Kingswood In Focus - June 2009

focus Kingswood in

June 2009

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'From the Headmasters' Chapel & Community Prefects Maths and ESL Departments Autumn Sport Performing Arts Art Friends of KS and KPS MUN Eco-Schools Kingswood Association Spring Sport Out & About

Features 10

Literary Excellence Kingswood's budding poets and visiting authors

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International Flavours Kingswood shows its international spirit

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BBC Question Time This popular Current Affairs programme returns to Kingswood

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Geography Highlighting the diversity of the department

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Catering for the Caterers Kingswood's unsung heros come out of the kitchen

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Arkwright Scholars Showcasing the talents of Kingswood's DT students

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focus Kingswood in

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From the Headmaster

Kingswood's Values Two terms is certainly a very short time in a school like Kingswood with such a distinguished history... ...but the two terms which have passed since my arrival in September 2008, and which are so impressively reviewed in this excellent edition of Kingswood in Focus, have been a time of exciting change for me personally and it is with great pleasure and no little thanks that I now have the opportunity to reflect on these first 200 or so days.

There have, of course, been many highlights, but perhaps what is most interesting is what these highlights have told me about Kingswood and what really matters here.

I knew, of course, that I was coming to a very good school, and one whose educational principles were firmly based on a conviction that every individual has gifts to be discovered, nurtured and developed. What I could not have known from the outside, however, but which has struck me so often in the past two terms, was the extent to which these principles clearly pervade every single aspect of school life.

I have been impressed, indeed at times overwhelmed, by Mr Morris with Westwood pupils the quality achieved across such a breadth of activities, both inside and beyond the classroom, yet even more than this, I have been taken by the understated modesty with which Rightly underpinning all this, of course, is the Christian foundation of the all this is achieved. Many schools would be shouting very loudly school and the Christian values which inform the everyday life of the school. indeed if they achieved a fraction of what Kingswood pupils and staff I have been immensely impressed by the way in which, through example and achieve, yet it is the impressive humility encouragement, our pupils are able to engage which accompanies our pupils’ successes with spiritual issues and to consider their own which seems to me to characterise the School beliefs and values. The sense of service, apparent more than anything else. Perhaps we should not only in relationships within the School, but do more to highlight the staggering levels also in a commitment to community work both of success, but there is something hugely locally and internationally, the emphasis on impressive about pupils who take success intellectual curiosity, exploration and discussion in their stride, who go out of their way to in order to obtain a deeper understanding of support each other and who seem determined to make the most of oneself and the world we live in, the commitment to tolerance, honesty and what is on offer and about staff, both teaching and non-teaching, who integrity: these are all values which sit right at the heart of the Kingswood go the extra mile to ensure potential is realised. Kingswood is clearly community and which, I hope, prepare our pupils to make a significant a school where the sense of community really matters. The quality of contribution to the world beyond school. relationships at all levels is a defining characteristic at Kingswood; the As I mentioned recently to a gathering of former pupils and teaching seeming lack of cynicism a real credit to the young people we are so staff, it is somewhat daunting to pass the portraits of former headmasters fortunate to have in our care. en route to my office every morning and one cannot help but wonder what they might think of the Kingswood of today and its latest Headmaster. This daily occurrence also reminds me, however, of two important things: firstly, that Kingswood has a unique history and that this history must be embraced and respected as we move forward in to the next stage of the School’s development and, secondly, that I owe an enormous debt to these distinguished educators and not least to Gary Best, who not only steered the School through a period of considerable change to create the fine school we have today, but who also gave so generously of his time and expertise to ensure such a seemingly smooth transition from one headmaster to the next. I shall certainly seek to remember this as I look to continue Kingswood’s tradition for providing the very finest all-round education for every pupil in the School.

"Kingswood is clearly a school where the sense of community really matters."

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

From the KPS Headmaster

HMS Ajax Bell It is extraordinary how time flies when you work in a school.

One has to be careful speaking about warfare when talking to children of primary school age. My motivation in this instance was three of the key figures in this engagement.

Woodhouse, Tod and, in particular, the German Skipper, Captain Hans Langsdorf. I think it fair to say that Langsdorf was a German first, and a Nazi second.

When The Graf Spee raided the South Atlantic in the weeks preceding the battle attacking Allied Merchant Shipping, she sank 9 British Merchant Ships. Yet not one life was lost. Langsdorf was a person of strong Christian conviction a lay preacher, and his, in particular, was an inspiring story.

I gave a powerpoint presentation to the prep children during the first Wednesday Assembly of this term, which dealt with the battle, the pursuit, the trap of Montevideo and the scuttling of The Graf Spee.

We ended our assembly with the following prayer used in time of battle by the Royal Navy. Before Former Able Seaman Bill Smail, Marcus Cornah and HMS Ajax Bell the prayer I asked the children to imagine that, although KPS was not The regular events seem to come around with great speed and by the time a ship as such, like a ship we were a company of people bound together you have received this edition of KIF, in June, we will have performed each day at school. our school play, ‘Joseph and His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’.

"O Eternal Father, we pray for all who sail in this ship. Unite us in the Last year, we produced ‘Just So’, a musical based on the famous stories spirit of service and friendship and strengthen us that we may faithfully

by Rudyard Kipling and one of our leading actors was Oliver Gardner. perform our duty. We ask Thy blessing on those we love and pray that What pride we have all taken in his recent triumph on the West End stage we have lasting peace through Jesus Christ our Lord." Amen. as Billy Elliot. It is astonishing to think that these two performances happened within the same twelve months.

"The bell had been presented to Hermitage House School

by Vice-Admiral Sir Charles Woodhouse, the Captain of the Ajax during the battle."

During the Easter holidays, while ensconced for a couple of weeks in my home in the Scottish Highlands, I was able to have the time to research a naval battle, The Battle of the River Plate. While in Caithness I read in the Obituary page of The Daily Telegraph of the recent death of Commander Norman Tod at 98 years of age.

Commander Tod had been in the early days of WWII a flagship officer on HMS Ajax, and was responsible, along with two other allied ships HMS Exeter and HMSNZ Achilles, for the eventual destruction of the formidable German Pocket Battleship The Admiral Graf Spee. The actual ship’s bell of the Ajax has been in the atrium of Summerhill for many years, and as I had always intended to research the matter further, my interest was piqued. I prepared a School assembly on the subject.

I also said that I hoped that none of us in the hall would ever be involved in a war during the rest of our lives.

The bell had been presented to Hermitage House School by Vice-Admiral Sir Charles Woodhouse, the Captain of the Ajax during the battle. (Hermitage House, along with Kingswood’s boarding prep school, Prior’s Court near Newbury, formed the basis of KPS in the mid 1990’s.) Woodhouse lived nearby to the School in retirement, and may even have been on the Governing Body.

Mr Marcus Cornah (Headmaster, Kingswood Prep School)

2 Kingswood in Focus

Chapel and the Community

Disrupted by Snow?

I have, for years, and with not a little glee, mocked the ineptitude of southern councils when it comes to dealing with the white stuff.

Those who travel on roads marked by snow poles - there to guide the plough through deep drifts - guffaw when they see headlines for ‘Predicted Road Chaos’ on the strength of a fall equivalent to icing sugar on a fairy cake.

However, early February saw, for once and maybe never to be repeated for another twenty years, a snowfall of newsworthy proportions. Roads were impassable, schools closed and normal patterns of life were disrupted. That all sounds like ‘bad news’ and, for some, doubtless it was: money was lost, mobility was hampered and minor problems became major. However, with hindsight, it now feels like the kind of event which, once in a while, does us some good.

Technically, as a boarding school, Kingswood doesn’t close. There is always someone to feed, supervise and keep safe over any period when normal teaching activities are suspended.

We limped through Thursday 5th February with small classes and reduced staff but, also, a very discernible sense of excitement. The ‘free’ time in the day saw buildings empty as around three hundred youngsters went to ‘play’ in the snow. Health and Safety warnings from grown ups became so much wasted breath as they abandoned themselves to rumbustious snowball fights, makeshift slides and the simple pleasure of crashing around in virgin snow. Afternoon games with sticks and balls were a non-starter, so different kinds of teams set to building igloos in a competitive frame of mind. The games staff came back from the Upper saying that it had been one of the best, and doubtless most memorable sessions for everyone involved.

The evening forecast for a freeze and problems on the roads failed to pick up the arrival of another significant fall of snow. Pulling back the bedroom curtains on Friday 6th delivered a scene that shouted ‘even fewer today than yesterday’. The message on the website discouraged attendance and, with only one caterer on site by breakfast time, it was ‘make of it what you can’ for our boarding staff and students. We still managed to rustle up some worship for 9.00am and took time thereafter to plan the day ahead - no one was going anywhere. No one wanted to go anywhere, there were too many options on fun in the sun and the snow to make exits a preferred option.

At times like these, volunteers are in abundance. Easy meals mean pizza, chips and beans and with the prefects on washing up duties and the Headmaster serving the chips, there was the kind of community ambiance that we do not capture very often.

A few used the non-lesson time to catch up on coursework or finish an essay; a handful might have padded around the Houses thinking that Saturday had come early, but the majority were just happy being in their own Winter Wonderland - 80 acres of snow and pretty buildings with sights never seen before. For those from much warmer climes, this was a very special day.

The snow was deep and lasting - long enough for staff and pupil photographers to collect the images surrounding this text over three or four days of serious camera action. Their pictures are a far better testimony than my words - but they both come together as a useful archive of a very different few days in the life of the school.

We may have been disrupted, slightly, but we were also inspired.

Rev Mike Wilkinson (Deputy Head Pastoral & Chaplain)

Kingswood in Focus 3

Kingswood at Bath Abbey Christmas came early (eleven days early to be precise) at the end of the Autumn Term for a few members of Staff and pupils at Kingswood.

Past members of the Kingswood community were also involved in the service: Tim Westbrook, former Chairman of the Kingswood Association, and his wife Liz spoke about Christmas in Sri Lanka. This year they went out to a small town called Hambantota as part of the Abbey’s mission in helping foreign countries. Mr Jeremy Key-Pugh, who was Head of Modern Foreign Languages until July 2005, also contributed to the service.

Last year he took over as Church Warden when Liz Westbrook left for Sri Lanka; his address focused on the Abbey’s mission links.

"...it provided us with the opportunity to communicate the Christian message to a world-wide audience..."

On Sunday 14th December 2008, The Bath Abbey choirs of Girls, Boys and Men recorded a service of worship to be played on BBC Radio 4 at 9.00am on Christmas morning.

The pupils involved included Roman Banwell and Finbarr Lloyd from the Prep School, Ben Richardson, Charlie Seymour, my sister Harriet Garner and myself from the Senior School. The Staff members included the Senior Deputy Head, Mr Gareth Lloyd, and new singing teacher Mr Craig Bissex, who sang a fantastic solo in one of the carols, and, of course, French teacher Mr Marcus Sealy who is also Sub Organist at Bath Abbey. The girls and men sang two carols, 'Alleluia a New Work is Come on Hand' by Peter Wishart and 'A Stable Lamp is Lighted' by Richard Shephard, former Headmaster of the York Minster Choir School.

The boys and men sang 'On this Day Earth Shall Ring' by Haldane Campbell Stewart and 'A Babe is Born all of a May' by William Mathias.

All the singers combined in 'Ding Dong Merrily on High' in which Mr Sealy clearly enjoyed showing off the organ’s new Glockenspiel stop.

The service was greatly appreciated by all, even though the girls were rather annoyed when the BBC decided to cut one of their pieces because “people wouldn’t know it!” To compensate, however, in addition to the Christmas Morning Service, on Wednesday 21st January the girls’ and men’s choirs did another broadcast, this time on BBC Radio 3, and as Dr Peter King, our Director of Music, said: “They cannot cut any of this because it’s going out live!” The service commenced with the beautiful Introit 'Give us the Wings of Faith' by Sir Ernest Bullock, with the challenging 'Canticles in A' by Sir Charles V. Stanford. The complex Responses, composed by Richard Shepherd, are considered by many musicians to be amongst the finest of 20th Century settings of such works, whilst the little-known Anthem was a stunningly expressive chorus from Mendelssohn’s Oratorio St Paul – “Siehe, wir preisen selig”, which we sang, of course, auf Deutsch!

Both recordings provided us with the opportunity not only to understand more fully the complexities, challenges and frustrations of recording for the radio, but also – and more importantly – to communicate the Christian message to a world-wide audience – up to as many as 40 million on Christmas morning!

Beth Garner (Year 11)

Operation Christmas Child KPS once again took part in Operation Christmas Child. Pupils were asked to cover a shoe box in wrapping paper and fill it with suitable gifts for either a boy or girl aged 2-4, 5-9 or 10-14. This worthy charity was once more very well supported by KPS families and over 180 shoe boxes were collected full of interesting items for some of those children of the world who have much less than any of our KPS pupils.

A ‘thank you’ card has since been received from Samaritan’s Purse (aka ‘Operation Christmas Child’) and I was taken by the following story.

MERITA AND SYLVIA ‘Two year old Merita started running and jumping around when she saw volunteers approaching with her shoe box. She lives with her parents and eleven year old sister, Sylvia, in a Roma camp on the edge of a rubbish tip in Bar, Montenegro. The girls aren’t able to attend school and never receive presents, so today was a special day indeed! Merita 4 Kingswood in Focus

loves playing ball games with other children in the camp, so imagine her excitement as she pulled out a small ball from her shoe box along with a pair of sunglasses, which she proudly wore from that point on.

Sylvia loved the scarf she was given and smiled saying: ‘Thank you very much for sending us presents. Thank you for remembering us’.”

God Bless you all for helping to brighten up the lives of children such as Merita and Sylvia.

Mr Marcus Cornah (Headmaster, Kingswood Prep School)

Red Nose Day raised ÂŁ1,400

The Annual Year 10 & Year 11 Christmas Ball Saturday 6th December The Ball committee, (pictured right) led by Verity Smout and Oscar Batterham, did a fantastic job organising tickets, liaising with the catering department and decorating the theatre. The evening started with a delicious meal.

Students who had been on the last Malawi trip gave up their evening to act as waiters and waitresses and Patrick Morgan had organised a talented group of Sixth Form musicians to entertain during the meal. During the course of the meal tickets were sold for the Charity raffle. The prizes were amazing and had all been donated by parents and other members of the School community.

They ranged from a huge basket of goodies from Avon Cosmetics, to a signed photograph of Wayne Rooney and from HMV vouchers to wetsuits! Tommy Tomato was the DJ and the disco took place in the theatre foyer which had been transformed with lights and a smoke machine. The evening was a huge success and ÂŁ500 was raised for Charity projects in Malawi and the Kwale District Eye Centre in Kenya.

Mr Gordon Opie (Housemaster, Middle) & Mrs Jenny Opie (Head of Biology) Kingswood in Focus 5

Rugby Shirt Aid At the end of the Christmas term Kingswood’s PE department donated several of their old rugby kits to SOS kit aid.

This is a rugby project that gives less advantaged children from around the world a chance to play rugby through the collection and distribution of unused/unwanted kit from the UK and Ireland.

The Sixth Form in Hall House decided this was a charity they would very much like to support as they liked the idea of a charity that did not want money, only the donation of unwanted or unused kit. They felt the idea of recycling kit fitted in very well with the School's ‘green’ status.

The boys presented the Charity to all the year groups in the School through three assemblies. They talked about how much sport at School has meant to them and how they would like the opportunity to help those less fortunate in terms of kit and facilities. The collection of kit is ongoing and Hall House would welcome more donations.

Mr James Matthews (PE & Games)

Hall House would welcome more kit donations!

Julian House 'Sleep Out' In the Spring Term three other Kingswood Lower Sixth pupils and I travelled along with Rev Wilkinson to Alice Park at the edge of Bath to “rough it” for charity.

Armed with sleeping bags, cardboard to lie on and relentless energy drinks, we found a nice sheltered spot at the back of the park, under a big conifer, and arranged ourselves for what would be a very long, cold night. We settled down and huddled together in the freezing cold.

We had our picture taken for the Bath Chronicle, shared hot drinks and regaled each other with tales.

Time ticked on and eventually we all fell asleep. Then, at around 3.30am we were awoken by an Alsatian growling as it circled us. Terrified, we all lay unmoving in our sleeping bags until the dog’s owner, realising there were people under the tree, called the dog off.

The next morning we awoke at 5.00am

6 Kingswood in Focus

to a park white with ice. Fortunately, we’d picked a sheltered spot and were ice free – unfortunately, the same can’t be said for some of the other groups not so wise in their choice of spot. We became reacquainted with the Alsatian that had disturbed our sleep, luckily this time in much more favourable circumstances, as we headed over to the café for a well deserved bacon sandwich; all of us but Nick that is, who was still fast asleep.

Having packed up and been thanked by the Julian House staff, we left at around 7.00am for home and warmth.

My thanks to Rev Wilkinson, Viv Dean, Aimee Marshall and Nick Grant, who made the experience a lot more comfortable and enjoyable given the harsh conditions.

Richard Evans (Middle, L6)

Neonatal Intensive-care Unit The 'space to grow' campaign was launched to the public in the summer of 2007.

Its aim is to raise at least £2.7m by August 2008, a further £1.5m by July 2009 and the final £400,000 before October 2010. The RUH has pledged up to £1.4 million towards the project cost. However, NHS resources are finite and if the new Neonatal Intensive-Care Unit is to be built, the RUH needs The Forever Friends Appeal to raise £4.7 million from a range of sources.

This is where we come in. Every year since the start of the campaign we have raised money in a variety of ways to help towards the total, and ultimately help local parents. This year was no different.

Most of the girls in School House (and their parents I would suspect) baked hundreds of cakes, which raised over £300 in a massive (and manic) cake sale. Teddy Bear crisps were also very popular. On the day itself, the theme of 'Pirates' was chosen and many people dressed up, 'me harties', in nautical gear. Teds were also brought to School - some in pirate gear themselves. Special mention must go to Helen Ruddell and Steve Hayward-Boyle who held people to ransom as they went about the School - raising over £100. (Steve does appear to have a particularly good pirate outfit - rumour has it this is his weekend wear?)

But again, we raised over £1,000 which was gratefully received by the Forever Friends Appeal. The date for this year's Ted's Big Day Out' is on Friday 16th October 2009. We'll have to think of another theme - any ideas..... Please let me know.

Mrs Mary Brown (Physics)

KPS Pupil Wins Dilys Brake Memorial Trophy Congratulations to all the KPS pupils who swam in a competition for the Bath Dolphins Swimming Club, raising funds for The British Heart Foundation.

One of our Year 6 pupils, Esmée Charley, won the ‘Backstroke For Girls’ race, and by doing so was awarded ‘The Dilys Brake Memorial Trophy.’

It is especially apt that this magnificent trophy was won by a Kingswood pupil, as Dilys was a senior member of the Kingswood office staff for many years before her death.

She was also a wonderful supporter of swimming both at Kingswood and in Bath.

We treasure her memory and when I presented Esmée with her trophy at our School assembly, I told the children something of the story of Dilys.

Mr Marcus Cornah (Headmaster, Kingswood Prep School)

Circuit of Bath Walk 38 walkers with Mr Davies + 19 runners with Mr Opie completed the first section of the walk with £5 per participant going to Julian House

On Sunday 28th September Gareth Hobbs, Nick Grant, Alex Russell-Bates, Josh Brodie and Mr Lloyd decided to run the 20-mile Circuit of Bath Walk in aid of Julian House.

Setting off from Kingswood on the cold, foggy, Sunday morning, we reached the official start at the top of Lansdown at 8.00am and set off into the morning mist. By the time we reached the top of Solsbury Hill, nothing much had changed: looking out over the landscape all we could see were the tops of the hills that surround the city, like islands in a sea of mist. Anything lower than these hill tops was shrouded in the fog.

It was at this point that one of us turned to Mr Lloyd and said “Sir, as we’re getting so close to a Marathon, can we extend it to do the full 26?”

A nice idea at the time – but one we would soon regret.

"...looking out over the landscape all we could see were the tops of the hills that surround the city..."

26 miles later, as we collapsed into the Dining Hall, nothing on earth could have looked so good (and disappeared so fast) as the brunch that the catering staff had kindly prepared for us. Money was donated to Julian House and we all went away aching but with determination to improve our performance of 4 hours 55 minutes next year.

Mr Redman and co take the scenic way back to town via boat

Nick Grant (L6) & Gareth Hobbs (U6)

Harvest Celebrations KPS celebrations began with a Harvest Festival Service – ‘Celebrating and Sharing the Harvest’, led by our Chaplain, Rev Mike Wilkinson.

During the week pupils were invited to bring in three things to help share what we have with others:

A PIECE OF FRUIT As in previous years, a representative group of children visited the elderly people at Stratton House, a Methodist Home in Bath, to sing Harvest songs. The day before the visit pupils brought in a piece of fruit and each class arranged a Harvest box which was taken to Stratton House on Friday 3rd October, at the end of Harvest week.

A TIN Tins were collected for the Salvation Army to remember the less fortunate people in Bath.

POCKET MONEY A pocket money collection was made to enable African children in The Gambia to go to school and learn to read and write. Each class had a collection box so that children could bring whatever they wished.

At the end of the week an amazing total of £630 was raised.

Mrs Glynis Hull (Head of Pre-Prep, Kingswood Prep School) 8 Kingswood in Focus

Prefects

Reflections on a Rainy Day Having woken up to the sound of rain hammering against the window, the idea of spending a long day standing around on slippery wooden poles, forty feet off the ground, did not seem like an inviting prospect.

However, even those of us not too fond of heights (or jumping from them) managed to surprise ourselves, and a really enjoyable day was had by all.

Thirty nine senior prefects accompanied by Mr Lloyd, Mr Allison, and the two Gap students, Maddie and Mike, travelled to Brenscombe Outdoor Centre in Dorset for a day of team building. Having been equipped with helmets and harnesses, we were divided into smaller, instructor-led groups. The morning consisted of a range of low rope team work activities, such as hauling the whole team up a ten foot vertical face in as short a time as possible, completing low rope courses without touching the ground, and the fall of faith – a backwards fall into the outstretched arms of your team mates!

"...the top-roping course was a fantastic experience..."

By lunchtime we were all dripping, having been totally drenched in the downpour, and definitely ready for the thrills and spills of the afternoon’s high ropes course. The highlights included a forty five feet teetering pole that you had to climb with a partner. The pair then had to balance on a minute platform at the top and jump to catch a swinging trapeze. There was also the forty foot, four-man seesaw on which you had to do a hilarious can-can followed by a last-man-standing wrestle to stay on in true ‘Gladiators’ fashion.

Unfortunately, big man James Bird did not show his true strength in this event, jumping off the seesaw even before the start of the fight. The height evidently got the better of him.

It’s true to say that the top-roping course was a fantastic experience, and enjoyed by everyone. However, the fun didn’t stop there, as the prefects and staff were then lucky enough to visit Swanage for an icy dip in the English sea. The rumour about the sea being warmer in September was definitely not true this year, as those of us mad enough to go in felt our skin burning before we fast became numb. After having worked up quite an appetite in the sea air, we enjoyed fish and chips on the sea front and piled back onto the coach, having changed into dry clothes, for our drive home to meet the challenges and responsibilities of helping lead the School to the best of our ability.

Laura Stockley and James Dabell (U6, Head Girl and Head Boy)

Prefects’ Dinner On Thursday 19th March 2009, the Senior Prefects’ Annual Dinner took place in the Dining Hall.

This occasion traditionally marks the opportunity to say thank you to our Senior Prefects for their excellent support of the School, and this year was certainly no different. Indeed, many staff, pupils and parents have frequently commented on the exceptional commitment and integrity of the 2008-09 Senior Prefects, and justifiably so. They have been exemplary in every way, and a great pleasure to work with. As ever, the Catering Department produced a feast of delicious Indian food, and the toasts rounded off an enjoyable evening.

Mr Gareth Lloyd (Senior Deputy Head) Kingswood in Focus 9

Poetry

The Gates The little girl With the dark hair Got off the train.

“Oh,” said she, “Where’s mother?”

“Gone,” snarled one, “They sent her left.”

He pointed a claw To a concrete building.

And then She was chased Into the great herd That shuffled And moaned.

The old, The young, The sick, The poor, The rich.

Everyone.

A snap at her heels And her shoulders.

“Move,” barked one, “Move.”

The Great Kingswood Poetry Competition 2008 Once again this year there was a tremendous response to our Kingswood Poetry Competition, which took WORK as its theme.

Judging by the quality of the response, we clearly have many talented writers at Kingswood School!

Needless to say, choosing the winners from such a strong selection of poetry was difficult, and I would like to thank all competitors, the English staff and particularly our Librarian, Ms McNee, for assisting with the judging.

The winners were: Westwood Prize Sarina Ganapathy (Year 8) Highly Commended Catherine Hatherell (Year 7) Senior Prize Hattie Richardson (Year 12) Highly Commended Rosie Hurley (Year 9) The overall winner and holder of the Kingswood Poetry Cup for 2008-9 is Hattie Richardson, for her moving poem “The Gates”.

Mr David Hughes (Head of English)

KPS Poetry Café On Tuesday 3rd March, Year 3 had a Poetry Café. In Drama this term Year 3 have been learning poems, and learning them off by heart, for the Poetry Café. At the Poetry Café there was tea, coffee, biscuits and a microphone with a stand and an amplifier.

All the parents were invited to the Poetry Café. All of the parents and teachers thought it was brilliant – so did Year 3.

Madeleine Edwards (3D)

“Where a m I going?”

Said she to he.

He pointed to An iron gate, Adorned with One hopeful message: ARBEIT MACH F REI Hattie Richardson (L6)

10 Kingswood in Focus

Senior Prize Winner - Hattie Richardson

Visiting Authors

A Hero’s Welcome at Kingswood School Jonathan Stroud, the legendary fantasy writer, visited Kingswood School on Tuesday 10th February to promote his new book, “Heroes of the Valley”. Jonathan has previously sold over four million copies of his popular “Bartimaeus Trilogy” in thirty eight countries around the world, so Kingswood students were excited to welcome him to the school.

Almost one hundred Year 10 students enjoyed listening to Jonathan talk about his rather unusual heroes – thirteen year old Halli, a short clumsy and impetuous boy, and fourteen year old Aud, a feisty, forthright girl who knows how to fight with a sword! Together Halli and Aud set out to battle the bloodthirsty Trows and stand up to the elders of the Valley who want to limit their freedom.

Mr Hughes, Head of English, was particularly pleased with the event and praised Jonathan for “giving the students a clear insight into the process of writing”.

Bath Waterstones provided books for signing and many students purchased a copy. One participant admitted: “Normally I’m not interested in fantasy but I really enjoyed the talk and now I’m going to try one of his books.”

More information at www.jonathanstroud.com

Ms Nicola McNee (Librarian)

Author’s Visit to the Pre-Prep The children of the Pre-Prep enjoyed meeting Catherine Rayner, the children’s author and illustrator and even tried some illustrations of their own. Under Catherine’s expert guidance, the children’s collective imagination gave rise to an original character for a new story.

The afternoon ended with a book signing session, as Catherine dedicated some of her stories to her delighted listeners.

Mrs Glynis Hull (Head of Pre-Prep, Kingswood Prep School)

Mid-Somerset Festival Creative Writing

On Saturday morning, sixteen children represented Kingswood in the Creative Writing classes of the Mid-Somerset Festival. The adjudicator, Dr Rosie Bailey, passed on many favourable comments regarding their work. Standards were very high and I am delighted to report that each of our pupils gained either a ‘distinction’ or an ‘outstanding’ award (the two highest levels).

Special mention must be made of Douglas Ledlie and Iona Erskine who were both winners of their class. Iona’s mark of 95 (just pipping Douglas' 94) also happened to be the highest mark awarded in the ten classes for writers between the ages of 7 and 18 – a total of 134 entrants. For this, Iona was later presented with the overall Junior Literary Trophy. She is the second Kingswood Prep pupil to receive this prestigious trophy in recent years. I am so proud of them all.

What a wonderful start to the festival!

POEM (8 & 9 YEARS) Charlotte Cutter - Outstanding (2nd), Madeleine Edwards - Outstanding Oliver Jenkins - Outstanding (2nd), Ollie Sowler - Distinction POEM (10 YEARS) Jessica Brown - Distinction, Isabel Calvert - Outstanding Iona Erskine - Outstanding (Winner MSCF Literary Trophy / Winner Junior Literary Trophy) POEM (11 YEARS) Harriet Parker - Distinction STORY (9 YEARS & UNDER) Olivier Sharples - Outstanding (2nd), Charlotte Chilton - Distinction William Dakin - Outstanding (3rd), Susanna Sealy - Outstanding (3rd) Douglas Ledlie - Outstanding (Winner MSCF Cup) STORY (10 & UNDER 13 YEARS) Rafe Watson - Outstanding (2nd), Peter Edwards - Distinction Charlie Clague - Outstanding (3rd)

Mrs Marie McGlynn (Head of English, Kingswood Prep School) Kingswood in Focus 11

Maths & ESL Departments

The Inaugural Marjorie Cross Lecture In recognition of the contribution made

by Miss Cross to the Mathematics Department and the mathematical education of so many former students at Kingswood, we were delighted to create this Annual Lecture in her honour.

It is hoped that each year we can invite speakers who have links to Kingswood to talk about the mathematics they use in the workplace, and this year we were especially delighted to welcome Professor Michael Proctor of Cambridge University to speak at this first lecture in January. Professor Proctor is a Fellow of the Royal Society & is Vice Master of Trinity College. He gave a fascinating talk about his research modelling the turbulent motion of gases in the sun. The students, staff and parents present thoroughly enjoyed his presentation, especially the fantastic images of the sun’s surface showing huge solar storms and how sunspot activity, discovered by Galileo, can be explained by mathematical modelling. What was even more appropriate is that Professor Proctor is a parent of Katie, who attended the lecture.

Indeed, although Katie is a self confessed non-mathematician, she asked a very thoughtful and challenging question involving the nature of the flow of gases within the sun.

"The students, staff and parents thoroughly enjoyed the presentation..."

After the talk, during an informal buffet supper, Professor Proctor chatted to prospective Lower Sixth Oxbridge candidates about the interview process, given his experience as an Admissions tutor at Trinity College, Cambridge. The students who attended this session found the experience immensely useful. It will benefit them greatly as they begin the UCAS application process.

Mr Garrod Musto (Head of Mathematics)

L to R: Eric Hu, Mr Simon Morris, Jackie Wong, Mr Simon Forrester

International Student Voice On Monday, November 17th 2008 international students who have English as their second language competed in the ‘International Student Voice’ speaking contest, which was held at Kingswood School.

The event included students from Kingswood, Stonar, Prior Park College and Monkton Combe schools. Entrants in the competition had to talk about a subject of their choice for between two and three minutes.

The subjects ranged from ‘My Ideal School’ to ‘Jimi Hendrix’, and from ‘Fairy Tales’ to ‘The Obama Presidency‘. All the students who entered this competition acquitted themselves well and displayed a great deal of courage in standing up in front of their peers and teachers to deliver speeches in their second language.

"All the students who entered this competition acquitted themselves well..."

A number of Kingswood students featured strongly, including Champ Kittipibul who talked about the ‘Song Kran Festival’ in Thailand, and Sasha Kryukov who talked about boxing and in particular, his hero, Mohammed Ali. Eric Hu gave a very funny and impassioned speech about his trials and tribulations as a new gym user, which earned him the runner-up prize in the senior competition. Jackie Wong won the junior competition with a well presented speech about the ‘Rubik’s Cube’ in which he also managed to solve the puzzle whilst delivering his speech.

Many thanks go to Mrs Morris, Mrs Dawson and Miss Naumann for judging the contest, Mrs Heseltine for helping to prepare our students and Mrs Hutchison for her help with the contest certificates.

Also thanks to Headmaster, Mr Morris for introducing the evening.

Mr Simon Forrester (Head of ESL) 12 Kingswood in Focus

KPS Autumn Sport

KPS Boys' Rugby Following on from last years outstanding Y6 rugby teams was never going to be easy for the class of 2008 and the boys cannot be faulted for their effort and enthusiasm across the whole term.

The standard of rugby locally, however, is excellent at the moment.

There are very few weak opponents and the boys have learned some hard lessons. Tackling proved a consistently problematic area, although late-season improvements showed just what might have been.

The team was admirably led by Charlie Clague with consistently strong performances from Jez Hardman, Olly Milner and Charlie Fraser.

As with many of our year groups, our B and C teams proved more than a match for most opponents, with some players new to the game making fast improvements along the way.

"Our younger year groups show genuine potential as they learn the game."

When Year 5 were good, they were really quite good, but occasionally when they were bad they were…let’s say “inconsistent”! It was just difficult to tell from one week to another, just which team would turn up although they made some large strides when they realised just how hard they had to be prepared to work each game. Nick Harris captained the team well, Xavier Nicastro and Sam Ryan gave the team try-scoring potential at all times, but winning enough ball and tackling remained a problem at times.

Our younger year groups showed genuine potential as they learned the game. There appeared to be a particularly strong year group emerging in Year 4 and their teams won more games than they lost.

They had a strong physical presence, good handling skills and some real pace which is pretty much what is required. Some greater game understanding and they will give most teams a good game. The Year 3s learned very quickly and are starting to develop a real feel for the game and its various components. As ever, the step from “tag” to tackling next year takes them into the unknown.

Thanks are due – as always – to all those members of staff who make it possible to get the teams out onto the field of play.

Mr Ian Shrubsole (Head of Sport, Kingswood Prep School)

KPS Girls' Hockey The preparatory girls' hockey teams enjoyed a very successful.

Every girl from Year 3 through to Year 6 represented their School in matches, festivals and tournaments. The girls were selected to play for A, B, C and D sides and we endeavoured to compete in fixtures which involved all levels of ability. Our results were particularly strong from our second string sides and this reflected the depth of our talent and our all encompassing approach to coaching in the games lessons. In November our A and B teams played in the Stonar U11 Tournament. The A team finished third and our B team went a couple of steps further.

"The team spirit among the girls is excellent..."

Jenny McGlynn (Captain) reports: ‘In the U11 hockey tournament KPS did very well all round. The B team managed to win the tournament, with no goals scored against them! We played: Royal High, King Edward's, Stonar and St Margaret's and won all our matches without conceding a goal. The scores were: 6-0, 3-0, 4-0 and 2-0. I was also fortunate to captain the winning team for the tournament!’

All the preparatory pupils had a great time on the pitch as well as hosting the opposition for after match teas and the experience of travelling away to different schools. The team spirit among the girls was excellent and I hope they continue to have fun playing hockey for many years to come at Kingswood.

Miss Michelle Newman (Head of Girls’ Games, Kingswood Prep School)

Kingswood in Focus 13

Senior School Autumn Sport

Rugby Report 2008 This has proved to be one of the most successful seasons in the recent history of Kingswood School.

Almost every team recorded more wins than losses and the overall percentage of victories was very high. However, more satisfying from my position is that Kingswood fielded more teams, 14, than ever before and almost 300 boys represented the School, at one level or another.

With some junior C team fixtures already pencilled in for next season, these figures will rise again. Whilst we undoubtedly have many talented players right through the School, I don’t think we should underestimate the contribution made by the various team coaches. Kingswood is fortunate in having considerable expertise and experience amongst its staff, who are also prepared to spend many hours coaching and travelling with their teams to help produce the successes enjoyed.

My thanks to them and congratulations to all the boys who represented Kingswood whether at 1st team or at U12B team level. The standard has been set and the target for next season will be to try and better those playing records.

Mr Tim Reeman (Director of Sport)

TRAINING PRE-SEASON On Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st September, boys and girls from Year 7 all the way up to the Sixth Form turned up to pre-season rugby and hockey training respectively, to mark the start of hopefully glorious rugby and hockey seasons! Many teachers gave up their weekend to refresh our brains and shock our bodies with putting us back onto the rugby field and the fantastic new Astro. In rugby, we started with handling drills and got onto more and more physical work, getting into small game situations at the end.

The first team led us and took us through a tough but very useful session on rucking. In hockey, the girls focused on developing fitness through various drills, and some detailed stick work, before playing a number of games. We were blessed with fine weather on both days and I am sure the boys and girls who turned up thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Our thanks must go out to Mr Reeman, Mr Matthews, Mr Hollywell, Mr Hills, Mr Forrester and Mr Blackshaw, and in hockey to Miss Wright, Miss Newman and Mr Opie for a very useful and enjoyable weekend.

Sam Harman (Year 10)

1st XV Team

14 Kingswood in Focus

It has been a fantastic year for Kingswood rugby with the School winning 80% of its matches. Any school would be proud of this record!

This demonstrates the passion, potential and achievement that are part of our ethos. Team performances have varied from simply good to outstanding in many cases.

Barnaby Eliot, Jonathon Roberts, Danny Bates and Jack Crowther were consistently excellent. Angus Hawking proved a very useful addition and Tim Rouse and Charlie Pope caught the eye in the backs. In the Bs, Carson Lam and Ben Mayall proved match winners, whilst Gary Fong was the most improved player.

As I go through this report I would like to make the point that the most successful Years are those with a higher proportion of club rugby players. I have played club rugby since I was 8 years old. It is an excellent way to way to improve and develop the skills taught at school, and most importantly, enable you to do a better job for Kingswood.

The U14s were another unbeaten side and they are currently ranked 3rd nationally on the Schools Rugby website. They played some brilliant rugby with new additions to the School, such as Fraser Russell, Oscar Dennis and Sam Morris, proving very useful. Many of our pupils exceeded expectations this term with players like Nick Phillips, Nick Mackenzie and Josh Jackson really stepping up to the challenge of senior rugby.The U14 Bs could lay claim to being the surprise team of the season. Their results were excellent, and this despite picking from limited numbers and some boys having very little rugby experience. Alex Papuca, Callum Lloyd-James, Milo Cradick, Alex Wynne Hughes, Harry Penrhyn-Jones and Chris Jenkins all impressed through the season.

The U12s have had outstanding seasons at both A and B level. Both teams won all of their matches, including beating Millfield. The under U12As record of scoring 350 points and only conceding 7 is quite amazing. According to the National Schools Rugby website they are currently ranked 2nd in their age group in the whole country. It is difficult to pick out individuals, but Dominic Mackenzie, George Logut, George Brown and Jack Hurring were superb up front, and Hywel Jones, Harvey Dellow and Owen Waters controlled the midfield very well for the As. For the Bs George Roberts and Osh Cook excelled at half-back, whilst Charlie Beaven and Max Pugsley were the pick of the forwards.

The U15Bs have struggled with consistency. However, wins against local rivals Prior Park and Monkton Combe showed that there is definitely potential within the side and I know several players will contribute significantly to the senior rugby programme.

The U13s found the rugby tougher than last season but adapted well - particularly in the second half of term where they only lost one game to a good Millfield side.

The U15As again improved dramatically as the term progressed and

Rugby Results 2008 1st XV 2nd XV Riberac Queen's Taunton King Edward's

U16A

U16B

3rd XV

U15A

U15B

U14A

U14B

U13A

(W) 28-8 (W) 17-7 (L) 25-12 (L) 20-17

(D) 0-0

(L) 8-0

(L) 29-5

(W) 27-0 (L) 24-12 (L) 17-7 (W) 17-7 (W) 56-0

(W) 19-5

(W) 49-10

Wells

(W) 26-7

Wellington

(W) 52-0 (W) 24-3 (W) 12-5

Prior Park

(L) 23-17 (W) 29-7 (W) 12-0 (W) 12-0 (W) 43-0 (W) 24-19 (W) 26-7 (W) 33-5 (W) 26-10 (W) 17-0

(W) 58-0

(W) 28-7 (W) 12-5 (L) 21-8

(W) 48-0

(W) 63-0 (W) 36-5

(W) 38-0 (W) 20-17 (W) 52-0 (W) 38-10 (W) 19-5 (L) 22-0

(L) 36-5 (W) 47-19 (L) 42-5 (W) 32-0 (W) 21-12 (W) 36-0 (W) 39-5

(W) 38-0 (W) 29-6 (W) 37-0

(W) 3-0

(L) 28-12 (L) 37-5 (W) 62-0 (W) 45-0

Sir Thomas Rich G S

(D) 0-0

King’s Bruton (W) 31-10 (L) 18-17 (W) 52-3

(L) 12-10 (W) 41-7 (W) 12-10

(W) 38-7 (W) 51-5 (W) 24-20 (W) 62-5 (W) 21-15 (L) 28-10 (L) 19-5

(W) 56-3 (W) 60-0 (W) 45-0

(W) 12-5 (W) 17-0 (W) 52-5 (W) 68-24

Millfield Dean Close

(W) 7-5

(W) 53-0 (L) 31-10 (L) 32-0 (W) 43-5 (W) 31-19 (L) 19-0 (L) 22-21 (W) 54-0 (W) 42-0

(W) 18-5 (W) 26-0 (W) 20-6

Prior Park

Clifton College Monkton Combe

U12B

(W) 36-0 (W) 39-21 (L) 55-0 (W) 56-7 (L) 24-17 (W) 51-0 (W) 53-0 (W) 32-0 (W) 40-0

(W) 40-17 (W) 29-3 (W) 12-8 (L) 25-15 (W) 14-0

Wycliffe

U12A

(W) 28-12

Dauntsey's

Beechen Cliff Q.E.H. Bristol

U13B

(L) 19-0 (W) 53-0 (W) 26-12 (W) 44-7 (W) 56-6

(W) 5-0 (W) 22-12

(W) 41-5 (W) 63-7 (L) 23-17 (W) 42-5 (W) 35-0 Kingswood in Focus 15

this despite losing the influential Harry Rouse to injury early in the season.

Their record of 6 wins from 10 matches was an accurate reflection of their season.

The U16Bs were frustrated by several schools cancelling fixtures.

However, when they were able to play they showed that all important Kingswood spirit. Several players gained experience with the As at different stages and many will go on to compete for 1st and 2nd team places in the Sixth Form. The U16As lost three matches and won nine. They turned around several defeats from the previous season and ended by scoring over 150 points in their final three matches without conceding a try. The forwards often dominated much bigger opposition packs, whilst the backs, well controlled by Will Mackenzie, grew in confidence. Adam McBraida scored 18 tries while Rowan James was very influential in the back-row. I would like to highlight that it was teamwork that made this U16 side so successful and, providing they can stay together, bodes well as they move into the Sixth Form.

For the first time ever Kingswood fielded a 4th team who played a couple of matches, and would have played more if other schools could raised a fourth squad.

The 3rd XV lost to a strong Clifton side, but this was their only defeat in an otherwise successful season.

Matthew Ticehurst was an exemplary captain and flyhalf, whilst other stalwarts were Joshua Bone, James Bird and George Robertson.

All would have played a Year 7 Boys Celebrating higher level in other years if it was not for the talent in the Sixth Form. They worked together superbly and turned out to be a very skilful 3rd team.

I am very proud to say that we achieved this.

We beat Dean Close at home on the Upper and by winning ten games and only losing two we equalled the previous record - set 28 years ago.

This was a huge achievement and I think I can say on behalf of all the boys that we were over the moon as we removed the Kingswood 1st XV shirts for the last time.

The team has been predominately made up of Upper Sixth Formers and so I would like to take a short time to talk about the leavers.

Everyone has played a huge part in our season. Jason Hanson and Josh Mumford have been brilliant prop forwards and their fitness is much better than their size suggests. Also in the pack Piers Dawson, James Dabell and Harry Russell have been instrumental in the team’s success.

All have been solid in the tight and have been very mobile in the loose, helping to set up a number of tries. Jake Collins and Charles Hampton have made vast improvements to their games and both have become great passers of the ball. William Samler, Sam Pew Latter and Shaun Mousley all made major contributions to this season. All three offer a strong running game which proved crucial on many occasions.

Mark Widdowson and Nick Gerrish are people I have played rugby with since I was eight years old. Mark has turned out to be one of the best lineout jumpers on the first team circuit and is a brilliant stealer of the ball on the floor. Nick Gerrish is one of the most talented players I have ever played with. Nick provides a powerful kicking game and has electric pace.

I wish you two all the best with your rugby in the future and hope to play with you, or against you, soon. Now to my vice captain Sam McMeekin. You have been brilliant since returning from injury. Your balanced running, gliding sidestep and ability to beat players is second to none. Once again I wish you the best of luck with your rugby, and I know you will continue to play. Finally, I come to Paddy Shipp who is the only player to have played three years of first team rugby and achieved 30 caps. He has also played for Somerset Under 16s, 17s, and 18s, as well as for Bath Rugby.

Other players to do this were Nicholas Gerrish, Mark Widdowson and myself.

"The U12s have had outstanding seasons at both A and B level."

The Kingswood 2nd XV had an exceptional season despite a serious injury to fly half Tom Richardson early in the campaign. Losing only one game, drawing one and winning the remainder is fantastic for the School, and finishing 10th overall on the Schools Rugby National website is a major achievement.

Robert Carrington has been a great captain and, along with Matthew Woudberg, Tom O’Brien, Alex Beishon and Euan Gordon, part of a fantastic pack. William Hobby, Edward Cooper and Jamie Rai have also been outstanding, pushing hard for 1st team places all term.

So now on to the first team and what can I say….

As we came up through the school, as some of you are doing right now, we had a lot of success. Having achieved unbeaten seasons at U13 and U16 level, we began this year hoping that we could finish our School careers with an unbeaten season.

A three day pre-season trip to Riberac in France gave us the opportunity to really bond with the coaches and fellow players. Two days training and a match enabled us to prepare for the season ahead of us and beating the local Riberac side 28-12 gave our confidence a boost.

We started the season strongly with wins against Beechen Cliff and a great victory away at Queen’s Taunton. It was frustrating that our dream of an unbeaten season was ended by local rivals, Prior Park and KES. After these defeats we realised that, to achieve our other aim of equalling the best ever school 1st team record, we had to win all of the remaining games in the season.

At this point I must thank the staff on behalf of all of us. Since day one all of you have been inspirational. So, from all of us who have played our last games for this great School we offer you our deep gratitude and admiration. Mr Blackshaw, Mr Matthews, Mr Hills, Mr Harding, Mr Redman, Mr Hollywell, Mr Opie, Mr Duke, Mr Reeman, Mr MacDonald, Mr Davies and Mr Forrester. You have helped us all to develop as rugby players and more importantly develop our love for this game. The real test of Kingswood’s achievement will be to see how many of us all are still playing rugby in ten years' time. I think that it will be a good number and this is a reflection of sport within the school.

Finally, I must thank Mr Westcott on behalf of the whole 1st team.

Unless you have been coached by Mr Westcott you have no idea how dedicated he is. He has been an inspirational coach, calm in heated situations, maintained belief in us and kept our focus on the game in hand. Thank you Mr Westcott for everything you have done for me, giving me the opportunity to captain the School 1st XV and helping me with my rugby career outside of school.

Evan Sawyer (1st XV Captain 2008) Captain's End of Season Assembly Speech 16 Kingswood in Focus

Orienteering 4th and 5th places on the National Stage!

Each Autumn term brings two big challenges for Kingswood Orienteers: the British Schools’ Orienteering Championships and the British Schools’ Score Orienteering Championships. Over the years many of these have required overnight travel to distant venues where Kingswood has performed with distinction. Recently we have been very fortunate: the 2007 events were in Sussex and Dorset, in 2008 they were in Nottinghamshire and Hampshire – only one requiring a ‘sleepover’.

In 2009 it will be Essex, a day trip, and Northumberland – two nights!

Year 7 BSOC Champions (George, Jamie & Leonard)

The team travelled to Sherwood Pines, near Mansfield for the Score Championships in October and made our traditional overnight stay in the proven comforts of Hucknall Methodist Church Hall (this time with an ex-Kingswood parent as minister).

Next day Ralph Eliot did well to finish 3rd in the Sixth Form Class to receive the Bronze medal. The Senior Team finished 4th, not least as a result of an excellently timed run by junior member William Roper – to be our third scorer. Kingswood, having been successively 3rd, then 2nd last year in the Open Class, were a little disappointed in our position.

Our 1550 score was just 40 points behind last year’s winners from Bacup and Rawtenstall and we were not even the ‘best in the South West’ this year as Torquay GS had appeared for the first time and taken 2nd place behind the local winners, Nottingham High School. The team was Ralph Eliot, Alex Russell-Bates, Will Roper, Rex Bannerman, Tim Woodhead and Richard Evans.

"The Kingswood team (9 boys and 4 girls) had an outstanding result at the BSOC 2008."

The Hawley and Hornley Commons, near Camberley were the venue for BSOC 2008. The Kingswood team (9 boys and 4 girls) had an outstanding result, taking 5th place in the Large Schools’ Open Class - our best ever result since we left the Under 600 class, when Kingswood had victories in the 1990s. This was achieved by contributions from George Logut (2nd Year 7 boys), Matt Jeffery (7th Year 9 boys), Jessica Jeffery (9th Year 9 girls), Jamie Padkin (9th Year 7 boys), Tim Woodhead (10th Year 10 boys), Rachel Greenslade (12th Year 8 girls), Ralph Eliot (14th Year 12 boys), Alex Russell-Bates (19th Year 12 boys), Lucy Russell-Bates (22nd Year 10 girls).

Richard, Rex, Alex & Mrs Jackie Hallett at the British Schools' Score Championships 2008

In addition the Kingswood boys won the Year 7 boys’ team trophy and gold medals, with George and Jamie joined by Leonard Budd (22nd).

Our Year 8 girls’ team came fourth (Jessica, Rachel and Angharad Lloyd). The KS Prep School were placed 4th.

The Spring Term saw the Avon Schools League’ advance to a result after 6 of the 8 events with Bristol Grammar (2817) establishing an unbeatable lead over Kingswood (2435). Best placed individuals are in Year 9 with Matt Jeffery (2nd) and Jack Stuckes (3rd). The KS Prep School team has again won the Junior League with three trophies and 500 point maximum scores by Peter Aaron and Abi Jeffery (Year 6) and Sarah Rawle (Year 5). Charlie Aaron (Year 5) was in second place.

At the British Orienteering Club Championships in the New Forest, Abi Jeffery showed her exceptional talent to take first place in the W12B class. Kingswood also had five runners in the Bristol OK teams in the National Relays at Beaulieu the next day.

Tuesday afternoon orienteering activity has continued at the Prep School and there has also been a revival of the midweek activity at the Senior School by Mrs Hallett. She also planned the courses for the Westwood Championships and House Matches, won this year by Cusworth and Beckford.

The traditional KNAVS v KSODA annual challenge was ‘snowed off’ in the Chilterns in February but rearranged to Fonthill Woods, Hindon in March when the school added another victory, 612 – 515, with 7 counters, to their record.

The pupils achieved 6 Gold standards to the Navigators 3. It was the 30th such occasion and the series record is now School 19.9 victories, KNAVS 10.5.

Mr John Lewis (Orienteering Secretary) Kingswood Orienteers at BSOC 2008

Kingswood in Focus 17

Girls' Hockey 2009 This has been a particularly good hockey term for Kingswood and I would like to spend a few moments summing up the highlights.

The Year 7s have loved their hockey and trained regularly with Mrs Murchison, Miss Bleathman and Mr Main. They are a talented bunch and such is their enthusiasm that we have even had a couple of fixtures at C team level. Olivia Butt is the C team Player of the Season with Catherine Hatherell the most improved. The B team have notched up 30 goals with Olivia Harris scoring 14 of them. Esther Chilver Vaughan is the Player of the Season and the most improved player is Katy Mitchell. The A team showed much promise as they played near perfect miniature hockey on a 7-aside pitch. Speaking of miniatures, one player just 4ft 2, is the joint top goal scorer in School. Olivia Lines has netted 21 goals, which includes 5 hat tricks, and she is certainly one to watch in the future. Not to be confused with her friend Ellie Lyne who has been instrumental in the team’s success, setting up most of the goals and scoring 13 herself.

Katy Humphrey shares the accolade of player of the season with Ellie, and Regan Winton is the most improved player having worked her way up from the Bs. The U13s led by Sophie Roberts have worked hard in their first season playing the full 11 a side game. They won 8 of their 10 fixtures. Midfielders Emily Seagrove and Sydney Lautze caught the eye with their skill and passing in midfield and were joint Players of the Season. Charlotte Williams was voted the most improved player for the team. The B team were unbeaten in their 3 matches which included a 6-0 and 5-0 win against King Edward’s and Wellsway respectively. Jen Robson is the player of the season and Aoife McCarthy the most improved. Both squads would like to thank Miss Newman for her work with the teams this term.

The U14s are probably one of the most talented sides we have in the School with four of them in the Avon county training squad – they are Emily Rowlands, Hannah Bracey, Bea Shepherd and Jessica Portman.

Well done to those girls and in particular to Jess, who has been selected to play in the Western Counties Tournament next term. Catherine Bolland, for the second year running, is joint top goal scorer in the School. Charlotte Frude in goal and Sunny Jones in defence have been the most consistent players, and Natasha Chapman is the most improved and Catherine Bolland share the player. Jess Portman title of Players of the Season. Like the U14s are the junior years, enthusiastic about their hockey

U15s waiting to play on the new astro

18 Kingswood in Focus

and the B team have made great improvement. Verity Burke, in goal, and Kriti Rana, up front, have impressed with their play - Kim Chivers is the most improved player and Tamsin Ireland is their Player of the Season.

The Bs managed something that no other team did this season and that was a win against Dean Close! Mrs Mainwaring has enjoyed working with this Year group.

The U15s have really enjoyed working with Mr and Mrs Opie and they have made huge progress both as individuals and as a team. Hannah Bottle was the team’s top goal scorer with 10 and she was also named the Most Improved Player. Amy Worsfold’s work rate and determination was evident in every single game she played. She has been vital to the team’s success and is named as the Player of the Season. A word for defender, Amy Greene, who has changed positions to sweeper this year and she too has been in much demand at the back tackling and distributing well.

"Of course we wouldn’t be the players we are today if it wasn’t for our two coaches..."

The seniors had fifty players training on the two Astroturf pitches this year, and a quick thank you at this stage must go out to Alex Ockwell for all his help in games sessions this year and support on the side line. Although we managed to put out a 4th team Miss Wright’s regret was that there were not more fixtures available for this keen group. However, the fourths only lost one of their four matches. Jo Hepburn was the goalkeeper and she was certainly vocal! She has made great progress this term and is the most improved player. Laura Stockley’s outstanding work rate and distribution skills made her the Player of the Season.

The 3rds or ‘Dragons’, as they are more commonly known, were well on their way to an unbeaten season until a 1-0 loss against Dean Close put paid to that record. Mrs Jenner would like to see Sat Nav installed in the mini buses as she claims her side were rather unsettled when they played Dean Close after an impromptu twenty minute tour of Cheltenham led to a much delayed start. Seriously though, this was one of the most skilful Dragons’ sides and under the dual captaincy of Alice Logan and Emily Bird the team have won 12 of their 13 fixtures. Robyn Churchouse was top scorer with 19 goals. She generously attributes many of them to Phoebe Watson’s assists.

The Player of the Season for the 3rds is newcomer Mareile Zerck and the most improved is Kate Bennett-Brown. Hattie Ghaui and Zoe Gilchrist deserve mention for their consistent play in defence.

The 2nd XI were also going for an unbeaten season but were thwarted when Dauntsey’s added Marlborough to their regular fixture and, although they beat Dauntsey’s, they lost to Marlborough 1-0. Nevertheless 14 wins from 15 games is pretty impressive by any standards. There are several leavers from this side and the team will have to work hard next year to match this group. Emma Oliver converted to a forward this year, and earned the most improved player award. Captain and Vice Captain Emily Melton and Hannah Kraus were the most reliable and effective players in the midfield and defence. Lydia Honey provided a spearhead for the team with her tireless and intelligent running up front. She was the side’s top goal scorer with 13 goals – which included two hat tricks. Gemma Wheeler was rock solid in defence and she was voted Player of the Season and was also the Players' Player of the Season. Claire Carruthers could well have played at 1st team level and indeed did get the call up on a couple of occasions as she is one of the most skilful players in the side.

A special mention must go to Jessica Weekes from Year 9 who stepped up to play for the seconds this season in goal.

Miss Paver has thoroughly enjoyed working with the 2nds again but will certainly miss her six ‘grannies’ next year!

The 1sts are losing five senior players the season. Firstly Eleanor Batterham - Ellie is very highly regarded within the School community and this continues on the hockey pitch. Her ready wit and sense of fun has made playing hockey with her a real pleasure and her defensive skills have gone from strength to strength. Next is Marianne Teoh who is by far the bravest player in the team. Her dedication is typical of what has taken the team so far and made her into the elite performer that she is now.

Anneliese West is another leaver, with an impressive 50 caps to her name.

She has been a key player in defence and has saved us from conceding many goals. Finally, there is my Vice Captain, Becky Bottle, who has made my position as Captain very easy. I feel I have basically shared my captaincy with her as she brings so many qualities to the team and I am very grateful for all her loyal support throughout the season. She has also developed into an outstanding front runner and contributed an enormous amount on the pitch.

Of course we wouldn’t be the players we are today if it wasn’t for our two coaches Miss Wright and Mr Opie. Miss Wright - you have gained our respect over the years as you always see the good in people and you believe in us even if sometimes we have not always delivered. Girls’ hockey really would not be the same without you, so thank you so much for everything.

The Players' Player of the Season award went to Kelly Duncan for the 100% effort that she gave in every game. She is the best passer of the ball and contributes to both the defence and the attack. This season our most improved player award went to Jessica Gregory. Jessica took a little time to adapt to the pace and strength required at 1st team level but she is now an accomplished defender who reads the game well.

1st XI 2008 Girls' Hockey Team

Mr Opie - thank you for putting up with all our ‘girlie’ squeals on and off the pitch. Your tireless commentary and coaching on the sideline every match has improved our hockey enormously, so thank you.

And so to wrap up - I have enjoyed every second of my hockey here at Kingswood. It must be hard for the younger years to sit here listening to me but I hope one day you will get to enjoy and experience the fun and team spirit that I have enjoyed for eleven years. It is a shame that this experience has to come to an end but I leave safe in the knowledge that there is plenty of strength coming up through the ranks.

Pahrnia Parsons (1st X1 Captain 2008) Captain's End of Season Assembly Speech

Girls' Hockey Results 2008 1st

2nd

Wycliffe (W) 12-0 Colston’s (W) 2-1 (W) 3-1 Queens Taunton (W) 2-1 (W) 5-0 Monkton Combe (W) 6-1 (W) 4-0 Downside (W) 7-0 Prior Park (W) 4-0 (W) 2-0 King Edward's (W) 4-0 (W) 3-0 Wellsway (W) 2-1 BGS (L) 1-3 (W) 1-0 Warminster (W) 3-0 U6 Redland High (W) 2-0 Stonar (W) 9-0 Dauntsey’s (W) 3-1 (W) 1-0 Marlborough (L) 0-1 Royal High (W) 4-0 L6 School Dean Close (L) 1-5 (W) 2-0 Clifton High (W) 3-2 (W) 8-1 Badminton (W) 7-0 Wells (W) 4-0 (W) 2-0 Bryanston (L) 1-4 (W) 2-1 KPS Churcher’s School (W) 3-1 (W) 2-0

3rd

4th

U15

U14A

(L) 0-4 (W) 4-2

(W) 8-0 (D) 1-1

U14B

U13A

U13B

U12A

U12B

U12C

(W) 3-0 (L) 0-3 (L) 2-3 5-0 4-0 (L) 2-4 (W) 3-1 a/b (L) 0-1 4-2 2-1 (W) 3-0 (L) 0-6 (D) 2-2 (D) 0-0 (W) 10-1 (W) 8-0 (D) 2-2 (W) 2-1 (W) 6-0 (L) 2-4 (W) 2-0 (W) 4-0 (W) 8-0 (W) 3-0 (L) 0-1 (W) 5-0 (L) 0-1 (W) 3-0 (W) 5-0 (W) 2-0 (W) 4-0 (W) 4-3 (D) 1-1 (W) 7-0 (W) 4-0 (W) 1-0 (W) 5-1 (W) 2-0 (W) 3-0 (W) 2-1 (W) 1-0 (W) 2-0 (D) 0-0 (W) 2-1 (W) 6-0 (W) 3-1

(W) (W) (W) (W)

(W) 5-0 (L) 0-1 (W) 5-2 (W) 2-1 (W) 3-0

(D) 1-1

(L) 0-4 (W) 3-0 (L) 0-5 (L) 0-4

(L) 0-2 (W) 2-0 (W) 6-1 (D) 1-1

(W) 3-0

(W) 6-0 (D) 3-3

(L) 1-3 (L) 0-1

(D) 3-3 (W) 3-1

(W) 3-0

(W) 1-0

(L) 0-1

(L) 2-6

(D) 1-1

Kingswood in Focus 19

International Flavours

5th Annual KPS International Day What a colourful and joyous occasion! with their specially designed passports. Countries to visit were Brazil, India, Germany, Kenya, Thailand, Mexico, India, Nepal, Cameroon and Ethiopia.

The children danced, sang, sampled food and drinks, played games, did art and craft work and were also given a background introduction to each country they visited.

Special thanks to all the workshop leaders and their helpers in both the Prep and Pre-Prep departments for going to enormous lengths to make the day such an educational, memorable and, above all, enjoyable experience for the children. I was overwhelmed by people’s generosity of time and effort.

After the day, when asking a number of children what was their favourite country to visit, a common reply was, “I don’t know, they were all brilliant!” What better reward for everyone involved and proof of a memorable day!

Mr Philip Dixon (Deputy Head, Kingswood Prep School)

The children arrived for the 5th KPS International Day in international dress which, coupled with the flags draping the hall, made a spectacular sight at the Whole School Assembly. The School was greeted by children in different languages followed by Prapti Gurung (Year 6) who treated us to a display of how to put on a sari. The main message from the assembly was that the world is made up of many peoples who are different in many ways and these differences are a cause for celebration. What a dull world it would be if we were all the same!

The day proved to be a panoply of sights and sounds, aromas, tastes and textures to stimulate the senses. Each class in the Pre-Prep was transformed into a country of its choice creating a national identity for the rooms with national colours, flags and emblems. The children experienced Aboriginal art and lamington tasting in Australia (RW); clog painting and making poffertjes (small pancakes) in Holland (RC); doll making, designing fans and origami in Japan (1G); mask making, modelling and cooking a traditional fruit pie in South Africa (1W); Hula dancing, creative crafts and sampling a fruit platter in Hawaii (2S); country dancing and lilting language activities nearer to home in Wales (2H). The day ended with a colourful gathering in the hall when the children shared aspects of what they had learned, adding new dimensions to their developing perceptions of the peoples of our world.

Meanwhile in the Prep department, ten workshops were set up by Friends of KPS, past and present parents and one Senior School teacher, Mr Forrester, who is Head of ESL. Mixed groups of children visited five countries each over the course of the day

20 Kingswood in Focus

Kingswood staff & pupils enjoying their Chinese New Year celebrations

Japanese Links We are delighted to hear news of the successes of pupils at the Kwansei Gakwin High School, our Methodist linked school in Japan and to send our congratulations from Kingswood.

Ooh La La!

SPORTING TALENTS

This year KPS had its first French Day on Mardi Gras (Shrove Tuesday).

It has been 42 years since the School has achieved this rank and it has been a great honour for everyone, particularly as the School is within a very competitive prefecture, where all the sports clubs and teams are very strong. (Each sports club gets points for their placing and these points are added up to determine the rank.)

The School was decorated in bleu, blanc, rouge and everyone came to School dressed up in these colours or in berets and stripy jumpers.

The day started with a Whole School Assembly where children from every class, ranging from Reception to Year 6, confidently performed songs, rhymes, poems, weather forecast and role-plays in French.

Throughout the day the pupils were exposed to French language as well as French culture. Food tasting ranged from croissants and pains au chocolat to pain d’épice. A delicious French lunch was served and the crêpes à la sauce citron were particularly appreciated!

1st place in the All Hyogo Prefecture Inter-High School Athletic Tournament.

In the Prep, some children took part in a concours de boules while others watched the film 'Ratatouille' in French. In the Pre-Prep, children in Year 2 had a special visitor, La Reine Charlotte, a polished French speaker, who led the Vive la France workshop. The children especially enjoyed decorating a china bowl in the Sèvres porcelain style to take home.

Good fun was had by all and most importantly the event seemed to stimulate the children to learn more French!

Madame Isabelle Turner (French Teacher)

"The event seemed to stimulate the children to learn more French!"

The traditional House pancake race was a race with a difference this year. Aptly named, ‘La course aux crêpes’, it proved to be as exciting as races in years gone by.

I was up at the crack of dawn to buy the pancakes from Sainsbury’s as the previous evening’s attempts at cooking them were like my oral French – sadly lacking. The four Houses, Sackett, Osborn, Campbell and Wesley lined up on the starting line, frying pans and pancakes at the ready. In an impressive French countdown, Trois, deux, un….. partez!, they were off.

Each House had to complete cinquante deux runs and a compulsory ‘toss’ on each one. There was lots of French encouragement (‘Allez les bleus/jeunes/ rouges/verts!’) from each House. In a close finale (as is often the case in these House Competitions) it was Sackett who finished first and became ‘Les Gagnants’. Félicitations!

Monsieur Callahan (Head of ICT, Kingswood Prep School)

The mathematics research group from left to right: Takafumi Inoue (also 2008 KGHS Student Council President), Toshiyuki Yamauchi, Hiroshi Matsui, (2nd year students:) Tatsumi Soh and Masakazu Naitoh with Dr Ryohei Miyadera, their advisor.

SUCCESS WITH MATHEMATICAL SCIENCE! Having worked with Dr Ryohei Miyadera, our Mathematics teacher, three of our third (and final) year students, Takafumi Inoue, Hiroshi Matsui and Toshiyuki Yamauchi, have won the first prize at the Canadian Wide Virtual Science Fair (2007 & 2008) and also the best prize (The Minister of Education Award) at the Japan Science & Engineering Challenge. As a result, they will represent Japan and give presentations at the Intel International Science & Engineering Fair held in the USA this spring. They have published their research in the following publications: Visual Mathematics (a journal published by the Mathematical Institute of Serbia) Fibonacci Quarterly (an official Journal of Fibonacci Association) and Mathematica in Education and Research (a journal published by Queen University in Australia). In the near future, it is hoped to include Mathematical Gazette (a century old English journal) into this list of publications. Dr Miyadera says that some of the theorems they have discovered will probably be in some textbooks for college students in the near future. It is quite amazing!

Dr Daniel H Dellming (English Teacher & Mission Partner the Methodist Church of Britain & Ireland) Kwansei Gakuin Senior High School, Nishionomiya, Japan Kingswood in Focus 21

Performing Arts

Theatre in the Round In the early days of the Autumn Term 2008, the Drama department took all of the A-Level students on their annual trip to London to see all the dramatic sights of the city.

The trip included a visit to the Globe Theatre and a viewing of a play at the National Theatre (and of course, the essential London Eye voyage).

Enjoying the London Eye

Having arrived in London with ample time to do a lot of walking on day one, those who had not been on this trip in previous years were eagerly awaiting the excitement to come, as were those who had been before.

On the first day we headed to the Imperial War Museum, which was to help the Lower Sixth students with their set text set during World War One. Visiting the museum was a truly harrowing experience. The Lower Sixth were shocked at many of the items on display. I was particularly unnerved by the sight of a soldier’s still blood-stained tunic. The most shocking moment of all, however, was when we stepped into the replica trench. I had never before realised exactly what life would be like in the trenches having never visited their real location in Belgium, but I was terrified enough by the false version as it was. The place seemed to go on like a maze, and I was convinced I would never find my way out.

Fortunately I did, and I am not ashamed to say that I was relieved to be out of there. Even more unforgettable was the bone-chilling Holocaust exhibition, which we were allowed to visit during our remaining time.

Several of the students were moved to tears by the sight of some of the photos, film clips and artifacts seen during the experience. At the same time as wanting to tear myself away from it all, I found myself getting more and more drawn into the exhibition, but I was still horrified at the brutality of which mankind is capable.

On a more cheerful note, the trip to the National Theatre in the evening was far more cheerful… for some, at least. The production of 'Waves', based on the novel by Virginia Woolf, was something that I personally thoroughly enjoyed. However, many of the students found the play’s style a little difficult to grasp! Even those who did not enjoy the experience appreciated that a great deal of technical work had gone into the production, which made it visually stunning. It involved the use of setting up live cameras on stage, and we were all stunned at the effective simplicity of small things such as adjusting the light shining on a pane of glass to create the illusion of it becoming a mirror.

By the end of the day we (‘we’ being our feet) were exhausted and so we decided to get some shut-eye before the relatively early rise the next morning. Mr Harding was particularly eager for his Premiere Inn 22 Kingswood in Focus

breakfast for which he was full of praise, if last year was anything to go by.

But, before we crossed the many pavements and rivers leading to the Globe, we were off for a flight on the London Eye, with most of the mature and collected Sixth Form students letting their childish side get the better of them, particularly when it came to the photo snap on the way down. “D’you think we should get one for KIF?” asked Mr Harding.

Sadly, Ms Keen and several of the other students put their foot down so you won’t be treated to that! And so, leaving the tourist sights of London behind us, we headed to the Globe Theatre for a tour and a viewing of Shakespeare’s 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream'. For those who hadn’t been on the trip last year, the splendour of the Globe was highly surprising.

The highlight of the museum was the interactive area which gave many of us the chance to play those Shakespearean characters we have always aspired to play. It also allowed several of the male students to call Romeo all the names they have ever wanted to. The play itself was well received by all the students. However, many now realised how much they preferred the setting of the National Theatre to the Globe. We were ‘groundlings’ and had to stand up for the duration of the play. Ms Keen and Mr Harding assured us that it had never rained before, but that was small consolation for us this year as we stood up in the wind and rain for a very long time.

Once the play was over we were very pleased to be shown to the shelter and warmth of the education room, where we were treated to a masterclass with the actors and director who answered our questions very helpfully.

"...the splendour of the Globe was highly surprising."

Shakespeare's Globe - 'The show must go on!'

And so our London expedition came to an end and, upon arriving at Paddington, we were extremely relieved to finally give our feet a little respite. Having walked around London so many times this term, I was starting to become rather attached to a little bench that always seems ready to welcome me after long yet exciting days of Globe Theatres and Premiere Inn breakfasts. The Drama students would like to thank Mr Harding, Ms Keen and Mrs Baker, who accompanied us, for being such good company and so well behaved! I hope next year’s trip will be just as successful.

Hattie Richardson (L6)

Princess Caraboo "She turned up in Gloucestershire in 1817, claiming to be Princess Caraboo from the island of Javasu saying she had been kidnapped by pirates before escaping and making her way to England."

"...I am still amazed at the effort and attention to detail that goes into Kingswood performances to reach a professional standard..."

Based on this remarkable story, the Sixth Form Drama students devised our own interpretation in the style of the theatre company, Complicité.

Complicité is a constantly evolving ensemble of performers and collaborators whose entire work has ranged from devised work to theatrical adaptations and revivals of classic texts. As a company they are always changing and moving forward to incorporate new stimuli, with their philosophy idiom of “seeking what is most alive, integrating text, music, image and action to create surprising, disruptive theatre.” There is no Complicité method; what is essential is collaboration. Complicité researches and trains through exploratory workshops, resulting in some of their most successful, ground breaking productions.

More than anything we wanted to follow their example of working with each other as a team, and listening to each others’ ideas to form a production that was truly a collaboration put together by each and every one of us.

During Sunday rehearsals we would get our best ideas together, playing games and doing activities from 10.00am - 5.00pm, which also acted as team building exercises. The sight of Luke Scoging skipping around the stage and Hannah Bishay’s dramatic leap onto the floor were definitely a couple of the highlights. Trying out different movements and sequences helped us to piece together several scenes such as the ‘Creation of Caraboo’ and ‘The Separation’. One notable scene which evolved from a game was the devising of Caraboo’s prayer sequence, in which we ended up using the sequence from the popular children’s rhyme ‘Head, shoulders, knees and toes’!

A workshop with the theatre company “Paper Birds” also helped greatly with the devising process.

At a time when ideas weren’t flowing very well, the relaxed attitude of working with music, and using our bodies a lot in different exercises to convey emotions and stories, ended up really inspiring us to focus in on the physical theatre and less on the development of specific character dialogue scenes. Not being the sportiest of students I found some

parts of devising challenging not only in terms of the devising process but also physically! A common injury amongst a few of us was pulling the muscle in our erm… ‘behinds’, from doing one too many ‘Secret Seeker’ lunges!!

As the performance drew nearer everyone began to focus on tightening up certain scenes and, even right up to the end, we would change and develop ideas which unfortunately meant certain characters having to keep learning new lines right up until the night before the first performance!

Our first dress rehearsal was a success, with the exception of some feedback from Mr Harding which went something along the lines of: “I believe that all performances have a distinct smell…and right now this play is distinctly one of BO!” Well, it had been a long day…! Later that day Ms Keen had the unfortunate job of sniffing costumes to find out the culprits, but I won’t name any names…

Overall this experience has been really positive; through devising we have all learnt the importance of precision, timing, patience and working together.

More than anything it also taught us to have fun with devising, ‘try-out’ ideas and not to push ideas relentlessly if they are not working. Being new to the Sixth Form last September, I am still amazed at the effort and attention to detail that goes into Kingswood performances to reach a professional standard, and feel lucky to be a part of the Drama Department. I am sure Princess Caraboo will be one of my favourite memories of my time here.

So overall, with a few trip-ups here and turbans unravelling there, the play was a very positive success. It has been a great cast this year and, although it has been tiring and very stressful at times, we have had the continuous support and direction of Ms Keen and Mr Harding to pull off a very original and exciting piece of theatre.

Sophie Daniel (U6) Kingswood in Focus 23

Mid-Somerset Festival: Speech & Drama Congratulations must go to those children below who had the courage to perform before an audience (let alone an adjudicator!) during the festival.

Though there were several reports of ‘butterflies’, ‘dry mouths’ and ‘shaking knees’, each performer held his/her head high and gave of their best. For many, this was their first experience of the Mid-Somerset Festival. I am delighted with these results: not only did everyone gain a certificate but we also came away with our highest trophy haul to date (nine firsts, including the Creative Writing wins).

Three cheers for Kingswood!!

VERSE SPEAKING (6½ - 7 YEARS) Alexandra Banwell - Commended (2nd), Jonathan Sedcole Commended (2nd), Francesca Ledbury - Merit (3rd) VERSE SPEAKING (7 – 7½ YEARS) Matthew Hooper - Merit, Harriet Foster - Merit VERSE SPEAKING (7½ - 8 YEARS) Sophia Dougall - Distinction (1st), Lily Palmer - Merit Callum Michie - Commended (3rd) VERSE SPEAKING (8 – 8½ YEARS) Charlotte Chilton - Commended (2nd), Charlotte Cutter - Merit Conor Finnamore - Merit, Cameron Bush - Merit

LAMDA Results Autumn 2008

VERSE SPEAKING (10 – 10½ YEARS) Jessica Brown - Merit, Nick Harris - Distinction (1st) READING ALOUD (6 YEARS) Jonathan Sedcole - Merit (2nd) READING ALOUD (7 YEARS) Callum Michie - Moderate READING ALOUD (8 YEARS) Cameron Bush - Commended, Charlotte Cutter - Merit READING ALOUD (9 YEARS) Rory Finnamore - Commended READING ALOUD (10 YEARS) Isabel Calvert - Merit, Isabel Street - Merit, Natalie Carruthers Commended, Jenny McGlynn - Commended (2nd) SOLO ACTING (10 YEARS) Jenny McGlynn - Commended (3rd), Abi Jeffery - Merit, Natalie Carruthers - Commended, Henry Clifford - Merit, Nick Harris Distinction (2nd), Beth Hirst - Merit, Phillipa Curtis - Commended

CONGRATULATIONS to all who took LAMDA acting examinations. I am delighted with these excellent results, which reflect the hard work the students put into preparing for them:

GRADE ONE MIME Abigail Jeffery - Merit, Niamh O’Sullivan - Distinction, Harriet Parker - Merit, Freddie Barnes - Merit, Nick Harris - Distinction, Beth Hirst - Merit, Agnès Sadler - Distinction, Susanna Sealy - Merit, Lorna Wheatley - Merit, Isabel Calvert - Merit, Meg Alcott - Merit, Hetty Patterson - Distinction, Olivia Parker - Distinction, Rhiannon Osborne - Distinction, Lottie Biggs - Merit, Ben Bates - Merit, Esmée Charley - Distinction, Louis Charley - Merit, Iona Erskine - Merit, Phillipa Curtis - Merit.

GRADE ONE SOLO ACTING Henry Clifford - Distinction, Florence O’Connor - Distinction, Miles Aiken - Distinction.

SOLO ACTING (11 YEARS) Rhiannon Osborne - Commended, Harriet Parker - Merit Esmee Charley - Commended (3rd), Niamh O’Sullivan - Commended DUO ACTING (U11 YEARS) Beth Hirst & Phillipa Curtis - Commended, Florence O’Connor & Susanna Sealy - Commended DUO ACTING (U12 YEARS) Miles Aiken & Henry Clifford - Commended, Natalie Carruthers & Laura Wheatley - Commended, Jenny McGlynn & Augusta Trussell - Distinction (1st) SOLO MIME (10 & 11 YEARS) Charlie Clague - Commended (3rd), Iona Erskine - Merit Lottie Biggs - Commended, Jenny McGlynn - Distinction (1st) DUO MIME (10 – 12 YEARS) Ben Bates & Billy Greenway - Distinction (1st), Lucy Halliwell & Agnès Sadler - Merit, Esmee Charley & Rhiannon Osborne Commended (3rd), Miles Aiken & Henry Clifford - Commended (2nd)

Natalie Carruthers - Distinction, Jenny McGlynn - Distinction.

GROUP MIME Lucas Reeman, Oliver Millner, Charles Fraser, Thomas Higgins, Charles Adkins, Charles Clague - Commended (1st)

Mrs Marie McGlynn (Head of English, Kingswood Prep School)

TV NEWSREADING Isabel Calvert - Merit, Alistair Dark - Merit, Iona Erskine - Merit

GRADE TWO SOLO ACTING

24 Kingswood in Focus

“Census Sums” – Pre-Prep Nativity, Christmas 2008 Counting sheep took on a whole new meaning for the children of the Pre-Prep at Kingswood.

The chosen Nativity play for the Christmas performance was “Census Sums” by Dave Corbett, which took a somewhat whimsical view of the census leading up to the Nativity story through the eyes of the Bethlehem Census Takers. These took the form of bowler-hatted city slickers, clipboards in hand, who officiously insisted on counting everything in sight: the busy bustling travellers to Bethlehem, including a Granny, a Grandad and a lady with a baby, the cooks and ingredients in the crowded inns (125 figs for the figgy pudding), a flock of recalcitrant wouldbe-stand-up-comedian-type shepherds, who certainly gave the Census Takers the “run around”, a host of angels and of course three wise men with some confusing camels.

sink from a challenge, managed to source amazing individual camel costumes from ’ebay’ to the acclamation of all concerned. It was only when rehearsals started in earnest that the realisation dawned that this masterstroke had immediately doubled the size of the camel herd from three to six. Cunning choreography of the camel song was to overcome the problem until, during rehearsals the herd was hit by …… chicken pox! This resulted in a different number of camels being present at every performance – never less than three, but never quite all six – which served to develop an amazing versatility in our young actors, whichever members of the herd were present that day and engendered a stoic determination on the part of the Wise Men to continue their journey regardless.

The plot had to be expanded, of course, to accommodate our seeming cast of thousands. This was deftly effected not only by a flock of numerous sheep and a polyphonic angelic choir, who doubled up as sous-chefs in the ubiquitous kitchens of the inns, but also by a sumptuous imaginary scene in an Eastern Palace, from whence perhaps those Wise Men might have journeyed, peopled by ethereal Eastern dancers and soft-shoe shufflers who performed opulent occidental dances to audience admiration. From here, too, originated the aforementioned camel herd.

Notwithstanding the complications in the counting, the cast arrived at the stable in Bethlehem to share a traditional Nativity scene and the true meaning of Christmas expressed through the baby born to show God’s love to the world at the heart of the Christmas celebrations. The play ended with a Christmas tableau presented by the Nursery children singing “Away in a Manger” repeated, incidentally, a few days later when they enacted the Christmas Story in their own classrooms (for their parents’ eyes only). The finale was performed by all the children of the Pre-Prep from Nursery to Year 2 as they sang “Rejoice” in celebration.

Have you heard about the camel herd? (One hump or two? – No, not that one.) The teachers had originally envisaged two actors for each camel (a front and a back camel, who would swap ends at each traverse of the stage to ensure equal opportunities of stage presence for each end).

The costume designers, however, (talented parents) never known to

The counting over, ‘it was the general consensus’ that it all added up to a joyfully festive total effect.

Mrs Glynis Hull (Head of Pre-Prep, Kingswood Prep School)

LaLaLuna at KPS

We were delighted to welcome international physical theatre performer, Wolfe Bowart, to KPS on Friday 13th February.

Wolfe had kindly agreed to host an hourlong drama workshop with Year 6 before performing a sneak preview of LaLaLuna, which was shortly to be staged at the Theatre Royal.

Soon after his arrival, Wolfe was followed by representatives from the Theatre Royal, a Western Daily Press photographer and a team from BBC Points West who were also very interested in Wolfe’s visit. I became somewhat apprehensive and hoped that the afternoon would be as beneficial to the children as I had hoped, but I needn’t have worried. Wolfe’s workshop on characterisation was fast-paced, action-packed and inspirational. He was an excellent teacher and gave us many fresh

ideas on ways to create a character. Similarly, the sneak preview was hugely entertaining to staff and pupils alike, so much so that his shows at the Theatre Royal rather resembled KPS reunions! Wolfe told me that he was equally delighted to meet our ‘great kids’ and that he would love to come back to us in the future with his new show Letter’s End. Amidst the excitement we barely noticed the rest of the crew, so it was an extra bonus to see KPS featured on Points West that evening and in the local press last week. All in all, it was a magical start to half-term.

Mrs Marie McGlynn (Head of English, Kingswood Prep School) Kingswood in Focus 25

“How do you get to the Albert Hall?” Practise, Practise!

On 11th September 2009 all GCSE and A level musicians bundled onto a couple of coaches and set off to the Royal Albert Hall for the annual trip to the BBC Proms. The concert started with the Orchestre de Paris playing Mattias Pintscher's 'Hérodiade-Fragmente', a piece for soprano and orchestra, which left a few students feeling a bit flummoxed as it was rather atonal. Mr Mainwaring felt a moment of great pride when a rock guitarist in Year 10 turned to him at the end of the piece and said, "Sir, it sounds like Penderecki, but not quite as good!" (They had just studied him in lessons). Most of the surrounding audience were most impressed!

Mahler's Symphony No.1, the main feature of the evening, managed to enchant all of us. For me the best part of this symphony was the much anticipated third movement which uses the children's song 'Frère Jacques’ to create a funeral march. Overall everyone benefited

from the concert and it never fails to amaze seeing great music being played at such a high level. However, the trip helped me to understand that even those who are really skilled still get things wrong, as the trumpet players silently sneaked on a few minutes late during Mahler's symphony!.... or so I thought. However, I eventually realised that the sound of off-stage trumpets at the very opening of the symphony was probably made by the same men who “sneaked” on when the off-stage music stopped!

Hannah Clark (U6)

Christmas Concert 2008 As always, the annual Christmas Concert was a great success for the Music Department, with the audience enjoying a large range of music, and a small amount of Mr Mainwaring’s hilarious jokes.....

For me it was also a sad event, as it was my last Christmas Concert at the school!

The evening began with the 100 - strong orchestra débuting with Waldteufel’s “Skater’s Waltz”, giving the audience a taste of what they would hear at the Viennese Ball weeks later. This was followed by the technically very difficult “Night On A Bare Mountain”, which went down very well. Under the careful direction of Mrs Barry, Kingswood Voices sang “Jen Jen Jen”, proving that there are some extremely promising singers lower down the School, and Mr Jenner’s popular classical guitar ensemble followed this with “Spanish Impression”, and naturally, a Christmas number, “Walking In The Air”. Sam Parsons demonstrated that he will definitely be missed in this group when he leaves at the end of this year. KFC closed the first half with their own composition, “Stinky”, with impressive soloing, and good drumming from Tim Rouse. Oh, how I remember the good old days with KFC – I hope the present pupils will look back with as much fondness.

Arguably, the Kingswood Drum Ensemble who opened the second half stole the show with Steve Reich’s “Clapping Music”. However, it was not an easy task, as the Theatre was now pitch black, and we were wearing completely black clothes,

balaclavas, and glow-in-the-dark white gloves under UV lights! To the audience, it looked as if there were simply hands suspended in the air, clapping away! It was a very nerve-wracking performance because, owing to the balaclavas, we could hardly see anything at all, and we had no conductor or director. Our concentration was utterly intense throughout. The impressive Westwood Orchestra followed this, with Mr Knights conducting, and they played his own arrangement of “Santa Claus Is Coming To Trown”, as well as “The Can Can”, showing that the Senior Orchestra will continue to be strong, as the players move up through the School. The Strings then played “J. S. Bach’s Third Brandenburg Concerto in G Major”, displaying amazing technical skills, with Laura Cross leading the band with great talent and commitment. Senior Choir performed under the new leadership of Mrs Barry, singing the two very enjoyable pieces “I Saw Three Ships”, and the gospel-inspired “Every time I Feel The Spirit”.

As usual, KJO closed the concert, beginning with the Herb Alpert classic “Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White”. The evening was rounded off with Mr Mainwaring’s interpretation of “We Three Kings”: “We Five Kings” – surprisingly, it was played in 5 instead of 3!

Overall, the evening was a great success, with much talent being displayed, and it’s just a shame that I won’t be at any more Christmas concerts!

Patrick Morgan (U6, Principal Musician)

26 Kingswood in Focus

There’s Snow Business Like Guitar Business!

Okay so it took the Music Department a while to get round to it, but finally it was decided that Monday 2nd February would mark the beginning of Kingswood’s first Guitar Week.

During four lunchtime concerts a number of both budding and experienced guitarists showed their skills on the instrument that blessed this epic week with its name. The main event was scheduled to take place on the Friday evening, with Sting’s guitarist, Dominic Miller, as the guest performer along with those who had been outstanding in their performances during the week.

The event started with the first concert on Monday lunchtime, showcasing a variety of genres and abilities, ranging from Leonard Budd’s performance of an electrical piece from the Grade 2 Rock School syllabus to Becky Bottle’s excellent performance of the classical piece, ‘Herencia Latina’, and of course Sam McGlynn’s show of expertise with the ever chilling, ever brilliant ‘Enter Sandman’ by Metallica.

In the Tuesday concert the bass guitarists made their début with performances of ‘Pipeline’ and ‘Download’ from Matthew Bolland, and ‘Blue Phones’ from Carson Lam. Other songs that featured were ‘Purple Haze’ and ‘Malagûena,’ whilst special mention must go to Hannah Bishay and Mr Harding for their performance of ‘You Do Something To Me.’ When questioned about the performance, the supposedly steel-nerved Head of Drama had to admit that it was “the most scared I’ve been for a long time!”

The Wednesday concert probably brought some of the week’s best performers to the fore. Hats off to Tim Woodhead and Eric Hu for their more than exceptional classical performances (‘Kalamatinos’ from Tim and ‘The Hugh Christie Pieces’ from Eric) and to the ever skilful Oscar Nowlan performing ‘PMA’, while definitely not forgetting Alex Greig, who played his own fast paced and technically demanding acoustic piece ‘Here Comes the Beast,’ inspired by the film ‘Clover Field.’

On Thursday, despite the several inches of snow, more than half the guitarists who had signed up to perform on this day managed to turn up, including yours truly. A fringe event was held in the Music School igloo where much chilling took place. Finally the main event got underway and starred Jack Stukes and James Cowell playing ‘Pipeline,’ Chris Cheung and then Henry Adams, making his performing debut at Kingswood with ‘Down, Down, Down’ by Joe Satriani. Even I managed to contribute with a performance of ‘Puerile Dementia.’

The show was brought to an end in style by the staff band (Mr Mainwaring, Mr Wilkinson, Mr Burton, Mr Hughes, Dr Fletcher, Mr Harding and Mr Westcott), giving us a taste of the ensemble version of ‘Mustang Sally.’

Woolley Church Concert It was on the pleasant autumnal evening of 16th October that A level music students from the Lower and Upper Sixth climbed into the minibus for the short journey to the very small hamlet of Woolley for the annual October concert. Adhering to the Kingswood Music Department tradition, we stopped at the local fast food outlet (much to the joy of the hungry musicians) and Mr Mainwaring arranged the final song of the evening whilst waiting for his burger. After gorging ourselves on the rather tasty offerings, we carried on towards Woolley, asking the repetitive and quite annoying question, ‘Where’s Woolley?’.

After a bumpy ride to the beautifully small church, we began the task of emptying the bus of a large amount of stands, cables, amplifiers and instrument cases. A wonderful concert followed, with highlights including a reflective Vivaldi flute solo by Katy Worsfold, an entertaining Norwegian piano duet from Jil Paul and Viv Dean, and a beautiful rendition of ‘Santa Lucia’ performed by Hannah Clark. There were seventeen performances in total, all enthusiastically listened to by the packed church audience.

With other great solos from Sam Busby and Joe Stansfield on piano, and Alex Bevan making the most of the wonderful acoustic of the church, the concert seemed over so quickly. We ended with a riotous ensemble performance of the song entitled ‘Woolley Bully’, which only Patch Morgan’s mum seemed to know! However, we soon had all the audience members bopping and singing along to the chorus.

This was Mrs Barry’s first concert at Woolley, and she was wonderful company on the trip, as well as being supportive to all taking part. Thanks also have to go to Mr Knights, who provided piano accompaniment for many of the performers, and lots of laughs along the way (not through his accompanying though!).

Rebecca Reed (U6, Head Chorister)

Unfortunately by Friday, the snow and ice were too treacherous for the main concert to take place, owing to a lack of students and Dominic Miller being unable to make it to the School, bringing the week to a disappointingly quiet close. But fear not! The concert has been rescheduled for the last week of the Summer Term (Monday 29 June) and will still feature Dominic Miller. Hopefully, there will be little chance of snow then!

Edward Carter (L6) Kingswood in Focus 27

A New Year’s Viennese Ball Manic rehearsals began, part way through September, and none of us had any idea how we were going to learn twenty-four new pieces in seven weeks.

This meant we had to prepare over two hours of music in just seven rehearsals – this worked out at three to four new pieces every week!

The first rehearsal went unbelievably well, but the pace was phenomenally fast, and a few struggled to keep up. Somehow, though, everyone managed to find the energy and motivation, even at the end of a tiring Tuesday, to master the pieces. The second rehearsal followed presenting remarkably few problems apart from the pace of learning.

We were all encouraged by remarks by others about our ability to work to a professional standard, and we all began to notice it too.

Working through numerous pieces every rehearsal, we quickly built up a confidence when tackling each new waltz or polka. For all of those who find sight-reading difficult, join an orchestra, you’ll never have a problem again!! This pace also developed our capability to play within a large ensemble, we all learned to react more and more rapidly in response to musical changes. The atmosphere was fantastic, and there were no tears along the way (except from a few of those who might have forgotten to turn up to the odd rehearsal!).

learned a couple of basic waltzes and polkas. Meanwhile we all dressed in our “posh frocks” and dinner jackets. Everyone looked extraordinary, the flourishes of colour along with the traditional black and white fitting elegantly and effortlessly into the sumptuous surroundings of the Guildhall.

The performance itself was an unforgettable experience. We rattled through our repertoire in two, hour-long halves. I can assure you that I had heard more than enough oom-pah-pahs by the end of the evening.

The first half consisted of: 'Blue Danube', 'Roses From the South', 'Dancing Shoes' – from Marley’s Ghosts!, 'Pizzicato Polka', 'Skaters’ Waltz', 'Vienna Blood', 'Artist’s Life', 'Tritsch Tratsch Polka', 'Sleeping Beauty Waltz', 'Family Song' – from MG! and finally the 'Competition Waltz' – consisting of over 10 famous pieces including 'Match of the Day', 'Scooby Doo' and 'Rocky'! With a well deserved interval, the orchestra were treated to pizza, and fizzy drinks, whilst reminiscing about the fairly chaotic opening three or four dances (some said the guests looked like well-dressed bargain hunters at the best January sale ever!). The second half contained many more pieces including: 'Galopin Polka', 'Emperor Waltz', 'Morgenblatter', 'Annen Polka' and 'In the Krapfen Woods' – featuring Mr and Mrs Price (Charlie’s folks, who won the prize of performing with the orchestra after winning the Competition Waltz!). These were followed by: 'Vienna Woods', 'Poor Wandering One' – from MG,! 'Thunder and Lightning Polka', 'The Merry Widow', 'Blue Danube', and 'Radetzky March'.

"...the light-hearted and immensely friendly atmosphere was enjoyed by all."

Nevertheless, Saturday 10th January crept up on us sooner than expected! Before we could really grasp that the day had arrived, we were setting up. Setting up an orchestra of over 90 people on the stage in the Guildhall in Bath may sound like a relatively easy task. Even as Leader of the Orchestra I assumed everything would run fairly smoothly.

However, setting up the stage was definitely an unique experience.

Our problem was a happy one - we had too many orchestral players to fit even upon the large stage at the Guildhall. After a long time squeezing players into very small gaps, we gave in and the percussion section, cellos, and bass players were placed in front of the stage on the floor, perilously close to the where the dancers would waltz!

The final rehearsal ran very smoothly, and we were now ready for the evening’s performance. Prior to our performance, the Friends of Kingswood arranged a workshop for all the 150 guests, where they 28 Kingswood in Focus

The dances of the evening were entertaining to say the least, but the light-hearted and immensely friendly atmosphere was enjoyed by all. Thanks must go to the Friends of Kingswood and the Music Department for organising a most memorable and successful glitzy event. The musicianship of all the orchestral players has blossomed as a result of this project, and if this event ever occurs again, you will truly miss out if you do not don your party frock or bow-tie.

Laura Cross (L6)

Peri Profile We currently have 20 instrumental and vocal teachers who teach almost 300 instrumental and vocal 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.

CRAIG BISSEX – VOICE Craig started his musical training at Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester where he studied piano and percussion and was also a chorister in the Cathedral. He studied further at both Trinity College and The Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, but eventually took ‘time out’ and worked in the Antiques business for many years.

In 2002 he moved back home to Bath and studied for his Degree at Bath Spa University where he was also encouraged to develop his singing skills. Craig is now working as a professional singer and regularly performs around the South West. He joined the Kingswood Music team at the beginning of 2008 and is thoroughly enjoying teaching his 32 pupils to “splat”, drop their jaws and yawn excessively!

Craig is a member of Bath Abbey Choir and also teaches privately.

He is an accomplished pianist and does a lot of accompaniment work for many instrumental teachers and also his own singing teacher. Other professional work include regular trips to London to record film trailers and soundtracks. If you saw the trailers for Harry Potter, Spiderman, War of the Worlds and more, he was on them!! Most recently he was singing on the soundtrack to Madagascar II.

Ensemble Fortnight It seemed like term had only just started, but we were already into Ensemble Fortnight at the beginning of October. This is a great time for musicians at Kingswood to play together in small ensembles, from duets to really large groups.

My cello teacher Mrs Dicker told us that the five leading cellists at Kingswood were going to play the famous military song 'Anchors Aweigh', arranged for cello quintet. The five were Katja Cross, Oscar Batterham, Steven Wang, Jamie Padkin and ME! At the start, when I first saw the piece, I could already feel the pressure building, as I had only two weeks to learn my individual part – it’s not like playing in orchestra where all the cellos play the same thing.

I was very nervous, not only about playing my own part, but also because it was also my first time playing in the Ensemble Fortnight Concert.

We had our first practice together, and then I really got down to some practice! I have to admit that it was pretty scary to practise such a thing on my own because it didn’t sound right when I played it without the other parts.

Later, when we gathered together once more to practise in the studio, I actually felt I had made a lot of progress, and I gained a lot of confidence.

I felt that everybody was supporting me throughout the whole piece, so even if I made little mistakes, I knew that the overall effect would be fine if I kept going. As well as this difficult piece, we were also learning an impossible piece in strings called Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 by J. S. Bach. This was an amazingly complex piece, with three lots of violins, three lots of violas, and three lots of cellos all fighting with each other to get the best tune! I was quite nervous before the concert, but was really pleased with both the cello quintet and Brandenburg.

Not only were the strings great, but there were loads of other ensembles including massed flutes, singing duets and trios, lots of piano pieces, some trumpet trios and percussionists. However, the most scary bit came at the end when 26 electric guitars, 2 singers, a drummer and bassist all plugged in to perform Bryan Adams’ song 'Run To You'. Unfortunately the audience couldn’t run anywhere, and they all looked quite shocked at the end of the concert when the immense volume stopped!

Carson Lam (Year 8)

Another Blossoming Gig at the Prior Park Garden Centre!

The Hot Club of Kingswood proved to be a powerful force at the Prior Park Garden Centre fund raising event last November. Led by Mr Mainwaring, Patrick Morgan, Joshua Mumford, Sam Parsons and Toby Russell were able to tantalize the ears of generous gardeners who came to support the cause. Avoiding the clichéd songs such as 'Green Onions', 'Wade in the Water (Feature)' and 'Papa’s Got A Brand New Gro-Bag', they performed a more appropriate set list consisting of classic 1930s jazz standards 'It Don't Mean A Thing If You Ain't Got That Swing', 'Minor Swing' and the old classic 'I Just Can't Get You Out Of My Head' by Kylie Minogue!

During the performance, music wasn't the only thing which was improvised. Mr Mainwaring became creative after forgetting his trumpet

mute and transformed an ordinary, boring flower pot into a musical pot of expression. Despite the odd interruption owing to customers wanting Christmas decorations in front of which we were thoughtlessly placed, the two part performance went very well with all members contributing to the fresh and 'blossoming' sound which emanated from behind the Garden Utensil section of the store.

Many thanks must go to Mr Allison for his unfailing support for the event and for the 'Hot Club of Kingswood' for providing the soundtrack. The evening was a complete success with a total of £1,000 being raised for 'Save the Children Fund' which aims to help children less fortunate than ourselves at Kingswood.

Josh Mumford (U6) Kingswood in Focus 29

The Scholars’ Concert 09 Imagine the scene: Weeks of dedicated practice and refining that each Scholar puts into their piece; an unbelievably high standard from previous years; and the theatre packed with peripatetic teachers and parents alike waiting eagerly a performance to parallel or trump last year’s. The pressure was on!

The rousing opener St John’s Night on the Bare Mountain did little to calm my pre-performance nerves, but demonstrated the ever-increasing skill that our orchestra now plays with, and set the tone for the evening.

Alex Bevan’s performance of Music of the Night pushed the orchestra to a new level of synergy between soloist and orchestra that I had not heard from Kingswood before. It sent a genuine shiver down my spine and a fresh wave of tremors to my hands, as I had to step up to the stage next.

My performance was enhanced by the fantastic accompaniment of the strings, who only needed a couple of rehearsals to play a part that was not far off the complexity of the solo part.

Laura Cross was next to take to the stage, with her heartfelt Sospiri from Elgar, again with her colleagues on strings accompanying brilliantly. I had thought it would have been hard for Laura to top her fantastic performance of the piece that she had previously done in an assembly, but she took the piece to a new level and trumped her assembly performance with ease.

Newcomers to the Scholars' Concert, Ben Richardson and Angharad Lloyd, showed their places to be well-deserved with excellent technical performances and great promise for the musical future of Kingswood.

Charles Price produced a near-flawless interpretation of a Handel trumpet piece with a maturity that belied his age. This was followed by my personal highlight of the show - Tamsin Ireland’s Fantasia by Mozart, performed with flair and sensitivity throughout.

"The rousing opener... set the tone for the evening."

Sam Mumford’s interpretation of Favourite Things showed his growing improvisational ability and technical facility on the piano, while bassoonsuperstar Alfred Ireland was on usual form, giving a performance involving some noises that I wasn’t sure a bassoon was capable of producing. Of course they could have just been mistakes, but I doubt that, given Alfred’s place in the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and his unflinching face of concentration, similar to that of Roy Chan’s, whose focus and obvious commitment to the violin have seen him progress at a rapid rate.

Nearing the end of the concert, Katja Cross’s Elegy from Faure proved her command of the cello, and was the last thing that I heard before the decibel metre shot up as my colleague, fellow Principal Musician and band-mate Patch Morgan took to the stage, backed up by KJO.

Sam Parsons (U6)

An Only Night at the Proms Although not quite the majestic setting of the Royal Albert Hall, the Sports Hall scrubbed up well for the Music Department’s Easter concert, An Only Night at the Proms.

The space was transformed into a cavernous concert venue with a thirty-five foot wide stage and enough Union Jack bunting to make your eyes water! Well over 200 pupils performed in a truly memorable evening of music-making, the culmination of a term of rigorous rehearsing.

The concert was opened by the joint forces of Kingswood Jazz Orchestra and the 16-strong Percussion Ensemble in a partly improvised version of 'Yello’s Tied Up' – the sheer volume in the hall was quite something to behold! Chamber Choir were next up, with two superb performances of a sacred piece, and a jazz version of 'Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat'.

KFC followed with a punk-style 'Swing Low Sweet Chariot', and then, one of the highlights of the evening, Mrs Barry’s Kingswood Voices performing a Serbian folk song and the moving Chilcott piece 'Can You Hear Me' which also saw the choir using sign language. The guitar ensemble gave arguably their best performance to date, a self-penned piece - 'Sevillanas por los Chicos' - by guitar teacher Mr Tony Jenner, followed by the Senior Choir, drummers and Hannah Bishay in the gospel number 'Shut de Door'. Mr Jamie Knights led a most entertaining Westwood Orchestra through the remainder of the first half in the aptly titled 'We All Stand Together' and the 'William Tell Overture'.

After the interval, the traditional format of the Last Night of the Proms was adhered to, and the Senior Orchestra – joined by Westwood Orchestra – filled the stage with around 120 orchestral players! Following a stirring 'Carmen', the silliness began with that perfect bobbing-up-and-down piece, 'Radetzky March'. Scores and scores of Union flags (and a few Welsh ones amongst others!) were waved, and hundreds of Union Jack hats moved up and down in time to the orchestra’s oom-pahs. Elgar’s 'Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1' then led to the first round of patriotic singing. It really was a great spectacle to see the bunting-bedecked hall, all of the waving flags, the resplendent massed orchestra in their black and white, and to hear the rousing 'Land of Hope and Glory' (as a matter of interest, Elgar disliked the sung version, these were words that were added later..... sorry, Sir Edward!). There then followed a chance for three solos – Laura Cross violin, Katy Worsfold flute, and everyone else in the hall who had brought an air-horn, party blower or the like. 'The Hornpipe' from 'The Sea Shanties' proved a great success with bobbing, honking, and a general spree of accelerating silliness. Rebecca Reed did a splendid job in performing four verses of 'Rule Britannia', and was almost drowned out by the audience in the choruses….. but not quite!

The evening was rounded off in the traditional way with the singing of 'Jerusalem' and the National Anthem, and another most memorable Music Department concert drew to a close.

Mr Richard Mainwaring (Director of Music)

Question Time

Question Time Returns...

At the beginning of February BBC Question Time came to Kingswood School for the second time in two years.

Preparing for the Theatre to host the programme and the show itself provided many pupils, staff and parents with an opportunity to see at first hand the major logistics involved in putting on a 60-minute television programme.

Some pupils interested in the technical side of producing the programme were given the opportunity to help the BBC crew members set up the Theatre. When the three large trucks arrived the day before the show we helped unload the pieces of the set and well over 100 lights. We were then given a brief introduction as to how to decipher the lighting plan, which looked far more complicated than any we would normally see for school productions, although once explained, was quite simple to follow.

We then slotted right in amongst the crew helping to put all the lights on the scaffolding. On the morning of the show many more trucks arrived bringing with them thousands of pounds worth of production equipment including cameras, sound equipment, and the production truck itself from which the show was directed and technically edited.

The BBC production team were all very friendly and willing to show us what goes on behind the scenes. We were shown how to use the camera equipment, and allowed to test our newly learned skills on various people moving around in the Theatre trying to remain in focus and with the correct zoom, etc. We were given a tour of the production truck; it was fascinating to see how the whole show was directed, edited and broadcast from one small truck parked outside the venue. Overall

it was great fun and a brilliant experience for pupils to get involved and we have learnt much that we can hopefully put to good use in other school productions.

A number of pupils, including Sixth Form politics students, as well as a few parents and staff were lucky enough to be in the audience for the show. It was clear that they all appreciated the opportunity to take part in such a high profile and well renowned event. There were many lively debates with some interesting and conflicting views from the panellists such as Kelvin Mackenzie and Salma Yaqoob.

The warm-up which sadly did not get broadcast, was about the recent heavy snowfall and its effects on schools which I'm sure, like many of the pupils and staff, I found very topical. One parent, Lynda Lloyd, got selected to contribute a point to one of the debates. Lynda, like all other members of the participating audience, had to go through an application procedure in order to have a seat and prove she was able to add to the debate. Lynda made a perceptive point about whether private space is truly private, linking it to Carol Thatcher’s recent off-air ‘faux pas’ about a tennis player. Unfortunately, there was not enough time for her point to go back to the panel.

"...it was great fun and a brilliant experience for pupils to get involved..."

All in all it was a busy but enjoyable two days and we are very grateful to all those who made it such a success.

Parveen Jones (L6) Kingswood in Focus 31

Geography Department

What do you remember from your Geography lessons in school?

Most people (over a certain age) will mention ox-bow lakes and corries. Those slightly older will recall ‘the industrial geography of the Ruhr coalfield’, or a similar regional geography, and those older still might just have learned lists of rivers, countries and capitals, etc.

Some might recall colouring in! All will remember the fieldtrips they were lucky enough to go on that brought the subject to life. Whilst keeping a handle on the processes and places that underpin the subject, Geography at Kingswood has moved on a great deal. What is learned and how it is taught have changed radically. The emphasis is on enquiry based learning with students being more proactive in both asking, and researching answers to, questions. Geographical enquiry encourages questioning, investigation and critical thinking about issues affecting the world and people’s lives, now and in the future. The subject matter is at the forefront of the news on a daily basis – though you may never read it as ‘geography’.

that underpins much of what we teach. As a result, Geography will play a key part in helping deliver the School’s policies in adherence to Education for Sustainable Development. At KS3 this includes the sustainability of the London Olympics as a regeneration project for the East End of London; at A2 the course has a core elements on sustainability, examining topical issues such as the sustainability of water, food, energy supply and cities.

Understanding natural hazards; development on floodplains; climate change; issues of ageing populations, migration, HIV/AIDS; the sustainability of planning decisions in cities; global development: all are central to the geography syllabus from Key Stage 3 to A level. As geographers, we aim to develop ‘systems thinking’; seeing these issues in their local and global contexts; understanding the interconnectedness of many of them and developing the ability to see things or systems as wholes rather than made up of different individual parts. At the Boys' toys heart of this is at Whatley ‘sustainability’

Some of our teaching, especially at KS3, has benefited from the implementation of Assessment for Learning (AfL) within the curriculum. For example, in Year 9 the students worked in pairs to examine the work of an aid organisation. They shared their results with the class through power-point presentations which considered what their organisation did, where they worked and what they had achieved. The presentations were then peer-marked so each pair received feedback on the strengths and weaknesses of their work.

In January, Mr Haines spoke to the Wesley Society about local issues related to the sustainability of planning decisions in Bath.

He examined the success and desirability of both past and present decisions, with particular reference to the Southgate development.

He has been in Bath long enough to remember the original redevelopment of this area in 1971. Will the new scheme be more sustainable than the last?

"At A level, Geography is flourishing... with 82% achieving A or B grades last summer."

Quarry!

32 Kingswood in Focus

At A level, Geography is flourishing and, at AS level, we shall teach three sets instead of two for the first time this year. A level results have been improving, year on year, with 82% achieving A or B grades last summer. This was a tremendous achievement as, while some of our A level candidates started the course with A* at GCSE, others had achieved a C at Foundation Level but were keen to pursue the subject further. A particularly rewarding part of the A2 course has been the independently researched essay. This has allowed candidates to select, from a range of titles, a part of the subject that really interests them and go on to explore it in detail. Topics have been as diverse as the impact of individual diseases, such as AIDS or malaria; the causes of famine; the unsustainable exploitation of the oceans; trade versus aid as a means of development; or the impact of hosting major sporting events. Through this work students have had a taste of the rigours and frustrations of academic research and it has been good preparation for university. They have had to show an appreciation of the complexity of the question by developing balanced arguments supported by

case studies at a variety of geographical scales while also showing an awareness of the different ‘players’ and opinions involved.

Whilst many aspects of the subject have changed, fieldwork remains an integral part of Geography and the department try to get out into ‘God’s classroom’ as much as possible. Pupils learn to think spatially and use maps, visual images and new technologies, including geographical information systems (GIS) to obtain, present and analyse information. We continue to enjoy some ‘old favourites’, such as the trips to Blaenavon and Swanage with Years 7 and 8, while also developing new trips. One of our most successful this year was a visit to Whatley Quarry in Somerset, with Year 10, to support the ‘Rocks and Landscapes’ part of the GCSE course. This may seem an unlikely subject to excite the interests of Year 10; however, it proved to be a highlight of the year owing to a number of factors… There were plenty of impressive “boys’ toys” such as the giant digger featured in the photograph; we were fortunate enough to be present for the big ‘blast’; we had the services of excellent guides and, of course, Arleen’s coach driver, Turbo. He ensured the troops remained in good humour throughout and was generous enough to lend us his camera for the duration of the trip! Fieldwork and geographical research form a key part of the new Welsh Joint Educational Committee A level and, as a result, we have reintroduced a residential fieldtrip, with a weekend in the Field Studies Council Centre at Preston Mountford in Shropshire, in February. In spite of complaints about the long hours and hard work (especially when it clashed with Six Nations matches..!), the AS group learned a great deal from the weekend. There are plans to take a second trip to Iceland with the GCSE classes next year and also to continue to develop our fieldwork programme both at home and abroad.

Geography is a dynamic subject and this is part of its attraction for both teachers and students. Our latest challenge is to explore the potential of GIS as a tool to aid the mapping and spatial analysis of data and information, for example for coursework. We will be helped in this by the addition of Miss Katie Donovan to the teaching team, from September 2009. As a first class honours graduate, with a love of physical geography and the outdoors, we welcome the fresh ideas and expertise that she will bring to help move the department forward in the coming years.

L6 Measuring Infiltration

Y9 Aid Presentation

Y10 at Cheddar Gorge

Mrs Debbie Jenner (Head of Geography)

Y7 at Blaenavon

Kingswood in Focus 33

Art Department

Cornwall - September 2008 On Thursday 11th September, an enthusiastic art team comprising of the Lower Sixth art class, Mr Main and Mrs Appleyard-Pallot set off for Cornwall.

I rushed to the School mini-bus, worried that I was late for the departure, only to discover that so was everyone else and that the scene was at present typically artistically relaxed. Eventually, with all 13 large canvases somehow stowed in amongst everything and everyone else, we set off. Later that evening we arrived at our destination of the youth hostel near St Just. After the long journey, no-one can deny that the baked beans on toast were very welcome.

We were lucky to have a friendly and generous hostess, and very cozy accommodation.

An early start the next morning took us to St Ives in time to explore the beach outside the Tate St Ives and the St Nicholas Chapel before our guided tour of the gallery.

The tour gave a fascinating insight into the story of how an artists' revolution took place in this small town in the 1920s. It was also really interesting to learn the background and techniques of the artists whose paintings and sculptures we were able to see first-hand. After a visit to the amazing Barbara Hepworth sculpture garden, we explored St Ives, gathering inspiration from galleries and the town itself.

Alexander Greig (L6)

"The place had a really powerful atmosphere and a sense of raw, natural beauty."

Nina, Naomi and Harriet (L6)

Nina Fini (L6)

Night Paintings

Later that evening was an incredible adventure: the Night Paintings.

We travelled through wood and marsh-grass, over hill and dale, until we finally reached our journey's end: the sea. We had arrived at the stunning cove near the youth hostel. Two great hills descended to meet at a rocky beach below the cliffs, and between them lay one white mini-bus, filled with art materials. Also, on climbing to the summit of one hill, another, very different cove was revealed on the other side. The place had a really powerful atmosphere and a sense of raw, natural beauty. It was time to begin our task. Each was given a large canvas, and the task was to paint our interpretation of the place and the atmosphere as a whole, (remembering the techniques of the artists we had learned about earlier). Fortunately, the weather was really beautiful (and continued so from then on). The sheer freedom of the task, and place, was really inspiring. We painted until sunset. After many trials and tribulations, all were glad to enjoy a delicious barbecue, prepared al fresco by Mrs Appleyard-Pallot. Back at the youth hostel, each presented and explained their painting to the group and many interesting ideas resulted from this discussion.

On Saturday morning, we arrived in Falmouth and visited the fascinating Maritime Museum there. Afterwards we explored the town and harbour front. It was at the time of the Tall Ships Race, held at Falmouth every year, so there were many sea-faring festivities to enjoy. That afternoon there was still time for a detour to the beautiful Portreath beach, where much fun was had braving the waves and throwing seaweed. All eventually returned to the youth hostel, salty, seaweed-encrusted and very merry. Then there was the evening entertainment. The group plays were hilarious, and we even managed to surpass our efforts of the previous two evenings' guitar jamming sessions, with a last few songs.

The next morning was the day of our departure. All in all, the trip was extremely beneficial with many thanks to Mr Main and Mrs Appleyard-Pallot for this. We had learned a lot, and were not only inspired but had had a lot of fun. The trip to Cornwall set the year off to a really great start!

Polly Gates and Harriet Brooker (L6) Kingswood in Focus 35

Y6 class painting for French day

Nursery minibeasts

KPS Art & DT Y1 mask

Y5 Picasso faces

Ceramic club houses

Y6 DT bug sculpture

Y2 The enormous crocodile

36 Kingswood in Focus

Catering Awards

Top Cuisine On the 17th September 2008 Head Chef Tami Fairlie and I went to the Guild Hall to collect our ‘Food Hygiene Award’. We achieved the standard of a Merit Award.

Whilst at the ceremony we were informed that all of us at the ceremony were in the top 1% of 1700 food outlets within the county of B&NES. To achieve this standard is no mean feat; it’s purely down to hard work and determination to deliver the best quality within the food industry.

The Public Service Manager then announced the overall winner of the Food Hygiene Award: "Having reached exceptional food hygiene standards, the ‘crème de la crème’ is Kingswood Senior School Catering Department".

I am very proud of our achievement and want to thank all of my catering team for their hard work. We are aiming to collect the award in 2010 when the next inspection will take place!

Ms Sharon Traylor (Catering Manager)

Catering for Caterers On Saturday 17th January 2009 a small function was organised by the teaching staff at Kingswood.

The idea came from the need to recognise how hard the Catering Department worked to ensure Gary Best had the send off he deserved, but it was also an opportunity for us, the teaching staff, to say thank you to all those who work in the kitchens day in, day out. We wanted to thank our ‘washer uppers’ and our ‘trolley wheelers’. The loyalty and dedication of this body of staff has never been formally recognised before and so it was decided that the teaching staff would cook for them for once…

"Hats off to Sharon and her team they do an amazing job!"

As you can see from some of the photos the event was very well supported. We held a drinks reception in the Richards Room and then the guests were treated to some of Mrs Opie’s butternut and ginger soup in the dining room. This was followed by a buffet style main course. Mr and Mrs Jenner produced Michelin Star salmon mousse and these were accompanied by a delicious array of salads and quiches which were all individually prepared by the staff themselves. To finish off our guests had the choice of Mrs Sergeant’s chocolate roulade or cheese and biscuits. The whole event took some organising but it gave us a small insight into life behind the scenes of the catering department. Hats off to Sharon and her team - they do an amazing job!

Miss Becky Bleathman (Assistant Housemistress, Fonthill) Kingswood in Focus 37

Friends of Kingswood

What are ‘Friends’ for?

It has been a busy time for the recently rejuvenated parents’ group, the Friends of Kingswood.

Aside from the regular bar duties at various theatre productions and nearly new uniform sales, the Friends have run the following events since last September:

• • • • •

Beer tasting Taste of Spain dinner – fashioned on the famous ‘Taste of Bath’ festival An Evening of Cheese Viennese Ball at the Guildhall Model United Nations where the Friends provided a bar for visiting staff and ran a tuck shop for the weekend

"...the Friends organised a New Year celebration to remember."

I’m sure everyone will agree that the highlight of the year so far must be the Viennese Ball held in January. Devised by the School’s Director of Music, Richard Mainwaring, the Friends organised a New Year celebration to remember. Held at the beautiful ballroom at the city’s Guildhall, the full-size symphony orchestra, made up entirely of pupils, enticed the 200 guests onto the dance floor with popular waltzes such as the Blue Danube.

Mr Mainwaring said he was proud of the orchestra’s performance: “It was a privilege to conduct such an ensemble and a delight to witness the orchestra enthusing the crowds of dancers with the New Year spirit!”

The aim of the Friends is to support both parents and pupils. By providing social events, parents can get to know one another better, and having parent representatives for each year group has been very beneficial.

38 Kingswood in Focus

Fundraising is seen as a positive by-product of these events. Recently the Friends were able to make the following financial awards: • £3000 to the Drama Department to purchase a lighting desk and radio microphones • £6000 for cricket covers • £1000 for improvements to the recording studio • There is also ongoing support for the foundation fund We very much look forward to welcoming new parents at future events, which will be advertised in the weekly newsletter. It has been a real pleasure for us to work with the new Headmaster, Simon Morris.

I would like to finish by sending my grateful thanks to all of the committee for their hard work over the last year. We look forward to organising some great events in the coming year.

Mrs Jan Douglas-Bate (Chairman)

Friends of KPS

Christmas Fayre The sun shone for our Christmas Fayre and I believe a very good time was had by all. Despite our financially straitened times we raised over £4,500 to spend on wise purchases for the children’s benefit.

Proof of many hours of hard work by ‘crafty’ mums was much in evidence, and tempting cakes, fudge, etc. abounded. Salted amongst these were charities with links to our School community to help us remember the deeper meaning of ‘giving’ at Christmas. To the accompaniment of the thwack of missiles on coconuts, and the sizzle of sausages on the barbecue, there was a chance for convivial chatter in the sunny playground, mulled wine in hand! Floppy bears were lovingly plumped into life by hordes of boys and girls from Nursery to Year 6.

The chocolate selection boxes were a perennial hit at the tombola and the Children’s Draw was a favourite from the moment the red ribbon was cut! Brain cells were challenged by the quiz, and careful estimates or wild guesses were directed at our Christmas cake and a giant jar of sweets. Wine, gifts, ‘smellies’, plants and filled jars were snapped up like lightning! Ducks, masks, tattoos, manicures, games, fabric painting, cookie decorating, Gogos and lucky dips entertained the youngsters.

Santa was good enough to visit us once more to the delight of all, and a Christmas Fairy granted festive wishes. The Raffle was ‘grand’ indeed, especially with a cuppa and a cake from our super café.

Such an event does not happen without effort - and probably much more than you may imagine!

Mrs Mary Calvert (FoKPS)

KPS in the Snow

Kingswood in Focus 39

MUN 2009

Model United Nations Conference This year’s Model United Nations Conference saw record numbers of students descending on Kingswood for a weekend of debate and discussion. on to respond to an unexpected international crisis; perhaps reflecting the current concerns of the international community, Iran featured prominently in a number of the scenarios.

Over fifty schools and 700 students took part, coming from as far afield as Russia, Portugal and Germany. The educational value of MUN is being recognised by more and more schools, and once again this year we had to disappoint a number of institutions that would have liked to take part, simply because our venues were full to capacity. The popularity of the activity is not surprising, given MUN’s ability to combine learning about the challenges facing the modern world with the development of important organisational, communication and leadership skills. As a result of its capacity to educate and inspire in a way that engages all who participate, more and more schools want to get their students involved in MUN, and more and more conferences are being established; it is a tribute to the quality and reputation of the Kingswood event that, despite the increasing number of conferences to choose from, our MUN remains one of the largest events of its type in the United Kingdom.

Every MUN is different, throwing up new challenges and surprises. 2009 will be remembered as the year in which our plans to erect a stage in the Sports Hall were temporarily thwarted by the mysterious disappearance of the stage fixings, a problem solved with just hours to spare by the magnificent work of the Facilities Department. It will also be remembered for one of the more surreal moments of recent times, the problem of how to remove a dead deer from the main school entrance early on a Saturday morning.

The fact that these issues, along with a myriad of others, were resolved with a minimum of fuss is a tribute to the ability of the Kingswood community to work together to once again achieve a first-class outcome. So many people helped to make this year’s conference a success.

The Facilities Department have already been mentioned, but the efforts of the Catering Department also deserve to be singled out; once again visitors to Kingswood were impressed by the quality of what we are lucky enough to enjoy every day.

The Friends of Kingswood were magnificent in their support, offering warm hospitality to both visiting staff and students. The technical crew, security team and secretaries all played vital roles over the course of the weekend, but particular mention should be made of the chairing teams, whose professionalism and enthusiasm were exemplary. Over forty students chaired this year, learning a lot about themselves as they took on the challenge of organising committees of sometimes in excess of one hundred students.

That figure in itself is a record, but special thanks should be offered to the lead chairs, whose work during the conference was outstanding: Rob House, Amelia Tuckett, Piers Dawson, Tom Ireland, Sarah Penrhyn Jones, Verity Lowe, Helen Olley, Laura Stockley, Marianne Teoh, Josh Brodie, Jack Souter and Nick Grant.

"...our MUN remains one of the largest events of its type in the United Kingdom."

The conference began on the evening of Friday 6th March. The opening ceremony included fine speeches from the Headmaster, Amelia Tuckett and Rob House. Amelia spoke passionately about the need for the global community to take action to address the problem of climate change, whilst Rob spoke eloquently and with humour on his experiences at MUN conferences down the years, from his time as a secretary in Westwood to his appointment as Secretary General for this year’s conference. Suitably inspired, delegates then dispersed to their various committee venues for an hour of intense lobbying on the proposed resolutions for debate.

Saturday saw debate begin in earnest, with discussions on the full range of contemporary issues, from piracy off the coast of Somalia to the global economic crisis. On Sunday the conference ended with the now traditional feature of the emergency debates, with delegates once more being called

40 Kingswood in Focus

Finally (and most importantly of all) thanks should be made to Mrs Morag Lemmy, whose administrative skills, patience and good humour were again crucial to the success of the event.

Mr Craig Woodgate (Head of Sixth Form)

Eco Schools

Looking Forward to a More Sustainable Future Everywhere we go, we are faced with the prospect of an uncertain future.

According to an increasing number of scientists, climate change is the greatest challenge mankind has ever encountered and if we do not act soon, we may pass the point of no return. However, although we cannot ignore this negative impact, the majority of people at present do not seem to realise the many positive aspects which are arising as a result of this crisis, and how, in the face of the current economic recession, “sustainable development” is creating thousands of job opportunities in an unstable world.

Last March at Kingswood, members of Eco-Schools presented an assembly which concentrated on projects which bring the possibility of real hope for the future. For example, plans are currently being drawn up for a giant “Sahara Super grid”, which could revolutionise energy production in Europe. It is estimated that even if we manage to harness as little as 0.3% of the light energy falling on the desert, we could provide all the energy to meet Europe’s current needs. The employment prospects for projects such as these are staggering; a whole host of workers will be needed, such as engineers, builders and architects.

Other exciting new projects include transition towns, and major businesses, such as L’Oreal, who are reducing their carbon emissions and working towards making themselves carbon neutral.

The Energy Team with their posters encouraging everyone to save energy by wearing extra layers

The Transport Team have mapped Kingswood families distribution in preparation for their campaign next year

"Although it is easy to think that small actions cannot make a difference, Eco-Schools’ projects at Kingswood are proving this wrong..."

Although it is easy to think that small actions cannot make a difference, Eco-Schools’ projects at Kingswood are proving this wrong thanks to the support from the whole community. Currently, our three main teams, who are concentrating on Paper, Energy and Food Waste, are all making progress. Ever since the introduction of the recycle and re-use boxes five years ago, people have become even more aware of the need to save paper, and now it is unusual for someone to simply place paper in the bin without thinking. Likewise, the Energy Team have built on the success of last year’s “Green Day” by continuing to encourage people to reduce energy waste by simple behavioural changes such as wearing extra layers to help keep warm during the winter months.

During the Spring Term, the kitchens did a one day pilot survey of food waste at the School, and it was revealed that approximately three hundred kilograms was wasted on that day! Although this seems shocking, there are easy ways of preventing this, such as simply asking for less food at lunch time. We are hoping to continue to collect data in collaboration with the kitchens and use the findings to raise awareness and encourage small behavioural changes that add up over time to make a big difference. Also, the findings will hopefully help the School select an appropriate composter to help reduce our waste even more.

Next year, Eco-Schools’ main focus is going to be transport.

Possibilities such as public transport and car sharing will be explored, and we are hoping our efforts will not only help reduce our carbon emissions, but will also greatly benefit health. This, as all Eco-Schools projects are, will be driven by students, but we hope with as much support and enthusiasm from the whole community as we have found in the past.

Imogen Sadler (Year 11)

Eco-Schools members – April, 2009

Kingswood in Focus 41

Kingswood Association

Letter from the President & Chairman The last few months have seen a rich mixture of increased activity within The Association and planning for the future. of regional and generational reunions - if you would like to help in the necessary organisation then please get in touch with John Allison • the publication of “One Man in his Time - an appreciation of the life and times of John Gardner organised and edited by Neil Cheshire”. This anthology of memories from various alumni who studied under John illustrates the power of truly inspirational teaching by a remarkable man who was one of Kingswood's greatest school masters • research amongst Association members to gain an understanding of what The Association currently delivers for you and what it may deliver in the future. Our thanks to those who responded - we are currently assessing the findings to make sure that future plans reflect your views and requirements

Pride of place must go to Association Day on 8 November 2008 when over 200 alumni and their families visited the school and renewed old friendships, as well as seeing what the school now has to offer to current students. John Allison organised a series of events and tours (many thanks to the various prefects who acted as our guides) - and several year groups used the occasion to get together during the day and in the evening. It was especially good to see so many spouses and young children: hopefully Kingswood students of the future!

John Allison reports separately on the day, but suffice to say that any fears of embarrassing silences and of not being sure whether you would recognise or remember each other proved groundless. The buzz of conversation and laughter demonstrated that a good time was being had by all. Let's hope that 2009 Association Day proves just as successful - so, leavers of 1999, 1989, 1979, etc., get in touch with each other and organise your trips back to Bath.

But that’s not all. Recent months have seen: • the launch of a quarterly e-newsletter designed to update internet users on events and developments on a more regular basis. Apologies to those of you without computers - rest assured that we shall continue to update you in the usual way • the organisation of a very successful lunch in Exeter for those living in the ‘deep South West’. This will be repeated on 2 October 2009 thanks to the efforts of Colin Lomax. Our objective is to increase the number

• the submission of applications for this year’s Gary Best Travel Scholarship. Members may remember that this was set up last year to mark Gary’s retirement as Headmaster of the school and is open to leaving and former students up to the age of 25 whose travel plans include some element of community or other altruistic work. This year’s winner will be announced at the final assembly of the Summer Term.

But above and beyond all of this we got to know the new Headmaster, Simon Morris. His words at November’s Association Day left no doubt that the School is in good hands. The culture, focus and values of the School clearly remain the same under his leadership. Furthermore, he views the relationship between the School and its former students as being mutually beneficial and will work to ensure that this remains the case.

Finally, a word of congratulation to Gordon Opie (KS 1976 to ‘81) on his appointment as one of the three Deputy Heads. It is especially good to see 'one of our number' in this important role. The next edition of Kingswood Association News will carry an interview with Gordon.

We wish him well.

In the past any words written in Kingswood In Focus by either of us as Chairman or President of The Association have come from us separately. The fact that this piece is a joint effort is no coincidence - it reflects the way that we are working together in our aim to enhance the visibility, role and relevance of the Association and to encourage members to engage with each other and with the School.

This engagement will take many forms and we look forward to building a bigger and better Association to achieve this.

Mr Robert Sandry (President) & Mr Barney Coleman (Chairman)

Dates for your Diary 11th September - MJSD (Kingswood Dining Hall) 2nd October - Exeter Lunch (The Exeter Golf & Country Club) 25th October - Hong Kong Re-union (venue and time to be confirmed) 7th November - Association Day and Association AGM (to be followed in the evening by a Music Scholars Concert which will include a tribute to John Sykes) 4th December - MJSD (Kingswood Dining Hall)

42 Kingswood in Focus

Confessions of an Archivist We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; and we have done those things which we ought not to have done.

The temptation on ending a job is to look back with regrets and feel that things could have been done much better and that all the aspirations one had at the outset were achieved only in part. Ultimately one has to let go and allow the facts of the matter to be judged by history.

Nevertheless, there are regrets as well as some degree of satisfaction with most jobs. Being Kingswood School Archivist for a while was certainly one of the most pleasant experiences of my life, amply supported by the warmth and encouragement of Head and staff. During that period I was also able to continue to help the School by designing and making about fifty lettering projects for presentations, prizes, memorials and plaques, plus some sundials.

Kingswood School has a unique place in the history of education. It is the only school founded by John Wesley. It is the first of all Methodist schools, from which colleges and universities have grown throughout the world. There are now 775 educational institutions with Methodist foundations, all linked to The International Association of Methodist Schools, Colleges and Universities.

It is right and proper, indeed essential, that Kingswood has a place where the history of the School is collected and cared for, is available to researchers and can be part of the educational life of the current School society. Such a position in the School has been hard fought for and only recently has re-emerged as a visible presence.

When I was a pupil at Kingswood in the 1950s, I was almost totally unaware of Kingswood’s history except for some vague link to John Wesley impressed upon me by my Methodist minister father. When I first retired from the Kingswood staff in 1999, having thoroughly enjoyed being Head of Physics for the previous 14 years, I thought it highly ironic that I was being asked to be an active historian of a sort even though History was the only subject that I had not passed at O level.

I’m not proud of that shortfall, but History just did not seem interesting or important. Now I know otherwise.

My experience of the past eight years has shown me that the job of Kingswood Archivist is one that should be given more time than the one day per week that I was able to provide. I did not really in that time advance the filing systems or general organisation to any significant degree. Physical accessibility has been improved enormously but no progress at all has been made on digitisation of the archives. My own retirement business of stone letter-cutting and sundial-making demanded more of my time and I did not want to stand in the way of anybody else who would feel able to take on the role of Archivist.

After much asking around, and hoping against hope, it became known that Zoë Parsons, wife of Simon Parsons the Kingswood IT Systems manager, had had some archiving experience with English Heritage. She very kindly Zoë receives the archivist's keys from David

David Brown with his John Wesley Memorial Stone

came in voluntarily for one morning per week during 2007-08 and then to my very great joy and relief accepted the role on my retirement in 2008.

I give occasional advice and support to her when she asks for them, but increasingly Zoë is flying solo and warming to the task admirably.

What did I leave undone? Too much. I had hoped to get photographs into some sort of order - boxes of them, mostly without any date or title. I had hoped to keep records of deaths up to date in the registers. I had hoped to make some progress with the digitisation of the archives and the putting on to disc of the school magazines (continuous and dating back to 1880’s) that are so often referred to, but which at present can only be accessed by laborious page-turning and inefficient eye-scanning.

Together with a digitisation of the School Register (going back to 1739) this would save an enormous amount of the Archivist’s time and be much more efficient in tracking down the references being sought. I had hoped to do a complete catalogue check of all the Wesley library books and have them valued. I had hoped to write many more articles for Kingswood in Focus and for the Kingswood Association magazine. I had hoped to bring Kingswood’s history more to the forefront of School life. I had hoped to clear stored items from the top-most floor of the tower, a veritable death trap for archive materials but one which space limitations forced us to use. And so on, plenty to keep any future Archivist busy full time.

In the Kingswood Association magazine of Autumn 2005 I wrote the following which I believe holds true today: There is no doubt in my mind, and hopefully I am not alone, that School records form a vital heritage that needs to be preserved, not only for our School and family histories but for our national and international heritage.

Those who came before us form part of what we are. We in turn are a foundation for others to build on. We must maintain the structure that enables our successors to find out about our world, their inheritance. The Wesley library that we have is already recognised as part of Methodist heritage and is known throughout the world. The School archives are equally important.

Mr David Brown (KS 1952-58)

The School owes a tremendous debt to David for his exceptional work with the Kingswood Archives. He has brought a passion and commitment to the role which has ensured, rightly, that the School’s unique history is being archived in a highly professional manner. He feels that there is still much to be done, but what he has already achieved is remarkable. All those connected with Kingswood are most appreciative of David’s immense contribution.

Mr Simon Morris (Headmaster & Principal of the Kingswood Foundation)

Kingswood in Focus 43

Association Day 2008 If you thought for a moment that Association Day would be an occasion where old men sat around and talked interminably about ‘the good old days’ or where the chances of meeting a school friend with whom you had lost contact were really remote, then you have little idea of what Association Day 2008 provided.

If you worried that you would have little opportunity of seeing not just the Kingswood you remembered but also the wide ranging changes that had taken place since you left, then you missed the guided tours run by the Senior Prefects to almost every corner of the School.

If you had bad memories of school food and just couldn’t face a rotten meal in the dull surroundings of the School Dining Hall you missed a very tasty lunch provided by our excellent ‘in house’ caterers in the enthusiastic, packed and noisy Dining Hall with year groups sitting together at tables catching up with news of careers and sport, of families and, I suspect, not a little gossip.

If fears of not being able to see top school rugby and hockey kept you away then you missed a real treat with several exciting matches happening throughout the day.

"Kingswood provides a warm welcome for every member of its alumni..."

Class of 1988

With year groups drawn from the 60s, from 1988 and 1998 and from leavers of 2008, it was almost impossible for anyone to fail to find a school friend with whom to catch up. With quite a few staff – both current and past – there were plenty of conversations about lessons remembered and those probably best forgotten! With nearly 300 people around School, everyone had a chance to share reminiscences and news.

I have every confidence that everyone who was with us in November will have gone away with a warm confidence that Kingswood is in fine fettle. They will undoubtedly have gone away knowing that Kingswood provides a warm welcome for every member of its alumni – from every year group. They will have been well fed and provided with copious quantities of ‘Kingswood Chocolate Fudge Cake’.

Everyone assured us that they had enjoyed a good day and would be back in 2009.

Remembrance Day Crosses

The only question that remains is will you be with us on Saturday 7th November 2009? Why not book the date in your diary now and start talking to all those from your Kingswood years with whom you are in touch and let us know that you will be coming. We would love to welcome you back to your School.

Mr John Allison (KSA Events co-ordinator) jca@kingswood.bath.sch.uk

The oldest 'Old Boys'

44 Kingswood in Focus

Class of 1998

Mid Sixties Generation Reunion Some 70 old boys and their guests from the mid-60s generation of leavers gathered at Kingswood on 2008 Association Day to meet up with each other, see what had changed within the School and have a good dinner in the evening!

Much detective work had been carried out by Association President Robert Sandry in tracking down contact details and (eventually) persuading the more reluctant ones to come along.

Whilst much had clearly changed within the School over the past 40 plus years much had also changed in the appearances of most of those attending! The first challenge was to recognise your former colleagues and friends and the second was to be able to read the name badges! But there was no challenge in bringing back the memories of past events both good and bad.

The evening resounded to the cries of “Do you remember…?” and the peels of laughter as those memories were shared.

Even sceptical wives were heard to have enjoyed themselves!

Chairman of the Society – I had forgotten that there was a society let alone that I was Chairman!”

“When we sang “those who here shall meet no more” in the Chapel in 1965 I thought that was it, but you proved me wrong!”

"The evening resounded to the cries of “Do you remember…?” and the peels of laughter as those memories were shared."

“It was good to see so many old friends and to see that they are all ageing as I am” “I came with certain trepidation and left with a glow of enjoyment……………..I also found the School to have changed dramatically for the better” “I enjoyed my time very much at KS but would have been privileged to be attending in the current era” “David XXX, whom sadly I do not recall, gave me his yellow membership card as a member of the Music Society in 1963. My name was listed as

“There were one or two shocks but most had worn well – it must have been the KS breakfasts and running up Lansdown all those times” “I was surprised to find how many people I actually knew” “There was a real buzz and everyone I spoke with seemed to be really pleased

and uplifted being there” “Whilst physically much seems to be the same, the School is really totally different from our time – not necessarily better or worse, just different, but then I suppose so is the world” “I have registered with ‘Connections’ – I had never heard of it before” Several who attended both the Day and the evening dinner had not visited the School since they left and had completely lost touch with all their old friends. Many drove home determined to pick up the phone or send an email - and not to let another 40 years slip by! And some even promised to update their contact details on ‘Connections’!

Mr Robert Sandry (Association President) Kingswood in Focus 45

Showing You’re Working The Making of the DVD In addition to the promotional DVD, More Maths Grads decided to support the project further by placing a webpage dedicated to the project on the nationally recognised “Maths Careers” website.

Please follow the web link below for details: http://www.mathscareers.org.uk/careers_advisers /the_maths_alumni_project.cfm The hope is that interested teachers of Mathematics will access the case studies our former students have kindly generated and then use this material to inspire them to attempt something similar in their schools.

Indeed, Mr Musto has already received several e-mails from Mathematics teachers expressing an interest in the project. To help recruit other teachers to trial the project, the website also offers an opportunity to view the DVD which has been uploaded in two parts in a fast paced you tube style clip.

On Friday 5th December, just before the end of term, a film crew descended on Kingswood and spent the day shooting footage of the School and five former pupils who returned to Kingswood to chat to our Year 11 students, and discuss why mathematics is so important to their daily lives. Mr Musto had asked them to visit the School as an integral part of his “Showing You’re Working” initiative which has been piloted successfully in several Bath schools in the past eighteen months.

What is the Showing You’re Working project?

Showing You’re Working seeks to make the most of former pupils’ experiences to engage current Mathematics students and raise levels of awareness of the relevance of mathematics to the workplace.

The project aims to help schools approach “the workplace” proactively by engaging parents and former pupils who use Mathematics in their work. It aims to support teachers by developing their pedagogical practice in relation to Functional Mathematics as an integral part of all secondary learning programmes. The project managers will create contextual material elicited from former pupils to inspire learners and enhance their image of mathematics and its crucial role in society.

Who were the former pupils? (Pictured L to R) • John Marsham - Research Meteorologist based at Leeds University • Philip Sweetenham - Consultant to the Banking Industry specialising in assessing financial risk; currently working for several large Dutch banks • James Drake - Freelance sound recording technician • Nick Mills - Senior Charge Nurse at a large Children’s ICU in Leeds • Alasdair Dawson - Former Army bomb disposal - now Engineering firm based in South Africa Why the film crew?

Makhan Singh, the national project manager of the government initiative “More Maths Grads”, felt so strongly that this mathematics department project was such a great idea he wanted other schools to follow in our example. Therefore, he commissioned a film company to create a DVD advertising the project, aimed at mathematics teachers.

The film crew spent all day filming the former pupils and Mr Musto to create a fifteen minute DVD. 46 Kingswood in Focus

Also, owing to the success of the small scale pilot in Kingswood and other Bath schools, Beechen Cliff and Ralph Allen, a Bristol LEA adviser has secured funding for a group of Bristol schools to work with a mathematics consultant to replicate the project.

This has also generated interest from the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM).

They have asked Mr Musto to work with members of the Bristol pilot to extend the project and seek further funding for work in the Bristol area.

Thus the project has now taken on a national significance which has the support of major institutions within the mathematical world such as the “Institute of Mathematics and its Applications”, and also the charitable body “Mathematics Education and Industry” (MEI).

As a recipient of Kingswood in Focus you are by definition a parent, a former pupil or possibly both. If you use mathematics in your daily lives and would like to be a part of this ongoing project, sharing your experiences with current students, then please get in touch with Mr Musto. Also, if you would like to fill in Mr Musto’s template of questions and become another case study on the maths careers website, then please contact him using the e-mail address below: gjm@kingswood.bath.sch.uk

Mr Garrod Musto (Head of Mathematics)

Hong Kong Reception - October 2008 During a visit to Hong Kong in October, Headmaster, Mr Simon Morris, and I were delighted to meet up with a number of current parents who were very pleased to have the opportunity to see us in their home country and to meet Mr Morris for the first time. It was a very enjoyable evening and we were also pleased to be able to include a number of former Kingswood students who were also able to join us. Watson Yeung [1974-79], Gordon Lee [1978-82], Craig Murphy [1980-82], Kenneth Chung [1982-86], Grace Lam [1991-93], Oliver Holtaway [1991-98], Jane Shui Bing Wong [1992-94], Anna Lam [1992-99], Alice Lo [1998-2004), Tracy Law [1999-2001] and Wilson Au [2001-05] all came to the reception and many helped at the exhibition we attended by meeting prospective families and talking about their own experiences as Kingswood pupils. As a result of this reunion, a new ‘Friends of Kingswood Hong Kong’ Group is being established so that everyone can meet up socially from time to time to exchange news and to keep in touch.

Enjoying a meal together

"As a result of this reunion, a new ‘Friends of Kingswood Hong Kong’ Group is being established..."

Our special thanks to Craig Murphy and particularly his PA, Ada Yuen, who were so helpful in liaising with the hotel for all our arrangements prior to arrival.

We shall be visiting Hong Kong again in the Autumn term and will be extending an invitation to our Hong Kong alumni as well as current parents and pupils to come and meet up again.

Mrs Angela Dudley-Warde (Director of Development & Public Relations)

Relaxing after dinner

It was extremely sad to hear that not long after our reunion with Wilson in Hong Kong, we were to hear of his death through a tragic accident. Our love and prayers from all at Kingswood were extended to his family and our thanks to Craig Murphy and Gordon Lee who represented the School at the memorial service held in Hong Kong.

L to R: Craig Murphy, Walson Yeung, Gordon Lee

Wilson Au: At Kingswood from 2001 - 2005 in Hall House Wilson was a unique character and very much his own man – he knew what he wanted in life and the direction his future career path would take.

As a student, you would always find Wilson taking his Maths and Physics very seriously and often demanding the best from KS staff at the higher end of the spectrum, demanding their best in terms of quality and quantity.

Although at a glance one would find Wilson focused and academically motivated, there was a side of him that would be only witnessed by the boarding community. There was his passion for computer gaming (much before it became prevalent amongst the younger generation – you might even argue that Wilson set the trend amongst his peers!). He would often be found sitting on his bed, still in his PJ’s playing or driving his PC auto games at high revs and full of noise. His ‘new PC’ was home-built and could be heard in the Housemaster’s flat when on Mach 3 mode!

Wilson followed his dream by achieving his degree in Motor Engineering design and was due to start a Masters degree before a fatal car crash in Hong Kong on 30th January 2009, took him from us. A memorial service attended by thirty or more past students and staff paid tribute to such a wonderful and talented young man. Our thoughts and prayers have been with Wilson’s parents, William and Belinda and family ever since.

Mr Mark Westcott (Senior Housemaster, Hall House) Kingswood in Focus 47

Medical Service in Disaster Area No one can easily forget the day after the 2004 Christmas when a Richter Scale 9 earthquake struck South Asia causing widespread damage with its tidal wave (tsunami) to Indonesia, Thailand, India and Sri Lanka.

The worst hit area was the Aceh province of Indonesia, as the epicentre of the earthquake was 255km from Banda Aceh City. The Indonesian Christian community quickly responded with immediate delivery of emergency food, water, clothing and medicine to the affected areas and called for assistance from overseas churches. We managed to get a team of Christian doctors, dentist, nurses and volunteers; and prepared the necessary medication and equipment within a couple of weeks. Many of our team members were first-time participants in such mission.

Aceh was at civil war with the government because the Free Aceh Movement declared its independence in 1976. The province was blessed with plenty of raw materials such as wood, iron ore, rubber, agricultural and fishery products. After the disaster, both parties agreed on a temporary ceasefire to enable international rescue efforts to enter the area. So no travellers were allowed in without prior special arrangement and authorization. The place was under heavy military control and it was not difficult to find soldiers and army vehicles on the street, police and military check points along the main roads. Since then, the local residents told us that it had somehow become much safer with no more gunfights on the street at night. Although the area was still under curfew, lives seemed to go on as usual. In fact, most police and army we met were quite friendly. We got off a plane at the Lhokseumawe military airport and began our services.

A destroyed house after the earthquake

A tanker left in the middle of the road after the tsunami, too heavy to be removed

as anticipated. The majority of patients were suffering from musculoskeletal pain, presumably most of them were farmers or fishermen; eye problems such as pterygium and cataract due to the sunlight; and skin problems due to the lack of clean water. We did come across some very ill children with high fever and dehydration. Children with measles were also encountered because they had no vaccination programme. There was only a handful of patients suffering from post-traumatic anxiety and insomnia. And the most feared epidemic never happened. One old lady said she was almost drowned by the tidal wave, and feared that her abdominal pain was due to the “bad” water she swallowed.

I reassured her that it was unlikely to be the case but gave her some medication anyway. We managed to serve around 800 patients and almost exhausted all our medical supply we brought from Hong Kong. Some of our team members just played with the children and I imagined it would be a good therapy for them, too.

"Although we could only help a small number of victims, it was indeed a valuable and rewarding experience."

With the help of a local church, we visited 3 villages along the northern coastline of Aceh.

The area was not only damaged by the earthquake but also by the 100 feet tsunami, which could reach as far as 5 km inland. We ran our “clinic” outside the refugee camps, usually at the other side of the road. These camps only had water and food supply with no formal schooling or medical services. Usually there were queues of patients waiting before our arrival. Setting up the medical, dental and dispensing stations took a bit of organizing in order to get the tables and chairs from the villagers. We treated our patients under the shade of tents or trees. As it was a place near the equator, working in an outdoor area would allow us to catch the infrequent breeze. Often we had to handle patients fairly quickly owing to the Victims from rapidly building up queues and refugee camp: we had to leave before sunset mother and a to avoid travelling at night, sick child which was thought to be unsafe.

Efficiency was very much limited by language barrier as every message had to be translated. As it was already 3 months after the disaster, we did not see as many “acute” cases

We spent our last day visiting Banda Aceh. This was the place most reported after the disaster and hence attracted the most attention.

We could find almost all of the international relief agents there - the Red Cross, Oxfam, UNICEF and military forces from Australia, Malaysia and France, and many others. This was one of the reasons why we deliberately omitted our service in this city. However, we did see a patient during our visit to a church with an unhealed infected leg ulcer for 3 months despite his repeated visits to doctors in refugee camps and given several courses of antibiotics. Hence, a small debridement was nicely performed by our surgeon from Taiwan. The coastal area was literally completely destroyed by the power of the quake and tidal wave. Describing the place being flattened by a nuclear bomb would not be an exaggeration. The end result was 220,000 dead or missing, and 500,000 homeless. The rehabilitation and reconstruction would be a daunting task for any organisation or government.

Although we could only help a small number of victims, it was indeed a valuable and rewarding experience. As it is a Muslim community, the preaching of gospel openly is strictly forbidden. Nevertheless, with the grace of God we could show the love of Christ by our services. As Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

Matthew 25:40

Dr Kenneth YK Chung, Hong Kong

DT Department

Arkwright Scholarship Awarded to Kingswood Pupil The Design Technology Department is proud to recognise Joe Davey who has been awarded an Arkwright Scholarship for his Sixth form.

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 where Joe’s presentation was watched by Mr Lloyd who was representing the school. During the presentation day Joe had an opportunity to meet his sponsor and other Scholars. Joe was selected to receive an Arkwright Scholarship after successfully passing the Arkwright Aptitude Paper demonstrating flair and originality in solving Engineering Design problems and presenting GCSE Design Technology work to a panel of interviewers last April. He faced stiff competition from students drawn from the whole United Kingdom.

The selection process culminated in an interview for short-listed candidates at the University of Bath.

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

In 1991 a group of Head Teachers decided that more should be done to raise the profile of Design and Technology. Hence they started the Arkwright Scholarship Scheme to encourage pupils in Year 11 to consider engineering and technology as a career. In the first year, 1991, only 5 Scholarships were awarded. However, the number of Scholarships awarded has increased steadily to the 170 Scholarships awarded this year.

The application process to get an Arkwright Scholarship is a two-hour examination in which you are given three design problems and you have to design a possible solution to one of them. Then, if the applicant makes it through to the next stage, there is an interview with a DT specialist and another person who could be an Arkwright Liaison Officer, teacher or a representative from industry. Lastly, following this interview process, the list of people awarded scholarships is put together.

Of the 743 people who applied this year, only 298 made it through to an interview.

"...this is the first time that Kingswood has been successful in holding three scholarships in school at one time..."

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. Joe will also carry the status of Those who are successful in gaining a scholarship are awarded £500 ‘Arkwright Scholar’ into university, where his award will be recognised over two years, which they can use to help them with their studies. as indicative of his aptitude and ability. Kingswood has enjoyed They are also linked to an industry that can offer them work experience. considerable success in the Arkwright Each individual scholar’s school also receives £450 over the two Scholarships over the years with many years, so Mr John Allison (Head of DT) scholars, but this is the first time is particularly keen to see more Arkwright that Kingswood has been successful Scholars at Kingswood! in holding three scholarships in School at one time as Gareth Hobbs Joe’s award was The ceremony of awards is especially and Shaun Howell in the Upper presented in London enjoyable, set in the beautiful Sixth are now in their second year at The Institution Central Hall of the Centre for as scholars. This is a significant of Engineering and Science and Technology on the Technology, Savoy Place, achievement for any school and a London by Mr Mike South Bank, London, where I duly testimony to the enthusiasm Bampfield, Business received my award with my parents and commitment Operations Director, and Mr Lloyd in attendance. of Joe, Gareth Alcatel Lucent. and Shaun.

Mr John Allison

Joe Davey (L6 Arkwright Scholar)

(Head of Technology)

49

Rolls Royce Visit On Wednesday the 19th November a group of Lower and Upper Sixth form Design Technology students took a trip to Bristol for the second industrial visit of the term to Rolls Royce.

We were greeted by Senior Vice President-Europe, St. John Williamson (father of Ralph and Christopher – both Kingswood students) and Crystal Kuan, a Rolls Royce Customer Business Graduate.

Mr Williamson started his introduction by asking if we had expected to see Rolls Royce cars – which , of course, we all had secretly hoped for – and went on to explain that Rolls Royce Bristol actually makes aero engines for many of the world’s commercial, military and private aircraft as well as marine and power generating engines.

We went first to the ‘Customer Training Facility’, where we enjoyed an introduction of the Rolls Royce business. From there, we took a short walk to the ‘Customer Training Facility’ and were fascinated by a tour by Neal Palmer, as he talked us through the old and modified jet and helicopter engines, designed and manufactured by Rolls Royce. Neal was particularly excited when he showed us the latest models of RR engines and we could identify the developments that had taken place over the thirty year life of an engine. This was particularly useful to some of the Lower Sixth members of the group who are looking for a career involving aeronautical engineering.

"With an annual turnover of £5.7bn (2007) and the largest selling engine manufactures in Europe and the second in America, we were more than impressed!"

After this, Neal talked us through his career experiences, explaining that ‘it is new challenges’ that he especially enjoyed and that led him into the career he now has. From this we were led back into the Customer Training Facility and shown a short film and a slide show presented by St. John Williamson, explaining the different engines currently being made and already in operation by Rolls Royce.

With an annual turnover of £5.7bn (2007) and the largest selling engine manufactures in Europe and the second in America, we were more than impressed! From there we took a short walk across the Rolls Royce site to the ‘Combustion and Casing facility’ and had a tour by Andy Lark, the Production Leader - Combustion and Castings, and he explained the parts made and the differing sectors over the noisy productions in process!

After this, we returned back to the Customer Training facility and received a goody-bag (which Nick was especially pleased about!) and Crystal Kuan talked us through her line of work, explaining as a Canadian, how she had ended up in Bristol and, recently, Derby working for Rolls Royce. A leadership course is enabling her to travel all over the world on six month placements.

We really appreciated the fact that Mr Williamson gave up so much of his time to speak to us. Overall, the afternoon was very enjoyable and much appreciated by the group, and even sparked off a debate and a few laughs on the journey back home!

Alice Robinson (U6, DT Student) 50 Kingswood in Focus

Headstart ‘Focus on Civil Engineering’ at Birmingham University 13th July - 17th July The week’s course was an excellent insight into studying civil engineering at university and what life is like as an engineer working on a modern construction site.

There were about 40 people of the same age on the course, staying in comfortable student accommodation, near the engineering department, which was very convenient for the lectures and laboratories.

The course consisted of a major project, designing a bridge for the 2012 London Olympics in order to ease access to the main stadium. Members were split into competing teams and to finish the course each team gave a presentation on their design to the head of engineering, the team led by Shaun Howell winning the competition with an impressive design.

"The course gave valuable insight into all aspects of Civil Engineering..."

As well as the main project, the groups attended lectures from engineers working for large civil engineering firms, laboratory work varying from soil composition to tensional strength analysis, design and build competitions and lots of other talks on the various parts of Engineering.

The course gave valuable insight into all aspects of Civil Engineering and is invaluable for anyone considering study in this field. As well as expanding experience and knowledge, it was a very well run course and lots of fun.

Shaun Howell (U6)

Marine Technology When my parents dropped me off at Southampton University to attend a Smallpiece Trust course, I had no idea what the next four days would bring.

However, I was looking forward to the Marine Technology course as it sounded really interesting and I particularly liked the idea of building a model boat!

Once registered, we were shown to our accommodation with which I was pleasantly surprised! There were 95 students on the course and everybody had their own en-suite room in the University Halls.

Luggage deposited, we all reassembled for an introduction and welcome address from the course organisers.

Lunch followed soon afterwards at a restaurant on campus, where we were given a voucher to exchange for food. As we headed off for the afternoon activities, we had all started to get to know each other and enjoy ourselves.

During the ‘Archimedes Experience’ we submerged blocks of wood in water and learnt about buoyancy and how things float. Afterwards, we experienced Ship CAD Design where we were taught about ships’ hulls and learnt how to structure them efficiently. The next part of the course consisted of a Ship Science Presentation where we discovered how boats break up on impact. We saw some photographs showing the outcome of a speedboat that had impaled itself on a pole, and some cargo ships that had accidentally rammed into each other. At the end of the first day, we all went for a meal and later watched a film at the cinema on campus.

Following breakfast the next morning, we assembled to go on a boat tour of Southampton harbour. The tour was enjoyable, but a little disappointing as the Queen Mary and an aircraft carrier had left the docks just before our trip. However, we were able to see plenty of yachts, police boats, fuel carriers, Red Funnel ferries and huge cranes!

After lunch we started the design and build task. My team was given the challenge to design and build a floating structure that had to be manoeuvred through the use of a propulsion system and associated steering gear.

“No problem,” we thought! We were provided with a range of materials, including batteries, an electric motor, cylindrical tubing, a remotely controlled steering system and plywood. It was a great challenge and we spent a day and a half researching, designing and finally.....building!

On Wednesday evening we enjoyed a formal dinner which the course sponsors attended. The three course meal was delicious and I sat next to a company director who was really interesting to talk to.

On Thursday morning the ‘sink or float’ moment arrived when it was time to test our creations in a swimming pool. Thankfully ours performed well, and we were quite proud of what our team had achieved when we gave our presentation and display later that morning.

Overall, our boat came second with which we were happy.

I am grateful that I was given the opportunity to experience the Marine Technology course as it has given me a real insight into the marine world and what a marine engineer actually does.

The course was definitely worthwhile, as not only did we learn a lot from experienced marine professionals, but we also had really good fun. Finally, it was great to meet and work with lots of different people from schools nationwide and to make some new friends too!

Sam Bean (Year 10)

The Smallpiece Trust Engineering Experience When Mr Allison suggested that I sign up for a summer course with the Smallpiece trust I had no idea what to expect but then he gave me a leaflet that fully explained it all.

The Smallpiece organisation is a group of people that station themselves in universities all around Britain. These stations accept people of all age groups who are interested in DT to further expand their knowledge and studies.

When I first arrived at Lancaster University (for that was my chosen course) I was welcomed and issued with my room key for the week, after which I dropped my bags in my allocated room.

The course organiser, Alan, was very brief with his introductions, put us into our groups of about five and set us straight into our first task, making a bridge to support 5kg, out of paper!

As the week progressed our tasks grew harder and, at the end of the week, we had to have designed a working product that would better the world we live in. We then had to present it on a mock-up of Dragon’s Den and see how much we could sell it for.

I feel that, having been on the course, I have furthered my knowledge of design, programming, marketing and universities. The campus was excellent, the course was really well organised and, apart from the food, it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Michael Kenny (Year 10) Kingswood in Focus 51

Spring Sport

Boys’ Hockey 2009 As the 2009 hockey season has now drawn to a close, it is my pleasure to reflect on some of the successes Kingswood have had this year.

The fixture list was more congested than usual because of the cancellations due to the snow – so much so that the 1st XI ended up playing six games in the final full week of this term. Of the 70 matches that were played, more than two thirds were won, showing continued success under the steady hand of Mr Opie and his excellent coaching team. After watching several junior matches, it became clear to me that players were attempting more difficult skills at a younger age, and using them to good effect. I hope to play against some of these talented youngsters in an Old Boys’ match before too long.

As a captain you appreciate not only talent, but determination, application and discipline which are the foundations towards building a solid team.

I saw all of these qualities in our junior teams this year which reflected in their resounding success against other schools. The U13A team narrowly missed out on an unbeaten season and scored 41 goals. The other most successful team was the U14A who continued from where they left off in the rugby term to record another unbeaten season. The stand out players from Years 7-9 include Oscar Ryan, Tim Rouse, Oscar Dennis, Hywel Jones, Dominic Mackenzie and Tom Hardman.

I am now going to move on to senior hockey. Although I have to keep this brief, I cannot stress how impressed I am with the 4th XI who have won all of their games with a huge +26 goal difference and they also recorded an historic 1-0 over the 1st team girls. This was generally a team effort well led by Mark Widdowson, Euan Gordon, Cameron Stone and Will Hobby.

I haven’t managed to catch any of the 3rd XI hockey games this year, but from the results table I can see that they have had a lot of success, in particular their 12-1 demolition of Wells Cathedral. Their key players were Ed Hutchison and Andrew Paines, both of whom played for the 1st XI at the end of term.

The 2nd XI has been dominated by what I like to call, ‘Dad’s Army’ this season. They are all U6th and don’t understand much about hockey, but they are big, competitive and very fit. Paddy Shipp has been the pick of the team earning him 1st team caps. They have also gone unbeaten this year.

This year the 1st XI has been tested for the first time ever by playing in the John Moore Sports league. The league consisted of the best eight teams from around the area and Kingswood did exceptionally well, winning three of the six games we played and finishing in third place.

The highlight of the league games was overturning a 9-1 defeat against Prior Park last year, to win 4-2 this year.

52 Kingswood in Focus

After losing a number of key players from the 1st XI at the end of last year I was not sure how good we were going to be this time around.

With this in mind, Mr Opie laid down the law that all players had to pass a certain level on the bleep test so we would be able to handle the physical demands of the season to come. "Easy" said Harry Rouse "I got 12.9 at the cricket academy". Harry promptly failed the test along with Jake Collins. Not a great start but Mr Opie had a trick up his sleeve in the form of sprints - hundreds and hundreds of sprints!

The cry of “push yourself mentally” rang out over the Kingswood grounds on a Tuesday and Wednesday activity time. Problem solved.

Then after a few games, another problem arose, none of our forwards could score goals. Playing beautiful hockey is worthless if you don’t finish it off. This did not deter Mr Opie, who invited the Great Britain coach to spend a day coaching at Kingswood. He encouraged/forced diving efforts from the top of the D and left many scarred to this day.

Problem solved.

Before I finish I would like to mention the 6th form leavers in the 1st XI that I have played with for many seasons.

Firstly, there is Sam Pew Latter - the extremely disorganised one - who managed to be late for every meet time. However, Sam can certainly dribble and his ability to beat any player one-on-one is amazing.

He was a fine asset to our side.

Secondly, there is Nick Gerrish. Nick is the most unpredictable sportsman I have ever met. He ranges from the ridiculous to the brilliant. His pace and running have taken apart many defences this year. He has been consistently one of our better players. His sense of humour has kept spirits high after even the most frustrating defeats.

Lastly, a special mention must go to Alex Ockwell, or big Al – the most carded player in Kingswood history. Unfortunately, unlike rugby, this does not mean that he is in any way solid, hard, aggressive or big! On a more serious note Alex has been one of the most consistent performers and his passing skills have been a joy to watch. He has been a fantastic vice-captain because he is so highly motivated and the most experienced hockey player in our team. I know that he will continue playing at university.

As a captain it is necessary to learn certain skills in order to be successful, and I definitely to do not possess all of them. Fortunately, I had great support from the players I have just mentioned. I have tried to create an atmosphere where team members work hard individually,

commit totally, but remain supportive to one other whatever the circumstances. This has enabled the team to bounce back from several narrow defeats to produce the best hockey I have ever been involved in, especially in the second half of the season.

"I have tried to create an atmosphere where team members work hard individually, commit totally, but remain supportive to one other..."

The most satisfying thing about this season in particular, was the organisation that we displayed on the field, and it was a pleasure to be a part of that. The key to this success was a solid work ethic both on and off the field. The squad really applied themselves in fitness sessions which paid dividends later on in the season. One of the hardest things that you have to do as a captain is to remain motivated, yet calm during games. I think I managed this and again received excellent help from my senior players.

Playing for a 1st XI coached by Mr Opie is a test. You will be put outside of your comfort zone and constantly challenged to improve. It is not a place for the faint hearted but I can assure you it is worth it. We won our last five games playing breathtaking hockey and as a captain I could not have been prouder of my team.

And so my final thanks must go to Mr Opie. His enthusiasm for the game has made sure that I too have been enthusiastic - having come to Kingswood with very little experience of any hockey. It is Mr Opie who has encouraged me to enjoy the game and who gave me the chance to captain this special side.

I would love to go into his many phrases and sayings that have become part of Kingswood folklore but there is another time for that.

Sam McMeekin (U6) Captain's End of Season Assembly Speech

Hockey Results 2009 Opposition

1st XI

2nd XI

Monkton Combe

(L) 0-1

(W) 4-2 (W) 4-2 (W) 6-1

(L) 2-3

King Edward's

(L) 0-2

(D) 1-1

(W) 1-0 (W) 2-1 (W) 4-0 (W) 3-0 (W) 7-1

Colstons

(W) 4-3 (W) 4-0

Prior Park College

(W) 4-2

Dauntseys

(W) 3-1 (W) 4-1

Queen's Taunton

(L) 0-1

Clifton

(L) 1-3

Wells Cathedral

(L) 2-3

BGS

(L) 1-2

(D) 2-2

3rd XI

4th XI U15A XI U15B XI U14A XI U14B XI U13A XI U13B XI U13 C XI U12A XI U12B XI U12 C XI (W) 6-1

(W) 4-1 (W) 4-1

(W) 4-0

(W) 2-1 (W) 7-1

(L) 2-4

(W) 1-0 (W) 1-0 (W) 8-2 (W) 6-2

(L) 2-3

(L) 1-6

(L) 2-5

(W) 5-0

(W) 4-0

(L) 1-4

(D) 1-1 (L) 1-5

(W) 4-2 (W) 3-0 (W) 2-0

(D) 0-0

(W) 5-0 (W) 2-1 (W) 10-0 (L) 0-3

(W) 4-1 (W) 2-1 (W) 4-0 (W) 6-0 (W) 9-0

(L) 0-3

(D) 2-2 (W) 12-1

(W) 4-0

(W) 7-0

(L) 0-6

(W) 12-1

Cargilfield School

(W) 3-0

(W) 3-0

(L) 2-3

Beechen Cliff

(W) 3-1

Hall Cross School

(W) 2-1

Kelly College

(W) 6-0

Nottingham High School

(W) 3-0

Reigate GS

(W) 3-1

GOALS FOR

35

22

22

28

10

13

17

16

41

13

2

8

3

3

GOALS AGAINST

22

8

8

2

23

8

2

6

9

5

0

7

0

0

57%

57%

80%

100%

29%

83%

100%

75%

86%

67%

100%

25%

50%

100%

WIN RATE (%)

Kingswood in Focus 53

Netball…

Statistics prove that Netball produces the most abusive spectators of any children's sport according to recent research.

The seemingly inoffensive sport caused more spectator rage from parents than rugby, football, basketball and hockey in the research carried out by the England Netball Association. Just 1.6% of the recorded outbursts were hurled at the match officials while individual children were on the receiving end of 30% of the attacks.

Anyway now that the season of cat fights, mini dresses and passionate parents draws to a close, it might be a good idea to reflect on the success we have had so far, beginning with the lower years.

Phoebe Watson - Player of the Season 1st VII

to Aoife McCarthy. This is a very talented group who have improved tremendously this term; their level of play should drive them to compete well in the County tournament next season. This year group were even able to produce a C team who won their games comfortably.

The Under 14s are another talented year group with great depth; they have improved on their netball greatly this term, all contributing in different ways, all of them being determined, hardworking performers with a consistently positive attitude.

Producing a very good set of results the A team will be entered into the U16 county tournament next year at U15 level. Player of the Season in the A team went to Amber James and Most Improved to Beatrice Shepherd, and in the B team Player of the season went to Jess Portman and most improved to Kimberley Chivers.

"...a big thank you to you (all the teachers) as without you none of the success and memories would have taken place."

The Under 12s received a balanced set of results with the help of some talented players. In the Under 12s A Team Player of the Season went to both Katherine Humphrey and Ellie Lyne whilst Most Improved went to Esther Chilver Vaughan.

In the B team Player of the Season was Angharad Lloyd and Most Improved to Rosie Wakefield and Emily Clutterbuck. These two teams were commended for their enthusiasm on court and their constant hard work.

For the Under 13 As Player of the Season went to Emily Bristow and most improved player to Sydney Lautze; mention must go to Orla O’Sullivan for her consistently good shooting all season. In the B team player of the season went to Poppy Clark and most improved

HOUSE MATCHES Despite the shortness of the term and the disruption of snow midway through the season, the girls have produced some very good netball results. There has been great improvement in all age groups, and it is a pity that just as the teams are finding their feet, the season has come to an end. The amount of players continues to increase, the seniors could have put out 5 teams and we were able to field 3 teams in most age groups, with the C teams showing good levels of play. This all adds to the competition for places in the teams which helps improve the standard of netball in the school. Once again it has been a delight to see so many pupils giving up their time to play and support sport at Kingswood and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them as well the parental support and the staff who have helped out with the matches and training throughout the term.

House results are: Year 7 & 8: Hamilton won both year groups.

Year 9 & 10: Fonthill won with School House in second place Senior: School House won with Summerhill in second place

COLOUR AWARDS Colts: Sienna Dennis & Jessica Gregory Half: Captain Pahrnia Parsons, Vice-Captain Phoebe Watson, Emily Bird & Marianne Teoh

Miss Una Paver (Head of Girls' Games)

54 Kingswood in Focus

The U15s were fortunate to have a very tall year group with some talented players, all adding to next season's senior teams. This season they’ve had some very close games showing good attitude and great improvement.

In the A team Amy Worsfold received Player of the Season with Hannah Stockley Most Improved Player. For the B team Olivia Ridings earned Player of the Season with Emily Moores Most Improved.

Now onto our seniors. The 4ths had a very good season, only losing one of their games. The team was driven by great team spirit and determination especially from the leavers of the team who proved to be great supporters. Player of the Season went to Captain Lydia Honey and Most Improved to Paige Flook. Mention should also go to Claire Carruthers and Gemma Holmes for their positive and determined play.

The 3rds have been disappointed with their season but have had some good games. Becky Bottle proved to be a great Captain with her consistent encouragement and positive energy earning her Player of the Season with Charlie Kraus as Most Improved.

The 2nd team all season have had excellent team spirit, only losing three of their games frustratingly by 2 goals, but the team were never outplayed. Losing Hannah Burnell to injury meant a change in positions but the team adapted well; one of the team’s main strengths was the dynamic midfield - all versatile and able to change position.

Leaver Laura Stockley performed beyond expectations with her very good shooting and Captain Marianne Teoh led by example with her 100% energy and high rate of work always inspiring others. Player of the Season though went to Sienna Dennis whilst Most Improved Player went to Robyn Churchouse.

And finally onto the 1st team. Our success may not show so accurately on paper but the success from what we started with to what we have achieved both individually and as a team has been more than evident.

Starting with an almost new team, losing more than half the term last year we began what we feared to be not such a strong season, this only got worse when the team’s Captain and Vice both formed hand injuries.

Nonetheless it proved not to be as restricting as we’d expected.

We began the season by playing KES (3rd best netball school in the country), which was the highlight of the season. The team’s performance was outstanding, but lack of experience as a team soon took the better of us, but it was something from which we would only improve.

Throughout the season we were unlucky to have some close losses, but then also some close wins. It was unfortunately a very short season and it was only towards the end that the team truly began to click. Some of you were fortunate to witness this as we ran circles round the boys a few weeks back.

Particular mention should go to most improved Player of the Season - Emily Joliffe. Her level of fitness has admittedly bruised my ego; she gives 110% every time and for this there was no dispute over whom the award went to.

Players' Player of the Season went to Hattie Ghaui. Her impressive skill in defence has only gone from strength to strength especially, as Miss Paver pointed out, being the shortest defence she’d ever put on in her Kingswood career, measuring to a cute 5ft5 simply acted as a decoy for the opposition.

Player of the Season went to Vice Captain Phoebe Watson for her elite athleticism and pure talent at the sport. It’s something she is very passionate about and puts many hours outside of school towards which is evident in her performance. She’s brought many laughs to the team and I thank her for that but also for all the dirty work she’s had to do which at times has gone unnoticed.

Finally my fellow leaver. It is promising when at the end of the season you know you’re not losing many players, on this occasion only myself and Emily Bird.

What’s not so promising is when you know that one of the best shooters in the School is leaving, Emily has gained confidence the more she has played and from this as a pair with Meryn she has become a more agile and accurate shooter. Having two individually skilled shooters is impressive but the ability for them to be so in sync in the D is a godsend. Emily has earned her place on the team along with the other 6. Unsuccessful moments have been extinguished by the fits of laughter, beautiful passages of play and memorable coach journeys.

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this and especially thank you to all the teachers who have spent their Wednesday and Thursday afternoons and Saturday mornings freezing as they coach us; Miss Paver, Mrs Jenner, Miss Telford, Miss Wright, Mrs Bradbury, Mrs Mainwaring, Mrs Matthews, Mrs Murchison, Miss Beale, Mrs Newman, Mrs Martindale and Miss McCulloch.

Pahrnia Parsons (Captain) Captain's End of Season Assembly Speech

Netball Results 2009 Teams

1st

Blundell’s

2nd

3rd

4th

U15A

U15B

U14A

U14B

U14C

U13A

U13B

U13C

U12A

(W) 25-24 (W) 22-11 (L) 10-26 (W) 28-7 (L) 17-18 (L) 9-11 (D)17-17 (W) 13-2

(W) 21-19 (D) 5-5 (D) 6-6

King Edward's

(L) 18-51 (W) 21-20 (W) 15-12 (W) 26-11 (L) 13-45 (L) 13-14 (L) 11-12 (W) 16-5

(L) 7-17, (W) 16-9 (W) 22-3 (D) 8-8 (L) 1-4

Prior Park

(W) 25-21 (D) 19-19 (L) 5-26 (L) 12-22 (W) 16-14 (L) 3-16 (L) 12-25 (L) 14-24

(L) 7-11, (W) 16-11 (W) 4-0

(L) 12-16 (L) 11-17

(L) 20-21 (L) 16-17

(W) 8-2

(L) 7-19 (L) 12-20

(L) 11-14 (L) 12-13 (W) 18-12 (W) 21-4

(W) 4-1

(W) 16-14 (W) 23-3 (W) 20-14 (W) 20-3

(W) 26-9, (W) 26-0 (W) 11-1

(W) 15-4 (W) 16-5

Wells Cathedral (W) 21-16 (W) 35-18 (L) 8-28 (W) 21-14 (L) 9-30 (W) 33-3 (W) 24-11 (W) 15-14 (W) 10-6 (L) 11-18 (W) 17-8

(W) 14-12 (W) 14-3

Warminster

(W) 27-10 (W) 26-12

(L) 6-7

(W) 10-6 (L) 9-17

Queen's College (L) 15-16 (L) 10-12 (L) 13-23 (W) 21-12 (L) 14-19 (W) 12-11 (W) 21-10 (W) 24-15

Wellsway

U12C

(L) 15-17 (L) 7-27 (W) 20-14

BGS

Royal High School

U12B

(L) 17-21

Points For

141

165

84

128

96

105

123

123

10

98

80

22

66

70

6

Points Against

170

124

154

80

154

71

101

67

6

86

33

3

65

64

7

1

5

4

1

Total Wins

3

4

2

5

2

3

4

6

Total Losses

4

3

5

1

5

4

2

1

Total Drawn

1

1

4 1

1

3

3

2

3

1

1

Kingswood in Focus 55

Cross Country The season always gets going at the B&NES Championships way back in November.

With 70 Kingswood runners there were high hopes for success and, sure enough, the Bath Chronicle acknowledged that we had “romped to victory” in the team events, winning 3 of the 8 age classes. These were Senior Boys', Years 8 and 9 Boys' and the Year 7 Girls'. Individual success also came with bronze medallists George Logut and Olivia Lines in Year 7 and Pahrnia Parsons in the Senior Girls’ race.

Gold Medal winners were Annie West (U6), Katie Humphrey in Year 7 and Oscar Dennis in Year 9.

At the County Championships in early January, George, Katie and Annie were again medallists with Oscar, Matt Jeffery, James Humphrey, Pahrnia and Polly Gates also finishing in the top ten.

Our first School match was the annual Ken Bailey races at Bryanston with over 500 competitors. The Senior Boys’ team did very well to come 3rd but the Girls' team of Annie West, Amber James, Alice Havers and Hannah Kraus went one better by winning Silver. The next race at Downside saw Tom Pang (in Year 11) running for the seniors and was first over the line, in 4th place.

There were 13 schools and a record number of 190 competitors for our own home match. The Girls were 2nd and the Intermediate Boys’ team almost won, just 3 points behind the winners, Bryanston.

Sherborne and Milton Abbey were the last fixtures before half-term, the second of these seeing the senior boys' record their best result of the season in 2nd place with Alex Beishon, as first counter, finally showing some of the form he showed last season, in 8th place.

In a new event at Marlborough, against schools such as Harrow, Radley and Abingdon, Boys’ teams were pleased to come 3rd.

The final school matches at the Canford relays and King’s Bruton brought particular success for Tom Pang and Polly Gates.

At the English Schools’ National Championships, Kingswood had three representatives in the County team – James Humphrey in Junior Boys' and Pahrnia and Polly in the Senior Girls’ class. Polly was the 3rd counter for the County Team, coming a very creditable 141st from over 300 competitors.

In the final week of term, the House matches produced keen competition in all age groups.

Although the Girls’ team has had a share of illness and injury this term it is good that girls from other sports have stepped forward and contributed to the team’s success. One of the most improved runners this season has been Mareile Zerck, making her debut for the team this year. The cross country team hopes that she will keep up her running in Germany next year and wish her all the best for the future.

56 Kingswood in Focus

Hannah Kraus also deserves a mention for her dedication to cross country throughout her time at Kingswood.

Thanks go to Mrs Dawson for her time spent training with the Girls’ team this year. Although some of her runs seemed never ending we all benefited from the longer distance training as it helped us to improve our stamina and overall times as a team.

Patrick Morgan would like to thank the First Boys’ team for their support this term and hopes that some of the younger runners will train hard and make it to the Nationals next year. Finally thanks go to Mr Burgon for his organisation of teams and fixtures this term (and the supplies of chocolate!) and of course, we cannot forget Harry who has once again been a great mascot to us.

Patrick Morgan & Annie West (Cross-Country Captains 2009) Captain's End of Season Assembly Speech

HOUSE MATCHES The House Matches were held in great spirit and thanks go to the staff and pupils who helped in the organisation of these races.

Winners were: Year 7: Mimi Templar-Gay and George Logut Year 8: Rachel Greenslade and Leo Fini In Year 7, Cusworth won the Boys' and Hamilton the Girls' In Year 8, Cusworth won the Boys' and Beckford the Girls' Year 9: Amber James and tied winners for the Boys – Oscar Dennis and Matt Jeffery Middle had five of the 1st six finishers and were runaway winners while Fonthill won for the Girls.

Years 10 and 11 Boys: Edward Hutchison Sixth Form Boys: Jasper King-Harman Upper won both the Years 10 and 11 and the Sixth Form team events.

Senior Girls: Annie West Fonthill and School tied for the team event.

COLOUR AWARDS Colts: Tom Pang Half: Patrick Morgan, Sam Parsons, Shaun Howell, Hannah Kraus, Polly Gates, Pahrnia Parsons, Mareile Zerck and rewarded to Alex Beishon Full: Annie West (re-awarded)

KPS Cross Country It would be remiss not to comment on another highly successful KPS Cross country race, which attracted a huge entry this year.

Our own runners did particularly well with the U11 girls and U10 girls each winning their team event. Individual successes to note came from Susanna Sealy, Kiana Portman, Charlie Patterson, Matt Lautze, Esmee Charley and top girl runner Olivia Hart.

Mr Ian Shrubsole (Head of Sport, Kingswood Prep School)

KPS Netball Kingswood has had a most enjoyable season.

All the girls from Year 3 to Year 6 have represented the school in either A, B or C teams. The Year 3 and Year 4 teams compete playing a 5 aside game where they rotate positions throughout the match to allow the children to develop their skills in all areas of the court. All our girls are competent shooters which has been evident in our inter school matches and is reflected by the amount of matches they have won.

In Year 5 and Year 6 the girls play the normal 7 aside game and the girls also tend to favour certain positions. I wish I could mention all the girls who have played this term but as that is not possible I would like to name a few key players. In Year 5 Sarah Rawle is one of our most versatile players being equally outstanding in defence and attack.

In defence Beth Hirst is not a player to be messed with – say no more!

Ella Reeman has performed extremely well in the shooting circle but her agility and ball handling skills have also proved her to be an excellent ‘Centre’. In Year 6 Freya Courtaux is our mid-court dynamo, but much of this teams success is due to the consistent shooting by Niamh O’Sullivan who is following in her sister Orla’s footsteps, who shoots for the Year 8 team at the Senior School!

Our results this term have been excellent and the enthusiasm of the children has been matched by the dedication of all the staff who have contributed to one of our most successful netball terms to date.

Miss Michelle Newman (Head of Girls’ Games, Kingswood Prep School)

KPS Boys' Hockey The term confirmed one thing that we have always known – the English weather is crazy!

Extremely low temperatures (by our standards at least) gave way to the snow which was in turn followed by a mini-heatwave in March…..not all of which proved conducive to actually playing games of hockey.

Our U11s worked as hard as ever and made significant strides in their skill level and their organisation as a team. Jez Hardman consistently proved himself to be an outstanding player and he received excellent support from the fit-again Lucas Reeman and the defensive rock that is Charlie Clague. Once again our strength in depth was impressive as Bs, Cs and Ds regularly took to the field with considerable success.

Following a difficult rugby term, our generally diminutive U10s had a fine season when the weather allowed and turned in some impressive performances. They have an outstanding goalkeeper in Rafe Watson, whilst the attacking flair of Sam Ryan and Xavier Nicastro, in particular, made them a match for most opponents.

Perhaps the biggest improvements came in the U9s who have shown a greatly increased knowledge and awareness of the game. They work well as a team and pass the ball as well as anyone, whilst the fact that almost 20 boys are genuinely competing for places in the A team makes them a strong unit. The U8s have made a sound start to their hockey fixtures as well, learning quickly in our new experimental mini-mini hockey game which the Bath schools are using at the moment.

Mr Ian Shrubsole (Head of Sport, Kingswood Prep School) Kingswood in Focus 57

Out & About

Methodist Mission to Uruguay Mrs Ruth Todd, teacher of RE, visits downtown Montevideo. into mainstream became Government policy. Moving swiftly on and avoiding any further reference to the politics of Education, the second school I visited was a state Secondary School.

Here the welcome was not quite as warm and indeed the Head refused to allow our hostess, Ruth Frisch, to accompany us, although she did allow my husband in! The school hours are very long and we took part in an English class which started at 9.00pm and lasted an hour. We enquired about the numbers on roll as there were very few students in the class. It seems that the state gives free travel passes to pupils and this encourages enrolment.

Attendance was perhaps a little more voluntary than in Britain?

In marked contrast to this, we visited Crandon School which is the Uruguayan equivalent of Kingswood – a fee-paying mixed, Methodist school. My contact there is Head of ICT and so we are hoping to organise an e-mail link between Kingswood Spanish students and Crandon pupils learning English.

TR children

When asked how I spent October half-term, it was tempting to reply “Saw some spectacular Latin-American rubbish tips. How about you ?”

In reality this truly was ‘the trip of a lifetime’ if, like me, your aim is to scratch the surface of another culture.

The opportunity to visit Uruguay came about when my local Church (United Methodist/URC) set up links with the Methodist Church in Montevideo.

We have been helping to fund a project which provides social, physical and spiritual help to poor families in a run-down suburb of Montevideo –Teniente Rinaldi. As well as the rent for the ‘Church’, the Project funds a clinic there which gives local people access to medical care.

In order to raise awareness of some of the issues facing the third world, members of the congregation were invited to visit Uruguay and meet members of the Methodist Church (including the President – a young woman!). At the planning stage I casually asked if I could visit a typical school, something I had always hoped to do on other holidays abroad (apparently the teacher mode is difficult to switch off in my case!). The trip was self-funded and we did stay in a hotel in central Montevideo, for those readers showing any concern that I might have been ‘roughing it’ a little!

Both Gary Best and Simon Morris gave their blessing to this trip and the two days’ leave that it necessitated. I am most grateful to Kingswood for this.

Our hosts were an interesting couple. Diego Frisch is a Methodist Minister who was imprisoned and tortured for his welfare work amongst the poor, during the military regime of the 1970s. As his name suggests, he is of mixed European descent and since his wife is a ‘down to earth’ Lancashire lady, we were treated to simultaneous translations at most of the meetings and events we attended. In true English style, we were given a blank timetable by the leader of our party, but in true Latin-American style nothing much seemed to be happening when we first arrived.

In reality, arrangements were made at relatively short notice and I was invited to visit four schools, an AIDS clinic, cemeteries on the ‘day of the dead’ and afternoon tea with a lady from the British School who bore a marked resemblance to our Queen. This was all happening alongside our visits to Teniente Rinaldi where we helped in the feeding and looking after of children who just randomly turn up and then just as randomly disappear into the dangerous night streets.

The Special Needs School was in a rather run-down house in the city centre. Pupils with learning difficulties were being taught basic skills (cooking, craft work, electrical wiring, etc.) in small groups. The Head and her team of delightful teachers seem to have created a safe and purposeful environment in which the students can be given enough ‘education’ to earn a living. I have to admit to being old enough to remember visiting a similar school in Britain before they were closed down and ‘Inclusion’ 58 Kingswood in Focus

I always enjoy visiting Primary Schools and admiring the teaching methods used. I was most impressed with the one in Teniente Rinaldi. Nutrition seemed to be at the top of the curriculum priorities and the class was full because pupils are given a wholesome meal at either of the two sessions. Colourful displays of children’s work included a ‘healthy eating’ topic and the children were eager to show us their pictures and name all the local fruits and vegetables. This tested my elementary grasp of Spanish! The Head was a remarkable Bolivian septuagenarian who had been exiled during the repressive regime.

Her face bore the scars of something we were too British to question and yet the joy and enthusiasm she exuded was truly inspiring.

Dr Lirvan - AIDS clinic

TR primary school

We were very privileged to have a couple of Anglican interlopers in our largely Methodist gathering. Thanks to them we were able to visit an AIDS project which they support. Dr Livan spends his week running a hostel/ clinic and advice centre for the forgotten people who are HIV +. A highly intelligent humorist and pragmatist, he returns on a Sunday to perform his other duties as an Anglican Priest, using a small side–room of the hostel.

His thoughts on the subject of dying with dignity were uplifting. His humility was shown in accepting that if he could not cure his patients, at least he could be with them to give the last rites. Here was a truly remarkable man.

By the end of a most enjoyable and interesting visit, we had experienced generous hospitality Latin-American style and I had plucked up the courage to sample the local tea called ‘Mate’. This is carried around in thermos flasks and topped up throughout the day by the locals. It is made from an interesting plant called ‘yerba’ which we saw on the back of a lorry one day. I had not had time to learn to dance the tango which some of my fellow travellers had managed, so perhaps another visit will be needed! Returning to the ‘green and pleasant land’ that is Britain and indeed Kingswood, I am very hopeful that some good will come of this visit. At present we are trying to raise funds to keep the T.R. project going. As we hold meetings at our house to discuss such matters, I hope that you may keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

Mrs Ruth Todd (Science Teacher)

One for the Birds When the temperature outside is close to zero, it is not always that easy to shift boarders from in front of TVs into the bright glare of a winter sun.

However, with a little leverage and ‘try it you might like it’ encouragement, 15 students were off to Slimbridge for an afternoon of fowl engagement.

Only one of our number had been before so there was an air of discovery and, to be honest, it was a place worthy of a boarder visit. Having spent time at wetland sites before, I had some concerns about whether those not carrying binoculars would be disadvantaged. Not so at Slimbridge; the multitudes come to you and proximity is not an issue. For some, the willingness of large winged birds to feed from hands added an air of daring do that they had not anticipated. They laughed their way through the nips and squawks of eager gobblers.

Everyone walked the full route and, for one or two from nearer the equator, the sight of flamingos, concurrent with the pinch of frosty air, was a little disorientating.

As four o’clock approached, we re-grouped for hot chocolate and attendance at the mass feeding of migratory birds. The viewing areas were packed to the doors and smaller bodies had to shuffle to the front to claim child priority spots. One barrow load of seed later, we migrated back to school – been there, done that, didn’t buy a T shirt.

Rev Mike Wilkinson (Deputy Head Pastoral & Chaplain)

Koblenz Trip Having to get on a coach and set off on a fifteen hour journey at one o’clock in the morning wasn’t everybody’s idea of a great way to start a trip, but spirits were high as we sped up Lansdown Road in the dark.

Half an hour later, Mr Duke’s expectation of complete silence until 6.00am looked unlikely, although many cat-napped.

After a long and tiring journey, during which we drove through France, Belgium, Holland and Germany, we finally arrived at the Hotel, a comfortable place just outside of Koblenz. The next few days were packed full of activities. We headed into Cologne for a 509-step climb of the ancient Cathedral; not tall by today’s standards but in 1880 it was the tallest building in the world. We could easily believe this as we approached the top of the endless spiral staircase. The views from the balcony were amazing and it was well worth all the effort.

On arriving at the Chocolate Museum we were taken down a long corridor, pausing every so often to taste various chocolate samples (including a raw cocoa bean that maybe wasn’t quite to everyone’s taste!). We all left the museum with less money and more chocolate than we had entered with!

We spent a whole day at the world-renowned German Theme Park, where we rushed around excitedly in an attempt to have a go on all the fantastic rides. Everyone was looking forward to an action packed day of adrenaline-inducing activities; however, some of us were content to sit and chat in a slowly rotating teacup.

With all this fun going on you might think that we didn’t have a chance to speak much German, but the teachers saw to it that we had plenty of opportunity; we ordered our own ice creams, answered questions that required us to talk to local people, and found our way to meeting places by trying to read signs in German (this resulted in a late departure on a few occasions!). The final afternoon was spent basking in glorious sunshine on a cruise down the Rhine from Koblenz to Sankt Goar. The scenery was spectacular with vineyards stretching down the hills and castles perched above.

We returned to Bath late at night via Bruges, and once again Mr Duke’s headlamp and whistle helped to unite us with our suitcases and waiting parents. We were all shattered, but had many happy memories to share with everyone back home. Many thanks to Mrs Heseltine, Miss Bird, Mrs Baker, Miss Cooper, Mrs Hutchison, Mr Blackshaw, Mr Redman and Mr Duke for such a great experience!

Tamsin Ireland (Year 9) Kingswood in Focus 59

KPS Mill on the Brue 2008 At the beginning of the Autumn Term Year 5 pupils set off to spend a week at Mill on the Brue, an outdoor pursuits centre in South Somerset.

The centre includes a wide range of exciting and stimulating activities including canoeing and archery as well as tasks which are designed to challenge and team-build in addition to intriguing problem-solving activities. It also boasts an exciting 300 metre zip wire across the valley!

As well as finding their stay at Mill on the Brue great fun, pupils’ selfconfidence grows enormously, whether they work independently or as a valuable and valued member of a team. This annual residential trip has proved to be an ideal opportunity for the Year 5 group to get to know each other and the team-building aspect is crucial.

"Mill on the Brue was amazing!"

As you can see from the comments below this present Year 5 group came back from their week’s stay with some great memories of a week away from school.

It was a wonderful experience going to Mill on the Brue. I faced lots of challenges, including climbing and canoeing, plus shooting. Shooting was the hardest. It was very fun though. I hit a five and a six. My goal was to hit the target and I did that twice. That was an achievement.

Jake Lewis My favourite was the zuper zip wire, because you were hanging from the wire. I thought it was really fun and scary. I was amazed at the end because it was so high up. It was really cool, too. I really, really, really loved it. Charlotte Crowe At high, all aboard, you go up a humongous pole, you lean backward, after that lean forward, then you stand at the edge of the board and jump.

As you soar, you feel like you’re flying, it’s fantastic! Jess Brown

ZUPER ZIP WIRE The favourite activity for me was the zip wire, because it was very fun and it felt like you were just gliding and suspended in the air.

Adam Tuffery THE GREAT EGG RACE The best activity or game for me was the Great Egg Race. I loved the presentation and tasting the egg. Our presentation was chick, chick, chick, chick, chicken! I loved every second of it. My time at Mill on the Brue will be an unforgettable time. Susanna Sealy MILL ON THE BRUE FOOD The food at Mill on the Brue was really nice. It had cake, salad, pies, drinks, rolls, herbs, bread, toast, ham, bolognaise and the best thing of all was the soup. Finbarr Lloyd CANOEING The canoeing is great at Mill on the Brue because at the end of the activity you get to jump in the river!!...but it’s freezing! Freya Postles MILL ON THE BRUE WAS AMAZING! I had such a good time. You feel so safe. They always reassure you that you are safe. The scariest things you were worried about become the best things in the world! I never wanted it to end! Florence O’Connor

60 Kingswood in Focus

Stepping Back in Time

As part of history lessons and to enable pupils to empathise with children of the time, Year 6 visited Sevington Victorian School, Year 5 spent a day at Hooke Court to experience a Tudor Christmas and Year 3 took part in a World War 2 Evacuation Day.

Evacuation Day I enjoyed it when we were in Devon. It was really funny when Miss Rexe was really strict. I really liked it when Mr Callahan was checking our hair for lice. I didn't like it when I had to do 20 Maths questions.

I liked Miss Rexe's hat, it was so funny. Grant Lautze (3R) Miss Rexe's name was Miss Lewington. She was very scary because she had a cane and Josh had to wear a Dunce's hat. I liked it when Miss Lewington gave us some 1939 toys to play with at break time.

I wore a red dress with buttons going down it. It also had flowers all

over it. We went on a pretend train to Devon. Miss Lewington made the interactive board into a blackboard. Hannah Morris (3R) Evacuation Day was amazing. Miss Diaz pretended to be Miss Fotheringay who was really strict and scary. Mr. Callahan was an inspector and checked us for nits. We all had the most aching hands after handwriting. We had to bring in a suitcase with pants and a toothbrush, toothpaste, socks and a teddy. Daisy Shayegan (3D) It was quite scary because if you said a word they caned you. It was a bit funny because Mr Callahan was looking for nits and he said I had 21 nits. Nits, nits, wonderful nits. Tom Griffiths (3D)

we had to get holly and some berries and put them together and then tie it into the wreath and put ivy on the string. Next was the pomanders which were oranges and you had to poke sharp things into it and then slowly the juice will come out and it will dry out. Then the Tudor purses were next; we made them out of leather and string. Soon after we were writing invitations with a quill pen and ink. We had a quill pen and we had to dip it in some ink and write our name in ink. Soon after everyone left apart from our group and we did our wax seal. The man got a candle and melted it with a match and then we got a stamp and pressed it onto the wax and the wax moulded onto the stamp. I thought it was an amazing day that I will remember for a long time. Emma Stephens (5E)

Tudor Christmas at Hooke Court On Wednesday 25th November everyone in Year 5 went to Hooke Court to find out about the Tudors. We arrived just after 10.00 am and were welcomed by a Tudor man who took us to a room that would have been decorated the same as a Tudor house at Christmas. I found out that they decorated their houses with holly and mistletoe. Next we went up to the school room where we first made a Christmas wreath which was where

After lunch we all made gingerbread and Tudor mince pies. My favourite part was when we had to stick our hands in bowls and mix it all about with our hands. Next was the last activity of the day. We went to a giant hall and some of us performed a play to the rest of the group. I was chosen to be the keeper of an old inn, Louis was chosen to be the bad guy, Matt was chosen to be the hero St George, Florence was chosen to be the king of Egypt, I think, and Ollie was chosen to be doctor.

In the performance Louis had a fight with Matt and Matt killed Louis.

The King of Egypt was Louis’ father and he called for a doctor for his son. The doctor cured him but Louis admitted that he had lost the battle. After that we all did some singing and dancing. We then washed our hands and ate our homemade gingerbread and mince pies. They were absolutely delicious!

Nick Harris (5E)

Sevington School Visit From the moment Miss Squire’s stern figure appeared ringing the bell, on the steps of Sevington Victorian School, we knew this would be no ordinary day. Girls and boys were separated from the start and we were told to hold our heads high and keep our backs straight. Lessons in the tiny schoolroom included: £ s d maths on slate boards, copybook handwriting and vocal gymnastics. We learnt that ‘children are to be seen and not heard’ and were threatened with ‘six of the best’ or the dunce cap if our work wasn’t good enough. While the boys made beeswax candles, the girls were taken to the parlour where they made lavender bags and were shown the housemaid’s box. At break we had great fun playing with hooplas, magnetic fish and hobby horses. It had been good stepping back into the past, but I’m not sure I’d like to stay there!

Jenny McGlynn (6H)

S.S.Great Britain One sunny February morning excited Year 1 children boarded a custardcoloured coach headed for Bristol.

The journey passed in a flash because the shiny new coach had a TV/DVD player and the children were entertained all the way.

Soon we were buying tickets and a kind friendly guide led us to the beautiful golden ship and on into the museum where the story of the famous steam ship was told.

Long ago the great architect, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, designed and built this amazing ship. Although she was a very old ship, she sailed to many countries. Her first ever journey was to New York. She later visited Sydney Harbour in Australia and Scandinavia. The early sailors had a very rough life.

They were poor and often hungry with a diet of bread, fish and biscuits. We saw the kitchens and storehouses where the food was prepared and preserved.

On board there were different classes of crew and passengers.

It was a very noisy life living in 3rd class near the engine room, whilst the officers and 1st class passengers lived a life of luxury. Realistic wax dummies around the ship showed us what life would have been like.

In one room there was a doctor bandaging up patients’ wounds.

Surgery was very rough and many body parts had to be amputated. There was a cupboard full of pills and old medicines.

They kept chickens, cows and pigs on board for fresh food and pigeons to send messages. They used doves’ feathers for quills.

We explored the dockyard museum and saw many fascinating models and wooden and metal parts of ships: a barnaclecovered rudder, a silver propeller which could really turn and ships’ barrels.

An Exciting Day Out I woke up with excitement. We were planning to go to Bristol for a School trip, the whole Year 5.

When we got to our first stop it was supposed to be a Hindu Temple but it looked like a Christian Church. I was confused but when I got inside it had all sorts of objects and gods from Hinduism including Ganesha, Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva. It was very peaceful inside and relaxing.

There were a lot of fascinating portraits of gods. A few minutes later we went downstairs to buy some bindis and bangles.

We left the Hindu temple and headed for @Bristol Science Museum.

A couple of minutes later we arrived, we went upstairs, had our lunch and split up into several groups to play on the activities. My group and I started off upstairs – it was so enjoyable. There so much to do, including volleyball and a mini tornado. After we had gone upstairs, we swapped with the other group downstairs. It was very interesting as they had a full size plane wheel, a wind experiment machine and a water works machine which was fun.

I loved playing @Bristol. They also had the life-cycle area which had a womb that showed you how babies were made. I was astonished about all the things they had there. Afterwards we went to the planetarium where we watched the stars. It was awesome!

Bradley Adams (Year 5)

There was a workshop in the museum full of fun-packed activities for the children: • • • •

Victorian objects to investigate, identify and label Victorian clothes to try on Victorian toys with ingenious mechanics Victorian quill pens which were weird for us and very hard to write with!

At the end of the day we travelled happily back to school.

We had all learned a great deal about life on board the S.S. Great Britain.

Skye, Sam and Isaac (Yr 1 pupils)

Boarders' Trip September 2008 The Year Nine boarders once again began their time in the Senior Houses with a camping and outdoor pursuits trip to the Forest of Dean. Staying at Biblins, the riverside campsite in the Forest of Dean, the pupils enjoyed a BBQ and open fire on the Saturday evening followed by two activities on the Sunday. Each pupil took part in kayaking, which this year was held on a local lake rather than on the River Wye owing to very high water levels, and one of either climbing or caving at Symonds Yat.

Mr John Davies (Senior Housemaster & Head of Outdoor Pursuits) 62 Kingswood in Focus

Classics Trip to the British Museum In the Autumn term of 2008, the A Level Latin students travelled to London by train to see the Hadrian exhibition at the British Museum.

The exhibition gave the students insight into Hadrian as an Emperor of Rome as well as his personal life. Several of the ancient artifacts showing were fairly recent finds, so it was fantastic to be one of the first people in the world to see these fascinating items. Among the articles we were lucky enough to see were surviving documents recording Hadrian’s birth, several large statues of various limbs and some truly stunning statues. Those who were on the 2008 Rome trip were also excited by the miniature model of Hadrian’s villa, with several of us finally realising exactly how large the place was and just how rich Roman Emperors were.

The exhibition’s size and many fascinating sections took up most of the day. However, with an hour left to kill, we were free to look around any other areas of the British Museum that caught our eye before we ran to catch the train home.

Of course, the train journey to and from London gave us all ample time to revise lists of seemingly endless Latin vocab and the dreaded third noun conjugation… Rex, rex, regem, regis, regi, rege…

Hattie Richardson (L6)

U6 Residential Biology Field Trip A group of 25 keen biologists headed off on a trip for a couple of days to Nettlecombe Field Study Centre.

After setting off from School bright and early we arrived at our first destination, Saunton Sands, around 3 hours later. We spent the rest of this first day investigating a sand dune ecosystem (and eating out the ice cream and pasty shop!). After counting as much marram grass and other interesting plants as possible and recording abiotic data, including collecting soil samples, we got back on the coach for the last part of the journey to the field centre where we were to stay. Nettlecombe is a big, old Manor House renovated for ecology students to stay in whilst investigating the local area. After supper we had the opportunity to try out one of their classrooms as we stayed up late to do more biology before socialising with the other schools also staying. The next morning saw us head down to a river, a short walk away, to investigate another ecosystem. Here we recorded the frequency of different species of invertebrates and measured flow rate and oxygen levels. In the afternoon we took a walk to the grasslands to investigate our third and final ecosystem where we looked at and tried to find reasons for the distribution of different plant species. Quite a lot to pack in during our two-day stay!

Lydia Honey (U6) Studying sand dune succession

Identifying freshwater invertebrates

Measuring flow rate

Kingswood in Focus 63 59

German Exchange:

December 2008

December 12th: Upon arrival at Bath Bus Station at 6.00am, I must admit I was slightly nervous about my trip to Münster. Within minutes of getting on the bus, any feelings of uncertainty were gone. Not only was I excited, but the entire National Express Coach was full of excited anticipation. At Heathrow Terminal those who needed to do some last minute “host family present shopping” were able to do so. We were all looking forward to seeing our exchange partners again as we had had so much fun with them during their stay in September.

streets of Hannover, the capital of Lower Saxony. We were given a guided tour of the city and visited some of the famous sites. When we visited the Hannover town hall, we were surprised to meet the Korean Ambassador, on an official trip to Hannover! After the tour, we were allowed to explore the city for ourselves, getting lost in the maze that is the Christmas Markets. Bratwurst and Currywurst are found on every corner, with Crepes and traditional German delicacies not far off – heaven for your average food-lover.

December 13th: Münster is a beautiful city, famous for its churches and medieval history. It was the season of the Weihnachtsmarkt in Germany, and it was something everyone wanted to visit.

December 17th: On the Wednesday, we went for a full school day at the Schillergymnasium. It was a very interesting experience.

I admit, I never thought I would ever try unicycling, but I was proved very wrong indeed after the PE lessons at the Schillergymnasium!

Enough said.

December 14th: Our third day was spent getting to know our host families and learning from them. A particularly memorable aspect of the weekend was watching “Das Supertalent”, the German equivalent of “Britain’s Got Talent”. I just have to mention briefly that the best food you will ever eat in Germany is Schnitzel. Bratwurst is pretty vital and high up on the list too, but Schnitzel is simply “sehr sehr sehr lecker”!

December 18th: On the last full day of the exchange, our outing was to Oldenburg, another beautiful city. First, we visited the exciting Museum of Nature where we spent a lot of time trying to work out the original hair colour of a mummified body. Afterwards, we visited the Christmas markets again where we ate yet even more sausages! Riding the carousels in the Christmas markets became somewhat of a tradition after riding the carousels in Münster, Hannover and Oldenburg.

"...I know for sure that many of us would love to return next year!"

December 15th: Cycling through the city at 6.00am to school was definitely an experience I will not forget for some time!

There was a fresh layer of snow on the ground and it was almost completely dark. Not having ridden a bike for some time, I found myself at the mercy of drivers on the road, and spending a lot of time in the bushes found alongside the cycle-paths! We were shown the most famous sites in Münster: The Rathaus, the palace of Münster, and of course the Ulm Church by Herr Meyer (the English teacher at the Schillergymnasium).

During the tour, we were given a 5 minute break to buy some food.

A stampede of children rushed into the nearest ‘Lidl’ where we stocked up on at least 10 Milka bars each. The best part was certainly learning about and eating ‘Crusti Crocs’, Germany’s answer to Wotsits.

December 16th: The fifth day of the trip was spent roaming the

Caving "...we entered head first into a very small concealed hole..."

December 19th: Leaving the school in the morning was incredibly sad for all of us. A big thank you to Mr Duke, Miss Beale and Miss Naumann for arranging the trip and ensuring we had a great time. Once we had packed our suitcases (the best thing about having the biggest suitcase was the amount of free space left for filling up with ridiculous amounts of chocolate), it was time to say goodbye. As we hugged and waved goodbye, we knew that we had made friends for life and that losing touch was an impossible thought.

Nobody wanted to come home after visiting Münster, and I know for sure that many of us would love to return next year! Hint Hint...

Isabella Coles (Year 10)

Both caving trips this year took place on Sunday mornings during the wet months of November and February. Luckily for us it doesn’t rain in caves. The first minibus journey to the Mendips was an anxious one. Watching the horror film “The Descent” the night before is not recommended. Once kitted up in boiler suits and helmets equipped with weak lights, we entered head first into a very small concealed hole known as Rod’s Pot. This cave was very narrow and more often than not you couldn’t move or turn; not for those who are claustrophobic.

On the second outing we visited Swilden’s Hole. This cave is slightly more open in areas, although still as difficult to manoeuvre safely during the decline because of the waterfall and streams flowing through it. Whilst in the caves, we had the chance to see bats and various creepy crawlies. All in all, the team of James Johnston, Alex Hardman, Finley Gilchrist, Andrew Parsons, Peter Evans, Harry Dawson, Henry Legge, Mr Hills and Mr Davies had great days in!

Henry Legge and Andrew Parsons (Year 11) 64 Kingswood in Focus

Mendips - 1st March Ten Tors Training for the May 2009 expedition got off to an excellent start with a trip to the Mendips. 30 pupils enjoyed a day of fine weather and completed a 6 hour orienteering style route taking in 14 checkpoints.

Black Mountains 22nd March The latest instalment saw 31 pupils tackle a 18 mile circuit in the Black Mountains.

In fine weather the walk was completed in 7 hours.

Brecon Beacons - 15th March High winds, freezing temperatures, rain, sleet and snow – perfect training weather for the Ten Tors teams on the Brecon Beacons.

The theory is that training like this will make the expedition seem easy!

Dartmoor 3 glorious days of training on Dartmoor – 32 pupils

Ten Tors '09 Kingswood in Focus 65

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