2023-24 Issue 5 Trinity

KING’S The Trinity Issue | 2023-2024

THE HEAD MASTER -2-

Dear Students, Parents and Carers, It has been an event-packed term since the Easter vacation, and I hope that this issue of the Newsletter gives you a sense of all of the activities the students have participated in.

Next term it would be wonderful if you could support the PTFA (Parents, Teachers and Friends Association) at their summer ball. - https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/the-kings-school If you are unable to support them on the night but could support them by offering a raffle prize, could you please contact them ptfa@kings.lincs.sch.uk.

Despite the poor weather since Easter, there have been lots of sporting and CCF activities taking place as well as the first of the Duke of Edinburgh experiences. I hope that the following pages give you a good flavour of the success the boys have had in these areas and a thank you, as always to the staff for volunteering their time to ensure that the extra curricular programme can run.

We look forward to hearing them perform at the PTFA ball in the summer. Many departments have contributed to the newsletter and the photographs from the Iceland trip certainly stand out highlighting the amazing experience the boys had.

The new prefect team have already started to make a real impact on the students’ day-to-day experience.

I am very grateful for their passion for the school and for supporting the students in it to have the best experience that they can.

The leaving Year 13 are busy with their A level examinations for which we wish them all the best of luck. Work is going on behind the scenes to prepare for their leavers day, and we all look forward to celebrating their journey through the school with them in a few weeks. The Year 11 have also been busy with examinations, and we continue to wish them luck.

Congratulations to Mateusz Dogiel (in the centre below) from Year 12, who started his rugby journey at King’s, having previously not had experience of rugby. This Easter Mateusz received his full international cap representing Poland at Under 18 level.

Wishing you all a good break for half terms and looking forward to seeing the boys for the final term of the year.

Mr Pickett Head Master

PTFA SAVE THE DATE A reminder that on Saturday 6 July, the PTFA are once again hosting the immensely popular Annual Summer PTFA Ball. With a three course meal, a drink on arrival and music, the evening promises to be even more successful than last year’s event.

Information will be resent to all parents and carers in and tickets are available via the school website.

The ‘Parents, Teachers, Friends Association’ actively supports the school and the staff by organising events to raise funds for the school community, specifically the ‘fun stuff ’ which wouldn’t otherwise be easily funded. Items that the PTFA funds have helped fund include: • Outdoor table-tennis tables • Languages Competition Entry Feeds • The Library • Warhammer club for additional kit • Chess Club for clocks and chess sets • Benches for Year 7s in Head Master’s Garden Every parent/carer is automatically a member of the PTFA and is welcome to attend any or all of the meetings and contribute to the decision-making process. All members of the PTFA are volunteers with Committee members volunteering for the roles and elected at the AGM. Without being a Committee member, there are still plenty of opportunities throughout the academic year to work alongside the Committee or to attend PTFA events, and we would be delighted to welcome you as an active ‘Friend’ at any of our events.

GOLD CARD CLUB The King’s Gold Card Club scheme is a monthly cash prize draw that helps support the work of the King’s PTFA, which in turn supports the school in various projects. The Gold Draw is open to anyone over the age of 18, not just parents/carers – so grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends and former students are welcome to participate too - this is an easy way to make a difference to the school.

An annual payment of £10.00 entitles participants to be included in the ten monthly prize draws, which currently stand at £60.00, with two prize draws of £450.00 each year. Check out Gold Club Card details in the PTFA section of the school website and please remember to keep the PTFA updated on any change of address/ bank details for use in case you are lucky enough to win!

PRE-LOVED UNIFORM The PTFA manages the school’s Pre-loved uniform and PE kit sales. Sports kit with the current school badge is in particular demand so donations of these items would be exceptionally helpful. All other items of uniform including football or rugby boots are also welcomed. We have placed a yellow donation bin outside of W101 and W102 where the students can drop off clean bagged uniform donations. To buy or donate, contact the PTFA via the email address, PTFA@kings.lincs.sch.uk.

KEEPING IN TOUCH You can look up information on what is happening or get in touch with the PTFA via: Facebook - @KingsPTFA E-mail – PTFA@kings.lincs.sch.uk We look forward to seeing you at one of the meetings or events and would like to thank you again for your support.

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The Sixth Form A

s your Head Boy for this year, I would like to take the opportunity to make an introduction to you all and share a few things about myself and the deputy team in an effort to reinforce connections between the students and parents.

As many of your sons are aware, I pride myself in being a key contributor to school life, hosting a Homework support session on Thursday lunchtimes as well as helping in mentoring Year 8 students and supporting Years 7 and 10 in English and Geography lessons.

I am studying English Literature, German and Geography for A level, aiming to take a degree in English before perhaps converting to teaching. Out of the classroom, I row for Newark Rowing club five times per week, a challenging but rewarding commitment, which I hope to pursue through university.

This year I am most fortunate to be supported by two excellent deputy Head Boys, Edward McDermott and Charlie Hatchman.

Edward also rows at Newark Rowing Club ‘for what feels like every minute that’s not at school’ and helps run the Homework support sessions on Thursdays, ‘for those lucky enough to be in Year 7 or 8’. He claims to be an ‘expert’ in Mathematics, Economics and Politics, with a view to complete his destined PPE journey at University, hoping to finally end up in banking ‘as the dream’. Eager to ‘hit the ground running’, Edward is one of the friendliest and most approachable people I know and is sure to be an excellent Deputy Head Boy. Charlie ‘happily studies French, English Literature and Biology’, and is a very committed student, while also part of the King’s Debate Society, something which as a group we are focussed to develop. Charlie also has a keen interest in football, ‘unfortunately’ supporting Crystal Palace, but is happy to repay the world by studying law at University, with a view to move into human rights law afterwards.

Charlie is sure to be Britain’s response to Harvey Specter in no time, as his hard-working attitude and benevolent nature continue to make him a testament to the school.

Over the next few weeks, we will be visiting form rooms in order to meet the students on a more informal introduction to the students, though I must stress that we are always happy to help and open to any comment or advice, so please do inform your son to come say hello should he have any concerns, or simply just to have a conversation!

With your support, I am very excited for our next year at King’s and hope to establish a network between student groups which will further enhance our school ethos.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any queries or questions, either through the School Office or in person at any school event.

Yours sincerely, Jim Gleed - Head Boy.

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Peer Mentors Some of the most valuable and powerful assets we possess at King’s School are our Sixth Form students.

They are in the ideal position of having experienced lower school life at King’s, which makes them a compelling influence on their young colleagues. Every year we call upon the experience of Year 12 boys to help mentor younger students who need a little assistance.

The boys give their time freely and impart their knowledge in one-to-one sessions, supervised by teachers.

Although it is obviously beneficial to the mentees, it also proves huge benefit to the older boys to experience the altruism of giving back to the school community, something in which we take great pride at King’s school.

My sincere thanks to Mr Plowman and the fine team of Mentors we have assembled.

Mr Gilbert. - Intervention Coordinator

Whist Club It was good to see students returning to Whist Club to take part in the House Whist Years 10 – 13 Senior Challenge at the end of the Easter Term. Twenty students entered in all. Pranav Babukumar of 10B, Toby Sharpe of 12C, and Ethan Wakefield of 12M should be commended for being the only entrants from their Houses!

The eagerly awaited results are shown below: 1st School

234

2nd Newton

81

3rd Foxe

78

4th Curteis

47

5th Burleigh

35

6th More

33

In the individual title, the places are as follows: 1st George Smith 13N & Toby Sharpe 12C 2nd Pranav Babukumar 10B & Daniel Grace 10F 3rd Joint - Aryan Nair 10S, Hugo O’Connor-Butler 10S, Ethan Wakefield 12M & James Shepherd 11F George and Toby were 12 points ahead of their nearest rivals, gaining 47 points each for their respective Houses. Only 2 points then separated the runners-up on 35 points and those in joint third on 33 points. Congratulations go to all!

Congratulations also go to Jai Gupta for completing part of his Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award by choosing Whist as his skill.

Members of Whist Club are now taking part in the final House Competition of this academic year – Nomination Whist. It’s a fun game with 14 rounds and will finish after half-term. Watch this space for the results!

As half-term approaches, it is now, sadly for Whist Club, a time to wish George Smith and James Shepherd farewell as they enter the period of study leave for their respective A levels and GCSEs. We wish them all the very best for their forthcoming exams. Good luck to George for his future apprenticeship and degree course and to James for his A level courses in the next academic year! A huge thank you goes to them both too for being such stalwarts as club officials!

Mrs Newton - Teaching Assistant

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Departmental News P h y s i cs

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n March thirty nine intrepid Year 12 Physics students undertook the Senior Physics Challenge, which consists of a 1 hour and 50 mark written paper written by Oxford University.

in the Intermediate Physics Challenge - this is a 1 hour written paper from Oxford University and is worth 50 marks.

The questions cover the topics of energy and electricity as well as other areas in less detail but in a problem-solving style and they are designed to make students think differently about Physics rather than just preparing for a GCSE exam style written paper.

All of the students who chose to take part need congratulating for trying this very different style of paper. Overall, there were nearly 6000 students across the country who took part and our students gained: • 4 Bronze awards (top 49% of the cohort) • 6 Silver awards (top 24% of the cohort) • 1 Gold award (top 9% of the cohort) Special mention to our Gold award winner: Alfie Hoskins.

Year 8 Ogden Trust Photography Competition

T

he latest Ogden Trust Physics competition across the Grantham Schools was aimed at Year 8 students and was a photography competition on the theme of ‘Physics in everyday life’.

The questions cover the topics of AS Physics but in a problemsolving style and they are designed to make students think differently about Physics rather than just within the realms of their exam course. All the students who took part need congratulating on their strength of spirit for having a go. Overall, there were nearly 6000 students across the country who took part and our students gained: • 18 Bronze II awards (top 94% of the cohort) • 9 Bronze I awards (top 55% of the cohort) • 5 Silver awards (top 27% of the cohort) • 6 Gold awards (top 7% of the cohort).

Special mention to our Gold award winners: Noah Koro, Thomas Li, Jakub Mijal, Toby Sharpe, Alfie Stevens, Ethan Wakefield.

Some of our Year 11 students also decided that they were ready for a written competition and eleven of them have taken part

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All the entries we have received are of an incredibly high calibre and will be displayed in school. There were so many outstanding entries that we are awarding a number of prizes. The top three photographs were taken by: • George Hawkins 8S • Raman Kadiri 8C • Joseph Evershed 8M Thank you to all the students who have taken part.

Miss Jones - Head of the Physic Department

Departmental News

Year 8 Ogden Trust P h o t o g r a p h y C o mp e t i t i o n

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Departmental News Geography - Iceland

A

fter a couple of hours delay at Stanstead airport, we were finally on the way to Iceland; and those on the right-hand side of the plane were in for a treat- an aerial view of the erupting volcanoincredible!

One of our first excursions in Iceland was the Lava Show- basalt from Iceland’s volcanic systems was melted in a furnace and poured into the room you could feel the heat from the back of the room! The Lava expert had talked us through the tectonic history of Iceland and showed up the delicate formations that can be formed from lava, including lava straws. On the conclusion of the show, it was finally time to head to our accommodation, in the foothills of Eyjafjallajokull, the volcano responsible for the delays to Europe air travel in 2010.

On our first full day in Iceland, we went to visit the Hellisheidi Geothermal Power station, which provided useful case study knowledge for those in Year 10, we then went on to visit the Secret Lagoon to relax in the geothermal, heated pool. Our next stop for the day was to Geysir Hot Springs where we were fortunate to see Geysir erupt a number of times, the smell of the sulphur is quite memorable!

Thingvellir National Park was our next stop; we walked around the spectacular scenery and visited the location of Iceland’s first parliament.

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Departmental News

Day 3 proved to be an action-packed day, starting with a visit to the Lava Centre where we were able to learn more about Iceland’s tectonic history using the interactive displays. Next on our program was visiting some spectacular waterfalls; Seljalandsfoss waterfall and Skogafoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s biggest and most beautiful waterfalls, before on to a highlight of the trip for many- the glacier hike. Hiking on Solheimajokull Glacier was an incredible experience, and due to recent melting, we were able to climb and abseil in the crevasse.

On our final full day, we started off by visiting Kerid Crater; a lake in a volcanic crater, it was also a great spot for picking volcanic rocks as souvenirs to bring home! Another highlight of the trip came next, Flyover Iceland, a 4D Cinema experience like no other, flying above the Island of Iceland we were able to appreciate the vast array of beautiful landscapes that it has to offer. Our final activity returned us to the tectonic activity of Iceland as we visited a lava tunnel, able to witness first hand the features and formations formed by the flowing and cooling lava.

Our 5 days in the ‘land of ice and fire’ flew by; we were able to experience Geography taught in the classroom first hand and witness the spectacular scenery that Iceland has to offer. The cherry on top of the cake was seeing the Northern Lights as we boarded the bus to depart and being able to stop of and see the erupting volcano on the way to the airport.

Thank you to everyone who supported the trip!

Mrs H Meanwell - Teacher of Geography

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Departmental News History Classics Club

I

n the Classics Club this term we tried some Roman asparagus custard made by Max as part of his research into Classical food.

It gave us a really good insight into the kind of food Romans enjoyed. We decided it is an acquired taste!

We have also visited the University of Lincoln for an afternoon of Greeks and Romans! The afternoon began with a talk by Professor Jamie Wood about ‘Going to School in the Roman World’. Students learnt about who went to school, what they did when they went there and what it looked like. The second session delivered by Dr Giustina Monti explored the myth of ‘Leonidas and the 300’, considering why they became so famous. During both sessions students were the given the opportunity to critically engage with historical sources and interpretations, discussing how and why these differed. Classics Club students are currently working on projects which will gain them an IPQ3. The talks today were really helpful for students to develop their understanding of the Greek and Roman Worlds.

Mrs E McKenna - Head of the History Department

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Departmental News Drama

L

ife on the stage can be such a whirlwind, and the Drama Department at King’s is no exception! The past months have been particularly enjoyable for boys involved in the Department:

• Year 11s stepped confidently onto the stage, delivering their final practical pieces under the discerning gaze of a visiting examiner • Year 10s embarked on their own creative journeys, diving into the depths of devising projects • Year 10s also expanded their horizons as budding Theatre Critics, experiencing the riveting musical tragedy of Blood Brothers at Leicester Curve Theatre, with Evan Lyons’ insightful review (read on!) offering a tantalizing glimpse into their trip • Year 7s, guided by professional actresses in a specialised workshop, delved into the timeless tale of Romeo and Juliet, breathing life into Shakespeare’s words with enthusiasm • Drama Club re-started, bursting with creativity as boys explored the fusion of art and improvisation • The Sitcom Writing Club continued to thrive, drawing in keen writers who eagerly soaked up Mr Hill’s wisdom and guidance • Archie Conron’s Musical Theatre Club remained a hit, offering an abundance of songs and melodies to its eager participants Drama is where the fun never fades! If you’re itching to dive deeper into the world of Theatre, look no further than our array of extra-curricular clubs. Whether it’s sharpening your improv skills in Drama Club or crafting comedic gold in Sitcom Writing Club, there’s something for everyone. And for those eager to explore the academic side, our GCSE & A level students are on hand to share their firsthand experiences and offer a glimpse into the endless possibilities awaiting you. Don’t miss out – join us on stage and let your passion for Drama take centre spotlight!

Mr Kearney - Head of the Drama Department

T

heatre Review: Two Lives Entwined, One Destiny Defined: The Tragic Tale of Blood Brothers!

Arriving at the Curve Theatre in Leicester on Wednesday 24 April, I initially didn’t have the highest of expectations of the performance. After seeing other performances such as The Woman in Black in London, I was expecting an average production. But while it may be difficult for some to admit, I was severely wrong!

Blood Brothers is the story of two Liverpudlians set in the 1950s -1980s. Mickey and Eddie are born as twins but their birth mother, Mrs Johnstone, cannot afford to care for both, so gives away Eddie to her rich employer, Mrs Lyons. The mothers swear to never let the boys meet, yet later in life they become best friends until Eddie leaves to university. This drags the two apart, and they’re pushed even further away with the sudden influx of unemployment in Liverpool. The play climaxes with a dramatic shootout where Mickey learns Eddie was his actual brother and in rage of Eddie having such a better life, he shoots and kills Eddie … causing himself to be shot by the police.

A spectacle to the eyes would be the best way to put it. Lighting was used extremely effectively, especially at areas such as the iconic dole card holding scene, with a spotlight shining down on Mickey and the other dole-ites. Alongside the beautiful technical effects, acting was immaculate with undoubtedly impressive body movements such as Mickey’s comic splits and dancing at the beginning of Act 2. Vocal performance was notable as-well with iconic scenes of intensity such as Mickey’s outburst at Linda for his anti-depressants. The loud shout from Mickey into a cold dead silence impacts an audience to their core, causing them to be more emotionally influenced by the tearful apology and quiet demand for the pills.

Props were another key element that really created an incredible performance with blanks being fired from the guns in scenes like the petrol station robbery to scare an audience into the fear Mickey as a character would feel in that moment after hearing the singular promise he was made by his brother broken. The set pieces designed being pulled up and down via the fly system was extremely effective, rather than wasting time with people pushing walls on and off-stage scenes were able to flow into one another. Finally, costumes were particularly well designed to show personalities of different characters. My personal favourite example would have to be Linda’s costume evolution throughout the scenes. From a young bubbly girl with red bows and a cardigan to a purposefully short school uniform for her attempts of alluring a 14-year-old to then be in a much more modest long cardigan and simple striped shirt to show her tired older self in a broken marriage with her childhood best friend.

Overall, Blood Brothers at the CURVE in Leicester was a wonderful experience for the King’s GCSE Drama Year 10 class, displaying a variety of skills they can apply to their own performances.

Reviewed by Evan Lyons, 10B

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Departmental News History

Y

ear 13 History students visited the National Holocaust Centre and Museum in Laxton, Newark.

We were given a tour of the exhibitions and had a workshop looking at sources. Students asked pertinent and mature questions throughout the visit and showed how well they have engaged with this part of their History A Level course. They were an absolute credit to the school in the way they conducted themselves.”

Mrs H Murray - Assistant Headteacher

M a t h e m a t i cs Intermediate Maths Challenge 2024

W

e are delighted that 51 students across Years 9, 10 and 11 opted to sit the UK Mathematics Trust Intermediate Maths Challenge paper this year.

This is a one hour multiple choice paper which encourages mathematical reasoning, precision of thought and fluency. The problems on the Intermediate Maths Challenge are designed to make students think; most are accessible yet still challenge those with more experience.

Our students achieved 12 bronze certificates, 16 silver certificates and 15 gold certificates. Ronnie Chu also won Best in Year for Year 9 and Oscar Chow won Best in Year for Year 10 whilst Zikiu Ho won Best in Year for Year 11 and Best in School.

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Departmental News Religious Education

W

e have had a very busy term with visits to local places of worship. Outings which made our classroom leaning tangible.

Twelve of our highest achievers qualified for the next ‘Kangaroo’ round of the Competition. These students were Ronnie Chu, Samy Almerie, Morgan Arrowsmith, James Beard, Oscar Chow, Cameron Clack, Charlie Collins, Joshua Cotter, Olly Fawke, Hussain Kazmi, Maksim Krasnov and Dhiraj Vijayaraj. Oscar Chow, Cameron Clack and Maksim Krasnov achieved Merit Certificates in this round, with Oscar Chow being Best in School.

Zikiu Ho qualified for the even more difficult Maclaurin Olympiad, which is a three hour written paper and not for the faint-hearted. He did exceptionally well to achieve a Distinction in this paper, achieving full marks on two of the questions.

This term the Year 10 GCSE class visited St Wulfrum’s Church, Grantham. After a guided tour of the Church Fr Stuart Cradduck eloquently linked the churches features to Christian worship and belief. We ended our visit with a Q&A where the students asked intelligent questions that covered our syllabus and things which piqued their interest for e.g., life in the clergy, how churches survive in the current times and local community ventures that St Wulfram’s is involved in (there are many). The boys enjoyed their time and gained insights. The great benefit of opportunities like this one is the way that it unpacks learning and nourishes the student’s own thinking, knowledge and understanding.

Congratulations to all of those who took part, and thanks to Mr Davies for organising. A sample question from the IMC is reproduced below, along with photos of some of our successful students.

Mrs Corbett - Head of the Mathematics Department

Year 10 Religious Studies GCSE were also invited by Minister Rob McGibbon, to visit Grantham Baptist Church just after a baptism had taken place so that we could see the open baptistry.

This accompanied our learning on adult baptism in Christian worship. The students enjoyed entering the baptistery and then learning about Baptist worship and Christian beliefs.

The Religious Education department would like to thank both church leaders for their time, teaching and interest in our school and students. They made classroom learning come alive.

Mrs Cunningham - Teacher of Religious Studies

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Debating

T

he South Kesteven Youth Council has existed for little over 6 months.

However, with representatives from Kings, KGGS, Priory, Walton, Stamford, Grantham College, and more, the council has offered voice to young people throughout our community. This council offers a valuable platform for young people to have a meaningful impact on our society and community. Charged with three responsibilities: the environment, youth entrepreneurship, and mental health.

Council members have worked tirelessly on their proposals: The Environment priority decided to pursue a partnership with TerraCycle to recycle ‘hard-to’ recycle items like pens and crisp packets in order to eliminate waste from the classroom and our streets. As lead on ‘Ecocycle’ as it will be called, I’m confident that we’ll be able to help clear up waste as well as further promote recycling and the importance of environmentalism for our and all generations, as it is an ever greater issue facing us. We’ve made great progress with our proposal and look forward to launching ‘Ecocycle’ in the next academic year. Helping to clear up our community.

The Entrepreneurship priority are soon to launch their proposal: a youth market for all. In the words of the councils deputy chair, Amelia Carlin (Year 10, KGGS), the project is designed to “create a platform for young people’s creative ideas to flourish”. The council will host stalls at Grantham market where young people will be able to run their businesses and give them the confidence to pursue and launch their bright ideas.

The Mental Health priority have suggested implementing ‘mental health first aiders’ within schools and the local community in order to better deal with the impacts of stress and anxiety present in the district.

Max Lygo (Year 12, King’s), the priority’s chair summed up the project best: “creating open spaces and providing mental health first aid training to people in our community. It is an honour to be able to lay the groundwork for what is a very important role”. Furthermore, the priority has put great emphasis on looking into mental health awareness.

In summary, the council has made impressive progress in its first six months and is looking forward to doing more good for our community into the future. Of course, we will also be saying goodbye this year to our inaugural chair, Tashan Mpundu (King’s Head Boy, 2023-24). Without whom, it is unlikely the council would have been such a success. With Tashan’s impartial and wise leadership the council has grown and flourished from a small founding group to the large body it is today. As he prepares for university next year, Tashan reflects on the importance of the council:

“I am very proud of the growth I have seen in the council over such a short period of time. It has been a great pleasure of mine to watch the passion of our young people lead to meaningful change in our community and I would encourage anyone with an interest or passion in making their local area a better place to join”.

With our newly elected chair, Fleur Genevrier (Year 12, KG), we look forward to even more progress, and the launching of the council’s projects in the future.

If students are interesting in improving our community and want to give their ideas a platform on the council, please email youthcouncil@southkesteven.gov.uk. With many Year 13 leaving this year, there will be several openings.

Tom Mitchell 10C

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Debating The King’s School wins the Oswald Eliot debating shield defeating Oundle School, Stamford School and Bourne Grammar.

Going in to the Oswald Elliot MACE Competition, I felt almost ‘like I didn’t have a clue’ I’d written the draft for the winning speech literally three days before the competition (we had to prepare both speeches in case we won our first round), and, while my first speech was a bit more clear cut, I still wasn’t 100% about it (though of course not to tarnish the names of our excellent Year 12 coaches, Ollie King, Max Lygo and Noah Koro who themselves made the regional final of the English Speaking Union MACE earlier this year).

I think I speak for Tom Mitchell, Ted Kenny, and myself when I say we certainly didn’t expect any major success – we were going against schools who’d been learning MACE since Year 7, and we’d been learning it for – drum roll please – barely a month!

We were lucky enough that we were the second debate in round one – arguing the motion, ‘This house would not go to university’, as proposition (i.e. in favour of). I was first speaker and had the lovely experience of delivering a speech, only for Oundle (our opposition) to pick apart the whole thing, over the course of 3 speeches of their own. Fun. But we qualified for the final and then went to debate the motion, ‘This house would ban smartphones for U16, as opposition’. Tom, ever the natural, finished off the speech with the most elegant summary known to man. I, on the other hand “rocked backwards and forwards” where I stood, in the oh-so-gracious words of Ollie King. Thankfully the judges ruled us as winners, noting that our arguments were more convincing. Noah, Max, and Ollie immediately rushed over to congratulate us.

We were told by the judges that if this was our first competition it was an impressive effort. So just like that, we had wrestled the grasp of the Oswald Elliot shield from Stamford School, becoming the first team from King’s to ever win the trophy!

Henry Apps 10C

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Physical Education -16-

Football

T

he poor weather earlier in the year meant that King’s found themselves with some football fixtures remaining after the Easter break.

Year 9 rounded off their football league campaign with an 11-0 victory over Carre’s, this sees them crowned KSSA League winners for the third year in a row.

Year 10 also finished their season with the semi-final of the county cup. In a hard fought contest the team lost 2-1 (AET) vs King Edward VI Grammar School, Louth. The year 10 team also finished their KSSA League season in 2nd place on goal difference, narrowly missing out on the top spot to St Georges.

A t h l e t i cs

T

he Year 7, junior and intermediate boys teams made the short trip to the Mere’s Stadium for the Kesteven and District competition.

Notable performances came from Fergal Giltinan in the Year 7 100m, Nate Wray in the Junior 200m, Michael Odiase in the Junior High Jump and Felix O’Callaghan in the Intermediate 400m. Congratulations to all boys involved who represented the school to an exceptionally high standard. The overall totals placed King’s in 3rd place in the District in the Year 7 and Intermediate Competitions. However, the best overall performance came from the Junior team who are now District Champions. Thank you to Tom Coverley, Joe Monk, Henry Foster-Burton and Leonard Arlando of Year 12 who volunteered to assist in the running of the day.

All cricket teams have made a start to their respective seasons, with friendly matches being played against some of the top public schools in the area. There are plenty of games still to play, with the lower school due to begin their county cup campaigns. A full report on the season will be provided in the summer newsletter.

Tennis The Year 8 team are due to play their first fixture on 21 May at Grantham Tennis Club. The after school practice has been very well attended and there is a lot of competition for places in the teams.

More matches are due to be played after half term.

Golf The Golf A team won the County Golf Gross competition with the following scores Leo Price 79, Edward Bellamy 81 and Harry Carter 85.

They will now hopefully qualify to play in the final at Woodhall Spa (Hotchkin Course) on Wednesday 10 July.

Mr Hulme - Head of the Physical Education Department

Physical Education

Cricket

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Chess Chess Club is open for KS3 on Thursdays at lunch time and KS4/5 on Fridays.

The school plays both casual and competitive chess so all abilities are very welcome.

In celebration of chess, find below a challenging problem of Mate in two, white to move.

Mr Davies - Teacher of Mathematics and Psychology

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Whether it is sat quietly in a chair or while you are out exercising music adds immeasurably to our lives.

We thought it would be a great opportunity for you to listen to one of the following albums.

Mr Lond - Head of Department for Music

Rumours – Fleetwood Mac Some albums stand as towering achievements, timeless in their appeal and enduring in their impact. Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 release, Rumours, is undoubtedly one of those albums. It’s an iconic record that transcends the boundaries of time, genre, and taste, weaving a tale of love, heartbreak, and resilience that resonates with listeners across generations. This incredible release showcases the collective genius of Fleetwood Mac, a band that has left an indelible mark on the music industry while continuing to captivate audiences with their irresistible blend of rock, pop, and folk influences.

Songs In The Key of Life – Stevie Wonder Here, we get Stevie Wonder in all of his powers as songwriter, musician, and producer. Wonder takes the listener through a journey on the album that is revelatory and celebratory. He weaves classic soul and R&B with jazz and gospel (often all in one song) drawing inspiration from a wide range of influences.

Are You Experienced - The Jimi Hendrix Experience

Music to listen to

Our tracks

One of the most stunning debuts in rock history, and one of the definitive albums of the psychedelic era. On Are You Experienced?, Jimi Hendrix synthesized various elements of the cutting edge of 1967 rock into music that sounded both futuristic and rooted in the best traditions of rock, blues, pop, and soul.

Kamasi Washington – The Epic Washington’s intrepid concepts are in full force in this auspicious project, one that integrates fiercely swinging jazz with R&B, and touch of spiritualism realized by his ten-piece band “The Next Step” with a full string orchestra and full choir. As fresh as anything in recent years The Epic feels like a throwback to the past as it echoes the deep lineage of the likes of Sun Ra, John Coltrane and African American church music.

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The Gallery -20-

Year 09 Harry Handley 9B Architecture final piece in wood Inspired by Brutalism and neo-modernism styles.

Year 09 Nathaniel Drabarek 9C Architecture final piece in card and plastic Inspired by Gothic and Neo-modernism styles.

Year 08 Ben Lucas 8C Contemporary Still life Oil pastel.

Year 08 Jacob Stevens 8F Contemporary Still Life.

Oil pastel.

Year 07

Year 07

Afshar Faisal 7B

Harvey Powar 7C

Self-portrait inspired by Matisse.

Self portrait inspired by Van Gogh.

Watercolour.

Watercolour.

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Combined Cadet Force Dear Parents and Carers,

We have again had another fantastic term, Cadets have really worked hard, with training paying off.

We celebrated our leavers with our customary annual Regimental Leavers Dinner, chaired by myself, the food was excellent, I had the privilege of reading out a letter from King Charles wishing us well for our dinner, prizes were presented by RSM Chris Hardman (retd) a guest from 7 Brigade, the awards were BTEC Certificates and 4 Star awards .

Our evening training nights have paid dividends with our testing results on Exercise March Hare. Held recently at Oasby.

We tested cadets on Fieldcraft, Map and Compass, Expedition Skills and Leadership, the RAF cadets passing fieldcraft for the first time as part of their new syllabus.

14 Cadets passed their ACS 2 Star, 2 completed their 1 Star, and 1 his Basic.

3 cadets also completed their Bronze leadership course with the RAF CCF at RAF Wittering, another 5 cadets have places pending in May 2024.

The Contingent have had their traditional photograph taken, together with the Senior Nco’s handing over to the prospective new Senior Nco’s for September 24 3 of the prospective senior cadets have Master Cadet courses pending at Frimley Park, so we will see how it goes.

Preparation is now under way for 40 cadets to attend their annual summer camp at Beckingham under the auspices of the Army Training Team.

R M Ogg BEM Lt Col CCF Contingent Commander

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Combined Ca 20

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adet Force 024

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Careers

Higher and Degree Apprenticeships A increasingly popular study option, apprenticeships are a great way to gain hands-on experience while studying towards an industry recognised qualification and earning a salary.

They’re available across a range of sectors from accounting, business, IT, media, NHS and law, to construction engineering and transport.

Level 4 engineering apprenticeship looks for 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 (including maths and English language) and at least grade C in A level maths. Network Rail’s level 5 HR consultant apprenticeship based in London or York asks for 5 GCSEs grades 9-5 (including maths and English) plus at least 120 UCAS Tariff points.

What is a higher apprenticeship?

Will I get paid?

As with other apprenticeships a higher apprenticeship is a route into a real job, where you’ll also get to study towards a recognised qualification whilst working with an employer.

Taking between two and five years to complete, higher apprenticeships are available at Level 4 and Level 5 through study at a Further Education, (FE) college.

The former level is equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree or Higher National Certificate with the latter directly compared to a Higher National Diploma (HND) or foundation degree (FD). Entry requirements will vary dependent on the employer and industry but typically involve a combination of GCSEs and A levels or equivalent.

Higher apprenticeships are available in a range of subjects, including: • • • • • • • • • •

Accountancy Business management and leadership Construction Engineering Hospitality Human resources (HR) Information technology (IT) Marketing Nursing Transport and logistics

Entry requirements -26-

To give you an idea of expected entry requirements, Jaguar Land Rover’s four-year

As an apprentice on a higher apprenticeship programme, you’ll receive at least the National Minimum Wage (NMW) for your age group.

For those aged 16 – 18 and those aged 19 and over who are in their first year, the current apprenticeship wage is £6.40 per hour. While employers are under no obligation to pay their apprentices over and above the NMW, many do offer more competitive salaries. For example, those on Thames Water’s level 4 accounts technician apprenticeship will earn £20,000 per annum.

What is a degree apprenticeship?

Providing an alternative to university, these Level 6 and Level 7 programmes – ewuivalent to a Bachelors or Masters degree respectively – allow you to achieve a degree while working for an employer and gaining valuable experience of your chosen industry.

Who is a degree apprenticeship for?

They are primarily targeted at 18-19 year-old school or college leavers with A levels who are looking to get into work, yet still hope to follow a structured path towards a recognised qualification. They may also be unsure about going to university due to the high tuition fees and student debt.

Can you do an apprenticeship if you have a degree?

Careers

Yes, you can enrol onto a degree apprenticeship programme even if you’ve already got a degree, but it must be in an unrelated subject.

What about a Masters apprenticeship?

As well as degree apprenticeships set at Bachelors level, for professions that typically require additional qualifications – such as accounting or engineering – you may wish to pursue a postgraduate apprenticeship and study towards a Masters degree.

While Masters apprenticeships typically require a longer period of study, as you will likely be starting the programme after A levels, these Level 7 apprenticeships often provide opportunities to gain accreditation from a professional body.

For example, the Level 7 Architect Degree apprenticeship at Nottingham Trent University, which involves 4 years of part-time study, is accredited by the Architects Registration Board (ARB).

What subjects are Degree apprenticeships available in?

The range of degree apprenticeships is constantly growing. The NHS confirmed pilot funding for a new Medical Doctor Degree Apprenticeship in January 2023 with a small pilot scheme due to start in September 2024.

Opportunities are currently available in the following areas:

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Aerospace engineering Aerospace software development Architecture Automotive engineering Business management Defence Digital industries Electronic systems engineering Financial services Human resources Investment and commercial banking Life and industrial sciences Logistics and supply chain management Marketing Nuclear Nursing Public relations Social care Surveying Sustainability

Useful links The Complete Guide to Higher and Degree Apprenticeships – produced by UCAS, National Apprenticeships and Which, detailing universities and employers offering degree and higher apprenticeships in addition to the application process. www.ucas.com/file/301156/ download?token=Ikr35v3v

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Personal, Social, Health and E c o n o m i c ( P S HE ) E d u c a t i o n The schools PSHE programme is designed to give students the knowledge, skills, and attributes they need to keep themselves healthy and safe and to prepare them for life and work in modern Britain. PSHE ensures that every boy has the knowledge on how to be safe, how to make a positive contribution, how to achieve economic well-being and how to live long healthy lives. PSHE is split into six different themes which include: Sex and Relationships, Health, Economic Education, Careers, Society and Future aspirations.

The key themes are covered in different terms throughout the academic year: Term 1 Sex and Relationships

Term 2

Term 3

Term 4

Term 5

Term 6

Health Education

Financial Education

Careers

Society

Values

As you can see from the table, this term, students have focused their learning on Society: • Year 7 learning experience has focused on various social issues in our local community and the wider world in which we live.

Students look at diversity in the UK as well as the laws in place to keep everyone safe.

• Year 8 learning introduced the role of the UN and the importance of looking after the environment. Charities and their role in society were also considered.

• Year 9 learning progressed to look at UN children’s rights and what these involve. The second lesson looked at The British Empire and how this impacted lots of different countries. Finally, this unit finished with discussions on Brexit and its impact on society now and in the future.

• Throughout this unit, Year 10 students are encouraged to celebrate the diversity and culture of Britain today. Students looked at Human rights and how these are important to us as a society. Finally, students looked at environmental challenges faced in society today.

• Year 11 students did not participate in this term’s PSHE curriculum due to their GCSE exams. Instead, time in forms was spent preparing for GCSE examinations.

All the resources used in PSHE lessons are available to view on SharePoint and can be found here: https://kingsgr.sharepoint.com/sites/KSG_Subjects_PD

Additional Resources for further Health Education at home United Nations Website: What Is Climate Change? | United Nations – This website continues the discussion on the role of the UN and the different types of work they do. This page also focuses on climate change and how we, as citizens, can help combat climate change in society.

NASA: Home – Climate Change: Vital Signs of the Planet (nasa.gov) – This website further explores what is happening to Earth. This link, Images of Change - Climate Change: Vital Signs of the Planet (nasa.gov), shows some thought-provoking images of the earth before and after climate change.

We review the PSHE programme at the end of every academic year and welcome parents’ feedback.

Mr T Deller – Head of PSHE (tom.deller@kings.lincs.sch.uk)

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Co-curricular Activities Monday Activity

Room/venue

Time

Member of staff responsible

Year groups who can attend

Senior Choir Altos

C204

8.45am-9.10pm

Mr Cook

Invitation Only

Graphics and Product Design C102 Coursework Catch Up

12.40pm-1.10pm

Miss Phillips

Year 10, 11 & 13

Senior Soul Band

Rehearsal Room

12.45pm-1.15pm

Mr Lond

Invitation Only

Business Drop in

S201

12.50pm-1.40pm

Mr Rushall

Year 11

Clarinet Ensemble

C203

1.00pm-1.30pm

Mrs Lond

Invitation Only

Eco-Committee

N204

1.05pm-1.35pm

Mrs Evans

All Year Groups

Homework Club

Library

3.45pm-4.30pm

Mrs Hobbs

All Year Groups

History Revision

C202

3.45pm-4.30pm

Mrs Law

Year 11

Warhammer

N205

3.45pm-4.45pm

Mrs Copeman

All Year Groups

Cross Country

Sports Field

4.00pm-5.00pm

Mr Hollingworth

All Year Groups

Cricket

Sports Field

4.00pm-5.00pm

Mr Whales

Year 9

Athletics

Sports Field

4.00pm-5.00pm

Mr Collins

All Year Groups

Inter-School Debate Club (Termly)

The King’s School & 4.00pm-5.30pm KGGS

Mrs Cunningham

Year 11, 12 & 13

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Co-curricular Activities T u e sd a y Activity

Room/venue

Time

Member of staff responsible

Year groups who can attend

Senior Choir Basses

C204

8.45am-9.10am

Mr Cook

Invitation Only

Classics Club

C201

12.40pm-1.10pm

Mrs McKenna

Year 7 and 8

Chemistry Revision

B201

12.40pm-1.10pm

Sixth Form Mentors

Year 11

Warhammer

N205

12.40pm-1.40pm

Mrs Copeman

All Year Groups

12.45pm-1.30pm

Mr McLauchlan

Sixth Form

A Level Literature Business and Economics Essay writing

S203

12.50pm-1.40pm

Mr Anderson

Year 13

Whist Club

N103

1.00pm-1.30pm

Mrs Newton

All Year Groups

Concert Band

Rehearsal Room

1.00pm-1.30pm

Mr Lond

Invitation Only

Junior Choir

C204

1.00pm-1.30pm

Mr Cook

Year 7 Only

Debate Club

S102

1.00pm-1.35pm

Debating Prefects

Year 9

Sitcom Writing

T402

1.05pm-1.35pm

Mr Hill

KS3

Homework Club

Library

3.45pm-4.40pm

Mrs Hobbs

All Year Groups

Cricket

Sports Field

4.00pm-5.00pm

Mr Hulme

Year 8

Art - Open Studio

N302

3.45pm-5.00pm

Mrs Warley

KS4 and 5

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Co-curricular Activities W e d n e sd a y Activity

Room/venue

Time

Member of staff responsible

Year groups who can attend

Brass Ensemble

C204

8.45am-9.10am

Mr Cook

Invitation Only

Marching Ensemble

Rehearsal Room

12.40pm-1.00pm

Mr Lond

Invitation Only

Debate Club

S203

12.40pm-1.10pm

Debating Prefects

Year 10

Historical Fiction Book Club (Every other Wednesday)

B205

12.45pm-1.10pm

Miss Ginnelly

Year 7, 8 and 9

A Level Literature

T404

12.45pm-1.30pm

Mr McLauchlan

Sixth Form

STEM Club

B301

12.45pm-1.35pm

Sixth Form Miss Jones

Year 9, 10 and 11

Basketball

Gym

12.50pm-1.20pm

Mr Pickett

KS4

Drama Club

T301

1.00pm-1.30pm

Mr Kearney

KS3

Knotso’s

Rehearsal Room

1.05pm-1.30pm

Mr Lond

Invitation Only

Pride Club

T302

1.05pm-1.35pm

Mr Hollingworth Mr Davies Miss Davies

All Year Groups

Homework Club

Library

3.45pm-4.30pm

Mrs Hobbs

All Year Groups

Cricket

Sports Field

4.00pm-5.00pm

Mr Gilbert

Year 10

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Co-curricular Activities T h u r sd a y Activity

Room/venue

Time

Member of staff responsible

Year groups who can attend

Senior Choir Tenors

C204

8.45am-9.10am

Mr Cook

Invitation Only

Chess Club

T103

12.40pm-1.30pm

Mr J Davies

KS3

F1 Club

T403

12.40pm-1.30pm

Mr Clack

Year 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11

DandD and Fantasy Card game club

N205

12.40pm-1.40pm

Mrs Copeman

All Year Groups

Rowing

Fitness Suite

12.50pm-1.20pm

Mr Richardson Mr Plowman All Year Groups Sixth Form Elite Rowers

Senior Percussion Ensemble

Rehearsal Room

1.00pm-1.30pm

Mr Richmond

Invitation Only

Musical Theatre Club

T301

1.00pm-1.30pm

Mr Kearney Archie Conron

All Year Groups

Homework Club

B101

1.00pm-1.30pm

Jim Gleed

Year 7 and 8

String Ensemble

C203

1.00pm-1.30pm

Mrs Brown

Invitation Only

Saxophone Ensemble

C203

1.00pm-1.30pm

Mr Lond

Invitation Only

Current Affairs Discussion Group

B206

1.00pm-1.30pm

Mr Martin

Sixth Form

Homework Club

Library

3.45pm-4.30pm

Mrs Hobbs

All Year Groups

Cricket

Sports Field

4.00pm-5.00pm

Mr Burnett-Welsh Mr Richardson

Year 7

Tennis

Grantham Tennis Club

4.00pm-5.00pm

Mr Lindsay

All Year Groups

Year 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 CCF

Year 13 CCF Only

CCF

Quad and Classrooms

3.45pm-5.30pm

Lt Col Ogg SSI Pulfrey Mrs Barton Mr Davis Mr Gait

CCF BTEC

Classrooms

3.45pm-5.30pm

SS1 S Pulfrey

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Co-curricular Activities Friday Activity

Room/venue

Time

Member of staff responsible

Year groups who can attend

Senior Choir Trebles

C204

8.45am-9.10am

Mr Cook

Invitation Only

Chess Club

T103

12.40pm-1.30pm

Mr Davies

KS4 and KS5

Lego Club

Tombs

12.40pm-1.30pm

Mrs Clark

Invitation Only

Graphics and Product Design C102 Coursework Catch Up

12.40pm-1.40pm

Miss Phillips

Year 10, 11 and 13

Junior Percussion Ensemble

Rehearsal Room

1.00pm-1.30pm

Mr Richmond

Invitation Only

Geography Film Club

N204

1.00pm-1.30pm

Mr Bufton

All Year Groups

BP Debating Society

S102

1.00pm-1.35pm

Debating Prefects

Year 11

Christian Union

S102

1.00pm–1.35pm

Sixth Form and Pastor McGibbon

All Year Groups

Whovians (Doctor Who Club) S201

1.00pm-1.40pm

Mr Rushall

Open to all year groups (first come, first served due to number of seats)

Homework Club

Library

3.45pm-4.00pm

Mrs Hobbs

All Year Groups

Big Band

Rehearsal Room

3.45pm-5.00pm

Mr Cook

Invitation Only

CCF Shooting Club

Gym

3.45pm-6.00pm

SSI Pulfrey Mr Dunlop Mrs Barton

CCF - Year 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13

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Calendar 3 June

Term 6 Starts Y12 Careers Meetings - Tombs room

4 June

Y12 Careers Meetings - Tombs room PTFA Meeting - 18:30 - Library

5 June

Y7 Mini First Aid 9:00-11:00, 11:15-13:15 & 13:40-15:40 - School Hall

6 June

Y7 Mini First Aid 9:00-11:00, 11:15-13:15 & 13:40-15:40 - School Hall Y12 UCAS Conference - University of Lincoln 08:45 to 12:30

7 June

Y7 Mini First Aid 9:00-11:00, 11:15-13:15 & 13:40-15:40 - School Hall

10 June

11 June

Y12 Careers Meetings Tombs room Y12 Geography Fieldwork – NEA Old Boys' Meeting - 19:00 - Bishop Foxe Y12 Careers Meetings Tombs room School Council - 12:00 - Dining Room Y8 Geography Fieldwork - Wyndham Park - 8X3 & 8Y3 - P4 & 5 LIBF Exam - Sportshall - 09:00

13 June

Y12 Geography Fieldwork - NEA

15 June

CCF Flying - RAF Syerston - 08:00 - 17:00

17 June

Y12 Careers Meetings Tombs room

18 June 19 June

Y12 Careers Meetings Tombs room Y12 Art Exam - All day - N302 LIBF Exam - Sportshall - 09:00 Y9 LCC PHSE Day - Newton Block Classrooms Y8 Geography Field work - Wyndham Park - 8X1 & 8X2 - P2 & P3 Tim Ward - Counsellor - 10:00 - 16:00 - Tombs Room

20 June

Y10 Drama Mock Devised Performance - All day - Hall

22 June

Bronze D of E - Assessed expedition

23 June

Bronze D of E - Assessed expedition

24 June 25 June 26 June

School Closes at 14:45 Open Evening - 18:00 - 20:30 Tailored Approach Transition morning Sixth Form Induction Governor Meeting 9 - 18:00 - LRC Sixth Form Induction PTFA Meeting - 18:30 - Library

27 June

Y13 Leavers Meal – 18:00 - Old School

28 June

MCC Cricket Match (H) - 11:30 Y10 World of Work Day

29 June

Silver D of E Practice Expedition

30 June

Silver D of E Practice Expedition

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Calendar 1 July

2 July

3 July

4 July

5 July

Silver D of E Practice Expedition 9X2 & 9Y3 Geography Fieldwork Y10 French Speaking Exams - all day New Entrants Parents Evening 18:00 - Form Tutors, Head of Year & Head Master Y6 Taster Day Y10 Food Practical Exam - C103 - All day 9X1 & 9Y1 Geography Fieldwork CCF Camp to 7 July Y7 LCC PHSE Day - Newton Block Classrooms Y10 French Speaking Exams - am only 9X3 & 9Y2 Geography Fieldwork CCF Camp Tim Ward - Counsellor - 10:00 - 16:00 - Tombs Room Y8 Half year group - Civil War Museum Trip tbc Y10 French Speaking Exams - am only CCF Camp Silver D of E Parents Meeting - Hall - 18:00 - 18:30 Y8 Half year group - Civil War Museum Trip Y10 French Speaking Exams - all day CCF Camp

6 July

CCF Camp

7 July

CCF Camp returns

8 July

Y10 German Speaking Exams - am only Inter-school Debating Club - 16:00 -17:30 - Hall

9 July

Y10 French & German Speaking Exams - am only

10 July

11 July

Tim Ward - Counsellor - 10:00 - 16:00 - Tombs Room Y8 HPV Mop Up Session - Reception Meeting Room Y10 German Speaking Exams - am only Y9 Battlefields Trip Departs Y9 Battlefields Trip Summer Concert - 19:00 - Hall

12 July

Old Boys Cricket Match - 11:00 Y9 Battlefields Trip returns late evening

13 July

Silver D of E Assessed Expedition

14 July

Silver D of E Assessed Expedition

15 July

House Activities Day Silver D of E Assessed Expedition

16 July

House Winners Alton Towers Trip

18 July

Sports Day - Mere's Stadium - All day

19 July

Founders' Day Service - P2 - 10:15 End of Term 6 at 12:45

21 July

RAF Summer Camp departs to 27 July

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The King’s School Brook Street Grantham Lincolnshire NG31 6RP Tel: 01476 563180 Fax: 01476 590953 E-mail: admin@kings.lincs.sch.uk

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