Kingswood In Focus - June 2008

focus Kingswood in

June 2008

Contents

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Letters Staff News Chapel & Community Autumn Sport KPS Art Individual Achievements Performing Arts MUN KPS International Day Friends of KS and KPS Kingswood Association Spring Sport Special Events Eco-Schools Out & About

Features 8 In Pursuit of Passion Highlighting the special talent in each of us

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Westwood Refurb Improvements to our Junior House

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World Premiere 'Marley's Ghosts' proves a huge success

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Poetry Competition Showcasing the talents of Kingswood's budding poets

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Astro Opening Completion of Phase 1 of the Upper Development

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Forging a Link with Japan New school links with Kwansei Gakuin

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focus Kingswood in

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Letter from the Headmaster

Transforming Lives Dear Parents and Friends, As I write this, I have only ten school weeks left as Headmaster.

At times this appears unreal because, after twenty-one years, being at Kingswood has become inextricably bound up with almost everything I do and, of course, the day-to-day running of the school and forward-planning for next year still occupies my time. Someone asked me recently if it were good to be ‘winding down’ and I had to reply that so far there has been little opportunity to begin that process! Certainly the autumn and spring terms have been as packed and busy as ever.

However, inevitably I have spent some of my holidays since I announced I would be retiring back in the autumn of 2006 reflecting on my time in education and, in particular, what impact my faith as a Christian has had on the way I have approached teaching as a vocation rather than a career. In part this has been because Epworth Press asked me to write a book before I retired on how Christianity has influenced education and what it still has to offer today. The result of some of my reflect ions has therefore been published in April under the title ‘Transforming Lives’.

Understandably I have dedicated it to the governors, staff and pupils of Kingswood because it is based on my experience of being headmaster here for over twenty years, as well as a lifetime of teaching history and religious education and leading worship in schools.

In the book I have attempted to explore what is the real purpose of education, to analyse what makes Jesus a perfect teacher, and to present how for almost two centuries education and Christianity were synonymous in the Western world. I have also examined how the state has redefined religious education and the impact this has had on schools, including looking at the impact of secularism and analysing all the latest government initiatives on such issues as citizenship and personal, social, moral and cultural education. In the process I have tried to explain why faith schools are both criticised and praised and the problems that have arisen from multiculturalism. In addition, there are chapters on science and religion, worship in schools, and what modern research is saying about the nature of how we develop faith. I even include a look at the thorny issue of what role churches should be playing in education today.

So if you want to know more please buy a copy!

One of the pupils afterwards asked me, ‘Is this, sir, why you are leaving Kingswood? So you can write musicals?’ I had to disillusion him because I do not see myself as a budding lyricist or playwright, but I am hoping, when I retire, to devote far more time to undertaking historical research and writing.

History was always my first love and, if I have any regret about becoming a headteacher, it is that I had to largely abandon teaching it. I am also hoping to attend art lessons so I can resume another of my passions – which is painting. Family and Church will also hopefully receive more of my time than I have been able to give them in the past twenty-one years. Being passionate about what you do has been a recurring theme this year – and you will see what triggered this in one of the articles in KIF – and, whatever I have or have not succeeded in doing at Kingswood, I hope people will recognise that I have been passionate about the school. It will therefore always be a part of me, even when I move on to new ventures and give more time to other passions.

I will leave in the knowledge that the governors have appointed a fine replacement in Simon Morris and that this is a great school with a wonderfully dedicated staff and pupils who constantly delight and surprise by showing how much they can achieve and how much they can contribute. Long may that continue!

With every good wish,

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

"In the book, "Transforming Lives', I have attempted to explore what is the real purpose of education..."

One of the highlights for me so far this year was naturally the school production of my Gilbert and Sullivan version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. I have to confess that on the opening night I suddenly had a serious attack of nerves. It dawned on me that if people did not like it, they might say why has the head inflicted this musical on the school? I need not have worried. Marley’s Ghosts was hugely enjoyed by the cast and the audiences. I attribute this far more to the skills of the cast and the fantastic team of staff who brought my script to life than my own efforts because no writer could have wished for a more brilliant realisation of their work! Watching pupils enjoy themselves and develop their skills has been central to why I have found being a headmaster such a rewarding role – Marley’s Ghosts was therefore simply the icing on the cake.

Photo courtesy of The Bath Chronicle

Kingswood in Focus 1

Letter from the KPS Headmaster

Dear Parents and Friends, Our academic work at KPS is extremely important to us of course but it not only in this area that we try to offer opportunity. Our music, drama and sport, are examples of further areas in which we offer a lot of scope for participation and possible excellence. In addition to all this we offer a weekly programme of voluntary Extra Curricular Activities of between 40 and 50 clubs. Some of these clubs offer opportunity in areas that are not covered by the rest of our weekly timetable, while others supplement and add to what we do in class. I wish to draw the attention of you all to an area in this latter category, in which many students at KPS have the opportunity to build on what goes on each week in our timetabled drama lessons.

Many thanks to all the parents who helped with the preparation of the talks.

A special mention to Mrs Gardner who assisted with the Junior ESB and to Miss Lansdell, Miss Caden and Miss Hammond who assisted Miss Diaz, who bore the main burden this year when Mrs McGlynn was away.

Happily Mrs McGlynn was back with us to take her usual leading role in the Mid Somerset Festival. No fewer than 35 children took part, which is about 18% of our prep school aged children. We took part in 24 classes which involved poetry, short story writing, verse speaking, reading aloud, memorised prose, solo acting, duo acting, television newsreading. Finally solo, duo and group mime. Our pupils won a quarter of the classes they entered and many others were commended or awarded merit grades.

Our entrants were Agnes Sadler, Jim Pope, Cameron Price, Katie Humphrey, Abigail Jeffery, Kelly Read, Olivia Spence, Freya Palmer-Postles, Phillipa Curtis, Nick Harris, Beth Hirst, Henry Clifford, Jenny McGlynn**, Rhiannon Osborne, Sophie McDermott*, Grace Curtis, Connie Cater*, Oliver Gardner*, Mimi Templar-Gay, Marielle Thomas*, Alisha Ganapathy, Roman Banwell, Sakuarko Inoue, Harry Brand*, Rebecca Evans, George Logut, Harriet Leventhal, Regan Winton, Hannah Sansford, Merryn Jones, Toby Douglas-Bate*, Alex Mason, Olivia Watts and Charles Beaven**. (*= winner)

"This year we had 22 candidates entered and all achieved one of the top two grades."

For many years we have taken part in ESB (English Speaking Board) and the MidSomerset Festival. Children choose to join these clubs and to present what they have learned in front of expert judges. A few words of explanation about these two organisations: ESB promotes and assesses Spoken English in a wide range of educational centres.

MSF. Perhaps the most important word in the title is "Festival"!

The objective is very simple - to encourage performance at its most enjoyable level. A whole range of performing arts are on offer at this festival, held annually in Bath - Speech, Drama, Creative Writing and a host of Music classes, both instrumental, vocal and choral.

Apart from the competitors, this voluntary organisation involves hundreds of local people as administrators, parents or audience, and has become one of the highlights of Bath's artistic calendar.

ESB maintains three standardisation bands - Pass, Merit and Distinction.

Percentage marks are not given on Reports or Certificates but grades start at the following points: Pass: 50%; Good Pass: 60%; Merit: 70%; Merit Plus: 80%; Distinction: 90%. This year we had 22 candidates entered and all achieved one of the top two grades. Eight pupils gained a Merit+ and the remaining 14 all gained distinctions. A fantastic achievement so well done to the following who were tested in classes ranging from Junior Introductory to Junior Four. Those marked * gained a distinction. Year 2 (Junior Introductory) Cameron Bush*, Charlotte Chilton*, Charlotte Cutter*, Conor Finnamore*, Hamish McNeice*, Callum Mitchie*, Thomas Griffiths, Finn Sayce, Daisy Shayegun. Year 3 (Junior One) Thomas Deverell, Barnabus Fletcher. Year 4 (Junior Two) Charlotte Crowe*, Phillipa Curtis*, Nick Harris*, Florence O'Connor*, Freya Palmer-Postles*, Olivia Spence. Year 5 (Junior Three) William Cross*. Year 6 (Junior Four) Connie Cater*, Oliver Gardner*, Luke Jackson, Sophie McDermott.

2 Kingswood in Focus

Special mention must be made of Charles Beaven who in addition to winning two of his classes was also awarded the prestigious Evelyn Sandford Repertoire Trophy which is awarded to the competitor gaining the highest combined mark by performing in the following classes: Memorised Prose, Verse Speaking, Solo Acting and Solo Mime. Charles was invited to perform in the Festival Concert where he was presented with his trophy.

When I teach Y6 children English, I always mention that they should not 'list' in written work. Looking back on my words in this instance a clear case for hypocrisy can be made. However in this case I hope you will understand when I say that I do so as a 'happy hypocrite'! Well done to all the children who took part in ESB and/or Mid Somerset and to their teachers. It is good to do well of course and I have been encouraged by our winners, but also because so many children chose to take part.

Mr Marcus Cornah (Headmaster of the Kingswood Prep School)

Staff Changes A SPORTING OPPORTUNITY At Christmas we were sorry to have to say goodbye to our two sports assistants who have been with us since January 2007. Both Miss Tess Lane and Mr Tim Fitzgerald helped us hugely with all our sports and in particular Miss Lane imparted considerable knowledge to the swimming team because of her special skills in that area. Both also helped in houses, Mr Fitzgerald was in Hall House and Miss Lane was a tower of strength in Westwood.

They will both be much missed and we wish them every happiness and success as they return to their respective homes in Canberra and Sydney.

They have been replaced by Miss Maddie Bird and Mr Michael Blackshaw from Tamworth, New South Wales and Cape Town, South Africa respectively.

They have already shown us that they are equally prepared to make the most of the sporting opportunity provided by being sports assistants at Kingswood.

SAYING GOODBYE AND HELLO We were very sorry to lose the services of Miss Kelly Vigliucci at Christmas. We were fortunate to obtain her services as a Spanish teacher at Kingswood in November 2006 as a temporary replacement initially for maternity cover. Educated at Colston Girls’ School in Bristol she took her degree in Spanish and French at Southampton University, worked for a year in Ecuador for the British Council, and for four years she taught at Sir Bernard Lovell School before undertaking supply teaching in various schools. We were very fortunate to have as a temporary teacher such a great communicator of the language and there was no doubting her desire to inspire her pupils with a love of the language. We wish her success and happiness in the future. Ms Bronagh Slevin, our new permanent teacher of Spanish, is already making her mark. She joined us having been a teacher at King Edward’s School in Bath. Prior to that she was educated at Loreto Convent Grammar School and did her degree in law, Spanish and French at the University of the West of England, her M.A. in Anglo-Irish Literature at the National University of Ireland, and her PGCE at Bath University.

Ms Naomi Canfer also left at Christmas having been a teacher of Economics and Business Studies at Kingswood since September 2003. Educated at Oswestry School, she did her degree in Economics and International Politics and her PGCE at the University of the West of England, before joining us.

She soon proved a popular teacher and not just in the classroom. At school she was a captain of sports teams and a head of a boarding house so she brought those leadership skills to her role within our sporting programme and to tutoring. In November 2004 she took maternity leave and, though she returned to work having had her son Harry, she found balancing work with her family commitments too demanding. We wish her every future happiness. I would like to record my thanks to Rev. Mike Wilkinson, our former Head of Economics and Business Studies, who stepped down for a term from his role as a Deputy-Head in order to teach Ms Canfer’s classes until the new teacher arrives this summer. This is Mr James Hills. He was educated at Downside School and did his degree in Accounting and Finance at Manchester Metropolitan and his PGCE at the University of the West of England.

He has been teaching at Queen’s College Taunton, since 2003. There, in addition to teaching A level, he has been co-ordinator of the Young Enterprise Scheme and involved in helping develop courses for the school’s WebCT Virtual Learning Environment, as well as coaching teams in all three terms and preparing teams for Ten Tors. He will not only replace Ms Canfer but also take over as Head Mrs Leslie of the Department from Prior Mrs Houghton.

Miss Patricia Baldwin, 'Annie'

The longest-serving teacher to depart at Christmas was Mrs Leslie Prior who retired after over ten years at the school helping boys and girls overcome problems with their learning abilities. She studied for her Certificate in Education at the College of St Matthias in Bristol and became a specialist teacher of literacy skills, undertaking study with the Dyslexia Institute in Bath. She worked privately and at various schools before joining the staff here as a part-timer in 1997, initially acting as our teacher in charge of special needs. She transformed what we were able to offer pupils.

Her achievements were particularly mentioned in both the HMC School Inspections we had in her time here. She has been temporarily replaced by Mrs Jackie Eliot. Many of you will remember her from the many years she was a much respected teacher at our Prep School.

We have also welcomed in the spring term two very good teachers to undertake maternity cover for Mrs Lisa Bradbury and Mrs Karen Fox in the Art Department. They are Miss Dawn Beedle, who did her BA in Art and Design and her PGCE at the University of the West of England and Miss Kimberley Appleyard, who is also our Artist in Residence and did her degree in Three Dimensional Design at Bath Spa University.

The school has also said farewell to Miss Patricia Baldwin, a very long-serving member of the catering staff. ‘Annie’ (as she was known by all) retired after 43 years’ service to the school. Both staff and pupils gave their own special ‘send-off ’ to a very special person. We will all miss her sense of fun and her forthright comments.

FAREWELL IN SONG It was a very sad day when we had to say goodbye to Miss Jenni Matthews at Christmas. She has made such a difference to our choirs in her time at the school. Educated at schools in Abingdon, Miss Matthews obtained a double first honours degree in Music from Girton College, Cambridge and she then undertook an MPhil in Musicology and a PGCE. As a choral scholar at Cambridge she had extensive experience of working within choirs of the highest quality, notably Clare College Chapel Choir, and performing in London and around the world with such well-known orchestras as the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. She brought that experience and her own passion for choral music to Kingswood in September 2003.

The famous writer Thomas Mann once described music as ‘a manifestation of the highest energy’ and certainly Miss Matthews put immense energy into the music here. Within two years of her arrival our senior choir won the Mid-Somerset Festival. We saw the numbers engaged in singing among both boys and girls rise dramatically and the range of opportunities open to them through Kingswood Voices, the Chamber Choir and the Senior Choir.

She was, of course, a real stickler for the highest standards and she achieved that by enthusing her choirs. At the final assembly of term the Senior Choir sang its own special tribute. She is returning to her home territory and taking up a post at Abingdon School. Our loss will very much be their gain, but we will retain the many happy memories of the marvellous music she produced here. We have been fortunate to have a temporary replacement in Miss Aniela Zylinski until Miss Matthew’s permanent replacement arrives in September 2008. She has a BA in Music and German from the University of Southampton and an MPhil in German Literature from the University of Bath.

Kingswood in Focus 3

CHANGING ROLE In November we heard the sad news that Mrs Jane Vines would be leaving us as our Development Director. She joined us five years ago and initially had as her main brief re-organising the commercial letting of the school. This she did very successfully, ensuring that the school raised greater income to help with its development, whilst simultaneously enabling more of the local community to benefit from the school’s resources. Over the past couple of years she has focused more on building up better links with the Kingswood Association and on helping the school obtain planning permission for the first phases of an exciting development of our facilities on the Upper.

Having obtained the latter, she very successfully spearheaded the fund-raising for the first of our projects: a second astro. The school therefore owns her a great debt.

Her departure led to a re-structuring of the function of Development Director, removing the function of commercial letting and replacing it with public relations and the marketing of the school. The natural and very talented successor to Mrs Vines was therefore Ms Angela Carlton-Porter, who has been such a successful promoter of the school in her capacity as Director of Admissions and Public Relations since she joined us in 1999. She knows the school extremely well and is highly regarded by parents and colleagues so we have no doubt in her capacity to build very successfully on the foundations that Mrs Vines laid. Like all of us she is very passionate about ensuring that we have the best possible facilities for our boys and girls and that the school should continue to thrive and flourish. In the February half-term she handed over her admissions role to a new Registrar Mrs Diane Patterson, whose previous work was with the Ministry of Defence. Ms Carlton-Porter is very much looking forward to getting to know more of the past pupils who are in the Kingswood Association beyond those who are already known to her through her son having been at the school.

Some of our New Staff Members Mrs Jane Vines

4 Kingswood in Focus

Pictured below are (from left to right): Mr Blackmore and Miss Bird (the new Sports Assistants), Mr Hills and Ms Slevin, and Miss Lee (Commercial Manager) and Mrs Patterson (Registrar).

Chapel and the Community

In Word and Deed

Remembrance Service

In the autumn, although some whole school services were taken by the Chaplain, the Headmaster, and pupils, we mostly had a variety of visitors leading our worship. These included Rev. Nicola Jones, Bath Youth For Christ, Rev. Norman Wallwork, Mark Topping (dressed as John Wesley), Rev. John Morris, and the well-known and very popular Rev. Ray Lansley and Mr Marcus Cornah. For many the most memorable was our outdoor Remembrance Service in November.

Usually in KIF we do not indicate just how varied our services can be so it is worth perhaps outlining some of the diverse themes which can emerge by focusing on the spring term when we decided for a change to have virtually all the services led in-house by staff, pupils, and former pupils.

"For many the most memorable was our outdoor Remembrance Service in November. " Mr Woodgate led a very moving and thought-provoking service which made us all reflect on the Holocaust and, perhaps more pertinently today, on more recent examples of ethnic cleansing, while Mrs Dawson used her love of English literature to bring alive some of the issues on our environmental Green Day. Dr Fletcher’s chemical understanding came to the fore.

The Junior services in Chapel experienced re-runs of most of these services, but slightly modified. However, they also had a few memorable services unique to them, notably one led by the Westwood Prefects which included some interesting if not always accurate impersonations of Scooby Doo and company! Sadly space does not permit any reflections on the many chapels that take place mid-week because in their own way some of these can be very memorable.

It may not be so common elsewhere now but at Kingswood thought for the day is alive and well!

The Headmaster with the help of the PR initiated the term with a service which reflected on the nature of New Year resolutions and how any day can be the start of a resolution which can really make a difference to us and those around us.

Mr Lloyd led a very special service on the theme of acquiring a passion in life and four pupils memorably talked of their particular passion – so much so that a fuller account As ever, the school community tries to of this can be found in this issue of KIF. uphold its Christian ethos in part by helping Even more memorable was the service led others. This year was slightly unusual in by the four Warmann brothers who were all that staff and pupils agreed to fund raise at Kingswood in recent years. All in their The Warmann Brothers in part for the Upper Development, but time were stars on the sports field and with continued fund raising for the charities characteristic charisma they chose to talk of their choice remained a very prominent feature. For example, in about the importance of team work, including from a Biblical standpoint.

September nearly 50 boys and girls undertook the annual Circuit of Bath They understandably got a huge round of applause at the end of the walk in aid of Julian House, which provides shelter for the homeless. service and quite a few pupils supported the official opening of the Astro This included four boys – Gareth Hobbs, Shaun Howell, Charles Morris the following weekend in order to see them play for the Old Boys.

Kingswood in Focus 5

and Rohit Rana – actually running the twenty miles with Mr Lloyd and Mr Burgon in four hours and 38 minutes.

In October Pahrnia Parsons and Sarah Ryder teamed up with three staff, Mrs Heseltine, Miss Canfer and Miss Beale, to make up a team for the nine mile Badminton Horseless Riders’ charity event. Ted’s Day Out with Superheroes mufti raised over £1,100 for the Royal United Hospital. In November the Art, Design and Technology, Music and Drama departments combined to lay on the THOR challenge to raise money for the Upper Development. The Music Department also produced a new CD entitled ‘A Rainy Night’ in aid of ‘Hopes and Homes for Children’. This contained some of the most outstanding recordings from our more House Charity Day junior pupils. The charity works in twelve countries throughout Europe and Africa helping some of the poorest children in the world who have been orphaned or abandoned. In December the Years 10 and 11 Christmas Ball included a raffle to raise money for Malawi. The particular success of fund-raising for Malawi features separately because this has been especially successful through a wide variety of events.

Gina Piper helped mastermind the Fonthill Fashion Show which raised a remarkable £1,500 shared equally between the Royal Mineral Hospital and the Upper development. Boys and girls from both the senior and prep school strutted their stuff in style to an enthusiastic audience and Alex Field and Sophia Briffa compered the evening with great aplomb.

"...the school community tries to uphold its Christian ethos in part by helping others."

In January Joanna Duncan presented assemblies about the problems facing Orangutans and the need to help protect their habitat in Borneo and, with the help of many people, she organised the Orangutan Jam Charity.

In February Georgia Sharp and

Kingswood Supergirls

There was also the annual sponsored swim in memory of Mrs Dilys Brake, a former School secretary, and in support of the British Heart Foundation. This raised £874.60.

On 11 March all the houses contributed to House Charity Day, bringing in CDs, DVDs, videos, books, clothing, games, cakes, sweets, etc for a mammoth sale. This raised over £974 and the money was shared equally between charities of the choice of each house and the Upper development. Mr Lloyd also led a group of staff and parents in running the Bath Half Marathon, raising £2,140.00 for the Upper.

Alongside all these events the weekly Soup and Roll lunch has been regularly attended by a significant number of pupils and this has raised £1,200 for a variety of charities which provide for those who lack essentials such as food, shelter and water.

6 Kingswood in Focus

Money for Malawi The pupils going to Malawi in July 2008 have worked really hard throughout the year raising money for various charity projects based in and around Open Arms Infant Home in Blantyre. As a group they have taken part in the following: • Making and selling cards • Helping to set up, serve food and clear up at the Years 10 and 11 Christmas Ball • Making a range of products – jams, chutneys, cakes, jewellery to sell at Christmas Fairs at St Stephen’s School, St Stephen’s church and KPS

'Ted’s Day Out' Once again, the pupils at Kingswood raised money to help the Royal United Hospital in their annual event ‘Ted’s Day Out’. The money raised this year is going towards the £4.7million needed to improve the facilities for the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU). With one in ten parents needing the support of NICU, it was a project about which the students could make a significant difference for many people and even themselves in the future.

School House were the driving force behind the events and sold T-shirts, teddies and badges. On the actual day the theme for Mufti was ‘Superheroes’.

Many of the students chose to dress up and the atmosphere was excellent.

The event raised over £1100 which we were very proud to donate to the Hospital.

• Promoting and marketing Malarble - a game which has been made by Design Technology students in the L6 • Marketing chicken doorstops as a healthy and useful alternative to Easter eggs!

• Making cakes and fudge to sell in school • Bag packing on a Saturday in Sainsbury’s, and for five days before Christmas and Easter Saturday in Marks and Spencer’s.

"So far for the 2008 trip we have raised £14,187."

Many of them have also raised money in other ways including: • A group of African drummers busked in Bath • Sponsored runs and swims • Coffee mornings • Carol singing • Setting up accounts for donations instead of receiving birthday and Christmas presents • Car boot sales • Making pancakes at a village market • Selling ice creams at Westwood Others have written to companies for financial support, for example obtaining hand tools to take out with us on our trip.

The Orangutan Jam I suddenly found at the beginning of the summer that I had a passion for conservation of the rainforest following a programme on the Orangutan sanctuary in Borneo. When the following month my uncle decided to go over there and offer his medical skills I decided that I wanted to do something to help. I have to thank all the pupils and staff who were enthusiastic to help me raise the money vitally needed for medicine, land and the protection of these amazing animals.

Although it was very rushed we had some great performances from the Bishay sisters, Megan Adams, The Barber shop Quartet and Pedestrian. Everyone gave their best to make the evening very enjoyable. Even the staff joined in with a debut of the Kingswood Staff band performing 500 miles.

We raised £300 for Borneo and £100 to go towards the school Upper Foundation. The Borneo Orangutan Foundation even named a new Orangutan after me: “Jojo”. The whole experience taught me that raising money is hard work but worth it when you succeed; I urge anyone to do the same if there is something they feel passionate about!

Joanna Duncan

The first time the trip ran in 2004 we took £3,000, in 2006 we raised £10,000. So far for the 2008 trip we have raised £14,187. This money will go a long way in Malawi and make a real difference to a lot of people.

Thank you for any support you have given the group by buying various things and making donations to this very worthwhile cause.

Mrs Jenny Opie

Making a Difference

In Pursuit of Passion Sometimes we think we have no talent because we aren’t one of the people labelled as “gifted” yet we all have our talents.

As the years have passed, my workload has got heavier, but I still try to fit in reading whenever I can. I don’t seem to be able to function without it! That’s why I love the holidays so much…So if you were to see me stuck at an airport, my suitcase hopelessly over the weight limit, it would probably be because of the extraordinary weight of paper (and whole new worlds) I would insist on bringing with me! I guess I will just have to stay at home and read next time!

MAX MULVANY ON ART I know that for a lot of us our experience of art began with being able to draw stickmen. And for pretty much the same number I’m guessing it also ended with being able to draw stickmen? It’s a sad indication of the world we live in today when teachers think they can flush the beauty of the human form down the metaphorical toilet and illustrate their white board diagrams using stickmen.

Every time a grown adult uses a stick man, a little piece of me dies inside! Sadly, our declining artistic ability is down to kids, from an early age, giving up on art. Pablo Picasso once said: ‘Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up’…

When you’re young and innocent you can paint or play with clay without worrying about what it’s going to look like.

Although you probably couldn’t put it in a gallery, it was a completely truthful bit of creative expression. But when kids grow up and start comparing their work to the work of others, then a terrible thing called self consciousness starts killing all that wonderful spontaneous creativity and all of a sudden the child says ‘look at that lump of clay Acquiring a passion is the best way to ensure we develop a talent.

At one of our senior whole school services Mr Lloyd asked Sam Parsons to show everyone his passion for playing the guitar by performing quite superbly a piece by Tárrega called Recuerdos de l’Alhambra. Then he asked four individuals to speak about their ‘passion’. They bravely accepted and the result was a truly fascinating set of accounts. Here are edited versions of what they so memorably said.

RACHEL BELL ON READING ‘Outside of a dog, a book is a man’s best friend. Inside of a dog…it’s too dark to read!’ Books are an integral part of my everyday life. I don’t know what I would do if there were no books in the world…I guess I’d have to write them myself! I think the most I’ve ever had on the go at the same time was six books! Reading liberates my imagination and allows me to experience anything and everything. As I once read in a newspaper: ‘Reading gives us a place to go when we have to stay where we are.’ The rest of the world could explode for all I care, when I have my nose in a good book. My family refer to me as the ‘speed-reader’ because of the pace at which my eyes flick across the page, devouring the words on each sheet…

Of course, this passion had slow beginnings. Books were my favoured activity as soon as I had learnt to decipher the black squiggles on a page.... Books can show you things from an entirely new perspective, leaving you to ponder some pretty deep questions. Some of my favourite books that challenged my thinking when I was younger were Malorie Blackman’s the Noughts & Crosses series….

The thought-provoking content of books keeps me going back for more; the idea that there’s more to discover….

8 Kingswood in Focus

with bits of feathers and straws sticking in it. That’s rubbish.’ And then they somehow accept that art is not their thing….

M.C. Escher, whom you probably know for his amazing optical illusions, once said: ‘At moments of great enthusiasm it seems to me that no one in the world has ever made something this beautiful and important’. Now this quote sounds just a bit arrogant, I can see that. But for a very brief moment when you stand back and look at a finished piece of art that you are truly happy with, it is in part very true of all artists. Though what you have made might have very little artistic merit, its personal value is what really counts. It’s not about changing the world, it’s about achieving on a personal level. I suppose it could be compared to a sportsman breaking his own best time.

It’s a buzz that constantly drives you on to achieve and to feel passionate about what you’re creating….

“There is only one you in the whole of time, so enjoy doing all that you can to make a difference.”

HARRY ROUSE ON CRICKET I started picking up a cricket ball when I was around 3 but never experienced ‘love at first sight’ with cricket; it wasn’t until I was 10 that I joined Bath Cricket Club and I was in the Under 11s 4th team. I quite quickly picked up a vague bowling action and some batting ability, although I definitely wasn’t the best in the quite abysmal team.

My coach at that time decided to put me through to county trials for some unknown reason and I got 3 ducks, I bowled 4 wides in basically each over I bowled (I won’t go into what a wide is) and got a letter 3 weeks later saying I had got in.

I gradually improved through endless coaching and a bit of fluky stuff and got through to West trials. I managed to get in and took part in the festival and was highest wicket taker in the whole festival…

I hope to make it in the England team some day. I enjoy cricket because it is a team sport in which individual play is the main factor of the game.

ANTONIA BEVAN ON MUSIC: I am passionate about the piano which I’ve been playing since I was about eight and simply can’t imagine my life without it…Many of my friends don’t understand this and I have particularly struggled to explain why, when my parents offered me the choice between driving lessons and a new piano, for me there was no decision to be made.

Like most people, when I first started learning it was a lot of hard work and I had to be forced to practise; if I’d had my own way I would have given up after the first couple of years. However, I carried on and something eventually clicked. Everything started working. Since then playing has never been a chore. It’s the first thing I do when I get home from school and, though I can’t claim that it’s always for an hour of intense practice, for me it’s a part of my day that I couldn’t live without. The fact that my parents spent many hours when I was younger persuading me to sit down at the piano I find particularly ironic considering that, now, they probably spend even more time persuading me to come off! I think it says something significant that one of my biggest fears about going to university is that I won’t have a piano in my room…

There is nothing quite like the intense feeling of frustration of not being able to play a passage the way you can hear it in your head, no matter how much you practise it and the anger you start to feel is often a big hindrance to your practice. Eventually though, after many hours of work, it begins to sound right and when you perform that passage and it flows from your fingers exactly the way you want it to sound, the immense satisfaction completely outweighs the hours of frustration.

My piano favourites are the ones that I can connect with - they may conjure up an image or tell a story or simply make me feel really happy when I get to the end! I’m not a natural performer but… if I play well, I can have an effect on the audience; I love being able to share the pieces I love so much and let others feel something of what I feel for a good piece…

To quote from the service: “There is only one you in the whole of time, so enjoy doing all that you can to make a difference”.

Kingswood in Focus 9

Autumn Sport

Rugby 2007 The rugby season at Kingswood school is always an exciting time of year, and as usual, this term was no different.

With a number of strong teams and outstanding performers at all ages we looked set for an impressive season right from the start. This speech now gives me the chance to reflect on whether we managed to fulfil this potential over the last few months.

I am going to start with the U12s. The A XV had an outstanding season captained by Charlie Pope and Kristian Scott, winning all but one of their matches. Their range of talent and ability was shown when they were spotted at a tournament by one of the Millfield coaches, who instantly organised a game. This was a genuinely strong, all round team, with plenty of competition for places.

They outplayed a number of teams, and this included the 1st team on Friday afternoons on the astro. The Bs also showed much promise.

The teamwork and spirit shown by both sides should serve them well as they move up the school and I wish them all the best.

The two U15 teams showed great all round team work and although they suffered a series of narrow losses these were compensated for by some emphatic victories. Both teams will have the challenge of reversing these close defeats as they move up the school. William Mackenzie, Adam McBraida and Rowan James were effective hard running backs and the pack got better and better as the season went on.

The U16s proved to be a solid team, with a real improvement in tactical awareness over the course of the season. They were led well by Charlie Harman and Jacob Collins proved to be very influential at scrum half.

Magnus Mulvany was effective on the crash ball and also made his tackles. Their highlights were over turning previous defeats to Prior Park and Queen's Taunton. They also had a good win over a tough Kings Bruton side.

"We had amazing team spirit..."

The U13s are the smallest year group in the school, but they still managed to put out two sides whenever possible. Toby Briggs proved a useful addition to the side and the back line showed plenty of potential under Nick Mackenzie’s control. The forwards, although smaller than most of the sides they came up against, competed well and learnt to rely on their speed and mobility around the pitch. They will need to continue with this approach as they progress through the school.

The U14s were the most improved side in the school, winning three of their last four games. Harry Rouse adapted well to his new role at fly half with Christian McAlinden and Sam Harman being the most consistent performers week in week out. Praful Limbu was the leading try scorer and his pace out wide was a feature of many of their matches. The U14 Bs also won their last three games and competition for places amongst the forwards should be close next year.

10 Kingswood in Focus

The 3rd team were very unlucky not to go through the season unbeaten, losing only to Wellington, in difficult circumstances, by just two points, when the 2nd team needed some of their players half way through the game!

Tom Richardson lead the side well whether he was on or off the pitch and many of the team will be looking to push for places in higher teams next season. It is a shame that we lose some of the older stalwarts this year such as the ever influential Conor Buggy, the amazing Wilf Scolding, the pace duo of Sam Douglas-Bate and Keith Leung, the size of Dan Feeney and finally the strength that is Tom King!

The second team, one of the strongest we have ever had at Kingswood, were unlucky to lose twice during their season. They were brilliantly led

by Captain Oliver Harman, with his unorthodox training methods!

He did have quite a team in his hands and, although losing a number of players to the 1st team due to injury, they were still able to finish off most opposition teams by decent margins throughout the season.

There were notable performances from some of the Upper 6th including Will Heynen, Sam Bridgewater, Henry Heffer, Jack Ticehurst and Tom Suddaby. I think a special mention must be given to Uchenna Ojukwu as he started off the season in the fourth team and thanks to his pace and strength finished the season with three 1st XV caps. Even more impressive when you consider that he has only been playing rugby for two years - a reflection on how good the rugby coaching is here at Kingswood.

Now for this season’s first team medical report…I mean rugby report.

Plagued with injuries from start to finish it was obvious from an early point that the season coming was not going to as easy as we once thought.

After an amazing miraculously injury free tour to South America over the summer, we came back ready for a pre-season tournament at Prior Park.

We faced tough opponents including Prior, Reading Oratory and Clifton and what a start we had! Five seconds after the starting whistle Alex Field, our star flanker, rushes out to hit their fly half... only to dislocate his shoulder... again! Despite this we still managed to pull off a victory against a strong Prior Park team, leaving us in a creditable second place. The next injury came in a friendly game of touch which resulted in Sam McMeekin breaking his leg and ankle. So we are now in deep trouble with two of our best players out for the entire season, without us playing a single match.

I was starting to look towards the athletes within the ‘social sports’ arena whilst praying that nothing else bad would happen.

When our first match finally came we still had a strong team, with Pete Hynes stepping back to full back and George Jolliffe and Nick Gerrish moving into the centres. With Queen's Taunton, one of our toughest opponents, lining up on the Upper for our first match, we knew this would have to set the bench mark for the rest of the season. It was crucial we got off to a good start. Thankfully we did, with strong forward play and class and speed in the backs, we were too strong and pulled off an impressive win. As the weeks rolled on injuries came in fields of plenty. I ripped the ligaments in my thumb taking me out of action for eight weeks. Tom Suddaby broke practically every bone in his face, Paddy Shipp and Mark Widdowson ruined their knees. Then Evan Sawyer twisted his ankle, Harry Russell was warned “if you play again your shoulder will blow up,” and Nick Salisbury broke his collarbone. With these unfortunate injuries taken into account the season was always going to be difficult. However, good wins against Queen's Taunton, Wells Cathedral and Q.E.H team and a great performance in parts against Wycliffe showed us what could have been.

The statistics speak for themselves and are not very impressive. However, what they do not capture is just how special this season has been for me and the rest of the team. As amazingly long as Dipo’s speech was last year, there was one part that I felt was extremely important and thoroughly enjoyed,

Evan Sawyer

as it captured the camaraderie of rugby, and that was the section about the relationship between players. We too had amazing team spirit and it was a pleasure to captain the side.

Those people who know me well, or saw me on the side line while injured, are aware that rugby is extremely important to me and my passion in life.

Captaining the 1st team rugby has been a dream of mine since my earliest years at Kingswood. Although we didn’t have the best season ever, I know that these past few months have been the best part of my eleven years at Kingswood. I have spent them with some of the most amazing people who have kept me going throughout the season and always kept me smiling no matter what the result. I thank them for that.

I would also like to thank everyone else who helped with rugby this term - Mr Matthews, Reeman, Redman, Opie, Hollywell, Forrester, McDonald, Davies, Prior, Duke, Harding and of course Mr Westcott. He has stuck by us through probably the most frustrating few months of his life - sorry Wes! However, with a new little Westcott in the ranks, and some great wins for the team towards the end of term, a smile did finally start to appear. I wish him all the best for the seasons to come and I hope that the Lower 6th can give you something to cheer about next year (I am sure they will).

To finish off this speech - I remember talking about my time at Kingswood last year and I was asked “What has been your best moment at Kingswood?” and I replied “The best is yet to come.” How right I was! Thank you.

Matthew Horsley (Rugby Captain 2007)

Rugby Results 2007 1st XV 2nd XV

U16A

U16B

Queen's Taunton

W 29-0 W 19-10 W 25-15

King Edward's

L 0-38 L 10-31 L 10-62

Dauntsey's

L12-28 W 28-0

L 5-13 L 12-26

Wells

W 54-0

W 65-7

Wellington

L 14-17 W 27-15 L 7-12

Prior Park

L 15-7

Beechen Cliff

L 28-14 W 28-0

Q.E.H. Bristol

W 19-17 W 41-0

U15A

U15B

W 38-0

L 0-14 L 26-29 W 32-19 L 7-42 W 19-14 L 5-32

W 46-5

L 0-19 L 24-29 L 0-42

D 5-5

W 22-15 L 0-25

W 17-7

L 13-3

W 26-0

L 7-47

Wycliffe

W 39-20 W 19-0

L 3-19 W 48-12

King’s Bruton

L 29-10

W 52-0

Monkton Combe

L 27-3

W 27-0 W 31-0

U14B

U13B

U12A

W 26-7

W 29-0 W 35-0

W 51-7 L 24-17 L 24-17 L 10-35 W 41-22 L 26-10

W 44-0

L 0-43

L 5-43

L 7-17

L 5-24 L 12-17 L 5-19

L 5-24

L 0-48 W 22-10 L 0-20

L 7-10

L 0-42

W 19-0

W 12-5 W 28-5 W 26-24 W 27-12 W 8-5

W 50-0

L 5-19

W 43-0 W 52-0 W 17-7 W 60-0 W 28-7

W 37-0 L 0-24

L 12-36 L 5-12 D 12-12

U12B

W 42-0

Millfield Dean Close

U13A

L 5-30 L 15-24

W 48-5 L 5-10

U14A

W 5-3

L 0-41 L 20-22 L 10-16 W 22-0

W 12-7 W 22-0

Prior Park

3rd XV

W 55-0 W 58-7

D10-10

W 45-0 W 39-0

Kingswood in Focus 11

Girls' Hockey Girls' hockey at Kingswood has had one of its most successful seasons yet and there have been some good quality and exciting matches.

You’ve heard all the announcements throughout our assemblies and seen results on the notice board so I’m just going to pick out some highlights and players who have won recognition this season.

special mention to leavers Lydia Cameron, Sarah McMeekin and captain Hannah James who have all played some 1st team hockey in their time here and will be missed from the 2nds next year.

Starting with the juniors the U12s have fielded 2 seven a side teams and enjoyed their hockey with Mrs Murcheson and Miss Bleathman. The players of the season are Sophie Roberts, Mollie Dent and Charlotte Williams and the most improved are Anna Bools, Emily Bristow and Sydney Lautze. Next year they step up to the full 11 side game and should be ready for the challenge.

The U13s are the top junior team. They had an unbeaten season and are beginning to play some really good hockey. Joint players of the season are Catherine Bolland and Emily Rowlands and the most improved player is Tash Chapman. The team have been working with Miss Newman for 2 years now and although she passes them on next year she must be proud of their achievements.

And so to the 1sts - we lost just 1 match (against BGS) which we probably should have won. But the foundations for our success this season were laid on our fantastic trip to South America where players came back with increased confidence. All but 3 of the 1st’s went on tour so we had a great start. Well done to new caps Becky Bottle, Alice Jones, Sarah McMeekin and Sophie Wheeler. Year 11’s Aimee Marshall and Kelly Duncan are maturing as players and their consistency and effort will mean they will play a key role next year. Seven U6th players are leaving this year. Alice and Sarah have shared the Goalie position and kept 9 clean sheets between them. Izzi Watson and Georgia Sharp have had 2 years at 1st team level and Izzi must be mentioned for her defending at short corners! Without this we would not have been as successful as we were. Abigail Stogdale has made huge progress this season and deservedly won the most improved player award. Grace Carrington is an awesome player. She has played out of position most of this term, for which I am grateful, otherwise I would have been sweeper. Even though she is one of the quietest team members she lets her play on the pitch do the talking. She is a reliable defender and we can always depend on her to make the vital tackles.

She is an asset to the team and we would have not been as successful without her. Plus she always makes us laugh and deservedly got the clanger award this season. Sacha and I have had 4 years at 1st team standard and although it was a little daunting playing at that level in Year 10 we have loved every minute of Jess it and thank the coaches for having the Gregory faith to put us in at the tender age of 15.

Sacha has been a tremendous influence on the pitch both attacking and defending.

She has been top goal scorer in every year she has played bar one and this year she was voted our player of the season. She has 59 1st team caps and scored 40 goals at this level which is the 2nd highest on record in the school. At this point I would like to the opportunity to thank Sacha for her Vice Captaincy and for all the help and support she has given me over the past 2 years.

Senior hockey is the best it has ever been. The U15s 3rds 2nds and 1sts have only lost 3 matches between them, (against our usual strong competition from Dean Close, Dauntseys and Clifton College), the U15s have been working with Mrs Opie and have exceeded expectations.

They also have joint players of the season, Jessica Gregory and Beth Garner, who are both skilful and creative. Also congratulations to Jess who has been selected to represent the county U15 team this season and also for a West of England trial. The most improved player is Sienna Dennis whose speed on the wing has been a threat to many opposing teams.

I have been playing hockey throughout my time at Kingswood and I can honestly say my school experience would not have been the same without it. Being captain for two years has been a real honour, although I still haven’t quite mastered the team talk at the beginning!

But nonetheless, captaincy has really helped me mature as a person.

The 3rds or Dragons as they are known, always enjoy hockey under the coaching of Mrs Jenner. Emma Oliver and Alice Yates are voted players of the season and Alice Logan as the most improved player. Cara Prettejohn, Sophie Thomson, Lauren Chivers and Phillipa Watson have all had 3 successful seasons as Dragons and will hopefully continue their passion for hockey at university.

So, thanks to all the staff and there are just a couple of extra mentions - firstly Tessa.

Her help with carrying all the equipment and bandaging up little Year 7s always with a smile has been great and all of the pupils will miss her.

The 2nds had an excellent season being unbeaten and Miss Paver has enjoyed working with her team so congratulations to all the players and a

At our 1st team dinner this week many thanks and speeches were given. I would

"The U13s had an unbeaten season and are beginning to play some really good hockey."

The U14s have had a mixed season in terms of performance and consistency but have never lost their enthusiasm and willingness and Mrs Mainwearing has enjoyed working with this team. Their player of the season was defender Alice Robinson and a special mention goes to newcomer Amy Worsfold who played a vital role within the team. The most improved player was Jessey Hudson.

12 Kingswood in Focus

like to use the words Miss Wright spoke to thank Mr Opie. His energy, enthusiasm and passion for the game have been instrumental in the successful season Kingswood have enjoyed. I hope many of you continue to support his Monday night activity in the off-season to keep standards high.

"The 2nd’s had an excellent season being unbeaten..."

On a more personal note I’d like to express my thanks and gratitude to Miss Wright she has been a part of my hockey career since I started in Year 8 - this included weekly trips to county hockey on her free Friday afternoons, which I know helped me to become the player I am now. She has helped all the players to improve, and has moulded our attitude towards sport.

So although hockey is just a game it has instilled all the values and attitudes that can benefit us in life. Well done to all hockey players and coaches this term. Thank you.

Sarah Ryder (Captain)

AWARDS Colts Colours: Kelly Duncan, Aimee Marshall, Sophie Wheeler and Charlie Kraus Half Colours: Isabella Watson, Georgia Sharp, Abigail Stogdale, Pahrnia Parsons, Hannah James, Alice Jones, Sarah McMeekin and Lydia Cameron.

Full Colours: Sarah Ryder, Sacha Craig and Grace Carrington.

THE GROVE SHIELD This was left by ‘old girl’ Amanda Grove who wanted the trophy to be awarded for a special contribution to hockey over the season.

This year the shield is awarded to a young player who has been instrumental in her team’s success this season. She has scored in every game she has played but is also very much a team player. She is the school’s top scorer this season with 23 goals to her credit - the award goes to Catherine Bolland.

SPECIAL AWARD This award is made in recognition of outstanding play throughout her time here at Kingswood. She is one of our most talented and skilful players and has amassed 69 1st team caps and scored 18 goals in her 4 years playing at that level. She has captained the side for 2 years and the award goes to Sarah Ryder.

The Dragons

Hockey Results 2007

Wycliffe

1sts

2nds

(W) 4-1

(W) 12-0

Redland High Monkton Combe

(W) 3-1

3rds

U15 (D) 3-3

(L) 0-3

(W) 9-0

(W) 5-0

(W) 2-1

(D) 0-0

(W) 3-0

(D) 1-1 3/4 XI

Downside Prior Park

(W) 1-0

(W) 3-0

King Edward's

(W) 3-0

(W) 8-0

BGS

(L) 0-1

(W) 2-1

Badminton

(W) 7-0

Clifton College

(W) 1-0

(W) 4-0

(W) 3-0

B (L) 0-8

B (L) 0-6

(W) 2-0

U13

(L) 0-4

(L) 2-4

(D) 1-1

(W) 5-2

(W) 2-1

(W) 3-1

(W) 2-0 / B (W) 3-0

(L) 2-7

(W) 5-2

(W) 3-2

(L) 1-9

(L) 1-3

(D) 2-2

(L) 0-2

(W) 2-0

(W) 5-0

(W) 2-1

(W) 5-1

(D) 2-2

(W) 5-0

(W) 7-0

(W) 3-1

(W) 5-1

(W) 2-0

(W) 5-2

(W) 8-0

(W) 2-1

(L) 0-2

(L) 0-4

(W) 6-1

(W) 8-0

(L) 0-4

(L) 0-2

(W) 2-1

(W) 6-0

(D) 2-2

Dean Close

(W) 3-2

Cancelled

(W) 2-1

(W) 4-3

(L) 1-3

Wells Cathedral

(W) 6-1

(W) 3-1

(W) 8-0

(W) 10-0

(L) 1-7

(W) 3-0

(W) 6-0

(D) 0-0

(W) 5-0

Colstons

Clifton High School Wellsway

U12B

(W) 5-0

(D) 2-2

Stonar

U12A

(W) 6-0 (W) 6-1

Royal High Dauntsey's

(W) 5-2

U14

(D) 0-0 1/2/3 XI (W) 7-0

(W) 2-0

(W) 6-0 Kingswood in Focus 13

Congratulations to Matt Lyle in gaining his Orienteering Half Blue when Oxford beat Cambridge in Varsity Match at Uppsala in Sweden (in snow!)

Orienteering The two National Schools’ Orienteering Championships were run in the Autumn term with Kingswood gaining some ‘best ever’ results...

2nd Place KS Boys' Team

...including a national champion for the first time for a while and the Avon Schools’ League reached the half way stage with KS in second place. ‘Maturing nicely’ might describe the progress of Kingswood’s top orienteering trio. With their help as Year 10s in 2006 KS achieved 3rd place in the Boys’ Open (Year 12) class of the British Schools’ Score Orienteering Championships. This time in 2007, now in Year 11, they went one better and Kingswood became BSSOC Boys’ Open Runners-up at Petworth, in Sussex, beating arch rivals Nottingham High School (who were predominantly 6th formers) into third place. [NHS have qualified for the World Schools event in Scotland this year.)

KS BOYS' TEAM: 2ND PLACE Year 11 - Ralph Eliot 7th, Elliot Haines 13th, Alex Russell-Bates 14th, Rex Bannerman 22nd Year 9 - Tim Woodhead 18th Year 12 - Alex Beishon 16th

KPS Orienteers

And what of 2008 in Nottinghamshire? This year’s winning team for Bacup & Rawtenstall Grammar contained four Year 13 leavers…watch this space!!

The Score Championships are run with boys and girls in different competitions. This is a format which suited Kingswood Prep School well. Though many of our young competitors were new to a ‘45 minute find as many as you can’ race, the school achieved 3rd places in both Boys’ and Girls’ classes. Niamh O’Sullivan became the Year 5 Girls’ National Score Champion after a well judged race and George Logut gained a bronze medal in Year 6 boys.

KPS BOYS’ TEAM: 3RD PLACE: Year 6s - George Logut 3rd, Leonard Budd 10th Year 5s - Freddie Barnes 14th, Peter Aaron 15th KPS GIRLS’ TEAM: 3RD PLACE: Year 5s - Niamh O’Sullivan 1st, Agnès Sadler 8th Year 6s - Sophie McDermott 11th, Angharad Lloyd 18th The British Schools’ Orienteering Championships, in November, were held in Dorset - the nearest to Bath since ASO staged them at Bowood in 1992 when we had our first Schools’ boy champion in Ben Austin (M13); Rachel Ellis had won the W13 title in the frost and fog at Leeds the previous year. 2007 was the wettest day that most orienteers could remember and a great tragedy that after some very good races the excellent arrangements made by the Wimborne club were completely washed out and no presentations or photographs were possible. We only have our own images of KS medal winning teams, taken on a sunny day at Kingswood displaying our new Sail Banner - a gift to the orienteers from the Friends of Kingswood.

BSOC Medal Winners with the new sail banner

The Prep School took the main honours at Bovington. For the first time Kingswood came second in the Primary Class to the regular winners, Burford School, from Marlow.

The KPS team was George Logut (5th Year 6 Boys), Agnès Sadler (5th Year 5 Girls), Angharad Lloyd (6th Year 6 Girls) and Jamie Padkin (6th Year 6 Boys).

There were also Silver medals for the Year 6 and Year 11 boys’ trios and Bronze medals for the Year 5 and Year 8 Boys’ and the Year 5 Girls’ teams.

In the Spring Term BGS finally succeeded in their quest for the Avon Schools’ Orienteering League title, held by Kingswood for the past 4 years. With one event remaining the scores are BGS 2840 KS 2791. Too great a lead now. Their 24 - strong team included 9 winners during the year whilst we were competing with 12 orienteers and 7 ‘sometime winners’. KS might have won with a more consistent turnout, which means fewer multi-talented team members with conflicting demands elsewhere.

Help is at hand, however, as there will be an influx of 5 experienced Year 7 orienteers from KPS in September, who have helped carry off the trophy in the Avon Schools’ Primary Class this year. The BGS success was very well deserved.

Mr John Lewis (Orienteering Coach)

KPS Girls' Hockey The Prep School has played an impressive fixture list involving all the girls from Year 3 through to Year 6.

They have competed in excess of 80 matches over the Autumn Term and have enjoyed success in at least two thirds of these fixtures. Some of the Prep School girls were lucky enough to be the first to play on the new artificial pitch which they enjoyed immensely.

KPS Boys' Rugby Another incredibly busy term saw every boy in the Prep School involved in rugby matches at a variety of levels over the term.

After a somewhat slow start, the U11s gained momentum over the course of the term and were playing some superb rugby by Christmas.

The forwards – usually led by the tireless George Logut – were able to produce a large quantity of possession for a back division which has great handling ability and some significant pace. The victories over Monkton and All Hallows will live particularly long in the memory.

"The victories over Monkton and All Hallows will live particularly long in the memory."

"All the girls have been selected to represent the school..."

All the girls have been selected to represent the school and where possible we have fielded A, B and C teams from each year group. It is interesting to note that our B and C teams in each year have had the most successful season with several teams unbeaten. These results are an encouraging reflection of how the school involves all the pupils in matches and how the coaching is non-selective and targeted at all levels of ability.

The Under 10s also produced some fine rugby but found that, without Kyle Scott they lacked a cutting edge. Charlie Clague led the side fearlessly and Jez Hardman really began to show what he is capable of.

The Year 4 team have found life a little more difficult, but there were clear signs of real improvement alongside a greater ability to listen and learn. Freddie Wells led the side with distinction, whilst Sam Ryan was the key man in their line up. In their first season, the Year 3s shows some real promise with lots of players who are eager to learn and improve.

Thanks to all the staff who have helped to contribute towards an excellent rugby season – Phil Titley, Sam Cook, Mike Callahan, Karl Gibson and James Hull.

Mr Ian Shrubsole (Head of PE & Games, KPS)

Though hockey is a team game there have been a few individuals who have been outstanding in their year group. Merryn Jones deserves a mention as the U11A team goal keeper who was a stalwart in goal for a team which did struggle this season but she saved her team on numerous occasions. In Year 5 Rhiannon Osbourne was excellent in midfield and her work rate was an example to all her teammates. All the Year 4 and Year 3 girls played with passion and out of 38 matches only lost 5!

Many thanks must go to Mr Shrubsole, Mr Gibson, Miss Rexe, Miss Diaz, Mr Stephens, Miss Towers and all the parents that helped coach, transport teams and serve teas which helped make it such a fun hockey term.

Mrs Michelle Newman (Head of Girls’ Games) Kingswood in Focus 15

Art at the Prep School

Olivia Spence Y4

Harriet Parker Y5 Charlie Fraser Y5

Rhiannon Osborne Y5

Poppy Roper Y4

Sarah Rawle Y4

Rebecca Evans Y6

Y1 Experiments in Clay

Charlie Mason Y6

Background image by Tilly Weston Y4

16 Kingswood in Focus

Y1 Drawing in Clay

Hetty Patterson Y5

Y6 Painting Glazes

Ceramics Club Nativity Figures

Sarah Yates Y3

Jack Levy Y6

Mimi Templar-Gray Y6

Background image by Jonathon Sandeman Y4

Kingswood in Focus 17

Achievements

Music & Drama Achievers Kingswood Musicians and Actors continue to expand their potential through membership of national ensembles and theatre groups.

Joel Grainger, Laura and Katja Cross have played for the National Schools’ Symphony Orchestra, Tamsin and Alfred Ireland have performed with the National Children’s Orchestra, and Alfred has now progressed to the internationally renowned National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain joining the bassoon section. Alex Bevan has also recently joined the training choir of the National Youth Choir of Great Britain.

We are also very proud of the large number of musicians who represent Kingswood at county level through the wind band and BaNES Schools’ Philharmonic Orchestra.

Our actors also continue to achieve at national level with Katie Phillips and Theo Boyce both full members of the National Youth Theatre. Theo has been a member since 2004 and Katie is our latest edition to this highly prestigious company.

Former Pupil makes it to World Triathlon Championships Former Kingswood and Middle House pupil Matt Cook has been selected to represent Great Britain in the World Triathlon Championships in Vancouver Canada during June. Matt has been an Elite Triathlete for 2 years and has managed to fit his demanding training around his degree studies in Cardiff. Matt will be competing in the Olympic distance event which comprises of a 1500m open water swim, 40km bike ride and 10 kilometre run. Our very best wishes to Matt and congratulations on reaching this prestigious position.

Arkwright Scholars

Mr S J Burgon (Sixth Form Tutor)

The Design Technology Department is proud to recognise Gareth Hobbs and Shaun Howell who have been awarded Arkwright Scholarships. The Scholarships are sponsored by Industry and Charitable Trusts and were formally presented at a ceremony hosted by The Institution of Engineering and Technology in London. During the presentation day Gareth and Shaun had an opportunity to meet their sponsors and other Scholars. Gareth and Shaun were selected to receive Arkwright Scholarships after successfully passing the Arkwright Aptitude Paper demonstrating flair and originality in solving Engineering Design problems and presenting GCSE work to a panel of interviewers last April.

They faced stiff competition from students drawn from the whole United Kingdom. The Selection Process culminated in an interview for short-listed candidates at Bath University.

There were 743 applicants from 232 schools and 298 candidates were interviewed: Gareth and Shaun did very well indeed to both gain one of the 170 scholarships.

The Arkwright Trust was founded in 1990 and supports young people during their ‘A’ Level years by awarding £250 a year to assist with the purchase of materials and books. Gareth and Shaun will also carry the status of ‘Arkwright Scholar’ into university, where their awards will be recognised as indicative of their aptitude and ability. Kingswood has enjoyed success in the Arkwright scholarships over the years with many scholars but this is the first time that Kingswood has been successful in gaining two scholarships in one year which is a significant achievement for any school and a testimony to the enthusiasm and commitment of Gareth and Shaun.

Mr John Allison (Head of Design and Technology) 18 Kingswood in Focus

Oxbridge Success A number of Kingswood students have been successful in securing offers from Oxford and Cambridge for courses commencing in the autumn of this year.

Antonia Bevan and Casper Eliot have both been offered places to read Mathematics, Antonia at Clare College, Cambridge and Casper at New College, Oxford. Ross Evans also has a place to read Mathematics and Philosophy at Jesus College, Oxford. Philip Wang has an offer to read Engineering at King’s, Cambridge, whilst Nick Burns and Jeff Carpenter also have places, Nick to read Classics at Queen’s, Oxford, and Jeff to read Theology at Trinity Hall, Cambridge.

Competition for places at Oxford and Cambridge remains intense, so Antonia, Ross, Casper, Philip, Nick and Jeff deserve congratulations on their success.

Mr Craig Woodgate (Head of Sixth Form)

The New ‘Wow Factor’ at Westwood Since September much time, effort and money have gone into the refurbishment of the facilities in and around the Junior House.

Boys' Bedroom

As the biggest house in the school - with over 160 in the building - Westwood does receive more than its fair share of wear and tear. Although there are no lessons taught in the house, children in Years 7 and 8 are allowed to spend parts of the day, notably during tutorial time, break time, lunch time and activity time using the facilities. For the rest of the time the house reverts back to its primary function as the junior boarding house.

Lounge

Girls' Bedroom

Kitchen

Both the boys’ and girls’ bedrooms have benefited from a new colour scheme and pictures as well as new carpets. The boarders’ lounge has seen a new 37- inch flat screen TV as well as new carpets and sofas. A new border - not boarder - has been planted at the front of the house as well as newly painted front entrance.

The library has seen a new entrance and is now more user-friendly.

Probably the best new feature of the house is the new kitchen. This is a very popular facility which the boarders use every evening and at the weekend when they sit around the communal dining table discussing the day’s events. The day pupils are also able to use the kitchen in the course of their cooking activities.

Thanks must go to all the staff in the house for their efforts this year but particularly to Mrs Hollywell for all her hard work in her new role as project manager and interior designer!

Mr P J Hollywell (Senior Housemaster, Westwood) Kingswood in Focus 19

Performing Arts

Marley’s Ghosts A world premiere of a 'new' Gilbert and Sullivan operetta based on the story

by Charles Dickens and written by our own Headmaster.

It may be a simple tale of one man’s redemption on Christmas Eve but the combined might of the practical creative subjects (Drama, Music, Art and DT) were never going to ‘just leave it at that’. Consequently it was not long before the revolving stage was borrowed, the snow machine begged and the costumes…hired.

Well it wouldn’t be Christmas without giddy, authentic-looking Victorian Londoners covered in small bits of white polystyrene, would it…?

For those of you who saw the final production I know that you will agree that it looked stunning – a true Christmas miracle performed right in our very own Theatre. The performers were taken from Years 11 – 13 with a few essential smaller cherubs thrown in for good measure (well you can’t have a big Tiny Tim, can you?!). It took them a while to get to grips with the style of Gilbert and Sullivan but they got there in the end, particularly Jeff Carpenter who, in a matter of days, had the style down to a tee – causing Mr Mainwaring to advise the rest of the cast to give him ‘big amounts of Jeff ’ in each musical number!

20 Kingswood in Focus

One of my favourite memories of the play was of seeing Tom ‘Bob Cratchitt’ Suddaby trailing a string of little adoring Cratchitts around the school at every turn. Other moving moments included Becky Reed’s beautiful singing, Hannah Short’s heart-felt duet with Young Scrooge (played by Wilf Scolding) and the comedy ‘pawn’ scene with Henry Heffer looking every bit the sleazy pawn broker ably aided and abetted by Thea Lavis, Georgia Beaven, Alice Basson and Alice Jones as Mrs Dilber.

The title ghosts themselves were all suitably different – childlike Georgia Stone as the Ghost of Christmas Past, Daisy Head – the picture of elegance and poise as the Ghost of Christmas Present and Josh Mumford (yes, it was he) invisible but essential beneath huge swaths of black material. Finally Marley himself – Max Mulvany terrifying us all with his ear piercing shrieks and wails – and impressing us with just how similar he is to brother Magnus (not really Max – it was just the make up!)

Of course no report of the play would be complete without a mention of Ebenezer Scrooge himself – played with tremendous panache by John Rawlins. John tackled the part head on and coped remarkably well with being on stage the entire time whilst belting out the most musical numbers.

And the musical numbers! 27 of them in total, including an overture where the amazing 30-piece student orchestra had a chance to show just how capable they were of performing really fiddly, technically-challenging music. Most schools would have given up, hired in a whole set of professionals and claimed it was a school production – not Kingswood. With a breadth of talent that includes National Youth Orchestra and National Childrens’ Orchestra members, the pupils easily rose to the challenge. Just a shame none of them got to see the stage as they were facing the wrong way!

So many people to mention, and so many memories, so please forgive me if I have only mentioned a few. It was, in any case and by any standard, an experience none of us will forget in a hurry!

Ms Kate Keen (Drama Tutor)

"...a true Christmas miracle performed right in our very own Theatre."

Kingswood in Focus 21

Music Scholars’ Concert - Feb '08 The Scholars’ Concert is a great opportunity to hear some wonderful playing

by Kingswood’s top musicians – and this year’s concert was no exception.

The audience was offered a very wide-ranging programme from classical to jazz and rock. Tamsin Ireland began the evening by playing a very difficult piece on the violin but making it look so easy!

Following this was Sam Mumford who played an imaginative jazz improvisation. It was amazing to watch Sam’s hands as they moved up and down on the piano and seemed to change the tune in so many ways. The third Year 8 musician was Katja Cross playing a Courante

by Bach on the cello. This piece had no piano accompaniment and was performed very well – she made the whole audience listen very carefully to what she was playing.

Next was Roy Chan making his debut solo performance at the school.

He played a very challenging Allegro from Bach’s E major Violin Concerto, which had a lot of semiquavers, and he seemed to play it with ease! It’s amazing to think how good Roy is considering that he’s only in Year 9 at the moment.

To make a hat-trick of Bach performances Alfred Ireland gave a very enjoyable performance of a Prelude and Fugue. It was worth noting that he played this without music! Following Alfred was Laura Cross on the violin with Prelude und Allegro by Kreisler. Just like Roy’s piece this also had lots of fast notes and was performed with great virtuosity – even breaking some of the hairs on her bow! Alice Liu then took centre-stage and performed an excellent piano solo. I think that this is the best I’ve heard Alice play; it must have taken a lot of practice to get it to that standard. To finish the Year 11 group was Joel playing a Hungarian Dance by Brahms. This had a very dance-like feel to it – I’m sure some people in the audience were tapping their feet along to the music!

New scholars Patrick Morgan and Sam Parsons were up next and between them they won the prizes for loudest and quietest pieces and both easily justified their scholarship awards. The concert was rounded off with two Year 13 pupils, Antonia Bevan and Jeff Carpenter, both of whom showed great maturity and skill at the piano.

Thanks must go to the accompanists Mrs Cross and Mr Knights whose playing matched the high standards of the soloists. Mr Mainwaring was encouraging as many people as possible to come and hear the great talent that is at the school. It is also so inspiring to other students play in the hope that one day we may be able to perform as well as the Scholars!

Peri Profile We currently have 21 instrumental and vocal teachers who give over 300 lessons every week. The wealth of musical talent and experience between them is quite staggering and we are indebted to them for making the Department such a wonderfully exciting, stimulating and fun place to work in. In every KiF, we profile one of our staff.

DAVID KNIVETON - FLUTE David was born in the Isle of Man and after a series of different teachers struck lucky with Nigel Street who had studied with James Galway, and produced a glorious sound on the flute. David had never heard anything like it before and was transformed from being a lazy student to a student who practised morning, noon and night.

After specialising in performance during a music degree course at Bath Spa University he then went on to study at the Wells Cathedral School of Music.

David also plays the organ at St.Luke's Church in Bath and moonlights as a cocktail pianist. It was a dream come true to be asked recently to play at the Pump Rooms for the doctors at the RUH. David says he was very nervous but had no need to be as he could barely hear the piano over the noise of the partygoers!

David is the Music Director for the South Bristol Music Centre and enjoys conducting a motley crew of assorted musicians.

His orchestra plays with real enthusiasm and joie de vivre and is currently preparing for a concert at the Colston Hall.

KJO at the Assembly Rooms

Bath Life Awards

“This one’s a really posh gig” said Mr Mainwaring. “At the Assembly Rooms, with all the movers and shakers of Bath”. And so we were introduced to the Bath Life Awards. Apparently KJO were such an attraction at the Taste of Bath festival last summer that we were snapped up for the business event of the year, where various awards are presented to the entrepreneurs of the Bath area.

And it was posh. KJO donned jackets for the gig, and after a most stressful soundcheck, retired to the Green Room to await our call.

We had two short spots with solos from Hannah Bishay, Richard Newman and Theo Boyce. The first short set went well, with a really swinging feel from the band and great vocal fireworks. We came off and devoured the delicious food that was provided for us. The official time for the second

set was 9.00 pm so everyone chilled out thinking we had about an hour to go. Within twenty minutes, a flustered runner burst in and said we had to do our second set immediately. Panic ensued as we literally ran through the back corridors of the building, emerging gracefully onto the stage in that cool jazz way. Hannah sang out of her skin, and the crowd shouted for more. Therein lay the problem. We didn’t have any more! We had Everybody Needs Somebody in the pads, but no singer. Forward stepped Jeff Carpenter, unsure of the words, but up for a live memory test in front of 250 posh people. The number went really well, even if some of Jeff’s lyrics were quite randomly Bowie-esque! We were cheered off, rapidly exiting the stage before anyone else shouted “encore!”.

Tom Pritchard

Acer Tree Concert This year’s annual Acer Tree Concert in September was yet again a great success with fifteen performances from our A Level music students on a range of instruments in a range of styles. As well as a chance for parents and staff to hear the pupils, all of the Music Staff performed at this event and this year was no exception with a witty aria from Don Giovanni by Mr Lloyd, Czardas by Monti from Mr Mainwaring on the violin, Sea Fever by Miss Matthews and a Haydn Sonata by Mr Knights. Although the original intention for the first ever concert was to perform under the Acer Tree in the Music Garden, the downpour on the night put pay to another year’s best intention!

Mr Richard Mainwaring (Director of Music) Kingswood in Focus 23

Ensemble Fortnight I love this gig! Everything in life has to be so certain these days, so a completely scary, spontaneous concert on minimal rehearsal is great to get your nerves jangling. And you never know what gems you’re going to encounter.

The idea for Ensemble Fortnight is to give pupils the chance to perform with others in a group where they can hear themselves! Orchestra, choir, band, they’re all great but having played violin and viola in orchestras for many years, I know that there are times when it doesn’t matter how loud you scratch, you are not going to hear yourself with another 100 musicians and a choir going for a fortissimo! But, with one person to a part, your level of responsibility is palpable – get it wrong, and the whole thing can grind to a halt quicker than Terminal 5.

The October gig was, as usual, well attended and full of nervous performers who had only had two or three rehearsals. However, the standard was superb.

Out of the 230 pupils who participated in the fortnight, about 140 performed at the concert. The 20 strong Kingswood Drum Corps started the evening with a most rousing 4 − minute march. The audience was then treated to Gospel music from Anna Nicholson, Olivia Deith, Olly Meyer, Lauren Kelly and Amy Green; Kylie Minogue songs from one of the three clarinet ensembles; a superb duet from Mozart’s Cosi fan Tutti by Richard Newman and Elliot Haines; a cello quartet from Carson Lam, Steven Wang, Max Mulvany and Theresa Dicker; a beautiful piano duet from Antonia Bevan and Rachel Bell; and the first half was concluded with Mr Julian Scott’s percussion ensemble.

The second continued with a wide variety of good quality music including the 20 strong string ensemble, piano duets, a first-class rendition of the Evening Prayer from Ellie Hobbs and Hattie Richardson, a witty barbershop quartet from Sixth Form singers, and the evening concluded with a guitar ensemble of 25 performing the Darkness’ I Believe in a Thing Called Love.

Now that’s what I call an eclectic mix of under-rehearsed but educationally fulfilling nerve-wracking gems. Here’s to the next one.

Mr Richard Mainwaring (Director of Music)

A Night at the Movies The stage darkened, the crowd cheered, and KJO instantly transformed Kingswood Theatre into an Odeon with the dazzling Pearl and Dean theme.

Mr Harding strode confidently onto the stage in his best dinner jacket, and set the tone for the evening. If you’re into music and into film, this was your dream concert. The films ranged from the classic Pink Panther to animation like Toy Story, from modern hits such as Moulin Rouge to the iconic Great Escape. With superb technical help from Alex Killpartrick (sound) and Joe Davey (video), the ensembles sounded amazing.

Throughout the concert I saw pupils and parents with tears in their eyes, moved by the beautiful images and the accompanying music. I overheard one parent in the interval saying that they forgot at times that they were listening to live music. The treats just kept coming, from Westwood Orchestra and KFC to the Strings’ Baz Luhrman movies. Mr Lloyd conducted the Chamber Choir’s emotional accompaniment to Mozart’s funeral scene from Amadeus with great skill; the highlight of the first half was the Senior Choir’s spine-tingling Gospel-style rendition of Down to the River To Pray from O Brother Where Art Thou. The second half was a tour-de-force for the Senior Orchestra who stormed through classics such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Theme from 2001 and Schindler’s List with an amazing violin solo from Joel Grainger.

Perhaps one of the other highlights of the evening was the stunning version of Cavatina from The Deerhunter performed

by Mr Jenner’s guitar trio.

All of Kingswood’s concerts are great, but this was an evening I shall remember for a very long time.

Jess Bishay (Year 9)

Wesley Concert On the Tuesday before half-term, when the entire week’s rain supply decided to fall on Bristol, musicians from the Chamber Choir and Strings as well as Polly Gates, Rachel Bell and Sam Parsons performed a concert of Wesley hymns at John Wesley’s Chapel in Bristol.

Preparations for this concert had began a while ago with recordings of the hymns going onto a special disc to commemorate Wesley’s anniversary. However, nothing prepared us for the amazing venue in which we were to perform: it was much smaller than I imagined it would be and an authentic organ accompanied some of the hymns.

"...nothing prepared us for the amazing venue in which we were to perform."

Everyone worked really hard during the afternoon’s rehearsals for the concert as these run-throughs were also recorded for the CD. All of the performers and audience agreed that this event will be remembered as one of the most memorable concerts of recent years. To have the opportunity to perform a range of rousing and reflective sacred music in the venue where 300 years previously, the exact same sounds would have resonated around the Chapel, was a most inspiring experience.

The Chamber Choir sang so well that the Director of Music of the Chapel commented that this was, without doubt, the best performance of the whole Wesley Tercentenary celebrations.

Kingswood in Focus 25

A Week of Wind There were nearly ninety performances ranging in style and difficulty, from Frère Jacques on horn to Schumann’s horrendously high Fantasiestück on clarinet.

There were some who played more than once during the week in order to improve their performances, which I know brought small tears of joy to the eyes of the music staff. Friday’s afternoon workshop was both an entertaining and very informative event with six short masterclasses from professional players from the West End, film music and jazz albums. The six brave performers during the afternoon were Polly Gates on flute, Gemma Wheeler on oboe, Myfy Hollywell on clarinet, Alfred Ireland on bassoon, Natasha Chapman on alto saxophone and Charlie Price on trumpet, who performed to an audience in Kingswood Theatre of contemporaries and adults alike, not to mention the masterclass leaders.

The second half was a most impressive and inspiring array of performances from the six masterclass teachers in a range of solos and ensemble pieces. Of particular note, we were treated to the haemorrhage-causingly high piccolo trumpet in Bach’s Brandenburg concerto 2, Weber’s fiendish allegro from Clarinet concerto 3, and Andy Panayi’s astonishing tenor saxophone playing, in which I had the pleasure of being up close and personal on the piano! The whole audience remained spellbound throughout, and the standard was extremely high from all who took part: not just from the professionals, as one would expect, but from all the Kingswood soloists and indeed every member of the wind band who played fantastically; the ‘have-a-go’ spirit which surrounded the concert was great to see. The biggest ‘thank-you’ of the week should go to Mr Knights who accompanied the vast majority of the ninety performances, many of which he virtually sight-read.

"The whole audience remained spellbound throughout, and the standard was extremely high..."

The Gala Concert was a fantastic experience for all who witnessed it.

The Senior Wind players opened the concert by sight-reading the theme from Band of Brothers, and were joined for this and Sousa’s Washington Post March (which finished the evening) by the professional guests, Jonathan Snowden, Rebecca Wood, James Mainwaring, Claire Gainford, Andy Panayi and Jonathan Mainwaring. There then followed a number of performances by some of the school’s best brass and woodwind performances. Sam Haysom opened the solos with an excellent French Horn performance followed by Rachel Bell’s unaccompanied Gordon Jacob flute piece, paying close attention to the difficult dissonances.

Cam Wratten and Jess Blong played an assured and dynamic Beethoven clarinet duet, and there then followed ‘Teddy-Bears’ Picnic’, an amusing yet very impressive bassoon trio from Claire, Alfred Ireland and Hannah Short. Magnus Mulvany performed Take 5 on sax in effortless style, followed by a most impressive 1920’s jazz trombone solo from Tom Ireland. The first half was concluded with Matt Dabell’s commanding Handel trumpet solo and KJO playing the Theme from Rocky.

Jeff Carpenter

Lunchtime Concerts

Westwood Concert

26 Kingswood in Focus

Drum Corps Concert

"The end of an era, a very special era."

Miss Matthews' Final Final Concert What a gig! As is almost traditional, the theatre was packed to the rafters with tinsel-bedecked pupils for the annual Christmas Concert.

The drummers opened the show with their Christmas Paradiddles.

The volume was immense, and the look of concentration on the faces a sight to behold. Mr Mainwaring broke three buttons off his jacket by smashing the crash cymbals into them – was this an omen for the rest of the evening? Not a chance. Westwood Orchestra continued with a great Rudolph and the theme from Scooby Doo. Perhaps this was not the most festive piece, but it’s amazing what you can do with sleigh bells and a non-Christmas tune!

And then it was the first appearance of Miss Matthews’ last appearance.

She conducted our massed ranks of Kingswood Voices. What a sound from the choir, all accompanied by the bobbing up and down of that unique hairstyle! The strings, who continue to make massive improvements, performed two movements from the Capriol Suite, a challenging composition which the string players overcame with ease.

KFC ended the first half with the famous Christmas hit Let’s Sleigh Together (once again the bells were most essential) and one of our own compositions, Yellow Cab. After copious amounts of mulled wine – for the parents, not the pupils – KJO kicked off the second half with another festive tune, the theme from Minder. You certainly get a surprising festive concert at Kingswood. Miss Matthews then returned to the stage for the penultimate time with the amazing Chamber Choir. They were truly outstanding, and the tension and emotion was building as we finally realised that this really was the last time we would have Miss Matthews in a concert.

The orchestra then tackled perhaps their greatest challenge for a number of years – the 1812 Overture. Most of it went superbly.

But, due to a couple of missed practices, there were a few dicey moments and, just like a set of dominos, once one person makes a mistake or enters early, everyone follows and disaster can then occur. Luckily, everyone was very focused and we got out of trouble, but perhaps more surprisingly, most of the audience didn’t notice!

And then the final moment had arrived – Miss Matthews’ final appearance at her final performance at Kingswood. The Senior Choir sang Gaudate with an amazing amount of emotion and energy, and then the tears started. Everyone was at it! Miss Matthews looked like someone had thrown a bucket of water over her!

And many of the choir were also in floods of tears. The end of an era, a very special era. We hope Miss Matthews inspires her new school as much as she did us.

Charles Price Kingswood in Focus 27

Model United Nations

MUN 2008 At the beginning of March Kingswood once again played host to one of the largest Model United Nations Conferences in the country.

Well over six hundred students from across the United Kingdom and beyond gathered for a weekend of debate on a wide range of issues of current international concern. Some items on the agenda have been the focus of debate at MUN for many years, reflecting the persistence of some problems facing the international community; unfortunately it seems likely that Climate Change and the AIDS pandemic will remain high on our list of priorities for many years to come. However, 2008 also saw the Conference grapple with some new issues, including the situation in Burma and the challenges presented by the internet.

The Conference was opened on Friday evening by the Headmaster, the only person present to have attended all eighteen conferences to have been held at Kingswood. This was to be his last MUN, and he delivered a powerful speech to get the Conference off to a good start. Ross Evans also delivered a fine and very personal speech in his role as Secretary General, before the delegates dispersed to their various committee venues to begin the process of lobbying for support for their resolutions.

Saturday saw debate begin in earnest, and the quality of contributions this year was high. All committees made a point of ensuring that every delegate had an opportunity to speak, and as ever the content of debate ranged from the serious and passionate to the light hearted and humorous. Sunday brought with it the now annual fixture of the Emergency Debates, where delegates are asked to respond to an unexpected crisis and build a consensus for international action. As has been the case for a number of years now this resulted in some of the most exciting and lively debate of the weekend.

The Conference was once again a great success, not least owing to the efforts of all the secretaries, security, ‘techies’ and administrative staff who helped to ensure all ran smoothly. Special thanks must go to the Friends of Kingswood, long-time supporters of the event; the welcome they provide to visiting staff and students contributes a great deal to the reputation of the Kingswood Conference. As Conference Director I must also thank Mrs Lemmy, whose administrative excellence and calmness in a storm are vital in ensuring the success of the Conference; and the Chairs, who once again rose to the challenge of organising this massive event magnificently.

I’ll end this report by handing over to some of those Chairs, who here give a brief flavour of some of the lighter moments that took place on their committees:

28 Kingswood in Focus

MUN Chairs

The Environment Committee witnessed some exciting and innovative debate. The highlight of Saturday’s proceedings had to be passing a resolution which advocated the dumping of plastics in Arizona. At one stage Venezuela seemed intent on waging war on the USA, but they were discouraged by some strong diplomacy from the Chair which helped to restore harmony to the committee. Every delegate spoke more than once, which I think is the most important thing about MUN. Due to the high levels of participation there was a great variety of views, which made for some great debate!

Sarah McMeekin (Chair of the Environment Committee) The Political Committee was, as usual, the best committee.

We debated topics such as the situation in Zimbabwe and reform of the United Nations. Debate flowed well, with only a handful of evictions.

Of special note was Saudi Arabia's second eviction, during which she managed to make so much noise that debate was interrupted until she was quiet. In spite of this, everyone spoke and a good time seemed to be had by all.

Max Scoging (Chair of the Political Committee) In the Disarmament Committee we had many fascinating debates on a range of topics, including Child Soldiers, the Arms Trade and the Non-Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction. We were fortunate to have a large number of experienced delegates in our committee and everybody contributed well. However, the weekend did not pass without incident; what shall remain known only as the Angola eviction scandal resulted in a battle of wills between the Chair and the delegate for Angola, which needless to say resulted in a resounding victory for the Chair. Overall it was a fantastic weekend which none of us will forget.

Conor Buggy (Chair of the Disarmament Committee) What to say about the Health Committee? Although we had lots of junior delegates the committee managed to produce some very interesting debates, from the corruption in the global pharmaceutical trade to the ongoing AIDS pandemic. The Vatican City’s resolution encouraging abstinence in particular produced some lively exchanges of views. It was a really enjoyable weekend’s debate.

Jo Duncan (Chair of the Health Committee) Mr Craig Woodgate

Poetry

The Great Kingswood Poetry Competition 2007 The standard of entries was very high for this, the first year of the Kingswood Poetry Competition, and the judges were particularly impressed by the number of entries from Year 7 students. Clearly we have many budding poets at Kingswood School!

Winners in Year received book tokens, and the over all winner - Year 10 student Ellie Hobbs - was also awarded the newly created Kingswood Poetry Cup, to hold for one year. Copies of the winning poems will go on display around the school this term, to complement the staff favourites currently on display as part of our National Poetry Day activities last term. I hope you enjoy this selection below.

POETRY PRIZE WINNERS Year 7 Joint winners: Emily Priest - I Dreamed there was Peace Lola Young - I am a Dreamer Year 8: James Humphrey - Madness all around Year 9: Hannah Robinson - In My Dreams Year 10: Ellie Hobbs - Soliloquy of a Survivor Year 11: Jonathan Shute - Nightmare Year 12 & 13: Max Mulvany - Cataclysm The over all winner and recipient of the Kingswood Poetry Cup for 2007- 8 is Ellie Hobbs

Mr David Hughes (Head of English)

"Clearly we have many budding poets at Kingswood School!"

Soliloquy of a Survivor

Cataclysm ing, gone Sleeping, waking, dream tains drawn cur I tossed and turned, my unborn l stil , tus foe And curled like m for ess pel sha Lapsing into ped rest Sinking sheets of soft sha crest am dre ep Teetering on a sle ess hot with breath I plunged through blackn distraught, bereft Into the heart of shadow, knew I rld With worries of a wo ew sin , oke sm r, Days of thunde rues acc alth we and n bur Forests de anew ma and The world is scorched lf pack wo dog d wil and Train and coal dic state tate Friend and foe in church soot-black till Thirsty desert parched smokestack ape scr sky New age high rise mless mass Through shadow and a for gas Choking, breathing toxic , alas Borne aboard a barren ark pass ne, ozo r, phu sul I smelled the s ver elie unb the ind beh And left s ether les end of Consumed in corridors er fev ely lon of am A troubled dre y griever For Earth, the last and onl

Max Mulvany

A dream, they called it. An ambition.

Something every man wants. Glory.

A golden opportunity to defend the country, A chance to retaliate for our family vendettas From the previous war.

Is standing alone in a field of the dead, Facing row upon row of cold stone crosses, Wishing the earth could have claimed you also Does it count as a dream?

Tears falling like the friends you ran with, Ate with, laughed with, and watched die Does it count as a dream?

If they could have seen the last of us, Standing maimed and scarred, In mind and in body, Memories still screaming our fear, Would they have called it a dream?

Ellie Hobbs

In my Dream s

In my dream s I imagine bl eak hills, Ribbons of m ist Everything un swirling in the valley, naturally stil l, I spread my wings; kick off the ground and ascend in to the starry sky, So this is wha t its like to fl y…

In my dream s I imagine th e crystal sea, Rainbow fish gliding throug h the marine, I flap my fins , wiggle my tail and swim off into the en dless ocean, So this is wha t its like to be in In my dream s I imagine th aqua motion… e silvery moo I lift one heav n, y leg, then an other and bo off across th unce e cavities, So this is wha t its like to be at low gravity In my dream … s I imagine I can be anyone I want to be …

Hannah Ro

binson

Kingswood in Focus 29

Development News

Marcus in action!

Commentator Harding

Astro Action – the ‘Official Opening’ As is the tradition of the upper playing fields – renowned for being one the coldest pitches in the South West – the weather was crisp and cold on Sunday 27th January, but it remained dry and the sun shone as the specially chosen teams of ‘old boys and girls’ vs the 1st XI boys and girls prepared to ‘do battle’ on this stunning new surface.

A fashion show run by pupils; participation in the Bath Half-Marathon by staff; a reception in London with KS Governors and alumni; and more recently the magnificent support through a wide-scale ‘telethon’ when a great many ex KS pupils pledged donations totalling over £60,000.

The help of a great team of our recent leavers who made a great impression on many of our past pupils of some years ago, was greatly appreciated with this special campaign.

So where are we now? As you know, planning permission has been granted for a new pavilion, and we are very keen to get to work on the next stage as soon as possible.

However, we are currently engaged in investigating ways in which we can reduce the cost of the project by making some changes to the design and, simultaneously, making the building more environmentally friendly.

L to R: Freddie Dean, Mr Paul Barber, The Mayor of Bath, Mr Gary Best, Mr Gordon Opie

Thanks to the organising efforts of Gordon Opie, delighted crowds of current and past parents, pupils, staff and governors cheered on the players for two very exciting matches, following the official opening by Paul Barber, distinguished Olympic Gold Medallist hockey player (Seoul 1988) in the presence of Cllr Sharon Ball, the Mayor of Bath.

A lively and entertaining commentary by Head of Drama, Mr Darrell Harding together with delicious hot soup and rolls provided by school catering team kept the spectators warm and happy during the afternoon. One of the star performances came from ex KS pupil, James Kellock, England ‘A’ and Scotland U18 and U21 player – but an even greater crowd pleaser was the guest appearance of Mr Marcus Cornah, KPS Headmaster, who wowed everyone with a fantastic goal in the final few minutes of play.

The astro opening marks the completion of Phase I of the Upper Development, only made possible through the tremendous support of a great number of parents, friends and special donors. Phases II and III are our exciting new challenges for the coming months and fund raising has been continuing in earnest.

Throughout the year the whole Kingswood community have been putting together their combined efforts to progress with the appeal. A variety of events from bonfire parties and Christmas bazaars at the Prep School, to special musical concerts with parent performers and a ‘Burns Nigh’ ceilidh.

30 Kingswood in Focus

There is still a long way to go before we can reach our goal and complete the project and your continued support is very much needed. If you are interested in helping with the on-going campaign in any way, please do contact my office and we shall be delighted to hear from you. In the meantime, thank you so much to all those who have already given such tremendous moral and financial support to this very important project – together we shall ensure that Kingswood has a dynamic and thriving future!

Ms Angela Carlton-Porter (Director of Development & Public Relations)

"Delighted crowds cheered on the players for two very exciting matches."

Paul Barber

A Taste of Kingswood

Parents' Concert

Staff Marathon Runners

Snapshots of some of our Fundraising Events Bonfire Night

Fashion Show

Telethon

Kingswood in Focus 31

KPS International Day

An International Theme This year KPS celebrated its fourth annual International Day. It started off as usual with a special assembly in which children from all year groups entertained the school by singing or reciting verses in a foreign language. National flags draped around the school and staff, helpers and children in national costumes put us in the mood to recognise and celebrate the differences between people around the world.

Throughout the day in the Prep department there were workshops on Canada, China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Montenegro, New Zealand, South Africa and the USA. The countries were chosen to represent a broad range of cultures and major world faiths. With specially created passports the children travelled from country to country savouring the sights, smells, sounds and tastes and getting involved in a range of activities.

For those keen on movement and dance there was the Maori Hakka (NZ) and a Montenegran dance (Montenegro) as well as one from 42nd Street (USA). For the more artistically, creatively minded there was the making of a giant Batik print (Malaysia), Paisley designs (India), and the creation of origami figures (Japan). For the more adventurous, on offer was a trip to South African game parks to understand the role of eco-tourism and to taste some dried game meat!

Or perhaps the simulated flight across Canada and the USA. After going through strict US airport security controls, the cabin crew treated the children to refreshments and in-flight entertainment on their educational and informative journey across the continent!

This year in Pre-Prep the children followed a different format for the day. Every class took a country as their theme (USA, Wales, Mexico, Ireland, New Zealand and the Netherlands) and dressed up in its costume or colours.

There was a great sense of fun and activity. The smell of cooking was everywhere!

"Events such as International Day play an important part in helping to shape the attitudes of our children..."

I am very grateful to the parents and staff for going to such enormous lengths to make the day such an educational, memorable and enjoyable experience for the children. It is great testimony to the school that so many parents are willing to give of their time so generously.

In the school prospectus it states, “We strive to create an atmosphere where all pupils learn to live together amicably, gain an awareness of others and begin to develop attitudes, values and beliefs based on Christian principles�.

Events such as International Day play an important part in helping to shape the attitudes of our children and to recognise and respect the great diversity of the world in which we live. Hopefully, our children will become global citizens who will want to contribute towards creating a world where there is greater tolerance and understanding of other peoples and nations. One only has to pick up a newspaper to be aware of problems throughout the world caused by ignorance and intolerance.

As a community I feel we can all be proud of the steps that our children are keen to take towards achieving this goal.

Mr Philip Dixon

Swimming Team Enjoys National Success In February two of our Swimming Teams travelled to Sheffield to take part in the National Secondary Schools’ Relay Finals. Only the top 20 schools from the 12 divisions in England qualify for these finals.

The Junior Girls’ team consisting of Georgie Barnes, Stephie Clutterbuck, Alice Havers and Becky Saunders came 14th in the Freestyle event and 15th in the Medley relay. The Medley result is particularly impressive as they went into the Championship ranked 19th.

The Senior Girls’ team was made up of Sophia Briffa, Charlie Barnes,

Claire Carruthers and Emma Oliver; they came 14th in the Freestyle event and they qualified for the final in the Medley event. In the final Charlie Barnes had the fastest spilt for the breaststroke leg and the team ended up in 9th place overall. In both cases the senior team improved on their rankings going into the competition.

All in all it was an excellent trip and the swimming club would like to thank Mr Burgon for driving a minibus to Sheffield.

Mrs Jenny Opie ( i/c Swimming)

Junior Team

Senior Team

Kingswood in Focus 33

Friends of KS & KPS

Burns Night

Friends of KS This year the Friends of Kingswood organised a re-launch of their organisation and the new Committee held a ‘Launch on the Lawn’ on 14 September 2007.

As reported in the last issue, it provided an excellent opportunity for parents to socialise and for Mrs Jan Douglas-Bate on behalf of the new Committee to ask about future events and seek volunteers. As you are aware, the new Friends have embraced the following aims: • to create enjoyable events where parents can get to know each other; • to assist in the organisation of school events (parents’ meetings, Open Days, careers’ advice, work experience, etc); • to assist and support the educational and extra-curricular activities of pupils (such as MUN and sporting or musical tours); • to fund-raise so that staff and pupils can be supported in what they are trying to achieve within the school, including offering support to the Foundation Fund as and when they deemed appropriate.

Taste of Kingswood

Parents' Concert

Parents' Concert

34 Kingswood in Focus

Since the launch the new Friends have continued, like the old Friends, to provide support for school events in two ways. First, they provide helpers to serve refreshments for our Parents’ Meetings and, secondly, they offer support to pupil events. The most obvious example of the latter is the important role played by the Friends in supporting the Model United Nations weekend. In addition to helping with hospitality, they run the tuckshop for the entire three day event – including deciding on what souvenirs the delegates at the event may like to purchase. However, many parents also give assistance to pupils by helping the school with careers advice and work experience placements. In addition the new Friends have expanded on their role in undertaking to man the bar at all school events and not just some, thus not only helping with refreshments but, in the process, raising money which they can use for the benefit of the school. I am very grateful to Mr Peter Clarke and Mrs Lynda Lloyd who have drawn up the rota for the bars and the MUN respectively, and to the many parents who assist on these occasions. I am also very appreciative of the continued work of Mrs Carol Carruthers in running the Nearly New Shop.

As far as events have been concerned, the Committee has been very busy since canvassing for ideas from parents.

There was a very successful Christmas Wine Tasting on 16 November organised with the Great Western Wine Company and, in conjunction with the Friends of KPS, a wonderful Christmas Concert in December in aid of the Foundation Fund and the Upper Development. Parents from both schools performed a very varied programme of music to a Theatre filled with fellow parents. I now know why we have so many talented students – it is obviously genetic! The Friends even permitted a few staff to tread the boards for that occasion, including memorable solos from Mrs Helen Ruddell and Mr Gareth Lloyd, Senior Deputy Head.

Even the Headmaster agreed to perform!

In the spring term the Friends organised a further two successful events. In January they organised a Ceilidh to celebrate Burns Night. We all enjoyed a traditional Burns Supper of haggis with neeps and tatties followed by a fresh raspberry cranachan with toasted oatmeal. The entertainment was provided by a live band and callers, courtesy of Kingswood staff.

This proved to be such a success that there have been immediate requests for it to be repeated next year.

The big event of the term was the ‘Taste of Kingswood’, again organised in conjunction with the Friends of KPS and held on 15 March. The Dining Hall was transformed for the occasion and an amazing array of dishes were on offer from many different countries, courtesy of some very talented parents and the catering staff at the school. We had everything from Enchiladas and margarettas to raclette and moussaka, from Persian split pea and lamb stew and Italian fish casserole to chicken and vegi Indian dishes, whilst the multiplicity of desserts was especially tempting.

Funds raised by the Friends are used to support the school. In some instances events are planned which support the Foundation Fund, but the Committee welcomes requests from staff and pupils as to how it can give the bulk of what it raises to help them in other ways.

Already this year the Committee has given a small amount of financial support to MUN but it is envisaging looking at the first main school requests for assistance in the summer term. The fact that all parents now financially support the Friends will enable the Committee to help far more than was the case in the past.

The new Committee, having had a couple of terms to settle in, elected the following officials until February 2009 - as their Chairman Mrs Jan Douglas-Bate, as their Vice Chairman Mr Peter Clarke, as their Secretary Mrs Claire Russell-Bates, and as their Treasurer Mr Mark Eliot. Mrs Jane Nicholson will also act as the Public Relations/ Events Co-ordinator. In February 2009 it is envisaged the Friends will have more formally agreed its new constitution, including the length of any appointments made.

Other current members of the Committee are: Mr George and Mrs Celia Batterham, Mr Adrian Bird, Mrs Beccy Bolland, Mrs Marianne Burke, Mrs Liz Ganapathy, Mrs Jacqui Harris, Dr Lesley Jordan, Mrs Lynda Lloyd, Mrs Anne Rouse, Mrs Sheila Sawyer, Ms Angela Carlton-Porter and Mr Gareth Lloyd (ex officio).

The new Committee will be deciding upon their longer term structure and an AGM is planned for the autumn term. If you have not yet given your name as a helper and want to help the Committee, please contact any member of it.

The more helpers the better!

Mr Gary Best (Headmaster)

Friends of KPS With a new committee in place and some new faces at the twice-termly meetings, the Friends of Kingswood Prep School (KPS) has continued to meet its various aims with great success this year. Undoubtedly, the highlight has been the annual Christmas Fair, organised and co-ordinated by a dedicated group of parents. Not only was it a delight to see so many of the children enjoying the afternoon and the many activities, but the range of stalls, which included a barbecue and mulled wine outpost in the playground to revive flagging parents (opposite the coconut shy!), helped raise over £5,000 which was donated to the Upper Development project.

Christmas Fair

"Thanks to everyone who takes time to support both the organisation & events themselves."

Bonfire Night

We have also been able to support the learning provided for our children by the purchase of new digital cameras for each class in the pre-prep, a number of sturdy trikes for the Nursery, and some new picnic tables as well. We will also be purchasing some new gym equipment. Despite the cold weather, the annual Easter egg hunt was enjoyed by the children, as was the first Children’s Disco.

Socially we have helped with the annual Fireworks Party, organised in the main by Messrs Titley and Stephens; and also held our third annual Quiz Night and Hog Roast. And as I write this I am sure that there will be mums (and dads?) getting ready to bake their hearts out for the Sports Day cake tables!

Thanks to everyone who takes time to support both the organisation and events themselves.

Mr Bill Harris (Chairman) Kingswood in Focus 35

Kingswood Association

Kingswood’s Flower Entrepreneur

Robert Sandry with Angela Carlton-Porter, new Development Director

New President Returning to Kingswood after many years of relatively little contact with the school has been fascinating. So many developments and changes and yet so much still to be done.

A few words about my life since leaving the school in 1965 are included in the accompanying edition of “Kingswood In Focus”. My focus here is to look forward and play my part in both the Association and the school.

Taking on the role as President of The Kingswood Association is a great honour but also a major challenge. My business life involved a great deal of working with people - listening to them, influencing and persuading them and getting new initiatives off the ground. And I was also responsible for the UK alumni programme for the largest professional services organisation in the world.

So why might this experience be relevant to my role for The Association and for the school? I see a key part of that role helping alumni to maintain contact with each other as well as with the school. Of course, much of that contact happens naturally (friends keeping in touch with friends) but an organisation that facilitates that through good communication can make it even better. And that can also help in the contact back into the school.

Then there is the more formal contact with the school. Too often we do not realise how much we can each contribute to the school even though our lives and focus might have moved on. That contribution can be in kind - such as assistance in careers advice, work experience programmes or interview coaching - or more directly in fund-raising for the many financial calls that exist if the school is to continue to develop.

Unlike certain other schools Kingswood does not have the benefit of a well established foundation or connections to help fund new initiatives and projects. The school is in excellent shape with a very healthy stream of existing and potential students, but the competition to attract students is tough. Parents and potential students not only look at a school’s academic record but they also have a keen eye on facilities, be they academic, cultural or sporting. I therefore make no apology for the fact that I shall be looking at ways in which The Association and its members can take a more active role in this important area. Furthermore, I look forward to working closely with Angela Carlton-Porter as the newly appointed Development Director.

Some of the proposed developments have been completed with more on the way, but only if funds allow. The most recent completion has been the flood-lit astro-turf facility on the Upper which was formally opened a few weeks ago.

The shopping list of further developments includes the faculty of Arts and Technology.

Please, therefore, think how you could contribute to the funds needed - there are various ways to suit various circumstances and details can always be obtained from Angela.

I look forward to meeting up with many of you, be it at one of the regional events or at the school. The annual Association Open Day was reinstituted last November and will be taking place again this year (8 November 2008). It was a great occasion to link up with old friends and hear more about school developments. So, why not make a note in your diary now and why not contact your friends and see if they can come along too? I shall be doing that with many of my generation. Why not also make sure that your details are on The Association website Connections@ Kingswood - and that they are up to date (a basic point but often forgotten)?!

Mr Robert Sandry, KS 1956-1965 (President Elect of Association) 36 Kingswood in Focus

In December former Kingswood pupil Donald Frampton died at the age of 85, having become one of this country’s leading horticulturalists.

In 1887 his father established a glasshouse business in Worthing and, as a staunch Methodist, he decided to send his son to Kingswood. At school Donald proved an outstanding sportsman, excelling at rugby, hockey, cricket and swimming. After leaving school Donald joined the family firm, but in 1942 he volunteered to serve in the Fleet Air Arm. He quickly showed his competence as a pilot, and in 1945 he was mentioned in dispatches for his courageous flying in the raids on the Japanese oil storage depots on and around Palembang, Sumatra. After the war he returned to the family business in West Sussex.

In 1947 the Americans had realised that chrysanthemums could be made to flower at any time of the year by using a combination of low-intensity night lighting and black cloth. Donald saw the business potential before anyone else and Framptons Nurseries consequently expanded, becoming one of the biggest horticultural businesses in the country. By the 1960s and 1970s it was one of the leading carnation growers in Europe and Donald had also helped develop the poinsettia as a pot plant.

It was said of him that he had a marked ability to encourage and motivate his workforce and his services were soon in demand elsewhere.

He was a leading figure in the West Sussex Growers' Association and in the National Farmers' Union and he served as an adviser on the glasshouse crops industry to the National Economic Development Council.

For this he was awarded a CBE in 1974. When he retired in 1986 he helped two of his sons to establish a new flower business, Donaldson's Flowers, which is now the largest chrysanthemum nursery in the country, supplying Sainsbury and Waitrose.

A Happy Reunion

Hon Members Return

It was with some excitement and considerable interest that Jenny and I walked up to Kingswood from our nearby home in time for lunch.

As former Houseparents − the old school house before it was fully converted to girls’ boarding − we were attending our first “old boys’ day” for a good many years. The site looked much the same from the outside on this bright November day and John and Joyce Allison had the welcome arrangements very well organised in the Dixon building.

We signed in, read the day’s programme and, after greeting a number of old friends, pupils and their families, headed off to an excellent lunch.

This proved a super opportunity to renew acquaintances, wallow in nostalgia and enjoy a few funny memories. But before regaling one of these I need to mention the rest of the day when we were able to see the various changes and developments that have taken place recently; the Heap Library in the Moulton Hall and the Upper Room in the old library amongst them. Towards the end of the day we were able to gather in the Chapel where the Chaplain, Mike Wilkinson, and others led us in a short, moving service which helped us to recall, with thankfulness, the vision and prayerful energy of John Wesley and subsequent faithful leaders whose work in founding and building KS has had such a positive Christian influence on all our lives.

"...a super opportunity to renew acquaintances, wallow in nostalgia and enjoy a few funny memories."

Remembering

But to return to lunch - as it drew to a close in the Dining Hall my eye was caught by a smiling nod from a middle aged gentleman who clearly knew me. Naturally I racked what remains of my grey cells and drew a blank. He came over and reintroduced himself as one Peter Kettel, formerly School House and one of the more senior pupils when I was a very junior housemaster under the leadership of Bob (Jungle Jim) Clark. Having, as it were, got him on my radar, the memories came back with a rush. He was one of my more notable scalps from a smoking patrol one spring evening in the late 70s. Passing the bushes adjacent to the old apple sheds, my nasal membranes caught the not unexpected whiff of cigarettes. Not wishing to plunge into the shrubbery myself I simply released my large, black and white springier spaniel [some will remember Charlie, he used to help me coach the 2nd XV] and directed him into the foliage with instructions to find his friends. Peter was amongst those who came forth in, I recall, high dudgeon. “It’s bad enough getting caught smoking by your housemaster”, he ranted, “but to be caught smoking by a dog, that really takes the biscuit!”

Peter, however, had his own tale to tell. He was sitting with a lady who also turned out to be a former pupil, one Petrina Clayton as was. Just a few months previously Peter, in an idle moment, turned on his computer and hit the button for ‘Friends Reunited’. Reaching the Kingswood area he logged in his details and mentioned one or two of his achievements.

He signed off with a curious line: “Why did I never get over Petrina Clayton?” Within about 48hrs Peter had received an e-mail from the former Miss Clayton, whose own relationship had foundered some years earlier. Her reply was along the lines of “well I never got over you too!!” It was especially good to see them both together again at KS and I am sure that if you are able to attend the next “Old boys are back” or one of the excellent MJSD dining club evenings, your own experience will be just as good and as much fun.

The President, Headmaster and Chairman

Mr Robin Lewis (Staff 1973-1992) Kingswood in Focus 37

“New York New York"...

A Career with Two Paths

Jonathan Posnett (1983-88) with his father Sir Richard Posnett (1933-38), during a visit back to Kingswood

James Island Taken on the Olympic Peninsula, Pacific North West, USA

Jonathan Posnett (KS 1983-88) was born in England and grew up in Belize.

After leaving Kingswood and undertaking his graphic design degree at Derby University, he began working professionally in New York and he has travelled and photographed widely in the Americas, Africa, Europe and India. He says that he likes to think he has had his mid-life crisis early and that he has learnt to combine two passions: “We’re all taught about the concept of ‘career’, and using the years in school and college as a laboratory to figure out what we’re good at, what we love to do, and how to turn it into something we can do for the rest of our working lives. Graphic Design was always the career for me and from the time I left Kingswood everything I pursued reinforced that intent. I felt relieved and happy that all those career choices had apparently fallen into place for me so effortlessly: I had no doubts, no indecision, it was graphic design all the way.

I set out on my design career in New York. I saw ahead a steady climb up my own career ladder, to be as successful and known for my work as the people I read about in books. That single-minded energy and focus which I needed for my work and life fully occupied me. About five years ago things were looking good and I’d reached a great place professionally.

At around that time I went off to New Mexico to take a photography course and I made an exciting discovery while I was there - with the camera I was able to interpret an idea or experience onto film and have that image contain the energy and emotion I had experienced in that place. It was pure magic to me, and something I realized I was lacking in my design work.

I later remembered the experience and it dawned on me that I was struggling to find a way to balance my single-focused career with something else - photography, and that I was trying to figure out how to decide which to pursue. I started to look critically at my design world and discovered that in my climb up the career ladder I had lost sight of my goals, and that the ones I had didn’t match up with the path I was on. And so, I leapt into the void, with the intent of becoming a photographer, and leaving graphic design on the sidelines.

The three years following were an evolving journey to uncover a new path. I was fortunate to be able to exhibit my photographs in group and solo shows in New York, and I began to realize I wanted to use my photography to speak about issues of concern to me - the environment among others. With my background in Architectural Graphic Design I was also drawn to photographing the built environment and began collaborating with architects and landscape designers, relationships that continue to evolve. Along the way I’ve reconnected with the world of graphic design and discovered, maybe obviously, that career is not one thing, or even just one thing at a time, but with today’s fluid working, environments can allow a career to be an ever evolving web of skills that move and change to suit each of us as we continue forward.

My brother once explained to me that, from a military perspective, the most successful plans are those that have the most flexibility to change in response to the conditions of the moment. That’s my career”.

Taken at White Sands National Monument, New Mexico, USA

38 Kingswood in Focus

Treebeach, Olympic Peninsula

If you want more information on Jonathan’s work see www.posnett.net

so good they named it twice - with 2 ex KS pupils!!

Moveable Feasts Since 1990 Sarah E. Murray (KS 1978-80) has worked for the Financial Times, first in London and, since 2001, in New York, where she is a features contributor.

In that capacity she has travelled very extensively across Africa, Asia and the Americas, as well as Europe. At an earlier stage in her career she also lived and worked in Asia, both in Hong Kong as a journalist at the South China Morning Post, the regions leading daily newspaper, and in Vietnam where, based in Hanoi, she helped launch the Vietnam Economic Times, an English language magazine aimed at foreign investors. Her work has appeared in various other publications, including the Independent, the Observer, the Economist, the Times Higher Educational Supplement, the New Statesman and American Demographics magazine. She has just produced a book called ‘Moveable Feasts’ and writes: ‘I love living in the Big Apple but I often think of visiting Bath again and Kingswood, particularly Sion Hill Place, where we girls boarded.

By curious coincidence my late father grew up two doors down on that street and my sister Kate, another Kingswood alum (1981-83), stayed there too, so many family memories are there!

A few years later, I took a job as a photographer for a shipping company in West Africa.

The assignment took me down dirt roads following large trucks to pineapple plantations and rubber factories across Ghana, Senegal and Cote d’Ivoire. A short flight in a two-seater Cessna over Abidjan harbour was particularly thrilling. With the door removed and a harness preventing me from falling from the plane, I had to lean out over the wing to capture images of the giant cargo vessels docked below.

My food drop experience was one of the most dramatic of the assignments I have undertaken as an author and a journalist. But even in my early career, I was lucky enough to be given interesting assignments. When I started my work as a journalist based in Hong Kong, China was just opening up to the world. Watching this evolution was a compelling process, and during my four years in Hong Kong, I spent much time travelling around China and the rest of south-east Asia, watching the changes for myself.

My experience there led to my job with the Financial Times. I did not realise it at the time, but this newspaper was the perfect home for me as a journalist. As someone with a hunger for travel and an interest in what’s happening around the world, the FT has been a great institution to work for, with its international outlook and extensive global coverage.

As a features contributor, I cover a range of topics, including the relationship of business to society and the environment – a fascinating beat to cover, given the growing awareness of what needs to be done to reduce the impact of human activity on the planet. An addiction to travel has not left me and so this year there is an extensive globetrotting agenda ahead of me as I start work on my new book, looking at the different celebrations of death around the world, from Mexico’s colourful Day of the Dead festival to the spectacular traditional cremations on the island of Bali. For me that is one of the best things about being a writer – the ability to explore the world, whether that’s in the cabin of a Russian cargo plane in Africa or on an exotic island in Indonesia.

You can find out a little more and see some of my articles on my book website: www.moveablefeasts.org Sarah Murray’s book “Moveable Feasts: The Incredible Journeys of the Thing We Eat”, is published by Aurum Press.

Picture courtesy of WFP Jennifer Abrahamson

The incredible journeys of the things we eat was the inspiration for my new book. I have long been driven by a curious obsession with cargo transport (one that friends believe is a cover for what would be a far more glamorous career as a secret intelligence agent). It started more than a decade ago in Hanoi, where I had struggled to find photographs to illustrate articles on trade and investment. So, armed with my camera, I headed up to Haiphong, Vietnam’s northernmost port. There, chaos prevailed.

Cranes were heaving shipping containers from rusty vessels and dumping them at random across the quays. The colours were spectacular, the disarray beguiling. My love affair with the world of cargo transport had begun.

on his fingers. Four, three, two, one – and suddenly the back end of the plane lurched downwards. With the aircraft tipping at an alarming angle and ropes securing the grain severed, the sacks slid swiftly across the floor, releasing ten tonnes of food out into the sky.

Today, I rarely pass up an excuse to travel to some industrial corner of the world to observe the stuff of life - vegetables, T-shirts, furniture, fridges - being moved around the planet.

As part of the research for my book, Moveable Feasts, I travelled to Kenya to follow the journey of some World Food Programme aid making its way to South Sudan. When I embarked on my career as a journalist in Hong Kong in the late 1980s, I never imagined that sitting in the back of a Cold War-era Antonov cargo plane would be part of the job, but that’s exactly what I found myself doing. An hour and a half after leaving the Kenyan border, the plane was ready to shed the sacks of grain destined for the Sudanese villages below. A drop zone of empty sacks had been marked out on the ground. The pilot lined up the plane, the back doors of the aircraft opened and a member of the crew counted down Kingswood in Focus 39

In October 2007 I took up the post of Director of the Barber Institute of Fine Arts at the University of Birmingham and in December the title ‘Professor of Fine Arts & Curatorial Practice’ was conferred on me.

A Life in Museums The Barber has recently been described as one of the world’s most perfect small art galleries and its collections boast not only fine Old Masters but also stunning Impressionist works. For the previous seven and a half years I held the post of Head of Fine Art at the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff, where I was fortunate enough to care for the famous collection of Impressionist paintings bequeathed to the museum by the Davies sisters. My career has involved curating exhibitions by a wide range of artists, lecturing, researching, meeting collectors and patrons, occasionally appearing on TV and giving radio interviews as well, opening exhibitions, and travelling to view collections worldwide.

The inspiration for a career in museums came from my years at Kingswood, where I arrived in 1976. I enjoyed my ‘A’ Level studies taking English with Mr Smith, History with Mr Cook and Geography with Mr Essam and Mr Haines. I also loved playing tennis and squash and have happy memories of the old Fonthill under Mr and Mrs Lewis. I still keep in touch with many of my friends from those years, amongst them Tom Meikle, Mike Gibbs, Steve Rushton, Julian Brunt and recently I’ve met up with Claire Wyn Hughes. I was also fortunate enough to have the opportunity to study History of Art during my time at Kingswood and this transformed my future career aspirations. I had an inspirational teacher, Philippa Bishop, who introduced me to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling and Bernini’s sculpture. Philippa was also Curator of the Holburne Museum in Great Pulteney Street and arranged for me to undertake some voluntary work there during the school holidays. I was hooked. I wanted to pursue a career as a museum curator.

After taking my ‘A’ Levels I took a year out and applied to the Courtauld Institute of Art at London University and was fortunate enough to be offered a place. During my time there I was taught by Anthony Blunt and Anita Brookner and specialised in 17th-century European art while taking courses in Impressionism and Pre-Raphaelitism. After three years I decided to apply to study for a PhD at Newnham College, University of Cambridge where I wrote a thesis on George, Lord Digby, Secretary of State to Charles I. He and his family were great patrons of the arts, especially favouring Van Dyck. During my time at Cambridge I volunteered at the Fitzwilliam Museum and gained much valuable experience.

In 1982 I became an archive assistant at the National Portrait Gallery in London. It was a great start to my career and I made many useful contacts there and even purchased a series of silhouettes for the gallery.

Two years later I took up the post of Assistant Curator at the Holburne Museum back in Bath. Working in a small museum gave me a great deal of varied experience from assisting in the teahouse (!) to working with Philippa Bishop again when we curated the exhibition Gainsborough in Bath in 1988 assisted by the late Director of the National Portrait Gallery,

40 Kingswood in Focus

John Hayes. Later that year I moved on to another university art gallery, the Whitworth in Manchester. There I was fortunate enough to work on a major exhibition on Thomas Jones the Welsh landscape painter and an exhibition on John Ruskin.

After a break to have my two daughters I was delighted to be appointed as Keeper of Dulwich Picture Gallery in London in 1992. I was even more fortunate in that the Director encouraged me to transform my PhD thesis into an exhibition which eventually opened in 1995 and was called Death, Passion and Politics: Van Dyck and the Digbys. My next move took me to one of the great treasure houses of the north of England, Harewood House, where I was Senior Curator. There I curated a series of watercolour exhibitions including works by Turner and Girtin and studied the wonderful portraits by Reynolds. In 1996 I returned to Bath again this time as Keeper at the Holburne Museum where I remained for the next four years specialising in the study of miniatures.

My next move took me over the Severn Bridge and to Cardiff. There I curated an exhibition on the Pre-Raphaelite painter John Brett and returned to the study of Thomas Jones’ beautiful oil sketches, mounting a major exhibition of his work which travelled to the National Gallery in London. I also wrote a book on their great Impressionist paintings and the fascinating story of the Davies sisters, two spinster Calvinistic Methodists who collected them. When the chance to become the Director of the Barber Institute arose last year I realised that this was the job of my dreams, managing a small but perfectly formed collection and having the chance to research and write. Already I have lectured on collecting watercolours and recently gave a lecture on Birmingham collectors at Christie’s in London.

I am currently working on an exhibition entitled Gwen John and the Catholic Church, which opens in July. I am also jointly curating the exhibition Sisley in England and Wales, which opens at the National Gallery in London in November. Some years ago I became a Trustee of the Methodist Collection of Modern Christian Art and I am on the steering committee for the National Inventory of Old Master paintings in this country. In June I am lecturing at the National Gallery of Ireland and this autumn I will deliver the Robertson lecture at the Holburne Museum, back in my home city of Bath. Life is certainly hectic and there is never a dull moment! I always remember that I owe my initial inspiration and enthusiasm for my work to my time at Kingswood and one particular teacher, Philippa Bishop.

She and her husband Michael remain wonderful family friends who have seen my own daughters grow up to attend Kingswood as well. I’m certainly not the best-known museum director to attend Kingswood, however. One of the Trustees at the Barber Institute is Sir David Wilson, a former Director of the British Museum.

Professor Anne Sumner (1976-1978)

MJSD So successful has the MJSD become that its organiser John Allison, who is the events co-ordinator for the Association, was able to present a cheque for £1,000 to Association President, Robert Sandry and Association Chairman, Barney Coleman at the meeting in March.

The MJSD meets on the second Friday of the quarter months, March, June, September and December (hence its name!) and is open to all members of the Association, their partners and friends.

It offers an opportunity for sharing a top quality meal in a relaxed and informal setting in the school Dining Hall.

Further details are available from John Allison at the school or at jca@kingswood.bath.sch.uk

Midlands Lunch

"John Ellis put on a first class event for us in March, for which it's hard to do justice to on paper."

Midlands Lunch

Taking Time to Visit

John Ellis put on a first class event for us in March. Those able to share with him, and his wife Ann, the results of their planning enjoyed a really pleasant, relaxed occasion. McKees Brasserie at the Haig Hotel was an inspired choice of venue offering a very high class menu. We were treated to crudités, starter, main course, dessert and coffee with petit fours and everyone was delighted with the meal. The Headmaster, Gary Best was our guest, bringing greetings from KS to those present and he spoke briefly of what he would miss as he retires from Kingswood.

Accompanied by Alan Mason and his wife Kate, Nick Corney and my eldest son James it was a wild and windy March morning when we returned to Kingswood earlier this year. No wind or rain, however, could dampen the enthusiasm of Angela Carlton-Porter the newly appointed Development Director. New offices (where I remember the music rooms being) hot coffee and croissants all made for a warm welcome as we set off together for a tour of the school.

It is hard to do justice to such an event on paper. It is harder to explain that it would have been good to have sat down with more old friends for lunch and to have shared the happy atmosphere and good conversations. Of one thing I am certain. We have maintained the best traditions of Midlands gatherings and if you were unable to be with us this year, we intend, with John’s help, to repeat this excellent occasion next year so that you too will have an opportunity of experiencing for yourselves this event.

On behalf of the Kingswood Association I would like to thank John and Ann for all their hard work in organising this year’s event.

They really did us proud.

While much has changed (for the better) we were still able to reminisce about secret hidey-holes used for nefarious acts and re-visit the dayroom where I as a prefect, many years ago, had supervised Nick and his year as they did their prep. Alan was able to locate his name as carved in stonework beneath the new library. Unfortunately a pupil from a subsequent generation had added a comment underneath Alan's name - obviously they had never met! However, it was still amazing and quite comforting to us all to find it was still there!

Jeremy Wimpress (1969-1976) L to R: J.D. (Jeremy) Wimpress (1969-76), A.J. (Alan) Mason (1971-78) N.J. (Nick) Corney (1973-78), Mr Wimpress Jnr behind.

Details of the date for the next Midlands lunch will appear on the Connections@kingswood website – as do the dates for all Kingswood Association events.

Mr John C Allison (Kingswood Association Events Co-ordinator)

Kingswood in Focus 41

Being a Green Councillor

KS Orienteers Never Die...

"I enjoyed being able to help people with their individual problems and engaging in local campaigns..."

they just run longer (& slower)

Jillian Creasy started at KS in the second intake of L6th girls in 1973 and became a member of Fonthill House. Her father Donald was an old boy (KS 1939-48) and was in fact the first boy at Prior’s Court. She left to train as a doctor but, after many successful years in that profession, she decided to put all her energies into environmental issues, becoming the first Green Party City Councillor in Sheffield. She was successfully re-elected in 2007 and she writes of her experience: ‘‘I joined the Green Party soon after arriving in Sheffield in the mid 1980s, but became more active around the start of the war in Iraq and the proposal to build a giant new incinerator in the city. I stood in the local elections in Central Ward, where I live. I was elected as Sheffields first Green City Councillor in 2004. The resulting three years were hard work, even compared to my former life as a full time GP, but I enjoyed being able to help people with their individual problems and engaging in local campaigns. Getting parks cleared and refurbished, or creating more recycling banks, or introducing a residents’ parking scheme – all these make a real difference to local communities. My biggest achievements were initiating a major policy review of affordable housing, getting Sheffield Homes to agree to re-roofing maisonettes on Hanover and Lansdowne Estates, and successfully opposing Sheffields bid for a Super casino which would have damaged the local economy (not to speak of the traffic problems and increase in crime).

I was delighted therefore to be re-elected in May 2007. As a lone Green Councillor and then one of just two with the election also of Bernard Little, I am aware we have had an influence way above our numbers.

We have championed environmental issues across the city, kept up the pressure for better public transport, pushed for a city wide carbon target and put forward a well argued alternative waste strategy. The Green Party has also been consistently positive and non-confrontational in our approach to Council business, introducing a different tone to council business. I have also used my position to campaign on national issues, too - the war in Iraq, human rights, nuclear power and weapons.”

Dr Jillian Creasy (1973-1975) and campaigning (below)

I think that I was one of the first ever KS Orienteers. I was never enough of a runner to be competitive, and my navigational skills were no more than ‘adequate’ but these things don’t go away so, in 1987, eleven years after leaving KS, and after a lot of mountain experience, but almost no running, I was happy enough to take part in KIMM (Karrimor International Mountain Marathon).

This is NOTHING like a road Marathon… it’s over two days, in a team of two, carrying full camping gear, over pathless and usually very boggy terrain (the exact location is secret until just before the event), and apart from that it’s just orienteering on a big scale. That year the event was held in North Wales and my wife and I competed in the ‘score’ class. We finished 199th out of 316 starters. The following year it was the Cheviots, and we entered the “C” class – and failed to finish. Thereafter career and then the arrival of four children intervened.

Fast forward 20 years – The KIMM is now the OMM (Original Mountain Marathon) and the memory of that failure in the Cheviots still nags away in a tiny corner. It’s time for the rematch.

Or it could just be the manifestation of mid-life crisis! A few 10k road races and an off-road half-marathon for training and we entered for the 2007 edition. A bit of research into the equipment showed that with the very lightest of modern gear the serious competitors are running with packs of around 4 kgs each. We had to buy a new tent but the rest of our kit is mostly 20 years old and we were going to be carrying over 8 kgs each.

The location this year proved to be the Lowther Fells (Dumfries and Galloway). Torrential rain and strong winds hampered progress from midmorning on the Saturday and we only just made it into the mid-way camp before dark. Fortunately the new tent stood up well and we survived the night dry, warm and well fed. Many other competitors were not so lucky: several tents lost flysheets completely, others were very wet inside. Sunday dawned brighter – but the legs were clearly suffering from the previous day’s exertions. With heavier packs as well, we were quickly overtaken by teams with later start times, and after a small navigational error and the resulting unnecessary height gain we came close to being ‘timed-out’ around lunch time. Fortunately things improved and as the afternoon progressed we started to overhaul the backmarkers.

Just a mile from the finish the weather broke again and we finished the second day as wet as the first. But we had finished – 191st in the C class - out of 199 finishers (289 starters).

We’re now planning to enter next year’s event – and with a bit more training, and investment in lighter weight equipment, hopefully we’ll come a little higher up the field. For more details of the event – or in case you are mad enough to consider it yourselves: www.theomm.com

Mr Peter Lewis (1967-1976) 42 Kingswood in Focus

Kingswood, Grandfather and Me It’s odd what immediately springs to mind when recalling school days.

I think of two redoubtable Middle House prefects, one of whom gave my friend (Martin Gilwhite) and me five cold baths in one day for disturbing the peace after lights out, and the other whom we tossed (as firemen do on a blanket) so high on his birthday that his arm went through the dormitory ceiling and we had to pay for its re-plastering! If that’s what happened in the 1950s, I wonder what prefects get up to these days?

Shortly after my birth, my parents asked Grandfather which school I should be sent to. He abruptly replied, “Kingswood. There is no other school.” In his dotage he remembered several incidents from his time at KS: travelling at great speed on the ice slope which the boys had made stretching from the high quad wall bordering Fonthill Road all the way down to Hamilton Road (because the library and Sixth Form centre had not yet been built at the edge of the quad to block the way!); the flailing cane of the Headmaster who set about the boys as they fled before him from the catacombs where they had no business to have been; the practice of ‘lockering a dinner’ – after food had been served at the long tables in the dining hall and boys stood with eyes closed for grace, there was the split second opportunity to seize one’s neighbour’s plate and hide their food in the locker beneath in order to gain a second helping!

My brother Bernard also went to KS (1957-66) and is now teaching in Bradford. My eldest son, Timothy Lucock, also began at Prior’s Court. He left KS in 1983 and has recently been living in Macclesfield. He divides his time between being a head teacher, teaching teachers and young children how to do philosophy, Enniagram training and supporting local government officers in their review of practice. He runs an education consultancy.

And I recall A B Sackett, our remarkable Headmaster, in all seriousness, telling us off for wearing such long school scarves. He claimed that he had had complaints from Bath motorists and the police that they had been interfering with the traffic. Maybe there’s a case for collecting an anecdotal “below stairs” social history of the school to parallel more respectable accounts?

This photograph of my grandfather, the Rev. Dr Charles Ryder Smith (KS 1883-1890) (CRS), shows him on the lawn (far left) at Richmond College in his presidential year, 1931. It was such an emotional feeling to see his name on the Roll of Honour of Wesleyan Methodist Presidents in the School Dining Hall during my visit in November.

Also in the picture are his son Douglas (right) and wife Charlotte (next to Grandfather on the left) and one of his daughters - my Mother, Janet.

My Uncle Douglas (KS 1911-1917) also came to Kingswood, and then went on to become a consultant to the Marriage Guidance Council via the Methodist Ministry, medicine and psychiatry. He died in 1979.

His own recollection of Kingswood was that there had been a short lived revolt by some of the pupils who had held out in the tower.

Grandfather played soccer for KS in the 1890s and arrived shortly after the Upper, Middle and Lower dormitory block had been completed to house the intake from Woodhouse Grove. His brother William followed soon after. William went into an agricultural machinery and supplies business in Monmouth (and we are keen to re-establish contact with this side of the family). Grandfather became Old Testament lecturer at Richmond College and its Principal and was a leading theologian of his day. A prolific writer, his books included a series titled ‘The Bible Doctrine of …” copies of which were presented to the School Library.

He became Dean of the Faculty of Theology at London University and was nick-named ‘Spider’ by his Richmond students. In retirement he cut a patriarchal figure with a flowing white beard and soft wrinkled face.

He died in 1956.

Not wishing to become overly analytic for a simple four generational summary like this, what I have written has made me realise, what many may have realised before, that childhood vignettes create reversion.

On speaking ‘off the cuff’ about their time at KS, each generation has immediately lapsed into tales of boyish derring-do, as if still at the school. In consequence, the quality of the school’s education and its values, which so ably shaped each generation for a life of ministry and public service, come as second thoughts.

I can confirm however, that second thoughts can be very powerful too.

There are times now when I’m almost moved to tears when present joys recall their KS induction. My life now is immeasurably enriched, for example, by the way, Peter Summers, the school’s talented bursar, introduced me and others to Alpine flora in the wild places of Scotland, the fascination of heraldry and the excitement of discovering history through archaeology. I am so pleased to see his hatchment proudly displayed in the dining hall alongside Wesley’s pulpit, as if it too is another roll of honour.

Francis Lucock (1950-1958) Cusworth House Rugger team 1952 (Francis Lucock circled)

Kingswood in Focus 43

A Star Chef Adwoa Hagan (1993-98) was one of the contestants in BBC2’s “Restaurant” series, in which nine couples were put through their paces to see if they have what it takes to run their own restaurant.

Lots of us can cook and we have all been to restaurants and think we know what people like to eat – but during the eight week series it became obvious just how demanding running a restaurant can be.

And in this instance every mistake the couples made and every argument they had was, of course, caught on camera! Adwoa was partnered by her then fiancé, Lloyd, and their ambition is to bring Ghanaian food to the masses. They have already set up their own catering company three years ago. They wanted to create a Ghanaian restaurant full of atmosphere, with Lloyd working front of house and Adwoa cooking the food.

Lee Cash, Sarah Willingham and John Lederer. Raymond then selected the three restaurants he judged to be the worst performing and they were given a tough specific challenge in the knowledge that each week one couple would be eliminated. The eventual winners were promised the funding to run their own restaurant so the competition was understandably fierce.

“We learnt so much from Raymond Blanc and his experts,” says Adwoa, “Every week the challenges set really gave us an insight into what it takes to create the perfect restaurant experience. It was extremely hard work, but worth every minute of it. We’d always say we didn’t do the show to win but to learn and what we’ve got from the show as a business and individuals has been priceless. We are currently in the final stages of raising the finance for the first Spinach and Agushi restaurant with the help of two private investors and the London Development Agency.

The catering arm of the business Jollof pot is growing rapidly and we're having a baby in August!”

“Lloyd and I really wanted to take part in this program in order to establish whether or not Ghanaian concept would be a feasible one for mainstream Britain. We never thought for one minute that it would be easy and knew that we would have to adapt some of the dishes to suit the British pallet, just like Indian and Chinese cuisines have done over the years.

To be honest we didn’t think we’d get on the show.” says Adwoa.

The couple run a successful Ghanaian catering company Jollof Pot in London, which was established in 2004, which they started in Lloyd’s mothers Kitchen.

Working Farmers Markets initially on a Saturday they realized that there was a clear gap in the market for alternative cuisines. “We got our first catering contract from a Scottish wedding the Christmas of that year from working the markets and really realized the potential of Jollof Pot. We’ve never looked back.”

For those who did not see the programmes, every week each restaurant was visited by Raymond Blanc’s’ panel of restaurant industry experts,

Adwoa and Lloyd had their successes – they were the winners in week three – but eventually lost out in week six after a singles night challenge, despite everyone at Kingswood rooting for them!

We wish Adwoa and Lloyd continued success in their business.

If you would like to find out more about Jollof Pot or when the real Spinach and Agushi restaurant opens please visit: www.spinachandagushi.co.uk www.jollofpot.co.uk www.facebook.com Spinach and Agushi

Dates for your Diary Sat July 5th, 10.30am

Commemoration Day Service - Bath Abbey, BA1 1LT

Fri September 12th, 7 for 7.30pm

MJSD Dining Club - Kingswood School Dining Hall

Sat September 13th 6pm

BBQ, Kingswood in France - Le Haut Clos in Chinon near Tours

Thurs September 25th, TBC

Exeter Lunch - Exeter Golf and Country Club, EX2 7AE

Fri November 7th, 8.50 - 9.30

Remembrance Service - On Chapel Lawn Kingswood School Chapel lawn

Sat November 8th, 10am to 6pm

** The Association Day (and AGM) - Kingswood School ** (Leaflet enclosed)

Fri December 5th, 7 for 7.30pm

MJSD Dining Club - Kingswood School Dining Hall

44 Kingswood in Focus

Ca

Middle Temple One of my first major events in my new role as Development Director involved helping to organise the annual ‘London Reception’.

After a number of planning meetings, with the Chairman, Mr Barney Coleman and Ms Diane Deacon of the Executive Committee, we produced a special invitation card (provided through the very kind sponsorship and support of the school’s agents, Novum Advertising) and circulated invitations to all our London and home counties alumni.

On Thursday 3rd April our special evening took place in the magnificent setting of ‘Middle Temple’ – one of the four Inns of Court, and courtesy of His Honour, Judge Peter Wright.

It was an excellent opportunity for former pupils and even one or two former staff such as Mrs Nicki Bland (1985-2007) and Dr Edwina Calvert, (1987-2006) to come together and hear more about the current developments and future plans for Kingswood. It was also a chance for our guests to bid a fond farewell to our Headmaster, Mr Gary Best and to be introduced to Headmaster designate, Mr Simon Morris who was delighted to be able to join us, together with his wife Caroline.

Catherine Damon-Rayment with Nicki Bland

Host and Chairman

Middle Temple

"It was an excellent opportunity for former pupils & staff to come together..."

New Headmaster with his wife

His Honour, Judge Peter Wright (1958-1967)

L to R: Nick Crosby, Roger Walker and Andy Rupp

Peter Wright, formally welcomed everyone and gave an interesting account of the history of Middle Temple and his own connections with Kingswood.

Kingswood School myself (1958-1967), as a parent (of two) in the 1990s and as a current Governor, it is also such a pleasure to meet many of my own friends made over half a century ago.”

“It is a great pleasure to welcome Kingwood Association members to Middle Temple where I have been a member since 1973, called to the bar by this Inn and made a Bencher (senior member) in 2005. The Inn has an historic Elizabeth Hall which survived the blitz and where Twelfth Night was first performed. Next to it, the Parliament Chamber is where the Benchers meet monthly as a governing body. I am particularly delighted to be hosting this ‘historic meeting’ with both the present and future Headmaster in such a fine ‘historic’ building. As a pupil at Priors Court and

We were very pleased for the opportunity to bring everyone up to date with our progress for sports facility development at Kingswood and the recent opening of the new Astro. We greatly appreciated the further support of our guests in making additional donations to the on-going project during and subsequent to the event and we look forward to another exciting ‘London’ reception next year.

Ms Angela Carlton-Porter (Director of Development & Public Relations) Kingswood in Focus 45

Spring Sport

Hockey 2008 Starting at the beginning with the U12s where Coach Mr. Matthews has enjoyed year on year success with this team.

This season the team managed not only to go unbeaten but also put in a strong performance to win the Prior Park tournament, both impressive achievements. The U12 Bs also had an encouraging season being led by the inspirational Mr Duke.

The U13 have played constructive hockey this season to come away as the most improved side in the school. Mr Hollywell must take credit for their growth in terms of team performance and structure. Michael Blackshaw took on the task of coaching the B side and has helped them in playing some fine hockey. I understand that many of the U13 squad have tried out for the county squads and I wish them luck in selection.

Next we move onto the U14s who were led by Mr Reeman and Mr Forrester. Special mention must go to Alex

Hardman who enjoyed a good season and to Harry Rouse who even stepped up to first team level on one occasion this term.

Commendation must also go to goalkeeper Jack Rowlands who had an outstanding season. The U14s have developed greatly this year and I hope those mentioned will raise their game and push for senior positions next year.

The U15s lost their outstanding player, Will Mackenzie, to the first team this season which we all appreciated. Nonetheless they coped without him and played some impressive hockey. Players Andrew Paines, Oliver Canning and Adam Mcbraida deserve mention for their performances. Mr Redman led from the front and was renowned for his Friday lunch fitness sessions. The B team, coached by Mrs Opie, have improved well this season. Their attitude to training will, undoubtedly, give this year group much success over the next few years.

The 4th team, who were Mr Matthews’s second project, have had an enjoyable season. John Rawlins and Nick Gregory (who both claim to be the side’s most valuable player!) must be congratulated for their efforts. A special mention must go to Dan Feeny who has completed a three year stint in the fourth team. Well done Dan.

"This season has seen highs and lows, but I have enjoyed the pain and success in equal measure."

The 3rd team have had a stylish season only losing one game. Patrick Harvey was an inspirational player and he linked well with Jake Collins who finished top scorer in the school with an incredible 31 goals to his name. Mentions must also go to Rohit Rana for a consistent season and Charlie Harman who stepped up to the 1sts in the latter part of the term. Mr Davies must also take great credit for producing such a well drilled unit.

The 2nd team were a suitable match for the 1sts, providing healthy and constructive training sessions for all involved. Goalkeeper Henry Heffer was on form this year and praise must also go to Tom King who was a prominent figure in all of the games. As the season progressed the seconds found momentum, putting in some excellent performances with a 3-2 victory over Dauntsey’s one of the highlights.

Finally I move onto the 1st XI. Our season can only be described as erratic. I quote from Mr Opie's results book to back this up: “Kingswood tried to played good hockey but technically the weakest side at the tournament.”

I Matt Ruxton

46 Kingswood in Focus

agree with this, as although our passion and efforts never failed, our

best passages of play only became apparent towards the end of the season in the matches against Wells and the South African touring side.

Our performances in these games received rare praise in the Opie log: “Two very good performances showed the progress the side had made.”

First team hockey may have suffered a ‘recession’ so to speak this season but it has always been fun! In my two years as a first team player I can say I have been part of two records. The first is one I am very proud to have been involved with and that was qualifying for the West Divisional Finals last year - the furthest the first team have got to in this competition during Mr Opie’s 18 years as 1st team coach.

The second is not so impressive and that is the heaviest defeat ever for the firsts in our match against Prior Park this season! This was described in the hockey log as “absolutely unbelievable.” This defeat was a real test for both me as captain and for the team, and I was not only pleased but proud that we were able to turn such a loss around.

The highlight of the season has undoubtedly been the last two matches; mental attitude combined with high level portrayed a mature side.

I hope this provides confidence for the next season.

Colours Awards COLTS COLOURS • Jacob Collins • Rohit Rana

• Patrick Harvey

• Charlie Harman

HALF COLOURS 3 Lower Sixth boys who have contributed a great deal to the 1st X1 this season.

• Sam Pew Latter

• Alex Ockwell

• Sam McMeekin

A group of our Upper Sixth who have contributed an enormous amount to Kingswood hockey over their time in the school.

• Jack Ticehurst • Laurie Canter

• Jamie Campbell • Tom King

• George Jolliffe • Matthew Horsley

FULL COLOURS • They are awarded to skipper Freddie Dean who has been the ultimate team man and whose tackling and determined defensive work has been a feature of all of the games. He has played 36 games for the 1st X1 and been captain in 14 of them.

• The other player to be awarded his full colours is Alex Field who has not been able to play as many games as he would have liked over the last two seasons due to injury. However, he has still amassed 38 first team caps and been outstanding whenever he has played. He has the ability to go on to play at a very high level.

IDRIS CUP Peter Turner

Sadly a few players have not seen a full season and these include Sam McMeekin, Matthew Horsley and the inspirational Alex Field.

Sam and Alex deserve mention for coming back from long term injuries with real determination and this led to an improvement in terms of performance and effort from the whole side. We lost Matthew Horsley to injury during the Old Boy’s game, which was a real shame.

Sam Pew Latter and Will Mackenzie were two players who really stood up to be counted when we were struggling without these key players.

Although it has been a tough season I feel personally it has ended on a high. Being awarded the 1st X1 captaincy has been one of the great achievements of my school career. Not only has it developed my skills in terms of leadership, but has also helped me to develop as a player and a person. Mr Opie has undoubtedly played a huge part in this and is the reason as to why Kingswood has such a positive attitude towards hockey. The Monday evening session is just one example of this and is highly attended all year round. This has helped many players to develop greatly and I hope in years to come its popularity only increases.

This season has seen highs and lows, but I have enjoyed the pain and success in equal measure. I hope all those Upper 6th finishing this year will continue playing hockey after leaving school. I would also like to extend my thanks to Alex Field for the support he has given me and the side this half of term. Praise must go to all the coaches: Michael, Mr Matthews, Mr Duke, Mr Hollywell, Mr Reeman, Mr Forrester, Mr Redman, Mrs Opie, Mr Davies, Mr Brodie and finally Mr Opie who have all made this such a memorable season. I am sorry for the dent in the 1st team hockey statistics Mr O, but it has been a pleasure working with you and captaining this side!

Freddie Dean (1st X1 Captain 2008)

The final presentation is the award of the Idris Cup, which is given to the player who has made the greatest contribution to 1st X1 hockey over the season.

The winner this term is Freddie Dean who has been a very good player and an excellent captain. He has been all a coach could wish for as a leader, player and role model.

Hockey Results Played

Won

Drew

Lost

1st X1

10

4

3

4

2nd X1

8

4

3

1

3rd X1

13

11

1

1

4th X1

5

2

2

1

U15A

8

2

1

5

U15B

6

3

0

3

U14A

15

5

2

8

U14A

7

4

1

2

U13A

10

6

2

2

U13B

3

1

1

I

U12A

10

7

3

0

U12B

3

3

0

0

Kingswood in Focus 47

Netball 2008 At the risk of abusing hyperbole, I would venture that this netball season has been truly phenomenal.

Whilst the egomaniac inside me would like to attribute this to my warm ups and passing drills, in truth I know that it is the overwhelming ability and talent found throughout the school, starting from the bottom up.

The U12s have revealed a great depth of talent, fielding 3 teams.

A hard working and eager bunch, they have shown steady development throughout the season, with Sydney Lautze most improved player for the Bs and Anna Bools for the As. Sophie Roberts, Peonie Ho, Stanya Gardner and Emily Seagrove all deserve recognition for their dedication and enthusiasm this term, but players of the season went to Sarina Ganapathy and Emily Bristow respectively.

three teams. Paige Flook’s consistent shooting helped the Bs, and Christina Seed stood out as the most improved player. Zoe Gilchrist earned ‘Player of the Season’. In the As, Louisa Harris and Hannah Burnell were commended for their hard work in defence, and Jess Gregory deserves a mention for her effort throughout the term.

Most improved player was Chloe Robberts, and Sienna Dennis was ‘Player of the Season’.

Kingswood’s mere ability to field a fourth team is testament to the enthusiastic attitude which exists amongst the seniors, especially considering the potential to put out a fifth side as well. The fourths have proved a talented and positive team, winning 6 out of the 7 matches.

Katie Worsfold has shown great promise at wing attack, and Sophie Hadfield is Most Improved for her accurate shooting and excellent circle play. ‘Player of the Season’ goes to Olivia Cole for her tireless work in defence.

Led by the indefatigable Sarah McMeekin, the thirds have truly flourished this year, a product of their passion as well as their ability. All their matches have been closely fought affairs, and saw the team produce some impressive passages of play, moving the ball around the court with ease and skill. Mentions must go to shooters Robyn Churchouse and Emily Bird for their high conversion rate, as well as the aforementioned Miss McMeekin for proving an inspirational captain and dominant force in defence. Abi Stogdale stood out as the Most Improved player, having grown into a crucial playmaker in the midcourt and an asset to the midcourt. Daisy Head was voted ‘Player of the Season’ for her tireless work rate, high interception rate and enthusiasm for the sport.

The U13s, too, have proved themselves consistently hard working.

In the Bs, Alice Havers enjoyed a good season, with Emily Mitchell most improved, and Sunny Jones player of the season. For the As, Amber James stood out for her 100% commitment, Alice Havers as most improved and Hannah Bracey as ‘Player of the season’.

At U14 level, both the A and B teams have shown great potential and eagerness to improve and Olivia Dellow stood out for her unfaltering dedication; In the Bs, Laura Clarke was the most improved, and Imogen Morris ‘Player of the Season’. For the As, ‘Player of the Season’ was Amy Worsfold, and Most improved to Emily Stallabrass. Despite a mixed season, the U15s show great promise as a year group, fielding 48 Kingswood in Focus

The seconds have produced this season’s best result, remaining unbeaten in all 7 matches. Characterised by their fast attacking play and dogged competitiveness, the seconds have produced some inspired play, with several team members pushing for first team spots. Most Improved Player went to Marianne Teoh, who never fails to give anything less than her best on court, and has developed well into an influential Wing Defence.

Mention must also go to Cara Prettejohn and Lydia Cameron, both 2-year veterans of the seconds and close contenders for ‘Player of the Season’. Cara is an expert shooter, probably the most accurate in the Netball Club, and has this year improved both her movement in the circle and ball skills, establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with. Lydia Cameron must be commended for her effective defending, impressive speed and elevation, but above all her sheer determination.

Fellow leaver Alice Jones has returned to netball this season after a brief sojourn into music, ensuring that once again the courts were blessed by her cheery demeanor and serene face. However, you could hardly tell she’d been gone, as her assertive defending, reliable

passing and strong presence on the court all posed a major threat to the opposition. Player of the season is Captain Hannah James, who is both a consistent and influential player. Aided somewhat by the largest calves known to man, Hannah’s fitness, ball skills and natural talent have helped her guide her team through a truly impressive season.

She has continually led by example and I am eternally grateful.

Netball Results Played

Won

Drew

Lost

1st

9

8

0

1

2nd

7

7

0

0

3rd

7

4

0

3

Mentions must go to Phoebe Watson and Kelly Duncan, both Year 11 students, who have made the leap to Senior Netball fluently. Kelly’s natural athleticism has helped her become a reassuring and invaluable player, and one I am sure who will enjoy an extensive career in the firsts. Phoebe cannot be faulted on her commitment to the game, evident in her selection for the Bath Extension Centre. She has been a great addition to the team and has been one half of the most effective defending partnerships I’ve ever had the privilege to play with.

Pahrnia, our lone L6th-er, has impressed with her boundless energy, positive attitude and fiery temperament on court. She’s not half bad at the throwing and catching part either, and must be commended for her willingness to play any position.

4th

7

6

0

1

15A

7

1

1

5

15B

7

2

0

5

15C

1

0

0

1

14A

5

1

0

0

14B

5

1

0

0

13A

9

4

1

4

13B

4

3

1

0

13C

1

1

0

0

To the leavers: Sarah Ryder is undoubtedly one of the school’s best athletes, and this year has really seen her come into her own on the netball court. Her stamina, defending and rapid passing have been crucial to the team’s success and the midcourt won’t look the same without her. Izzi Watson has been integral to not only a hugely effective defence but also in maintaining the positivity and commitment which have made it such a pleasure to play in the firsts. Her diligent work in converting every ball is admirable, and her movement on court is a joy to watch. Over the years she has matured into a confident, capable and impressive athlete and receives the most improved player award. Sacha Craig possesses the sort of infuriating sporting ability which makes everything appear easy, and is consequently a fantastic netballer both to watch and play with. Her hard work in the shooting circle has helped the team convert possession, and her accuracy as a shooter has grown throughout the season. She is therefore elected the ‘Players’ Player of the Season’ for her continued merit. A captain could not ask for a better vice than Georgia Sharp, who has been a fellow member of the first VII for 3 years. Georgia’s complete dedication to the sport and innate leadership qualities made her perfect for the job, and thanks to her powerful passing, dynamic movement and persistent defending, she is a force to be reckoned with on court.

As both a vice captain and a friend she has been exceptional.

12A

7

2

0

5

12B

5

4

0

1

12C

2

2

0

0

The firsts have also had an excellent season, winning all but their first match against KES. Over the term, the team has produced some fast and intelligent netball, characterized by a high work rate, positive approach and 100% team effort.

Of course, the teams’ various successes would not have been possible without the help of a dedicated few, so thanks must go to Maddy, Miss Murchison, Miss Beale, Ms Newman, Mrs Martindale, Mrs Matthews, Mrs Jenner, Miss Wright and of course Miss Paver, whose commitment to the netball club has proved unwavering. I thank her profusely for everything she has done, both with teams and on a personal level.

"...the ability to field a fourth team is testament to the enthusiastic attitude which exists amongst the seniors..."

Kingswood in Focus 49

Charles Morris leads KS road race

Cross Country Cross country has always been a great part of Kingswood’s sporting life and this year has been no exception.

The senior team consisting of: Alex Beishon, Sam Parsons, Tim Little, Ross Evans, John Kelly, Tom Searle (who made his debut for the team this year), Patrick Morgan and Annie West, all have improved in fitness as the term has progressed and had great fun.

It all started way back in November at the BANES XC Championships with seventy Kingswood students competing against ten other schools.

Kingswood had wins in four out of the eight age categories: Year 7 Boys, Year 8 and 9 Girls, Year 10 and 11 Boys and amazingly the Sixth form Boys also won. The three medal winners were Annie West and Rachel Greenslade (2nd in their races) and Leo Fini (3rd in Year 7).

Eighteen Kingswood runners qualified for the County Championships at Blaise Castle early in January. There were some very strong individual performances from Leo Fini, Jess Portman, Alice Havers, Rachel Greenslade, Charles Morris and Alex Beishon. The star of the day was undoubtedly Annie West, crossing the line in second place in the Senior Girls race and guaranteeing herself a place in the South West Championships.

The House matches, just before the end of term, were well contested and it has been great to see the breadth of talent coming through the school.

Annie in the lead

With the races at Bryanston cancelled, the match at Downside was the first school competition of the season with nine schools attending and Kingswood managed a very respectable fourth place with Patrick Morgan the first counter.

The following week was our home race with one hundred and seventy runners from twelve schools. This was Alex Beishon’s first school race and he was first home for the Senior Boys in tenth place. The Inter Boys team also did well to come fourth with Charles Morris leading the Kingswood side. The following week saw Annie competing at the SW Championships, securing her place in the Nationals by being the first counter for the County side. At Milton Abbey just before half term, the senior side achieved the best result of the term with a third place, with Alex Beishon and Sam Parsons finishing strongly.

Races at Clayesmore and Sherborn followed half term with Kingswood beating Clifton for the first time this term. Although the boys had a week to charge their batteries, Annie was off to Liverpool to compete in the Nationals, and again was a star repeating her SW success and finishing first for County team in one hundred and twelfth place from over three hundred runners.

In the final week Kingswood had two fixtures and at King’s Bruton it was a great to see the Year 7 boys Harry Waring and Alec Shute making their debut in the Inter Boys race with Harry placed twelfth. In the senior race Patrick Morgan was again the first counter with Ross Evans and Nick Grant also running well. At the Canford relay the Inter Boys managed a very creditable sixth place from eighteen teams but it was the individual fastest lap times from Annie West and Ralph Eliot that proved to be the highlight.

The most improved runner this season was John Kelly as his constant hard work in training sessions enabled him to complete the Bath Half marathon in an excellent time.

A special mention must also go to Alex Beishon who has had some great runs this season, being only a couple of minutes behind the leading runner in nearly every race. From a team point of view, next year the team will all be U6th and I am sure this will be to our advantage.

Winners were:

We would like to thank Mr Lloyd for coming out and training with the team, as his useful advice and encouragement helped us to keep pushing ourselves when we felt like giving up. Annie West would also personally like to thank Mrs Dawson for helping her with the longer distance training for the marathon.

Year 7: Rachel Greenslade and Leo Fini Year 8: Amber James and Matthew Jeffery Posnett won both of the boys’ races Beckford won both of the girls’ races.

Year 9: Stephanie Clutterbuck & Naysan Foroudi Fonthill and Middle won the trophy Years 10 and 11 Boys: Charles Morris (he also beat all the senior boys) Sixth Form Boys: George Jolliffe Senior Girls: Annie West

Colour Awards Full: Annie West

Half: Alex Beishon

Tom Searle

Finally a thank you goes to Mr Burgon for organising all of the cross country this term, from his training sessions and his team talks. He has helped us to develop throughout the season into a much stronger team and of course we cannot forget Harry who has also been a great mascot to the team this season!

Patrick Morgan & Annie West (X-country Captains 2008) 50 Kingswood in Focus

KPS Girls' Netball Another extensive fixture list was enjoyed by the girls this term playing in excess of 70 matches.

The girls in Year 5 and Year 6 play normal 7 aside netball and even though many of the girls are beginning to have their preferred positions we do encourage the girls to be versatile. This approach develops their individual skills and improves their overall understanding of the game.

A prime example was one of our most talented U11 players Katy Humphrey, who started the season as Goal Attack and finished the season as Goal Keeper! There is always the exception and I would like to mention our outstanding U11 Wing Defence who did monopolise her position for the whole season and deservedly so, Harriet Leventhal.

"The highlight was the Year 4 team winning the prestigious All Hallows Netball Tournament."

The Year 3s and Year 4s also played extremely well and have enjoyed playing High 5’s which allows each player to rotate position after each quarter.

The highlight of the netball term was the Year 4 team winning the prestigious All Hallows Netball Tournament. This was a fantastic achievement considering the team had never played 7 aside netball before and were shooting into nets a foot higher than their usual

height! They should be congratulated on how quickly they adapted and how their competitive spirit allowed them to beat some of the top prep schools in the area. Eventually they beat Clifton College in an extremely exciting final, winning 4 - 2. Congratulation to the team: Sarah Rawle, Ella Reeman, Olivia Spence, Beth Hirst, Phillipa Curtis, Charlotte Crowe, Emer Buggy, Susannah Sealy.

Once again I extend my thanks to all the staff and parents which helped make the netball season so enjoyable.

Mrs Michelle Newman (Head of Girls' Games)

KPS Boys' Hockey In terms of strength, the current Year 6 boys must rate as the best in the history of KPS. We have a very strong ‘A’ team with another 15 boys who would not look out of place in that team. At times the ‘B’ team has won with embarrassing ease which means that the future looks bright for this year group. Our ‘A’ team lost just once all season, whilst the Under As although drawing a number of games, went undefeated for the 10 As, whole term. The skilful Hywel Jones in Year 6 and Jez Hardman in Year 5 led their respective teams with distinction.

"...every boy throughout the Prep School has been involved in regular matches."

The Under 9 team also enjoyed a season which saw steady improvement throughout. In Sam Ryan they have an outstanding player, whilst the unearthing of goalkeeper, Rafe Watson, has been a major success. The Year 3s have also improved considerable in terms of skill and understanding, whilst again every boy throughout the Prep School has been involved in regular matches.

Mr Ian Shrubsole (Head of Sport, KPS) Kingswood in Focus 51

Special Events

Fashion Show The Fonthill Fashion Show was a great success and can proudly be remembered for its £1,500 raised for charity, splitting the money raised between the Friends of the Bath Mineral Hospital and the Upper Development. The range in ages of the models was diverse, ranging from Prep School girls and boys modelling … to Westwood modelling … and finally to the senior girls and boys; some of whom have caused a great following by members of the female sixth form modelling Gaff. We would like to thank the models for their great enthusiasm – most of the time! They learned all their routines with professional attitudes and wore all the clothes confidently. We would also like to thank Sabra Gardener again for her help and professional opinion throughout the choreographing of walks and preparation for the night. Artizan did a major favour for the school in prepping all the models with styled hair and even gave Sophia Briffa a free hair cut, much to the jealousy of everyone else.

Sophia was joined in presenting with Alex Field, who also got make-up along with the girls and a very persistent Charlie Harman, done by Lancôme. The dance routines were practised months in advance and although have been put up on You tube, Harry Russell still thinks he could have done a better job. Miss Wright deserves a mention for being basically the brains behind the idea, and all we say to the lower sixth wishing to organise it again next year is please do and…Good Luck!!

Georgia Clark

An 'International' Welcome to our Overseas Students Each year we welcome a number of new students from around the world, many of whom speak a number of different languages and some who will be experiencing the UK, or at least education in the UK as a very new adventure! At Kingswood we appreciate the benefits of a multi-cultural society and the global outlook that it brings to the community and it is our wish to make our overseas students feel as comfortable and settled as quickly as possible. At the beginning of a new academic year, our ‘Welcome Reception’ is hosted by Rev. Mike Wilkinson, our Chaplain (Deputy Head Pastoral) as Head of Boarding, together with the Headmaster, some of the Heads of Boarding Houses and most importantly, our Head of ESL, Mr Simon Forrester, who says, “We aim to give guidance to international students, about school life or their new ‘home’ in the UK whilst away from their families as well as providing a central location where they can come to receive continuing support and assistance throughout their time at the School.” There are normally around 20 different nationalities represented with the School at any one time and we share and celebrate our different cultures together.

Ms Angela Carlton-Porter (Director of Public Relations)

Parents' Concert On Wednesday 5th December, twenty-eight talented and willing parents from both KPS and the Senior School gave a most memorable concert to an appreciative audience to raise money for the Upper Sports Development. Music ranged from Classical to folk, from rock bands to soloists, duos, a string quartet and a delightful choir, all of whom had put in much time and effort to attain a most impressive and entertaining standard. The event raised nearly £3000 in total, a splendid sum for a worthy cause, and just as importantly, great fun was had by all. A very special thank you to Mr Gareth Lloyd for not only organising the event, but also taking part.

52 Kingswood in Focus

New international arrivals - September 2007

Ted's Big

Book Week's Famous Visitors In March KPS was delighted to welcome Julian Richards, television presenter, archaeologist and author, for the day as part of Book Week. His enthusiasm and love for his work were clearly transmitted to all year groups from Y1- Y6 as they each spent a lesson with him in the hall learning about what an archaeologist does followed by a ‘blanket dig’. Sheets of different coloured materials are used to represent soil layers and uncover the evidence of a prehistoric house and burial. He talked about an archaeologist’s work being like that of a detective, painstakingly looking for clues about how ordinary people from the past lived and died. He then went on to show how this evidence is put together to reconstruct a prehistoric house using wattling and clay. Everyone was able to contribute to its construction. Julian pitched his work appropriately to all ages and was impressed with the children’s contribution and understanding.

We hope to be able to invite Julian back to KPS in the future to do a little archaeological excavation with some children in the grounds. Judging from the children’s interest in archaeology, I am certain that there would be many children willing to sign up to doing some serious research into the past whilst getting very messy into the bargain!

Day Out

A surprise visitor to KPS – ‘Ted’ himself came to one of the school assemblies to thank all the children for their magnificent efforts in fund raising for ‘Ted’s Big Day Out’ for the RUH Friends appeal.

The ‘Challenges’ of Starting in Year 2007 Without doubt, the best day so far”, agreed a group of Year 7’s, and not just because it was a non-uniform day…although that did help! “We had lots of challenges in our groups, including a ‘Who is it?’ challenge where we all had to ask each other questions to find out if they had a tortoise called Ping pong, or if they went on holiday to the Outer Hebrides. Our physical challenge involved lots of races and competitions between groups in the Sports Hall leaving some of us quite exhausted! We had to use Maths and a map to find out about different parts of the school, and we also had a creative challenge.

This involved making a large collage of the letters for GEOGRAPHY MAKES SENSE OF THE WORLD for the Geography department to display. In the drama challenge we had to invent and produce a play about a poem we were given involving comedy action and loads of enthusiasm. (Thankfully, we were helped in this by some of the Sixth Formers). “I got to know a lot more people in my year and we worked well together in our team”, was the response from one of the new Year 7 pupils.

Harry Waring, Tim Rouse, Emily Priest & Josh Fry (Winners of ‘ the write-up!’)

The children at KPS were also delighted to meet Cathy Cassidy, author of ‘Dizzy’, ‘Indigo Blue’, ‘Driftwood’, ‘Scarlett’ ‘Sundae Girl’ ‘Lucky Star’ and ‘Gingersnaps’ – all books that the girls in particular enjoy.

Olivia Watts (left with Cathy Cassidy) was lucky enough to get her autograph during the visit.

Mr Philip Dixon (Deputy Head, KPS) Kingswood in Focus 53

Eco-Schools

The Day the School Turned Green March 7th 2008 will be remembered by many as the day that the custard turned green, mysterious footprints appeared in all the classrooms, and the languages department became really cold.

It will be remembered by members of Eco-Schools as a culmination of an exhaustive effort that had gone on for many months before.

And hopefully, it will also be remembered as the day that – because the stakes had risen so high and realisation of self-importance had become so critical, together with the fact that awareness had reached one hundred percent – everyone became eco-friendly.

I am, of course, referring to Green Day which was an idea proposed by student members of Eco-Schools in the middle of 2007. Its aims were to increase the awareness of how wasteful Kingswood can be, to try and

Catering Department, thought-provoking assemblies were produced, and teachers’ concerns addressed to try and cause as least disruption as possible.

Awareness-wise it is difficult to imagine how someone could have missed the sheer number of ‘green’ messages that Eco-Schools bombarded Kingswood School with on Green Day including functional light switch covers, fridge magnets and reusable paper pads encouraging people to think green. The evidence seemed to show that nobody did miss it. I can happily reveal that the reduction in the amount of energy consumed on that day was significant: 35% for gas and 16.4% for energy. This amounts to a savings of £79.87 for the day which could mount up to an impressive £2,400 per month if we maintained the effort of reducing energy waste (i.e., turning down the thermostat and wearing jumpers, turning off lights, etc.).

Traffic congestion on the day was also cut with many parents actively becoming involved helpfully, forcing their children to make their own ways to school via cycling, walking and car-sharing. Two members of the Sixth Form actually walked to school all the way from Marshfield! Teachers should also be congratulated for the decreased use of paper that day and kept the photocopier practically silent while still keeping students working.

So yes, if you haven’t already realised, Green Day was a success with brilliant co-operation from all and a satisfying amount of respect for people trying to save the world. Envolve, our local environmental organisation, was so impressed by the proposal of a ‘Green Day' day that they encouraged other schools in the Bath area to undertake similar projects. Perhaps this could mean that Green Day will become an annual event for all schools within the area.

What I, and the rest of Eco-Schools, really hope for, however, is that Green Day remains not just a memory, but that the messages it broadcast become embedded in the school’s consciousness. People should reduce the amount of paper, fuel and energy used not just once a year but for every day of every year.

The experience gained on Green Day should be proactively used for the future and only then will sustainability become a reality. Let’s keep an unspoilt world from becoming just a memory...

"...plans for a green lunch were made with the Catering Department..." radically reduce said waste for a day, and to provide feasible long-term solutions for reducing the waste. Had it been known that so much effort would have been poured into the creation of Green Day then perhaps it would never have come to be, but on the other hand, its efforts were worth it as all three tasks were appropriately accomplished. Data was collected via surveys (traffic and energy waste in co-ordinance with the Maintenance Department), plans for a green lunch were made with the 54 Kingswood in Focus

Jamie Rakoczi (Year 11)

Out & About

Junior Ski Trip Tignes - Easter 2008

A school party of 70 people travelled to Tignes in the French Alps over the holiday to enjoy the sun and the snow in this extensive resort.

The pupils ranged in age from 3 to the more experienced 14 and all enjoyed superb skiing conditions throughout the six days of skiing. The group was split into five ski groups according to ability with experienced ESF instructors and all made rapid progress. Whilst Harry and Tim Rouse were the pick of the experienced skiers, Conor O’Sullivan, Callum Lloyd – James and Nick Phillips showed great technique. The best beginner award went to Nick Mackenzie who was able to ski most runs in the resort after only 6 days on skis.

Evening entertainment included swimming, dvd, quiz night, disco and the ever popular bumboarding where Daisy Bendrey came a little too close to the snow for comfort. Huge speeds were recorded down the 500m piste with some of the dads coming close to the land speed record.

Overall the whole group had a great time and were very well looked after by the kind and welcoming staff of the Hotel Tignes 2100. The only major upset in the whole trip was the delayed return from Geneva Airport due to the 2cms of snow on the runway at Bristol Airport.

Mr Hollywell would like to express his thanks to all the staff – Mrs Hollywell, Mrs Mainwaring and from the prep school Mr and Mrs Titley and Miss Lansdell - who by their hard work and dedication helped to make the trip so enjoyable for so many people.

Mr Phil Hollywell (Senior Housemaster, Westwood and Trip Organiser!)

Sevington Victorian School Year 6 paid their annual visit to Sevington Victorian School, near Grittleton in November. They enjoyed dressing up in appropriate costumes with Mr Dixon looking suitable severe as a Victorian school master with a cane (not featured here for fear of scaring the reader!).

I believe there was an ‘incident’ in the school shop (acted of course!) in which Policeman Johncox had to interrogate Masters Roper and Owens. I understand that no charges were pressed!

Roving Reporter – Mr Marcus Cornah Kingswood in Focus 55

French Exchange - Kingswood-Toulouse, Easter 2008 In the last week of the Easter holidays 30 pupils and staff travelled to Toulouse in the South-West of France to take part in the annual French exchange having already hosted partners from the lycée Saint-Sernin in March. Leaving Bath covered in snow it was in fact the British weather which led to a four-hour delay at Gatwick airport, still there was the advantage of having a £5 food voucher to spend and the high point of Jeff Carpenter serenading all passengers (whether they wanted to hear or not!) Once in Toulouse all partners were re-united with their exchange families only to meet up with Kingswood staff and pupils the next day at school.

Going to a French school is an experience.

Firstly, lots of pupils had to travel by Metro to get to school and many were surprised at how early they had to start (08.00) and how late lessons went on until (18.00) But not all pupils have lessons at the same time which provided lots of number practice for the Kingswood pupils! After negotiating the school’s dining hall and the huge numbers of pupils outside the lycée (pupils are either locked in or locked out of school whichever way you choose to view it which is the French way of dealing with less than punctual pupils!) the party met up for a walking tour of Toulouse which took in the major sights: the Basilique Saint-Sernin, la place du Capitole, les Berges de la Garonne, etc. Much was learnt as was proved by the very high-scoring marks in Tuesday’s quiz following an outing to the medieval town of Carcassonne and the Canal du midi. Wednesday saw both French and English pupils visit the Millau Viaduct put together by French people but built by a Brit! Our lasting memory of this viaduct being not the amazing structure itself but why we were not allowed to eat our lunch there! Our afternoon was spent in the caves which are home to Roquefort cheese, tasting it and buying it and of course smelling it! Kingswood pupils enjoyed another early start on Thursday and attended lessons in the lycée again before visiting the local newspaper: la Dépêche du Midi – we won’t mention the erratic driving skills of our delightful

German Exchange

But, this trip is not just about the many scintillating activities on offer and I am sure you will agree we did pack in lots. It is about the willingness to stay with someone you barely know and who barely speaks your language and to have a stab at speaking their language as well as listen to and understand them. For all participants it makes for a huge adventure whether you are trying food which is hugely different to that which you would normally eat, trying to explain what you did during the day or just getting the name of the family pet correct! (Nina) An exchange is about temporarily swapping homes, families and schools but also about realising that the French don’t drive on the wrong side of the road and they don’t support the wrong rugby team, just a different one.

Many thanks to all pupils who took part in the trip and to Mr Forrester and Miss Vigliucci for their help throughout. The exchange will run at the same time next year, further details will follow in September.

Mrs Kate Brown (Head of French)

- Kingswood-Schillergymnasium, October 2007

The National Express coach to London left with Mr Duke, Mrs Heseltine and 19 out of the 20 German exchange students. No one knows exactly what Mr Duke said to the driver, but he was persuaded to make an unofficial stop at Membury services and pick up the remaining student (me), who had chased the coach since Junction 18. With everyone finally on board we were all looking forward to seeing our exchange partners again. We had only said goodbye to them two days previously and so when we reached Münster any feelings of uncertainty dissipated.

Day 2 In the centre of Münster there was a large market taking place (similar to the world renowned Weihnachtsmarkt). There were hundreds of open trailers, stalls and tables displaying strings of sausages, spices, Christmas decorations, jewellery and flowers.

We spent the morning wandering about the market. Later we all caught a bus to one of our exchanges partners’ favourite places, the ‘Billardhalle’, to meet up. It was like a youth club. The rest of the evening was spent in high spirits reunited with everyone. When we left the centre it was late, but it seems that public transport in Germany never stops. Buses run like clockwork and bikes own the roads.

Day 3 Our third day was spent getting to know the city of Münster through the eyes of our exchange partners who gave us the ‘unofficial’ tour.

Day 4 Our fourth day started so early I can barely remember it! However, it’s not so bad once you have completed the freezing 20-minute cycle to the Schillergymnasium, and have got through the first forty-five minute long lesson. We began to feel slightly more awake at about 8 o’clock during period one. Later Herr Hehmann took us on a historical tour of Münster (the early mornings were offset by the short school day; we finished at 1 o‘clock). We were shown the numerous churches and the Ulm Cathedral.

The Ulm is the tallest church in the world with its steeple measuring 56 Kingswood in Focus

‘conductrice’ or the ‘souris!’ (Emily Patterson) Friday morning welcomed the most difficult logistic task of the whole trip which was to get all of the party onto the metro, off again and onto a bus to visit Cité de l’Espace – that’s the space centre you can see from the motorway when you drive past on your way further south. Going to the IMAX cinema was certainly a high point of the day but alas we had to return to school to meet the chocolatier. We tasted chocolate from all over the globe and learnt how to appreciate its ‘chocolateyness’ although nobody could quite see the red specks in the Venezuelan chocolate despite our best attempts. The weekend was then again spent ‘en famille’ and we all met up at the airport on Sunday to say our farewells (some longer than others – Kleenex crew!) And that’s not all; some of us nearly didn’t make it back and some Roquefort definitely didn’t!

161.53m. Even the world’s tallest church could not keep Oscar out of the chocolate shops and Ed out of the ubiquitous ‘Bäckereien’ !

Day 5 We were whisked away by Herr Hehmann for a trip to the science museum in Bremen. The museum in the middle of a small lake was in the shape of a giant fish, so naturally we were expecting great things from it.

We were not disappointed. There was a simulation of the Arctic and a giant see-saw and pitch black maze in which Kate and I got lost. Mr Duke ensured that we weren’t missing out on our science lessons by trying to demonstrate potential stretch energy on one of the interactive displays which was supposed to lift him into the air. Unfortunately he didn’t take into account the effects of his frequent visits to the Bäckereien!

Day 6 After school we all met up at the Eisbahn (ice rink). Unlike our partners who all skated as though they had been born on skates, many of us left the rink with thoroughly bruised behinds. Adam, you’re meant to glide, not walk!

On our last day, we went with Herr Maier to Bochum to see the old coal mine. Coal was vital for the economy of the Ruhr area. Day 7 We met in the foyer of the Schillergymnasium to say goodbye before the taxis arrived to take us to the station. Leaving was a sad affair and everyone got very emotional.

As we waved goodbye to Germany we knew that we had made friends for life and we were already looking forward to seeing them next year. A huge ‘danke schön’ to Mr Duke for arranging the whole trip and of course to Mrs Heseltine, who was an excellent sport and great fun; it is thanks to her, (“The bikes, mind the bikes!”) that none of us strayed into the cycle lanes! If you have the opportunity to go on the exchange then I would recommend it.

Isabelle Mulvany (Year 10)

Robine Hawken measures wind speed on the dunes

Field Trip As part of the A2 Biology course, 25 U6 students went to Nettlecoombe Court in September, on a residential Field trip.

On the first day, they studied sand dune succession at Saunton Sands. This was done by carrying out an interrupted belt transect which involved identifying and quantifying the plant species present, as well as measuring a number of abiotic factors, at various positions across the dunes.

Based at Nettlecoombe for the second day they tried out various field work techniques. They kick sampled in the river to investigate the distribution of various invertebrate species in relationship to flow rate and then analysed the data using the Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. They used point frames to sample sloping and flat grasslands and analysed their results using the Mann Whitney U statistical test to see if there were any significant differences.

Mrs Jenny Opie (Head of Biology)

Brecan Beacons

Simon Merrill measures flow rate

Ten Tors Training Training for Ten Tors began in February with a trip to the Mendips and a 10-mile circuit around Cheddar Gorge. Interest has been considerable this year particularly amongst Year 10, twenty of whom took part in the first walk.

The second trip took the group to the Brecon Beacons to complete the Pen-y-fan horseshoe. The weather was very variable with some stinging hail storms and so provided a good opportunity for kit testing. The final training session of the spring term took place in the Black Mountains with an arduous 18-mile circuit from Llanbeder in strong winds but fortunately in the dry. The group will visit Dartmoor for the first time at the end of the Easter holiday.

Mr John Davies (Outdoor Pursuits Co-ordinator & Senior Housemaster, Upper)

Black Mountains

Kingswood in Focus 57

Forging a Link with a Methodist School in Japan It was a pleasure to join the Headmaster and the Development Director on a trip to Japan... ...because I love the country and I had enjoyed the visit of teachers from the Japanese Methodist School, Kwansei Gakuin, to Kingswood in 2003. Having spent three years in Japan teaching English in secondary schools I was able assist Mr Best and Ms Carlton-Porter with matters of communication and they also enjoyed learning about the cultural differences. Prior to departure the Chaplain at Kwansei Gakuin, Daniel Dellming, was very helpful planning our schedule.

As is customary in Japan, we were afforded a very warm welcome by our hosts in Kobe. Kwansei Gakuin has a sprawling campus and although we forged a link through our Methodist connections with the

Senior High School for Boys aged 15-18, the site boasts a university and graduate school as well as a co-ed primary school and a secondary school! Japan is famed for ceremonies and the official exchange of gifts and the mutual agreement, to work more closely together, between Mr Sumita, the Headmaster of both the Senior and Junior High School and Mr Best came with typical Japanese pomp and circumstance. All three of us were required to deliver speeches in the capacious chapel, which were interpreted for the Japanese students. I delivered a short address using the local dialect known as ‘Osaka-ben’ which was well-received.

"The school DVD and the headmaster’s speech were a real hit..."

Over lunch we were entertained by the Chancellor of Kwansei Gakuin’s university and Dr Yamauchi, the Chairman of the Kansei Gakuin Board, a previous visitor to Kingswood School Methodist Conferences.

We were given a wonderful guided tour around Japanese’s former Kyoto, which remained largely untouched while other cities were brought to their knees during 1945. Being a keen historian and photographer, the Headmaster was in his element marvelling at the Golden Pavilion, Zen temples and Shinto Shrines, which told a thousand years of Japanese history. We ate a very memorable meal with about ten different courses in a traditional tatami room looking out through screens over a quintessential Japanese dry landscaped garden. Mr Best and Ms Carlton-Porter’s ability to eat a wide variety of sea creatures and bow correctly improved over the week.

We left Kobe on the Shinkansen heading to Tokyo and were blessed with cloudless blue skies, which allowed us to see Fujisan at her best complete with snow capped peak. In Tokyo we were fortunate enough to take part in a recruitment evening organised by Gabbitas and hosted at the British Council Offices. The school DVD and the headmaster’s speech were a real hit and precipitated much interest in Kingswood. The penultimate day of our trip was spent interviewing about a dozen potential Japanese

58 Kingswood in Focus

boarding pupils of real calibre. We are delighted to be welcoming two pupils into the school as a consequence and hope that more will follow.

It was rather surreal being back at Kingswood School thirty-six hours after having stood on the fiftieth floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Building with skyscrapers stretching all the way to the horizon.

I was relieved that having purported to speak the lingua japonica that I was able to make the experience more comfortable and enjoyable for all concerned. I would, if there is enough interest amongst pupils and parents, like to consider a trip in the summer of 2010 to build on the link we have established with Kwansei Gakuen and take in many sites in Western Japan.

Those interested should contact rjd@kingswood.bath.sch.uk

Mr Roderick Duke (Head of Languages Faculty)

When the School Comes to You! Towards the end of last year, I received an intriguing e-mail informing me that a delegation from KS would be coming to Japan on a student-recruiting tour, and inviting me to drinks at the Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku, Tokyo. A short while later, on November 15th, I met Headmaster Gary Best, Head of Modern Languages Roderick Duke, and Development Director (with responsibility for Alumni Relations), Angela Carlton-Porter. As well as interviewing prospective students, I guess they were taking the opportunity to verify my suitability for the position of KS Representative in Japan. I must have passed the test!

I was at Priors Court from 1974 to 1979, and KS from 1979 to 1984. I was a Westwood Prefect, Captain of the cross-country team, and just generally had a fantastic time participating in the various activities that being a boarder at KS allowed: choir, orchestra, theatre, musicals, sport, and even a rock band! Whilst at PC, girls were first admitted, and whilst at KS, Lower House was disbanded (to become ‘Westwood’), and the new gymnasium was constructed. On leaving KS, I went to King’s College London, and graduated in French with a minor and a diploma in Theology.

I left the UK to travel round the world, and I have been in Japan ever since! I thought it would be a good experience to try living and working in an Asian country that I knew nothing about, and so decided to stay a while. Oh yeah, and I also ran out of money my first week here! The economy was booming, and English conversation teachers were in great demand. All in all, it seemed like a good opportunity to avoid going back to the UK and getting stuck in the rat race!

Chris as a boy at Kingswood

In my 19 years here, I have worked as an English conversation teacher, translator (French and Japanese

Edward's Operation Publicity Shot

to English), DVD subtitler, wedding celebrant, narrator, actor, singer and musician. A movie I was in was shown to the Emperor and won a prize at Cannes despite only having about one second of screen time!

I have spent the past two years building a small but pro-level recording studio in one of our downstairs rooms. My band, “Edward’s Operation” (thanks again to Andrew Hudson, Andrew James and Pete Thompson of the original KS Edward’s Operation for permission to use the name) and I are currently preparing to record our first album! Fifteen songs at a very affordable price! It has been (and continues to be) a very steep learning curve! Check out our website at edwardsoperation.com.

To make up for my own (serious) deficiencies in that department, my wife (who also works in the wedding industry here) is an accomplished violinist, and, in addition to her own classical teaching and performing, plays electric violin in the band.

I have no idea what the future holds, except that I expect to be in Japan for the rest of my days (may they be long and fruitful), so if anyone wants to visit us, or just say hi, please e-mail me at dixonyan@gol.com.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Mr Chris Dixon (KS 1975-1984) Kingswood in Focus 59

The Particle Adventure This year we took the plunge and arranged a trip which we had been considering for some time to one of the most important Physics experiments in the world at ‘CERN’, the Centre for European Nuclear Research, just outside Geneva in Switzerland.

Our eager team of 24 staff and sixth form students set out early on Thursday 14 December and travelled by minibus, plane and then efficient Swiss train to within a short walk of the Hotel Cristal, where we were staying, in the centre of Geneva. On the Thursday night we endured bracing winds as we took in the fresh night air on an evening walk down to the lake, and after eating out, we all slept like logs.

After an early start with a continental breakfast, strong coffee and some bleary eyed students, we jumped on a swish luxury coach for the short trip to CERN.

On our tour of the site we were whisked around a large variety of experimental areas. Linear accelerators of the past were opened up for us to see the inner workings. We saw the start point for protons that would end up zooming around at close to the speed of light. We were guided around LEAR, an antimatter storage ring, where the annihilation reactions between matter and anti-matter can be studied. Lastly we saw a large synchrotron, with a particle beam maybe 30m in diameter surrounded by huge electromagnets and concrete shielding. Computer enthusiasts were able to dribble at the huge array of hardware at the computer centre. The internet was originally developed at CERN in the 1960s and the ‘grid’ is their plan for the future: 8000 PCs at CERN and over 100,000 more connected together via the internet give a huge network for analysing experimental data!

" The size and complexity of what we saw were truly staggering..."

First of all we were treated to a spoken and film presentation on the history and development of particle accelerators since 1950. It was explained how in order to understand matter at a smaller scale and to see further back towards the ‘Big Bang’, that larger and more powerful machines were needed.

After a brain-taxing morning we had time to savour Geneva in the afternoon and evening. We took in some culture with a visit to the cathedral and a climb up the highest towers, affording fantastic views of the city, Lake Geneva as well as the stunning snow-capped Jura mountain range. Shopping in the beautiful old part of the city was popular, with Swiss chocolate proving an obvious choice as a gift for back home.

The next morning we had another early start and cleared ourselves and our kit out of the hotel for our second CERN visit. We started in their permanent exhibition centre called ‘Microcosm’ which was packed with excellent displays and audio visual presentations. It was a bright start and set us up for the main event which was a visit to the Compact Muon Solenoid, an experimental site several kilometers away along the Large Hadron Collider ring.

We were all issued with helmets and descended 100m underground to the enormous chamber where the final stages of construction of this detector were underway. The size and complexity of what we saw were truly staggering and we all sat around in awe and wonder! We had a whistle stop tour of the site, seeing amongst other things, superconducting magnetic coils, huge transparent lead crystals and more huge parts of the particle detector under construction to name but a few.

Despite having seen photos of CERN and its experiments on websites and in textbooks, one cannot truly appreciate just how stunning the work that is being undertaken there is without a visit and I think we all set off home quite staggered by what we had seen.

Mr Richard Burton (Head of Physics)

60 Kingswood in Focus

Cornwall Art Trip On 14 September, Mr Main, Miss Appleyard and Mrs Heseltine set off to Cornwall with a minibus full of lively AS art students in tow. The first stop was St Ives – we made our way down through the cobbled streets to the Tate Art Gallery, where an enthusiastic guide showed us round. This was a great basis for our art projects.

Mr Main then made the risky decision to set us free to roam St Ives to get some individual inspiration. We explored the picturesque town and took pictures of whatever we could, along with some other activities − Annie and Emma came across a whole shark’s head floating about in the water, while supposedly ‘finding inspiration’ paddling in the sea.

That evening, after setting our things down in the Youth Hostel, we hiked down to a secluded rocky cove called Porth Navas. The moment we were ready along the shore with canvases and paintbrushes poised, the rains came down: keeping the paint on the canvas and not dribbling down our clothes was a real effort! A BBQ on the rocks followed by the clearing skies boosted spirits and painting inspiration as the sun set beautifully between distant rocks out at sea. Happy and surprisingly lively, we trekked back to the youth hostel in the darkness to rest for the next day.

By 9.00 am the next morning we were heading to Falmouth, to the National Maritime Museum.

The boats hanging from the ceiling and the double-headed-pig-in-a-jar were just some of the many interesting things we sketched and photographed. After a bit of exploration around Falmouth town, we all hopped into a boat and took a trip down the River Fal and estuary. This was an awesome boat ride, with lovely weather and great company.

performances came from Sophie Daniel, who made a very impressive Jamaican lobster. Mr Main then brought out his guitar and a sing-along session ensued.

Fun and games continued into the night!

The day got even better when we headed to Maenporth beach. Mr Main set a very good example by charging into the sea fully clothed – soon most of us were in the freezing water playing ball games, until we realised that we really did have to head back.

Even though it was only two and a half days long, it turned out to be an unforgettable trip; we not only gained a deeper understanding of Cornish art and life, we also became closer as a group which has definitely helped through this school year.

An evening of entertainment, provided by everyone there, followed our supper back at the Youth Hostel. In groups we came up with hilarious shows that regularly broke into song – memorable

Marianne Teoh

We want a Referendum!

On 27th February a group of L6 politics students went to Westminster to Lobby for the “We Want a Referendum!” campaign, in the hope of discussing a referendum for the EU Reform Treaty with Don Foster, MP for Bath. Raring to go, we huddled together on platform two, nine eager political enthusiasts off to the centre of British politics. On arrival at Parliament Square, we got our banners and placards, and were soon whipping up enthusiasm among the hordes of protesters. As the only people under fifty, we were quite the centre of attention! After much chanting and shouting, organisers of the event recruited us into their services, giving Will Samler the unique opportunity to dress in full rat costume as “Gordon Brown the Referendum Rat.” And so the next hour was spent, with aching eardrums due to raucous cheers we received for being “the young ones”, protesting up and down the mile long queues of campaigners waiting their turn to lobby MPs in Parliament.

Central Lobby, exchanging in some last minute discussions of possible questions for Don Foster.

Don took us to a quiet corner in the Great Hall, where he briefly gave us an interesting insight into the history of the building before the questioning began. Everyone held up well against Don, except for Amelia, whom Don politically crucified. Despite this, however, Don did not have as easy a time as he might have predicted, having to counter astute questions about the Lisbon Treaty, as well as the Liberal Democrats’ walkout in the House of Commons and their performance in elections. Although we didn’t manage to persuade Don to vote in Parliament in favour of a referendum, the meeting proved to be educational for all and some came out of it deciding that perhaps a referendum was not as appropriate as first thought.

"...the meeting proved to be educational for all..."

After lunch in John Wesley’s Methodist Central Hall, it was almost time for our meeting with Don Foster. Keen not to miss out on any time with him, we went through security early and waited apprehensively in the octagonal

Tired from the day’s activities the group decided it was time for a break, and so made our way to China Town where we discussed the day’s events over a delicious Chinese meal before making our way home, pleased with our efforts.

Amelia Tuckett, Rob House and James Dabell (L6 students) Kingswood in Focus 61

www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk