Kingswood In Focus 2016

K I NGSWOOD B ATH

in focus 2015/16

Contents // Kingswood In Focus // 01

Reception and General Enquiries T: 01225 734200 F: 01225 734205 reception@kingswood.bath.sch.uk Admissions T: 01225 734210 F: 01225 734305 admissions@kingswood.bath.sch.uk Kingswood School Lansdown Road Bath, BA1 5RG, UK

CONTENTS 3

HEAD’S WELCOME

5 7 9 11 13 16

COMMUNITY From the Chaplain Charities Malawi MUN Sustainability Skills Week

17 19 21 21 23 25 27 28 29 30 31 32

ACADEMIC Exam Results Prizegiving 2016 English Languages Science History Religious Studies Drama Computer Science EPQ Library House Debating

33 35 37 39 41 43 45

HOUSES Westwood Middle Summerhill Upper School Hall Fonthill

SIXTH FORM 47 Life in the Sixth Form 49 University Destinations 49 Work Experience

51 55 57 59 63

CREATIVE ARTS Art Design & Technology KATS - Drama & Music Awards Drama Music

67 69 71 73 75 77 78 79 81 83 85 87

SPORT Girls’ Hockey Rugby Netball Boys’ Hockey Swimming Orienteering Cross Country Cricket Athletics Boys’ Tennis Girls’ Tennis Equestrian

89 TRIPS AND ACTIVITIES 97 STAFF

a warm welcome Dear Parents and Friends

We are hugely committed at Kingswood to reflecting on our practice as a school and seeking ways in which we might continue to enhance the educational experience of each of our students. It has always been my hope that an open approach to improvement, a lack of complacency even in areas of obvious excellence and a willingness to engage intelligently and critically with new ideas should characterise the School; I am confident that such qualities also define how our students engage with their own individual process of self-improvement. I am delighted in this context to have the opportunity to write this introductory piece for ‘Kingswood in Focus 2015/2016’, a publication which reflects a school year of astonishing all-round achievements, but which also includes some enlightening reflections on specific areas of school life and what we are trying to achieve as we seek to prepare young people for the rapidly changing world which awaits them beyond school.

Our success as a school should always be measured by the quality of experience which each student enjoys on his or her journey through the School. As we reflect on our practice, we emphasise the importance of individual progress and the sense of all-round added value.

In this context we were naturally delighted this year to see in the Department of Education’s annual performance tables that we were ranked in the top 20 schools nationally for academic value added at A Level, but this publication rightly reflects a much broader understanding of and commitment to this important concept of added value. The richness of educational experience we are offering seeks to encourage young people to experience growth well beyond the academic, and also reflects that academic growth itself is about so much more than examination results, however outstanding these may be.

What we are seeking at Kingswood is to provide an environment where young people can learn about and from both success and failure. We encourage open minds which explore new ideas and take on new challenges. We also encourage creative approaches to problem solving, intelligent assessment of risk and an understanding of ambition which extends well beyond self. All this happens in the classroom and laboratory, of course, but also in chapel, on the stage, on the games field, in the houses, on school trips. It is through this breadth of experience that real value is added, ensuring our leavers are both rounded and grounded, and ready to take on the real life challenges which await them beyond school.

Head’s Welcome // Kingswood In Focus // 04

Young people today face a future which is both exciting and uncertain, yet I am confident that Kingswood students are as well prepared as any to play leading roles in shaping that future in a positive way. I hope we have encouraged them to be idealistic about what they might achieve and how they might do this; I also hope we will have helped them to learn about the resilience, fortitude and courage which they will require if they are to make a real difference.

For then, I am certain, we really have helped to add real value.

Our Methodist foundation encourages us to value the uniqueness of each individual and the unique contribution each individual is able to make to our community. Our commitment must therefore be to the individual nurturing of each student and to the concept of individual growth. I very much hope you will enjoy reading ‘Kingswood in Focus’ and that the breadth of opportunity available for each individual to grow holistically is apparent. I certainly feel immensely fortunate to be leading a School which really does commit wholeheartedly to adding all-round value.

With every best wish

Simon Morris Head

The richness of educational experience we are offering seeks to encourage young people to experience growth well beyond the academic.

Community // Kingswood In Focus // 05

FROM THE CHAPLAIN The wise man built his house upon the rock, The wise man built his house upon the rock, The wise man built his house upon the rock, And the rain came tumbling down.

The rain came down and the floods came up, The rain came down and the floods came up, The rain came down and the floods came up, And the house on the rock stood firm.

That is just one of the songs I have sung with the children of the Pre-Prep classes in my weekly visits during this, my first year as Chaplain to Kingswood School. I hope the music is ringing in your ears as you read the words! I have thoroughly enjoyed my first year as Kingswood’s Chaplain and am very grateful to everyone who has welcomed me so warmly to the school.

Community // Kingswood In Focus // 06

The song is, of course, based upon the very memorable parable that Jesus told at the end of the Sermon on the Mount, beginning with the words, ‘Everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.’ It is a parable that is all about foundations: the house built on the strong foundation of rock stood firm when the house built on the weak foundation of sand collapsed spectacularly.

It is for that reason that the parable was very much in my mind as I took up the role of Chaplain to Kingswood School. For me, education is all about laying foundations.

One of the striking things about foundations is that they are both indispensable and, when the building work is complete, invisible.

Similarly, as the years go by, much of the education we have received becomes invisible. Very few of us remember the daily routines of our school lives, the comments made in passing, even the details of the lessons. They are now hidden and yet, throughout our school years, for better or worse, the indispensable foundations of life-long learning and living have been laid.

In years to come, the same will be true of Kingswood’s present day pupils: much will be forgotten. Yet I hope the nature of the foundations they lay here will continue to influence them for the rest of their lives: the ethos we share in this school; the value we see in each human being; the compassion we share; the responsibility we have to make the most of our potential; the love which urges us to strive for truth and justice in the world; all shaped by the Christian Gospel that God has made himself known to us in Jesus Christ.

These values, we believe, provide the very best materials to lay the strongest of foundations on which the most glorious of structures can one day be built: lives well and wisely lived. What a privilege it is to share in such a task!

The Revd David A. Hull Chaplain

‘Everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.’

Community // Kingswood In Focus // 07

CHARITIES Doing what we can to support charitable work is an important part of life at Kingswood.

We have continued to support a number of charities this year, some with which we have a long-standing relationship and others as new initiatives. Much of this work is done as a result of our pupils’ initiative.

Here are some highlights: The girls of Fonthill selected two charities to support as a House this year. Nags ‘n’ Nippers helps to bring Nicaraguan street children and abused ponies together at a sustainable farm, and the Restart Centre is an orphan home for the street children of Gilgil in Kenya. Through a combination of selling candy canes at Christmas and Valentine lollipops in February they raised a total of just under £1,550.

School House held a cake sale, encouraged people to come to school appropriately dressed for a Pink Day, and participated in the Race for Life to support work in cancer research and care. They raised over £700.

Summerhill has an on-going commitment to support the Lifeline Centre, part of the Genesis Trust, by providing toiletries, blankets, jumpers and socks etc. for the homeless. They made regular appeals for small bottles of toiletries throughout the year and, at Christmas, Summerhill’s boarders forwent their secret Santa present, each choosing instead to buy a gift for a homeless person. They then went down to the Vaults under Bath Abbey to give the presents to people using the facilities there. In addition to the practical support of toiletries and gifts, a mufti day raised £1,000 for the charity.

Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital was chosen by the pupils of Hall House to be their charity of the year. Their two main events were the Hall House Valentine’s Meal in February and the Bath Half Marathon in March, run by a group of staff and students.

Sweet and cake sales were again a regular feature in Westwood, held throughout the year to raise funds for charities supported by the school, not least for Open Arms Infant Home, Malawi.

The year ended with a disco in the summer term, raising money for Hemi-help, a charity that supports children and young people with Hemiplegia, and their families.

A special Westwood charity is LEPRA, which the House has proudly supported for over twenty years and this year raised a record £1,964. As a result of this long-term support, Mr and Mrs Hollywell were invited to the Patron’s Lunch on The Mall in June to mark Her Majesty the Queen’s ninetieth birthday.

In addition to the House charity events, there were also a number of school-wide initiatives throughout the year.

Our longstanding relationship with Hope and Homes for Children is flourishing.

Following an assembly about the work of the charity, the Music Department chose to support Hope and Homes through the Lower School Music Festival #MakeNoise and the collection at Kingswood’s Party in the City performance at Green Park Station. Jonathan Andrew, Hope and Homes for Children’s Education Partnerships Manager, was the guest speaker at the opening ceremony of this year’s Model United Nations, describing the important work the charity undertakes with governments around the world and the United Nations.

A Dotty Day was held for Dorothy House, a cake sale and clothes donation was supported for the refugee appeal, the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Register was promoted through a student-led assembly, regular donations were made to the Foodbank, the annual collection was made for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal and we again supported the Circuit of Bath walk, in aid of Julian House. All of that was in addition to a number of fundraising events to support Open Arms Infant Home, Malawi, a charity Kingswood has supported for twelve years and which a group of staff and students visited over the summer.

Community // Kingswood In Focus // 09

malawi 2016

by Elsie Askew, Year 12

In the summer of 2016, a group of 22 pupils and 4 staff set off for Malawi.

As well as having formed friendships with the local people, we Kingswood pupils made a great team who worked well together (despite the variety of personalities). Perhaps our first bonding experience of the trip was clambering into a bus with very little personal space and driving along ‘singing’ at the top of our lungs. We were heading for our first destination, Neville’s house. Along the way we were greeted with waves from the cheerful Malawian people; the children seemed particularly overjoyed to see us! The landscape was very different to what we were used to. Bright green vegetation grew out of the dusty orange ground and there were clusters of brick huts with tin roofs.

We were to spend the first few nights at St Andrew’s boarding house, while we helped out at Open Arms Infant Home. As is customary in Malawi, we were welcomed to the home with enthusiastic singing and dancing. After we were introduced to the matrons, we got to work straight away. The various jobs we had to do were painting colourful murals on the walls, giving the buildings a new lick of paint, looking after the children and even rebuilding parts of Open Arms. On the fourth day we played netball and football matches and it is fair to say that we were evenly matched! When it was our time to leave, we were really proud of what we had achieved. Although they only seemed like small differences, to the children and matrons we had made a big impact, whether it was brightening up the walls with paint or simply getting to know them. The matrons who work there were inspiring, being endlessly patient, kind and dedicated to looking after the children.

The conditions were perfect for our ascent up Mount Mulanje: the sky was clear (always a good sign) and it was sunny. After applying many layers of sun cream and taking off layers of clothing, we started our climb. The terrain was rocky and at times very steep but we each took it at our own pace. Glimpses of the beautiful view now and again (as well as the thought of lunch) motivated us to keep climbing. We had reached our cabin by mid-afternoon and a fire was already burning in preparation for the night. That night we were squeezed into our bunk beds but we were so tired that we still fell asleep easily. In retrospect I don’t think we were mentally prepared for the temperature of the mountain pools that we were to face the next day. Although numb, it was awesome to be swimming at the top of Mount Mulanje! After that we changed into warm clothes and sat in our sleeping bags on the cabin porch. That was clearly our excursion of the day, since the rest of the afternoon was spent drinking hot chocolate and playing cards!

Mvuu Lodge was our next stop. Driving through the game park we were lucky enough to take a look at some elephants that were being relocated. Other animals that we spotted on the way included antelopes, warthogs and baboons. Our stay at the lodge consisted of swimming in the pool, going on boat trips and driving through the game park at night. The elephants were probably the main attraction and proved a great source of bragging to those who hadn’t yet seen one! The whole experience was amazing, if a little unnerving to know that crocodiles were about a hundred metres from our chalet…

Despite the area around Palm Beach being quite poor, this is where we were greeted with the most waves and smiles. We were also warmly welcomed at Open Arms 2 and it didn’t take long until we were pulled into the dancing, trying desperately to match the rhythm and passion of the ladies. The facilities at Open Arms 2 were pretty good; the classrooms were spacious, a large tree sheltered the play area and the children’s’ meals were nutritious. Over the next few days, some of us would spend time there helping to look after the children, while the rest worked at Pemphero School. It was hard work moving bricks, digging and building especially in the heat, but it was worthwhile when we saw the progress we had made (and the biscuits we would be rewarded with). However a lot of credit has to go to the men who worked tirelessly all day, many of whom were even teachers at the school.

There was not a more perfect way to relax from working than enjoying Domwe Island. We took a boat across Lake Malawi and arrived in paradise. The beach was beautiful, with white sands and clear water. We did lots of different activities like kayaking, snorkelling, swimming and sunbathing. The warm nights were spent lying on the sand and looking at the stars, while people sang and strummed on the guitar. Inevitably it was difficult to leave the island but Nkhotakota lodge would prove to be luxurious too.

For a few days we worked at Chankhazi School just down the road from the pottery lodge, doing jobs like painting the walls and blackboards.

Every trip to the school would be accompanied by friendly kids who seemed so excited to see us, holding our hands and chatting to us the whole way there. We had a nice balance between working and playing games, with “duck, duck, goose” being a favourite! As well as this we had the opportunity to play some football and netball. Our netball match was quick-paced and intense, ending in a noble defeat for Kingswood!

I had found a particular friend in a girl called Besti, who held my hand and sang with me on the way back to the pottery lodge.

On our last night, Neville very kindly let us stay at his house. We set up tents in the garden, sorted out our belongings and collected all our donations together. Sitting on Neville’s porch, we played cards under the setting sun. It was at that point that I recalled all the places we had gone and all the people we had formed bonds with. One man who made the trip happen, and so successfully was Neville.

Looking back on our trip to Malawi it all seems so surreal. The only explanation for this is because it was nothing like anything we had ever done before. It feels amazing to have been part of such an important trip; seeing how much time and effort Kingswood has contributed to Open Arms and the various schools in Malawi, realising how different the local peoples’ lifestyle is to our own and how, despite this, they continue to work hard and spread positivity.

Community // Kingswood In Focus // 11

Diplomacy, debate and delegations: K-MUN has landed! Never has it been more urgent for young people to take an active role in proposing solutions to the complex challenges facing humanity. And that is exactly what takes place at Kingswood Model United Nations, or K-MUN. It has been a busy and exciting inaugural year for K-MUN members: attending weekly sessions, participating in MUN conferences; presenting school assemblies; and, most recently, training new recruits.

The purpose of K-MUN is to prepare students to act as delegates and chairs at MUN conferences - a simulation of UN committee sessions, in which students roleplay delegates representing different countries. They propose resolutions to global problems, and debate these resolutions in committee sessions.

This provides students with an opportunity to learn about the processes and procedure of the UN, practise debate and public speaking, and engage with topical global issues.

CROYMUN 2015 On Saturday 12th December 2015, an enthusiastic group of Year 12 and 13 students attended a Model United Nations Conference at Croydon High School, representing the delegations of India and Lebanon. Students braved a cold and damp 5.45am departure from Kingswood School, and yet still arrived at the conference keen to engage in fruitful debate. Participating students included: Laurence Plant, Emma Narbett, Anna Thompson, Will Cross, Catalina Carrion Sierra, Thomas Parsons and Cameron Thomas.

The conference provided an opportunity for students to grapple with thought-provoking topics, ranging from HIV in Sub Saharan Africa, to the Financing of International Terrorism. Particular congratulations should go to Will, Catalina, Cameron and Anna whose resolutions all passed successfully.

K-MUN training event On Monday 13th June 2016, at the school Sports Pavilion, an eager group of Year 9s, 10s and 12s, welcomed St Mary’s, Calne, to their first MUN training event. K-MUN’s first Committee Session was the Committee on the Rights of the Child, and the pupils were debating the delicate subject of the Violation of the Rights of Children in the Syrian Arab Republic. The proposed resolution covered issues as diverse as: child marriage, limited access to education, child labour and the use of child soldiers.

The students who attended the Committee Session should be commended for the manner with which they threw themselves enthusiastically into debate. Lizzie Scott demonstrated an excellent understanding of India’s views on the issue, speaking with conviction in favour of the resolution and responding to Points of Information (POIs) with aplomb. In contrast, Freya Jones was able to speak confidently against the resolution. Representing Syria, she highlighted some of the flaws in the operative clauses, namely the unfair expectation that a country ravaged by civil war should be expected to fund rehabilitation centres for child soldiers. Jessica Norton and Daisy Dai were able to make several perceptive contributions to further discussion and showed great aptitude as delegates. In addition, as a result of their enthusiasm and contributions, Angus Forbes-Cable, Claudia Blofeld, William Moorey, Frankie Kenyon, Sabrina Robley, Cameron Thomas and Jess Brown all promise to be very successful delegates on the autumn and winter MUN conference circuit. Special congratulations should also go to our youngest delegate - Maddie Atwood - who spoke fluently, demonstrating the self-discipline and enthusiasm required of a successful delegate.

MODEL UNITED NATIONS At Kingswood School

BISMUN Kingswood’s MUN conference entered its second half-century in customary fashion, with over 500 students from across the UK and beyond gathering in early March for a weekend of lively debate and discussion.

The delegates were confronted with an agenda that was as diverse as it was challenging, with everything from the threat posed by Islamic State to the risks associated with antimicrobial resistance coming under the spotlight in the various specialist committees.

This year, Esmée Charley took on the role of Secretary General. She chose to focus her speech at the Opening Ceremony on the challenges presented by the growing international trade in narcotics, and she also delivered a powerful reminder of the importance of events like MUN in raising awareness of global problems amongst young people.

We were delighted to welcome as our guest speaker Jonathan Andrew from the charity “Hope and Homes for Children.” Kingswood has a well-established relationship with “Hope and Homes” and it was great to hear Andrew speak so eloquently about their work in eradicating institutional care for young people, as well as how charities such as his work with the UN to bring about positive change in the world today.

Saturday saw the conference participants break up into their separate specialist committees, whilst on Sunday the conference climaxed with the always popular emergency scenarios, where the delegates were asked to respond to an unexpected international crisis; this year these ranged from a mutation of the Ebola virus to a possible confrontation between NATO and Russia in the Baltic.

Around 80 Kingswood students were involved in the conference, and all played their part in ensuring that the event was once again a great success. Alex Whitehead and Peter Aaron were indispensable in providing technical support, and the army of secretaries from Westwood did a phenomenal job in supporting the work of all the committees. Particular mention should be made of the chairs, on whose efforts the success of the conference always rests. All rose to the challenge of taking charge of their committees magnificently, showing exceptional organisational skills, as well as great maturity in dealing with a variety of sometimes difficult situations. The head chairs for the weekend were especially impressive, and deserve a special mention; they were Esmée Charley, Jack Brock, Owen Feaver, Olivia Bools, Flavia Hughes, Emma Hurring, Laurence Plant, Will Cross, Will Tyrell, Anna Thompson, Hattie Haysom, Catalina Carrion Sierra, Tom Parsons and Emma Narbett.

Community // Kingswood In Focus // 13

SUSTAINABILITY Youth Climate Summit, 8th to 9th February 2016 On the 8th and 9th of February, Kingswood for the fourth time hosted the annual B&NES Youth Climate Summit with huge success. With over 80 students from six different schools attending, the event was packed full of interactive workshops and empowering speeches.

A highlight for many was the presentation given by MP Barry Gardiner, the Shadow Minister for Energy and Climate Change.

Other speeches included whale and dolphin conservation, climate change activism, urban ecology and local farming at Hartley Farm.

The workshops were a great success again this year with the very popular live hedgehogs, electric cars, discussions on the controversial idea that living in cities is more sustainable than living in the countryside, and marine conservation led by Chester Lewis, an old Kingswood Head Boy. BuroHappold’s CReATE upcycling competition returned and this year included a “people’s vote” and presentations by the designers, emphasising the importance of not wasting precious resources. As always the Kingswood catering staff provided amazing food that was greatly appreciated by all participants. The food this year was all locally sourced and the themes were eating local produce and being vegan, thus helping to reduce our carbon footprint.

Both of the two days had a buzzing atmosphere and the projects the students came up with at the World Café session on Tuesday were both creative and practical, allowing the students to leave feeling like they really could make a difference. As before, the Summit was both designed and led by students from B&NES, highlighting the important role young people play in protecting the planet.

Sustainable Development at Kingswood School Wasting Less Think big, waste less has been the agenda for the sustainable development team at Kingswood this year. With the school’s very good recycling system in place there is no excuse for us all not to find the right bin, but the greater emphasis must be on reducing this waste from the outset. Energy waste on a campus this large is extremely costly to the school and the environment and one place that steps are being taken to reduce this waste is in the monitoring of the Sixth Form Centre’s electricity consumption. Thanks to Friends of Kingswood a remote smart meter has been tracking our electricity consumption in the Dixon over the last six months and the results have been staggering, with the average daily carbon emissions from electricity use in this building alone equal in weight to a 1stXV prop.

Problem identified, evidence gathered, it is now time to respond and we are hopeful that the student body will rally behind a student lead environmental drive from September 2016.

CReATE For the second year running Kingswood school has participated in a Bath schools upcycling competition organised by local engineering consultancy Buro Happold. The competition challenges pupils to view waste in a new light by designing and building a new product out of old wooden pallets that otherwise would have gone for firewood.

Cities for the future While we have been looking at how to improve the efficiency of our existing school and its systems Year 8 have been thinking bigger, by working together to design sustainable cities for the future. After being given random locations around the world, small teams of Year 8 pupils have shown superb creativity, resourcefulness and teamwork in researching and designing self-sufficient cities; and in the process have developed excellent areas of understanding and key skills in critical analysis, idea development and team work.

As the hosts of the Youth Climate Summit where the judging process has been held the pressure was on the Year 7 and 8 Kingswood teams to outperform the Sixth form teams of the previous year and bring back some silverware. Unfortunately, despite some super projects and presentations this was not to be, with Royal High running off with the awards, but the young designers of Kingswood showed excellent teamwork and creative flair in turning the unwanted into the desirable, teaching us all a lesson or two about cutting waste and curbing our consumerism.

Sustainable design workshop With the school’s existing activity hut over-employed and in a sorry state of repair, a large group of Year 11 and Sixth Form students rose to the challenge of designing a new environmentally sensitive activity space. Working as design teams to tackle a competition brief in much the same manner as professional teams responding to architectural competitions around the world, the students pulled together some excellent proposals. These included: the use of straw bale construction; old shipping containers for secure storage; passive solar design principles; the incorporation of multi-use spaces; green roofing and facades; and pumped hydroelectric storage.

As with any architectural competition the designs were judged by an expert panel including: an experienced architect, a sustainable design consultant, a teaching fellow from Bath University and the Headmaster, who provided useful feedback from which the pupils could develop their designs.

Community // Kingswood In Focus // 15

The EDCLUB Movement at Kingswood The EDCLUB Movement is a studentbased initiative which aims to educate disadvantaged children around the world by teaching them how to further their own education using the Internet. Through 20-minute daily Skype tutorials, mentors are able to ask their children questions and research them together so as to teach the children how they might use the Internet independently.

Inspired by Professor Sugata Mitra’s TED talk (available on YouTube), the movement was started by a friend, Molly Macaire, a student at Marlborough College and daughter to the former British High Commissioner to Kenya.

Last year, EDCLUB had five mentors communicating with children at the Huruma Slum in Nairobi. We tried to do something similar with some of the foster homes connected to Open Arms in Malawi but were unfortunately unsuccessful due to technical difficulties. We are going to try and get this going again next year after the Kingswood trip in the summer of 2016. However, we have now successfully introduced the movement to the Restart Centre in Gilgil, Kenya.

The Restart Centre provides a home and schooling for street children in Gilgil. It is the charity the Fonthill girls have chosen to support with their various fundraising events such as the Valentine’s Day hearts and candy cane sales. Sabrina Robley and Pili Wilson, two Fonthill girls who live in Kenya, have taken a keen interest in forming close relationships with the children of Restart and visit them regularly when they return home for holidays. Mr and Mrs Opie also have close ties with the Restart Centre and they also visit whenever they are out in Kenya.

Alexa Downie-Ngini, Sabrina Robley, Pili Wilson and Fiona Rundle with the help of Mrs Patterson have joined forces to implement the EDCLUB Movement at the Restart Centre and are currently mentoring six children between the ages of 9-16. The objectives are to establish close relationships with the disadvantaged children of Restart and the Kingswood community in a mutually beneficial way. Once the Restart and Kingswood students are comfortable chatting with each other, we aim to begin introducing the Restart kids to specific issues relating to the conservation of animals in Kenya. In the future, we hope to link our Prep School with the Restart Centre so that the Restart children can help teach those at Kingswood about the importance of conservation.

This is really the entire ethos behind the EDCLUB Movement - students learning from students!

SKILLS WEEK At the end of the Summer term, all Year 9 students at Kingswood School participated in a project based learning challenge that saw them provide solutions to the question: ‘How can we make the world a better place?’

They worked in small groups of five or six over a period of four days to provide various solutions and had the wonderful experience of hearing several guest speakers talk about their efforts and attempts to make the world a better place. These guests from the local area included representatives from BMWi, Teenage Cancer Trust, Genesis Trust and Fairtrade; the students also had a chance to experience the delights of BMW’s most sustainable sports car, the i8! Having the opportunity to speak with organisations about their aims for affecting change in the world allowed the pupils to witness a tangible outcome to some of the initiatives that are happening locally and on a global scale.

“How can we make the world a better place?”

The project culminated in an exhibition of all the students’ work at the end of the week and we were thrilled that there were so many parents and governors in attendance; the pupils really appreciated the support they were shown. Solutions included the setting up of a Sustainable Furniture Workshop, an LGBTQ+ Rights organisation and a website that cleverly suggests which charities you should donate to based on your beliefs and interests. It is important to note that the solutions provided had to be real and it was magnificent to see students so animated at the prospect of affecting constructive change. What was most impressive was the achievability of the projects on display; they offered genuine opportunities to make the world a better place.

It was refreshing to see ideas that focused largely on a local scale and hopefully some of these will be implemented shortly within the school community. We were delighted with the application of the students and the quality of the work they created.

“I really enjoyed the exhibition. I was a bit nervous about talking to parents but it was fine. I actually quite enjoyed showing off our idea to them. It was interesting to see how different the ideas from all the different groups were; I don’t think any of them were the same and they were actually all really thoughtful.”

“It was so much fun to be in charge of our project for the week. I really enjoyed the pressure of having to organise ourselves without much help from the teachers. It was really hard to get our project finished in time for the exhibition but learning about something completely different to normal lessons was really eye opening.”

Academic // Kingswood In Focus // 17

EXAM RESULTS RECORD A LEVEL RESULTS FOR KINGSWOOD! With 85% of all A2 results at A*- B, 61% at A*/A and 22% at A*, Kingswood students have this year achieved record-breaking results. An impressive 38 students gained at least three A*/A grades. Particularly outstanding results were achieved by Freddie Barnes, Peter Edwards, Harriet Haysom, Samuel Liu, Rhiannon Osborne and Isabelle Thornton, who each achieved at least three A* grades.

Furthermore, every student who completed an Extended Project Qualification achieved either an A* or A, with nearly 80% being awarded the coveted A*.

Headmaster Simon Morris commented: “I am not at all surprised to see such excellent results from this quite exceptional year group, but I applaud each and every one of them on such terrific achievements. I am delighted to see so many students meeting very challenging offers at leading universities; this year this includes seven students who have secured places to read Medicine.”

OUTSTANDING GCSE SUCCESS AT KINGSWOOD Kingswood students celebrated outstanding success in their GCSE results. An impressive 31% of entries were graded A*, with 64% at A*/A and 98% at A*- C. Amongst many exceptional individual results, the top performers were Natasha Thornton with 12A* grades, Andrei Dinu, Charlie Robinson, Yemi Sawyerr and Grace Tyrrell with 11 A* grades and Sid Brunt, Jasper Davis and Hannah Whitehead with 10A* grades.

35 students achieved at least 5 A* grades.

Headmaster, Simon Morris, commented: ‘This is a very gifted year group who excel in many different areas of school life. I am obviously delighted to see their academic talent and commitment being rewarded with such excellent GCSE results. This bodes very well for their Sixth Form careers, where they are very strongly placed to continue Kingswood’s established tradition of supporting students in developing their all-round excellence.’

Academic // Kingswood In Focus // 19

Prizegiving 2016 “Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing,” claimed Theodore Roosevelt and there’s something to be said for that. Nevertheless, we still believe that a Prize Giving celebration at the end of each school year is a valuable tradition. But it can be difficult choosing the recipients when there are so many worthy of praise!

At the beginning of Prize Giving 2016, the Headmaster reminded everyone that those who had been Highly Commended deserved as much applause as those who walked onto the stage to claim their prizes, and that those who had played a role in the making of music, drama, art and design technology were to be congratulated, just as anyone who had given their all to the various sports played throughout the year was highly valued.

With the sports hall bedecked in the usual red and white Kingswood drapes and attractive flower arrangements to match, we were not just clapping along to tracks such as Nick Cave’s Red Right Hand and Queen’s We are the Champions as students collected their prizes but we were also treated to some wonderful entertainment.

A very professional film made by Joe White (Year 9) captured the highlights of this term’s Junior play After the Rabbit Hole. There were key moments on screen, too, of Green Park 2016, accompanied most appropriately by Sinatra’s New York New York, perfectly complementing the glamour of the evening. However, voted most popular performance of the morning was the brilliantly executed Cup Song, sung and ‘percussioned’ by Isla Brendon, Charlotte Crowe and Thea Guy. This was a very difficult challenge, akin to rubbing your stomach and patting your head simultaneously (but much more enjoyable to hear and watch)! They made it look ridiculously easy, so professional was their recital. Even more creativity was enjoyed as we listened to Alexandra Forbes-Cable’s Monsters Under the Bed and Henry McBraida’s very accomplished Ich wohne auf dem Land.

Academic // Kingswood In Focus // 20

The Captains of Sport paid tribute to all the hard work, commitment, hours of practice and fun that the teams had enjoyed over the past twelve weeks and we all enjoyed seeing the action shots, listening to the deliberate clichés, - thank you Tokes Saywerr and Charlotte Penney! - and hearing just how much everyone valued being part of a team. Ben Bates was awarded the newest Sports prize: the Sandy Burgon cup for ‘a student who has shown exceptional commitment and ability in a sport, practised mainly outside Kingswood.’ As Ben, who is part of the British Fencing World Class Programme and is currently 5th in the country at Under 20 level, rightly said, “This could have been made for me!”

The Final Assembly saw another new award, the Burns prize for Outstanding Leadership, awarded to Peter Aaron in acknowledgement of his many and varied leadership attributes, and as a person who exemplifies, as Colin Burns so rightly highlighted, the essential quality of service that every respected leader has. Peter and Isabel Calvert also sung beautifully for us all, and what a perfect way to salute the rest of their year group and the Upper Sixth parents with Everything and Feeling Good.

And then it was time to begin the goodbyes: farewell and thank you to our Gap students Lewis Middleton and Bessie Manu, to Miss Jo Edwards (History and Politics), Mrs Sophie Kirtley (English), both covering maternity leaves magnificently, and Mr Phil Smith (English), brilliant teacher and enthusiastic eater of cake!

Notching up a decade or more at Kingswood, we applauded Dr Fletcher (Head of Chemistry), Mrs Hutchison (German and RS) and Mr Redman (Head of Maths) for their inspirational teaching and everything that they had given to the School. Last but not least, the unforgettable Mr Burgon, (Maths, i/c Cross Country, and previous Head of the Dixon) who was retiring after twenty five years of devoted service to Kingswood, treated us to tales aplenty, as well as a sing-a-long involving a minibus! The word ‘legend’ is often overused – not in this case!

The Headmaster paid tribute to a wonderful Upper Sixth year group and, finally, the Head Boy and Head Girl, the Deputy Head Boy and Deputy Head Girls took to the stage one at a time to tell the audience what it meant to them to be a part of Kingswood; they paid tribute to great friendships forged and remembered the very much missed Will Cross in particular. Head Boy Ben Bates even gave us a song he had penned about progress from KPS to the giddy heights of school leaver. Nice one, Ben! What style, what pizzazz! Then it was time for the final roll call as each member of the Upper Sixth, House by House, stepped up onto the stage to shake hands with the Senior Management Team and then stepped out into the world of the school leaver to Coldplay’s anthem Up and Up. Sarah Dawson - Deputy Head Academic

Year 8 students celebrated their literary journey from Beowulf to war poetry, via Chaucer, Hamlet, Macbeth, Paradise Lost and Dickens, by embarking on a full scale enquiry at the end of the 15/16 academic year.

They worked in small groups of four for three weeks, trying to work their way through big questions, such as ‘Do Heroes always have to do what is right?’ ‘Where are all the women in English Literature?’ and ‘How far are Heroes a product of their time?’ Students connected their learning across Year 7 and 8 and presented their solutions to teachers, members of SMT, Governors and parents in the sports hall at the end of term. There were some fantastic pieces of work produced, some intricate, focused essays and some creative responses.

All students should be applauded for their dedication and commitment to the enquiry, and for the wonderful results produced.

ENGLISH Commended: Lottie Davis Felix Bernstein Cartoon Wangamonmit Tayo Sawyerr Eleanor Phillips Charlotte Hall Iris Marrack Imogen Leakey

Andi Newman Katie Eayres Sam Bernstein Jonah Heal Sophie Hart Ben Cox Donald Wu Hannah Kelly Callum Chamberlain

Highly Commended Tim Green Moto Chaiwongkiat Chris Zikos Barlow Aiden Davies Oliver Tonge Ethan Hawtin Ritika Shrestha Jude Estcourt.

There were some fantastic pieces of work produced

YEAR 8 EXTENDED PROJECT 2016

LANGUAGES Mandarin Activity Mrs Kinnison runs two Mandarin Activities and works with a small number of pupils on a one year beginners’ course which focuses on the Pinyin system (Mandarin pronunciation), the correct writing stroke order of Chinese characters, greetings, numbers, self introduction phrases including family. There has been scope for pupils to learn about Chinese family life, festivals and Chinese calligraphy. It has been very challenging but rewarding for those who have stuck at it. The advanced group of near native speakers, are prepared for IGCSE Mandarin by Mrs Kinnison, ensuring despite the distance from home that these continue to develop and improve their Chinese language proficiency. Both classes have celebrated the Chinese New Year together thanks to the wonderful catering team.

Academic // Kingswood In Focus // 22

MFL Speaking Competition The inaugural MFL Speaking Competition organised by the local branch of Routes into Languages was held in late March. This was a great opportunity for near native and non-native speakers to compete against other linguistically minded pupils from across the region.

Pupils were required to prepare a short two-minute presentation which they delivered to an audience. There were categories in each Keystage and two Kingswood pupils, Andrei Dinu (French) and Lisa Cancellieri (Italian) won their near native categories. In addition to this Henry McBraida (German) and Esmée Charley (Spanish) finished as Runners-Up in two of three non-native categories. Henry was very well supported by our German Assistant, Sarah Brandstätter. We were delighted that Maxim Lanez (French Near Native) and Emily Ardus (German) also participated so enthusiastically. All the pupils found the experience inspiring and motivating. Esmée, Henry and Lisa all qualified for the Regional Final in Bristol held in June. Henry’s new entry, a poem, was well received and Esmée had her audience in stitches. Lisa won her category and was presented with a trophy!

Linguistics Olympiad Olympiads in other academic disciplines have existed for some time: the UK Linguistics Olympiad was the brainchild of several academics and independent school teachers. It started in 2010 and has grown in popularity. This year over 40 Kingswood pupils in Years 7 to 13 sat one of three papers. These two to two and a half hour papers are very demanding and require pupils to decode patterns in more obscure languages based on some examples. This year’s languages included Ancient Greek, Mandarin, Gaelic, Estonian and an Aboriginal tongue called Nhanda. The top 16 nationally make it to a second round where they compete for places to be on the UK team, which then participates in a global event, this year hosted in India.

This year the top performers in school were: Spanish Play This year the Spanish Department welcomed the Flying Theatre group for a fantastic performance of the play VIVA ESPANA. The play was enjoyed by pupils in Years 7 to 9 and involved juggling, magic tricks and plenty of audience participation.

Intermediate Gold Henry McBraida Intermediate Silver Abigail Vaid

Advanced Bronze Angus Batchelor Francesca Padget Tommy Phillips Florence Burns

Intermediate Bronze Sam Bernstein Foundation Bronze Marcus Brend Lottie Davis Theo Isaac

Academic // Kingswood In Focus // 23

Nowadays scientists are making amazing advances and discoveries. Physicists have detected gravitational waves, giving us a whole new way to observe the universe. Biologists are uncovering more detail of the human genome and are developing ways to manipulate the genes of plants and animals. Meanwhile, Chemists are developing their analytical techniques to help develop drugs and medicines and are working on new materials to help improve our lives.

Kingswood’s Science Department provides its students with a wide range of learning experiences and hopes to develop enquiring and enthusiastic independent learners who will go on to make discoveries of their own one day.

We are sad to see Dr Sheffrin and Dr Fletcher both move on in summer 2016 but are looking forward to working with Mr Matheson and Dr Wood who will be taking over their roles. In our technological modern society, knowledge of science is hugely important in helping understand the world we live in. The Science Department hopes to continue the academic success of recent years and to provide a rich experience for all its students.

SCIENCE Caffeine extraction trip (Year 12) On the last Wednesday of the Autumn term, Kingswood’s Year 12 Chemistry students spent a stimulating day at Bristol University’s ChemLabS. During the morning they successfully used liquid-liquid extraction to obtain caffeine from tea. Each pair of students obtained much less than one gram of caffeine; nevertheless, the high purity of their caffeine was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy and sublimation temperature measurement, showing that it was pure enough for inclusion in a few doses of Lemsip (once we find a suitable source of paracetamol and phenylephrine hydrochloride to add)! After a packed lunch, the visit concluded with two lectures on protein films and atmospheric chemistry.

Cambridge Chemistry Challenge (Year 12) Copper Award Vyara Georgieva Oscar Oliphant

Silver Award Guy Whitehead Gold Award Cameron Thomas

FLIR Â The thermal camera was funded by FoK and is for Science / Sustainable Development use. Experiments demonstrated many processes including chemiluminescence, distillation and the combustion of methane bubbles!

Biology Intermediate Olympiad A number of the Lower Sixth took part in the National Intermediate Biology Olympiad.

In total 3,500 students took part in the one hour online test.

Commended Sabrina Robley Olivia Sealy Highly Commended Emma Roberts Poppy Roper Rachana Pun Christy Chiu Elsie Askew

Bronze Medal Wilf Nokes Micah Lanez Jack Kenny Rohan Sakhyani Ennea Miller-Hunt Fiona Rundle Vyara Georgieva Oliver Sowler

Biology Challenge results In March, 26 Year 9 students took part in the National Biology Challenge which involved an online test. Over 30,000 students from all over the UK took part in this competition. Six students were commended and five highly commended.

Medals were awarded to the following: Bronze Medal Stephen King Jamie Deverell Maxim Lanez Holly Guy Sam Ewing Lucas Lawman Harriet Foster Tom Redman

James Button Ben Shardlow Bert Nokes Silver Medal Bridie Knox Louis March-Smith Henry McBraida Henry McCollom

Biology Olympiad Results 2016 Ten of the Upper Sixth Biologists took part in the annual National Biology Olympiad, along with over 7,000 students from other schools.

Highly Commended Flavia Hughes Prapti Gurung Bronze Medal Calum Wylie Emma Narbett Anna Kremneva

Silver Medal Jamie Padkin Harriet Haysom Ben Bates Isabelle Thornton Gold Medal Sam Liu

Only the top 6.6% of students reach gold medal level. These are the best set of results that Kingswood has ever achieved

1st July 1916, the first day of the Battle of the Somme, is still the bloodiest day in British military history. It resulted in 57,470 British casualties, 19,240 of whom were fatalities, as well as thousands of German and French deaths. The battle was to rage for 141 days until it was finally called off in November 1916, after having claimed over a million casualties on all sides.

Around twenty five Kingswood Old Boys lost their lives on the Somme, three of whom perished on that terrible first day.

Kingswood’s Year 9 students are regular visitors to the First World War Battlefields, but this summer’s trip had added poignancy for the 35 participants, coinciding as it did with the centenary of the Battle of the Somme.

Those young men from the Kingswood community who lost their lives in the Great War were uppermost in the students’ thoughts, especially Eric Heaton, one of those killed in the first few hours of 1st July 1916.

Walking through wheat fields which mask what was once a battlefield, and pausing for reflection in the tiny, peaceful cemetery where Eric Heaton now lies, was a moving and powerful experience which will remain with the students for many years to come.

This visit, combined with excursions to Tyne Cot and Langemarck near Ypres, excellent museums such as the Historial at Péronne, as well as the extensive and impressive tunnels dug to shelter British soldiers at Arras in 1917, helped to bring home to all the reality of First World War conflict.

HISTORY

As we know, the Great War did not prove to be the ‘war to end all wars’. The causes of the Second World War and its consequences were some of the themes with which 55 of our Year 10 and 11 History students were engaging on their visit to Berlin during the Easter holidays to help consolidate their GCSE studies. Excursions to the Reichstag, Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp and the Topography of Terror were reminders of how Hitler and the Nazis extinguished democracy and presided over a brutal, oppressive dictatorship.

Students found the Holocaust Memorial and Visitor Centre very moving, witnessing countless personal stories of individuals and their families persecuted by the Nazis. All around Berlin were reminders of the Cold War, not least the East Side Gallery, a 1.3 kilometre section of the Berlin Wall which is now a memorial of freedom.

Time and again, our students prove to be fine ambassadors for the school and excellent company, and this year’s groups were no exception. Many thanks go to them and to their parents for supporting the History Department in our desire to explore the subject beyond the classroom.

1st July 1916, the first day of the Battle of the Somme, is still the bloodiest day in British military history.

Academic // Kingswood In Focus // 27

RELIGIOUS REASON, TRUTH STUDIES AND LOVE: A VISION Reason, Truth and Love are three words that, when fully realised in people’s lives, elicit excellence and contentedness in all things. Religious Studies at Kingswood, caught amidst the constancy of change and renewal, seeks to manifest these three ideals, educating the Heart and Mind in equal measure.

Nevertheless, idealism – when juxtaposed with the realism of life – challenges this vision, and one needn’t look far to see how.

The worldly veil of tolerance is lifted more often than not when people face times of uncertainty and instability. Prejudices emerge; wars are fought; and despondency prevails.

Furthermore, the daily struggle to make sense of our place in the world abounds, as we contend the challenges of work, relationships and health, amongst other things. To this end, it would be easy to forsake such a vision, not least because – as contemplated in Ecclesiastes - it can seem like we are “chasing after the wind”. In short, life often appears devoid of the reason, truth and love that we aspire towards.

It can seem like we are “chasing after the wind”

Ultimately, however, this would be to look into a mirror dimly. Upon knowledge a house is built; upon understanding it is established.

Religious Studies seeks to contextualise this understanding by walking a path defined by reason, truth and love. This takes time.

Nevertheless, we – as modern educators – aspire to be part of a world attuned to the goodness that quietly and unassumingly undergirds all things. With one step taken at a time, each day, we work to bring this vision to pass.

Mr. Matthew Thatcher Head of Religious Studies

In a time of economic uncertainty it is of some consolation to those of an artistic bent that creative industries are worth almost ten million pounds an hour to the UK economy. In a press release in January 2016 the government announced that creative industries in the UK had grown by 8.9% in 2014 and that these businesses are now worth a staggering £84.1 billion to the UK economy.

At Kingswood School we have long prided ourselves on our commitment to supporting the Arts and to encouraging students to take creative subjects to a high level. Subjects such as Music, Art, Design Technology and, of course, Drama and Theatre, are essential for developing the ‘soft skills’ required for success in creative industries of all shapes and sizes. However, contrary to popular belief, not all of our A Level Drama students wish to pursue a career on stage. Nevertheless, it has to be mentioned that I happen to write this article the day after seeing not one, but two, ex Drama students from Kingswood (Wilf Scolding and Oscar Batterham), appearing onstage at the Bath Theatre Royal in their summer production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. There are countless others perusing acting careers across the country and, indeed, the world.

Yasmin Meaden, who many will remember as the Lady of the Lake in the senior production of Spamalot (December 2015), will take up a coveted place at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama to study Acting in September – a rare achievement for a student fresh from A Levels.

However, it would be a mistake to think that a GCSE or an A Level in Drama and Theatre only prepares you for the stage. In actual fact most Drama schools do not require applicants to have an A Level in Drama – believing that the course we run is ‘too academic’ to be of much use in a professional acting environment.

Academic // Kingswood In Focus // 28

In September 2016 both the GCSE and A Level Drama courses will change. At Kingswood we will continue to offer the AQA course which, unlike some other exam boards, has always had a written examination element. At A Level students are required to study and analyse two set texts as well as a number of other plays written across different time periods.

The exploration of these texts is similar to those studied in English.

Obviously we believe that the practical element of our course – the performance of both scripted and devised work – is vital to the development of the student’s creative abilities but this work is also accompanied by written evaluations which require the student to consider deeply and thoughtfully their contribution to the process.

At the end of the A Level students will sit a three hour written examination – a daunting prospect and in line with other subjects traditionally seen as academic.

At Kingswood it is our belief that a well taught Drama GCSE and A Level course can set students up for success in whatever path of life they choose. In our opinion there are very few careers which do not require those skills labelled as ‘soft’ but which should not be taken lightly or for granted. The Drama department is proud of each and every student who studies Theatre and is gratified by the wide and varied paths that our students take when they leave school.

Finally, a student attracted by the lure of the stage should remember that there are countless jobs in creative industries which do not require performing but which will still allow them to develop their enthusiasm for theatre. A Drama GCSE or A Level will help nurture and cultivate that passion for creativity and, at Kingswood, we pride ourselves on doing just that with each and every student we teach.

Mrs Kate Nash – Head of Drama and Theatre Studies

DRAMA

It has been an exciting year for the Computer Science Department at Kingswood with a number of new initiatives being introduced.

Computer Science is taught throughout the school from Year 7 to Year 13. The aim of Computer Science is to teach pupils how to think and problem solve. At its very heart is the skill of ‘computational thinking’. This is a skill that can be used to solve problems across a wide range of disciplines and involves taking a logical, structured approach to problem solving.

COMPUTER SCIENCE

As a Department we are often asked what the difference is between ICT and Computer Science. If this were considered against a motor car ICT would be the equivalent of being able to drive the car whereas Computer Science would be being able to design and build the car. This year pupils have been involved in a wide range of activities.

The BBC introduced an initiative whereby all Year 7 pupils were given their own Micro:bit.

This is small computer which incorporates a CPU, memory, Bluetooth, accelerometer, compass, LED screen and input buttons. All Year 7 pupils used their devices to develop a range of applications which ranged from a catching game through to a virtual pet. Pupils really enjoyed creating their own applications and were pleased to be able to keep their devices at the end of the year.

Year 10 Computer Science students entered the University of South Wales’ Engineering Olympics in June. They had to design, build, and program their own robotic device.

Kingswood pupils competed against a number of other secondary and Sixth Form colleges. The Kingswood autonomous vehicle successfully navigated the course on all three laps, automatically navigating around corners.

Year 12 Computer Scientists visited Imperial College, London to hear from a number of industry leaders in the field of Computing.

They heard about Big Data from Google, Server Farms and Data Centres from BT and the Turing Game from Professor Kevin Warwick. Pupils found it interesting to find out about cutting edge technologies and how it is people with their skill set that will be able to shape the future. The discussion relating to cyborgs was of particular interest to many.

The traditional view of Computer Science being a subject where pupils sit in front of a screen and code has certainly been challenged this year. With further new initiatives being introduced including more widespread use of Arduino pupils can look forward to more hands on, interactive activities.

What is the Extended Project Qualification?

The Extended Project Qualification is taken by students in the Sixth Form to complement their main A Level subjects and is an exciting opportunity for students to take real ownership of their learning.

The student chooses the subject focus based on their own interests; this could be a significant extension of a topic linked to their A Level courses, or something which is completely outside of their A Level studies, perhaps related to a personal hobby or future career aspirations. The student is very much in charge of their project from the outset, from designing a project plan and conducting appropriate research, to writing the report and presenting their project to a nonspecialist audience. The end product of an Extended Project may be a traditional academic report (5,000 words) or it may be an artefact such as a film, a performance, a painting or a website, accompanied by a written report (1,000+ words). Students are taught the key skills required to complete their projects, ranging from project management and note-taking, to referencing and presentation skills. Students are also allocated a teacher-supervisor to support and guide them through the process.

2015-16 EPQ Projects The freedom of choice means that our students always produce a diverse array of projects. This year’s ‘traditional’ academic reports ranged from investigations into the impact of media on medical progress and assessing whether phosphorus is essential or deadly, to exploring the effect of funding in the Premier League and the extent to which birth order influences different aspects of character. The artefact projects were equally impressive, with examples of their final pieces shown below.

Esther Archer-Brown The Female Superhero: What would it take for universal appeal?

Comic book front cover & extract.

Niamh O’Sullivan Costume design in fashion: to what extent did 1960s/70s film production influence fashion trends for women?

Olivia Parker Expressing the transition and modification of Scoliosis through artwork.

Why complete an EPQ? Completing an EPQ is a challenging, but highly rewarding academic experience and excellent preparation for higher education and the world of work. Success in the EPQ will indicate to universities that the student in question is a truly independent learner, and the qualification is therefore a very attractive addition to UCAS applications.

University of Cambridge: “We welcome the Extended Project and would encourage applicants to undertake one as it will help to develop independent study and research skills valuable for higher education.”

University of Durham: “…a high predicted or actual grade in this award will be considered a positive attribute when selecting amongst applicants with similar levels of overall achievement.”

University of Manchester: “The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills…we would strongly encourage you to draw upon this experience within your personal statement as it may be taken into account when we consider your application.”

EPQ The EPQ at Kingswood The EPQ has evolved from being an extra qualification taken by a handful of Sixth Form students when it was first introduced at Kingswood in 2010, to fourteen students completing projects this year. As a result of the A Level reform, many students will take three subjects in the Sixth Form and therefore, from September 2016, the EPQ is being delivered as part of the main A Level programme with timetabled lessons and supervision group tutorials. This is an exciting time for the Department, with the majority of Year 12 students electing to complete an EPQ and an increasing number of staff becoming involved in the qualification. The programme structure has been developed to accommodate this growth and the Department is looking forward to seeing the even wider variety of projects that the students will produce over the coming years.

Academic // Kingswood In Focus // 31

LIBRARY It has been a very busy year in the J. O. Heap Library and it has been wonderful to see so many students using the Library for revision and study, as well as taking part in the new activities and events. The Autumn term started with a bang with Year 7 Challenge Day and the “Twisted Tales” Library activity, and the pace did not let up until the October Book Party just before half-term.

The Spring term was all about authors as the Library hosted three top speakers: Lucy Christopher spoke to Years 9 and 10 about her challenging and suspenseful novels; Matt Dickinson spoke to Year 12 and Years 7 and 8 about his successful summit of Mount Everest; Year 9 were also treated to a workshop from performance poet and author Steven Camden. We then celebrated World Book Day with over 60 students taking part in the “Golden Books” competition.

Over the Easter break, the Library underwent a minor reorganisation, culminating in a new layout which offers more workspace for classes and groups, and easier access to the Library stock.

The Summer term started with Shakespeare Week and a schedule of daily activities including poster-making and “Shakespeare Charades”. With the announcement of the CILIP Carnegie Medal shortlist, a group of students got together over the term to discuss the books and choose their favourite from the list. Year 7 took part in a literary quiz, showing off their impressive literary knowledge. The Library then rounded off the term by hosting the Year 8 Entrepreneur Day and offering research skills sessions as part of Year 9 skills week. We now look forward to next year and the new initiatives on offer including a new reading group and the UK heats of the Kids Lit Quiz.

Academic // Kingswood In Focus // 32

HOUSE DEBATING

The inaugural Kingswood House debating competition of the post-war era was the forum for some lively, well-informed and impassioned exchanges of views, adding a little fire to the autumnal nights. The first round contestants debated whether ‘older generations are to blame for the problems of today’; a topic that proved close to the heart of many of the contestants. The parlous state of the environment was discussed in detail, as well as the bellicose nature of 21st century international relations (Adam Tappin asked us to consider who would fish the salmon of the Yemen, now that war had arrived), although there was some light relief, including Sam Cox’s lamentation on the abandonment of older generations’ articulate and eloquent use of language by young purveyors of text-speak. All the speakers in the first round should be commended for the depth of their research, the tone of their delivery and the way in which they thoroughly engaged and roused their audiences. The debates were a veritable treat for those who braved the lateness of the hour to come and support their brave champions. The enthusiasm with which House members responded through the floor debates across all three ties can only bode well for the future, particularly if the scholarly contributions of Leonids Osipovs and those of Madeleine Attwood, declamatory and emphatic, are anything to go by.

The final of the competition, on the motion that ‘crime does pay’, was a keenly contested affair, with Gregor Morton and Sam Cox taking the field for Middle while Adam Tappin and Cormac Paul represented Upper. All four spoke with great eloquence and aplomb and, if they were nervous at practising such a demanding skill in front of a large audience, they didn’t show it.

The arguments put forward were often hard to fault in their logic; for example Middle presenting the French revolution as crime on a grand scale that brought liberté, egalité et fraternité to a nation, whilst Upper drew listeners’ attention to the often devastating consequences of crime to its victims, and the psychological damage wrought on its perpetrators. The speeches were supplemented by a lively and mature floor debate with both sides closely matched.

Sadly there can be only one winner and the victors of the 2015 House debating competition were Middle House.

With such talent on display, especially from the many Year 10 speakers in action, it can only be supposed that the competition will go from strength to strength. There is still plenty of debating and public speaking to take place over the coming months, however, and with such strength in depth Kingswood is indeed spoilt for choice.

The competitors were as follows: Middle: Gregor Morton & Sam Cox Upper: Adam Tappin & Cormac Paul Hall: Sid Brunt & Max Lister Fonthill: Abbey Vaid & Jessica Norton School: Eva Hudson & Charlotte Cutter Summerhill: Elie Gould and Hebe Mottershead-Davies

WESTWOOD HOUSE

Houses // Kingswood In Focus // 35

MIDDLE HOUSE

What a year for Middle House! Wins in the House Music, House Debating, wins across the board at Rugby, victory at Senior Hockey (against all the odds), a win on Sports Day: it has certainly been another action packed year for the men of Middle House.

The boys have been at the heart of so many of the school’s successes: they have contributed to Music, Sport and Drama. One of the highlights was the Exit Stage Right performances which saw Ben Bates, Charlie Clague and Conor Devlin-Cook perform in front of packed audiences.

The House has been superbly led by an outstanding Upper Sixth. This year we were lucky to have the Head Boy, Ben Bates, Deputy Head Boy, Freddie Barnes, additional PR member, Freddy Oliphant as well as legendary Head of House, Charlie Clague and Head of Boarding Charlie Watts.

The Upper Sixth have always led by example, whether singing in Chapel, or representing Middle in the various House competitions and House entertainments. Duties have been done with enthusiasm, humour and a great sense of camaraderie.

The end of year awards saw Jack Brock awarded the ‘Middle House Man of the Year’, Ashes Gurung the ‘Endeavour’ award and Freddy Oliphant the ‘Sportsman of the Year’ award.

Next academic year sees us return to our Home on the other side of the school. As much as the boarders have enjoyed their extra five minutes in bed and not having to commute from Lewsdon, they are looking forward to returning home. The new extension looks amazing and will be well worth the wait.

As a House we say two goodbyes to two Middle House legends. Firstly, Mr Redman: he has been my right hand man for seven years and worked in Middle for eleven years. His professionalism, humour and sense of fun have been exemplary. He is always there to support both the House staff and the boys.

He has been an outstanding tutor and never more comfortable than sitting in the common room watching either a film or sport with the boys. We wish him all the best for his new adventure in Thailand.

Secondly, Mr Burgon: twenty-five years of service to the school and Middle House.

Sandy has influenced many students in his time in the House. One of the more unorthodox tutors, he has been known to take his tutor group on nature rambles as well as other adventures. He has always been fiercely loyal to his tutees and helped ensure their experience of Kingswood is an incredibly positive one. We wish him well in his wellearned retirement.

Mr Jamie Matthews Senior Housemaster, Middle House

Houses // Kingswood In Focus // 36

Next academic year sees us return to our Home on the other side of the school.

Festivity has always been the heart of Summerhill, and Christmas this year was no exception. We all joined together as a House in order to decorate, while listening to atmospheric Christmas music.

We worked as a team to transform our living room into a festive dining room for all of us to feast in.

SUMMERHILL HOUSE This year, the House Cross Country was Mr. Burgon’s last organised event before his retirement. The houses all dressed up differently – Summerhill’s theme was ‘Army’.

Everyone wore lots of face paint. The majority of the House took part and threw themselves into the spirit.

Recently, Summerhill had a garden expansion and it’s blooming to become beautiful like all the girls in Summerhill.

House entertainment in the Summer is the waterslide. This year we had an excellent time again. The blue tarpaulin was laid out above the Lower Astro and covered in water and bubbles. It is always the event that the House looks forward to the most. We finished with a barbeque and back to Summerhill to say goodbye to our leavers.

Our highlight of this year was winning House music with ABBA’s Dancing Queen. It was an energetic experience that brought Middle and Summerhill together to claim our victory.

After our long and laborious all-day rehearsal, we think our win was well-deserved and it is a legacy we hope to uphold next year too.

Wide Games is the first house entertainment event of the year and in my opinion, one of the best! It essentially provides an intense and thrilling arena to enable Sixth Formers to chase the younger years!

It’s a great way to end the first term of the year!

Mrs Mary Brown – Senior Housemistress, Summerhill House

The Race for Life was held on the 12th June this year. Over a dozen Summerhill girls took part with a mixture of running, jogging and walking. Lizzie White came an impressive second out of the whole race.

It was a wonderful occasion and was for a great cause.

This year, the Year 10s won House Hockey, which was amazing because we were the underdogs.

On ‘Muck-up day,’ the Year 13s’ last formal day in school, we all celebrated with breakfast during registration. We had croissants and hot chocolate to set us up for the day.

It was a nice atmosphere as the House was brought together to say goodbye to the current Year 13s.

Houses // Kingswood In Focus // 39

The year could not be reviewed without first mentioning the tragic loss of Will Cross. Will demonstrated all of the personal attributes that one would hope to see in a young man.

He participated in many and varied activities.

He was aware of the world around him.

He confidently expressed his considered opinions. He set a fine example for others to follow and made a positive contribution to the atmosphere in Upper. The 2016 “Spirit of the House” trophy was awarded to Will at the End of Year Evening, and it could just as easily have been the “Spirit of Kingswood”.

It has been a very busy and challenging year but Upper Men have shown great commitment not only to their studies but also to taking part in many activities and events. Here are a few of the highlights.

In sports, The Upper Swim Team, ably led

by Tokes Sawyerr, won their event and the Senior Hockey Team came second in theirs.

opportunity to demonstrate their skills. Later in the year, Jasper Davis took part in the National Debating finals at the prestigious Oxford Union. In Drama, Miles Aiken impressed us with his portrayal of King Arthur in Spamalot and Alex Whitehead was recognised for his technical contributions to many school performances. Llewy Godfrey, Felix Lynch and Joseph Bruce played their parts confidently in the junior production of After the Rabbit Hole.

In the Autumn term, Year 9 boys got to know each other better at the House Music Competition, and many boys participated in the Ice Skating event at Victoria Park. The Christmas Wide Game was messy and fun.

In the Spring term, the Upper Sixth shared an enjoyable Curry Evening and Will Cross’s band, Trenchard, provided the entertainment at the Easter Quiz. The End of Year Water Slide lead to much laughter and the Leavers’ Evening that followed made a fitting end to the year.

UPPER HOUSE In Cross Country, Harry Leakey was first in the Year 10 race. Lucas Lawman, Jules Hawking and Joe Crosby finished 1st, 2nd and 3rd to win the Year 9 team event.

Upper Rugby Players showed individual flare, passion and commitment in all age groups. At Sports Day there were many fine individual performances. In the Junior Boys, Sam Ewing set a new record in the Shot Put, Matthew Hooper won both the 100 and 400m, Joe Crosby the 800m and the 1500m.

In the Intermediate Boys, Brendan Curran won the Discus and Matthew Williams won the Senior Boys’ Javelin. Charlie Brain was Man of the Match on many occasions for his contributions in all sports.

After 24 years at Kingswood, Dr Sheffrin, retired at the summer half term. One only has to think of the number of boys that he has tutored to appreciate the enormous contribution that he has made to Kingswood. Mr Smith also moved on to the British School in Brussels, after 2 years at Kingswood. We thanked them both and wished them the very best for their futures. We also congratulated Mr Haynes, who was appointed Director of Music.

The Inaugural House Debating Competition gave Cormac Paul and Adam Tappin the

Mr Roger White – Senior Housemaster, Upper House

Head of House, Dylan Bruce and Deputy, Tokes Sawyerr did excellent jobs. They carried out their duties reliably and responsibly and assisted in organising the events. They also helped to maintain the very cheerful atmosphere that characterises Upper House.

Houses // Kingswood In Focus // 41

Being a part of School House these past five years has been incredible; there hasn’t been a day that’s gone by that I haven’t loved.

From the friendly staff to the girls’ house spirit, the year has been an amazing end to my Kingswood career. This year has School House being victorious in Netball House matches and Senior Sports Day, as well as the ensemble in house music. However it is not these triumphs that define the house.

Another year has flown by. Our House Blog has recorded the various events over the past year. Please do check it out: http://kingswood-school-house.blogspot.co.uk Miss Wilson has been a great fun support in the house, and Miss Sutherland, Mrs Smyth and Miss Newman have been invaluable in helping out with duties and supporting their tutor groups. Mrs Morris, Mrs Reeman, Mrs Marshall, Mrs Dakin, Mrs Brennan and Miss Rolfe have been hugely supportive tutors, caring and always on hand to help out.

Our matrons, Jayne and Ve are an integral part of the house and are dearly loved by the boarders.

Olivia Pope has led by example and her calm and organised approach has been amazing along with our Deputy Head, Ella Alcott.

Anna Kremneva, Head of Boarding, has been a wonderfully caring and supportive leader in the house.

School House spirit has reigned supreme and our Head and Deputy Head of House have a few words to say.

It is the willingness to get involved and try new things. For me, this is the part of School House I will always remember; selfdescribed “non-sporty” people competing for the House in Hockey, the huddle to do face paint before House Cross Country and of course the massive turn out to all three house entertainments. School House is a family for many people, not least the boarders, but as a day girl I can safely say I will miss seeing everyone at morning registration and the way there’s always a School House gal to turn to whenever you need.

All I can say is SCHOOL HOUSE FOR EVER. Olivia Pope - Head of School House

Houses // Kingswood In Focus // 42

SCHOOL HOUSE

For me, being Deputy Head of School House in my final year at Kingswood has been a privilege and a pleasure.

There is never a dull moment in the House, from doing evening duties and chatting to the younger years, to registration, being sat in year groups gossiping about the day ahead. I have had an incredible time in School House for the past five years; there is no other house like School, which has become one united and loyal family, with the tutors becoming the mothers, your own year group being your sisters and the younger years becoming cousins.

The spirit in School House is one that I have never experienced before: everyone strives for the best not only for themselves but also for others. We all support and hold each other up so that we can be the best we can.

One of the most important part of School House for me has been the incredible teachers behind it, from a strong group of Tutors who are always there for their tutees, to the most incredible House Mistress and Assistant House Mistress. School House would not be the same without both Miss Paver and Miss Wilson, two of the strongest people and most supportive teachers School House has had the pleasure of having. School House is run not only by the teachers, but are helped by the trustworthy House Prefects, a group of Upper Sixth students who look after the House and help with the younger years with their prep. For the Prefects this is a great time to get to know the younger years, meaning if they do need to talk to anyone they can come to any of the Upper Sixth, or any of the teachers. School House leaves girls with an incredibly strong bond, and leaving it has been one of the hardest parts of leaving the school.

There have been many memories made in School House and it is a really special part of my time at Kingswood.

Ella Alcott - Deputy Head of School House

Houses // Kingswood In Focus // 43

The academic year 2015/2016 has been another great, busy and fun filled year for Hall House. Now that everyone is settled in to the new House, the boys have thrown themselves into everything at school, representing the house in all walks of Kingswood life.

The year kicked off with House Music, an event where, paired with our sister house Fonthill, we sung along and danced to a mash up of It’s Raining Men and We Will Rock You - a House Music first for any House! Whilst we were not successful, all the boys in Hall had great fun representing the House and all those who were new enjoyed meeting everyone and becoming part of the Hall House community.

Towards the end of the first term came the House Rugby matches, the first opportunity of the year for the boys to represent their house on the sports pitch. Everyone played with such high spirits, despite the challenging opposition. This was a chance for the many members of the First XV in this year’s Upper Sixth to represent Hall House, and the quality of rugby was phenomenal.

January brings Burns Night, a celebration of the famous poet Robbie Burns. In a heavily Scottish themed evening, the boarding community as a whole were treated to a haggis as part of a meal prepared by the catering staff. After the food, everyone takes part in a Ceilidh which is tiring but great fun, a chance for the boys in Hall to enjoy mixing with boarders in other Houses.

HALL HOUSE

The end of the Spring term brings House Cross Country and the annual Spring Concert, more opportunities for the boys to represent their house in an area they love. Those who ran gave a strong performance through a challenging and rather muddy route around the school campus. The Spring Concert consisted of the Chamber Choir and Senior Choir, with boys from Hall singing an Africaninspired piece called Zimbe! at the Assembly Rooms in the city centre of Bath.

Moving on to summer, the senior boys in Hall began preparing for their all-important public exams. Even though the boys were all busy with exam preparation, time was still found to enjoy themselves through boarders’ trips to the Outlet Centre in Swindon, an Activity Day at Cotswold Water Park and a trip to Trampolining in Swindon. It’s always good to see a strong Hall House turn out for boarders’ trips, as it is an opportunity to ensure life is enjoyed during the busy exam weeks!

As you can see, life in Hall House is busy, with plenty of opportunities for the boys to represent their house in the life of the school and to enjoy themselves in their downtime, to make sure the boarders feel welcome in their home away from home.

Thomas Parsons - Head of Hall House

Houses // Kingswood In Focus // 44

Everyone played with such high spirits, despite the challenging opposition

Houses // Kingswood In Focus // 45

The year started with a unique St. Trinian’s style mash-up of It’s raining men - I’m an Albatraoz - We Will Rock You at House Music with the Upper Sixth twirling umbrellas throughout the performance.

The senior Fonthill girls continued in strong style at House Hockey, thanks to sterling performances from goalkeeper Zoe and captain Charlotte. They all later switched their hockey socks for ball gowns and dressed in style for the Year 10 and 11 Ball and for the Sixth Form Christmas Dinner and Dixie Awards where Fonthill had several winners, such as Roisin for ‘Best look-a-like’ and Jess for ‘Ditsiest in the Dixon’. The Autumn term rounded to an end with the Fonthill elves working to distribute candy canes around the school, raising over £1,000 for Fonthill charities, Kenyan Restart Centre and Nags ‘n’ Nippers. To celebrate the term’s successes, Fonthill paired up with Hall and took a trip (and occasional tumble) to Bath’s ice rink, followed by a feast fit for a king at Jimmy Spices.

The Year 9s brought more success to Fonthill’s name by winning House Netball, and the senior girls celebrated success in the House swimming gala. End of term saw many Fonthill girls participating in the annual Cross Country race, with this year’s theme being superheroes. Fonthill and Hall’s House entertainment was a dodgeball tournament that constituted multiple, chaotic, two minute games and did result in some close calls verging on serious injury.

The final term featured Esmee and Masha finishing their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards and Esmee going to Buckingham Palace to be presented with her certificate. The annual Green Park concert kicked off Bath’s Musical Festival and, as usual, there were some stunning showcases from Fonthill girls including Isabel with a beautiful rendition of Feeling Good by Nina Simone, and more breathtaking performances from Yasmine, Jess, Zoe, Lizzy, Emily, Alice and Daisy.

Following various send-offs for the Year 13 leavers, and fond farewells to Mrs Hutchison, Fonthill had more success at Sports Day with Livi breaking school records in all three of her events.

Spring term offered many weekend boarder activities including trampolining at Swindon AirHop and Boarder Bake Off competition.

The Model United Nations annual conference brought together many of the Fonthill girls to act as Chairs and Head Chairs to many committees, overseen by Esmee as Secretary General.

FONTHILL HOUSE THE SENIOR FONTHILL GIRLS CONTINUED IN STRONG STYLE AT HOUSE HOCKEY

So, despite the year flying by at the speed of light, all the girls are to be commended on keeping up with everything, and also applauded on the sheer amount of events that the whole House has been involved in.

Mrs Claire Sergeant – Senior Housemistress, Fonthill House

LIFE IN THE SIXTH FORM

UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS NAME

COURSE

Aaron, Peter

Gap Year

INSTITUTION

Aiken, Miles

Gap Year; Psychology

University of Bristol

Akiwumi, Oliver

Geography and Urban & Regional Planning

University of Birmingham

Alcott, Ella

Psychology

Cardiff University

Alcott, Megan (Meg)

English and Sociology

University of Leeds

Archer-Brown, Esther

English & Film Studies with Study Abroad

University of Exeter

Barnes, Daniel (Freddie)

Physics

Durham University

Bates, Benjamin (Ben)

Gap Year; Medicine

University of Birmingham

Birch, Hayden

Gap Year; Business and Marketing Management

Oxford Brookes University

Bolotova, Anna

Architecture

University of the Arts, London

Bools, Olivia

Gap Year; Medicine

University of Southampton

Brain, Charlie

Gap Year

Brock, Jack

Engineering with Integrated Foundation Year

University of Manchester

Brownbridge, Anna

English and German

University of Leeds

Bruce, Dylan

Art Foundation

Brunt, Wilfred (Wilf)

Gap Year; History

University of Warwick

Calvert, Isabel

English Literature

University of Leeds

Cameron, Alexander (Alex)

Mechanical Engineering

University of Warwick

Carrion-Sierra, Catalina

Gap Year; Business Management

King’s College, Univ. of London

Charley, Esmée

Modern Languages & Cultures

Durham University

Clague, Charles

Gap Year; Philosophy and Politics

University of Edinburgh

Clark, Harriet

Criminology and Sociology

University of Nottingham

Crowe, Benjamin (Ben)

Business

University of Exeter

Davies, Charlotte

Business Management/Psychology

Oxford Brookes University

Downie-Ngini, Alexandra (Alexa)

Government

London Sch. of Economics, Univ. of London

Edwards, Peter

Mathematics

University of St Andrews

Feaver, Owen

History

Royal Holloway, Univ. of London

Fong, Wai Chi (Edith)

English

King’s College, Univ. of London

Fraser, Charles (Charlie)

Gap Year

Gauntlett, Livia (Livi)

Philosophy

Harvard University, USA

Gill, Lillia-Sara (Lillia)

English

University of Exeter

Goodwin, Grace

Biomedical Sciences

Durham University

Greenway, William (Billy)

General Engineering

Durham University

Gurung, Ashes

Information Tech. Management for Business

University of Hertfordshire

Gurung, Prapti

Medicine

Queen’s University, Belfast

Haller, Alexander (Alex)

Gap Year

Halls, Rupert

Gap Year; Geography

Hancock, Maxim (Max)

Gap Year

Hannon, Christopher

Gap Year

Hardman, Jeremy

Mechanical Engineering

University of Nottingham

Hart, Olivia

Geography

UCL, Univ. of London

Hawkins, Molly

Gap Year

Haysom, Harriet

Natural Sciences

University of Cambridge

Hodgson, Isobel (Izzy)

Fashion Marketing

University of the Arts, London

Hughes, Flavia

Biology

University of York

Hurring, Emma

Gap Year; Int. Management (inc. Year Abroad)

University of Warwick

Ip, Hon Lam (Gordon)

Aerospace Technology with Pilot Studies

University of Hertfordshire

Jackson, Rebekah (Becky)

Sport (Sports Performance)

University of Bath

James, Samuel

Architectural Engineering

Plymouth University

Jeffery, Abigail

International Relations and Economics

University of Reading

Keith, Montague (Monty)

Gap Year

Kelly, Christopher (Chris)

International Management (inc. Year Abroad)

University of Warwick

Kerrison, Katya

Gap Year; American Studies and English

University of Sussex

Kremneva, Anna

Medicine

Keele University

Le Monnier, Anya

Sport (Sports Performance)

University of Bath

Liu, Jun Ming (Samuel)

Engineering

Oxford University

Lo, Yu Sum (Kristy)

Architecture

University of the Arts, London

Logut, Kathini

Gap Year

MacKenzie, William (Will)

Gap Year

McGrath, Jessica

Vocational Training

Royal Holloway, Univ. of London

NAME

COURSE

INSTITUTION

Meaden ,Yasmine

Acting

Guildhall School of Music and Drama

Metcalf, Edward

Gap Year

Millner, Oliver (Ollie)

Gap Year

Mok, Kam Yu (Kate)

Accounting and Finance

University of Bath

Montgomery, Calum

Gap Year; Architectural Engineering

University of Leeds

Motchalnik, Maria (Masha)

Art Foundation

Musominari, Kwesi

Games Technology

Bristol, University of the West of England

Narbett, Emma

English

University of York

Odo, Kenechukwu (Ken)

Economics

University of Leeds

Oliphant, Frederick (Freddy)

Gap Year

O’Mahony, Olivia

Gap Year

Osborne, Rhiannon

Medicine

O’Sullivan, Niamh

Art Foundation

Padkin, James (Jamie)

Gap Year

Parker, Olivia

Art Foundation

Parsons, Thomas

International Relations

Paxton, George

Gap Year

Penney, Charlotte

Medical Engineering

University of Leeds

Plant, Laurence

English

King’s College, Univ. of London

Pope, Olivia

Psychology

University of Birmingham

Postlethwaite, George

Geography

Loughborough University

Price, Jodie

Gap Year

Reeman, Lucas

Sports and Materials Science

University of Birmingham

Saunders, Sarah

Sport and Exercise Psychology

University of Portsmouth

Sawyerr, Kofi

Fine Art

Oxford Brookes University

Sawyerr, Tokes

Medicine

Cardiff University

Scruton, Alexander (Alex)

Gap Year; Building Surveying

University of Reading

Stansfield, Esme

Gap Year; Psychology

University of Warwick

Street, Isabel

Gap Year

Thompson, Anna

Gap Year; History

University of York

Thornton, Isabelle

Medicine

University of Cambridge

Trunova, Olga

Economics & Business with E. European Studies

UCL, Univ. of London

Tyrrell, William (Will)

Psychology

University of Warwick

Walker, Cameron

Gap Year

Wallis, Claudia

Gap Year; Chiropractic

Anglo-European College of Chiropractic

Watts, Charles (Charlie)

Industrial Design and Technology

Loughborough University

Whitehead, Alexander (Alex)

Industrial Design and Technology

Loughborough University

Williams, Matthew

Civil Engineering with Foundation Year

Plymouth University

Wylie, Calum

Gap Year; Biology with Biotechnology

Bangor University

Aiken, Jonathon Beere, Oliver Chilcott, Ethan Chilver, Vaughan Esther Crane, Daniel Dellow, Harvey Devlin-Cook, Oisin Dumpleton, Madeleine Dyer-Pallister, Brandon Ganapathy, Alisha Gardner, Oliver

Geography with Study Abroad Business and Management Studies Business Economics with International Study Chinese Studies (with Year Abroad) Economics Business Management (Int. Business) Management Business Management (Year in Industry) Business Management Anthropology Drama

University of Exeter Cardiff Metropolitan University University of Exeter Durham University University of Leeds Cardiff University University of Leeds University of Birmingham University of Southampton Durham University University of Exeter

Hatherell, Catherine

English and Comparative Literature

University of Leeds

Hurring, Jack

Biology

University of Washington, Seattle, USA

Jones, Genevieve (Evie)

International Hospitality Management

Oxford Brookes University

Lines, Olivia

Law

University of Birmingham

Mackenzie, Dominic

Sport Management

Cardiff Metropolitan University

Plumbly, Isabella

Psychology

University of Exeter

Pugsley, Max

Business Management

Cardiff University

Thompson, Miles

Sport Management

Cardiff Metropolitan University

Turek, James

Mathematics with a Year Abroad

Cardiff University

Zheng,YangFan (Amelia)

Mathematics with Statistics

University of Bristol

University of Cambridge

Royal Holloway, Univ. of London

Post A Level applicants

WORK EXPERIENCE

1

3 4

2 5

6

ART

7

8

10

9

11

1. Ellen Gould 2. Charlie Watts 3. Prapti Gurung 4. Izzy Hodgson 5. Pili Wilson 6. Emma Narbett 7. Masha Motchalnik 8. Niamh O’Sullivan 9. Esther Archer-Brown 10. Olivia Parker 11. Kristy Lo 12. Kiana Portman 13. Charlotte Bendrey

12

13

14

15

16

14. Katie Butterworth

17

15. Chiara Conze 16. Charlotte Brooke 17. Anna Bolotova 18. Oliver Penney 19. Dylan Bruce 20. Kofi Sawyerr 21. Selene Zhang

18

19

20

21

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

The Design and Technology department has been bursting at the seams this year and pupil numbers have continued to rise. This is great news and, as a result, the variety and volume of work produced by all year groups has been astounding.

The annual Design Exhibition was held this year on the 2nd of July and was warmly opened by Ben Howlett MP. It was a glittering evening and a lovely chance to meet and chat with so many parents and celebrate the creative arts at Kingswood.

As a consequence of being a subject with so many students, the traditional KATS awards was going to be impossible to run as it used to. Therefore, this year, saw the first of the new look awards for both Design and Art, announced as the Exhibition had its grand opening. The ability to celebrate the triumphs of a broader range of projects across all the examination year groups was a great success, as was the first edition of the Made in Kingswood book, highlighting the projects which the Upper Sixth have undertaken in both Art and Design this year.

One particular highlight of a very busy year was the architecture lecture given by award winning and renowned architect Piers Taylor ‘People, places and processes and the making of architecture’. This was a fantastic evening and one which many students took a lot from, looking at the conceptualisation and the sustainability within architectural designs. Following Piers’ lecture the sustainable activity group has started to design and brainstorm a green design hut/ teaching area using some of the methods discussed and we look forward to seeing that take shape in the forthcoming year.

The department has also continued to look to the future and this year has seen the announcement of the new style Design and Technology specifications for GCSE and A Level. This will give the department time to prepare for teaching these in September 2017.

The new style GCSEs and A Levels look to focus on more technical skills and greater student autonomy with their projects and, as a department, we have adapted and changed the projects we teach to adequately prepare the Design and Technology students from Year 7. The addition of a new flatbed router and the aim to further improve 3D printing will make sure that our students remain at the top when applying for degree courses with an element of design.

All of the artwork in the book has been wonderfully received, as has the book itself, which was showcased at the Exhibition opening and a copy of which was presented to each leaving Upper Sixth student.

This year we have been proud to have two students who have been awarded Arkwright Scholarships. This is an external school scholarship that is open to all students across the country. Both Jess Brown and Susannah Burke faced a tough round of applications, exams and interviews before hearing the good news in August that they had been awarded scholarships with two top companies as well as getting a financial award. This places them at the top of potential engineers of the future.

Creative Arts // Kingswood In Focus // 57

Music and Drama Awards On Saturday 11th of June, music and drama students in Year 10 and above witnessed the Kingswood Theatre transform into a glamorous setting for the annual awards ceremony. Formerly known as KATS (Kingswood Artistically Talented Students), this year the Oscar-style ceremony became the Music and Drama awards. It was a night of celebration and thanks for all members involved.

The evening began with a drinks reception and then a red carpet procession into the theatre where everyone paraded their dazzling outfits. The students and staff enjoyed a fantastic buffet meal overlooking the stage. Parents of the pupils were then welcomed into the theatre for the commencement of the ceremony. The audience appreciated an inspiring talk from the actor Rupert Holiday-Evans. He spoke passionately about his pursuit of acting, and encouraged students to ‘be bold’ and follow their dreams.

The students waited with anticipation for the nominees and winners to be announced. Categories included ‘Best Composition’, ‘Best performance in a production’, and the big wins of ‘Actor’s Actor’ and ‘Muso’s Muso’. The sound and lighting production was executed impressively by Neil Francis and his tech team which ensured an electric atmosphere. Every nominee and winner was celebrated with wild applause and cheers. Emotions were running high as members of the Upper Sixth were celebrated for the last year.

The evening had intervals of entertainment from the cast of Exit Stage Right and impressive vocal performances from Issy Calvert, Peter Aaron and Thea Guy, Isla Brendon and Charlotte Crowe with their own rendition of The Cup Song.

The night was a fantastic celebration of everyone’s creative achievements and it is clear to see why many students regard this event as the highlight of their year. The laughter and tears during the evening are proof of the students’ passion and dedication for music and drama and the evening is a real credit to the school.

A full list of nominees and winners (in bold) appears below

KATS

Music and drama awards

Best A Level Individual Performer Miles Aiken Freddy Oliphant Charlie Clague Niamh O’Sullivan

Best GCSE Individual performer Conor Devlin Cook Louise Fisher Kate Hall Rebecca Ousby

Best Newcomer Róisín Tapponi Nathan Grace Hugo Weston Rohan Sakhyani

Best Performance in a production Niamh O’Sullivan Miles Aiken Freddy Oliphant Yasmine Meaden

Best Group Performance in an Assessment A Clockwork Orange Somebody Inside The Buzz

Actor’s Actor Freddy Oliphant Niamh O’Sullivan Conor Devlin Cook Charlie Clague Best GCSE Composition Rebecca Ousby Selene Zhang Archie Smith Matthew Choy

Best GCSE Performance Anna Rowland Grace Tyrrell Yemi Sawyerr Maddie Greenway

Best A Level Composition Charlotte Crowe Olivia Grinter

Best A Level Performance Charlotte Crowe Olivia Grinter

Most improved musician Easton Chan Alice Kennedy Ken Liu Anna Parker

Muso’s Muso Peter Aaron Isabel Calvert William Cross Harriet Haysom Lifetime Achievement Peter Aaron and Alex Whitehead

Spamalot 2nd – 4th Dec 2015 Audiences ‘laughed a lot’ at the Senior School production of Spamlot – the Monty Python musical version of the infamous Holy Grail film.

The cast of pupils in Years 11, 12 and 13 played to packed houses every night – some people returning more than once for a dose of comic medicine at the end of the Autumn Term. Year 13 Drama Scholars Miles Aiken as King Arthur, Freddy Oliphant as Sir Lancelot, Yasmine Meaden as the Lady of the Lake and Niamh O’Sullivan as Mrs Galahad had audiences rolling in the aisles.

There were other notable performances from Charles Clague as Galahad, Kate Hall as Patsy, Hugo Weston as Sir Robin and Ben Bates as Sir Bedevere. Olivia Straker played the Historian, James Hatherell played Herbert with Edward Metcalf his overbearing father while John Kenny and Nathan Grace were his hapless guards. Lillie Keith, Louise Fisher and Kelly Read were ‘The Knights Who Say ‘Ni’’ while Conor Devlin-Cook played the unfortunate squire Concord.

Rohan Sakhyani played the Black Knight, Lizzy Scott the Minstrel, Flora Stone Sister Maynard and Ewan Archer Brown was the eccentric enchanter Tim. Jess Brown cheated death as Not Dead Fred while Thea Guy and Isla Brendon played both English and French guards.

An ensemble cast played various other parts including Finlanders, Laker Girls, plague victims and ‘Frenchies’ – these included; Charlotte Bendrey Roisin Tapponi Grace Tyrrell Rebecca Ousby Elsbeth Overeynder

Izzy Pope Laura Rouffiac Anna Street Abigail Wylie Sarah Yates.

Great fun was had by all – a production to remember.

DRAMA

Creative Arts // Kingswood In Focus // 60

Drama Trips Every year the Drama department organises a wide variety of trips and excursions. This year pupils have enjoyed trips to see 1984

by Headlong Theatre, Sleeping Beauty and Long Day’s Journey into Night at the Bristol Old Vic, Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night time and The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk

by Kneehigh Theatre as well as the award winning Iphigenia in Splott in Oxford.

The department also hosted Splendid Theatre Company and their version of Homer’s Odyssey. Finally, Year 12 and 13 Drama and Theatre students enjoyed an overnight trip to London where they took part in a comedy workshop and saw two very different productions - Mischief Theatre’s The Play That Goes Wrong; a farcical performance of a 1920’s murder mystery gone horribly wrong and Future Conditional at The Old Vic, starring Rob Brydon.

Wesley College Visit On 11th January 2016, the Drama Department excitedly welcomed a group of students from Wesley College, Melbourne. Our week together began with a delicious meal at Jimmy Spices before the Australians went home to spend time with their Kingswood host families. On Tuesday, Alecky Blythe gave us an insightful workshop on Verbatim theatre in which the students were able to learn more about her innovative technique where actors are fed their lines live through headphones.

In the evening, six Kingswood students appeared in the much awaited return of Exit Stage Right before Wesley College performed the hilarious One Man, Two Guvnors. Wednesday saw our guests share their intense devised piece with us which involved extracts from various scripts including A Midsummer Night’s Dream and August: Osage County. We then travelled to Bristol to watch Kneehigh’s adaptation of Sleeping Beauty, after which Kingswood students had to explain it was not in fact a pantomime, despite the audience interaction involved!

Before their departure, Wesley College students exchanged gifts with their host partners before carrying on with their tour around England.

All in all we had a wonderful week with everyone making new friends and learning lots of Drama techniques to be used in the future!

Every year the Drama department organises a wide variety of trips and excursions

Kingswood in Wonderland The Drama department’s junior production this year was a retelling of the famous ‘Alice’ stories written 150 years ago by Lewis Carroll. Our tale, written by 2015/2016 Drama Assistant Alexandra Ricou, told the story of Alex, a young girl dragged along by her parents to a stately home. Alex finds herself in Wonderland and trapped in an everchanging maze. Faced with the impossible task of finding her way back to her parents, Alex must find her way home and discover the things that truly matter most to her.

Over 90 pupils in Years 7 to 9 took part in the production – six of them helping with the technical aspects of the show while the rest performed the challenging ensemble piece.

Ten students took on roles as puppeteers and learnt how to manipulate various creatures designed from items you might find in the garden. The gigantic Jabberwocky head, fashioned from willow, was made by professional puppet maker Cori Bonner whilst the rest – including the Jub Jub bird, Rocking horse flies, Bread and Butter flies and beautiful flowers heads, were created by Mrs Marshall, Mrs Solomon Gardener, some handy mums and the student puppeteers themselves. The students enjoyed the trip to Wonderland immensely!

Players in the junior production: Violet Isobel Creed

Tiger Lily Beth Harris

Larkspur Alix Keates

Honeysuckle Emma James

Daisy Rhiannon Knowles

Cornflower Eleanor Duke

Rose Holly Guy

Dandelion Henry McCollum

Oysters Nina Brain Harriet Hawtin Lisa Cancellieri Izzy Vaughan Francesca Ledbury Orla Thornley Amelie Morgan Sophie Hart

Mad Hatter Nick Baines

Cook Davida Samikwa

Dandelion Henry McCollum

March Hare Natasha McFadyen

Cheshire Cat Ethan Hawtin

Alex Alexandra Forbes-Cable Queen of Hearts Miya Cameron

The Year 10 Production Mobile Phone Show by Jim Cartwright For several years the Year 10 GCSE Drama students have produced their own show which serves as both an assessment and performance opportunity.

This year the choice of text was Mobile Phone Show by Jim Cartwright – a piece designed to make us question our relationship with mobile technology in the modern world.

Students worked on extracts in class before putting the pieces together into a full-length show. The audiences on both evenings felt that the play made some pertinent and poignant comments on how mobile phone technology in particular has changed the way we communicate with each other.

Creative Arts // Kingswood In Focus // 63

Cherry Tree Concert The traditional opening to the Music Department’s year was held on September 10th in the Chapel. The Cherry Tree Concert has always been a real test for Sixth Form musicians and music staff, challenged to get performances ready so early in term.

The hard work in preparation paid off and all the musicians acquitted themselves with confident and stylish performances. Harriet Haysom’s trombone playing got the evening off to a great start - performing Blue Jeans with stylish musical swing. There followed accomplished vocal performances by Isabel Calvert, Charlotte Crowe, Peter Aaron and Yasmine Meaden, and a debut at Kingswood for Sofia Maughan, singing Photograph

by Ed Sheeran.

Harvey Goodliffe provided an excellent instrumental interlude with the Paul McCartney song Blackbird on the electric guitar and the evening was finished by a rousing performance by Susanna Sealy of Sarabande and Allegro by Grovlez.

It was also great to hear the music staff in good form, with solos by Mr Knights, Mr Parker and Mr Haynes and another debut at Kingswood by Mrs Francis, playing the Viola Concerto by Telemann. One of the most accomplished performances of the evening came from Olivia Grinter who sang and accompanied herself in the Carole King number So far away.

House Music Competition The house music competition took place early in September, run flawlessly by Mr Chua. Pupils from all Senior Houses came together to match a dance routine with their house song, whilst ensembles worked hard on their chosen pieces. School and Upper won the ensemble prize with their performance of Seven Nation Army, and reminded us all of Rocky Balboa with their rendition of Eye of the Tiger. Hall and Fonthill’s ensemble impressed with an original interpretation of Riptide, and performed a mash-up of It’s Raining Men, I’m an Albatross and We Will Rock You as their house song.

Middle and Summerhill’s ensemble mesmerised the audience with Stars from Les Miserables, and their energetic performance of Dancing Queen was awarded best house song. There was a wonderful atmosphere throughout the day, created by the hard work of the Heads of Houses and members of the Upper Sixth who worked so hard to choreograph the house songs.

music

Concert of Piano and Chamber Music On Thursday 17 September the school enjoyed a superb concert when a guest recital used the new chapel grand piano for the first time. We were treated to a varied recital of solos, duos and trios played with consummate musicianship and technical virtuosity by Kingswood’s own Head of Academic Music, Mr Michael Haynes, and his two daughters, Sophie and Harriet, both of whom are training as professional string players at conservatoires in London.

The programme demonstrated not only the technical skills and musicianship of the performers and their superb rapport as ensemble players, but also the range of sounds and tones available on the new piano. A packed audience was able to hear the bold dramatic tones of Rachmaninov’s Prelude in G minor, the subtle tones of Chopin’s most famous Study in E, and also the brilliance of the piano tone in the rapid passagework of Mozart’s Violin Sonata in B Flat and the varied tone qualities of Beethoven’s Trio in E Flat. We were also treated to the Romantic virtuosity of Strauss’s Cello Sonata. This opening recital was such a memorable evening, and brought an enthusiastic response from the audience throughout.

Concert at Woolley Church On Thursday 1st October, a group of Year 11, 12 and 13 musicians gave a fantastic concert at Woolley Church – a beautiful setting for such a varied programme. There was a great range of music, featuring Tom Craven’s spirited trumpet performance of Georgia on my Mind, a series of vocal numbers including those by Charlotte Crowe, Isabel Calvert, Grace Tyrrell and Lauren Parsons, some assured piano playing by James Craig (making his Kingswood debut) and highly accomplished violin playing by Anna Rowland. The concert was much appreciated by a large and supportive audience and raised a great sum for the church funds.

Christmas morning on BBC Television Congratulations to Kingswood pupils, Charlotte Crowe, Meg Scott, Tim Green and Ben Lockey, who are Bath Abbey Choristers and were on TV on Christmas Day. The Abbey Choirs gave beautiful renditions of favourite Christmas Carols and a stunning performance of Jonathan Dove’s Missa Brevis. Also performing was Mr Sealy, who is the Abbey’s organist.

2016 Kingswood Voices Festival 2016 saw the second annual Kingswood Voices Festival which took place in the chapel. Pupils from all years performed throughout the week, with repertoire ranging from folksongs to baroque and classical song, German Lieder and English Art Song, Musical Theatre and pop music. Singers in Years 11 to 13 kicked off the week, with some moving performances from Ashley Hunt and Grace Tyrrell.

Tuesday was an opportunity for Westwood singers – with many of them making their Kingswood solo debut, supported by Westwood Voices performing at the end. Eleanor Duke and Naomi Waheed gave notable solo performances. On Wednesday and Friday performers were from all years within the school, with performances by Oliver Parry, Georgina Charlesworth and duets from Lizzie Wylie and Rose Bates and Lizzy Scott and Meg Scott being particularly strong.

On Thursday, Thomas Isherwood and Vidas Vaitcevicius gave a guest recital with music by Strauss, Handel and Finzi. Friday’s Masterclass with Tom Williams allowed five of our senior pupils the opportunity to intensify their work on their songs and their vocal technique – with some excellent results, perhaps most noticeably from Jess Brown. Throughout the week, all the singers have been skilfully supported by Mr Knights, who accompanied the entire festival, and seemed to find extra minutes in the day to ensure all the singers were well-rehearsed.

Following the Gala Concert on Friday evening, Tom Williams praised the work of all the singers. Congratulations to the joint winners of the Voices Festival Trophy for 2016, Charlotte Crowe and Thea Guy.

Jamie Cullum Visits Kingswood As part of Kingswood School’s partnership with Bath Festivals, we played host to a concert given by international jazz pianist, Jamie Cullum and welcomed students from three other schools: Norton Hill, St Gregory’s and Hayesfield, along with undergraduates from Bath Spa University. Jamie performed a range of jazz standards, arrangements of hip-hop songs for solo piano, and some original compositions. He took questions from the audience, and gave them an insight into the life of a working musician by talking about working with Pharrell Williams, Herbie Hancock and Clint Eastwood, while also reminding the audience that it isn’t all glitz and glamour. He talked very humbly about how he got into music and his determination to find value in all music, even if he doesn’t like it at first.

He then led a masterclass with the Kingswood Jazz Orchestra, praising their excellent ensemble playing, and encouraging every member of the band to work on their improvisation skills, spending time with each of them.

Zimbe!

All of Kingswood School’s choirs the Chamber Choir, the Senior Choir and Westwood Voices, along with Year 5 from Kingswood Prep School and the Kingswood Choral Society performed Zimbe! by Alexander L’Estrange at the Assembly Rooms on Wednesday 16 March. Zimbe! is a Swahili word that means ‘Sing!’, and this flows through the entire piece. It brings together songs from all over Africa, accompanied by a five-piece jazz band and is a joyous festival of colour and vivacious sound. We were delighted to be joined by the Call Me Al Quintet, led by the composer himself, who helped to give the evening a rousing and celebratory mood and the final song Freedom is coming was heard on the lips of many singers throughout the remainder of term at Kingswood.

Sixth Form Concert A new and innovative concert was created by our fantastic Sixth Form musicians who staged a concert in aid of Hope and Homes Charity.

There were a wide range of musical items ranging from a superb solo of I see Fire by Isabel Calvert, a very polished and coordinated version of the Cup Song by Charlotte Crowe, Thea Guy and Isla Brendon, further performances by Jess Brown, Thomas Parsons, Fiona Rundle, Lillia Gill, Lizzy Scott, highly accomplished singing from Olivia Grinter (accompanied by herself on the piano) and Ashley Hunt, and a lively audience participation number led by Mr Burgon’s Band. The finale was rightly performed by Peter Aaron who must take massive credit for organising the whole event.

Music for Stage and Screen A large and enthusiastic audience gathered in the theatre for an evening of instrumental music on the theme of Music for Stage and Screen. Many pupils were involved and a wide range of groups were represented. Every group excelled on the night and could be really proud of their performances, and the cheers and applause from the audience said it all. It was great to hear new groups such as the Ceilidh Band and Brass Ensemble, and to hear how groups such as Westwood Orchestra and particularly Senior Orchestra have made superb progress this year. We were also treated to a tribute to David Bowie in which Oliver Parry led the impressive guitar group, and some slick playing from Kingswood Jazz Orchestra. Harriet Haysom added to the occasion by providing the contrast of a solo trombone number, which also served to remind us of how long she has been a central part of Kingswood music. If this wasn’t enough in itself, we were also delighted to have raised over £600 for Hope and Homes Charity.

Thanks go to everyone involved, especially to Mr Knights for so many roles, Mrs Francis for all her work with the strings, Mr Parker for leading the Karaoke number Hey Jude, Mr Francis and his team, and also to the Friends of Kingswood for the refreshments. Particular thanks to Mr Haynes for his brilliance in bringing so many groups together creating such a terrific evening, preparing pupils and ensuring the smooth running of the week.

Green Park Station – Bath Festival On Friday 20th May, a huge and appreciative audience went to Green Park Station to hear the annual jazz gig that forms such an important part of the Party in the City - the opening night of the Bath International Music Festival. About 50 Kingswood pupils had been working really hard in preparation, giving up weekdays and Sundays over the previous five weeks to rehearse. The results were spectacular, with KJO producing some superb band numbers, and a series of vocalists who gave committed and assured performances. The enthusiastic response of the audience said it all!

There were so many highlights, but it is fitting to celebrate the Upper Sixth starring in their last public performances, and there were exceptional contributions by Jamie Padkin, Peter Aaron, Will Cross, Tom Parsons, Emma Narbett, Olivia Bools, Yasmine Meaden and Isabel Calvert. So many staff and pupils contributed to this event, but special thanks must go to everyone who turned up to support and create such a celebratory atmosphere.

String Day In May, the Music Department hosted a full day of string musicmaking. The Senior School string players in Years 7-9, along with 15 guests from Kingswood Prep School (Years 4-6) combined forces to work together on a selection of repertoire, aiming to produce a programme for a concert on the same day! It was quite a challenge, but the dedication and impressive work ethic of every pupil led to a highly successful and enjoyable experience for all.

The audience were able to enjoy a short programme consisting of arrangements of the Titanic movie theme My Heart Will Go On and Dance of the Knights from Romeo and Juliet by Prokofiev.

Warlock’s Capriol Suite (1st movement) was our more serious piece of string repertoire which, having originally been intended for a more experienced chamber group, was in fact courageously attempted by all. A total of about 40 minutes rehearsal time on that piece highlighted the true potential of this string orchestra, had there been more time available. The concert ended with a string, piano and drum kit version of Adele’s Rolling in the Deep. We are very grateful to Ed Gilpin (Year 8) for supporting us in this; his professionalism and sensitive kit-playing has been noted!

Particular thanks to Mrs Francis for organising such a successful and enjoyable day and she was particularly delighted to note that so many of the parting comments were, “When are we doing it again?“

Creative Arts // Kingswood In Focus // 66

Make Noise Music Festival 2016 Kingswood staged a brand new musical idea this year with its first Make Noise Festival for Years 7-9. There were two stages – a Festival Day with almost 80 pupils volunteering to participate – and then a Finale Concert in late June - a real celebration of musical involvement. The range of music and variety of solos and ensembles, organised by the pupils themselves, was very impressive and produced over 50 strong performances over the course of the day.

Mr Jonathan Andrew from Hope and Homes was very moved by the song choices, finding so many of the songs’ lyrics pertinent to the work of the charity. Hope and Homes launched their own campaign End the Silence on 1st June at the famous Abbey Road Studios in London, supported by well-known musicians such as Mark Ronson, Birdie and the band Travis.

There was a real sense of excitement and anticipation for the Festival Finale Concert.

29 performances from across the age groups demonstrated a range of musical influences and experiences. It provided a large number of pupils with an opportunity to take to the stage to show everyone just what they could do. Despite some remaining nerves, all pupils performed to the best of their ability and they can all be very proud of their achievements.

The following prizes were awarded: Year 7 Outstanding Solo Performances Floyd Jones, Ben Lockey & Mia Randolph Year 7 Outstanding Ensemble Performance Georgie Charlesworth, Ruby O’Mahony & Bella Shorten Year 8 Outstanding Solo Performance Lulu Thomas Year 8 Outstanding Ensemble Performance Tim Green and Abi Lewis Year 9 Outstanding Solo Performance Johnny Sedcole Year 9 Outstanding Ensemble Performance Francesca Ledbury and Meg Scott In addition to these, there were a number of Highly Commended awards made and we were delighted that the evening raised a fantastic £500.

Kingswood fielded a record number of 18 teams meaning that well over 200 girls have represented Kingswood on the hockey field at some stage. The continued strength of our hockey can be illustrated by the fact that at A team level Kingswood lost just one fixture out of 18 against local Bath Schools and just five from 36 matches at all levels.

The U12s have fielded four 7 a-side teams with Coco Cox, Bella March-Smith and Thea Bailey standing out for the Cs and Ds. The As and Bs won 12 out of their 16 matches with Maddie Sayce the Bs’ Most Valuable player, Elouise Weinberger Top Goal Scorer and Bella Shorten the Most Improved Player. For the As Jess Bailey and Rose Bates were outstanding and Georgie Charlesworth the Most Improved.

GIRLS’ HOCKEY The U13 and U14 teams both fielded three 11 a-side teams. For the U13Cs Sophie Woodcock and Niamh Harding stood out, whilst for the Bs, Sophie Hart, Imogen Leakey and Player of the Season, Charlotte Houghton, were excellent. The As lost just two of their nine fixtures, scoring 37 goals with Andi Newman and Beth Harris the leading players whilst Helena Brain was the Most Improved.

For the U14Bs Soraya Yasin was the Most Improved and goalkeeper Jasmine Cameron the Player of the Season. The U14As were the Most Improved Team of the season winning seven of their 12 matches, but winning all their local fixtures against Bath Schools. Abby Shrubb proved a valuable addition to the School and Holly Harris, Miya Cameron and Freya Morris all enjoyed good seasons. However, it was Jess Brain who picked up the Player of the Season award.

The two U15 sides have enjoyed very successful seasons winning 18 of their 23 fixtures and, again, totally dominating the local circuit.

Competition was tough but in the Bs Daisy Shayegan was the Player of the Season, Zoe King the Most Improved and Sophie Garcia the Most Consistent. At A team level, Lizzie White was the Player of the season, Katie Morton the Most Improved, whilst Charlotte Cutter and Lexi Hart were excellent in attack.

In the Senior sides, Hattie Haysom was the stand out player for the 5th XI, whilst Charlotte Fillis was top scorer for the 4ths in their impressive record of losing just two of eight matches. Captain Esmée Charley was the main player with Fiona Rundle deserving a mention for her improvement.

The 3rd team went one better losing just once to a strong Clifton side from 10 matches. Ella Alcott was outstanding whilst the contributions of Flavia Hughes and Liv Hart were also significant. Anna Parker not only scored a number of important goals, but was also the Most Improved player. The 2nd XI had a similarly successful record, also losing just once. Jesse Akiwumi was the top goalscorer, whilst goalkeeper, Zoe Brown, who conceded just four goals in 11 matches, was the Player of the Season. Niamh O’Sullivan has proved to be an inspirational leader whilst Tilly Baines has become an outstanding forward and deserved recipient of the Most Improved Player award.

1st XI Our greatest strength this season has been our defence, from our game against KES where we battered off 12 very dubious short corners, to the last game of the season against Bryanston where a fantastic win was dependant on all the defence winning their races back. Many times Emma Hurring has come off the pitch without the opposition ever getting a shot off. Mimi Watts, Poppy Roper and Jessie Davies have all played an enormous role in making our defence so secure.

Another theme throughout this season has been the truly extraordinary work rate of the midfield. It is no coincidence that Ella Reeman is one of the strongest contributors to the team as well as one of the most hard working.

She and Lucy Rowlands make a fantastic duo in the midfield, dominating their opponents and working tirelessly. The latest addition to the midfield was Ennea Miller-Hunt, who has grown in skill very quickly.

Rhiannon Osborne is the ultimate team player and used her exceptional individual skills to bring her team mates into each and every game. Her passing and vision mark her out as a player of the highest standard. Unfortunately, Rhiannon was injured for much of the season; she has dealt with this with remarkable resilience and fulfilled her role as Captain through her relentless support of the 1st XI.

Sarah Rawle, a dynamic, skilful striker, Robyn Newman and Issy Broom have all given the team some great patterns of play at the front, and Rebecca Ousby made an electric debut to her first team career at the front.

Sarah Saunders become one of the top goal scorers this season.

Lines written on Rhiannon Osborne, 1st XI Captain, by Mrs Victoria Sim, Head of Girls’ Sport

Olivia Pope has the speed and skill to stand her in good stead for years to come. Charlotte Penney has a fantastic competitive nature on the pitch, and her incredible determination and grit has made her a powerful and reliable defender. Emma Hurring is reliable, quick and dedicated, lying across the goal several times during the season to thwart the opposition. Livi Gauntlett is a remarkable athlete and that shows through on the pitch in so many ways. From her lighting fast scramble defence to her ability to floor players effortlessly and her sweep, she is the rock of the defenders.

FINAL COLOURS AWARDS COLTS COLOURS Rebecca Ousby Kate Hall Elsie Overeynder Zoe Brown

Rhiannon Osborne - Captain 1st XI

King Edward’s

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

U15A

U15B

U14A

U14B

3-0

6-0

5-1

4-0

6-0

1-0

2-2

3-1

4-0

0-2

0-2

5-0

4-0

0-2

2-0

2-1

0-1

Queen’s College

2-3

1-1

6-0

4-1

1-1

1-0

Colegio Palermo (ARG)

7-0

Colston's

3-0

5th

15-0

Sexey's

8-0

Clifton College

1-5

Dauntsey's

0-3

Monkton

6-0

2-0

Wells Cathedral

11-0

2-0

Downside

3-2

2-3

7-1

0-2

1-2

4-1

1-3

U14C

0-2

2-1

3-0

0-4

0-2

2-2

2-0

8-0

2-1

0-1

2-0

4-0

Taunton

0-2

Prior Park

1-1

2-0

3-0

Bryanston

1-0

0-0

3-0

2-0

0-0

The Royal High School

2-0

2-1

1-2

U13D

U12A

U12B

U12C

U12D

1-9

1-3

5-0

3-5

3-2

0-3

4-1

1-4

3-1

1-4

0-0

5-0

5-1

7-0

0-4

6-1

4-0

5-3

5-1

0-3

4-1

1-1

0-4

7-1

7-0

3-1

1-0

7-0

2-3

34

31

10

0

4-1

2-3

0-7

0-1

1-4

2-1

2-0

1-0

11-0

5-0

12-0

1-0

1-0

2-1

0-1

3-1

2-4

0-5

3-2

U13C

6-4

1-0

2-1

2-1

U13B

3-0

3-0

All Hallows 1-3

U13A

0-1

2-1 0-5

Dean Close

Grove Trophy 2015 Rhiannon Osborne

HALF COLOURS Lucy Rowlands Sarah Rawle Olivia Pope Charlotte Penney Sarah Saunders Emma Hurring Abigail Jeffery Niamh O’Sullivan

4-1

Bristol Grammar School

FULL COLOURS Rhiannon Osborne Livi Gauntlett Ella Reeman

2-1

4-7

3-3

3-5

5-4

6-1

7-1

4-5

KPS

Total goals for

52

Total goals against Win percentage

Won

Lost

32

27

29

1 3

21

5

5

7

67%

91%

90%

85%

Drawn

33

42

14

5

0 1

13

10

23

14

75%

80%

58%

40%

X - Cancelled

37

26

5

1

15

17

14

3

78%

83%

11

10

10

7

75%

75%

75%

100%

As a school, the 2015 season looked like being one of the tougher ones in our recent history but a combination of hard work and team spirit meant a number of our teams over performed this year. The U16s led the way losing one game between them all season.

The Bs were the only unbeaten team in the school and Ed Sealy’s leadership was a crucial factor in this. He obviously received good support from the whole team but Joshua South and Will Thompson were incredibly consistent in the pack and Rupert Bayliss led the back line.

Harry Maskell provided the cutting edge in the backs and Ethan Hawtin’s all round skills and competitive edge and Ed Gilpin’s assured performances at fullback were also a feature of this team. The B team’s season was a case of big wins and narrow losses in pretty much equal measure. In a strong team unit, it is difficult to single out individuals but Joe Gould, Edgar Mottershead-Davis, Max Mohr, George Smith and Oliver Tonge were all a model of consistency.

Harry Taylor was the undoubted Player of the Season for the As and Oliver Parry was usually the game changer in the backs but Oliver Penney also led the side with maturity.

To only lose one match when they lost three key players to the 1st XV was a superb effort.

Another team that really came good towards the end of the season were the U14A’s, who finished with two excellent wins against strong Dean Close and QEH teams. Antonio Mba Ivina was the top try scorer in the school with 16 and the standout players were Ashish Tamang, Joe Crosby, Matthew Hooper and Captain Rory Padkin.

The 15Bs had a mixed season. They could always rely on the bravery of Captain Robin Ledbury, Hal Norman, George Halsey and Gabriel Burge-Swatton in the forwards and the centre pairing of Max Brindley and Dominic Carruthers, who was the Most Improved Player.

It was the centre partnership that stood out for the U12Bs as well. Ollie Lechmere and Miles Deverell were a very reliable combination and Oliver Ellis and Tom Jackson were tenacious tacklers in the forwards. The progress Jack Gould made having never really played the game before this season earned him the Most Consistently Improved Player award.

These boys will be pushing hard for a place in the ‘A’ team next season for whom James Redman and Rob Wilson stood out in the backs. Liam Toner and Captain Tom Roach were the pick of a very promising forward pack.

The U13As have also benefitted from an excellent leader and a strong centre partnership. Charlie Fry always leads by example and Louis Fryer is never far behind.

The U15 A team showed steady improvement throughout the year and had a strong second half of the season as a result. Finley Feaver was the Most Improved Player and Charlie Walker was the player of the season in a pack that also saw good contributions from Ben Narbett, Sam Cox and Will Crowther.

The U14 B team only lost once. The midfield combination of Freddy Bayliss, Matt Vaughan and Harvey Brooks provided the creativity in the back line whilst Sam Ewing and Stephen King proved to be powerhouse locks. However, the real strength of this team was in the back row of Oscar Stevens, Ciaran McCarthy, Lewis Taylor and Captain Nick Baines.

The 3rds endured a tough season but finished with a deserved win. In the backs, Nick Harris is developing into a very good scrum half, Harry Heap was very strong in attack and defence and Jesse Daybell is elusive, quick and shows real promise. Max Hancock has led the team well as Captain and in the forwards, Will Mackenzie, Peter Edwards, Miles Aiken and Ashes Gurung have been at the heart of the pack for the last two years.

For the 2nds, a number of Lower Sixth players showed promise for next year but it was Upper Sixth boys who came of age in their final season to help the team to an excellent finish of four consecutive wins. There are too many to mention them all but Freddie Barnes led the pack well and Ed Metcalf had a strong finish to the season.

However, the two players that really made this team tick were the halfbacks, Cameron Walker and Charlie Brain, who were at the heart of most good things each week.

This year’s 1st XV improved over the term.

With defeats in their first two matches, they thought they were in for a long season, yet they managed to show great character, finishing with a 50% win rate. Not normally in a 1st XV do you have any Year 11 players, however Tom Royston, Gregor Morton and Al Mackenzie have been key figures and all three have shown huge amounts of maturity and leadership, outplaying their much older opposite numbers. In the Lower Sixth, Toby Thurston, Jah Jeerapaet and Rory Crowther have all put in big performances in the pack, and will all be hoping to have extremely successful seasons next year on the circuit. In the backs, Joe Han-Hauser’s service has been excellent from scrum half and Jack Kenny and Indy Sankosik have both looked dangerous in attack. Freddy Oliphant and Alex Scruton have both been incredibly unlucky picking up injuries half way through the season after showing great form in the games prior to this. Jamie Padkin’s rugby has improved massively: his strength in the loose is an incredible trait.

Billy Greenway and Matthew Williams have been hugely influential in the forward pack this year, both always giving their all and most games coming off battered and bruised, a testament to their character and commitment to the team. Alex Cameron, who was extremely unfortunate to break his collar bone on tour, was sorely missed.

Wherever Oliver Akiwumi plays on the pitch, being at centre or in the back row, he is always one of the standout players and never fails to make a massive impact. His ball carrying is extremely effective and he always manages to make yards. Lucas Reeman has easily been the most consistent performer not only this year but for the last seven. He never seems to have a bad game. The team always knows that Lucas will tackle his opposite man, even if he is half the weight of him, and his distribution and attacking threat has improved hugely over the last couple of years.

A special thank you must go out to Charlie Watts, for coming week in week out to film our matches, even though he forgets his batteries from time to time. He has been a tremendously positive character every Saturday.

Ollie Millner -1st XV Captain Ollie Millner was integral to the success of the 1st XV. He was awarded Player of the Year because of his outstanding leadership and ability to galvanise the team and be central to its progression and success. His kicking from hand and from the ground were second to none, it ensured we won tight games and his running and tackling were top class.

Jamie Matthews -1st XV Coach

RUGBY

1st

2nd

3rd

U16A

U16B

U15A

U15B

U14A

Sir Thomas Rich

0-63

0-38

10-19

27-17

26-17

12-37

22-34

12-21

King Edwrads

19-32

0-43

5-31

7-17

59-0

Bristol Grammar School

13-12

24-10

12-19

41-7

C

10-38

0-38

14-34

24-12

Taunton School

18-17

12-5

10-22

22-5

33-5

19-25

26-0

20-38

17-17

29-0

U14B

U13A

U13B

7-10

5-63

0-34

43-0

19-14 7-27

Llandaff CS

U12A

U12B

66-0

5-20

0-10

12-24

5-40

0-15

24-15

22-10

All Hallows Prior Park

29-19

5-17

Bishop W’worth

12-38

0-43

5-24

X

14-31

0-29

12-15

7-5

Beechen Cliff Colstons Dauntsey’s

22-5

20-5

19-8

7-0

14-0

54-0

35-0

28-5

27-12

42-0

14-5

29-5

65-5

Won v KPS

Won v KPS

5-17

17-10

0-25

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

49-10

22-24

60-0

12-52

22-17

38-7

37-0

5-14

22-37

7-10

7-14

34-0

15-12

15-20

29-12

5-26

Kings Taunton

47-0

52-0

Monkton Prep

5-14

36-21

Dean Close

6-22

29-7

26-0

58-5

12-32

0-18

22-7

41-5

QEH Bristol

24-14

54-0

28-7

53-0

22-17

5-44

20-0

39-10

5-41

7-5

15-20

0-25

50%

55%

90%

100%

33%

22%

80%

88%

38%

33%

56%

43%

Blundells

36-7

Win percentage

Won

Lost

14%

Drawn

X - Cancelled C - Conceeded

FINAL COLOURS AWARDS COLTS COLOURS Al Mackenzie Tom Royston Gregor Morton Harry Taylor Ollie Parry Oliver Penney James Milford HALF COLOURS Billy Greenway Ken Odo Toby Thurston Jamie Padkin Rory Crowther Matthew Williams Joe Han-Hauser Cameron Walker FULL COLOURS Ollie Millner Lucas Reeman Oliver Akiwumi Most Improved player of the season Ken Odo Player of the season Ollie Millner

Kingswood sport has an ineffable reputation, and it is rare for a school to produce not only a first team of such a high standard, but also five other senior teams and fourteen junior teams. This demonstrates the depth and talent within Kingswood and it is this drive for success that has encouraged many to reach some of the highest levels in their respective sports.

The netball season has been founded upon superb participation, with Kingswood fielding 20 teams, involving over 190 students and playing over 120 fixtures across the term.

The under 12s have had an exciting and promising season. Maya Lane, pick of the A team players, showed great craftsmanship and Most Improved, Annie Davis, hunted as well as many older, more experienced players. The B team had some competitive games and they have been great at clinching the win in the last quarter, highlighting their resilient mindset. Alice Small was pivotal in the middle and Holly Drew helped link the attacking and defensive unit.

The strength in depth was evident as the C team also went unbeaten; Olivia Patterson was impressive in mid court and the attacking circle.

The under 13 A team grew in confidence throughout the season and most of their matches were won or lost within a five goal deficit.

Some highlights were drawing with Clifton and beating Dauntsey’s in the last few minutes, showing great character. Hannah Kelly’s defensive play developed enormously and Olivia Wilson’s shooting was remarkable. The B team developed both in confidence and skill, losing only one match. They gelled as a team and individual players demonstrated adaptability and an understanding of the game.

Ritika Shrestha and Charlotte Hall were consistent performers and Kate Hollywood showed great progression.

The under 14 A team have made tremendous improvements, going from strength to strength. One of their best performances was against Marlborough, who were National Finalists. Although they lost, the girls never gave up and fought until the end, winning the last quarter.

Captain, Holly Harris, led the team by example and Player of the Season and Most Improved were Jessica Brain and Emily Vaughan respectively. This was a successful season for the B team, with Ruth Cheng and Rhea Lewis being the most consistent performers, along with Chloe Pearce who has been nominated for Most Improved Player.

The under 15 A team is a skilful unit, whose athleticism and coachability has given them the edge in numerous games. A pivotal player in the team was Lizzie White, for her movement and shooting ability. She was supported by the life line at the back, Katie Morton, who was remarkable in defence, always listening and learning. The B team have often been the heartbeat of the netball club due to their ceaseless energy and enthusiasm. However, at times they struggled to gel on court. Nonetheless, their final quarters were usually the most exciting and committed, leading to some fine victories. Alice O’Gorman developed her basic skills to match the quality of her aggression and interception ability, whilst the Most Consistent player was Charlotte Cutter in mid court.

The 4th team have had a good season, winning all but one of their fixtures. Isabelle Thornton and the Most Improved Player, Lillie Keith, have had an excellent season through preventing their opposition from scoring. Player of the Season was Sarah Saunders who, along with the support of Ella Alcott and Edith Fong, was excellent in leading the attacking play.

The 3rd team had a rewarding unbeaten season, leading and dominating every match from start to finish. A mention must go to Liv Hart and Flavia Hughes, the ultimate team players, for their outstanding attacking play, supported by the exceptional work rate and defence of Captain Rhiannon Osborne.

Anais Osborne was the Most Improved Player, whose good movement in the mid court was very influential. Zoe Brown was Player of the Season due to her impeccable shooting and movement in the circle.

The 2nd team had a near flawless season, losing just one match against Marlborough.

Each game was characterised by fast, counter attacking play through the mid court. In particular, Issy Broom, alongside Rebecca Ousby and Susannah Burke in the attacking circle, contributed to an effective style of play. Lucy Rowlands and Kate Hall were superb in mid court, using their speed to their advantage. Captain, Charlotte Penney, stood out in defence for her robust character and leadership on court. You would often hear her before you saw her.

The 1st netball team has had one of the most successful seasons in recent years, winning eight and losing only two games.

They were placed second in the prestigious Marlborough tournament, beating Royal High and drawing to KES, both of whom they lost to in the regular fixtures. This was not only the first time Kingswood have reached the final, which is an achievement in itself, but shows how much the team has developed throughout the season.

The backbone of the attacking circle is undoubtably Katya Kerrison.

With a rare, consistent shooting range, composure and leadership in the D, she has again proven to be invaluable in her second season in the first team. Olivia Pope has shown immense agility, athleticism and patience. She has developed the ability to be decisive in her defence, making effortless interceptions in every game. Anya Le Monnier is a role model both on and off the court. With the ability to direct and lead on court and her versatility, she deserves recognition on a much larger scale. She has played almost every position on court these past two seasons, playing each with ease and coolness.

In her debut season, Jessica Lindsay showed maturity and intelligence on court, making her an influential player both in attack and defence.

Livi Gauntlett – Captain, 1st VII

NETBALL

Ella Reeman’s fitness and agility have run her opponents into the ground, whilst her creativity of feeding into the circle has flourished through the term. Ennea MillerHunt must be commended for her ruthless, unorthodox defensive play, making her a prominent figure in the defensive unit.

As many would agree, Jesse Akiwumi is the Most Improved Player. She has gone from strength to strength with regard to her circle movement, defensive work through court and shooting accuracy. When not on horseback, Olivia Sealy is a force to be reckoned with in the attacking circle and her backline defence has allowed for numerous turnovers.

Livi Gauntlett has been an outstanding Netball captain. She has enjoyed four seasons in the 1st VII and competed in 41 games. She is a fantastic athlete who has been superb in midcourt. Her passing and interceptions make her a game changer. We wish her all the best at Harvard.

Lines written on Livi Gauntlett, 1st VII Captain,

by Mrs Victoria Sim, Head of Girls’ Sport

Niamh O’Sullivan’s confidence and resilience on court has led her to be a vital member of the squad. Her defensive work on centre passes is just one aspect of her game that is evidence of this.

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

U15A

U15B

U14A

U14B

U14C

U13 A

U13B

U13C

U13D

U12A

U12B

U12C

U12D

King Edward’s

20-26

20-19

30-10

25-4

14-9

23-21

23-8

27-6

16-4

15-10

15-10

18-8

17-9

6-4

24-11

3-4

12-6

6-1

Prior Park

30-14

33-11

28-13

25-13

54-3

28-12

30-10

33-11

Monkton

41-25

23-10

43-5

19-9

11-27

17-1

10-15

14-2

42-8

20-1

4-11

11-9

Bristol Grammar

45-16

28-6

The Royal High

34-35

26-21

Bryanston

39-9

22-15

29-10

U15C

30-14 32-3

7-38

20-2

43-12

21-11

15-16

17-16

22-3

11-10

16-14

15-16

27-21

17-9

25-22

14-6

21-21

5-21

17-16

15-25

11-11

11-14

27-20

9-15

Marlborough

36-25

14-29

Dauntsey's

53-21

30-26

41-20

Wells Cathedral

37-25

33-11

30-13

21-9

19-21

13-7

40-28

27-2

41-23

22-9

Goals for

375

256

284

124

14

25-31

16-20

25-7

42-4

256

25-5

29-1

42-2

16-0

30-20

10-9

10-14

6-17

7-1

6-41

6-15

19-11

27-1

15-20

22-18

12-21

22-20

18-9

22-13

29-7

12-17

17-11

19-2

11-6

X

X

X

X

X

X

126

135

202

99

50

16

2678

21-32 22-22

Millfield Downside

5-2 15-7

13-19

Clifton College Colston's

32-14 30-20

159

70

194

190

46

10-11

64

34

13-8 Club

Goals against

224

150

102

74

9

144

107

51

136

96

65

94

68

65

17

74

44

25

15

1545

Win Rate

80%

90%

100%

86%

100%

78%

50%

100%

33%

63%

25%

86%

75%

40%

75%

100%

75%

100%

50%

76%

Won

Lost

Drawn

X - Cancelled

BOYS’ HOCKEY For the boys’ hockey teams, 2016 was a quite outstanding season. Over 100 matches, a win percentage of 85%, six unbeaten teams and another three that lost only once.

The unbeaten teams must take most of the plaudits: this was a ninth successive unbeaten season for the 4th XI, who scored 57 goals without conceding any. Cameron Walker led the team in his typically enthusiastic style and another leaver, Matthew Williams, was the heartbeat of the team. The U14Bs’ stats were equally impressive – 51 goals for and one against. Gabriel Vita was the key playmaker for them and Matthew Vaughan scored 28 goals in 8 games, including six hat-tricks, to finish as the top goal scorer in the school by some distance.

The U15As went from a 25% win rate last season to a 100% win rate this time around.

Key performers on the pitch were Dominic Carruthers and Finley Feaver who should both have 1st XI hockey as their key target for next year. After only three seasons playing the game, Jack Hau was certainly the most improved player, finishing as the team’s top scorer.

County champions and the only team to reach the regional finals of the National Schools competition were the U14As. Ashish Tamang was the stand out, but Charlie Roach came of age at the centre of midfield and Harvey Brooks scored some sensational goals. They were well captained by Darcy van Gerwen whose drag flicking looks really encouraging for the future but perhaps the unsung heroes of this team were Freddy Bayliss, Jules Hawking and Josh Knight.

Of the Westwood teams, the U13Bs were another of the unbeaten sides and both U12 teams lost just once in a high quality match against Queen’s College Taunton. Rob Wilson, Bertie Phillipson, Joe Gould and Tom Connors were the key performers for their respective teams. Will Farmer, Seb Tomkins, Jim McAllister, Harry Maskell and Oliver Tonge were the Most Improved players.

The U15Bs lost just twice. Robin Pun was the most influential player in this side and earnt a deserved call up to the A team halfway through the season. Will Haysom’s skill and Oran Hawkin’s tenacity were key features of this team and Robin Ledbury, Dom Ngan and Jack Brain were all extremely reliable performers.

Of the remaining senior teams, the U16s were also county champions and lost just twice. If they had the services of injured duo Oliver Penney and Harry Taylor for the whole season, this might have been even better, as they would have complemented the consistent efforts of Rupert Bayliss and Tom Deverell in particular. Gregor Morton’s inspirational style of leadership dragged the team to a couple of wins towards the end of the season.

Another who captained by example is Charlie Clague in the 2nd XI. As one of the few senior players in a fairly inexperienced team, he helped them develop into a side that was good enough to beat Dean Close 2-0 in the final game of the season. One thing they always had was a goal threat from the likes of Charlie Patterson, Zoltan Yasin and Tommy Phillips. However the undoubted player of the season was Charlie Roberts.

1st XI Report This year there were many more Year 11s than in previous years. However, all of them had a big impact on our season. Henry Brearey, Harry Hodges and Alfie Brooks have all shown the ability to deal with some of the most skilful players in the country and Angus Batchelor and Joshua Brace were a real threat up front.

In Year 12, Joe Tait and Joe Han-Hauser showed that they can compete with England players when they have to.

Charlie Brain proved to be a really reliable defender and Alex Cameron always offered speed and inventiveness to the team, scoring nine goals including three against his former school.

Ollie Millner also turned matches as the last line of defence, pulling off some amazing saves that kept us in several tight games, most notably against Prior Park, arguably our biggest rival.

George Postlethwaite proved to be one of the strongest defenders on the circuit, but was also a real goal threat from penalty corners. He put tireless hours into his drag flicking this year and ended the season with nine goals, all from set pieces, including a hat trick against King Edward’s.

Calum Montgomery is one of the most skilful players Kingswood has ever seen. He has made 57 appearances for the 1st XI with 87% of these matches being won or drawn. His hard work and determination resulted in 11 goals this season; it has been a pleasure playing alongside him.

Lucas Reeman was the Most Improved Player, his fitness and physicality making him invaluable defensively and he also initiated many counter attacks.

Jeremy Hardman - Captain, 1st XI Jeremy Hardman has been an exceptional servant to Kingswood Hockey: he is a supremely talented player, who has led the team with distinction over the season.

1st

2nd

U16

3rd

U15A

U15B

U14A

U14B

U13 A

U13B

Clifton College

1-3

3-4

3-1

12-0

3-1

2-0

4-2

9-0

3-2

6-0

Beechen Cliff

2-2

Monkton Coombe

7-0

X

X

9-0

X

X

2-3

7-1

3-0

0-0

5-0

5-0

3-0

10-0

3-1

2-0

2-1

11-0

1-0

6-1

3-0

2-0

2-1

11-0

1-2

9-1

0-1

3-1

4-0

5-0

1-0

5-0

7-1

4-0

X

X

X

X

X

X

Wellsway

2-1

6-0 X

4-0

U13C

U12A

U12B

U12C

6-1

1-2

3-0

3-1

3-1

9-0

0-5

12-0 12-0

6-2

Colston College

8-0

6-1

8-0

Prior Park College

3-2

1-8

1-2

6-0

Bristol Grammar

4-1

2-2

7-0

12-0

Queen’s Taunton

4-2

4-1

4-0

10-0

8-0

6-3

4-0

5-0

4-0

7-0

Wells Cathedral

5-0

Dauntsey’s

5-0

3-1

King Edward’s

4-4

2-2

1-2

X

3-2

2-3

X

1-1

Dean Close

1-4

2-0

4-3

4-0

2-0

0-4

0-1

6-0

Goals for

44

29

34

57

32

12

33

51

16

37

12

44

11

3

Goals against

18

21

11

0

7

7

6

1

7

2

0

4

4

0

78%

86%

71%

100%

100%

67%

89%

100%

57%

100%

100%

86%

75%

100%

Win Rate

Won

Lost

3-2

Drawn

X - Cancelled

Sports // Kingswood In Focus // 75

The Swimming Club has enjoyed a successful year in 2015 and 2016, racing 12 schools in 11 galas and winning 148 races.

In the Junior boys, Tom Conners went unbeaten in the breaststroke, Nick Baines went unbeaten in the free and Marcus Brend in the backstroke. However it was rookie sensation Tayo Sawyerr who went unbeaten in IM, fly and freestyle. Max Mohr was the final link in the chain of the unbeaten U13 relay team.

The Junior girls showed that the Club has a solid foundation to build on, with Ellie Webster and Olivia Patterson both enjoying unbeaten streaks in Freestyle, and new girl on the block, Anisha Gofton, in the Breaststroke. Eleanor Duke is the pick of the bunch and has regularly swam up an age group, taking it in her stride with wins in both U16 IM and Backstroke despite being in Year 7. This team shows a lot of character and look ready to turn it up a notch next season.

The Inter Boys are searching to find their identity with a hard fought 55% win rate. Lucas Lawman, Oliver Hall and Jamie Rowley form the team’s nucleus and show great promise for the future. With eight appearances, Eason Sung can be counted on week in week out to perform, and Mathew Choy has been a consistent performer with silver medals in breaststroke.

The inter girls are a team to be reckoned with and raised the bar this season with and an 86% win rate. Menina Nightingale is an impact swimmer in the team winning 97% of the races in her breakout season. Natasha Thornton has the mindset that the team is greater than the individual, swimming all four strokes throughout the season. Yemi Sawyerr is the complete swimmer, swimming 13 events across all four strokes. The U15 relay teams show a lot of depth, demonstrating this by beating all but one school.

It has been a walk in the park for the Senior boys with an 85% win rate across 42 races.

Louis Charley has been an all rounder, swimming in all five events. Ruben Cleghorn is the drama queen of the team and is a quality swimmer when he can keep his goggles on!

SWIMMING The inter girls are a team to be reckoned with and raised the bar this season Will Mackenzie has a 100% fly win rate and an overall win rate of 75%. He wrote himself into the record books with his fly time, proving that he thrives under pressure as he broke it in his last swim of the season.

Tokes Sawyerr has given a lot back to the Club over his time at Kingswood and proves records are meant to be broken as he has consistently broken his own backstroke record.

The Senior girls have a team rich with experience with five out of the six team members being Upper Sixth leavers. Ennea Miller-Hunt has had a dream breakthrough season with the highest overall win rate in the School, coming first in 12 out of 14 races.

Sports // Kingswood In Focus // 76

She is the workhorse of the Club, swimming the most races out of all the swimmers.

Isabel Calvert and Esmee Charley have been swimming since day one and have gone above and beyond the call of duty raising money for charity in the sponsored swim every year. Alexa Downie-Ngini has silenced the critics this season, swimming all strokes and, alongside Grace Goodwin, has regularly filled in for injured swimmers, proving there’s no ‘I’ in team. She’s a firm favourite and, despite being the least enthusiastic person on the bus, she swims well at away galas.

Swimming Awards 2016 The Cup for Most Improved Swimmer Thea Bailey The Tench Cup Will MacKenzie The Beresford Shield Charlotte Penney and Tokes Sawyerr

Despite the fact that Charlotte Penney has been nursing some nagging injuries this season she always gives 110% when she races.

U16 Girls

U16 Boys

Open Girls

Open Boys

U15 Girls

U15 Boys

U14 Girls

U14 Boys

U13 Girls

Marlborough Stonar Wellington College Bradfield Cheltenham

*

Prior Dauntsey’s Dauntsey’s Stonar

*

Marlborough Bradfield Cheltenham Sherborne Canford Taunton Leweston Blundell’s Dauntsey’s Prior Dauntsey’s

Won

Lost

* - Clean Sweep

U13 Boys

U12 Girls

U12 Boys

ORIENTEERING The Avon Schools’ League After a slow start, losing the first two events, Kingswood then dominated the league this year and won all the other six events.

Individual league successes were: 3rd: Angus Martin (Year 7)

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR OF ORIENTEERING

2nd: James Bailey (Year 8) Miya Cameron (Year 9) Ben Narbett (Year 10) 1st: Sebastian Crow (Year 7) Oliver Tonge (Year 8) Lucy Tonge (Year 10) Eddie Narbett (Year12) The Avon Schools’ Relays were held at Dyrham Park and Kingswood came away with all the trophies. Ben Shardlow, Eddie Narbett and Lucy Tonge won the open class with Oliver Tonge, Sebastian Crow and James Bailey taking the Intermediate group. Third in this class were Charlie Harden, Angus Martin and Jamie Dale.

Another successful year of orienteering from the Kingswood team.

The British Schools’ Score Championships In October, the British Schools’ score orienteering championships were held on Chobham Common in Surrey; an open heathland with a very steep hill to catch people out at the finish. The Kingswood lower secondary team were placed third with some excellent individual performances.

Kingswood’s Year 8 boys, Oliver Tonge and James Bailey, were 1st and 2nd respectively with Charlie Harden 4th and Lucy Tonge also won the Year 10 girls.

The Avon Schools’ Championships In the Avon Schools’ Championships held at Mendip Snowsport Centre Kingswood had a number of winners: Year 12 – Eddie Narbett Year 9 – Ben Shardlow Year 8 – James Bailey

Westwood Championships This year’s Westwood Championships were held at the beginning of the Summer Term which made the conditions nice and dry underfoot. The scores were really close with Beckford just winning the girls by 10 points. However it was an easy victory for Cusworth in the boys. Oliver Tonge was the only competitor to get all controls within the time limit.

The 2016 Cross Country Season has been cold and wet as usual.

The girls’ Cross Country team has been very successful this year.

The Senior team won the Ken Bailey and Marlborough Trophy ahead of very strong teams. Counters for the team consisted of Esmée Charley, Lizzie White, Bridie Knox, Jessie Davies and Emma Narbett.

THE GIRLS’ CROSS COUNTRY TEAM HAS BEEN VERY SUCESSFUL THIS YEAR

Lizzie White has gained several individual medals including several silver medals and first place at Clayesmore. Not only has Lizzie performed well in school races but also qualified for the English Schools Cross Country Championships, the highest level of running for her age group.

Bridie Knox in Year 9 has also competed for the senior team. Both Lizzie and Bridie have not only competed in older age categories, but have also secured positions as counters for the A team on several occasions, making them very valuable members of the team.

cross country In Year 8, Lizzie Narbett qualified for the South West Championships but was unfortunately injured during the race and Ellie Webster qualified for English Schools, finishing a commendable 78th overall and 4th for Avon.

The boys’ teams have also had strong performances this season. Most notably, the Inter boys team defended the trophy at our home event with the senior boys team picking up 3rd place. Similarly, the junior boys team came 3rd at the Ken Bailey races, a team consisting of Rob Wilson, Tom Connors, Ed Gilpin and Tom Button placing 4th, 6th, 43rd and 57th respectively.

Oscar Stevens has run well this year achieving respectable results despite having to run in higher age groups on occasions. Charlie Webb has had his best season yet, taking first place in the Kingswood Road Race and having other impressive finishes.

In his second season for Kingswood Cross Country, Sam Liu has remained a key member of the senior boys team, helping to secure team positions.

Thomas Parsons has clearly been busy as we have seen a remarkable improvement in both his speed and his stamina.

Billy Greenway has had several good results, his most notable being 16th. Likewise, Sam James has also run well, finishing just a place behind Billy in the Kingswood Road Race to give him his best result of 17th.

Calum Wylie is the longest standing member of the senior boys team. Calum always runs to the best of his ability allowing him to attain impressive results. His best this season was 8th but his most significant result was the Bath Half where he finished in an extraordinary 1 hours 28 minutes.

Eddie Narbett has placed a very pleasing 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th this season. This has included running in English Schools finishing 4th for Avon. His dedication to running is incredible, often running Cross Country on a Saturday followed by Orienteering on a Sunday.

The 2016 season can be summed up in one word - RAIN – lots of it. Despite the weather, our teams still played nearly 70 matches with a win rate of 60%. The 2nd XI, under George Paxton’s leadership, were the only team to go unbeaten and almost all teams won more matches than they lost.

In a difficult season for batters, we have had three centuries in the school this year.

Oliver Penney achieved his for the 2nd XI and proved, like others from this team, such as Adam Tuffery, Jack Kenny and Jake Taylor, that he has the potential to make the step up to be a regular 1st XI player in 2017. Likewise, Hamish Walker and Nathan Gregg from the U15s stood out and should have similar 1st XI aspirations for next year.

CRICKET

Charlie Roach made his hundred for the U14As off just 36 balls against King’s Gloucester. Marcus Kershaw and Stephen King also produced consistently impressive performances for this team. For the ‘B’ team, Matthew Vaughan led the way with the ball and George Hannon was the Most Improved player.

Another centurion was Will Flemington-Clare, who was the linchpin of the U13Bs batting. Max Mohr, Charlie Fry and Thomas Walker were all incredibly consistent. The A team were well led by Sam Ward and the seam bowling partnership of Louis Fryer and Harry Jones were excellent. Ed Gilpin and Ollie Wood were the top performers with the bat.

Finn Morris was a consistent batter for the U12Bs and received good support from Angus Martin. Edan Ledbury was the key bowler.

The ‘A’ team made huge progress over the course of the season with Rob Wilson’s all-round contributions proving crucial. In addition, the batting of Alfred Briggs, the bowling of Jess Bailey and James Redman, and the leadership and fielding of Captain James Eayres were all equally important.

Review of the 1st XI season Harry Hodges was a surprise package with the ball and Henry Brearey and Al Mackenzie have turned in some useful all round performances.

Oliver Parry and Oliver Penney have also shown some promise as batsmen and are likely to be key to the team’s success over the next couple of years.

The two Lower Sixth regulars, Tommy Philips and Joe Han-Hauser, have played key roles throughout the season. Tommy showed good temperament at the top of the order and Joe’s wicket-keeping has come on enormously.

1st Wyclife

10wkts

King Edward’s

5wkts

Kings Gloucester

6wkts

Monkton Coombe

10wkts

Bristol Grammar

30rns

Prior Park College Dean Close

2nd

3rd

U15

U14A

U14B

U13 A

U13B

U12A

U12B

A

W

10wkts

A

Colstons

43rns

W

Beechen Cliff

11rns

XL Club

A

Headmaster’s XI

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

MCC

A A

QEH

A

Round 1

Round 3

Won

58%

Lost

Lucas was an excellent leader of the team this season and has been a key all-rounder for the 1st XI for the past 4 years. He took more than 40 wickets for the team in that time and scored nearly 1000 runs.

Lines written about Lucas Reeman, Captain of 1st XI, by Mr James Brown, Head of Boys’ Sport

Round 2

Win Rate

Vice Captain Cameron Walker has been extremely influential to the team’s success this year. His spells of off spin during the middle overs of a game have often proved decisive and his batting continues to go from strength to strength.

He was a crucial member of the team that won the Peak Sports League in 2015, finishing as the second highest run-scorer. He has been an admirable, outstanding leader.

A

5wkts

Bradford GS

Charlie Brain picked up where he left off last year, being a key factor in a number of ten wicket wins by anchoring the top of the order.

His 88 not out against Monkton Combe and 80 not out against Taunton School were the highlights this year and in his two seasons in the side he has managed to score over 1300 runs at an average of 66. This is a truly remarkable achievement.

A

All Hallows

A

Monty Keith has had an outstanding season and proven himself to be a fine all rounder, taking a match winning five wicket haul against King Edward’s and also hitting 50 with the bat against Beechen Cliff.

Lucas Reeman - Captain, 1st XI

10wkts

Dauntsey’s

George Postlethwaite again demonstrated what a talented cricketer he is with bat and ball. His innings of 63 against Kings Gloucester showed what he is capable of with the bat and a fast, hostile spell to blow away the Dean Close top order demonstrated what a threat he is with the ball in his hand.

100%

67%

60%

60%

W - Withdrawn

60%

33%

70%

A - Abandonded

44%

40%

Sports // Kingswood In Focus // 81

The Kingswood Athletics Club has yet again had a very successful season, with 10 records being broken. We had over 30 athletes competing at the annual BANES District Athletic Championships and Kingswood came away with some notable and strong performances.

The Athletics Club has had an enthusiastic and extremely talented group of Year 8 and 9 girls to choose from each week. The standout athletes have been Ellie Webster, breaking the record for the most records broken in one season, including the 300m and 800m. Alongside Ellie, Imogen Leakey has competed in the 100m and the Long Jump, performing very well against older girls in the Avon County Schools Championships.

Miya Cameron put in strong performances in the 200m, Long Jump and the Shot Put and Jasmine Cameron competed well in the 100m, Hurdles and Javelin. Lizzie Narbett produced a personal best in the 1500m at the County Championships, looking comfortable in a fast race. A mention must also go to Jessica Brain in the 800m, Chloe Pearce in the 300m and Soraya Yasin in the 200m.

ATHLETICS

The Inter Boys have had some encouraging performances this season.

OrĂĄn Hawkins has come in this year and proved himself to be the best High Jumper, reaching 1.67m, and is one of the best Triple Jumpers in the school despite his young age. He has also performed strongly in the 200m, with a best time of 24.0Â seconds. Jack Hau also put in a handful of good performances, showing just how good he is over 100m and in the Long Jump. Harry Taylor has put in some excellent performances in all three throwing events, standing out in the Javelin in particular. Oliver Jenkins and Brendan Curran have also stood out in the Shot Put and Discus, showing great potential in these events.

Josh Brace has improved his times each week in the 100m and Long Jump and will be missed by the Athletics Club next year, as will Charlie Webb, who teamed up with Alfie Brooks and Tom Royston in the middle distance events this term.

Moreover, the Inter Girls have followed suit, having a very impressive season as well.

The standout performers here have been Kate Hall, who equalled the 100m record, and Rebecca Ousby, who broke the 200m record which had previously stood for 16 years.

Becci qualified for the County Championships in the Triple Jump and the 200m and should be setting her sights to progress further in the coming years. Lizzie White came a very respectable second in the 1500m at the County Championships, yet again illustrating the strength and stamina of an exceptionally talented athlete. A mention must go to Yemi Sawyerr and Kiana Portman in 1500m and Natasha Thornton in the Shot Put and Discus – all of whom show great promise for next season.

Wilf Nokes and Jesse Daybell have had strong seasons, giving each other a run for their money in the 100m & 200m. Wilf also stood out in the Long Jump, having qualified for Avon County Schools. A special mention must also go to Jesse for winning both the 100m & 200m and setting a sports day record in the 200m. Toby Thurston put in good performances in the Shot Put, and has made dramatic improvement in the Discus. Ben Crowe, Gordon Ip and Sam James made up the rest of the senior team in the middle distance events.

Gordon has transformed into a middle distance runner in recent years, and has been to almost every meet since he started in Year 10. Ben has continued his good form in the longer distance events as well as doing well in the middle distance. Sam James has also competed well in the middle distance events, however what he is more proud of, is the amount of questionable music he has on his iPod, which he plays every week! Ken Odo has been an outstanding Vice Captain and has had a great season in the Shot Put and the Discus, coming very close to the county qualification standard.

Sarah Saunders has yet again not failed to impress. Dominating every Javelin and 200m competition, her athleticism has left spectators in awe. Jessie Davies has gone from strength to strength, with a new found love for arguably the most gruelling event, the 400m, for which she also qualified for the county championships and set a new school record.

FINAL COLOURS AWARDS A mention must go to one of the longest standing members of the team, Liv Hart, who has no mercy for her 800m opponents.

Fellow leavers, Olivia Pope, Charlotte Penney, Niamh O’Sullivan and Anya Le Monnier have also contributed to the senior girls’ success. Vice Captain Lucy Rowlands has had an excellent season. Not only does she lead by example but she is a talented athlete as well. She qualified for the County Championships in the 200m, leaving her opponents behind on the bend.

A very succuessful season, with 10 records being broken

Livi Gauntlett is one of the school’s best ever athletes and is currently ranked in the top five for the Under 20s in the UK in the 100m Hurdles. She also came 2nd in a Loughborough International meet, and I am sure she will continue to excel when she moves to America next year.

Livi currently holds five school records in the 100m and Hurdles. Charles Fraser has continued to provide support, inspiration and guidance to all athletes in the squad, and has competed in a variety of different events this year, showing his diversity and selflessness.

COLTS COLOURS Kate Hall Rebecca Ousby Charlie Webb Joshua Brace HALF COLOURS Gordon Ip Olivia Pope Olivia Hart Emma Narbett Ken Odo Eddie Narbett Jesse Daybell Wilf Nokes Jessie Davies Lucy Rowlands FULL COLOURS Livi Gauntlett Sarah Saunders Charlie Fraser VICTOR LUDORUM Joshua Brace VICTRIX LUDORUM Livi Gauntlett

Sports // Kingswood In Focus // 83

The popularity of boys’ tennis continues to grow and the numbers of fixtures have also increased. Numerous players in the lower year groups played such a large part in the senior teams this year. Mr White and Mr Duke have been delighted with the 20 to 30 pupils turning up week in, week out for Westwood tennis. Games of round the world have been fiercely contested. Fergus Matthews, Xavier Gadras and Alex Sedcole have shown outstanding talent, with Xavier and Alex contributing to a senior third team victory. Other players to catch the eye have been Oliver Tonge, Max Mohr and Tim Green.

The strength in depth of Year 9 boys’ tennis is exciting. A good number of these players now train throughout the year. Matthew Cheung, Jules Hawking, Joe Crosby, Harvey Brooks (when fit), Fin Paul, Ed Lee and Gabriel Vita have improved their shot selection and a convincing 6-3 win against Beechen Cliff was the high point of their season.

BOYS’ TENNIS The senior teams have enjoyed mixed fortunes. Indy Sankosik deserves recognition for his improvement and he has become a key player in the second team, which had a 100% win rate this season.

Indy, along with Rohan Sakhyani, Zoltan Yasin, Charlie Crow and Charlie Roberts should be competing for first team places next season. Ken Lui, Tom Craven and John Kenny trained frequently and show much potential for the coming seasons.

Billy Greenway, Dylan Bruce, Rupert Halls and Will Cross all played their part in the success of the second team. Captain Calum Montgomery writes: “Billy has improved a huge amount this season, returning every shot with machine like consistency and volleying effectively.” Fellow leavers, Charlie Clague and Freddy Oliphant, operated very effectively for the 2nd team. Charlie’s clever play from the baseline complimented Freddy’s dominance at the net. They played with great spirit.

The strength in depth of Year 9 boys’ tennis is exciting

The first team struggled during mid week matches due to the absence of the younger players. The school only won one of five such matches for the first team, Chris Kelly’s all round game improved and his second serve became more potent and reliable. He has signed off two good seasons at this level.

Johnny and Cameron both played some of their best tennis of the season in the local derby against Monkton.

Vice captain, Ben Bates, impressed with his fencing style volleys and unpredictable, but increasingly reliable, forehand. Johnny Sedcole and Cameron Crowhurst made significant progress with their respective games and were never overawed by playing much older and bigger opponents. They did well at Eton College along with Alex Sedcole and Joe Crosby in their respective age groups.

The season ended with an excellent set of matches against Bishop’s Diocesan College from Cape Town. The opposition proved too strong, but the camaraderie was most welcome at the end of a long season.

1st

2nd

Prior Park

2-7

7-2

Dean Close

7-2

6-0

King Edward’s

2-7

8-1

Monkton Combe

4-5

8-1

Wycliffe

U16

5-4 (vs 1st)

Beechen Cliff

The first pair for the last three seasons has been Calum Montgomery and Joe Partridge. Calum is an expert volleyer and is an excellent sport on court. Joe now strikes the ball with more venom and is working on the consistency of his second serve.

7-2

5-4

Downside

8-1

Sherborne Boys’

C

Bishop’s Diocesan College

F

Win ratio

100%

U16 Beechen Cliff

U16A

2.5-6-5

100%

U15A

U14

U14A

6-3

Wycliffe

U13A

U13B

U12A

5.5-11.5

3.5-5.5

8-1

2-6

U12B

3-0

King Edward’s Prior Park

2.5-5.5

4.5-3.5

P

P

Monkton Combe

Won

U14B

2-2

P P

Lost

Drawn

P - Postponed

3-5

P P

F - Friendly Match

P

P

Sports // Kingswood In Focus // 85

Kingswood Girls’ Tennis this year has seen one of the most successful years of competition, with a large number of players making great improvements and some memorable moments on court. We started this season with winter training in the bubble which can be unpleasant due to the freezing temperatures. In the summer it is quite the opposite; packed lunches melt and the players wilt.

This season has seen 101 matches played across all age groups and Kingswood Girls’ Tennis has had an 87% win rate. Without doubt we can say Kingswood is the best in Bath.

Over this season Kingswood has seen many successes at the Avon County Doubles Tournament. Iris Marrack and Beth Harris performed well in their debut making the Quarter Finals. Izzy Jolliffe and Alice O’Gorman were county runners up in their age category narrowly, losing out in the Final, and Becky Jackson and Masha Mochalnik were county runners up for a third time over their Kingswood Tennis careers.

GIRLS’ TENNIS

This year we have had a number of teams that have had a 100% win rate and have not lost one this season. Issy Broom has been a key member of the first team, making her debut this year. She is one of the hardest working and has shown outstanding commitment to the team.

Sarah Rawle’s love for hockey is definitely greater but, a true sports player, she has always been committed to tennis and her strength and power on court leaves the opponents in fear.

Kristy Lo has played first team tennis for two years and has made good progress – she has a wicked topspin forehand.

Susannah Burke is a superb player, always very committed and always willing to participate, making her a great team member.

A fantastic serve and strong groundstrokes are hallmarks of her play. Her attitude on court has been encouraging and she finishes her last tennis season next year.

Ellie Jackson has shown great determination on court. Ella Reeman has the right kind of attitude at every single match and an enormous amount of courage and patience.

Masha Motchalnik has the nickname of ‘Smash,’ given to her with good reason, as she has the most powerful shots within the team.

Becky Jackson has not only been a great leader, but also a caring friend to other members of the team. Becky has been one of our biggest supporters throughout this season and we are very grateful to her for all the work she has done.

Over this season we have seen many successes at the Avon County Doubles Tournament.

Sports // Kingswood In Focus // 86

Masha and Becky have been absolutely outstanding players for Kingswood Girls’ tennis. Their level of skill, power, and strength frequently bamboozled opposition and whenever they were on court we knew we had a good chance of winning the match. They are both naturally talented players but what has made them exceptional role models is the hours of practice that they put in to hone their skills.

Playing at junior county level and senior club matches equipped them well to adapt and cope with different tactical play.

FINAL COLOURS AWARDS

Signature shots were Masha’s service – a beautifully smooth action with devastating power, and her topspin forehand; from Becky, a wicked double handed backhand and her balance and slide as she approached the net to play a volley. I have really enjoyed working with these two since they were in year 7 and it has been an absolute pleasure to see them develop into the accomplished sportswomen they are through a combination of talent and hard work. Both had full colours re-awarded. These two girls will really be missed by Kingswood Tennis.

HALF COLOURS Kristy Lo Susannah Burke Issy Broom Sarah Rawle Esmée Charley Charlotte Crowe

COLTS COLOURS Ellie Jackson Charlotte Fillis Anna Street

FULL COLOURS Masha Motchalnik Becky Jackson Ella Reeman The Bleatham Cup Issy Broom Most Improved Player Charlotte Crowe

Words on Masha Molchenik and Becky Jackson, Captains of Girls’ Tennis, written by Miss Angie Wright, Girls’ Tennis Head Coach.

Royal High

1st

2nd

4-0

0-4

3rd

4th

U15A

U15B

U14A

U14B U13 A U13B

1-3

2-2

6-3

7-2

U12A

U12B

4-2

5-1 Redmaids’

7-2

Downside

5-4

7-2

7-2

9-0

9-0

Prior Park

6-3

8-1

4-5

7-2

X

9-0

Dauntsey’s

6-3

4-5

7-2

8-1

6-3

8-1

4-4

8-1

5-4

8-1

7-2

3-6

7-2

9-0

6-3

7-2

8-1

9-0

9-0

8-0

2-2

3-1

Player of the Season Masha Motchalnik

COUNTY DOUBLES RESULTS U18: M.MOTCHALNIK / B.JACKSON: v Prior Park (L) 1-6; v Colston’s (w) 6-2 v Royal High (w) 6-2; v Clifton College (w) 6-2 County Runners Up

9-0 Wells Cathedral Dean Close

5-4

Cheltenham College Clifton College

9-0

Bryanston

5-4

7-2

9-0

9-0

8-1

9-0

5-0

3-3

8-1

3-2

5-0

5-0

0-3

3-2

3-3

3-2

4-1

3-2

1-3

7-2

6-3

6-3

X

X

X

X

X

X

King Edward’s

8-1

5-4

X

X

7-2

9-0

7-2

5-1

Monkton Coombe

7-2

9-0

9-0

9-0

8-1

St Mary’s Calne

8-1

9-0

3-6

1-8

3-1

4-0 4-0

9-0 2-7

1-8 Warminster School

Won

Lost

Drawn

6-3 5-4

X

8-1

X - Cancelled

2-0 8-1 4-5

4-5 3-6

6-3

7-2

8-1

9-0

U.15: I. JOLLIFFE / A.O’GORMAN v BGS (w) 6 -1 v Clifton College (w) 6-5 V Colstons (w) 6-4 Semis v Chew valley (w) 6-0 County Runners Up U.13: B.HARRIS/I.MARRACK v Colston’s (w) 6-2; v BGS (w) 6-4 v Clifton College (L) 0-6 Semis v Redmaids (L) 0-6

Sports // Kingswood In Focus // 87

Dressage team win national championships!

In the October 2015 half term, all schools from around the country battled for the Championship title at Addington in Buckinghamshire. Classes were held in all disciplines and teams had come first or second in the qualifying rounds to take part in the Championships. The Kingswood team consisting of Claudia Wallis riding Brook, Olivia Sealy riding Leo, Lea-Sophie Conze riding Scramble and Chiara Conze riding Concerto, packed up their lorries with supplies for both horse and rider ready for an overnight stay at the venue. The month leading up to the Championship was fraught with tension, with Claudia’s pony going lame and requiring careful nursing to ensure he came right for the event, Lea having to borrow Olivia’s pony because her pony had also gone lame and Chiara riding a new horse. With tensions running high, plus the atmosphere of such a big event, the girls all kept their cool and went on to perform the most amazing tests with Claudia winning her section with a score of 72.6%, Chiara coming 3rd in her section with 70.17% and Olivia coming 5th with 68.1%, ensuring an overall win for the team.

Stonar Senior One Day Event – September 2015 Team Highlights Marnie Lister, Ben Lockey, Rory Ferguson – double clears in 70/75cm class Lily Landman, Isla Sandeman, Lexi Hart, Charlotte Hall – Team 7th Arena Eventing – Hartpury – September 2015 Team Highlights Claudia Wallis, Olivia Patterson, Charlotte Hall, Lily Landman – Team 5th in 85cm class Individual Highlights Claudia Wallis, Lexi Hart – clear in 95cm class Olivia Patterson - 6th in 85cm class Show Jumping – Kings Sedgemoor – December 2015 Thank you to Naomi Waheed for braving the wind and rain and representing Kingswood at this event Show Jumping – Summerhouse – February 2016 Team Highlights Tom Connors, Olivia Patterson, Marnie Lister, Naomi Waheed Individual Highlights Tom Connors - clear Swalcliffe One Day Event Well done to Tom Connors for representing Kingswood at this event gaining a double clear and finishing on 36 Stonar Junior ODE – May 2016 Individual Highlights Isla Sandeman – 5th in 85cm class Olivia Patterson 8th in 95cm class Charlotte Hall – clear XC in 85cm class on new horse Lexi Hart – clear XC in 95cm class Rory Ferguson – double clear in 75cm class Anisha Gofton and Naomi Waheed –riding first ODE in 75 cm class Show Jumping – WWEC – May 2015

Eventing and Show Jumping We have seen five new team members join our ranks from Year 7 this year and all have been making their mark. Particular praise must go to Olivia Patterson who is proving herself as a very competent horsewoman and we look forward to seeing her progress in the future.

Finally we wish a fond farewell to our Team Captain Claudia Wallis as she leaves Kingswood after her A levels. Claudia has been instrumental in putting Equestrian Sport firmly on the Kingswood agenda and has been a huge support to the younger team members. We wish her every success in her future equestrian career.

Individual Highlights Naomi Waheed and Rory Ferguson – clear in 75cm class Grace Tyrrell and Tom Connors clear in 85cm class Dressage – Kings Bromyard – May 2015 Individual Highlights Olivia Patterson – 4th –Prelim warm up class 68.4% Olivia Patterson – 10th Prelim Class 67.08% Claudia Wallis – 3rd Prelim Class 71.87% Claudia Wallis – 6th Novice class 70.53% Dean Close Show Jumping – Rectory Farm – June 2016 Individual Highlights Naomi Waheed – Clear 75cm class Claudia Wallis – an unlucky pole at the penultimate fence put paid to her last competition riding for Kingswood.

Claudia wins title of ‘National Individual Champion’ Claudia had also qualified for the individual championship and so stayed an extra night to put in the challenge for the title. As the scores went up, we waited with baited breath to see if Claudia’s lead of 74.61% would be maintained until the end of the class and it was only when the last score came in and we realised she had done it that we could start to breathe again!

This was an absolutely fantastic result for the girls and for Kingswood who now rank among the renowned Equestrian Schools in the NSEA Hall of Fame Championship winners and we are very proud of their achievement.

Amanda Wallis Equestrian Team Manager

EQUESTRIAN

The girls all kept their cool and went on to perform the most amazing tests

Trips & Activities // Kingswood In Focus // 89

TRIPS AND ACTIVITIES

All Year 10 students spent the day investigating life on the rocky shore at Watchet. This included using various ecological techniques to measure the distribution and abundance of the plant and animal species that make up the community, sexing crabs and measuring height:width ratios in limpets.

The day allowed students to bring together ideas from a range of topics in the iGCSE specification, for example photosynthesis, energy flow through food chains and webs, pyramids of numbers, biomass and energy, adaptations linked to abiotic and biotic factors and classification.

Upper Sixth Biology Field Trip In the week before Open Day, 24 Upper Sixth Biologists spent two days ‘out in the field’. The following is their fish eye view of the trip. The first morning was spent on the sand dunes studying succession. This involved carrying out an interrupted belt transect to measure the distribution and abundance of the various plant species.

After collecting all the data and various soil samples, we left the fish behind and headed to a lab on the Somerset levels to process the data and draw conclusions. The day finished with students setting up small mammal traps which were left out overnight.

Activities in Numbers 6:50am 98 108

22

105 miles 15,624

the earliest time activity starts average number of activities per term numbers of pupils taking part in evening hockey during the hockey season number of weekend activities/ trips the boarders have taken part in distance to Thorpe Park the approximate number of calories the boarders burnt whilst trampolining

100

average number of packed lunches made daily for pupils attending activities

24

numbers of pupils who are in the pool by 6.55am for Early Morning Swim

10.00pm

time the latest activity ends

“The following morning there was much excitement as some of the traps were shut.

On opening them up we found some field mice. Having spent a night in the dry, gorging on corn, the mice were keen to get back to the wild. The traps were reset so a comparison could be made between diurnal and nocturnal activity. A fairly soggy hour followed as we sampled in the pond, both at the edge and in the centre. Some students were a little over enthusiastic and went in over the limit of their wellies!

“A range of invertebrates were identified including a water scorpion. Some of the Upper Sixth found it hard to get their heads around the idea that, as Dr Sheffrin very delicately described, the scorpion is adapted to breathe out of its bottom. They looked at the various trophic levels, and drew pyramids of numbers, as well as considering energy flow through this fresh water ecosystem.

The day finished with checking the traps – unfortunately there was nothing to be seen.

No particularly startling scientific conclusions can be drawn from this lack of mammals as it was probably down to the amount of squealing that had gone on while pond dipping!”

Some students were a little over enthusiastic and went in over the limit of their wellies!

German exchange 2015 This year’s German Exchange was once again a great success, with eighteen students travelling to Münster in Northern Germany to complete the second leg of the exchange, promptly reuniting with their partners who had visited them in Bath just a few short months before.

“The first day kicked off with what seemed like a rather short stint in the Schillergymnasium: pupils were alarmed (and rather jealous!) as the German school day tends to end just after one o’clock. Many of the students and their respective partners ventured into the centre of beautiful Münster to browse the bustling Christmas markets, for which this area of Germany is notorious. Charlotte and I were later treated to a lovely dinner in one of the city’s restaurants.

“After just one day of school the weekend arrived. This was spent with the students’ respective host families. All students received the upmost hospitality: I myself was very kindly given a horse riding lesson by my exchange partner (who just so happens to be on the German National Women’s Team!) was taken to the theatre and enjoyed shopping in Hamburg, in addition to going ice skating with many other students and their partners.

“The week to follow proved not only great fun – with excursions to Warendorf and Bremen, to name but two - but was also invaluably helpful in increasing our understanding and appreciation of the German language and culture. The seemingly daily trips to the Christmas markets were a particular highlight in terms of embracing German traditions: December really is the perfect time to visit this area of Northern Germany.

To anyone considering whether to go on the Exchange in the next year or so, we would definitely like to encourage you to do so, for we have forged friendships with our partners which we will hope will last for years to come, in addition to having a truly wonderful time (and learning so much) in this one short week.”

Spanish exchange 2015 This was our sixth year of undertaking the Spanish exchange with the Leonardo Da Vinci School in Moralzarzal, Madrid. Over this time we have developed an excellent relationship between our schools and pupils have, over the years, made some excellent and long lasting friendships. Indeed, several pupils have continued to visit their exchange partners in the holidays.

This year Mr Walker and Mrs Brennan took 18 pupils on the trip. Our pupils spent two days in school getting to see what life in a different and less formal education system is like.

When not in school, we visited Madrid on two occasions and enjoyed a tour of the Royal city as well as visiting the beautiful Retiro Park, having lovely tapas, visiting a traditional market and finally the world famous Prado Art Museum.

On the other day the pupils enjoyed a trip to Toledo, the ancient capital of Spain and a city which has Jewish, Christian and Islamic routes. I would definitely encourage pupils studying Spanish at GCSE and A Level to consider taking part in the exchange as it is a real opportunity to improve their fluency and confidence in the language.

Mr David Walker - Head of Spanish

Trips & Activities // Kingswood In Focus // 92

Key Stage Three trip to Seville “Once we had arrived at Malaga’s Airport we were supposed to have a bus tour on the way to Seville. However the weather was not on our side as it was raining and foggy. When we got to our hostel we went on our first trip to the Plaza España where we had some amazing photo opportunities but we were unable to go to the Maria Luisa Park because there was too strong a wind. After that we had an introductory tour of the city and it was a fun time.

“In the morning we were welcomed to an amazing buffet breakfast which we enjoyed every morning and the rest of the week. In the day we went off into the town of Seville and started with a great look around the Reales Alcázares de Seville. This was by far one of my favourite parts of the trip.

“I had so much fun taking photos of the beautiful gardens, it was amazing and that was where I took my favourite photo of the trip.

After this, one of my other favourite things was the tapas tasting where we filled up an entire restaurant and enjoyed the lovely tapas that was brought to us.

“The next day we ventured out a little further from the town of Seville - we went all the way to Cordoba. It was really hot and sunny when we arrived. We had a tour of Cordoba and visited the fabulous amazing Mosque and Synagogue. The Mosque was made up of beautiful arches which gave me some of the best photo opportunities and I really enjoyed learning about the history of the Mosque.

We had many chances to go out into the town for lunch to try different types of Spanish restaurants. As a whole, the trip was extremely fun and, if I had the chance I would definitely do it all again.”

Mr David Walker - Head of Spanish

Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Practice Expedition – April 2016 Ten groups met in brisk conditions on Saturday lunchtime to embark on their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Training Expedition. They worked well over the first afternoon getting used to how to navigate and walk as a group. That evening groups pitched their tents and then enjoyed plenty of food cooked on their Trangia stoves.

After a clear but chilly night, the groups started their Day Two routes early and made really good progress throughout the morning. As some groups started to tire their pace did slow and navigation began to become a little more troublesome. However, the staff were really impressed by the fortitude shown by all the groups and it was great to see so many of the participants finish with a smile.

Competition Climbing Once again Kingswood entered a number of teams into the South West Bouldering League held at ‘The Climbing Academy’ in Bristol.

The competition involves four separate evenings of climbing between October and March. In each event competitors face 20 challenging boulder problems and have 1½ hours to attempt all of them. The higher they get up each climb the more points are scored.

Kingswood entered boys’ and girls’ teams across all the age ranges. Particular praise should go to the pupils who achieved top ten places in their age range groups - Abi Wylie, Yemi Sawyerr and Oliver Hall.

The competition involves four separate evenings of climbing

Gold and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Practice Expedition During the second week of the October Half Term, 19 students undertook some training and a four day Practice Expedition in the Black Mountains as part of their Gold or Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award. Each of the three groups developed and displayed some very good navigation skills on the first day over a short hike, before showing competency in their camp craft once back at the campsite in Cwmdu.

On the second day, groups managed to get packed away and set off on their preplanned routes by 9am. All three of the groups planned a route, which took them over Table Mountain. Unfortunately the weather meant that they could not enjoy the views once at the top.

By the third day, the weather had improved and everybody was able to enjoy some attractive scenery as they walked from Llathony to Tregoyd. On the last day, the groups all managed to get to the final meet point in Hay on Wye in good time. Each of the participants did very well and should be congratulated on their efforts in sometimes challenging conditions.

Mr Smyth

Ten Tors Training 2016 Training for Ten Tors 2016 began in January, with 36 Year 10 pupils competing for the 12 final places on offer. After trips to the Mendips and the Marlborough Downs the pupils were introduced to Dartmoor on a three day trip during the Easter Holiday. Camping at Huccaby Farm near Hexworthy, the pupils enjoyed walks near Burrator Reservoir, Postbridge and Fernworthy Reservoir.

Conditions ranged from bright sunshine to heavy snow over the three days. The final element of training was the traditional ‘trial run’ on the North Moor of Dartmoor. The pupils walked 30 miles over two days proving that they had learned the skills of navigation, camp craft and team work needed to see them through the Ten Tors Expedition in May.

Ten Tors Expedition Report 2016 Both of Kingswood’s Ten Tors teams completed their routes on Dartmoor with plenty of time to spare. The weather was kind throughout, however the teams had to walk into a stiff headwind for most of the first day and be very careful to keep hydrated.

Both teams camped on Sataurday evening having completed well over half their routes. The teams got off to a very early start on Sunday morning giving themselves plenty of time to finish their 35 mile routes. This year 36 Year 10 pupils participated in Ten Tors training on the Mendips, Marlborough Downs and Dartmoor, so it is no surprise that both teams were successful given the competition for places.

Thank you to all of the many staff who have been involved in the training and expedition this year, particularly to Mr Hills, and to Mr Burgon who has helped with Ten Tors training and expeditions at Kingswood for over 20 years.

The successful teams this year were: Team A Ben Narbett (Leader) Lizzie White Finn Sayce Isabella North Harvey Heap Harry Leakey Team B Sam Cox (Leader) Lucy Tonge Charlotte Cutter Max Brindley Jessica Norton Gabriel Burge-Swatton.

Trips & Activities // Kingswood In Focus // 95

Year 13 – Welsh Three Peaks Challenge 2016 A group of Year 13 pupils and staff celebrated the end of examinations by completing the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge. Starting at 6am from Pen-y-pass Youth Hostel the group summited Snowdon, Cadair Idris and Pen y Fan in seven and a half hours of walking.

Driving between the peaks took a further eight hours, with further breaks for food, and the group arrived back at Kingswood tired but satisfied at 10pm.

The weather for Snowdon was excellent, with spectacular views of cloud inversions from the summit, but conditions deteriorated during the day and by the time the summit of Pen y Fan was reached it was extremely wet and windy.

Year 8 Hike – September 2015 Forty three Year 8 pupils enjoyed an eight mile walk in the Mendips in glorious weather.

The circular walk, beginning and ending at Tyning’s Farm, took in Beacon Batch, Dolebury Warren and Black Down.

Year 9 Boarders’ Camp 2015 On the weekend of the 12th to 13th September the Year 9 boarders enjoyed their traditional camp at Biblins in the Forest of Dean. Blessed with beautiful weather they played games of cricket and football on arrival before taking part in kayaking and canoeing the following morning. The trip finished with a crossing of the Biblins suspension bridge.

They were sustained by a BBQ in the evening and bacon butties for breakfast. The boys and girls were excellent company throughout and made the most of a lovely weekend.

Blessed with beautiful weather they played games of cricket and football

Year 9 Hike report Well done to the 34 Year 9 pupils and six staff who completed a five and a half hour circular walk in the Black Mountains starting and finishing in the village of Llanbedr. The route took in some of the highest summits of the Black Mountains, including Pen Allt-mawr and Pen Cerrig-calch, and provided spectacular views of Sugar Loaf to the east and the Brecon Beacons to the west.

There were some very steep ascents but luckily the visibility was good enough to make the climbing worthwhile. The walkers experienced very mixed weather including rain, hail and sunshine but everyone completed the walk in good spirits. Mr Davies would like to thank the Year 9 pupils for participating so positively and Mrs Sparks, Mr Hills, Mr Pentreath, Mr Burgon and Mr Brown (Art) for all of their help in driving the minibuses and leading the walk.

Year 12 Boarders’ Camp Twenty two Year 12 boarders (with a few Year 13s) enjoyed an unseasonably sunny and warm camp on the banks of the River Wye in October. Fortified by barbequed steak and a campfire sing-along the night before, the boys and girls then took on the challenge of designing, building and testing rafts under the watchful eyes of instructors from ‘Forest Adventure’. After a very pleasant picnic lunch in the sun, they walked up to the Symonds Yat viewpoint, before being rewarded for their efforts with an ice cream. The group were great company and hugely helpful and co-operative throughout the weekend.

Ski Trip 2016

Staff // Kingswood In Focus // 97

STAFF IN AND STAFF OUT

This year, we welcomed the following members of staff: Miss Sophie Elliott (Art) Mrs Elaine Francis (Music) The Reverend David Hull (Chaplain) Miss Sandra Jones (English) Mr Stephen Pentreath (Chemistry) Miss Kirsty Sutherland (Librarian) Mr Digby Webb (Mathematics) Miss Charlotte Wormald (English)

At the end of the academic year, the Kingswood community bade farewell to the following members of staff. The following are words shared by Mr Morris at the end of term assembly Miss Joanne Edwards Miss Edwards and Mrs Kirtley were both with us for a year and a half, both covering maternity leaves and then kindly agreeing to continue with some teaching for the remainder of the academic year. They are both very fine and hugely dedicated teachers, who have set very high standards in the classroom. They also contributed more broadly, whether as tutors, with activities or on school trips.

Mr Philip Smith Mr Smith was with us for just two years, but such are his qualities as an English teacher that he has now been promoted to a prestigious Department Head post at the British School in Brussels. Mr Smith is a very able and highly respected teacher, with a real gift for developing young minds.

He was a major force in supporting Mr Campbell in the development of the English department, for instance introducing and running our annual creative writing competitions for short stories and poetry and forging stronger links with KPS. He is a thinker who has that talent for seeing how people learn and how they might learn better. A real gift.

His new school are clearly talented talent spotters and we wish Mr Smith much success and happiness as he moves to Belgium.

Staff // Kingswood In Focus // 98

Mrs Chiver-Vaughan Mrs Chilver-Vaughan has been with us for five years as a part-time teacher of Classics and, though many of you will not be aware of this, Mathematics. I think the fact that Mrs Chilver-Vaughan is both a Classicist and a Mathematician tells you quite a lot about her.

And I also happen to know that she is a very capable modern linguist, too! She has brought this breadth of learning to her classroom, and has supported Mrs Dakin in enabling our Classics department to grow and flourish. Mrs Chilver-Vaughan’s four children have all at some stage been at Kingswood, so, whilst family relocation now takes her to London, I have no doubt that the connection with Kingswood will not be lost. Mrs C-V, we wish you all the very best.

Marjie Hutchison The word ‘unique’ or in more colloquial terms or kids’ speak ‘legend’ is definitely over used, but I believe it does do justice to the in dominatable Frau Hutch. Mrs Hutchison arrived in 2005 as a parttime German teacher, a year after her son, Edward, joined Year 7, but soon added RS to her timetable to become a full-time teacher. Marjie has many personal strengths, which include an unrelenting passion for her subjects and compassion for her colleague and pupils.

She will always stand out from the crowd with her unique dress sense, her almost unattainable high standards which drove pupils to succeed beyond their potential and her determination to deepen her pupils’ interest and understanding of German and latterly RS. Mrs Hutchison helped her pupils to develop an excellent work ethic because of the example she set in her professional and perfectionist approach to all she did at Kingswood. She insisted pupils have a marvellous grasp of syntax and grammar.

Mrs Hutchison’s willingness to always lend an ear to an upset pupil or tutee in Fonthill was second to none. The depth of her subject and tutor reports always showed her desire to challenge her pupils as well as a great knowledge of them as individuals. The gifts and warm messages at the end of each academic year evidence her high standing amongst the pupils.

This kindness and love for people at Kingswood borne out of her sincere and deep Christian faith, make Mrs Hutchison stand out as unique. She has run the Christian Union whilst at Kingswood and curious pupils or pupils of faith have really appreciated this activity.

The school will be a less flamboyant place following her departure.

The German and RS departments will miss her diligence, enthusiasm and expertise in the classroom; the pupils will miss every aspect of her, including the copious Friday Haribo! Mrs Hutchison and Chris, her husband, are both taking early retirement and deeper involvement at Widcombe Baptist Church lies at the heart of this decision. We wish them both well.

Dr Matthew Fletcher Dr Fletcher joined Kingswood in 2006 to teach Chemistry, having previously worked in Higher Education at the universities of Bangor, Exeter and Bristol. Such an impressive academic background certainly tells its own story; he has also embraced Kingswood in a much broader sense and, in so doing, made a very significant all-round contribution to the school’s development over the past ten years. The Methodist Foundation of Kingswood has been very important to Dr Fletcher and his very significant contribution to school worship has been both generous and inspiring.

For a number of years Dr Fletcher oversaw Kingswood’s Gifted and Talented students taking a particular interest in how our most academically talented students could be inspired to really challenge themselves across a range of disciplines. His tutoring of senior students in Hall House has been characterised by a keen eye for detail and a sense of when to encourage and when to advise. Of course, in amongst all this terrific contribution to the broader life of the School, Dr Fletcher’s main role has been as a Chemistry teacher and, since 2012, acting and then permanent, Head of Chemistry.

Leading this department requires a demanding combination of academic excellence, organisational brilliance and, at times, real fortitude. Dr Fletcher has shown real strength in all of these areas; many of our Upper Sixth Chemists have offers to read related subjects at leading universities.

Dr Fletcher’s contribution to this has been hugely significant. It is no coincidence, I suspect, that Dr Fletcher has been asked to take on a Departmental Head post at a prestigious school in one of the cities which is home to one of those leading universities, and so we wish him every success as he moves to be Head of Chemistry at St Edward’s School in Oxford.

Staff // Kingswood In Focus // 99

Mr Redman Mr Redman arrived just one year before Dr Fletcher and Mrs Hutchison in 2005, armed with a Cambridge Engineering degree and a teaching qualification from King’s College, London.

That was a good start, of course, but I doubt anyone could have imagined what a massive all-round impact Mr Redman would have on Kingswood School over the past eleven years. He is an outstanding and inspirational teacher of Mathematics at all levels, but that is a tiny part of the story. He has coached major sports in all three terms with conspicuous success; he is no mean sportsman himself, though he will deny this, but his success as a coach has been exceptional. He has been the Resident Assistant Housemaster in Middle for all of his 11 years, and I know how much his two senior housemasters, Mr Opie and Mr Matthews, have really valued his outstanding commitment to the House both as an assistant and as a tutor.

In 2012 Mr Redman accepted my invitation to take on the leadership of the Mathematics department; he had a hard act to follow in Mr Musto, but typically Mr Redman has done a magnificent job in further developing that excellent department, and doing so in that committed, determined and generous way which is so typical of Mr Redman. For Kingswood to thrive we need teachers who will go that extra mile, committing wholeheartedly to our all-round ethos and with equal commitment to each and every student. Mr Redman is one of those teachers who does this quite naturally and is actually rather bemused if anyone who chooses to teach here would not wish to be involved in that way. He talks about teaching here being an absolute privilege, but we know the privilege is ours – a colleague and teacher who will give everything he has got to further the development of you, the students, and those teachers whom he leads in the department.

He is very fair, at the right times uncompromising and forthright, very precise and very honest indeed. He is incredibly self-deprecating – I really do believe that he has no idea how talented and able he is, though many of us have tried to tell him – but then his modesty is one of his greatest assets. Teachers with such all-round talent and with the willingness to share this day in day out are sadly rather a rarity nowadays, and we are so fortunate to have benefited from the first eleven years of Mr Redman’s career. I know that he will find it very difficult to leave us, but I also know that he will enjoy his next adventure at Shrewsbury School in Bangkok.

They have no idea how lucky they are to have secured his services, but they will soon discover what a terrific appointment they have made. Mr Redman, we salute you and thank you for everything you have done for us here at Kingswood.

Mr Burgon Now three stints of ten, ten and eleven years is pretty impressive, but our final leaver, Mr Burgon, joined Kingswood in 1991, an even more impressive 25 years ago. The word ‘legend’ can in these contexts be overused, but I have no doubt that Mr Burgon is regarded as a real Kingswood legend, and rightly so.

Mr Burgon clearly loves Kingswood, loves the community, loves the type of school we are; generations of students, parents and colleagues have recognised this, and we have loved him in return. He is, of course, a hugely talented teacher; he has high expectations of his students, but equally high ones of himself. He hates the idea of wasted talent and will do everything he can to get the best out of each student. This, of course, has extended well beyond the classroom; indeed, it is hard to find an area of school life in which Mr Burgon has not had an influence. Cross Country, not just in school but in the broader area, has been a real passion. We all love his mad panics when he has to set up an inter-school race or the house cross country, knowing full well it will be brilliantly done, but enjoying, with Mr Burgon, the tales of potential disaster along the way. But how many students has Mr Burgon introduced to Cross Country and then it has gone on to be one of their major interests?

All I know is that the number is very large. As Head of The Dixon for over 15 years, Mr Burgon has had an enormous influence on the pastoral care and academic success of our Sixth Formers. At times when I first came to Kingswood it felt as if in The Dixon one crisis was following another, but then I came to realise that Mr Burgon actually enjoyed the idea of a crisis more than the reality of one. What I learnt was how much he cared – really cared – and how his passion got the very best out of so many students, a theme which clearly goes right through his teaching career here.

A brilliant tutor and assistant housemaster, a talented musician who has contributed in so many different areas of the school’s musical life,a rugby and athletics coach, orienteering and adventure training … these are just snippets, but they tell you of a very gifted man who has shared those gifts so willingly, and with such good humour, over a quarter of a century. He won’t mind me saying, I am sure, that he has written me some of the crossest emails I have received in my time here, but also some of the kindest, most heartfelt apologies, too.

That passion again, but also a humility, a kindness and a warmth which so many people will have felt, Mr Burgon really is one of Kingswood’s legends, as he enters what I am sure will be a very active retirement, I ask you to join me in thanking him for being a very special and extraordinarily inspirational member of the Kingswood community.

Staff // Kingswood In Focus // 100

HEAD BOY & HEAD GIRL

REFLECTIONS ON A SCHOOL YEAR It is hard to summarise the roles of Head Girl and Boy, because they vary so much every day. Our basic roles included organising the Senior Prefects, coordinating events and providing communication between the pupils and the teachers. Every morning we met with Mr Opie and this was always entertaining!

Our day to day activities usually involved ticking items off his “to do” list which seemed to get longer as the term progressed.

Alongside this there were the larger tasks, like organising end of year kit, writing the end of year speech, ensuring the smooth running of the Christmas Dinner and arranging tours of the school.

For both of us, it has been a pleasure to use the opportunity to try and improve school life for other pupils, particularly the Upper Sixth.

Your friends are always honest with you about what they would like to see changed in the School. It has been great to be able to take that to a meeting and come up with a positive way to address an issue. It has also been really good fun to be able to work as a team with the rest of the PR. Each position of responsibility has a different role and each member brings something different to the table. We have witnessed various styles of leadership, approached obstacles together, and have had a great time along the way.

Over the course of the year the twelve of us have learnt how to bring out the best in each other and work together to achieve a common goal. Many of us have also cemented strong friendships after spending so much time together.

Being Head Boy or Head Girl also changes your relationship with members of staff in a very positive way.

The teachers trust you with more responsibility and, in some situations, you have to almost work together as colleagues rather than as teacher and pupil. As Head Boy or Girl you are the first interface between the teachers and the other pupils. Staff often rely on you to gather helpers, relay information and remind people of important events. This usually meant mobilising all WhatsApp group chats in existence and putting up emergency posters around the Dixon!

It can, of course, be a challenging job and we had some tough moments this year. We all realised that we had to balance our PR responsibilities with devoting enough time to our A levels.

There were times in the year, such as the start of term, when it felt like your whole life revolved around school. You could spend days frantically chasing prefects to turn up for the lunch duty or writing a speech you had forgotten about in the five minutes before assembly. Parents’ Evenings sometimes resulted in completing your chemistry prep rather later at night than you expected! Hectic days meant spending study lessons making ‘must do urgently’ lists in your planner instead of taking notes. However, overall the workload was definitely manageable and certainly rewarding. We both found that the key to keeping a sensible balance was delegating properly to the rest of the PR. They were always good company, as well as a great help. We also learnt how to prioritise and the importance of effective communication – these skills should serve us well as we move forward.

To summarise, it has been an extremely busy year but a fantastic experience. The role certainly keeps you on your toes but the hard work is worth it because you are doing something meaningful for a very special school and your fellow pupils. We feel very privileged to have been in post for a year and wish next year’s Head Boy and Head Girl every success.

Ben Bates and Rhiannon Osbourne

TEACHING STAFF LIST NAME

JOINED

SUBJECT

NAME

JOINED

SUBJECT

Miss Nicola Beale

01/09/1993

French; German

Mr Peter MacDonald

01/09/2003

Head of History and Politics

Mrs Maria Brennan

01/09/2007

Mathematics

Mrs Juliette Mainwaring

01/09/2003

English, Housemistress Westwood

Miss Sarah Brookes

01/01/2011

Head of French and Resident Assistant Housemistress Fonthill

Mrs Suzanne Marshall

31/07/2004

Head of PSHCE, RE

Mrs Alexandra Matthews

23/04/2007

Geography

Mr Barnaby Brown

01/09/2010

Head of Design Technology

Mr James Brown

01/09/2009

Head of Boys’ Games, PE

Mr James Matthews

01/09/2002

PE; SHM Middle

Mrs Mary Brown

01/09/2001

SHM Summerhill; Physics

Mrs Caroline Morris

10/11/2008

French; German

Mr Stephen Brown

01/01/2011

Head of Art

Mr Simon Morris

01/09/2008

Head; Principal of Kingswood Foundation

Mr Sandy Burgon

01/09/1991

Maths

Mr William Musgrove

01/09/2014

Physics

Mr Richard Burton

06/09/1999

Head of Physics

Mr Garrod Musto

01/09/1994

Maths and Director of Continuing Professional Development

Mrs Alexandra Campbell

01/09/2014

English

Mrs Kate Nash

01/09/2005

Head of Theatre Studies

Mr Stephen Campbell

01/09/2013

Head of English

Miss Michelle Newman

12/01/2004

Games

Mrs Sarah Chilver Vaughan

01/09/2011

Latin

Miss Alexandra Nicholson

01/09/2014

Art & Design Technology

Mr Jude Chua

01/09/2010

Maths

Mr Gordon Opie

01/09/1990

Deputy Head, PE, English

Mrs Julie Cook

22/11/1993

Head of Learning Support

Mrs Jenny Opie

01/09/1992

Head of Biology

Mrs Sarah Dakin

01/09/2008

Head of Latin

Mr Oliver Parker

01/01/2015

Director of Music

Mr Daniel Darwin

01/09/2012

History and Politics

Mrs Eugenie Pasco

01/09/2014

Spanish and Head of Careers

Mr John Davies

01/09/1994

History; Deputy Head, Co-Curricular

Mrs Mary Patterson

04/09/2000

Biology

Mrs Sarah Dawson

01/09/2004

DH Academic and English

Miss Una-Jean Paver

01/09/1990

Games, PE and SHM School

MIss Katie Donovan

01/09/2009

Geography; Head of EPQ

Mr Edward Peerless

01/09/2011

Physics

Mr Roderick Duke

01/09/2003

Head of Languages; Resident Assistant Housemaster, Westwood

Mr Stephen Pentreath

01/09/2015

Chemistry

Mr Christopher Redman

01/09/2005

Head of Mathematics

Mrs Jacqueline Reeman

01/09/1990

Mathematics

Mr Timothy Reeman

13/09/1988

Director of Sport

History & Politics

Miss Nadine Robinson

01/09/2010

French and Spanish

Art; Resident Assistant Housemistress, Summerhill

Miss Bethany Rolfe

11/04/2016

Biology

Mrs Clare Sergeant

01/09/2005

ICT; SHM Fonthill

Mr Gareth Edgell

01/09/2010

Head of Computing and ICT

Mrs Claire Edwards

01/09/2008

Psychology: Deputy Head of Sixth Form

Miss Joanne Edwards Miss Sophie Elliott

20/04/2015 01/09/2015

Dr Matthew Fletcher

01/09/2006

Head of Chemistry

Dr Nicholas Sheffrin

01/09/1993

Head of Science

Mr Simon Forrester

01/09/2007

Head of EAL

Mrs Victoria Sim

01/09/2012

Head of Girls’ PE

Mrs Samantha Fountain

01/09/2007

Humanities

Mr Philip Smith

01/09/2014

English

Mrs Elaine Francis

01/09/2015

Music

Mrs Laura Smyth

01/09/2011

Biology

Mrs Jacqueline Hallett

01/09/2008

Learning Support

Mr Steven Smyth

01/09/2012

Geography

Mr Darrell Harding

01/09/2002

Theatre Studies; SHM Hall

Mr Shaun Snowden

01/09/1998

Director of ICT

Mr Michael Haynes

01/09/2013

Head of Academic Music and Acting Director of Music

Mrs Janine Solomon-Gardner

01/09/2013

ICT

Miss Nicola Sparks

01/09/2013

Chemistry

Miss Kirsty Sutherland

17/08/2015

Librarian

Mr Matthew Thatcher

01/01/2012

Head of RE and Critical Thinking

Mr Sean Thomas

01/09/2012

Design Technology

Mr David Walker

01/09/2009

Head of Spanish

Mrs Elizabeth Ward

01/09/2013

Drama

Mr Digby Webb

01/09/2015

Science; Mathematics

Mr Roger White

01/09/2012

Mathematics; SHM Upper

Mrs Jo-Anne Wilcock

23/04/2012

Chemistry

Miss Harriet Wilson

01/09/2013

RE; Resident Assistant Housemistress, School House

Mrs Sarah Herlinger

01/09/2012

History and Politics

Mr James Hills

11/04/2008

Head of Economics

Mr Phil Hollywell

01/09/1998

Geography, Games, SHM Westwood

Mrs Ann Holsgrove

01/09/1997

Learning Support

Rev David Hull

01/09/2015

Chaplain; RE

Mrs Marjorie Hutchison

01/09/2006

German and RE

Mrs Deborah Jenner

01/09/1985

Head of Geography

Mr Matthew Jones

01/09/2014

Economics and Business

Miss Sandra Jones

01/09/2015

English

Mrs Sophie Kirtley

01/01/2015

English

Mrs Anna Knights

01/09/2004

Maths

Mr Craig Woodgate

01/09/2001

Head of Sixth Form, History, Politics

Mr Jamie Knights

01/09/2012

Music and Musician in Residence

Miss Charlotte Wormald

01/09/2015

English

Mr Jean-Michel Legg

01/09/2012

French and Spanish

Miss Angela Wright

01/09/1983

Psychology; PE; Head of Boarding

GOVERNORS Mr Paul Baines

Mr Peter Freeman

Mrs Katie Pillinger

Mr Chris Stafford

Rev Dr John Barrett

Mr David Humphreys

Rev Jonathan Pye

Mr Tim Westbrook (Chair of Governors)

Wing Cdr Colin Burns

Mr Robert Jolliffe

Mr David Quine

Ms Gill Smith

Mrs Sue Cook

Mr Danny Lau

Maj Gen Tony Raper

Rev Canon Patrick Whitworth

Mr Simon Crowther

Mrs Barbara Pendle

Mr Robert Sandry

HHJ Peter Wright

Staff // Kingswood In Focus // 102

CAROLINE CLARKE Kingswood Staff 2011-2015 Succeeding in appointing inspirational teachers who love what they do and who are so loved in return by their pupils and colleagues is one of the greatest rewards of Headship; losing such a teacher in tragic circumstances to a cruel illness is one of the absolute saddest experiences a school community can suffer. Kingswood was so incredibly fortunate to benefit from the final years of Caroline Clarke’s distinguished career as an English teacher, yet her tragic loss remains with us and will do so, I have no doubt, for a very long time. Positive, enthusiastic and caring, she made such an impression on everyone she came into contact with; modest, dedicated and considerate, she was the ideal role model for so many staff and pupils.

I was delighted in 2011 to be able to persuade Caroline, both a Kingswood parent and the wife of Physics teacher Peter, to move across the valley from her position at Ralph Allen. They thought very highly of her, as had her colleagues at St Helena’s in Colchester, where she had started her career, and at the renowned Island School in Hong Kong, where she had spent 16 happy years. She demanded high, but achievable standards both of herself and of her students; she had that special gift, reserved for only the most talented of teachers, of knowing how to instil confidence and self-belief in students of all abilities, such that they so often achieved well beyond their initial expectations. Caroline loved being in the classroom; creatively-minded, she established an environment which was both fun and conducive to serious learning.

She loved working with young people; she loved hearing what they thought and, with the wisdom of an experienced teacher, helping them towards mature and intelligent analysis of their ideas.

She was a real team player, whether with her students, her departmental colleagues or in her wider involvement in school life; with her total lack of self-importance, her utterly selfless approach and her fine sense of judgment, her advice on many matters was eagerly sought, and not least by her admiring colleagues in senior management.

Caroline was one of those very rare people who, in a comparatively short Kingswood career, left a distinctive and lasting legacy in the school community. She is missed greatly, but we count ourselves immensely fortunate to have shared those special years with her.

Mr Simon Morris Headmaster

K I NGSWOOD BAT H

Reception and General Enquiries T: 01225 734200 F: 01225 734205 reception@kingswood.bath.sch.uk Admissions T: 01225 734210 F: 01225 734305 admissions@kingswood.bath.sch.uk Kingswood School Lansdown Road Bath, BA1 5RG, UK