Annual Review 2020 by King Edward VI School

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KING EDWARD VI SCHOOL SOUTHAMPTON

ANNUAL REVIEW 2020 Contents

Head’s Report Neal Parker looks back on another successful year for King Edward’s

Chair’s Report The Chair of Governors, Alan Morgan, gives an update on new faces and new buildings at King Edward’s

Culture The latest news surrounding drama, music and art at King Edward’s

Sport & Co-Curricular Activities and achievements in the past year

Charities, Trips & Visits At home and away

Staff Welcomes, moves and farewells

ANNUAL REVIEW 2020

Head’s Report The academic year 2019/20 will no doubt go down in King Edward’s history. A year of unprecedented disruption and difficulty, but also one which demonstrated beyond doubt the enduring resilience of the organisation and the individuals within it who make up our school community. Pupils, staff, parents and governors were all tested to a degree unknown of in living memory. It has been a source of immense pride and satisfaction to see how these challenges have been met: with determination; with optimism and with immense skill. As Head of King Edward’s, I cannot express enough my thanks and gratitude to everybody who played their role in facing up to COVID-19. To our teachers who adapted to remote learning within a matter of days. To the pupils, who endured being isolated and grasped, nevertheless, the opportunities still possible during lockdown. To the non-teaching staff, who worked tirelessly to adapt our technology, site and support functions to a new, and more difficult, reality. To our parents, who supported the school enthusiastically, and made us smile when times were tough. To our governors, without whose expertise and time we could not have endured. To my colleagues on the KES and Stroud Senior Leadership Teams, who have worked together to make decisions of huge significance, often with little external guidance, and in response to an ever changing picture. Because of this unprecedented sense of community spirit and teamwork, the school remains in good health for the coming year. Our pupil roll for September is 960, with a number of additional late entrants seeking to join us in the coming weeks. The site has been made ready for a full return, and we can begin a new academic year confident that our remote provision allowed our pupils to continue to flourish academically, pastorally and in their co-curricular pursuits.

achieving A* to B grades. As a result of these outstanding results, 87% of our leavers gained admittance to one of the prestigious ‘top 25’ UK universities. At GCSE, 79% of our Fifth Year pupils earned an A* or A grade (or the numerical equivalent), with 93% achieving an A*-B.

But I do not want the last academic year to be defined purely by COVID-19. There has been too much wonderful activity and endeavour for us to allow this scar to dominate the year, or my report.

In sports, the sheer numbers of pupils participating in competitive sport was a pleasure to witness. Despite sometimes difficult weather conditions, a full season was possible in the autumn term for rugby and girls’ hockey, and the spring term saw the pupils engaged with boys’ hockey and girls’ netball. There were truly too many highlights to mention; individual and team performances, which brought joy to the parents and staff watching, and much satisfaction to the pupils. But perhaps most impressive was the progress to the National Top 10 made by the senior hockey teams for both girls and boys. As the new Head at KES, I was perhaps more aware than the pupils of the enormous amount of work behind their collective sporting successes. Not only in the expert coaching that our pupils receive from their teachers and coaches, but also in the preparation of stunning pitches both at Hill Lane and, especially, Wellington. Whatever the elements threw at us, our grounds staff overcame them to make for fabulous conditions to develop as young sports men and women.

Of course, this year was highly unusual for those pupils sitting public examinations. As the formal examination season was abandoned, so the school was required to create ‘Centre Assessed Grades’ and rank orders for every pupil, based on previous performance and progress. Everybody will be aware of the twists and turns in the subsequent changes to government policy as the results days approached. However, it is vital to remember that the grades achieved by our pupils remain as valid and credible as in any other year, and in fact reflect not only their ability to perform at the end of their course under exam conditions, but their consistent performance over two academic years. It is within this context that I am delighted to congratulate our pupils on some wonderful results. At A Level, 63% of all grades awarded at KES were A* or A, with 88% 2

Until the School was required to lockdown and become ‘remote’, just before the Easter break, the academic year had also been full of wider inspiration and effort.

I have been similarly impressed by the professional facilities available to our arts students – and the fantastic Dobson Theatre in particular. This was showcased by some utterly captivating performances of ‘West Side Story’ in November. It looked professional, it sounded professional, it was a profound joy to behold, and sold out each night to an appreciative audience. Mrs Gilmour’s direction was innovative and bold, and the complex music and dance numbers were flawlessly executed, thanks to the musical direction of Miss Forsey and the choreography of Miss Barnett. I have no doubt that the experience will live long in the memory of the cast and crew, just as it will for those lucky members of the school community who were in the audience. Another key event in the calendar is the annual Carol Service, held in December at Romsey Abbey. The choirs and Chamber Orchestra, as well as a packed congregation, made this a memorable start to the festivities. In such a setting, and with such beautiful music, it was a truly special evening. It is a mark of our school that there is so much co-curricular activity happening all of the time, and this is reported on elsewhere within this Annual Review. Clubs and activities, trips and visits – these are priceless elements of a KES education, giving the pupils confidence, and allowing them to flourish outside the classroom, in turn boosting their progress with their academic studies. But we are also keenly aware of our responsibilities to the wider local, national and international community. Rightly, therefore, charitable and community work remains a core part of our ethos and values. A new partnership with the Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association provided some moving moments, as our older students joined together with local children living with Down syndrome, teaching and learning from their new friends in equal measure. We also maintained our Summer Camp links with local young carers, and made significant donations to Children in Need, the Australian Bushfire Relief Charities and a range of other local and more distant charitable groups. These initiatives, co-ordinated by our Charities Commission,

were organised by KES students determined to offer help to those less fortunate than themselves. They represent the very best of our school values. I would like to record my personal thanks, and those of the school, to the Upper Sixth leavers, and in particular to the student leadership team. The Head of School, Sam Thompson, was hugely kind and helpful to me in my first year, ably assisted by deputies Eleanor Dunlop, Gus Berry, Stephanie Judd and Arev Melikyan. They, and the wider team of prepositors and prefects, served the school with distinction and aplomb! As with any academic year, it is a source of sadness that a number of staff left us to pursue new paths for the coming year. It is particularly sad that these colleagues were not able to receive a proper farewell due to lockdown, and so it is my pleasure in this review to place on record my thanks to them for their service to the school, in many cases over many years. Mr Coundley retired from the school’s History Department in May, having completed nearly 31 years’ service. Mrs Sheridan also retired at the end of the academic year, having worked in the D&T department for the past 5 years. Mrs Wood retired from the school after 13 years’ service, most recently as the Head’s PA and for the past year the Registrar’s PA.

of Southampton and, finally, Miss Cadle-Hartridge departed the library staff to develop her career. These valued colleagues have served the school with great distinction and we are all enormously grateful for their impressive contribution to King Edward’s. The academic year 2019/20 may have been difficult, unique and unprecedented but this school community rose to and met the challenge head on, and this bodes well for the coming years.

NT Parker Head

In addition, a number of colleagues moved on to new posts away from King Edward’s. Dr Green left the Chemistry Department in February to pursue a career outside of teaching in the Emergency Response Department at Public Health England. Mr Jepson, Head of Languages, returned to full time education to study for a Masters in translation at the University of Bath. Miss McGregor will be teaching at Reigate Grammar School for the coming year, having worked at KES for the past 3 years. Miss Rieuf relocated back to southern Europe after 2 years in the Spanish Department. Dr Filtness has moved to St Swithun’s School as their new Head of History. Mr Field completed his 1 year-fixed term contract as teacher of RS and will be returning to higher education. Mrs Chen moved on to continue her teacher training at the University 3

Head of School

Chair’s Report What an incredible seven years it has been. I leave King Edward’s with countless fond memories and wondering how the time has gone so fast. Looking back, I’m thankful that I took advantage of the opportunities KES granted me. Would I have ever been able to release a song on Spotify with my band if not for the help of Rock Academy and the annual Battle of the Bands competition? Or been able to represent Hampshire at rugby if not for the hours of coaching from Mr Powell and the whole Sports Department? Would I have ever imagined I could take part in a musical such as ‘West Side Story’ without the encouragement and helping hand of all my teachers?

“we will all miss being a part of the KES family.”

But that is the sort of progress that KES never fails to facilitate. It has helped us through every step of the journey in order that we can look back and feel proud of our time here. I speak on behalf of our year group when saying how immensely grateful we are to every member of staff. The sorrow caused by our abrupt departure is a testament to the school’s brilliance and we will all miss being a part of the KES family.

Sam Thompson Head of School

This is my third report as Chair, but this time reflecting on a year in our schools, which is surely unprecedented in our long history. I refer, of course, to the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of an announcement by the Prime Minister of measures required to control the spread of the virus, our doors were closed on 20th March for the first time since the war years. We immediately switched to providing a programme of remote teaching for our pupils using ‘Zoom’ technology, which was progressively enhanced during the following 10 weeks when pupils were not allowed on site. Through June, we began to welcome pupils back on a phased return basis, first at Stroud and then, for the last 4 weeks of term, a small cohort of pupils at King Edward’s. All A Level and GCSE examinations were cancelled and our teaching staff needed to prepare ‘centreassessed grades’ for every pupil in every subject, supported by detailed evidence – a huge task. We did not know until August how important these centre-assessed grades were to become. Throughout this huge period of uncertainty, I have been hugely impressed and humbled by the amazing teamwork displayed by everyone in our community. Our pupils and staff adapted quickly to their ‘new normal’ - not without some teething difficulties but demonstrating, throughout, the goodwill and resilience for which our schools are well-known. Our parent body has been hugely supportive, despite their own lives being turned upside down by the far-reaching effects of this pandemic. Our non-teaching staff have dedicated huge amounts of time in keeping all our IT systems running, and managing the many adverse financial consequences caused by the pandemic. We have applied ourselves to the production of personal protective equipment using our own technology and have worked diligently to create an environment which is as safe as possible for our returning pupils and staff. All this has been managed by the Senior Leadership Teams at both schools who have worked tirelessly to manage the many and various

challenges along the way and I would like to pay special tribute to Mr Parker, in his first year as Head of King Edward’s, and Mr Worrall, in his last year at Stroud. Both have done an outstanding job for the schools and I am sure I speak for our whole community in thanking them most sincerely for their outstanding leadership during these difficult times. I would also like to recognise formally the contribution of our governors throughout the period of lockdown. A number have dedicated a huge amount of time supporting the many difficult decisions required on a weekly basis, despite suffering pressures within their own businesses and personal lives. We are fortunate to be able to call on so many talented individuals with a wealth of experience who provide their advice willingly, and at no cost, to the schools. It will be no surprise that in the last year, both schools have lost a considerable amount of revenue, primarily due to fee discounts, and incurred substantial additional costs. Indeed, both would have suffered a deficit in the past year had it not been for the Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention (furlough) scheme. This will continue into the next financial year when further disruption is likely and, of course, for the most part, the furlough scheme will not be available to us. The governors and Senior Leadership Teams have had to make some really tough choices, balancing the very real pressures experienced by many of our parents, against our undoubted duty to protect the longer-term viability of our schools. These decisions have been addressed diligently and conscientiously and I am happy to confirm that our schools remain in a strong position to address the inevitable challenges ahead.

We were also successful in our application for planning permission for a slightly larger building for Key Stage 2 at Stroud, and work commenced on this project in the first few months of this year. Despite all the challenges, the new building was completed on time for the start of term and it represents an important step in our 10-year plan of upgrading and refurbishment on the site which has already had a significant impact on its presentation and efficiency. Alongside these major developments, there have been numerous other smaller projects on all 4 of our sites, together with the huge workload required in preparing our schools for re-opening. I would like to thank our Director of Operations, Mr Baker, and his team for their outstanding contribution to our schools in addressing an everchanging environment with both skill and ingenuity! 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, 3 new governors were appointed. I would like to record formally my thanks to all the governors who have retired this year and, in particular, to Dr Buchanan who had given exemplary service to our schools for some 21 years. The Board has been fortunate to enjoy his wise counsel over many years and he will be missed. The desire to support a greater range of bursaries so that able pupils can attend our schools regardless of their financial means, remains a key objective of the governing body. 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 donors for their support.

Finally, I cannot conclude this report without mentioning Mr Worrall’s departure, after 5 years as Head of Stroud. There is no doubt that every facet of Stroud has been transformed during his leadership, and he leaves an outstanding legacy to his successor. He and his wife, who has also been a key member of staff, have been ever-present at the school’s flagship events, theatrical and concert performances and sports matches, and they have represented Stroud with distinction both within the local community and beyond. We wish them well for their next adventure as Mr Worrall takes on his new challenge at a school in China. We are now looking forward to welcoming our new Head, Mrs Smith, who joins us from St Swithun’s in Winchester where she has been Head of the Junior School. In truth, this feels more like her ‘coming home’ after enjoying two previous periods of successful employment in the school, most recently as our Deputy Head. The governors are looking forward to working with her 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 robust, and we are very well placed to weather any further storms which may come our way in the years ahead. We will continue to manage our resources carefully, placing our pupils at the centre of everything we do, and we will always strive to deliver excellence in the broad educational experience which we deliver. I remain grateful for the support of every member of our community which is the foundation for our every success.

Alan Morgan

Chair of Governors

In the last year, much of our capital programme has been deferred to preserve our cash. The major building project for the summer of 2019 was the extension and modernisation of our library facilities at Hill Lane. This was completed in time for the beginning of the school year and the new library space has proved to be exceptionally popular with our students.

Academic Progress The academic results this year were very pleasing with 100% of King Edward’s students passing their A Levels, with 33% of grades at A*, 63% at A* and A, and 88% at A*, A and B, matching our results over the past five years in spite of significant disruption following the cancellation of exams. This impressive set of results enabled 87% of our students to take up places at one of the UK’s top 25 universities (including Russell Group and medical schools). Over 97% of applicants proceeded to either their first or second choice of HE institution. IGCSE and GCSE results were also very encouraging. 99.8% of IGCSE and GCSEs were awarded at grade C / 4 or above, with 79% of all grades at A* and A / 9 to 7. 93% of all grades were awarded at A*, A or B / 9 to 6. 99.4% 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 2020 Percentage

50 40 30 20 10 0

A Level Grades

GCSE Results 2020 (Alpha grades) Percentage

50 40 30 20 10 0

IGCSE and GCSE Grades

GCSE Results 2020 (Numerical grades) Percentage

50 40 30 20 10 0

IGCSE and GCSE Grades 6

“It has been a strange year for all of us”

KES PTA It has been a strange year for all of us, including the KES PTA and very much a ‘game of two halves’. Looking back to the first part of the year feels somewhat surreal and disconnected but we were in school and getting on with things! We started this academic year full of optimism. At the AGM, officers were re-elected and we had a presentation from the Head about the school’s plan for some exciting site developments. In particular, we heard about the proposed new garden between the Astro pitches and the Hill Lane boundary. The AGM voted to take on part of the funding for the garden (as the PTA’s major project contribution) and very much look forward to further plans and updates when they are available. The KES PTA officers are Tracey Jesney (Treasurer), Kara Congreve (Chair of the Social Committee) and Katy Jones (Chair of OBNO). Cath Judah continues in her role as Secretary and we are grateful for the ongoing support from the school.

The Edwardian Society

The Social Committee introduced a coffee morning for new parents during pre-season training sessions, and the ever-popular Parents’ Wine Tasting evening and the Quiz Night both went ahead very successfully and were enjoyed by all those who attended. OBNO had a quieter year but the new shop provides a more spacious environment for all. A card payment facility was introduced and prices were raised slightly to be in line with Stevensons and to try and raise as much money as possible from the current uniform stock. The OBNO team were extremely grateful to KES staff who hosted sales for new parents, without which we would not have been able to supply new parents with uniform or raise funds. Donations of games kit is still much needed. We were delighted to have input into the new uniform consultations.

wellbeing of all involved in our community. They have continued to pray for all involved with KES in these trying times. Financially, it has been a quiet year as it was agreed to pause donations to clubs and societies in order to focus on the proposed garden. However, we were pleased to have been able to help with contributions towards the Beekeeping Club, the History Department and the Music Department. A huge thank you to the teams who have organised events and OBNO and also to Mr Parker who took on the task of this year’s quizmaster with both aplomb and success! With all this behind us, we are very much looking forward to another year with KES PTA!

Mr Congreve

Chair of KES PTA The Prayer Group continued to meet in schools and homes (while this was still possible) to pray for the physical, emotional and spiritual

The OE social calendar began in the autumn term with a superb turnout for the 10-year reunion for the Class of 2009. This was followed by another well-supported event in January when we welcomed back a large number of 1994 and 1995 OE leavers for their 25-year anniversary get-together. In mid-March, just prior to the start of the lockdown, the school organised a London Universities Dinner at King’s College, London. Little did we realise that, due to circumstances, this would be the last social event of the academic year. Sadly, for the first time in 22 years, we had to cancel this year’s planned Poole Veterans’ Luncheon and the same fate awaited the scheduled Capon Club Dinner and 40-year reunion for the Class of 1980, both due to take place in June. The majority of the OE sporting events happen in the spring and summer months so, unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic put paid to the OE netball, hockey and cricket matches. However, in September, to open the 2019/2020 sporting season, a team of OE footballers took on the KES current 1st XI for

a friendly but competitive match at Wellington. Despite being a high quality game, the fitness and skill of the KES players resulted in a 3-1 victory for the school. Even during the school closure in the spring and summer terms, we continued to hear news from our alumni, many of whom played key roles within the NHS and other frontline roles during the pandemic. Members of the OE community continue to hold pivotal roles within their work and home communities and wider society in general. We are proud of each and every one of them for the hard work and commitment that they demonstrate to their chosen professions and individual causes.

Ms Hooper

Development Officer

Drama This year the Drama Department was very proud to be able to bring the award winning, challenging and heart-felt musical ‘West-Side Story’ to the Dobson Theatre stage. The production was a true example of a symbiotic relationship with the close collaboration of the Music, Dance and Drama departments, all working together to bring out the best of performances from KES’s highly talented students. The play has many difficult and challenging elements, blending the complex music and choreography with the heart wrenching narrative. The multi-faceted themes of love and violence, on the backdrop of immigration and racism issues, underscore the production and make this play very relevant for a contemporary audience. Cast members went through a process of characterisation development in order to create and produce realistic performances and bring this production to life. Credit must be given to Henry Gwilliam and Ellie Dunlop who both performed the lead romantic roles of Tony and Maria with breath-taking elegance and authenticity sweeping the audience into their magical, forbidden romance. Sam Thompson and Arev Melikyan took on the challenging roles of the hot-blooded leaders of the rival gangs (the Jets and Sharks) and they produced sizzling volatile tension. The vibrant, energetic performances produced from the whole cast were outstanding and everyone on and off stage worked tirelessly, and with combined commitment, to enable this production to be unanimously appreciated by the packed out audience.

“The production was a true example of a symbiotic relationship”

Art It was with much regret that two further planned productions had to be postponed due to the outbreak of COVID-19. Much effort and hard work had already gone into the preparation of the ‘The Crucible’ and ‘Annie’, which we hope to see brought to stage in the not too distant future. The Drama Department has been pleased to support the curriculum with live theatre opportunities. A Level students have attended Kneehigh’s zany thought-provoking ‘Ubu’ in Shoreditch and the GCSE students attended ‘The Woman in Black’ at the Nuffield. The Fourth and Fifth Years also saw the spectacular production of ‘Warhorse’ at Wembley and the whole of the Third Year was treated to the award winning musical ‘Come from away’ at the Phoenix Theatre on the West End. During lockdown and the time of remote learning, GCSE and pre A Level students had the exciting experience of working with the world renowned Commedia dell’Arte expert, Dr Corinna di Niro. She kindly delivered bespoke workshops for KES students live from Australia providing a fantastic enriching opportunity. The inaugural annual drama competition ‘The Eddies’ was launched in May. The event was run remotely with filmed entries being sent in for judging. The high standard of performances once again showcased the fantastic performing talent found at KES.

Mrs Gilmour

Head of Drama

The Art Department is a wonderful vibrant, fun, kind and creative environment in which our students can thrive and flourish. The studio’s open plan design encourages a wide range of flexibility in what we are able to teach. This year the First Years learned to master the basics of understanding and using tone and perspective before experimenting with sculpture. The Second and Third years looked at a huge plethora of artists and techniques from around the world. The GCSE classes have been wonderfully busy creating pieces around topics such as natural forms and working on impressive scales and in a wide range of materials. The A Level photographers have been extremely impressive with assignments ranging from ‘outskirts’ and ‘Brexit - the political landscape’ to portraits depicting mental health. The artists used drypoint and large charcoal drawings for their coursework before the lockdown curtailed their final examination preparatory work. After school the department is also typically busy with as many as sixty students catching up with work or enjoying the opportunity to be creative outside of formal lessons. Mrs Moxon’s primary school partnership sessions have provided a wonderful opportunity for these younger children to expand their art provision and Miss McGinn’s Character Design Club is always popular with the Lower School. Their monoprints, produced in reaction to the wildfire destruction in Australia, were particularly noteworthy. We have enjoyed having Mrs Sheridan in the department taking ceramic classes. Her Foundation

Music Studies lessons have been both fun and extremely creative with the Upper Sixth students loving the process of throwing on the wheel. In February, we hosted the third Peter Folkes Prep School competition with entries from nine local prep schools as well as showing a selection of our own students’ work. The Third Year students had a wonderful day out at the Harry Potter Studios. The journey from page to screen involves so many layers of creativity and it was fantastic to see the original artwork and sets that made the films such a global success. The COVID-19 pandemic came just as our GCSE and A Level students were finishing their exam preparation but we will look forward to a point in the future when we can gather all their work together to celebrate everything they have produced.

Mr Piggott Head of Art

The musical year at KES featured a jam-packed programme full of concerts, workshops, performance opportunities, visiting speakers, trips and visits. At the start of the autumn term, GCSE and A Level classes enjoyed trips to the Royal Opera House before we welcomed West End performer of ‘Les Misérables’, Rebecca Lafferty, for a workshop with our leading ‘West Side Story’ cast members. Next came a visit from concert pianist Dr Carrasco, discussing her career and sharing her experiences with our music scholars, captains and GCSE students, and the first of our regular series of ‘Music While You Lunch’ concerts. In October, we were delighted to welcome the London Mozart Players, and young musicians from local primary and prep schools, for a fantastic day of workshops and rehearsals, culminating in an inspiring concert by the brilliant combined orchestra. Over 50 pupils were involved in the spectacular production of ‘West Side Story’ at the end of term and there were outstanding performances from the cast, whilst our KES musicians skilfully mastered the fiendishly difficult musical score. Before the term was out, we enjoyed the annual Carol Service at Romsey Abbey. With a combined choir of over 150, the Abbey was filled with joyful singing with the rousing congregational carols, accompanied by the superb Chamber Orchestra. After such a busy term filled with all manner of musical delights, the KES Sixth Form rounded it off with a trip to London to see Tchaikovsky’s ‘Nutcracker’ at The Coliseum.

The annual music competition took place early in the spring term with a host of highly polished performances from across the school community. It was a sheer delight to hear courageous, engaging and captivating performances across a wide range of instruments. The Grade VIII+ category was won by Edward, for his performance of Chopin’s Etude No.5 in Gb major. Musical passions turned to a different genre with the annual Battle of the Bands. Fun, fresh and full of energy the standard was extremely high with 404 Not Found being worthy winners. Our younger musicians sparkled at the Junior Spring Concert, with performances from soloists through to Swing Band, Sinfonia and First Year Choir. It was exciting to see the rising stars of tomorrow. The Senior Spring Concert provided another highlight to the KES music calendar as over 90 of the school’s most talented musicians took to the stage. The evening was a platform for our elite soloists, chamber ensembles and, of course, fantastic Symphony and Chamber Orchestras. It was, as ever, a bitter sweet event celebrating farewell performances from our leavers and giving us cause to cherish what a stunning community of musicians we have.

Miss Forsey

Director of Creative Arts and Head of Music

“The musical year at KES featured a jam-packed programme” 9

Sport won 8 out of 11 and the 1st team achieved the most impressive set of results with 12 wins and 1 draw from 14 games against some outstanding schools. They also won the Seaford Invitational Tournament. The U14s and U16s both impressed at the county cups with the U16s qualifying for regionals where they came agonisingly close to progressing to a national final.

In a year that has been sadly cut short, there is still much to report on. In rugby, the 1st XV showed impressive commitment to compete against teams that were usually bigger and faster whilst, amongst the younger teams, the U15A team won 80% of their matches and the U12A won over half of their games. Other year groups also impressed in many matches. There was success in both boys’ and girls’ hockey. The numbers continue to develop and this year the boys’ U12 age group fielded A-F teams. There were a number of notable wins on a very tough circuit and some impressive results in the cup competitions. The U18 girls’ and U18 boys’ squads both reached the National Top 10 and the U15 and U16 boys’ teams reached the last 16 of the National Cup. The U14 boys went through to the regional heats whilst the U14 girls progressed to the regional quarter-finals and the U13 boys to the regional finals. Indoor hockey continues to thrive and for the first time ever all four KES teams were seeded in the south competition. The boys’ teams competed in the regional heats but it was the girls who excelled this year, with both the U16 and U18 teams reaching the south finals. The netballers also had an excellent season. Fielding 20 teams, KES provides for all levels of ability. The U14D, U16A and U18D sides all achieved a 100% win record. The U12s had a good first season and the U13s showed the benefit of the Belfast trip with a much improved set of results on last year. The U14A side won 7 out of 8, the U15A team 10

Sadly, the summer sporting calendar was cancelled - this was even more of a pity after a lot of hard work in the cricket nets throughout the dark winter months. The footballers managed to compete well this season putting in some good team performances. We look forward to next year when we will be entering both a 1st and 2nd XI in the county league. A number of KES students are competing at the very highest levels of their chosen sporting discipline. There are sailors involved in the GB programme, swimmers and hockey players competing at a national level, rugby, hockey and cricket players playing at county or academy level and netballers in the performance pathways. Our elite performer programme continues to grow to support these athletes. This year, it was pleasing to see the introduction of physical elite performance training for our young scholars as they set out on the road towards excellence.

Mr Kent

Director of Sport

Co-Curricular It has been another busy year in the co-curricular life of KES. Always keen to get involved and give their all, our pupils have had amazing experiences with 115 clubs running at some point in the year. A huge variety exists, from Character Design Club, to the ever-elusive Cactus Club, and we were delighted that the bees returned to the school roof once again! Rockets were launched, trampolines bounced upon, ballet danced, languages spoken, debates fought, scones baked, and laughter and smiles were seen throughout. The lockdown did not deter us; the array of online and virtual clubs continued to give pupils a real range of experience. We had virtual House challenges, an online space camp group, Engineering Club, German Club, sports challenges, and so the list went on. We had bake-offs, juggling competitions and superhero videos – activities were many and varied. The Allen Grant Trophy competition was a little curtailed, as we had no Sports Day or Swimming Gala. However, on the basis of the year’s events so far, and with the addition of the merits from the summer term, we saw a break from the recent past, and Lake’s dominance, to see the prowess of Reynolds shine through as they were awarded the trophy for the 2019/20 academic year. As always, we have seen staff filled with enthusiasm and imagination for the weird, wonderful and downright enjoyable. We are really looking forward to all being back on site to let the adventures continue.

Miss Smith Assistant Head (Co-curricular)

Trips & Visits learning about Freud and attending a mock court. The Art Department visited the Harry Potter Studios and there have been numerous MFL and English visits to theatre and cinema, whilst our musicians and drama students have made the most of the rich culture available to them both on the doorstep and further afield.

Even though this was a curtailed year, an incredible number of trips and visits did still take place. The year started with the teambuilding and activities day at Tile Barn for the First Years that helped them get to know their new classmates. This year group have also benefited from a wide range of visits as part of the Extended Studies programme; Winchester Cathedral, Portchester Castle and a mosque visit stand out. The benefits of subject specific visits to support curriculum learning are many and this academic year has boasted a busy programme of day trips. The classicists visited the Ashmolean Museum and the Latinists visited Bath, a number of D&T students had the opportunity to visit the INEOS America’s Cup base, and textiles students sought inspiration at the headquarters of fashion label Belstaff. Physicians attended the ‘Physics LIVE’ event, Second Year geographers paid their annual visit to the Living Rainforest and Sixth Form psychology students travelled to London for a day

Students have enjoyed a number of residential trips. On the sporting front, the U13 netballers travelled to Belfast in October for a very successful training week, whilst the U15 and U16 boys’ hockey players prepared for their seasons with an excellent week in Holland. The Silver and Gold DofE expeditions occurred without drama as our students continue to push themselves in this excellent scheme. The Charlotte Exchange, once again, saw a group of KES students enjoying their experience of the Charlotte Country Day School in North Carolina whilst their exchange partners were busy on the return leg to the UK. The Third Year historians had a very thought-provoking visit to the battlefields of WWI, whilst the linguists visited Paris and Salamanca, and the economists joined forces with the Fifth Year historians for a highly informative trip to Berlin. Sadly, the Berlin and Salamanca trips were the final ones to leave our gates before everything shut down. As a school, we are grateful to those staff who have made all of these opportunities possible and we look forward, once again, to being able to go beyond the boundaries of SO15 and explore what the world has to offer.

Mr Kent and Miss Smith

Assistant Heads (Co-curricular)

Charities The autumn term began with the popular Toy Appeal Fun Run, when the First Years embarked upon a sponsored run around the Sports Hall dressed as their favourite toy. Over £1480 was raised which went towards purchasing Christmas gifts for local disadvantaged children. The first non-uniform day and Krispy Kreme doughnut sale raised over £1100 for Disability Challengers before the Lower School Charities Commission took the lead on ‘Children in Need’ raising over £300 by running events such as apple bobbing. In December, the Summer Camp team held the First Year Christmas Disco and the whole school wore Christmas jumpers to raise funds for Save the Children. The Commission’s Christmas stalls were once again a big hit selling bath bombs, advent calendars, gingerbread men and candy canes. Finally, over £1,285 was collected at the Carol Service at Romsey Abbey. This was donated to the Fairways Foundation. The spring term kicked off with Summer Camp’s very popular Battle of the Bands, which raised over £1,950 before, in February, the Charities Commission arranged a heart shaped lolly and rose delivery service leading up to their bake sale on Valentine’s Day. Over £900 was raised from these events and was donated to the Australian Bushfire Relief Charities. Leading up to lockdown the Commission sold Easter treats and made over £300. In April, £500 was donated to the Southampton Coronavirus Response Fund.

The idea from the outset was to create a friendship group, with KES students taking part in a number of the association’s activities throughout the year, culminating in a summer activity week hosted by King Edward’s. In October, pupils teamed up with the teen group at HMW Nelson, for an evening of dancing and socialising at the annual PDSA Halloween party. The evening was a huge success. This was followed, later in the academic year, by an outing to The Pyramids Centre in Portsmouth and the Red Spider Bouldering Centre! Everyone had a brilliant time and friendships continued to flourish.

“This academic year saw the start of our partnership with Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association.”

During lockdown, the Lower Sixth Charities Commission put together an awareness video to discuss charities that are close to their heart. They also encouraged KES students to be involved in the Great Charity Bake Off over the May half-term and all money raised went towards Water Aid. An on-line Quarantine Quiz also generated over £160 for the Society of St James whilst the proceeds from Mad Hair Day in June, went to Maggie’s Cancer Care Charity. The Commission is constantly trying to think of new ways to encourage everyone to remember those in need, whilst socially distancing. Additionally this year, members have designed their own school hoodies and eco-friendly coffee cups which will be sold for charity once students return to school.

Miss McGinn

Head of Charities

This academic year saw the start of our partnership with Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association.

Staff Mr Jepson joined King Edward’s in 2017 as Head of German. In 2018, he became Head of the Languages Faculty, overseeing a growth in A Level numbers, the expansion of the Linguistics Olympiad club, and leading the celebration of the European Day of Languages. He has organised numerous overseas trips and assisted with many DofE expeditions and is a talented and respected teacher. His departure is a loss to us, and the wider profession, as he leaves to undertake an MA in Interpreting and Translating. Mr Coundley began teaching history at King Edward’s in 1989. He possesses an encyclopaedic knowledge of the past and this, matched with a calm and deeply felt sense of responsibility for the pupils, has made him such a remarkable teacher to whom many former pupils are indebted. Beyond the classroom, he has been an academic and pastoral tutor, a hugely effective examinations administrator and organiser of Speech Day and the steward of the Senior Historical Society, which will be renamed The Coundley Historical Society. Mr Coundley leaves us with our very best wishes for a long and happy retirement.

Mrs Hurst joined the school in 2007 as a Data Administrator, becoming Data Manager in 2008. She was responsible for the school’s migration to iSAMS as its Management Information System (MIS), helped develop King Edward’s bus data management system (KETABUS) and expanded the team to three people. Since 2012, she has also dedicated a lot of her time to helping Stroud School with their data systems. She hosted several hugely successful iSAMS User days at KES and leaves us to take up a post with iSAMS as an Implementation Project Success Manager. She leaves with our best wishes and gratitude for all that she has done.

Dr Green began teaching chemistry at King Edward’s in 2010. She immediately impressed many, showing a great understanding of her subject and a desire to engage and enthuse her students. In addition to her classroom responsibilities, she became involved in many co-curricular activities, qualifying as a Silver trainer for Duke of Edinburgh expeditions. She possesses legendary organisational skills that she has used countless times organising departmental events including the Science and Technology festival. Dr Green is returning to work for Public Health England and will be much missed by her colleagues and her students.

Mrs Wood joined King Edward’s in August 2007 as a receptionist. In 2010 she became SMT Secretary and then in 2014, PA to the then Head, Julian Thould. She fulfilled this role for five years successfully juggling a multitude of tasks before taking on the role of Registrar’s PA in September 2019. She has been an active member of the Cactus Club and Byron Society and has participated in several school trips. She will be missed enormously but we wish her every happiness in her retirement.

Dr Filtness joined the school in 2012 fresh from postgraduate research at Cambridge. He threw himself into his role as teacher of history with admirable energy and a determination to do all that was needed to become an excellent teacher. He has always gone the extra mile for his pupils, is meticulously organised and has been innovative in his teaching methods. He has been a tutor, cricket coach, Gifted and Talented Co-ordinator and has managed US university admissions. We will miss his various talents immensely but wish him all the very best as he moves on to take up a role as Head of History.

Mrs Sheridan has been employed by the school on three separate occasions covering firstly for a sabbatical, and then for a longterm illness, before joining the department on a permanent basis. Her vast knowledge and understanding of the subject has meant that she has become a ‘go to’ source for staff, students and the wider school community. She has also been a stalwart of the school sailing club, has introduced ceramics, both as a club and at Sixth Form level and supported the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. She is a much loved colleague and will be sorely missed by us all. Miss McGregor joined the school in the summer of 2017 with a degree in Marine Biology. She has become known for her well-planned lessons and the effort she makes with students who may be struggling with Biology or Junior Science. Outside of the classroom, Miss McGregor has been involved in coaching netball and in many trips, including leading First Year Camp last year. She has also made a significant contribution to charities, especially Summer Camp. In her three years, she has continually developed her classroom practice and moves on to a new job, in a school closer to home, with our thanks and best wishes. Mr de-Zilva has been the backbone of music technology expertise within the Music Department over the last two years. His passion for music tech, and its value in the creative industry, has engaged pupils and inspired passion across his A Level classes. Not only has he been invaluable in imparting his expertise, guiding students through the music studio running and recording possibilities, he has also run the Music Tech Club each Friday. He has guided his pupils with a flair for composition and studio sounds with great care, patience and support. His enthusiasm will be greatly missed by all. Mrs Rayworth was employed as a receptionist in April 2016 and adapted extremely well to what is a very busy environment, remaining unfazed and calm regardless of the circumstances. In addition to meeting and greeting visitors and dealing with staff, pupil and parent enquiries, she has ensured that the important task of registration has been completed correctly every day. We wish her well as she leaves us to take early retirement.

Dr Karamitrou joined the Science Department as a Chemistry Technician in January 2018 and provided outstanding support to colleagues from her first day. She is wonderfully organised, has a highly conscientious attitude and a wonderful sense of humour. She left in the autumn term to take up a Fellowship post at Southampton University. We are grateful for the time she spent with us and wish her all the very best in the future. Mrs Miah joined the school two years ago and quickly established herself as an incredibly hardworking individual. She worked tirelessly to organise the Junior Science laboratories as well as the prep room. Her friendly persona and general positivity will certainly be missed and all our best wishes go with her as she starts her new career, training as a Pharmacy Assistant. Mrs Planner joined the nursing team in April 2019 bringing a wealth of experience from her orthopaedic nurse specialist role in the NHS. She was well-liked by members of staff and pupils alike and, although she was only with us a short time, will be sorely missed. She will hopefully return to KES as a member of the bank staff when needed. Mrs Russell joined King Edward’s as the Head’s PA in September 2019 having moved to the south coast with her family from her home up north. Despite being new to the area and the school, she coped extraordinarily well with the challenges of what is a notoriously busy term whilst learning a brand new role. Due to personal reasons, Mrs Russell left at the end of the autumn term with our best wishes and thanks for her hard work. Mrs Chen leaves us after just one year to pursue her teaching training at Southampton University. We wish her all the best and thank her for assisting with classes this year. Miss Rieuf joined the Languages Department in September 2018 as an NQT. In her first year she taught mainly Spanish but moved to teach several French classes in her second year. She is an approachable, creative and open-minded tutor and teacher and has taken part in several language trips during her time at KES. She was also involved in Duke of Edinburgh expeditions to the New Forest. Miss Rieuf is a fantastic linguist and leaves KES with plans to move to sunnier and hotter climates. We wish her all the best in her new endeavours.

Staff Internal changes There have been a number of internal staff changes within school. Mrs Lane becomes Head of RS and Miss Downing becomes Head of Chemistry. Mr Sinclair has been appointed Head of Modern Languages and Mrs Kelly takes over as Co-ordinator of A Level Sports Science. Mrs Mayor is Head of Junior Science and Mr Lawson becomes Co-ordinator of the Very Able. Mrs Penn is E-safety Coordinator and Mrs Cullen will be ITT tutor. Mrs Boyle will lead the Sholing Partnership.

New staff We welcome a number of new staff to King Edward’s. Mr C Dormehl (History and Head of Summer Camp) Mr R Gent (IT Placement Student) Ms M Gorbat (Acting Head of German) Mr A Kendall (German) Miss A Latter (German) Miss A McLean (History) Mr K Piggott (Trainee Maths and Physics) Mr A Smith (Chemistry) Mrs L Thorogood (DT) Dr K Woolstenhulme (RS) Dr N Wortham (Chemistry) Miss E Phillips (Library) Mrs S Hurst (Reception) Miss K Linfield (School Nurse) Miss L Mepham (Marketing) Mrs V Mixer (Admissions) Ms L Speck (Library)

Founded 1553

HIGHLIGHTS · Excellent GCSE results with 79% of all grades at A* and A, and 93% at A*, A or B (or their numerical equivalents). · Excellent A Level results with 33% of all grades at A*, 63% at A* and A, and 88% at A*, A and B. · 87% of students proceed to the UK’s top 25 universities. · Boys’ and Girls’ senior hockey teams both progress to the Top 10 of the national competition. · Over £12,000 raised for charitable causes by the KES Charities Commission. · New partnership formed with Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association.

KING EDWARD VI SCHOOL SOUTHAMPTON Wilton Road Southampton SO15 5UQ Tel 023 8070 4561 Fax 023 8070 5937 Email enquiries@kes.hants.sch.uk www.kes.hants.sch.uk