in. What I do know is that we won’t rest until it is done.

Life in the Drama Department is all consuming, but if I am honest I wouldn’t have it any other way. ‘Cross Country?

Maybe later - I’m a bit busy at the moment’.

Kate Rowe (Drama Teacher)

The trip to see ‘Nights at the Circus’ is a finely tuned, precisely planned and perfectly executed triumph. A group of 80 students, teachers and friends descend on the Bristol Old Vic and behave impeccably, we think - it’s a bit hard to tell with so many of them around!

The AS level practical examinations go well but are sandwiched between two theatre productions and two workshops. The end of term looms tantalisingly close but oh, so far away.....

The A2 assessments don’t go so smoothly. We may never forgive a certain member of Hall House who accidentally sets the fire alarm off during a performance whilst burning toast. But no harm is done and I don’t think he will do it again!

"Having to learn so many lines in such a short amount of time was very daunting but the cast was so supportive and patient that the experience was fantastic and something that I will remember for the rest of my life."

Georgia Sharp (‘Daisy’) Kingswood in Focus 21

“Rejoice!”

“Joyeux Noel!”, “Mele Kalikama!”, “Nadolig Llawen!” “Frohe Weihnacht!”, “Vrolijk Fest!”, “Naya Saal Mubarak Ho!” The Pre-Prep Christmas performance for 2005 had an international and timeless flavour. These multi-lingual festive greetings hung from the ceiling in the hall and sprung from the lips of the children at the start of the production.

The Reception children were first to take the stage in red and green fir-trimmed capes. They represented the children of Lapland with a super size sleigh, a symbolic Santa and effervescent elves. Through dance and song, the children of Year 1 added the colours and traditions of Greece, France, Italy and Russia, the latter involving a hilarious but complex routine where two dancers became one (legs and arms) to simulate the Kosak leaps and dance movements.

Year 2 took up the narrative, demonstrating that God’s love is for all people all over the world and throughout history. They invented characters such as futuristic narrators, teeny-bopping sixties angels, a uniformed marching band and even a wise woman from the twenty-first century, not to mention further children from all around the world. The theme presented undreamed of challenges for our ever-inventive costume designers, the parents and Friends of Kingswood Prep School.

"...performance had an international and timeless flavour."

And so it was that the Christmas story with global resonance unfolded once again and, at its conclusion, the Nursery children in international costumes, as the smallest children from around the world joined their voices to the Christmas celebration, singing “Come to the Manger” and ““Jesus Loves the World” World”.. The performance, an adaptation of the musical by Alison Heger, was indeed aptly entitled, “REJOICE!” This year the Nursery children also created a traditional Christmas tableau in the Nursery for their own parents, as Mrs Jones read the story. This too proved to be a heart-warming and memorable occasion.

Mrs Glynis Hull (Head of Pre-Prep, KPS)

Festive Fun!!

Senior School festivities kicked off with the ever-popular annual entertainment from Mr Burgon and his musical elves!!!

22 Kingswood in Focus

Westwood House Events MUSIC COMPETITION

Musical Visitors What a great term for musical visitors to Kingswood. Two current professional musicians visited our Sixth Form students to pass on performance tips during performance workshops. Al Steele, a professional session guitarist who has performed all over the world, came to Kingswood to give some tips on technique, nerves and general preparation. Clare Gainford, a professional bassoonist who has played with many of the country’s leading orchestras, also put our Sixth Form through their paces, spending time discussing practice regimes and performance technique. An ex-Kingswood Music Scholar, Gareth Coker returned from his studies at the Royal Academy of Music to pass on his newly found composition experience to our Year 10 and Year 12 music students. Gareth is completing his final year at the Academy studying Music for Media, in particular film music. Next year he is hoping to continue his studies in Japan.

Undoubtedly though, the highlight of the year was the visit to Kingswood by one of the UK’s leading musicians. Jason Rebello is a jazz pianist of the highest calibre and has performed with everyone from Jeff Beck to the Halle Orchestra, from Mica Paris to Sting. Jason gave a piano workshop on Sunday 26th February during which some of our most promising pianists, both jazz and classical, performed. During the Scholars’ Concert in the evening, Jason then performed two of his own self-penned solos which were quite simply outstanding. He also performed with KJO for James Morgan’s solo “Power of Soul” which was a great triumph.

The Westwood House Music competition took place on 9th February in spite of numerous colds and flu bugs! An excellent evening of songs and entertainment - well organised and run by the Westwood Prefects. Some of the very ‘note able’ performers were Myfanwy Hollywell on clarinet; Verity Smout singing ‘Whenever, whenever’; Amy Green singing ‘Part of your world’; Eleanor Hobbs playing piano and an exciting rendition of ‘Kung Fu Fighting’ by the Posnett team.

There was also a cello concerto by Oscar Batterham - even with his injured fingers! Special thanks to the judges, Mr Redman, Miss Jacquet and Mr Jones who declared Beckford overall winners.

Mrs Susan Monks (Westwood Tutor and Singing Teacher)

CHOIR RECORDING

Mr Richard Mainwaring (Director of Music)

Carol Service Many congratulations to all musicians who contributed to last term’s Carol Service at Bath Abbey - to our Senior Brass players who opened the service with a seasonal flourish to introduce the opening hymn and closed with a celebratory descant to the final carol, and to our four choirs - Westwood Choir, Year 9 Choir, Senior Choir and Chamber Choir for performing their pieces with commitment and a sense of occasion.

For those of you who were unable to attend, the Chamber Choir sang the beautiful Elizabeth Poston setting of “Jesus Christ the Apple Tree”.

This was followed by “Where Riches Everlastingly” performed by the Senior Choir and the addition of four percussionists. The Year 9 Choir managed to squeeze into the organ loft from where they performed Rutter’s “No1 Nouvelet”. The Chamber Choir then returned to perform “In the Bleak Mid-Winter” which was closely followed by Westwood Choir’s performance of “Christmas Bells”. Many thanks also to the readers and to Mr Mainwaring, Miss Matthews, Mrs Monks and Mr Sealy for their contributions to the Service.

Mr Gary Best (Headmaster)

"The choir have been singing so well this year..."

The choir have been singing so well this year and we decided we should make a CD for the choir to keep as a momento.

They sang for two, very concentrated, hours and recorded two anthems and two Disney songs. The Moulton Hall was a great venue with a good acoustic and we are all looking forward to hearing the final copy.

Kingswood in Focus 23

How to Discover that 24 Hours is a Long Time!

The whole of Friday 18th November was a bit of a blur. School carried on as usual, but all of us musos who were about to start the project Twenty4 were trying to conserve our energy.

We were to start the project that evening at 6.30pm, and by 6.30pm on Saturday we hoped we would have a finished album. As most albums take months to make, Twenty4 hours felt like a very short amount of time. That is, until we attempted it!

The Tech Team CD Cover

Peri Profile DAVID SHEPARD David isn’t a musician at all, but started life as a PhD in Plant Biochemistry, lecturing in several British Universities before ‘seeing the light’ and commencing clarinet teaching about 22 years ago. Fortunately his training from John Fuest, Principal Clarinettist with the City of Birmingham and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic orchestras, stood him in good stead, and with a post-graduate diploma in woodwind teaching from Reading University, he is now considered just about ‘respectable’ to be let loose on pupils!

David is a bit of a hoarder, and over the years has collected quite a few weird and wonderful historic instruments which occasionally see the light of day for lecture-recitals. He is also sometimes to be seen ‘skulking’ on the back row of local orchestras with his Bass Clarinet, or generally irritating conductors with his truly awful piccolo Eb clarinet playing!

When the day has been long and arduous, David often retreats to the loft of his little cottage to play with his rather extensive model railway and thereby put the world to rights! He has also been known to fly helicopters (not in his loft though!).

24 Kingswood in Focus

The first five or so hours up until midnight were easy! Everyone had their song titles (which had been picked at random) and we were all busy composing. I had brought all of my gear into School and made my own little studio in Room 11 in the Music Department. Mr Mainwaring was already on the coffee by 7 o’clock, and Miss Matthews, Mr Main and Rev Wilkinson were wandering around giving out compliments and ideas. By 9.30pm, the first song was not only composed but had been recorded! Sam Parsons and I continued to work on two songs, “Mama Said” and “Sonic Boom”. Our job was more difficult than some others as we had recording equipment so were expected not only to compose our songs but to record the vast majority in our home-based studio, Room 11. By 3.00am, some of the lightweights had gone to bed but the die-hards were now congregating in the main studio, encouraging the singers and instrumentalists as they tried to fight off tiredness and sound, as if what they had recorded were fresh and full of energy - it didn’t look like it!!

"We finished the project on time and then collapsed in a heap!!!!"

By 7.00am, most of the 11 songs on the album were in the main studio, but needed addition or two. We got some breakfast at 8.00am, then returned to hear the Gospel Choir laying down some great vocals on the final title track. Then, by midday, the tiredness really started to kick in. We only had 6 hours left to mix the whole album, and I was still awake but feeling very wobbly and finding everything ridiculously funny - even Mr Mainwaring’s jokes. By 3.00pm in the afternoon, it was very very difficult to concentrate, and although the songs sounded great, we were all getting a bit tired of them. We finished the project on time and then collapsed in a heap!!!! The album has been a great triumph, raising £1700 for “Hope and Homes” for Children. We are all very proud of the achievement, and whenever I listen to “Mama Said” I am reminded that 24 hours can be a very long time.

Alex Killpartrick (Year 10) "Are you sure?"

Scholars’ Concert '06 This year’s successful Scholars’ Concert had a special guest, Mr Jason Rebello. The student performers were Jeff Carpenter, Alfred Ireland, Laura Cross, Alice Liu, Josh Cartlidge, David Haynes, Irene Kong, Joel Grainger, Tom Pritchard, James Morgan and myself.

"...the performance went very well..."

Scales are Nice!

Anyone who has learned to play an instrument knows how horrific learning and practising scales is.

“But no” says Richard Mainwaring, “scales are nice.” Students who enter music examinations without knowing their scales and arpeggios usually get a significantly lower mark than they are capable of.

And Mr Mainwaring reckons they’re a great way of showing off: there’s nothing cooler than someone rattling scales off at a rate of knots!

On an autumnal Friday lunchtime, the Music Department had its inaugural “Scales are Nice” competition. Although there was a small amount of competitors, the competition for the fastest one octave scale was fierce. Sam Chan thought he had won, though the judge (Mr M with a stopwatch) deemed that his one octave scale in 1.21 seconds had one note missing. Therefore, the winner of the £15 CD token and the title of “2005 Scaler of the Year” was Sam Parsons (pictured above) who played his one octave ascending and descending scale on the guitar in a time of 1.35 seconds.

"...it gives everyone the chance to play or sing with other students."

On the morning of the concert, I got up at 7.00am feeling very nervous - my hands were shaking, even at this time. I made my way to the Music School and did my usual 30 minute early morning practice. At 1.15pm, I had some free time so, not wanting to practise too close to the event, I decided to have a walk around the Music School to hear some of the other scholars practising. I heard Jeff, Alfred, Alice and Irene on pianos, producing a beautiful tone. I walked on to find Katharine Ireland playing her clarinet, and next door David Haynes was blowing the cobwebs out of the corners of his room with his big trumpet sound. I walked on to Rooms 11 and 12 and saw Laura and Joel practising with great accuracy - I didn’t hear any mistakes! And at the end of the building, Tom and Josh were singing so beautifully they immersed me in an ocean of sound from which I did not want to leave.

And by 6.30pm, I was getting ready for the concert. Should I dye my hair blue or not? The decision took my mind away from the performance ahead. At 7.30pm, the concert started and I stepped onto the stage, hands cold and my body shaking.

However, the performance went very well, and at the end, as I bowed to the applause, I gave the audience a full view of my bright blue hair!!!!

Samuel Chan (Year 10)

David Haynes

Ensemble Fortnight Playing an instrument can be a lonely business - hours of solitary practice to hone one’s technical skills. As a child, there were times when I hated this!

However, I would literally run to my rehearsals with the various orchestras and bands I played with. Music is so much more enjoyable when shared with others, and instruments like the piano do not easily lend themselves to such occasions. This is why ensemble fortnight exists - it gives everyone the chance to play or sing with other students.

The concert at the end of the fortnight was a great success.

There was a large range of performances at the informal concert, from piano duets and trios to cello quartets and string ensembles. Undoubtedly though, the highlight of the evening in early February was the 20-strong electric guitar ensemble that performed a very loud version of “Examiner Blues” led by our leading guitarist Chris Campbell. It was also a pleasure to see so many of our unsung hero peripatetic staff performing at the event.

And there was even a special, rare appearance by the accordionplayer-extraordinaire Mr Sandy Burgon!

Mr Richard Mainwaring (Director of Music) Kingswood in Focus 25

Piano Week Play a solo? On the piano? In front of loads of people? Singing isn’t a problem, I love it, but I only play the piano in front of my teacher and cat.

Mr Mainwaring had this bright idea that all pianists at the school should perform during a week in March. That’s fine, and seemed like a great idea if you were not one of the people who had to perform!

I was very scared about it, but practised a bit more often because it was important to get it right, especially when so many people would be watching. My concert was on the Thursday lunchtime of Piano Week - and then I broke my thumb!! Undaunted, I still performed Offenbach’s “Barcarolle” - the 1 thumb version!

as I played well, I was very pleased with the whole event. And the Friday night Gala Concert was fantastic. 10 of the School’s best pianists had about 10 minutes each to show their amazing abilities. From Jeff Carpenter’s "Giga" by Bach to Alfred Ireland’s "Beethoven Sonata", from Antonia Bevan’s "Little White Donkey" by Ibanez to Sam Chan’s "Rondo a la Turk" by Mozart, all were fantastic.

Hannah Bishay (Year 9)

Luckily, there weren’t many people at the concert and

Friday

Tuesday

ay Wednesd

Thursday

Monday

Weeke nd Perform ance

My Final School Concert After many years of playing bass guitar at some of Kingswood’s Musical highlights over the last few years, the Joint Concert between St Anne’s School Jo’burg and Kingswood was very special.

Our visitors performed in the first half, showing great versatility in their programme. They started with a fantastic marimba trio which had the Kingswood audience mesmerised. There then followed the jazz ensemble with some excellent solo singing, a choir which ranged in styles from Mozart to some highly entertaining traditional African songs. The girls sang with energy and commitment, and swayed and clapped and really looked like they were having fun. The orchestra then completed the first half with an especially nice Norah Jones arrangement.

The second half was Kingswood’s and kicked off with Wagner’s

Mastersingers Overture. I used to play a bit of bass in the orchestra, and the improvement over the last few years has been excellent, especially amongst the strings. As usual, Kingswood’s singers were out in force and there were four choirs on show ranging in styles from a Disney song to a piece by Thomas Tallis, a Gospel piece to a traditional African piece which the Senior Choir sang to our visitors as a welcome.

"...we’ve got one of the best rhythm sections of any school!"

The best string players showed considerable skill in the first movement of Britten’s Simple Symphony and then it was our turn to finish the concert with a bang. Over the term, a simple idea of performing The Race

by Yello snowballed. What was going to be KJO’s finest moment suddenly had KFC involved - that pushed our brass section to over 30! I’m not just saying it, but I think we’ve got one of the best rhythm sections of any school! - and then we had Alex Killpartrick and Sam Parsons from KFC to join us, and a 10 piece percussion ensemble of Year 7-9 pupils who were very good! This was all topped off with the Wacky Races cartoon projected cinema-size onto the back wall......wow! The South African were actually dancing in the aisles, and I cannot think of a better way to finish my years of end-of-term Music Department concerts than with a very very special performance which I will remember for a very long time.

James Morgan (Principal Musician, U6)

Dido and Aeneas Chloe Pew Latter’s excellent AS coursework recording of a late Renaissance song convinced Mr Mainwaring that there was sufficient vocal talent to produce an opera in the Autumn of 2005.

What he did not realise was that there was enough talent to stage an opera with such impressive success. Nobody really broke into much of a sweat, or so it seemed!

players excelled themselves with superb accompaniment, and the chorus, under the leadership of Miss Matthews, sang with conviction and energy. As well as the many musical highlights of the show, perhaps one of the most memorable moments was when Josh Cartlidge almost missed his singing entry.

Apparently, backstage, his anchor had been taped to the floor and there was no way he could shift it! The colour drained from Mr Mainwaring’s face as the cue loomed, and then, cool as an anchorless sailor, Josh sauntered on with 3 bars to spare.

"...there was enough talent to stage an opera with such impressive success."

The story for Dido and Aeneas was adapted from part of the Aeneid by Virgil. Dido, Queen of Carthage, falls in love with Aeneas, who has landed in Carthage after fleeing from Troy after defeat in the Trojan War. However, some witches living near Carthage, who hate Dido, remind him that he is fated to go and be the founder of the Roman Empire. Aeneas leaves Dido, who is heart-broken and kills herself.

In Kingswood’s 1920s version, Dido is a wealthy woman who lives in a rather grand mansion called Carthage. She falls in love with Aeneas who has now become distracted from founding the great new Metropolis.

However, three incompetent local undertakers who hate Dido remind him of his destiny and trick him into leaving her. Aeneas leaves and Dido dies ........ of a broken heart or suicide?

Seven weeks of rehearsing led to one of Kingswood’s first operatic productions in a very, very long time. What made “Dido” special was that all of the solo parts, all of the chorus and orchestra, and the technicians were pupils. There was a fantastic atmosphere throughout the run-up to the performances, something most opera companies do not usually experience, owing largely to the histrionic attitude of the leading lady!

There was none of that here.

Chloe Pew Latter played a consistently excellent Dido, moving a number of the audience to tears, particularly in her final lament.

Emma LLoyd’s contribution as Belinda, despite injury and illness, was outstanding. There were also superb performances from Jeff Carpenter as Aeneas, and John Rawlins, Theo Boyce and Alex Bevan as the undertakers. Josh Cartlidge sang and danced with humour and style as the principal sailor. Other notable roles were sung with equal excellence by Emma Febry, Sarah Masterson Hally, Amelia Tuckett, Jonathan Watts and Elliot Haines. Kingswood’s string

Apparently Mr Mainwaring has suggested Wagner’s “Ring Cycle” next, but Miss Matthews, Mr Woodgate, Miss Houghton and Mrs Cunliffe all shouted in unison, “Nessun Dorma...... for about three years!”

KPS International Day Tuesday 28th March

Children in the Prep and Pre-Prep came to

School dressed in a costume from a country of their own choice for the second KPS International Day.

The costumes made a spectacular sight at the whole School assembly at the start of the day. In addition to the Pre-Prep treating the School to a French song, children representing 12 different countries around the world greeted the School in their language. Some Year 6 girls sang a French song followed

by Matthew Bolland reading an appropriate French poem, ‘J’ai des amis sur toute la planète’.

To the approval of the children, the usual Tuesday timetable was abandoned whilst classrooms in the Prep and Pre-Prep were transformed into one of the 12 countries represented: Bhutan, Uganda, Germany, Holland, India, Brazil, Chile, Uzbekistan, Norway, Canada, Australia, India, Norway and The Phillipines.

"The costumes made a spectacular sight at the whole School assembly..."

Enormous thanks to those parents, Staff and friends who ran or helped to run a workshop and for going to such enormous lengths to make the day such an educational and memorable experience for the children.

We were

28 Kingswood in Focus

particularly honoured to welcome Sherzod Umerov and Avaz Khodjimetov, staff from the Embassy of Uzbekistan in London.

Their generosity of support is appreciated, particularly as their visit coincided with their national festival making it an extremely busy time for them. We were also delighted to welcome Malcolm Harper working at PUSS children’s home in Orissa, India. Our children were given an insight into the very contrasting ways of life to children in India.

Activities during the day included mask making, food tasting, playing traditional games, dancing and learning songs, basic language and a bit about the culture.

As children rotated around the countries collecting souvenirs they also had their home-made passport stamped and, at the end of the day, a quiz for the older children to do with their parents.

Mr Ball and the Catering Staff came up trumps at lunchtime. The dining hall was decorated in flags and the menu reflected the theme ‘Eating around the World’.

The aim of the day was to help promote respect and tolerance in KPS children of other countries, races, religions and cultures by giving them an insight and understanding into other parts of the world. At the same time it aimed to use the opportunity to value the backgrounds of those children at KPS from different parts of the world. Judging by the enthusiasm and interest shown by the children it was certainly successful in achieving these aims.

Into the bargain, money was raised for the UNICEF and the Friends of Children of Orissa.

Mr Philip Dixon (Deputy Head, KPS)

Kingswood in Focus 29

Model United Nations

MUN Conference During the first weekend in March Kingswood played host to the sixteenth annual Bath International Schools’ Model United Nations Conference.

Seven hundred students from across the Bath area and from elsewhere in the United Kingdom were joined by groups from Ireland, Germany, France and Kuwait for two days of vigorous debate. The agenda for discussion was as diverse as always, with mainstream topics such as climate change and the fight against terrorism sitting alongside less well-known issues, including the plight of the indigenous peoples of South America and the digital divide. Kingswood delegates were active on all committees, with Ross Evans and Max Mulvany winning particular recognition.

As Conference Director I found this to be the smoothest conference I can remember. This is in large part due to the first rate efforts of the Sixth Form chairing team. However well you prepare in advance, once the conference begins it is very much down to the chairs as to whether the event is a success or failure. Again this year I was lucky to have a highly professional team who rose to the challenge and ran the event with great skill and judgement. Particular thanks must go the head chairs, Meredith Lloyd, Matt Lyle, Liz Kebby-Jones, James Morgan, Jen Clarkson, Tricia Hughes, Chris Wright, Lucas Hunt and David Dowling.

The work of the chairs was supported admirably by a team of secretaries and administration staff. Matt Everson and Natasha Keates were again outstanding in ensuring everything went according to plan. Thanks also to the technical crew, whose work is indispensable at an event such as this, and to the Friends of Kingswood, again rock solid in their support. Of course, no list of thanks for another successful MUN is complete without mention of Morag Lemmy, who is undoubtedly at the heart of this achievement.

"At MUN, freedom of expression lives on strong..."

The Conference was opened on Saturday morning by our Guest Speaker, the Shadow Attorney General, Mr Dominic Grieve M.P. He spoke on the challenges facing the world today and in particular the difficulty of reconciling freedom with the need to combat terror. This theme was developed by Meredith Lloyd, Secretary General for the 2006 Conference. What follows is an extract from Meredith’s speech to the Opening Ceremony, in which he outlines his vision about what the MUN experience is all about.

“So why do we do MUN? Why do we travel great distances to spend our weekend here, as well as spending weeks preparing beforehand? Is it merely an emulation of a struggling international body, a mock-up of the UN? Many people see MUN as an attempt to copy what the UN does, researching topics, preparing resolutions, participating in debates. At its most basic level this is true and, along the way, we forge friendships, share stories and jokes, and otherwise have a good time. We enjoy the debates, and by the end of Sunday we have hopefully reunited with old friends and met new ones, made some great speeches, and perhaps even won an award. If not, we have had a go, gained some public speaking experience, and we’ll be back next year for another. But what if MUN were more than that; not a Model of the United Nations, but a Model for the United Nations?

The items on today’s agenda are real problems facing today’s world: 30 Kingswood in Focus

• the growth of international terrorism by fundamentalist religious sects; groups who wrongly and misleadingly portray the beliefs of the peaceful majority and divide society down religious lines which need not, and moreover should not, be there; • the worsening and frightening prospect of climate change; a problem born of selfishness and arrogance of industrialised developed nations.

This in some ways is more dangerous than the former in that it cannot be stopped by sanctions or military force, it cannot be reasoned with.

The solution relies on selfless and sensible co-operation - something, which in international politics is depressingly hard to find.

These issues will occupy the agenda of the UN for the next fifty years: the time that our generation will be at the world’s helm. We will be the decision-makers and in that sense at least, the people here today will form the basis for the politics of tomorrow and thus are a model for a future UN. The words of the French writer Voltaire “I may not agree with what you have to say but I will defend to the death your right to say it” sadly no longer seem applicable in today’s national and international climate. At MUN, however, freedom of expression lives on strong and, unlike politicians bound by party politics, budget limitations and manifesto commitments, we make our individual voices heard, as part of a body seeking solutions to problems through open discussion; a model for the world, not of it.

MUN serves as a model to show us not just how politics is, but how politics should be. By the next election most of us here will be of voting age and have the chance to impact on the political make-up of the UK. The man at Live8 was right: the men (and sadly they are all men) around that G8 table don’t care because they aren’t scared of half a million people standing in a park listening to Bono and Paul McCartney. But when the 750 million people they represent get a little bit of paper in their hands and put little crosses in little boxes they may just sit up and listen....a little. Unfortunately, for the last ten years voter turn-out has been at record low levels since the First World War. This apparent political apathy suggests people do not care for the world. However, you MUN-ers gathered here today have not come solely to have fun, you have put in hours of research and preparation,

and have travelled considerable distances to be here; far greater than that to your local polling station. To me this suggests that there is not a lack of interest in politics and world affairs, but a feeling of helplessness, that in the face of massive challenges and adversity, our leaders and the United Nations appear impotent.

However, here again MUN is an idealised model of how international politics could be: • We have not been worn down by the failing system, but see it with fresh and interested eyes.

• We do not have budgets to stick to, but almost an economic naivety, which does not let confines of money limit our ideas and solutions.

• We have no axe to grind, but a youthful optimism with which to face the world’s new challenges, and continually seek the small changes for the greater good, as we work cooperatively together over the next two days, bringing our own solutions to the challenges at hand.

Whilst the resolutions we debate have no immediate political impact on the world, they do much more than fill today’s recycling bins... they shape the minds and hearts of tomorrow’s decision-makers.

Take that thought with you as you sit in your committees, and have a very enjoyable conference.”

Mr Craig B Woodgate (Head of History & Politics)

"We enjoy the debates, are hopefully reunited with old friends, have met new ones, made some great speeches, and perhaps even won an award."

Kingswood in Focus 31

R.E. Department Feature

New Places, New Faces September started on a high for the RE Department with the momentous move from the Glass Corridor to its new domain in the Ferens.

Not only did we gain an extra teaching room, but Mrs Court is now able to see daylight! Although we only took possession from the Maths Department a few days before the beginning of term, and with only a few weeks before the Inspection, the whole department threw itself into the task of refinding our books, checking that the rooms had TVs (how could Mrs Court’s Ethics lessons survive without one?) and generally organising our new “world”. For the first time we were faced with not just rooms we could move around in but a huge corridor in which we could display students’ work. Religious artefacts, Christian acrostics, posters on St Francis’ prayer, essays on Shabbat and examples of Islamic “art” luckily survived the transfer and soon transformed the wall space.

The “In the News” board continues to occupy its position in the Glass Corridor, raising awareness of Ethical Issues whilst students are queuing for lunch; Arthur Lau and Meredith Lloyd have been major contributors in its composition. Topics have ranged from the war in Iraq to the baby born in Bath with three mothers.

inaugurating the girls’ rugby team. A theologian, an Oxford Blue and a Westwood tutor, he has quickly made his mark on both the department and the wider Kingswood scenario.

Oxford has continued to be the favourite venue for Sixth Form visits both for Peter Vardy’s stimulating series of Philosophy lectures as well as shopping in the lunch hour break. Several students have also attended the Oxford Theology Faculty’s Open Day which has given them the opportunity to enjoy both the academic and social life in college. Having toiled through both religious and secular theories of conscience, the Upper Sixth theologians thoroughly enjoyed ending the Christmas Term by putting this into a more practical context with a visit to the Theatre Royal to watch Sir Thomas More, played by Martin Shaw, struggle with the demands of state and conscience in ‘A Man For All Seasons’.

The department’s commitment to drama continues apace and this year’s competitions have proved particularly hard to judge. In Year 8 Jodie’s group barnstormed their way through to win best Purim play. Kate Nannestad’s group’s innovative musical version of the Ten Young Maidens won best play in the Year 10 Parablethon; Sam Parson, as usual, wrote the most original script, and Ellie Hocken and Robbie Carrington won best actress and best actor. Although Meredith Lloyd, Trish Hughes and Chris Campbell devised an original sketch on “determinism”, the Upper Sixth have confined themselves mainly to devising intriguing presentations on sexual ethics!!

"We were extremely pleased by the outstanding A Level and GCSE results in 2005."

We were extremely pleased by the outstanding A Level and GCSE results in 2005. Nearly all of Year 11 took RS GCSE, 78% gaining A or A*.

18 out of 23 students gained a grade A at A Level; four of them going on to Oxford to read either PPE, History or Theology and another three gaining places at medical schools. Theology continues to be a highly popular subject, over fifty students are currently studying Theology AS/A Level in the Sixth Form. University destinations are diverse, ranging from Sports Studies, Foundation courses at Art College, to Law. Many continue to read Philosophy at University, but we have also had an increasing number who are considering medicine as a career and have found the study of medical ethics particularly interesting.

As the numbers taking RS and Theology have rapidly grown in the last few years so too has the department. It now has five members of staff: Mrs Court (Head of Department), Mrs Bland, Dr. Calvert, Mr Cooke and Mrs Marshall. The Inspection report on the department was extremely positive, praising the strength of the whole team; one high point of lessons viewed by the Inspector being Mrs Bland’s Year 11 debate on IVF. The arrival of Mr Cooke, hot foot from Oxford, has also brought a new dimension to the department, as well as

A number of our outside speakers have connections with the Kingswood community. Mrs Clark, mother of Georgia in Year 11 and Alex Year 9 conducted a very spirited question and answer session with Year 10 about her work as a counsellor for Relate. We were also very pleased to welcome back the Reverend Ray Lansley, the new Chairman of Governors, who spoke to Year 9 about the role of a Christian minister, and Alex Hola-Peryer (1997-2004) who gave a highly entertaining account of his visits to Lourdes with the Handicapped Children’s Pilgrimage Trust.

The Spring Term has been a more “interactive” time.

Mrs Marshall’s Year 10 group engaged in a practical demonstration of discrimination in action. Others in the same year were involved in a “fact finding”

L to R: Mrs Marshall, Mrs Court, Mr Cooke, Mrs Bland

mission concerning disability access at Kingswood. Dr Calvert’s Year 8 class, having taken “part” in Channel 4’s Virtual Hajj, were involved with producing Powerpoint presentations or plays on Islamic Rites of Passage.

The Chaplain gave a lesson on the Eucharist to Year 9, a number of whom were communicants in Whole School Service the following day.

With the loss of the Home Economics room and the retirement of Mrs Packer the highlight of Year 9 was thrown into doubt.

However, Mrs Bland stepped “personfully” into the breach and single-handedly produced 96 pancakes so that the whole year group and staff could thoroughly enjoy our traditional Shrove Tuesday lesson.

After two terms in the Ferens we are now really beginning to feel “at home”.

Mrs Linda Court (Head of Religious Studies)

'Critical Thinking'... ...bounced into the Sixth Form curriculum three years ago, but is still shrouded in mystery.

What do they actually do? I mean, with other subjects you have a vague idea - Chemists blow up labs, Geographers go out in cagoules with spades, Biologists dissect.... Well, I’m not quite sure what they dissect really, but you get the picture. Crit Thinkers?? Even the syllabus doesn’t help; there’s just no content!! It’s entirely skill based; speed reading, and a high degree of analytical ability. It also seems to include a high level of heated discussion on occasions, too!!

So, that’s the first thing Crit Thinkers do; take arguments apart, find what’s wrong with them, and then put them back together again.

Growing vegetables, keeping pets, the decline of classical music, political marches, space exploration, genetic engineering; the list is endless. Mrs Court’s favourite? ‘Exercise is good for you’, she just loves the flaws and assumptions.

And the second thing?? Deciding why you should believe anything anyone tells you. On that basis the first of the Great Critical Thinking Mystery Competition, will hit the notice boards in the RE corridor this Summer. Carefully devised by Lower Sixth Crit Thinkers, with the inclusion of totally misleading diagrams, particularly of the Dixon, they will challenge students from Year 9 or Year 10 to work out “who dun it”.

Good bits - you get to argue.

Bad bits - parents complain to Mrs Court that their sons and daughters are getting even more argumentative since they took up Crit Think.

Good bits again - you’ll never read a newspaper article or listen to the Today programme without dissecting the argument.

Even more good bits again - going to Oxford to hear Peter Vardy.

He’s just a brilliant lecturer. He also has a very strange memento in his office from his son’s DT project. (You’ll have to ask a member of the CT Club for the answer.)

CT is taken as a fifth AS subject, mainly by students who are thinking of either Oxbridge, medicine or law. Results in 2005 were excellent, 91% achieved a grade A; Meredith Lloyd and Lucas Hunt gained full marks in both papers; Milan Terlunen also gained full marks in the new format Analysis of Argument paper.

At present there is a Critical Thinking Club in Years 10 and 11 which currently has about fifty members. They have taken part in the Times On Line debate on subjects such as ‘Banning Kissing in School Plays’ and recently spent a day in Oxford attending a series of lectures based around the topic, “What is Truth?”

Mrs Linda Court (Head of Religious Studies) Kingswood in Focus 33

Kingswood Association

Farewell to a Housemaster who Tutored the Famous John Gardner, who was a distinguished teacher at Kingswood for almost forty years, died on 8th February 2006.

Educated at the City of London School, he won an Open Scholarship to Oriel College, Oxford to read Classics in 1930. He was greatly influenced in spiritual matters while at Oxford by a mission conducted by William Temple, then Archbishop of York, and became involved in the Oxford Intercollegiate Christian Union. On leaving university he took up his first teaching post at Ampleforth College. There he taught Prince Jean of Luxembourg, who subsequently became Grand Duke, and Basil Hume, who later became Cardinal and Archbishop of Westminster. Gardner expressed some slight, humorous disappointment that Hume was not further elevated in the Church, so that he could say that he had taught the Pope Latin!

"...what he is most remembered for is the quality of his teaching..."

Presidential Letter I joined School House in the Lower Fifth in 1961 when Lowry Creed was Headmaster and John Gardner was Head of House.

Taking Double Maths and Physics at A level, I went on to Downing College Cambridge to study Engineering (or Mechanical Sciences as it was known in the late sixties).

On leaving Cambridge, I decided I didn’t want to spend my working life commuting to London and joined Clarks Shoes in the West Country.

After five years I joined a private snack food company and in 1980 was part of a management buyout team that bought the business and then sold it two years later to Rowntree Mackintosh (KitKat, Smarties, etc.).

I then went to Australia with the family and managed Rowntree’s company based in Melbourne. In 1989 we returned to the UK and I joined Royal Worcester and Spode (fine china and porcelain) as Managing Director for ten years before buying Royal Brierley Crystal (hand made cut crystal glasses and vases etc.), which I managed for five years until June 2005 when the business was sold.

I am married to Liz and we have three children, Alexandra, Richard and Michael, all of whom were at Kingswood in the late eighties and nineties.

Over the last five years, I have become involved with a number of charitable organisations in the arts, educational and service areas and have some experience of the challenges of fundraising!

I look forward to working with the Kingswood Association to further its objectives to foster links between old pupils and KS and to help the School with its development plans.

Mr Timothy G. Westbrook (1961-65) (Kingswood Association President) 34 Kingswood in Focus

After three years Gardner moved to become a housemaster at Kingswood in 1937. His war service started in the Royal Army Pay Corps, from which he was transferred to the Foreign Office with an opportunity to make better use of his knowledge of several languages, to which he then added Amharic, the language of Ethiopia. After two years in the British Legation at Addis Ababa, Gardner found himself appointed ‘Private Instructor and Personal Counsellor’ to Prince Makonnen, the Duke of Harar and the second son of the Emperor, Haile Selassie. Gardener always spoke of the Emperor with high regard as a man who ruled with genuine concern for his people. When Gardner returned to England in 1945, he was invited to consider a tutorial job with the young King Feisel of Iraq, but he instead he returned to take up his role of housemaster at Kingswood.

People said that he spoke twenty-three languages, though he laid claim to seven: perhaps it was a question of degree. He served the School until his retirement in 1976, becoming Second Master. In addition to teaching Classics and acting as School Librarian, he was in charge of rugby for seven years, in charge of tennis for ten years, and produced an annual School play for seventeen years, as well as running various activities, such as archaeology and the Classical Society. After retirement, he became School archivist for over a dozen years. However, what he is most remembered for is the quality of his teaching and the great interest he showed in encouraging the talents of the many boys who benefited from his many years as a Kingswood Housemaster.

Update on the Heap Library The development of the Moulton Hall continues apace thanks to the support of the Foundation Fund and especially the legacy left by John Oswald Heap (1922-26).

The new library is on course to be ready and fully equipped for the new academic year in September and we look forward to having a central point for our educational resources in the heart of the School, embracing all the latest technology and providing a focal point for independent learning for all our pupils.The improvement of our academic facilities in line with our strategic plan ensures that Kingswood maintains its reputation as a school offering the very best in independent education. Without the support of parents and old boys, these developments would not be possible and we are extremely grateful to all those who have made donations to support the fund over the last year and helped us to maintain the momentum for fundraising. When the library is completed in the autumn we shall progress to the next phase of our development plan, so watch this space!

Work in progress on the new library

For further information please contact our Development Director, Jane Vines on 01225 734361.

"Without the support of parents and old boys, these developments would not be possible..." £10,000 Bequest to the Kingswood Foundation Geoff Ruddock (KS 1944-53) who died suddenly in July 2005 left a generous legacy to the Kingswood School Foundation Fund which will be a considerable help in the development projects currently at the planning stage.

Geoff enjoyed the years at Priors Court and then in Hall House, as well as his time as a Westwood Prefect. After School he declined a place at Oxford in favour of training as a solicitor which was to become his lifes career.

This took him to Lausanne, Yeovil, Richmond (Surrey) and then for thirty years in a family firm in Sittingborne (Kent) as a senior partner, living in Canterbury.

He was to be seen more often in Bath around 1990 when courting ‘wife to be’ Penny, who for many years was Curator of the Museum of Costume.

They married in Bath Abbey in 1991 and 11 years later retired to Dorset to live in Beaminster. Sadly this time was all too short, but Kingswood will be ever grateful that Geoffrey remembered his old School and his legacy will make a very real difference for which he will never be forgotten.

John Wesley Society The John Wesley Society was formed in 2004 as a means of recognising past pupils who planned to leave a legacy to Kingswood in their wills.

We want to encourage members involvement in the School during their lifetimes and enable us all to say thank you to them for promising to make a difference for future generations.

The Headmaster invites all members back to School once a year to a private lunch and last years inaugural event was a splendid occasion with old boys meeting up with freinds they haven't seen for 50 years.

Members: John Bone (40-47) Peter Clulow (47-56) Professor Anthony Flew (36-41) Dr Matthew Forster (37-43) Peter Guy (51-58) John Holroyd CB CVO DL (45-54) Major General Harold Moore (38-42) David Sawyer (36-45) Hugh Toye OBE (28-36)

Donald Cartwright (34-42) David Ensor OBE (34-42) Donald Farrar (35-44) John Gibson (31-38) Edward Handley (48-52) Dr Ian McGregor (50-55) Egerton Parker (48-56) David Stafford (37-40) Dr M K Williams (40-47) Kingswood in Focus 35

Lord Moulton Feature

Lord Moulton inspecting a munitions factory with King George

The Kingswood Boy Who Became The Reason Why Britain Won World War One John Fletcher Moulton (KS 1856-61) was born in November 1845 in Shropshire, one of six children of a scholarly Methodist minister.

He was sent to Kingswood at the age of eleven and immediately placed in the then headmaster’s class because of his evident intelligence.

At the age of fifteen he scored the top marks in the country when he sat the Oxford and Cambridge Local Examinations, which were being held for the first time. Lacking the money to go straight to university, he became a teacher but in 1861 he won a scholarship to study for a degree at London University, where he won the Gold Medal for Mathematics. Three years later he achieved a scholarship to St John’s College, Cambridge when he successfully completed a complex three-hour mathematics paper in just thirty-five minutes!

He became President of its Union and, when he sat its Mathematical Tripos, he obtained the highest marks ever known and was made a Fellow of Christ’s College. He was also selected to be one of “the Apostles” (i.e. the twelve men judged to be the cleverest in the country).

on all his contemporaries was “his extraordinary versatility and general excellence in everything to which he put his hand”. Typical of this was the way he began helping those involved in research into electricity and ended up being made a Fellow of the Royal Society for his scientific contribution. He later became a great advocate for medical research and for the science of chemical engineering. In 1871 he commenced legal studies and three years later became a barrister in London, establishing a considerable reputation as an expert on patents and trade marks because of his scientific understanding. Among the patents with which he was concerned were those for the telephone, saccharin, and the incandescent lamp. France awarded him its Legion of Honour for his work on establishing international co-operation on the measurement of electrical quantities.

"The King awarded him the Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire..."

Among his circle of friends was the musician Charles Villiers Stanford, the radical politician Sir Charles Dilkes, and Lord Fitzmaurice.

The latter wrote that the abiding impression produced by Moulton 36 Kingswood in Focus

He combined his legal career with becoming a Liberal M.P., representing a number of different constituencies in what was a turbulent political era. He was known for his strong defence of free speech, his promotion of education, and being one of the Liberals who strongly backed

Gladstone’s attempts to resolve the Irish problem by offering Home Rule. In 1906 Moulton was made a Lord Justice on the Court of Appeal and in 1912 he entered the House of Lords as Lord of Appeal. That same year he became the first Chairman of the Medical Research Council. When he was not working, Moulton pursued a vast array of other interests. He was an avid reader (especially of Dickens) and listener to music, an extremely knowledgeable student of Latin and Greek texts, and an enthusiastic traveller across Europe and America. The latter included him being a noted alpine climber with the blind Postmaster-General, Henry Fawcett. His breadth of interests and his travels made him a renowned raconteur among society circles.

However, it was the advent of World War One that saw Lord Moulton achieve his greatest claim to fame. In 1914 he became Chairman of a Committee to advise on the supply of explosives and this soon became an integral part of the War Office with Moulton as Director-General of the Explosives Department. Nothing had prepared the military for the trench warfare they now faced so Moulton restructured the entire way in which the raw supplies for producing explosives were created and helped raise the production of high explosives from a ton per day to 1,000 tons per day. A key factor in this was his decision to persuade the government of the importance of increasing the production of first lyditte and then the compound explosive subsequently called amatol instead of relying on pure TNT (tri-nitro-toluene). Moulton was responsible for ensuring the supply of a vast array of chemicals, including phenol, toluene, ammonia, acetone, and sulphuric and nitric acids. This not only involved increasing manufacture at home by building mammoth new factories, but overcoming considerable obstacles to ensure imports from abroad. It also involved promoting research and developing new methods of production.

In 1917 Moulton was given the task of producing poisonous gases. He did it but it was something he hated, regarding it as a departure from civilised modes of warfare.

"Ironically the man who had played such a vital role in creating weapons was at heart a believer in peace and international co-operation."

Ironically the man who had played such a vital role in creating weapons was at heart a believer in peace and international co-operation. However, he knew his countrymen relied on him. To achieve all he did Lord Moulton worked a ten-hour day every day and took less than ten days’ holiday throughout the four years of the war. He dealt with politicians, diplomats, the military, scientists, contractors, manufacturers, lawyers, transportation experts and many others, and he personally visited

all the munitions factories. The King awarded him the Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire and made him a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath. Britain’s allies also recognised his achievements: he was awarded the Etoile Noire of France and the Belgian Order of Leopold, and he was the last person to receive the Order of the White Eagle before the collapse of the Russian monarchy.

The strain of his work, which continued as he played an important role in the international work that was required to start rebuilding Europe after the War, contributed to his unexpected death in March 1921 from a heart attack. In the 1920s when Kingswood was undergoing redevelopment (including the building of the Ferens thanks largely to a gift), it is not surprising that the newly-panelled main classroom should be renamed “the Moulton Hall” and that its opening was marked by a visit from the Prince of Wales, the future King Edward VIII. More than perhaps any other single individual Lord Moulton had helped Britain and its allies to win the war.

Mr Gary Best (Headmaster & Principal of the Kingswood Foundation)

Life in the Fast Lane

Seb taking a break from office work and instructing one of the RDA drivers

At the age of twenty-five Sebastian King (KS 1996-2000) finds himself wearing many hats (or is it crash helmets?) as race driver, race driver instructor, driver manager and managing director of his fast growing motor sport businesses.

He writes: I must have just about chosen the most expensive career to get into! It costs £150,000 to drive National Formula Ford for a season, and costs rise to £500,000 per season when you progress to Formula 3. So few drivers are paid to race; rich parents and sponsors provide the funding. Getting sponsorship is tough and my family and I spent as much as we could on my racing so it became clear that I needed to build a business to fund my driving, and to give me a long-term future in motor sport. My own experience identified a need to educate race drivers in more than just racing and to give them the security of a work-related qualification.

We therefore established the Race Drivers’ Academy (RDA), which now offers a Five-Day Race Intensive Course and a series of course modules, ranging from car design and race and track craft to mental skills development, and from communications and lifestyle management to public relations and sponsorship. Too many drivers fail because talent alone isn’t enough to succeed in Motorsport.

Our courses develop the skills necessary for the driver to become a professional, and to have a successful, fulfilling motorsports career.

provided at Silverstone. The students will progress to Formula Ford Championship racing, and to our RDA Formula Renault and Formula 3 teams.

We also established KMI Ltd., a motorsport-specific engineering company. We design and manufacture components for the industry, and with our partner facility in Estonia, build our road-racing sports car the Estarri. In addition to their studies, student drivers will race an RDA sponsored Estarri this season. We also have a GT car in development, details of which will be on our website soon (www.kandwgroup.com). As Managing Director of the Race Drivers’ Academy and KMI Ltd, this is a very exciting time for me.

"I shall be competing in the European Endurance Sportscar Championship."

In partnership with Silverstone Motorsport Academy and Loughborough College and University, we pioneered the UK’s first Foundation Degree in Sports Performance Motorsport Driving. This course combines on-track instruction with both motorsport specific and sports science modules, with option pathways specialising in both management and coaching. These skills are vital in order to establish a successful career as a racing driver, and also provide excellent secondary career opportunities. Successful student drivers can progress onto a one-year top up Honours Degree. The Foundation Degree course incorporates these modules with the on-track instruction

38 Kingswood in Focus

Combining these projects with my own racing is challenging, but I’m looking forward to keeping them all on track. In addition, I shall be competing in the European Endurance Sportscar Championship and extend an invitation to any of you who would like to come to a series event.

Please get in touch via email below.

Our Formula Renault RDA team cars and 3 of RDA drivers taken at Silverstone

seb@wentworthgroup.demon.co.uk

A Christmas Letter from Cambodia Ruth Griffiths (KS 1988-93) is living and working in Phnom Penh and has recently married a local Buddhist.

Here is an edited and updated version of a letter which recently appeared in the “Methodist Recorder” about her experiences and her wedding to Bunna Saat on Christmas Day in Kompong Cham province, Cambodia.

The 13 years since I left KS have been extremely eventful. I have a B.A. in French and Spanish and an M.A. in Post colonialism. I worked in central China for three years as an editor and university literature teacher, and then in London for a few years as an international development editor at the Overseas Development Institute. I’ve been in Cambodia now for nearly a year and a half. It is a place of many contradictions and great poverty, and the work and political climate is difficult.

Freedom of speech is being punished; fuel prices are rocketing; land is being grabbed left, right and centre and, cliché of all clichés, the rich are getting revoltingly richer and the poor are sinking down into the depths, despite all capacity-building approaches and indicator-driven interventions.

It can often feel that the situation for the future is quite hopeless. But we keep on banging our heads against walls and try to make small changes to improve the situation for the small people who have no voice - all is made easier by the wonderful and welcoming spirit and sense of humour of A Cambodian wedding the people themselves. There remains only one for Ruth and Bunna, Christmas Day 2005 question for me, as there always has. When those aiming to help don’t care to understand those they’re helping and at the same time do not live The process leading to our wedding was utterly ludicrous, ending up with an equitable private life, how can they expect to ‘transfer skills’ in their the signing of the marriage certificate in the village by a drunken scribe highly moral and high salaried career? who had to be dragged away from a cock fight to do it and who tried to Professionally, my life here has been extremely varied. I started off register me as Miss Fith Grif and Bunna as German. Copious amounts volunteering for LSCW (Legal Services for Children and Women), working of money went under tables while 569 forms were filled out (mostly long into the night to secure funding. Happily, LSCW is now up and incorrectly). But we then enjoyed a honeymoon in the wilds of Cambodia running and popular in the donor world. Sadly, they won’t fund expats, on the motorbike for two weeks. I feel so positive about what we have even at a local salary, so I’ve had to look elsewhere for paid employment. because, after getting used to so many people giving us a hard time (Khmer I now work as a freelance editor/researcher and writer, mostly political people treating us with contempt and expats who refused to invite me out reports, focusing on trafficking, migration, child abuse and human because they didn’t want to talk to him), I’m learning to appreciate how rights; information on one of the main organisations I work in can be many wonderful people there are who accept us and treat us well. I thank seen at www.lscw.org (http://www.lscw.org/) when the server is working! them all from the bottom of my heart. Once they find out and get to know I’m also working part-time for a little Khmer NGO looking after their us a bit, most Khmers tell me that they are delighted to have someone donor relations. They run tiny shelters for street kids and fund projects for foreign who truly understands the ordinary people in Cambodia, because villages in the back end of Takeo province (not glamorous enough for most they never have seen this before. donors). I also write tourism websites and articles on Cambodia so I spend I feel touched, privileged to be able to learn about real Khmer people and a lot of time charging around on a dirt bike and going to very remote and to be introduced to their culture through other means than workshops and unvisited places. I speak fluent Khmer now and am hoping in the future to meetings and drinks receptions. My life and my choice of partner mean that do a PhD in Melbourne, Australia on Cambodian migration. most of my friends are either poor or struggling up to middle class. I love In all of my ups and downs and feelings of lack of security, Bunna being with them but do occasionally get extremely lonely because I’m not has been a constant support to me more than anyone could know. accepted by or cannot accept most foreigners here and have few friendships He’s upbeat, relentlessly cheerful, patient, kind to a fault and a joy to be where people instinctively understand life. But I wouldn’t change it for around. It’s impossible to dislike him; when I’m at my most carping (and the world. Bunna’s family is fantastic and tries endlessly to help me even you all know I can carp), I see him come home in the monsoon with though they have no experience of foreigners and often feel at a loss as to no coat on carrying my dinner and smiling as if the rain is not touching how to support me. And I have my three or four insane and amazing foreign him and I think how lucky I am. He is from a very poor family and is friends who keep me standing up and facing forwards. semi-literate in Khmer, but he’s learning English every day now and is going The Rev. Leslie Griffiths, a Methodist minister in London, says of his to learn how to be a mechanic in the New Year (he got sacked in October from daughter Ruth’s letter: “Perhaps, when you’ve read it, you’ll sense how his job after the boss took umbrage at me arranging for one of his other staff proud we are of a young woman who combines courage, intelligence and to go to university). I’ve not seen one moment when his lack of education has high principles in equal measure”. made him less intelligent than I. Kingswood in Focus 39

Minister. How such a busy man was able to find the time to spend so much energy on Kingswood always amazed me. Because he lived in St Alban’s, he used to often stay with me before governor’s meetings and so I got to know that behind his sharp intellect lay a very warm-hearted and generous man, with a huge sense of humour. One of his hobbies was bee-keeping and our (then very young) daughter Claire used to always be pleased when “the bee man” was staying because of the interest he always showed in what she was doing - and I know she still remembers with delight the time in 1996 when he showed her personally around No 10. (even though the P.M. was not in at the time).

A Governor to Remember Not all old boys show their appreciation of what the school did for them as much as has John Holroyd, who retired recently after twenty years as a governor of the school. For most of that time he was the Treasurer, a very demanding post and a crucially important one in the running of Kingswood, and then latterly he became Chairman of the Finance and Resources Committee, at times a no less onerous role. When I first met him he distinctly had the upper hand - because he was one of the selection panel in 1986 choosing a new headmaster for Kingswood. I can still remember the sharp questioning to which he subjected me because no erring pupil in front of his headmaster was ever given quite such a going over! But rightly so. It was obvious then - and became more so as I got to work with him - just how much John Holroyd cared passionately about Kingswood. And his interest lay not just in what the school was like in the past, but what it should offer now and in the future.

He was a boy at the school from 1945-54, attending Prior’s Court and becoming a member of Hall House. After military service and taking a history degree at Worcester College, Oxford, he rapidly rose through the ranks of the civil service. When we first met he was working in the Cabinet Office and, shortly afterwards, he became the first Civil Service Commissioner, and, in 1993, Secretary for Appointments to the Prime

Oxford Records its Appreciation In January 2006 Jesus College, Oxford held a special service of celebration in memory of former Kingswood pupil, David Spencer Smith (KS 1944-53).

The son of a Methodist minister, he went first to Prior’s Court in 1944 and then to Kingswood, where such was his character and ability that he was described as “a schoolmaster’s dream.” He thrived under the School’s liberal regime and developed a passion for science (and in particular the study of butterflies), winning an Open Exhibition to read Natural Sciences at St Catherine’s College, Cambridge where he was awarded a prize as the outstanding student of his year.

After completing his PhD (on the remarkable topic of “Flight muscles in flightless beetles”), he undertook research at the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research and, among other roles, became a Professor at the University of Miami and, from 1980 to 1995, Hope Professor of Zoology and Entomology at the University of Oxford. His work as an Electron Microscopist, Cell Biologist and Insect Biologist was very highly regarded in academic circles, as was his fieldwork around the world in collecting butterflies and beetles. In the latter stages of his career he became a Professorial Fellow, then a Senior Research fellow and, finally, an Emeritus Fellow at Jesus College.

40 Kingswood in Focus

"It was obvious just how much John Holroyd cared passionately about Kingswood."

One of the hallmarks of his era of old boys is their wide-ranging interests and John Holroyd is no exception to that. He shared, for example, my own interest in John Wesley, our founder, not least because of his own strong Christian commitment. This made him appreciate the diversity of education offered at Kingswood and he was a wonderful governor to work with because he was so forward-looking. He was one of the central figures supporting my moves in the 1990s to redevelop the academic areas of the school, create the Theatre, restructure the boarding, improve our sporting facilities (e.g. the astro), and build the prep school in the Summerhill Estate.

He played an equally important role from 1998 onwards in subsequently merging Prior’s Court with the new prep school and further redeveloping both the prep and senior school, including the creation of the Music School.

I am very grateful that his wife Judith was always so gracious about how much time her busy husband gave the school. I wish both her and John a long and very happy retirement in their home in Gloucester.

I would also like to take this opportunity to record how much the school is also deeply in the debt of three other people who have retired after sterling service to the school for over seven years as governors. They are the Rev. Ralph Waller, Principal of Harris Manchester College, Oxford, Mrs Poppy Anderson, a former English teacher at Fettes College, St Helen’s School, Abingdon, and Eton College and the wife of the Provost of Eton, and Mrs Helen Galic, a nurse at the Royal United Hospital. Between them they have given tremendous support and advice to the school, especially on educational and pastoral issues.

Gary Best (Headmaster)

At the memorial service one who knew him well said: “David Smith was one of the very kindest, most thoughtful, I would say decent, human beings that I have ever known. His instincts were liberal in the proper old-fashioned sense. He believed that all were born free to find our own road to happiness. That is why he hated intolerance and could not abide bullying.”

A fitting tribute to a man brought up in the Sackett era at Kingswood.

Dates for the Diary Saturday 2nd September 2006 Veterans Sports Day to support the School in its fundraising for Foundation. It promises to be a great day and if you are a past pupil who would like to take part please contact the office on 01225 734330.

Saturday 9th September 2006 - 12.00 noon Kingswood in France. Members and partners will gather AGAIN at Le Haut Clos in Chinon, near Tours, France.

Guest Speaker: Sir Nicholas Fenn GCMG Contact Kirtley on 00 33 2 4795 8730.

www.kingswoodassociation.com

Spring Sport

KPS - Spring Sport Report It has truly been an outstanding term of sport at KPS in just about every respect!

More matches have been played than ever before, with every child in Years 3-6 having had at least a couple of opportunities to represent the School at an appropriate level. In addition, the quality of all our sport continues to rise, with our teams regularly returning impressive results.

Thanks must go to all the staff who contribute to the sports’ programme, spreading their enthusiasm for sport to the children as well as their desire for improvement.

HOCKEY Our U11 team has arguably been the best the School has ever produced and their results lend some support to that view. A record of W10 D5 L4 shows the strength of the side and losing out on a semi-final place in the IAPS Tournament on goal difference was particularly disappointing when there was a general feeling that they had a good chance of winning on the day. Nick Mackenzie was a constant threat down the right wing, Kristian Scott demonstrated his poacher’s instinct and Conor O’Sullivan was a rock at the back.

The U10's have (like their rugby) remarkable strength in depth and potential to be even better than the present Year 6. Their record shows W12 D5 L1 as they have produced some superb team performances. Our younger age groups, whilst not playing the same volume of games, have also been extremely impressive as hockey throughout the School shows real strength.

Thanks must go to Mr Kellock, Mr Gerrish, Mr Titley, Mr Callahan and Mr Jones for all their hard work on the hockey front but special mention must go to Mr Thompson for his work with the hockey players over his whole time here. He has been largely responsible for the improvement in our play throughout the School and he will be hard to replace!

"...the older teams have performed with distinction..."

FOOTBALL Whilst hockey tends to take over largely in Year 5 and Year 6, there is still a fair amount of football that is played - particularly in the younger age groups.

Pride of place this year must go to our U9 A team who have been unbeaten in all their games this season and have recently won two tournaments - the Bath Primary Schools’ Cup and the Millfield Tournament - on consecutive weekends.

The squad of Felix Barnard-Weston, Chris Johncox, Sam Enderby, Hywel Jones, Theo Wortelhock, Kyle Scott, William Wells and George Hankins have played some magnificent football and we are all proud of their achievements.

Meanwhile the U8 A team have also been unbeaten this year, and the older teams have performed with distinction in the few games they have had. Kristian Scott has continued to represent the School in the Bath Schools’ U11 Team, whilst he and George Hankins are members of the Bristol City Academy, Bradley Boyd plays for Bristol Rovers and Kyle Scott is part of the Southampton Academy (although one day I hope he will see the error of his ways and sign for Portsmouth!).

NETBALL The netball season has been extremely successful this term both in terms of results and, as is synonymous with sport at Kingswood, the huge number of girls who represented their School in an extensive fixture list.

To give you some indication of the overall results achieved by the girls the following statistics prove how netball is definitely increasing its profile at the School. In total the girls from the U8’s to the U11’s played 101 matches, won 59 drew 12 and lost 30. It is also interesting to note that these statistics incorporate the full range of talent from the A teams through to the C teams.

If we look at the A teams’ results alone which are teams principally selected on merit, they have played 77 matches and only lost 18 which I believe is a commendable record.

A major change in the netball calendar has been the introduction of High 5 matches. High 5’s is a game recommended by the All England Netball Association to be taught to younger players to develop all their individual skills. The game involves all players including reserves to move positions in a predetermined order at agreed intervals during the match. This allows every player to experience every position. The girls have adapted extremely well to this new game and has been beneficial to all aspects of their play.

So many of the girls are worthy of a mention but as I only have a certain amount of space allocated to this report I shall only name a few! Meg and Ella Alcott have not only played extremely well for the U8 team but have also confused the opposition when rotating positions under the rules of High 5’s, as it has taken a little while for both umpires and opposing players to appreciate that we have twins in the squad!

The combination of Katy Humphrey and Sarah Hough in the U9 team has helped the team to be the most successful netball team in the School which is very exciting news for the future! The U10 teams have worked hard under the experienced guidance of Miss Atterbury-Thomas, and Orla O’Sullivan has been a key player in defence. I have been privileged to work with an excellent U11 squad and I would like to mention Natasha Ekrol and Olivia Pridham who were not in the A team at the beginning of term but who took their chance when the opportunity arose and made themselves indispensable to the team.

Finally, I would like to thank all the teachers who have given up their Photo courtesy time of The Bath to help Chronicle organise, coach and transport the teams to all the matches, namely Mrs Johnson, Miss Elliott, Miss Atterbury-Thomas, Ms Glenday and Mr Shrubsole.

Ms Michelle Newman (Head of Girls’ Games, KPS) Kingswood in Focus 41

Girls' Netball This season, the netball club has come up against some very challenging opponents, but in usual Kingswood fashion, the different teams took the challenges head on and came out victorious in more ways than one.

The U12 A’s played 7 matches and produced some very good team performances. Unfortunately, the results don’t reflect the ability of the team, but there is plenty of talent there for the future. Special mention must be made of Emma Gordon, for her excellent defence, and Alice Robinson for her consistent shooting. The most improved player is Dorrie Power, for her good ball skills and her court awareness.

The B’s showed great promise. They had some very close and well contested matches. The player of the season is Olivia Dellow for her work rate and competitive spirit. The most improved player is Anna Nicholson for her good ball control and strong presence on court.

The C’s showed encouraging results, winning two of their three matches and drawing the third. The fact that the U12’s have been able to produce 3 teams shows the depth of talent in the year. The player of the season is Lucy Russell-Bates for her overall work rate and ball skills. The most improved player is Eleanor Richardson for her awareness in the shooting circle. Other mention must be made of Stephanie Clutterbuck and Hannah Stockley for their focused and determined play.

The U13 A’s showed steady progress throughout the term. Their work

rate and determined attitude saw them improve their results at the end of the term. Jess Gregory and Hannah Burnell stood out for their positive play, and the most improved players are Lizzie Burke and Emily Clarke.

The B’s also showed good improvements in their play. Chloe Roberts is the most improved player overall and the player of the season went to Leila Amrabadi and Isabel Mulvany. This year group stood out for their positive and upbeat attitude and always made a great effort in their games.

The U14 A’s played 11 games and won 8. This is a very talented team with a great zest for their sport. Kelly Duncan had an excellent season, playing in defence and midcourt. She proved to be a very effective and hard working player. Aimee Marshall is the most improved player of the team. The B’s had a lot of competition for places owing to the exceptional amount of talent in the year. They won 6 and drew 1 game, only losing three. These are very promising results for the future. The player of the season is Sophie Wheeler and the most improved player is Sorrel Forrester.

The U15's were without a doubt the most improved year group and finished their season on a strong note. The A’s worked well together and showed some mature patterns of play; the player of the season is Kate Nannestad for her combined good play and competent captaincy. The most improved player is Daisy Head, having moved up from the B’s and for her general positive development. The B’s also showed positive performances throughout the term. The player of the season is Becky Bottle for her positive and supportive attitude throughout. The most improved player is Amelia Tuckett for her versatility in attack and defence. Special mention must be made of Hannah Kraus and Laura Stockley for their commitment to training and matches.

The U16’s played occasionally as a separate team in the Bristol and Bath Netball League and proved to be one of the most outstanding teams in the league. Isabella Watson earned the player of the season for her steady progression and determined play.

Big congratulations must go to the 4th VII, as they were the only team to have an unbeaten season. They showed very high standards of play and effort. The player of the season is Rhiannon Bid and the most improved player goes to Persia Parsons.

The 3rd VII only lost one match against Marlborough College in their first game of the season. From there they went from strength to strength. Cara Prettejohn earned the player of the season for her consistent shooting and improved court movement.

The most improved player is Sarah Ryder for her determined work in midcourt. Special mention must be made of Isabella Watson and Hannah James for their promotion to the 2nd VII. The 2nds, like the 3rds, only lost to Marlborough College.

They showed fantastic team spirit. The five players from last year kept the team’s cohesion. The player of the season is Bibi King-Harman for her awesome defending. The most valuable player is Cindy Lithimbi and the most improved player is Isabella Watson. Special mention must be made of Alex King for her excellent level of play in midcourt.

You will have to forgive me as I need to dedicate some time to the 1st VII. First of all, I would like to say how honoured I am to have been able to captain a side with such depth of talent.

The Year 11’s (Natasha Bloor - 2nd season, Georgia Sharp and Kelly Green) have fitted well into a very good side. They have

42 Kingswood in Focus

worked hard and coped well with the stresses I might have imposed upon them with my continuous shouting.

Please believe me when I say it was all in the heat of the moment and you are all brilliant netballers!

To our solo Lower Sixth player - Hilda Chak, who came alive in the last match of the season. No longer would she be dominated in the circle, she finally took control! Hilda, you thoroughly deserved the most improved player award, you have been a valuable member of the squad and I wish you all the best of luck next year.

And finally to the leavers: considering they are two of the most athletic girls in the School, the effort it takes to get Alizé King-Harman and Abigail Tagoe to warm up is quite a task. However, their movement and dedication on court cannot be faulted. You are both spectacular players and great people, I wish you all the best for the future.

And then to my fellow Kenyan, Lara Mousley, whose famous phrase will resonate for a long time: “I swear, if she touches me one more time I’m gonna...” Well Lara, all I can say is thank God netball is a non-contact sport!

You are a super player and an intelligent one too, and thoroughly deserve your award, well done.

"The 1st VII are a side with such depth of talent."

And finally to Kelly Elliott, my vice-captain. A spectacular netballer, awesome defender, we have played 1st team netball together for four years and I always feel most confident when we walk on court together to take on the opposition and “wipe ‘em off court”. Thank you so much for being a great vice-captain and most of all, a great friend. I hope you continue playing netball after Kingswood as it would be a shame to let your talent go to waste.

I would like to thank all the staff for their hard work, time and effort that they put into making Netball such a success: Miss Wright, Mrs Jenner, Mrs Martindale, Miss Canfer, Miss Bass, Miss Beale, Miss Noonan, Miss Jacquet and Mrs Newman. Thank you for your support and enthusiasm and I wish all the teams all the best for next season.

Last but not least, Miss Paver. It has to be said in Year 9 when those words were uttered, I would quake in fear. Plus I hated netball with a passion! However, you made netball fun which I never deemed possible and now when I hear your name, it represents friendship and much needed guidance.

Thank you for everything you’ve done and for those weekly trips to Schwartz Bros.! I am a very very thankful girl. You really changed my perspective on sport and I am sure you will do so for many other athletes to come. Best of luck next year.

Nandi Kegode (Netball Captain 2006 & Bath Extension Centre Player)

Netball Results 2006 1st VII

2nd VII

3rd VII

Marlborough

W21-20

L17-24

L4-29

Bruton

W24-15

W32-7

L23-25

W26-14

Downside KES

4th VII

U16

U15 A

U15 B

U14 A

U14 B

L17-19

L 7-38

U13 A

U13 B

U12 A

U12 B

U12 C

L11-28

W3-2

L5-15

W30-7

W23-17

D15-15

W20-5

W20-5

L9-10

W24-12

L13-19

W27-2

W32-9

W31-13

L6-27

L5-25

W15-10

L6-8

W24-18

D18-18

L6-23

L0-17

D6-6

W10-0

C

C

C

C

C

C

W30-9

L1-11

Ralph Allen

W8-6

L15-20

Monkton Combe

W24-6

W23-6

W16-8

Prior Park

W27-15

W42-15

W43-5

W32-2

King Brutons

W31-4

W27-4 C

C

W15-4

D10-10

Colston Girls

W17-3 L19-24

W29-5 W21-17

Queens College

W16-9

W18-8

Bryanston

W20-14

W16-10

L10-15

L9-12

L7-16

L7-16

St Antony’s Lewston

W16-10

W25-14

W19-16

L10-13

W18-6

W10-9

Warminster

W30-10

W22-6

Stonar

W15-4

Oldfield Royal High

W37-21

BGS

L21-23

W39-12

W30-3

Wells Catherdal

W26-19

W20-6

W13-2

Christ College

W31-13

W31-15

C

W29-6

W16-4

W20-0

L19-24

W24-11

W35-3

W37-2

L7-51

L3-37

L11-14

L 4-5

D18-18

W20-4

L16-20

L17-16

W14-7

L5-10

L8-17

L12-16

W36-16

W29-4

W23-11

W16-1

L10-26

L6-15

L5-26

L8-18

W34-7

W34-4

W12-8

Kingswood in Focus 43

Boys' Hockey Once again it has been a very busy season for Kingswood’s Hockey club with a total of 85 matches played, ranging from the U12 C’s right the way through to the 1st XI. This range of fixtures really does prove that hockey is one of Kingswood’s strongest activities. This is not only shown in results but also in the enthusiasm and participation of the pupils, and the never ending commitment from the staff. To illustrate this there are often over 50 boys and girls from Year 9 to U6 on the Astroturf on a Monday night in a voluntary activity.

The U12’s show great potential with Harry Rouse and Joss Langley the key players. Sam Spence also had a good season on the right wing.

The U13 year group did not have a spectacular season in terms of results but played with great spirit all term. Will McKenzie and Adam McBrada were the outstanding players.

The Year 9 teams have made great progress and I know their coaches feel that they are the most improved year group in the school. Patrick Harvey, Rohit Rana, and Heesung Moon have been the best players.

The U15’s are a very talented age group, having a successful season, and showing good skills. Alex Ockwell, Sam Pew Latter, and Sam McMeekin were the pick of the A’s and should all be pushing for 1st team places next year.

Nick Marshall and Alex CP defend a corner shot

They also made up the majority of the U16 side who enjoyed an outstanding run in the cup competition, winning the County stage and coming second behind Milfield in the West finals.

The 2nd team have also had another exceptional season, losing only one match. I think a special mention must go to Mr. Thompson as since he has been 2nd team coach there have only been 4 losses, I think that the future years will greatly miss his coaching and experience.

Tobia Stella, Matt Hill and Charlie King-Harman were the pick of the team with Freddie Dean being there most improved player. I think the strength of the 2nd team really does show the depth of talent in the school, as they provide good opposition for the 1st XI every Wednesday afternoon in practice.

"Playing sport with such characters, in team mates and the staff, has meant that there has never been a dull moment."

This year’s 1st XI has been relatively inexperienced due to many important players leaving the squad last year.

However this did not seem to cause any problems as we managed to dominate the circuit, losing only 2 games.

The 4th team are the only team in the school which manage not to need a practice, yet they still manage to show strong commitment and ability.

Having a 4th XI really does show that hockey in Kingswood is enjoyed by all abilities, as many other schools are not able to put together such a team at this level.

The younger players' stepped up to the high standards left by last year’s leavers and impressed fellow team mates. Alex Field, Matt Horsley, Tom Jelley, Josh Batterham, Stui Laurence and Tom Huws in goal all made a great contribution to the team and will be back next season.

The 3rd’s have had an outstanding season, being the only unbeaten team in the school. Jamie Campbell, Jack Ticehurst and Tom Jelley, before his performance in the 1st team were the outstanding players.

Leaving this year are several U6, including Robbie Hynes, who won most improved player, Will Swift, Alistair Morrison, Nick Marshall and John Paines. All of whom have put in huge amounts of effort and commitment and are key to the success of the team.

Skipper James Toogood about to score on the reverse stick against Monkton Combe

Skipper James Toogood on the ball

Last but not least I want to talk about the outstanding players of our team, Tom Honey and Alex Carlton-Porter. Both of whom have played alongside me in the 1st team for the past 3 years and have proved to be an invaluable asset every year.

Tom is incredibly different and effective in how he plays, and has managed to cause all sorts of problems to our opposition. He has been top goal scorer this year and has scored 45 goals for the Kingswood at 1st team level. I hope Tom carries on playing Hockey after Kingswood as he is a rare talent, and I wish him all the success.

CP has assisted me this term, as my vice captain, in organising and leading the team. Without his determination and positive attitude I think that we would not have been as successful as we have been.

Alex won coaches player and players’ player of the season, which he thoroughly deserved and has performed to the highest standard all term. He has set a benchmark for the rest of the team by working hard and performing well in every game. CP is a unique player and shows massive talent and potential, I really hope he makes the right decision and continues his Hockey past Kingswood as he has the ability to perform at the highest level possible.

and as people. As well as this he has given up endless Saturdays to umpire our matches and has taken us to tournaments when Mr. Opie has been on holiday in Kenya.

As well as speaking for the whole school I want to personally thank Mr. Opie for all the time and effort he puts into hockey at Kingswood.

Mr. Opie is incredibly patient when things go wrong, especially with me. He has mentored me throughout my time at Kingswood and has had a direct influence on me as a person. Some people overlook how much work he puts into the organisation of the Hockey teams, and just from writing this speech I can see how true this is.

James Toogood (Hockey Captain)

Playing hockey at Kingswood has not only helped me develop as a player but also as a person.

The opportunity to captain the side has given me a chance to develop many skills that will help me in later life. Playing sport with such characters, in team mates and the staff, has meant that there has never been a dull moment.... Well...maybe apart from this speech!!

"...the strength of the 2nd team really does show the depth of talent in the school..."

I think that we are lucky here at Kingswood to have such a strong group of staff who give up a lot of there time to give us the opportunity to play sport.

There are a number of staff who deserve a thanks for being so committed, these are: Mr. Matthews, Mr. Duke, Mr. Hollywell, Mr. Cooke, Mr. Brodie, Mrs. Opie, Mr. Redman, Mr. Davies, and Mr. Reeman. James Kellock, James Gerrish and Luke Jones also deserve a mention for their help throughout the season.

However, there are two members of staff who deserve a special mention for their endless commitment and support.

As many of you may know Mr. Thomson is leaving Kingswood at the end of this term. As well as being Director of Studies at the Prep School he has put in a tremendous amount of time into Hockey at Kingswood. As I have already said, since he took over the 2nd’s they have only lost 4 matches, I think this is an outstanding achievement and any coach would be proud of having such a strong record. He has not only helped with the 2nd’s but he has also worked a lot with the 1st team helping to develop us as players

Cross Country This Cross Country Season must go down as one of the best in the School’s history.

We captured two trophies last year, but could we do better this year? It got off to an excellent start in the Ken Bailey Races at Bryanston School. Fifty runners from Year Seven through to the Upper Sixth competed in the races.

Boys' House Match Alex Quinn & Will Leslie

In the Girls’ race Annie West, Hannah Kraus, Sacha Craig and Sarah Ryder ran very well, which led them to a near victory, coming second. With the Senior Boys’ wearing our new vests, and Quinny sized shorts, Quinny and I came in 4th and 6th, followed closely by Andy Purnell, Will Leslie, Sam Cook, Oli Gates, Mike French and Matt Lyle. This led us to a victory over the other schools, winning the Ken Bailey Trophy for the first time since 1987.

The team worked and finished together, which was the key to their success throughout the season.

Two days later the team traveled to Downside School. It was a hard race across spoil heaps and ploughed fields. Although there were problems with marshalling and people were sent the wrong way, the Senior Boy team pulled back and managed a joint victory with rivals Sherborne. Being a gentleman, I offered the silverware to Sherborne, but somehow it appeared back at Kingswood that evening, probably owing to Mr. Burgon’s slick moves.

One week into the season, and confidence was already high, but the following week saw the team travel to Cheltenham College without certain key team members owing to a trip to Paris.

Charlie leading at the Ken Bailey Races

"It was impressive to see 19 KS boys turn up for the last race of the season."

The School’s first relay of the season saw four Senior Boy teams travel to Claysmore School. The A team was beaten by only half a second by Canford, and the B team did exceedingly well to be placed 4th. Also, Sam Smullen made his first ever sporting appearance for Kingswood in this race.

The next race at Sherborne School was the ‘big event’ of the season.

With me winning the bronze medal, and the rest of the team also pulling out good performances, Kingswood managed to wrestle the trophy away from the clutches of the school.

S.W. Championships - Annie

In the House matches, it was a relief to see that the top six in the boys’ race made up the majority of the regular A team. It was good to see runners further down the School making progress, and I shall be interested to find out how they do once they reach senior level.

From the 22 who qualified for the county championships in November, it was down to 5 remaining to represent the county at the South West championships in Bournemouth.

Sacha Craig and Annie West did really well in the Intermediate Girls’ race, coming 5th and 6th counters for Avon.

In the Senior Boys’ race, Quinny and I came in 4th and 5th counters for Avon. All four of us automatically qualified for the Nationals in Nottingham.

Will also went forward as the first reserve for the Avon team.

Girls' House Match

46 Kingswood in Focus

With the end of the season approaching fast, we travelled to Canford for the third relay of the season. At this race we had more than just our usual competition; teams came from places such as Winchester, Marlborough, the Isle of Wight and even France. Sacha, Annie and Parhnia Parsons all ran to the best of their

ability to dominate the Intermediate Girls’ race, and won the Canford trophy. The Senior Boys’ team also did well to get a respectable third place from 20 teams.

Being the current Marden trophy holders, much was expected of us as we travelled to King’s School Bruton. Mr Burgon was very worried as we only had five of the regular squad. We needed six.

It was one of the toughest races of the season, but with all the team running a good race, it looked good for Kingswood. But the real hero was Alex Beishon in Year 10, who was enrolled for the team just two days before. With ‘Slave-Driver’ Burgon pushing Alex to the point of vomiting, he still managed to finish 20th, and secured Kingswood's success, winning for the second year in a row. I wish Alex the best for the future in the club.

Our last fixture of the season was our very own Road Race. The Girls’ team won their race with all their counters in the top three, and their B team also did very well to come second. In the Inter Boys’ race, the team did well to come 2nd; Alex Beishon was their first home in 3rd place.

The Senior Boys were determined to win on home soil, and with Sherborne on 51 points and Kingswood on 36, the win pushed our number of victories up to five. It was impressive to see 19 KS boys turn up for the last race of the season. The win was secured by everyone running very competitively, and working together as a team.

Finally, for the four who made it to the nationals it was an honour to race at this level. I’d like to thank all the team for such a great

S.W. Championships - Sacha Craig & Annie West

season, and especially my Vice-Captain, Quinny, who has helped me to organise teams and races throughout the season.

The time and effort Mr Burgon puts in to Cross Country is exceptional.

Without his unfailing dedication and enthusiasm there would be no Cross Country at Kingswood. I wish the club all the best for the future.

Charlie Taylor (Cross-Country Captain)

KPS Cross Country The Prep School athletes performed with distinction in the Westwood Cross-Country Race before representing KPS in our own race. The event proved to be massive this year, with more than 250 runners taking part from 10 different schools in the area.

"The Preparatory School athletes performed with distinction in the Westwood Cross-Country Race..."

Our U11 girls’ and U10 boys’ teams won their events, whereas the U10 girls and U11 boys both finished 3rd over all. Individual honours went to Amber James (2nd in U11 girls), Danny Bates (2nd in U10 boys) and Leo Fini (3rd in U10 boys).

Ian Shrubsole (Head of Boys’ Games, KPS)

English National Cross Country Championships Amber James (No. 126) ran for City of Bath Athletics Club at the English National Cross Country Championships at Hampstead Heath in January 2006.

Running in the under thirteen year old category was a challenge at eleven, but she still came 223rd out of 376 girls. This was an excellent experience and good fun.

Kingswood in Focus 47

Education Feature

I.B. or Not I.B.?

Increasingly, students and their teachers are frustrated by the current ‘A’ level examinations system in which, lurking round every corner, are impending units, yet more revision and practice papers, followed by ‘top tips’ to improve examination technique.

None of these is intrinsically wrong, but when the focus becomes trained on how to get the maximum number of marks possible, as opposed to an in-depth study of topics, in which there is enough time for tangential learning and an expectation that independent learning will be recognised and applauded, then something has gone badly wrong.

Nowadays, teachers are constantly aware of the “winged chariot[s]” of January and June units “hurrying near” when they and their classes would much rather “sit down and think”. In short, when Dr Geoff Parks, Director of Admissions for Cambridge colleges, wrote in the press that he was hoping for students who could show a depth of understanding, he was only echoing what all ‘A’ level teachers desire, despite the current pressures on pupils to meet, and teachers to teach, a given number of assessment objectives.

Thus, it is no surprise to learn that a few independent schools have not just been flirting with the idea of the International Baccalaureate, but have become well and truly wedded to the system. So, should Kingswood tie the knot?

At first glance, it seems that we could be very attracted to such a qualification. The I.B.’s key aims include the desire to promote independent learning, a focus on internationalism and the promotion of a peaceful world - hopes very similar to some of the values that Kingswood holds dear.

There is a philosophical aversion to textbooks; the onus is on the teacher to create different types of learning within the sometimes very general specifications. For example, in the English strand of the qualification, students have to read fifteen teacher-chosen texts (usually nine or ten are required at ‘A’ level) and answer generic questions. Ask any English teacher, and any enthusiastic student; this would be their dream specification.

However, when one looks a little more closely, it becomes clear that to flourish within the I.B. system, one must be something of an all-rounder.

The following requirements, organised into six groups, are needed to gain the diploma, at the end of the Upper Sixth: All students have to do: 1. English (or native language).

48 Kingswood in Focus

2. Modern Foreign Language.

3. One course from the ‘Individuals and Society’ (e.g. Business and Management, Economics, Geography, History, Philosophy, Psychology, Anthropology).

4. One course from ‘Experimental Sciences’ (Biology, Chemistry, Design Technology, Physics, Environmental Systems).

5. Mathematics.

6. One course from The Arts (Music, Theatre Arts, Visual Arts or Art History) or a school-based syllabus or one other of Group 2, Group 3 or Group 4.

7. A Theory of Knowledge essay of 1600 words, or a vivat.

8. An Extended Essay of 4000 words on one of their subject areas.

9. Fifty hours of the Creativity and Active Service programme - this can be linked into the school and/or wider community and must not involve CCF activities directly.

Bearing in mind the last requirement, one can appreciate that in some schools, where extra-curricular activities are not highly valued, the I.B. could be a very useful vehicle for encouraging older students to be fully involved in the life of the community. However, if we look at numbers 1 to 6, it becomes apparent that the students are being asked to perform well right across the academic spectrum. Undoubtedly some of our students may relish this. Nevertheless, for how many is this feasible? And for the all-rounders, from where will come the depth, so keenly sought and, currently, so sadly lacking? Only from one 4,000 word coursework essay in one subject.

Even those who champion the I.B. admit that students cannot do the popular ‘A’ level combination of Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Mathematics courses will not stretch the most able mathematicians in the way that ‘A’ level Further Mathematics does. Schools who aim to have academic success with I.B. need to recruit actively pupils who are capable of achieving good standards in a broad range of subjects and who may well have a very strong leaning towards the Arts. In general, the I.B. suits the gifted Arts student more that his or her scientific counterpart. Nevertheless, the former cannot take a combination of Theatre Studies and Art, or Music and Art. At Kingswood, we take pleasure annually in celebrating some excellent

results in Religious Studies, Politics and PE and Sports Science at ‘A’ level.

Were we to change to I.B. then we could not offer these courses. (After two years as an approved I.B. school, we could put forward proposals for similar in-house courses. Nevertheless, in that time two hundred pupils would have missed the opportunity to study these subjects.)

good number of practical considerations to take into account, many of them with financial implications. Were we to embark on a range of I.B. courses, we should have to budget about £1000 per teacher involved for initial training. Whilst teaching staff may well relish the fact that much INSET takes place abroad, the Bursar would be unlikely to be so excited!

Surprisingly, no allowances are made for students with any sort of learning difficulties; for example, even a severely dyslexic student would have to do a modern language to at least AS standard in a language they have studied, or ab initio to a standard above GCSE in five terms.

Although on-going training is only necessary every three or four years, examination scripts have to be photocopied and couriered all over the world. Thus, a dedicated I.B. secretary is essential, as is an I.B. co-ordinator. On top of this, more staff need to be employed as it is not recommended that ‘A’ level courses be taught alongside I.B. in the same classroom. (Many schools which introduce I.B. initially do so because they have some ‘slack’ in the system.) Just as important, more teaching space needs to be found as new classes start up. Even if all of the above is possible, there are substantial fee increases and the accusation that parents, whose children are entered for the cheaper-to-run ‘A’ levels, are subsidising those who are taking I.B., has to be addressed.

"Kingswood believes that it can address many of the I.B. aims very successfully without making dramatic changes to its current post-16 curriculum."

Currently only two schools in the UK offer just the I.B. in the Sixth Form; these are Sevenoaks and Atlantic College. The others run I.B. courses alongside the usual ‘A’ levels, but this can lead to a two-tier system in which those doing ‘A’ levels feel inferior to those undertaking the IB. Teachers who have experienced this arrangement report that the different atmosphere of the classes can be very marked; sadly, some teachers come to expect their ‘A’ level students to be ‘dull’.

Other than for addressing their dissatisfaction with the current ‘A’ level arrangements, schools do embrace the I.B. for more positive reasons.

Some want to promote extra - curricular activities and critical thinking, both of which Kingswood offers already. Others are keen to encourage overseas boarders; we are fortunate to have a very healthy international mix throughout the whole school. They see the I.B. as a way of promoting independent learning. This is certainly one way of doing so in the Sixth Form, but there are many ways in which to encourage students to read round, research and report on specific topics. All that is needed is some imagination when interpreting specifications and planning lessons. When Kingswood’s Heap Library opens in September 2006, with our librarian Nicola McNee at the helm, we shall have a superb new resource which will support independent learning, not only in the Sixth Form but throughout the School. Departments will be liaising closely with Ms McNee, with the aim of including specific research elements in their schemes of work throughout the Key Stages, which will encourage the use of a wide range of media.

And what happens when the examination scripts have been packed up and posted off? Even I.B. evangelists admit that it can be very difficult to achieve consistent marking standards. Recent experience has shown that some scripts marked in the USA are awarded significantly higher marks than comparable scripts marked in other countries. The International Baccalaureate take up world-wide is growing at such a rate that it will be increasingly difficult to recruit well-qualified and suitably experienced examiners.

When a school makes considerable changes in its curriculum, there are a

Sarah Dawson (Deputy Head, Academic)

Maths Challenges

All things considered, Kingswood believes that it can address many of the I.B. aims very successfully without making dramatic changes to its current post-16 curriculum. However, we shall continue to look at new propositions as they emerge. For example, Cambridge is working on its own Baccalaureate, known currently as the Cambridge pre-University Qualification. At its centre is the aim to develop ‘deep understanding’, whilst avoiding a structure which may constrain the flexibility of student choice. First drafts are expected to be available for comment by September 2006. I await them with interest.

2005 – 2006

AUTUMN TERM saw the Senior Maths Challenge, in which a number of sixth form students achieved very impressive results - of note were Dennis Tse, Maxim Belov, and Ajeet Mankoo, all of whom were awarded a Gold award. Congratulations must also go to Further Mathematician Ajeet who, after a gruelling interview process during the Christmas break, was offered a place to study Mathematics at Oxford.

SPRING TERM has seen the Intermediate Maths Challenge for Years 9 to 11. Nationally over 200,000 students sit the paper, and the top 10% of students are awarded either a Bronze, Silver or Gold award. Eight students were awarded Bronze certificates, and seven students silver certificates respectively. In addition, the top two percent were awarded Gold awards.

This year we had four winners. From Year 11 Antonia Bevan, Max Scoging, and Ross Evans. The fourth Gold certificate was awarded to Alex Bevan of Year 9 who was also the best in school. This performance placed him among the top 400 students nationally to sit the paper from Year 9, and he was invited to sit the tough 2 hour Maths Olympiad paper which took place in March.

In addition Alex was the captain of the Year 8 and 9 Mathematics Team that took part in the recent South Western regional Finals (of the UK Mathematics Team Challenge) held in Bristol. Of the 35 schools selected to attend the finals, Kingswood was placed third, beating all schools in the B&NES area, and narrowly missing out to two highly selective schools from Bristol. Well done to the team members, who were Alex Bevan, Ralph

Eliot, Katie Olley and Alfred Ireland. This is an extremely impressive performance and one of which they should be very proud.

The Junior Maths Challenge and Dauntsey’s Dodecahedron challenges are both early in the Summer Term, and given the strengths we now have in Years 7 and 8 I hope we shall enjoy as much success as the other two challenges. Also four of the top Mathematicians in Year 8 are attending a Masterclass Weekend at Kent College Pembury. This will enable the students to pit their wits against the best students in a number of fellow Methodist schools, and participate in a range of code-based activities - including using a real enigma machine captured by the allies during the second world war.

Mr Garrod Musto (Head of Mathematics)

Ralph & Alex

Special Events

Year 7 Pupils Take up the Challenge...

Kite Festival The beginning of the new academic year saw another extremely successful Kite Festival. The annual event attracted 220 Year 6 pupils from five primary schools in the Bath area. A special thanks to Mr John Allison, staff and senior pupils of the Design Technology Department for putting together a splendid day for us all.

Highlights were the talk by professional kite designer, Mr Nick James of Bristol and winner of the ‘Concours de Creation’ at Dieppe International, and in addition this year, a kite flying demonstration by the former British Individual Sport Kite Champion, Mr Paul Jobin (a Kingswood Prep School parent).

Angela Carlton-Porter (Director of Admissions & Public Relations) The Year 7 Challenge Day at the beginning of the new academic year, is a great way for the new Year 7 pupils to get to know each other and make new friendships.

Most important of all was understanding “Most that there are some very nice people who have joined Kingswood at the same time as me.”

Hannah Stockley (Year 7) “We had to make a hat based on the 3 Rs ‘Re-cycle, Re-use and Reduce’ and then model them on a cat-walk.”

Hannah Bottle (Year 7)

"...its a great way to make new friendships."

50 Kingswood in Focus

Years 10 & 11 Party On Abi Morris (Year 10) helps herself from the buffet

Kelly Greene led the committee which organised the Year 10 & 11 Christmas Ball which was held on Saturday 3rd December.

The evening started with a buffet meal in the Moulton Hall, which students had spent all afternoon decorating, and was followed by a disco in the Creed room.

"The whole event was a great success..."

The whole event was a great success and the evening was enjoyed by all those who attended. Two charities, the Kwale District Eye Centre in Kenya and the Open Arms Infant Home in Malawi, also benefited from money (£250 each) that was raised by the Ball.

Mr Gordon Opie (Senior Housemaster & Ball Organiser)

Romance Certainly isn’t Dead in Hall House!

KPS Boarder enjoying the festivities of the High Vinnalls Christmas party

Hall House came up with a splendid idea to celebrate Valentine’s Day by transforming their common room into a plush restaurant - complete with music and roses! With the culinary expertise of Mrs Westcott and the able assistance of a number of Hall House boys - their guests were wined and dined in style and they raised £180 towards their House charity fund to support a medical centre in Zambia. Well done to Matt Hill, Tony Cheung and Debbie Westcott for all their efforts in making it such a successful and enjoyable event.

Mr Mark Westcott (Senior Housemaster) Summerhill girls 'Trick or Treat' fund-raiser

Remember, Remember the 5th of November!

On 5th November, High Vinnalls played host to the KPS fireworks night. All who attended were treated to hot dogs, soup and flapjacks as they awaited the main event. A thirty minute ‘pyrotechnique extravaganza’ lit up the sky accompanied by ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ from the appreciative crowd.

Kingswood in Focus 51

Thankyou to our Prefects The Headmaster and senior Staff thanked the student leaders of the school at the Annual Senior Prefects’ Dinner, which took place on Wednesday 29th March 2006. The Senior Prefects, under the guidance of the senior Deputy Head and the PR, have worked tremendously hard over the past two terms, supporting each other, Staff and pupils throughout the School.

A delicious Indian supper was followed by votes of sincere thanks and appreciation.

Mr Gareth Lloyd (Senior Deputy Head)

The Ceilidh A special Ceilidh (a Scottish dance) took place at the beginning of the year as a ‘social’ welcome into the Sixth Form for all the former Year 11 pupils together with new students joining Kingswood. This year the occasion was livelier than ever, with both the L6th and many U6th getting involved and having great fun. It was an excellent way for the new L6th to find their feet, break the ice and make new friends very quickly. Thanks must go to Mr Burgon and Mr Mainwaring for the music and Mrs Best for her wonderful dance instructions – which we all followed to the letter ... of course!

Matt Everson (Deputy Head Boy)

Senior Prefects Training Day September 16th dawned a bright and sunny, yet slightly chilly, day as the Upper Sixth’s Senior Prefects, accompanied by four very brave members of Staff, awaited their day of reckoning at Brenscombe Outdoor Pursuit Centre in Swanage. It was a day that reminded me of being at the circus, particularly as the we all threw ourselves into all of the activities with reckless abandon.

Activities such as hair raising leaps from a 40ft pole onto a trapeze and a swashbuckling turn on monkey bars 45ft in the air, to name just two. A long way from monitoring the supper queues, it was quite surreal to find a member of the team swinging through the trees or dangling some way above your head; often muttering some choice words in the general direction of their fickle foe, usually in the form of some gargantuan wooden pole or another!

"...possibly the best element of it all was seeing how much we all enjoyed the day."

For my part, possibly the best element of it all was seeing how much we all enjoyed the day.

Plenty of fun was had, fears were overcome and there was a very evident sense of strong team spirit, summed up by my memory of an extended hand (as I traversed a ladder 45ft above the ground), the most blessed sight in the world when in emotional and physical turmoil! And yet the festivities weren’t over. It is only natural that after a hard day’s work that a lot of stomachs were calling out and so our day was capped off with several rounds of fish and chips on the beach.

However, we hadn’t anticipated a most unexpected additional surprise when Mr Lloyd threw caution to the wind and himself into the sea, despite the chilly weather, leading a substantial number of us off for a swim! The excitement got too much for Liz Kebby-Jones, who treated us all to her very own water dance in the sea, fully clothed. What a fantastic day we all had - thank you Mr Lloyd!

Stephanie Bramwell-Lawes (Head Girl) 52 Kingswood in Focus

Out and About

Fighting Fit 1st XV? Last term the 1st XV rugby team made a guest appearance at a popular Bath Aerobics class at the Percy Community Centre.

This was all down to brave a statement made by our Vice-Captain - Alex Carlton -Porter. His mum just happens to be our Director of Admissions and she and Mrs Best (Head of Chemistry), are regulars at this particular class. He was always teasing his mum about her fitness levels in comparison to his own and so she decided to challenge him to the aerobics class.

Not quite brave enough to face this test alone, he summoned the support of his mates - namely the 1st XV and with the reinforcement of the idea, Mr Westcott, our coach (fondly known to us as ‘Mr Motivator’) who even agreed to join in with us - we decided to take on rest of the class and show off our skills and muscles to the wider community of Bath.

We all thought that with our four times a week training, a simple aerobics class would be a ‘walk in the park’ - but how wrong we were!

"I can’t put into words how physically demanding and intense this class was."

Physicists go to Thorpe Park In late October 14 U6 physicists were accompanied by Mr. Burton and Mrs. Ball to Thorpe Park near London, with the aim of investigating the physics of theme park rides as part of their A2 physics work on circular motion.

Most people chose to subjectively investigate the G-forces involved in some of the more extreme rides by actually experiencing them, whilst a couple of people (including this reporter) chickened out of anything more scary than the water rapids and opted for a more objective approach!

Jackies hairy rollercoater ride!

On arrival, the team was full of optimism and feeling pretty relaxed about listening to music and ‘doing a little dance’. However, when the music kicked in and the instructor, Jill Furness got started, we were in for a shock.

I can’t put into words how physically demanding and how intense this class was. About 30 minutes into the session as we were starting to get the feel for it and with John Meredith showing the full scale of his flexibility, a photographer from the Bath Chronicle turned up and got some good evidence of us struggling to keep up the pace. Mr Westcott had sensibly decided to keep to the back of the room so as not to be seen in full action.

When the class finally came to an end, we were falling over with exhaustion but we all enjoyed every minute. Jill Furness was a fantastic instructor and kept everyone motivated and involved all the way through and we would really like to thank her for letting us join in. It was a total body toning and fitness routine that we won’t forget in a hurry and Mrs C-P - you were right - you certainly are fitter than your son - at least in this class!!!!

Matt Hill (U6) PS We plan to get the whole school involved in a special fitness session with Jill to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation in memory of Mrs Dilys Brake - so watch out for the next issue of KIF for more!

Biology Field Trip In October the U6 Biologists stayed at Nettlecombe Court, a Field Centre in Somerset, which has specialist labs and equipment for ecological studies. On the first day in the sunshine (and then rain!) they carried out an interrupted belt transect to study succession on the sand dunes at Saunton. The following day they tried out all sorts of techniques including: kick sampling to study the effect of flow rate on the distribution of invertebrates in the Woodford Meanders and using point frames investigate the distribution of buttercups.

We were set tasks relating to the various rides in the park. What is the centripetal acceleration at the bottom of the first loop on Colossus?

How many gees does the rider feel? What safety measures on Detonator stop the riders from hitting the floor at 75kph in the event of a brake failure?

We learnt first hand about the amount of water displaced by a boat with 10 passengers ramming into a small lake at a high speed, and were protected from the resulting downpour by Kingswood ponchos which, in fashion terms, were clearly ahead of their time.

The effect of air resistance during a sudden drop in a rollercoaster ride on Mrs. Ball’s hair can be seen in this classic photo which will surely hang in the physics department for many years to come. Thanks to Mr. Burton and Mrs. Ball for a great day out!

John Stainer (U6)

Chloe Widdowson tried blackberries as a face mask

Kingswood in Focus 53

Duke of Edinburgh Expedition - Gold During the second week of half term several teams from Kingswood set out to do their D of E in the Black Mountains in Wales.

The first day for all the groups consisted of a trek up the side of Mynydd Du Forest. Even for the Gold groups this was a shock to the system, after having spent a week of relaxing. The path climbed about a kilometre over the course of two. With this mammoth climb, horizontal rain, 65mph winds and 11km still left to do spirits were low.

We cannot speak for the other groups but the two Gold groups managed this task with a mixture of sarcasm and singing. Despite the torrential rain all the groups managed to cover the ground before nightfall. Arriving at the campsite we were all delighted to hear that there were Portaloos and clean drinking water, we had heard a rumour that we would have to make do with purification tablets and a trowel.

"...it was a very enjoyable and constructive four days..."

The second day saw us climb the dreaded Table Mountain. However it was this day that the Bronze groups did a shortened route and had the fortune to go home early. It was on this day that group competitiveness began to make itself felt, with the group that reached the top first singing mocking songs to the other group still toiling. At first the weather was good but upon reaching the top low cloud set in. However we did have a few religious experiences when at the exact second we reached the top of a summit the cloud dispersed to reveal a stunning landscape. Later in the day the low lying cloud did produce some catastrophic navigational errors in the silver groups, we ourselves merely hearing voices in the mist. This meant that they arrived after dark and had to set up the tents in the twilight.

The Silver group went home early on the third day leaving the Golds to bravely soldier on. This was the day when singing came into its own as a method to improve walking. In my group we had two different styles of singing; Dominic would inspire us with powerful Irish ballads,

whilst I, David Dowling, was undeterred by constant criticism and threats from my team mates as to style content (with “Is this the way to Amarillo” featuring prominently). The other Gold group in contrast (with the exception of a few outbursts of, “Wahoo” by Blur from me, Aaron Leach), silently and skilfully got on with the task in hand. Despite visibility neither had any major problems with navigation.

The fourth was a tough day to start, unlike the other Expeditions we had a full day ahead of us. With bandaged feet, blisters, aching backs, grumpiness and wet boots none of us had much desire to start the day, with the exception that we knew we would soon be home. We all felt the strain of carrying our packs up the hill but with the support of our team mates we made it. Spurred on by the sight of buses and the other group the last and worst Km was covered with relative ease. After showers we were soon on our way home. We must thank Mr. Vaughan and Ms. Cooper for organising expeditions for so many people. With special praise to Patricia Hughes for being the only girl and putting up with the nine boys doing Gold. Despite appearances it was a very enjoyable and constructive four days and we would recommend it to anyone with the will.

David Dowling & Aaron Leach

Ten Tors Training Training for the Ten Tors expedition began with a trip to a snow covered Dartmoor in February.

Walking conditions were difficult but more than compensated for by good visibility and marvellous views.

54 Kingswood in Focus

The group of eleven Lower Sixth pupils coped well with the cold and demonstrated great potential as walkers, navigators and leaders.

Mr John Davies (Senior Housemaster & Ten Tors Leader)

German Exchange A group of sixteen nervous teenagers along with Mr Duke and Miss Beale all set off on an intrepid journey to Germany.

Little did they know what lay ahead; three hours at the airport, two delayed trains and a missed connection. When they arrived in Munster, exhausted, cold and hungry they found their exchange partners waiting for them.

On Monday they showed up at school bright eyed and bushy tailed, looking rather rosy due to the cycle. Ellie’s first experience on a German bicycle did not go according to plan as two minutes later she found herself flat on the floor, with a rather sore bottom.

“The trip was thoroughly enjoyed...”

Emma, Penny, Nia & James in Red Square

History Students Visit Moscow & St Petersburg It is impossible to encapsulate in a few paragraphs all the experiences shared by those who journeyed to Moscow and St Petersburg during February half-term. The places we visited, among them Red Square, Lenin’s tomb, the Kremlin and the Winter Palace, are alone enough to set the heart of any student of modern Russian History racing. But no foreign trip is simply about excursions, and I suspect that the incidental insights into Russian culture will live as long in the memory as the sight of Lenin’s embalmed corpse, or the exceptional intricacy of the Faberge eggs. Who will forget the Orthodox priest blessing a car in the grounds of a St Petersburg Church? The sight of a performing bear tied up in a park?

The fearsome babushkas who presided over every cloakroom? The stony faced customs officers who seemed unaware that communism came to an end fifteen years ago? Here was a country in transition, a mix of the medieval, the communist and the capitalist, and all the more fascinating for it.

So much of our experience of these cities was shaped by our English speaking guides. Edward, or Eddie as he quickly became known, was our host in Moscow. With a dry sense of humour, a deadpan delivery and an ironic obsession with timekeeping, this man quickly developed something of a Cult of Personality with our group. His advice about the risks of drinking Moscow water - the meeting of western bacteria and eastern bacteria could provoke “an unintended diplomatic incident”- must rank as one of the most memorable lines of the trip. Catherine in St Petersburg was, in comparison, a little disappointing; she never really warmed to us after we fell asleep en masse during her first coach tour.

On the Tuesday they set off for Köln. The chocolate factory was the first stop, in which they learnt how chocolate was made. What was on everyone’s mind though was the finished project especially Emma and Helen who managed to eat fourteen chocolate wafers from the fountain.

Following the chocolate factory a walk to the famous Köln cathedral was needed to burn off the extra calories. After a whole-hearted look around the spectacular cathedral it was the time all the girls had been waiting for. Shopping!

After a couple more hectic days of German school, Ash, Zoë, Lauren, Max, Carmen and David prepared themselves for a night on the town.

On Friday everyone was looking relatively worse for wear as the early mornings had come as quite a shock to them. The scientific trip to Bremen quickly woke everyone up. All had great fun, letting their immaturity shine though.

After nine days in a different culture, staying with German families and everyone improving their German (except David, Carmen and Ollie who were already wiz kids) everybody was ready to go home. The trip was thoroughly enjoyed and on behalf of everyone we would like to say a huge thank you to Mr Duke and Miss Beale.

Alice Logan & Ellie Hocken (Year 10) Laura Chivers with the famous statues of Tünnes & Schäl (the legendary clowns) in Cologne

No trip is complete without its fair share of anecdotes, and this was no exception. Robbie, Imogen and Charlotte disappearing down some Moscow Metro tunnel, the victims of some fast closing train doors.

The overnight train journey, an experience in itself. The Folklore Show, complete with Cossack dancing and shrieking women, where Jenny Gibson had an encounter with a man dressed as two men wrestling that cannot adequately be described in words. The final night, where certain members of staff treated the Sixth Form to a master class in dance floor grooves.

Moscow and St Petersburg 2006 will live long in the memory. Tales of tsars and revolutions, fascinating cultural insights and countless laughs along the way - what more could you want from a school trip?

Mr Craig Woodgate (Head of History & Politics) Kingswood in Focus 55

The Sky’s the Limit!

An inflatable planetarium visited KPS Prep School and took the children on a journey into space.

On the 27th January, groups of children shuffled through a dark tunnel in the music room, uncertain of exactly what they were going to find at the other end. They entered into Starlab; an inflatable planetarium from the Cardiff-based Techniquest Science Discovery Centre, which ran six sessions through the day and offered pupils a sensory journey into outer space. Children enjoyed a visual and aural tour of the seasonal constellations and solar system. A Techniquest presenter guided all through the sky at night and Earth and beyond, by projecting images on the inside walls of the Starlab dome. The universe was brought to life with a tour of the nine planets in the solar system, an introduction to stars and some myths and legends about the night sky. It certainly made for an interesting alternative to the classroom and a fascinating experience. We left with a sense of awe about our incredible universe.

Katy Elliott (Geography Co-ordinator & Year 5 teacher)

Barcelona Trip On Wednesday 15th March, an intrepid group of twelve Spanish pupils set off to Barcelona, home of the world famous Spanish artist, Gaudi, and of course, our own Miss Herrero. Cultural visits included trips to a Sagrada Familia, the cathedral which is an integral part of Barcelona’s cultural heritage designed by Gaudi and which feels like a living part of the city as the building of it continues today; Parc Guell, a monument to the brilliance of Gaudi - we loved the way the art was incorporated into the park and the daily lives of the people of Barcelona; and the Dalì Museum - the highlight of our third day, an interactive art gallery, a stimulating new approach to exhibiting art.

“A linguistic, cultural & gastronomic experience.”

Whilst the highlights of the trip, of course, were linguistic and cultural we did appreciate the local cuisine. It was fantastic to sample tapas as it should be eaten in its home country, and sugary sweet churros found in tiny tucked away cafés. “Los helados eran delisiosos tambien!!” Among many other opportunities, the colourful vibrant markets provided ample scope for practising our (in some cases very recently acquired) Spanish. Miss Beale’s valiant efforts never failed to impress!

A linguistic, cultural and gastronomic experience - we all had a great time - owing in no little part to Miss Herrero and Miss Beale for organising the trip. “Muchas gracias senoritas!”

Laura Stockley (Year 10)

A Local Village Study Clutching clipboards, maps and snack supplies, forty one Year 3 children and four teachers marched into sleepy Monkton Farleigh like intrepid and eager explorers.

The time had come to venture into the village they had studied at school, matching the photographs in their minds and on display boards with reality, squealing with delight as they correctly identified human and physical features-from farm land to meadows, manor house to post office, roads and signs, shops and houses.

Quickly putting their knowledge of grid referencing and map interpreting to good use, the children explored the vicinity like Miss Marple searching for clues and hints of any life. Curtains twitched and nervous smiles could be seen if we were quick. The bold and the brave waved and were inquisitive to find out why so many children were in the village (they also unknowingly became excellent candidates for the questionnaires the children had formulated and would use for future visits.) The groups were keen to share their knowledge of land use, characteristics of this settlement as well as proudly show off about their knowledge of the underground mines that were used in World War Two. Back at school and armed with detailed sketches, base maps, coloured co-ordinated keys, notes and questionnaires, each class began to plan, design, puzzle over and deliberate (with a little nervousness) the next step which was to create a large 3D model of the village. Even the teachers, in the hazy distant past of those planning meetings where they thought it would be an exciting prospect, were beginning to feel like extras from an episode of ‘Anneka Challenge’ and were aware of the demanding skills needed to complete the task. With hard hats on and minds switched onto the same wavelengths as town planners, the stopwatch was started and the fun began.

The children were amazing; referring to their photographs, sketches and base plans the outline of Monkton Farleigh was soon coming to life; cuboids were drawn, cut out and glued as well as coloured according to their ‘building purpose’ in the village. Discussions were passionate yet logical when trying to correctly place trees, bins, park facilities and the village donkey.

Seeing the fervour and pleasure with which the children worked, collaboratively and also independently, was fantastic and the smiles on their faces having finished the model and admiring the end results spoke volumes.

Watch out Bath and cities everywhere.. the new architects or possibly Geography teachers of the future have been discovered!

Pippa Johnson (Year 3 Teacher) 56 Kingswood in Focus

Y1 Visit The American Museum Year One had a very exciting Spring term flying around the world on their Magic carpet!

Each week they took a trip to a different country where they heard a story and handled artefacts from that particular area of the world.

When the carpet alighted in North America the story of ‘Feather Woman’ from the Blackfoot Tribe of the Plains Indians was re-told. With The American Museum on our doorstep it was an opportunity to really bring the story to life and so a very excited Year One group departed for a morning full of information and fun.

Three short workshops developed the children’s knowledge and skills.

They were asked to be detectives whilst handling Native American artefacts and guess their uses. Using pictures of indigenous animals they worked in small groups to make up a story about their chosen animal and a costume session provided a wealth of information about customs and dress. The highlight of the morning however, was probably the opportunity to savour one of the museum’s famous chocolate chip ‘Cowboy Cookies’ which were freshly baked for us on arrival!

So with our stomachs full of cookie and our heads crammed with information we reluctantly returned to school but with one last treat - a book of Indian Tales each! A perfect end to a perfect trip!

“I went to the American Museum. I had a cowboy cookie and made a story and we found out about the Indians and I found out what they killed buffalos for and I dressed up as an Indian and then we went back to school.”

William Barnes

Trip to the Boat Show

Bike ride Visit to The Millennium Stadium to watch Bath vs Llanelli

Circuit of Bath Walk £200 raised for Julian House

KPS Boarders Activities Trip to The Forest of Dean camping, climbing, caving, canoeing, kayaking

Visit to the park

Trip to the Air Day

Kingswood in Focus 57

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