Annual Review 2019

Founded 1553

KING EDWARD VI SCHOOL

SOUTHAMPTON

ANNUAL REVIEW 2019

Head’s Report The academic year 2018/9 has seen much success for our students, as well as progress with a number of developments to enhance the educational experience for all in the School. We began the year with 950 students on roll and we much enjoyed Prizegiving in The Dobson Theatre with the address given by the well-known scientist and polar explorer, Felicity Aston MBE. The School has continued to invest in its facilities, in particular the reconstruction of the School Library to allow for more space for reading, study and reflection in a bright and contemporary setting. We commemorated the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War with the creation and dedication of a delightful Memorial Garden surrounding Mr Long’s beautifully sculpted bronze of three former Edwardians who died in the conflict.

There has also been much work behind the scenes with enhanced classroom accommodation, improved roofing and a new Duke of Edinburgh centre.

Our students have celebrated another well-deserved set of excellent academic results. At A Level, 20% of all grades achieved were at A*, 52% at A* and A and 82% at A*, A or B. A third of all students achieved at least three A and A* grades. At IGCSE 77% of grades achieved were at A* and A, and 92% at A*, A or B. We were also very pleased with our university admissions - over 90% of our students proceeding to courses at the top 25 universities.

Once more KES students have excelled themselves on the sports field with over two-thirds of the students representing the School at some stage during the course of the year.

The level of boys’ and girls’ hockey continues to impress. As well as very good performances throughout the regular season, the senior girls achieved the greatest success, reaching the regional rounds of the National Cup, as did the U13 team.

In boys’ hockey a number of teams reached the regionals while the 1st XI got to the quarter-finals of both of their National Cup competitions. They missed out on a semi-final place on the chance of a penalty flick!

The rugby teams continue to work hard on a very competitive circuit.

The senior team found the season challenging but the U14, U15 and U16 age groups all had success, which is encouraging for the future. In addition, the U12 and U13 teams played some

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good rugby and will benefit with the addition of new players when they reach the Third Year.

Netball had its best season for over a decade. The foundations, so carefully laid over the last three years, have created match-winning teams. For the first time, both the U14 and U16 teams reached the regional stages of the national competition and just missed out on progressing to the national rounds by a single point. The U13 and U15 teams competed well in the National Cup progressing to, and winning, the finals of the plate competition. To hold two national titles in different age groups is a truly great achievement.

The boys’ cricket season was notable for some very good performances across the age range. The U12s reached the county final, the U14s reached the county semi-final and the 1st XI retained the Altham Trophy. In an innovation for KES sport, cricket became the principal girls’ sport for the summer term. It will be exciting to see how this develops next season and we look forward to fielding a girls’ 1st XI in the near future.

In addition to our major sports, many students did well in a variety of other games and activities. The Sixth Form football team competed well in their league and progressed well in the cup competition and we fielded teams in tennis, basketball, table tennis and rounders. A number of our students have had individual success at county, regional, national and international levels in athletics, basketball, cricket, cross country running, diving, hockey, netball, rugby, sailing, squash and swimming.

Our trips and visits programme remains an integral part of what we provide beyond the classroom. This year has been as busy as ever, with KES pupils enjoying visits across the globe from local galleries and tramps across the New Forest and Dartmoor to trekking through the highlands of Vietnam and a visit to high tech industry in Tokyo.

reputation in mathematics as Head of Faculty. We have also said farewell to Mr Jennings, Mrs Kairis, Mr Shadbolt and Mrs Roy as they move to other opportunities in education elsewhere and we thank Mr Hill, our IT Support Technician for the past year.

Students have taken part in exchanges with pupils in the USA, done charity work in South Africa, examined particle physics at CERN in Switzerland and improved their language skills in Spain, Italy and France. They have skied in the Alps, played netball in Belfast, hockey in Holland and cricket in India. Closer to home, students have participated in study visits to Berlin, the First and Second World War battlefields in France and trips across the UK from regular theatre, music and art visits to London to geography and biology field trips across the country. Hundreds of our students made use of our facility at Lovaton on Dartmoor for the Duke of Edinburgh Award and for schoolrun camps, and a host of other Duke of Edinburgh expeditions have taken place in Devon, the New Forest, the Lake District and the Peaks.

The Arts Festival in June was a culmination of a very busy year for the Arts Faculty. High profile events such as the Carol Service at Romsey Abbey and the Service of Thanksgiving at Winchester Cathedral were interspersed with a wide range of musical events including two stunning spring concerts. We were treated to a range of drama productions including a new version of Mr Herklots’s enchanting science musical, ‘Gedanken in your Heart’, Oscar Wilde’s dark comedy ‘Lady Windermere’s Fan’, a gripping première of Dr Schofield’s play, ‘The Secret Battle’ to mark Armistice Day, Junior Drama’s ‘The Wind in the Willows’, a summer production of Steinbeck’s ‘Of Mice and Men’ and Mr Collinson’s mischievous farce, ‘Schoolboy Errors’. #KESFEST itself, was a fabulous showcase of our pupils’ talents and an opportunity for them to experience a huge range of workshops and specialised lessons, as well as the spectacular Street Theatre event on the final day.

Charitable and community work remain at the heart of the School.

In the past year a record £45,000 has been raised by the students for a range of different organisations including our Summer Camp for Southampton young carers, the

South Africa venture supporting the Goedgedacht Trust’s work for impoverished children near Cape Town and the second outing of our Dartmoor partnership adventure with Sholing Junior School. Our primary school partnerships have prospered through such activities as our regular visiting Science Roadshow, mathematics and language partnerships, reading schemes and philosophy workshops. We were particularly pleased to welcome hundreds of staff and pupils from our partnership schools to take part in our Endeavour programme in July. As well as the usual plethora of charity sales, events and dressing up, perhaps the highlight was hosting the BBC ‘Children in Need’ live in November in the Dobson Theatre. Over sixty KES and Stroud pupils joined choirs from across the county singing in the televised performance conducted by Miss Forsey; an amazing experience for all concerned.

This is also the occasion to record our thanks to Mr Morgan and the governors for their work supporting the School over the past year.

Likewise, we are grateful to the KESPTA’s work under the spirited direction of Mr Congreve. Our OEs have enjoyed numerous reunions organised by our Development Officer, Ms Hooper, who also continues to raise the profile of our King Edward VI Foundation that provides bursaries to help students applying to King Edward’s from disadvantaged backgrounds.

King Edward’s has had another impressive year. Students have participated in a bewildering array of activities, visits, sports and cultural opportunities. Although it is tempting to focus on the more tangible achievements such as IGCSE and A Level results, the real mark of our School’s success continues to be the development of the characters of our students as compassionate, thoughtful, energetic and committed young adults with a strong awareness of the needs of the less fortunate. In my final year as Head of King Edward’s it is our students who continue to make me proud to be an honorary Edwardian!

AJ Thould Head (2002-2019)

We have been very well served by Evie Wateridge as Head of School over the last year, ably supported by her deputies, Colin McCann, Eve Henley and Rebecca Williams. Our Prepositors and Heads of House, together with the Lower School Prefects, provide excellent leadership across the School.

A number of staff are retiring or moving to positions elsewhere having served the School with distinction.

Particular thanks are owed to Mr Wood, the Reverend Poppleton, Mr Allen, Mr Griffin, Mr Collins and Mrs Thould with over 145 years of service at King Edward’s shared between them. Mr Wood did much to enhance the profile of sport at King Edward’s, particularly in rugby. The Reverend Poppleton, as our chaplain, has become a central figure at the School, developing a full programme of services and assemblies. Mr Allen has transformed our IT provision, beginning with the introduction of the internet and finishing with our very innovative one-to-one iPad programme. Mr Griffin has provided sterling service as our Senior Caretaker and Mr Collins has done much to sustain our excellent 3

Firstly, thank you to the many parents and pupils who have bumped in to me over these first few days and weeks (and indeed over the past year), and have chosen to come across to say ‘hello’ and to wish me well. I have certainly felt welcome here on the South Coast! My thanks are also due to the School’s Governing Body and to Mr Thould for their tireless help and support as I have started to get to know our wonderful community.

Introducing the new Head

Special thanks are reserved for all of my colleagues (teachers and support staff) who routinely and regularly go above and beyond what is needed in order to provide unique and inspiring opportunities for the pupils. As you have read in Mr Thould’s report for last year, we are fortunate indeed to have a talented and dedicated staff group and it is through their commitment, allied to the pupils’ enthusiasm, determination and resilience, that such a wide and varied range of success can be maintained.

Ultimately, academic outcomes are of fundamental importance for every pupil and we will never lose sight of our mission to ensure that every child meets and exceeds their expectations in this regard. However, I believe that it is equally important that we celebrate and recognise all that happens beyond the classroom - the sporting, artistic, charitable and intellectual

endeavours facilitated by our staff.

Through these pursuits, the children learn about themselves more deeply, and build a strength of character that will serve them well, far beyond school and even university life.

I am delighted that last year offered so much for so many. Well done to the children whose exploits have been celebrated here, but also to those who brought positivity to the School in less ‘headline’, but equally important, ways. I am looking forward to serving as your Head, and to another great year to come.

Neal Parker Head (From September 2019)

“I feel extremely privileged to have been a KES pupil.”

Head of School From the kindergarten years at Stroud, through to studying for GCSEs and A Levels at King Edward’s, it has been an incredible journey, rich in new experiences, challenges and opportunities.

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Whilst KES supports all pupils in their academic and personal growth, the School also provides numerous co-curricular activities from the creative arts to clubs, societies and charities, trips and sports. From the annual Byron Society Ball to KES Pride Day, there have been countless opportunities to dress up, fundraise, socialise and celebrate. The School’s wider achievements are extensive, dynamic and are just as significant as its academic excellence.

On behalf of the Upper Sixth, I would like to say thank you to our teachers and the non-teaching staff for all their support. My short tenure as Head of School has been a tremendous experience made more so by having the support, guidance and encouragement of Mr Thould. We wish him well in his retirement and will have fond memories as my year group and I enjoy the legacy of the time we have spent with him at KES.

The experience of performing in numerous concerts, dance galas and school productions inspired me to direct the Sixth Form play ‘Schoolboy Errors’ in my Upper Sixth year. Writing and directing a Christmas pantomime for enthusiastic Prepositors as fairy tale characters and ugly sisters was, indeed, another life experience “ticked”.

Head of School

Evie Wateridge

Chairman’s Report This is my second report as Chairman, after another very busy and successful year in both of our schools.

In the last year our capital programme has continued apace. The new extension to the Dining Room, which had become a significant bottleneck in the daily routine at Hill Lane, was finished in time for the beginning of the academic year, and it has proved to be an exceptional success. Our dining facilities have been extended by over a third and the new space has been used extensively throughout the year for numerous hospitality events. The newly created Memorial Garden, designed by Mrs Peebles, including the magnificent sculpture depicting three Old Edwardian First World War servicemen that was created by our former Head of Art, Mr Long, was the focal point of a very moving Remembrance Service in November marking the centenary of the end of hostilities. This has become a very important ‘quiet space’ in the centre of the School.

The new five-classroom Key Stage 1 pod at Stroud School, which replaced some of the older teaching accommodation, was also completed in time for the commencement of the school year. This is part of a ten-year plan of upgrading and refurbishment on the site, which has already had a significant impact on its presentation and efficiency. We are in the process of applying for planning permission for a slightly larger building for Key Stage 2, and this is currently scheduled to be built in the summer of 2020.

We have also created an excellent covered outdoor area for our nursery and reception pupils which has been a significant enhancement to our teaching facilities.

The major building project for the summer of 2019 has been the extension and modernisation of our library facilities at Hill Lane. This has been an exceptionally complex project including a large number of preparatory steps to create the new library space within the School, and we are looking forward to having a facility which will be an excellent educational environment for our students.

Alongside these major developments, there have been numerous other projects on all four of our sites, including the ongoing programme to fix the roofs at Hill Lane while the sun has been shining! I would like to thank our Director of Operations, Mr Baker,

and his team for their outstanding management of all the building works while keeping all the sites running and being ever mindful of pupil safety.

There have been a number of changes to our Governing Body in the last year. In anticipation of a number of retirements over the next few years our Membership sub-committee has been busy, with five new Governors appointed. We continue to build the skillset on the Board and are hugely grateful that so many talented and successful individuals are prepared to give so much time to both schools.

I am sorry to announce the retirement of one of our most experienced Governors, Mr Brazier. He has left the Board after twenty-five years of exemplary service. In 1995 he succeeded his father as Chair of our Buildings Committee, a post which he held until 2017. He has also been Vice Chairman for the last thirteen years.

The Board has been fortunate to enjoy his wise counsel over this time and I am delighted to report that he has been awarded a Fellowship of the School in recognition of his outstanding service.

I would also like to recognise the contribution of Mr Richards who has also retired from the Board. He was Chair of the Stroud School Governors when the school joined the KES family in 2012 and he has remained in the position for the last seven years to ensure continuity during integration.

His successor is Mrs Musker.

I would like to add my thanks, to those of Mr Thould in his report, for the contribution of three long-serving staff who retired from teaching in the summer. Mr Allen, Rev Poppleton and Mr Wood have served the School with great distinction and we are all enormously grateful for their impressive contribution to King Edward’s. We wish them all well for the future and look forward to welcoming Rev Poppleton back in his new role as visiting Chaplain.

The desire to support a greater range of bursaries so that able pupils can attend our schools regardless of their means, remains a key objective of the Governors. The King Edward VI Foundation, under the expert guidance of Ms Hooper, has continued to grow as old Edwardians of a variety of vintages have made donations or left legacies.

We are grateful to all our benefactors for their support.

Finally, I cannot conclude this report without mentioning Mr Thould’s retirement, after seventeen years as our Head. It is no exaggeration to say that the schools have been transformed under his leadership, with the addition of the Wellington Sports Ground, our Rural Study Centre at Lovaton in Devon and of course Stroud School during his tenure. He has also overseen an extensive building programme, leaving impressive facilities at each of our locations, including a state of the art theatre at King Edward’s and impressive new teaching and dining facilities at Stroud. He and his wife, who has been a key member of the King Edward’s Curriculum Support team since 2008, have been ever-present at the schools’ flagship events, theatrical and concert performances and sports matches and they have represented the School with distinction both within the city and beyond. Their dedication to the schools over such a long period, together with Mr Thould’s calm and authoritative leadership, have been very much appreciated by the entire school community, and we wish them both well for their retirement.

We are now looking forward to welcoming our new Head, Mr Parker, who joins us from The Grammar School at Leeds where he has been the Vice Principal and Head of the Senior School. Mr Parker has worked hard to get to know the schools over the last year and he has attended a number of our events and key meetings. He brings energy and enthusiasm for his new role and the Governors are looking forward to working with him to take our schools forward to the next stage in our development.

To conclude, I am delighted to report that our schools continue to be in excellent health, and we are very well placed to take advantage of any opportunities which may benefit them going forward. However, the Governors are increasingly aware of the economic and political uncertainty which prevails at the moment, and we recognise that the landscape for our sector is changing. We will continue to manage our resources carefully, placing our pupils at the centre of everything we do, always striving to deliver excellence in the broad educational experience which we deliver.

Alan Morgan Chairman of Governors 5

Academic Progress The School began the year with 950 pupils on roll and a ratio of 60% boys to 40% girls. We have enhanced the School’s reputation for academic success with another set of impressive A Level, GCSE and IGCSE results.

The academic results this year were very pleasing with 100% of King Edward’s students passing their A Levels with 20% of grades at A*, 52% at A* and A, and 82% at A*, A and B, matching our results over the past five years, in spite of significant changes to A Level specifications, following the introduction of linear courses.

IGCSE and GCSE results were very encouraging with 99.2% of IGCSE and GCSEs awarded at grade C or above and 77% of all grades at A* and A. 92% of all grades were awarded at A*, A or B. 99.3% of students obtained the minimum 5 GCSE passes including IGCSE mathematics and English, the usual DfE measure of high standards although, given our adoption of the more demanding IGCSE, this is not given official recognition in the government’s league tables. The results for GCSE Religious Studies, taken at the end of the Fourth Year were also very encouraging.

A Level Results 2019

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GCSE Results 2019

First/Second choice university place

Students placed in The Times top 25 ranking Universities/Medical Schools

Other university place

Students in other HE institutions including music and art, employment or GAP year

“We are grateful for the ongoing support”

KESPTA

In September I became the new Chair of the KESPTA, having previously been Chair of my children’s Primary School PTA for seven years. My first task is to wholeheartedly thank Jill Leask, Sophie Liardet, Annette Tidby and all the other dedicated workers for all they have done for the Association. We wouldn’t be here without you and all you have done is greatly appreciated.

This is also an opportunity to say welcome to new members of the committee. Tracey Jesney becomes Treasurer, Kara Congreve takes over as Chair of the Social Committee and Katy Jones takes the role of Chair of OBNO. Cath Judah continues in her role as Secretary and we are grateful for the ongoing support from the School and Mrs Wood.

At the AGM earlier in the year, new people were elected to office under the new constitution which was adopted at the beginning of the same meeting. This updated our role to better reflect the way that the KESPTA can support the School with fundraising and the parents with promoting the social side of things.

To this end, the annual activities including the New Parents’ Wine Tasting and the Quiz Night both went ahead very successfully and were greatly enjoyed! The annual Triathlonathon coincided with the quiz and the collection raised money for the Summer Camp. A huge thank you again to the Social team who staged these events and also to Mr Thould, our wonderful quiz master for this year on his farewell tour!

A good deal of work then went into putting together the summer Dine & Disco. Sadly, ticket sales were insufficient to make the event viable and it had to be cancelled. We hope to come back stronger than ever with next year’s event, whatever form that may take.

OBNO have been active all year. They now have a new home, in what was part of the old School Shop, from where parents can purchase second hand uniform and kit.

The Prayer Group continues to meet in schools and homes to pray for the physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of all involved in our community. They are, as ever,

We have had another great year meeting alumni of all ages at a range of social, sporting and careers events.

The Edwardian Society

This year, our schedule of reunions saw a 10 year get-together for the Class of 2008 in November, followed by a joint 50 year event for the 1969 and 1970 leavers in January. Both evenings were extremely wellattended and enjoyed by all the guests. St Edmund Hall, Oxford was the venue for the 2019 university dinner and we were delighted to see many familiar faces at this function.

The Poole Veterans gathered in the Hospitality Suite at School for their annual luncheon in May and the year was rounded off with a popular Former Heads of School and Deputies Dinner. Representatives from twentyseven different school years attended, from 1952 through to 2018.

Our OE sportsmen and women have competed against the school teams in football, hockey and cricket fixtures.

We are thankful to all those who have represented the OE community in these matches and to individuals who have organised teams.

mindful of the changes we all face and continue to pray for smooth successful transitions all round.

We owe a huge debt to our new Treasurer for the work she has done in setting up new banking processes and releasing funds to be able to contribute to several bids from school departments, clubs and societies. We are pleased to have been able to help with contributions towards a permanent display for the Science Festival and equipment for the Lower School ‘Treasure Island’ production, funds for the Gaming Club and the Rocket Club and financial support for the First Year Camp. The Green Team, Ceramics Club and the Arts Festival have also received funding. Most recently we have bought some statues for use in drawing and further thermal PE coats which will be invaluable on the sidelines for our various athletes!

With all this behind us, we are very much looking forward to another year with KESPTA!

Mr Congreve Chair of KES PTA

The King Edward VI Foundation was extremely fortunate to receive a large legacy this year. All bequests such as these, along with donations, are used to offer bursarial support to gifted children from less privileged family backgrounds who apply to King Edward’s. We are very grateful to all members of our Capon Club (those who have made donations or are leaving legacies to the School) for their continued generosity and support of such a worthwhile cause.

Their benevolence ensures that a King Edward’s education can still be accessible for children from all walks of life.

Ms Hooper Development Officer

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Drama

The Dobson Theatre is now in its second year and without a doubt is being used to its full capacity.

Over the summer holiday the Mayflower Theatre staged their youth theatre production of ‘Les Miserables’ and the BBC made excellent use of the space to broadcast ‘Children in Need’ live for the South East. It is also used for Stagecoach, and we have a busy, ongoing LAMDA programme in the Drama Department. There are brand new staging facilities and pupils have benefited from our investment in superior lighting facilities. We have also arranged the space to create an even more theatrical feel, using the ‘wing’ curtains in lessons and beyond.

This year we have compartmentalised our costumes, make-up and properties into designated spaces and areas.

Students have enjoyed a busy Lower School Drama Club, run every Tuesday lunch-time, and the year began with some excellent GCSE performance pieces that were of a very high standard, both for the Preview Evening, where parents came to watch, and the actual examinations.

The year began with a fantastic musical, ‘Gedanken in your Heart’, written by Mr Herklots, performed in the Twigg Studio. On Remembrance

“The year began with some excellent GCSE performance pieces”

Art

Day, ‘The Secret Battle’, written by Dr Schofield, was performed in the Dobson. It was an excellent and challenging production and really stretched the acting skills of all those involved. In December, this year’s Senior School play was ‘Lady Windermere’s Fan’. It was a visually very exciting production and the evenings started by re-creating an atmospheric Victorian street, using the students from Drama Club to play the children. In early February the Sixth Form play, ‘Schoolboy Errors’, written by Mr Collinson, was directed

by Evie Wateridge. The script and the performances raised lots of laughs from the audience. The successful Lower School May production of Kenneth Grahame’s ‘Wind in the Willows’ involved a cast of 45 students from First Year though to the Third Year. There were some exceptional performances and the production engaged and entertained an audience of over 600 including an invited audience of primary school pupils from Springhill and Stroud.

Later in the summer, the Arts Festival provided many opportunities to get involved with drama activities, which included a physical theatre workshop.

The Lower Sixth students prepared their examination pieces for June and enjoyed working with physical theatre practitioner, Luke Brown, in preparation for these.

We continue to support the LAMDA programme, which saw students performing extremely well in the summer exam. There was a 100% pass rate with 14 distinctions and 20 merits awarded. Two students received their Gold grade 8 award (equivalent to an A Level), seven received Silver grade 8 awards (equivalent to an AS Level) and six received a Bronze award grade 6 (equivalent to a GCSE).

Mrs Gilmour Head of Drama

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The Art Department is a happy and creative place for our students.

The open door policy gives our examination classes the opportunity to work outside of lessons, as well as a general space for students to work in the studios or Art library and IT hub.

The A Level students in Fine Art and Photography have produced some lovely projects for their coursework and examinations. Aelfred Hillman, in particular, created large exuberant canvases, based on the perception of the self and latterly ‘fragmentation’.

His piece ‘Seven boys and a Magpie’ was not only selected for the inaugural Royal Academy of Arts Young Artist’s Summer Show, but also received one of the two prestigious prizes for submissions within the key stage. Life drawings reminiscent of Picasso’s work, photographic studies of rivers and bus stops and the Brutalist architecture along London’s Southbank have all featured in this year’s Sixth Form work.

The GCSE students worked hard and yet again have produced a varied body of work with fine examples of printmaking, painting and general creativity on display both as finished pieces but also in their sketchbooks.

The second Peter Folkes Prep School Exhibition was a huge success with ten schools participating. There was a wide range of work on display and the Atrium and Art Studios were put to good use showing off their work.

The staff, parents and young pupils certainly enjoyed the opportunity to exhibit their creations. We were also fortunate and pleased to be able to have Peter’s family support this event

Music

The Music Department could not have started the year with a more exciting project than the BBC ‘Children in Need’ live nationwide broadcast!

The Lower School Choir hit the ground running with enormous excitement.

Making a combined choir with partnership and local primary schools, we showcased a 200 strong choir broadcasting live from the Dobson Theatre. The very memorable evening also included a star turn from our Swing Band performing ‘The Bear Necessities’ live on South Today.

and very grateful for a wonderful legacy of two more of his paintings to inspire the next generation of artists.

The Arts Festival saw the Art Department host a lecture by renowned art critic Martin Gayford who talked about the story of pictures from cave to computer. His writings on art are highly recommended to all.

We also had our ‘artist in residence’ Mark Spray work with our Fourth Years as a precursor to him visiting us in the autumn term. We also ran a Renaissance banner competition with the best being painted onto fabric and displayed along the length of the netball courts.

Mr Piggott Head of Art

In September, our string players had a chance to work side by side with professional musicians, joining forces with the Westminster Chamber Orchestra. A day of workshops and rehearsal culminated in a stunning chamber orchestra concert of the finest string repertoire. The Carol Service ended the autumn term, bringing together old friends and new with our community choir. The occasion was a truly joyous one with rousing congregational hymns to warm us through the winter evening, and a particularly divine rendition of Elgar’s ‘The Snow’.

V-VII category and Aelfred Hillman Grade VIII+ category. Later in the term, the department was visited by professional composer and journalist Jono Buchanan who gave an inspiring insight into creative careers in music.

Musicians visited The Royal Opera House for a performance of ‘Tosca’ and The Mayflower for ‘The Magic Flute’.

We finished on an exceptional high with our Arts Festival, #KESFEST. This three-day spectacular celebrated all that is rich, diverse and amazing in the field of creative arts. A particular highlight was a Jazz Evening with the Paul Jordanous Ensemble, playing side by side with our Big Band and Swing Band. We also enjoyed a spectacular street theatre event and even had time for a silent disco!

Miss Forsey Director of Music and Head of Creative Arts

It was the turn of our junior musicians to shine at the start of the spring term with the annual Junior Spring Concert and we were not disappointed!

A fantastic array of diverse musical talents delighted the audience. This was followed by a mesmerising Senior Spring Concert. KES musicians were outstanding in their professionalism and showmanship. The spring term finished with a beautiful Thanksgiving Service in which our choirs gave stunning performances of Fauré and Rutter.

The annual music competitions were adjudicated by Dr Carrasco, with awards going to Euan Primrose Grade III-V category, Barnaby Saer Grade

“A fantastic array of diverse musical talents delighted the audience” 9

Sport

Over the course of this year two-thirds of the students have represented the School across 693 fixtures, over 10 sports.

In rugby there was particular strength in the U14, 15 and 16 age groups as they won nearly 80% of their matches and three teams were fielded at U12 and U13.

Both boys’ and girls’ hockey teams fared well. The senior girls’ team reached the regional semi-finals and there is great strength and depth, with four teams being fielded at U12 and U13. The boys had some excellent wins on a tough circuit and numbers turning up for training were outstanding. The U13s reached the regional finals and other teams also did well. The 1st XI excelled, reaching the last eight of the National Independent Schools’ Cup, and finishing in the top ten of the English Schools’ Tier 1 Competition.

In indoor hockey, the U18 girls reached the regional heats, both the U18 boys and U16 girls reached the regional finals with the girls missing out on national finals by just one goal. The U16 boys also reached the national finals where they lost in the semi-final against the overall champions.

The netball programme continued to grow as we fielded nineteen teams.

There was quality at all levels with good performances across fixtures. In the cup competition the U14 and U16 teams both reached the regional finals and the U13 and U15 teams played in the Independent Schools’ Cup.

After each team suffered an early defeat, they competed in the plate competition. The girls grew throughout the competition and played superbly to win their respective national titles.

Some rounders matches were played by the older age groups this summer and our teams won 80% of them. This year, however, cricket became the principal summer sport for First and Second Year girls who took to it with great enthusiasm. They picked up new skills with speed; the U13s reached the third round in the County Cup and the U12s had some excellent wins throughout the term.

In the boys’ cricket the new First Years impressed with their enthusiasm and ability. There were some good performances in the other age groups and the 1st XI did well in the second half of the season, retaining the Altham Trophy for the third consecutive year.

As ever, our students have a range of interests wider than the major team sports. Once again, the table tennis and football teams performed well, the senior basketballers had some good games, the tennis squads had success in the local rounds of the Aegon Cup and our cross country runners performed well in the National Schools’ qualifier with the intermediate boys qualifying for the regional finals.

In addition to all of this, our busy athletes find time to continue to excel in their chosen field and there continues to be a growing number of students eligible for the Elite Sports Performer programme. There are students who have competed at World, European and National championships, represented their club or franchise at the National Youth games, or reached top 10 national rankings in their chosen sport. All in all sport at KES is in a very healthy position.

Mr Kent Director of Sport 10

Co-Curricular

The co-curriculum continues to take pride of place at the heart of KES, and we are delighted to see our pupils grow and flourish under its tutelage. Participation rates in a host of activities are high, and there really is something for everyone. The skills that the pupils develop outside of the formal teaching environment are definitely preparing them, not just for school, but university, the world of work and beyond.

KESPTA continue to fund and support a range of our activities, and this year have contributed thousands of pounds towards the Gaming Club, Rocket Club, First Year Camp, Green Team, the Sports Faculty for warm coats, Ceramics Club and the Arts Festival.

Without these generous donations, our programme could not be as rich, varied or enjoyed.

We continue to have a vast range of clubs on offer, with offerings from academic faculties, sporting and arts arenas, as well as curiosities and the sublime! Our new clubs this year, such as Rocketry Club, fill the gaps of those that have become less popular, and could not happen without the enthusiasm and imagination of the teaching staff.

The Allen Grant competition continues to be a tradition of school life, and with Lake on a five-year winning streak, everyone wondered if they could be beaten! The hotly contested Sports

Day and Swimming Gala at the end of the year kept us guessing, but the trophy ended up in the hands of a welldeserving Lake.

Our partnership schemes are an embedded element of what we do, and the success of the new Sholing School partnership at Lovaton has gone ahead for a second year, along with regular clubs and reading schemes happening with Springhill RC, Wordsworth School, Highfield School and Nursling School. Alongside what we do during Endeavour and other occasions, we were delighted to welcome more schools for the recording of the ‘Children in Need’ choir at school last November. The mutual benefits of our partnership activities can not be underestimated, and our pupils are fully committed to these ventures.

Miss Smith Assistant Head (Co-curricular)

Endeavour Now in its sixth year, the Endeavour programme, has brought opportunities galore for development, with each year group focusing on a different area.

The First Year (Independence) had a fantastic time camping at Fairthorne Manor where they took part in a host of team-building activities. The Second Year (Confidence) were either abroad in Normandy, behind the lens doing a photography course, mastering heights, on a climbing trip or doing watersports in Dorset. The Third Year

(Collaboration) were either involved in the Battlefields trip, a Dragons’ Den style task, on a cookery course, or team building at Woodmill and SWAC. The Fourth Year’s focus (Community) had many of them engaged in a range of partnership activities at Hill Lane and Wellington working with local primary schools, whilst others engaged in Duke of Edinburgh expeditions or contributed to conservation work.

Another group travelled to Croyde to try their hand at surfing. The Lower

Sixth’s focus was on Self-Improvement.

The Sixth Form biologists and geographers carried out field work in Swanage whilst others took part in charity work, volunteering projects, work experience days or university open days. Many began researching their Extended Project Qualification.

Needless to say, the entire school community was kept busy!

Miss Smith Assistant Head (Co-curricular) 11

Trips & Visits Learning outside the classroom continues to be a recurrent theme, as the school community travels far and wide to experience and explore.

Last summer an Operation Wallacea expedition travelled to Ecuador and Galapagos, and we also had a very successful watersports trip to France. We played sport in Belfast, The Hague and India and had a high tech trip to Tokyo. The First Years all went to Tile Barn and the Fifth Years to Thorpe Park. Vietnam expedition training took place at Lovaton and the expedition itself set off in the summer. The Charlotte Exchange was a huge hit for the Third Years with KES going in the autumn and our American friends returning to us in the spring. Linguists went to Catalonia, Florence, Salamanca, Aachen and Andalucia, historians to Berlin and the Battlefields, geographers to Osmington Bay, Lulworth and Slapton. We skied in France and studied in CERN. And let’s not forget the plethora of one day trips all around the South of England looking and learning in new places. We never stop!

Thanks go once more to the staff who dedicate time away from home, friends and family to facilitate these trips, from which the pupils get so much.

Miss Smith Assistant Head (Co-curricular)

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Charities The Charities Commission has had another busy and enjoyable year hosting a variety of events, shows and stalls. We have raised money for a range of charities from local organisations, such as The Honeypot Children’s Charity, to national campaigns, such as ‘Children in Need’. Turnout to both Upper and Lower School Charities has been fantastic, with lots of new faces getting involved in fundraising.

We began the autumn term with the Toy Appeal Fun Run, where the whole of the First Year embarked upon a sponsored run around the School dressed as their favourite toy. All money raised went towards purchasing Christmas gifts for local disadvantaged children. There followed, later that term, a week of fundraising events prior to the live BBC filming of the ‘Children in Need’ Choir at the School. These included a Staff V Student dodge ball match, ‘Mr and Mrs’, live music and creative stalls. In December, the Summer Camp team ran the First Year Christmas Disco and the Sixth Form raised money for Save the Children by wearing festive jumpers. The Christmas stalls were a big hit selling handmade decorations, advent calendars, gingerbread men and presents.

The spring term opened with the Summer Camp’s ‘Battle of the Bands’ competition in January and was followed by the annual ‘triathlonathon’ which saw pupils manage to keep three exercise machines going constantly for twelve hours raising lots of money and heart rates! The ever-popular ‘Would I lie to You’ event returned for the Fifth Years and Sixth Formers and the traditional pancake sale took place on Shrove Tuesday. For Valentine’s Day, we organised a range of events in which all proceeds went towards the British Heart Foundation and bunches of wooden roses were sold prior to Mothering Sunday. The term ended with Easter stalls.

A Krispy Kreme doughnut sale kickstarted the summer term, with all money raised going towards Abby’s Heroes. The money raised from non-uniform day was donated to the Honeypot Children’s Charity and the charity mascot ‘Bumble’ was even able to visit and take part in lunchtime events. Members of the Charities Commission also ran the Charities Café at the Arts Festival and finished the year with the annual shoe collection for Sal’s Shoes ‘Toe to Toe’ campaign, which sends outgrown shoes to children in Africa.

“We have raised money for many different charities”

Miss McGinn Head of Charities

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Staff

Mr Thould was appointed as the Head of King Edward’s in April 2002 and for the past seventeen years has been a first rate educationalist, a tireless worker and a real figurehead for the School. During his tenure, he has overseen a significant amount of investment and building projects including the purchase of Wellington Sports Ground, Lovaton and Stroud School, and the development of many areas of the Hill Lane site, including the new Dobson Theatre and Atrium, Science and DT block, Music Recital Room, Dining Hall, Hospitality Suite and Fitness Suite, to name just a few. His passion for history has ensured he has continued to teach the First Year classes and he has accompanied many school trips to varying destinations. He has always engaged in the fun side of school life including abseiling through the Main Hall ceiling, playing guitar and having wet sponges thrown at him in the stocks. He will be moving to Cornwall and will spend time between there and his house in France. He has been an exceptional Head and we are all indebted to him for his unstinting service to King Edward’s.

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Mr Allen joined King Edward’s twenty nine years ago as an Assistant Master in charge of IT and developed the role, becoming Director of Communications and, subsequently, Assistant Head (Digital Strategy) in 2006. He has taught ICT, computing and Extended Studies and has introduced ipads, smart boards and wifi to the School. He has also been responsible for developments of all school IT systems including the website. His love of sailing has seen him an active member of the school sailing club as both a sailing and powerboat instructor. Mr Allen organised the first KES Swimming Gala and a number of other initiatives including the school KonnEctionS newsletter and reading scheme. We wish him well in his retirement.

Mr Griffin joined the School in 1990 after a career in the Royal Navy and retail. In his role as Head Caretaker, he has been responsible for the smooth running of many hundreds of school events as well as the normal daily operational functions of King Edward’s. He has seen the fabric of the School change in many ways over the past three decades including the building of the DT block, the refurbishment of the science laboratories and the transformation of the Dobson Theatre. John has been tireless in his efforts to maintain an excellent standard of service delivery and he leaves behind him a great legacy. We all wish him the very best for a productive retirement.

Mr Wood joined the School in 1983 and his two-term temporary post subsequently turned into a 35-year teaching career. For twenty years he was Head of Rugby, he has been a rugby and hockey coach, and for fifteen years organised the annual Sports Day. He has led the Junior House sports programme, managed the PE syllabus and taught First Year maths as well as being a tutor across the year groups. He also worked within the Careers Department as GAP year Coordinator for a number of years. He has participated in many overseas sports tours and for twenty years has organised the school ski trip. We wish him all the best as he leaves the School.

Reverend Poppleton started at King Edward’s in 1989 as a teacher of A Level Geography and RE. Between 1999 and 2002 he trained for ordination at Sarum College during which time he was a Lay Chaplain, becoming the School Chaplain in 2002 and Stroud School Chaplain in 2012. He has been a Lower School and Sixth Form tutor, has managed all assemblies and services, has pioneered the PSHE programme, set up community projects, run film studies, and been involved in many co-curricular projects; all whilst being a source of support for countless KES pupils and staff. He is greatly loved in the school community and will be sadly missed.

Mrs Thould joined the staff in 2008 and soon became a teacher of curriculum support with responsibilities in investigating potential learning difficulties, helping students with special educational needs or disabilities to access the curriculum, supporting teaching staff, liaising with parents in providing reasonable adjustments for their child, providing study skills and handwriting support, and managing special arrangements in exams. She has made a huge impact on the department and her ceaseless diplomacy, courtesy and empathy have made her popular with staff, students and parents alike. She will be much missed and we wish her well in her new ventures.

Mr Collins joined the school as Head of Mathematics in 2009. In his six years in the role, he was able to restructure the leadership of the department and introduced visiting speakers to our high achieving students by starting up the Mathematical Society. Since stepping down from the Head of Maths role four years ago, Mr Collins has continued to work part-time and his contribution has been considerable. He has also been involved in the running of both the Table Tennis Club and Chess Club alongside his teaching responsibilities.

We wish him a happy retirement.

Mrs Duke joined King Edward’s in September 2010 as a valuable member of the nursing team. Along with the other staff, she delivered high quality nursing care and health information to pupils and first aid to all members of the school community. She managed the Medical Room for a year during a period of maternity leave, and has covered many wet Saturday rugby fixtures, dealing with sporting injuries.

She ran the First Aid Club and was also instrumental in ensuring the First Year pupils were taught basic life support within the Extended Studies programme. We wish her well as she leaves us to train as a veterinary nurse.

Ms Kirk joined King Edward’s in June 2014 as PA to the Assistant Head (Registrar) and quickly made her mark in the Admissions Department. During her time she has refined and streamlined the admissions paperwork and assisted with all aspects of the admission process at 11+, 13+ and 16+.

Miss Longman joined the HR Department as HR Assistant at King Edward’s and Stroud in January 2016. She was central in helping to develop HR processes at both schools and was instrumental in developing a programme of staff development for non-teaching staff.

Mr Dear joined in October 2001. Over the past eighteen years, he has worked as the School’s Maintenance Technician across all the school properties and been responsible for the upkeep and presentation of the building fabric.

Mr Mason joined King Edward’s in 2005 as the part-time Theatre and Lighting Technician. He ensured the efficient day-to-day running of the Drama Department’s technical facilities, as well as the storage and maintenance of all the props and set equipment.

Ms Anderson came to the School in 2014 and immediately established herself as a driven, dedicated and talented teacher. She had a huge impact on the Music Department, working, in particular, with the Chamber Choir and the Symphony Orchestra. Ms Anderson is a talented musician and has taught Music and Music Technology to A Level and has a knowledge and passion for the subject. She also took on the role of Assistant Director of Studies ensuring the smooth running of the invigilation schedule and helping with the creation of the timetable. We wish her the very best in her new role as she leaves us to take up a position at another leading independent school.

Mr Shadbolt joined the Physics Department in 2015. He quickly established himself as a popular and capable teacher and has also involved himself in co-curricular activities including the Running Club and Summer Camp.

Mr Jennings joined King Edward’s in September 2018 to teach English. He has rejuvenated the Debating Society and started up a KES newspaper, The Bugle, alongside his teaching timetable.

Mrs Kairis joined in 2015 as a member of the Religious Studies Department. She soon also became involved in the Charities Commission and was a very valued member of the Summer Camp team.

Mr Garnett came to us as Head of Drama in September and although his stay with us was brief, we are grateful for the impact he had on drama at King Edward’s in his short time here.

Mr Hill joined the IT Support team for the 2018-2019 academic year for the sandwich work-placement component of his degree studies at Portsmouth University and has been an asset to the IT team within his role as Web and IT Support Technician.

Mrs Roy joined King Edward’s in September 2018 as maternity cover for Mrs Gunton. She has taught English up to IGCSE level, and has done so with energy and enthusiasm.

Mrs Songhurst joined in January 2018 and worked across the two schools within her role as Marketing and Development Officer. Although based primarily at Stroud School, she also spent time at King Edward’s where she helped to maintain and develop the new website content and devise a new Marketing Strategy.

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Founded 1553

KING EDWARD VI SCHOOL

SOUTHAMPTON Wilton Road Southampton SO15 5UQ

Tel 023 8070 4561 Email enquiries@kes.hants.sch.uk www.kes.hants.sch.uk