Full and final kes sotoniensis 2014 lr with cover a lr

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 1

2 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

Sotoniensis 2014

CONTENTS

02

Editorial

28

Creative Arts

From the Head Chaplaincy Report Staff Farewells House Reports

The Art Department The Dance Department The Drama Department The Music Department

41

Clubs & Societies

69

Trips & Visits

106

Amnesty Group Astronomy Society Badminton Club Beekeeping Club Byron Society Cactus Club Canoe Club Charities Commission Chess Club Christian Union Classical Society Cookery Club

Aachen Trip Beaulieu Trip Biology Trip to Madagascar Charlotte Exchange Classics Trip to Istanbul The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award ENDEAVOUR French exchange - Angers

Creative Writing Club Debating Society Economics Society English Society Fencing Club First Aid Club German Magazine Club Greenpower Green Team Historical Society Hospital Visiting Interface

Japanese Club Lunar Society Maths Challenge Club MedSoc Partnerships Photography Club Sailing Club Scamp Club Table Tennis Club Young Enterprise

Geography Trip to Malham Tarn Geography Trip to Osmington Bay German Exchange to Mutterstadt History Trip to Berlin Kayak Trip to Sweden Morocco Trip Prague exchange Second Year Camp

Ski Trip South Africa Trip Spanish Trip to Catalonia Spanish Trip to Córdoba Spanish Trip to Salamanca Summer Camp Watersports Trip

Boys’ Basketball Boys’ Football Girls’ Hockey Girls’ Netball

Girls’ Rounders Girls’ Tennis

Sport Boys’ Rugby Boys’ Hockey Boys’ Cricket Boys’ Tennis

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 3

Editorial

From the Head The academic year 2013/4 has seen a number of significant developments.

We began the year with 975 students on the roll and the School continues to be full at every level.

W

e have continued to invest in the School’s fabric with a refurbished School Hall and Tower, a new fitness facility and a new viewing gallery at Wellington.

At Stroud, our preparatory school, new classrooms and a dining hall have been completed.

Our students have enjoyed another very good set of academic results, notably at A2 with 88% of grades at A*, A and B and 44% of students gaining 3 A grades or more. 75% of all IGCSE grades were at A* or A. We were also particularly pleased with our Oxbridge admissions results. Twelve students have been offered places this year sustaining the School’s five year average of 11% of the year group going to these two universities. Over 82% of our students will proceed to universities in the Russell Group.

We were delighted to welcome Dr Marek Ziebart, Professor of Space Geodesy and Director of the Space Geodesy and Navigation Laboratory at University College, London as our Chief Guest at Speech Day in 2013. He has worked a lot with NASA and was well worth hearing.

This has been an excellent sporting year with the largest number of pupils representing the School for many years. In boys’ sport the rugby season has enjoyed impressive results with particular success for the U12, U14 and U15 teams. The U16s won twelve out of thirteen matches and had a successful county final.

The 1st XV had a tougher season but their commitment and determination has been commendable. Rugby 7s have seen some encouraging performances. In boys’ hockey large numbers have been involved, particularly at U12 and U14 level. The U13, U14 and U16 A teams all reached the regional stages of the national cup whilst the U15 A team won all of their matches and the 1st XI made it through to the last thirty-two in the country in their knock-out cup. In cricket the School sides had to contend with very difficult weather conditions with many matches lost to the rain. However the U13, U14 and U15 teams all reached their county finals, with success for the U13 and U14s while there were some other notable successes including an excellent 1st XI performance against the MCC.

We have had one of the most successful girls’ hockey seasons in recent years. The U15 side won nine of their eleven games, whilst the U12, U13, U14 and 1st XI all competed at regional level. The 1st XI were also very successful on their circuit with many notable victories and emphatic wins against strong local opposition. In netball, the U14 team qualified for regional finals and the U15s were also successful, winning seven of their nine matches. The U16 B team only lost once and, although the A team worked hard, they were not quite as successful. The 2nd team had a mixed season but the 1st team were impressive winning eight of their nine games. In rounders the teams had to contend with challenging weather for much of the season but, with more sunshine towards the end of term, a number of impressive victories were gained with the U14 and U15 A teams winning over two thirds of their matches.

The highlight of the season was the U13 rounders tournament hosted by KES for a number of our feeder schools.

The tennis season for both boys and girls was also subject to a damp early summer although there have been a number of individual successes. The U13 boys’ team did well with the KES pair coming third in the County U16 Doubles Championships. The footballers had a successful season, winning ten out of their fifteen fixtures reaching the semi-final in the cup. In basketball the senior colts’ team and the senior team both played well against tough opposition whilst the U12 table tennis team finished 2nd in the tough Southampton Schools’ League. The rhythmic gymnasts had another very successful National Schools’ Championships finishing with two national team titles as well as a large number of individual gold, silver and bronze medals.

Many individual students have achieved outstanding individual honours at regional and national level in a wide range of sports including athletics, archery, biathlon, fencing, rowing, sailing, swimming, and squash.

The number of visits the School organises each year continues to grow and is a major part of our educational provision. This year, KES students have enjoyed visits to the USA, South Africa, Morocco, Prague, Istanbul,

4 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

Madagascar, Sweden, Spain, France and Germany.

These have ranged from diving in the Indian Ocean to kayaking around islands in the Baltic. Closer to home, students have participated in historical visits to the French First and Second World War battlefields, the ski trip to Serre Chevalier, language exchanges and study visits to Angers, Mutterstadt, Salamanca and Santander and trips across the UK, from regular theatre and music visits to London to geography and biology field trips to Swansea and Dale Fort. Hundreds of our students make excellent use of the New Forest and our facility at Lovaton on Dartmoor for Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions.

The arts have had a high profile with regular occasions such as the Carol Service at St Mary’s and Thanksgiving interspersed with a wide range of concerts with the highlight being an evening event at Turner Sims. Drama has been busy with a number of productions including ‘Grease’ and ‘A Handbag’ as well as numerous Junior Drama Club events including a magical production of traditional folk tales. The annual art exhibition was one of the most impressive we have had with a very imaginative use of the squash courts as a gallery.

Charitable and community work has long had considerable prominence at King Edward’s. In the past year over £26,000 has been raised by the students themselves for a range of different organisations including our Summer Camp for Southampton Young Carers, the South Africa venture supporting the Goedgedacht Trust near Cape Town and our partnership with St Mark’s Junior School at Lovaton on Dartmoor. Dozens of volunteers have helped with cake sales, sponsored events, discos and talent shows. Likewise, our primary school partnerships have prospered involving a range of art, literacy, mathematics, languages and science clubs as well as special events such as the July activities day at Wellington for local primary schools, as a part of the Endeavour programme.

We have been very well served by Julia Roope as Head of School over the last year, ably supported by her deputies, Tom Durham, Liberty Roberts and Joshua Blunsden. Our Prepositors and Heads of House, together with the Lower School Prefects, provide excellent leadership across the School. They have all worked very effectively with a varied range of responsibilities and opportunities to develop their team work and communication skills.

We have had a number of staff leaving King Edward’s this year with some notable retirements after long service. Mr Putt retired after serving as an outstanding Deputy Head (Registrar) with over thirty-seven years’ service at the School. Miss Peachment has moved to

refurbish her house in Cornwall after over twenty years at the School, most notably as Head of Girls’ Games.

Mr Kelsey has retired after eleven years, serving five years as Head of Religious Studies and also teaching Classics. Dr Leaman has been appointed as Director of Music at Blundell’s School after ten years here and we will particularly miss his compositional skills, Mrs Cottrell-Ferrat is moving to a post at Abingdon School after nine years having made a notable contribution as a very effective Head of Partnerships. Mrs Parkyn has been appointed to the Headship of Mayville High School after five years as our Head of Modern and Classical Languages and Dr Sinnett-Jones is moving to Thailand after four years, making a real impact as a Mathematics and Physics teacher, Head of Lake and Head of Charities. Mr Watson, who joined in the same year, has moved to Fettes as Deputy Director of Music having also served as Head of Watts and we also grateful to Mrs Naylor after three years teaching Economics as she moves to Switzerland.

We are also thankful to Miss Ibañez Manzano (Spanish) and Mrs Kent (PE) who have each served shorter periods at the School and thank other staff who have assisted the School this year on short term contracts.

Amongst the non-teaching staff particular note must be made of the contribution of Mrs Putt as the Registrar’s PA for a decade. Mr Jarvis and Mr Parris worked very effectively as IT Classroom Support Technicians and Mrs Kemp, Mrs Holmes, Mrs Cook, Mrs Shaw, Mrs Bloom and Miss Roberts all made very useful contributions in administration and reception for shorter periods.

KES PTA has prospered under the direction of Mrs Sansome and Mrs Morgan. We are very grateful for their support for a range of activities from music and kayaking to the part-funding of a youth worker in South Africa. Our alumni have enjoyed numerous reunions organised by our Development Officer, Ms Hooper, with much useful work completed by our King Edward VI Foundation to help students applying from disadvantaged backgrounds.

King Edward’s has had a very successful year offering its students a very wide range of activities, visits, sport and cultural opportunities so that they emerge from School with enviable teamwork and leadership skills tempered with a strong conscience and a firm commitment to the wider community. They continue to be the School’s finest ambassadors.

AJ Thould // Head

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 5

Chaplaincy Chat At the beginning of each academic year, it is always a joy to welcome new members of the community formally at the Ceremony of Admissions to launch a new generation and later the same month to celebrate past success at Speech Day Throughout the academic year, the assembly programme provides us with much to reflect upon.

It aims to help us engage with the nature of our own lives and proprieties, to celebrate, to commiserate and commemorate and to challenge. It continues to draw on a good body of staff and pupils as leaders and powerful contributors. Notable amongst these, conscience-pricking and leading by example in her role in Charities Co-ordinator, has been Dr Sinnett-Jones, who has been an inspiration to many pupils and staff.

Her assembly was most moving. Equally noteworthy was the virtual presence of Ms Smith (accompanied by students abseiling from the Hall ceiling) to encourage enthusiasm for the Endeavour programme in July. Mr Tofts, as always, provided fine examples of imaginative and erudite thinking, extolling the merits of De Montagne. It was thought-provoking to hear Mr Cross on the role of Chemistry in war and Harriet Billington and Owen Lock gave a moving account of their visit to Poland under the HMD Trust. Dr Gamblin waxed lyrical on his road trip in USA, Mr Kelsey mused on the Empire, Mr Barker addressed the School with a witty and creative take on issues of sustainability and Miss Costello challenged us about attitudes to mental health.

Mr Piggott has delighted with fresh ways to see and listen to the world, Mr Kay gave us an insight into racing his dogs north of the Arctic Circle and Mr Powell raised a song and a thought in his own inimitable style to send everyone away for the exam season. Right to the end of his time at School Dr Leaman has had us all involved in creating art and music. We have also heard many fine performances from our musicians including original pieces, ensembles and soloists and the cast of ‘Grease’ were able to preview their acclaimed production. Many others have contributed and I am very grateful for all the effort that goes into preparing the assemblies.

The annual Act of Remembrance at KES was marked on the 11th November at 11am. I am grateful to Mr Robinson who led this so effectively in my absence.

Across the Atlantic, the Charlotte party and American partners kept a two minute silence and used the ‘we will remember them’ text whilst on a visit to a museum.

The autumn term ended with our Candlelight Carol Service at St Mary’s Church. The service went well with the Heads of House reading and a large number of parents involved. Mr Watson was at the helm of the music and produced an eclectic mix of pieces from the School and Parent Choir. Miss Collier directed the First

Year Choir and a group of Sixth Form singers performed as well. Once again Dr Leaman composed a powerful setting of an ancient text that I suggested to him. I was delighted to be able to deploy the four excellent candle trees crafted by Mr Jim Hall (DT Technician) adding greatly to the atmosphere of the worship. The collection raised some £709 to be donated to New Forest Nightstop, reflecting our concern for those young people facing homelessness in the vicinity.

The spring term often places the emphasis on thankfulness. The highlight of this is the Service of Thanksgiving in March. It was a great pleasure to welcome back The Revd Alex Aldous as our preacher.

He is a former staff member and Senior Chaplain at Oakham School. His address was imaginative and stirring, praising much of our life and the values he knew were still evident at KES. A new development for me has been the extension of my role to encompass Stroud. I was delighted to address for the first service of the year and to get to know staff and children a little better. I have worked extensively with Mrs Fay in preparing and leading the harvest celebrations and also with Mrs Dodds in shaping the Carol Service in Romsey Abbey. The Stroud role is an exciting new departure for my ministry.

I have been able to take Sixth Form students to support the Forest School sessions, make contributions to school assemblies, including the Harvest Festival and term services, and to spend time on a Tuesday evening working with pupils in preparing for their confirmation.

We were fortunate enough to be able to hold the service in the hall of the Main House with Bishop John Dennis, an honorary bishop in the Winchester Diocese leading it. Parents, godparents and friends attended on a glorious morning in May. I look forward to continuing to be of service at Stroud as the relationship develops further.

The Christian Union continues to be run with great dedication by Mr Robinson on Thursday lunchtimes.

Rebecca Collins and Toby Saer have been leading lights this year - very well supported by Julia Roope and

6 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

Barney Venable. The group continues to be creative and welcoming and had a good season with its ‘Grill a Christian’ question and answer session. CU is open to all members of the Upper School and Sixth Form and meetings have seen diverse religious and philosophical views expressed. Mr Singleton works hard with the younger pupils in Interface, enriching and nurturing their exploration of Christian faith, meeting every Friday to explore the faith through games, activities, quizzes and discussions.

The staff and parent prayer group gather several times each term at lunchtimes in the School, as have a stalwart group of parents meeting in homes. They are faithful and very supportive of pupils, staff and the management of the School. I was delighted to hear from Teresa Venable that her son Joseph Venable (former pupil) is working for CMS in Al Mafraq, Jordan, just south of the Syrian border where there is a large refugee camp.

I meet with staff and pupils privately on an ad hoc basis to discuss a range of issues (academic, professional and personal) and I hold a number of students and staff in my prayers in facing particular challenges, notably issues of health and bereavement.

The readiness of students and staff to look to the needs of the wider world continues to be a great joy for me.

Amongst others, we wave farewell to Dr Sinnett-Jones who has been an inspiring and challenging leader of the Charities Commission. The consistent financial success of school organised charity events is testament to the whole school community using their talents for the benefit of others. For me this is one of the greatest gifts we can model as a school in a world that seems ever more self-serving and mercenary, and making sense of the School claiming a Christian heritage and the vision of Capon and our royal and other benefactors. Julia Roope as Head of School, has been an eloquent and skilled School leader, representing and vocalising these

self-same values and ideals of King Edward’s with distinction.

May King Edward’s, its pupils, staff and alumnae continue to be lights in the world, beacons of values grounded in the importance of Service, in the inherent importance of each person, guided by Love. May we promote justice and peace both in our homes, our work, our nation and across the world. Amen

Revd Poppleton

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 7

Staff Farewells Mr Rob Putt – Deputy Head (Registrar)

M

r Putt was appointed in September 1976 to teach mathematics at KES on a princely salary of £3,195 after education at Durlston, Sedbergh and a first class honours degree in electrical and electronic engineering from University College Cardiff. He is one of the last members of staff appointed when this was a state grammar school and he saw some significant changes in his time at KES including independence from the Local Authority, co-education, the expansion of the School and, most recently, the acquisition of Stroud School.

He quickly made his mark at KES as an exceptional teacher of mathematics, an outstanding sportsman (in addition to his passion for cricket he also played squash at a high level) and, with such evident potential soon reached the daunting heights of running the school tuck shop. There is a very well-argued paper from Mr Putt in the files asking for serious consideration to be given to the sale of buns and even, very daringly, the possibility of ice cream. The then Head, Mr Dobson, wrote a pithy single comment at the top of the paper. It was crisp and to the point - “No!” Such a response did little to discourage Mr Putt and he continued to be an innovator throughout his career supporting the introduction of computing at KES, the promotion of the Lower School merit system, the organisation of a number of cricket tours across the globe and participating in the School ski trips for many years. He even had a critical role in devising the School’s policy on the use of Christmas tinsel!

In 1984 he agreed to take on the running of the 1st XI cricket, ‘just for a year’, after Mr May decided to stand down. During his time in charge of cricket he overhauled the fixture list, moved to playing all day games and increased the number of fixtures to 20-25 a season. In 1993 King Edward’s was one of the first schools from the UK to tour South Africa after the country had been welcomed back into the international fold just before the first elections that brought Mandela to power. In the 1990s a number of OEs went on to play first class cricket, one of whom is now the England U17 National coach.

In 1995 the then Head, Mr Cookson, noted that “the days of his being in charge of 1st XI cricket were surely numbered”, and they were; he had another seven years to serve before, after nineteen years, he was finally allowed to relinquish the role. Not that he

gave up his cricket; it remains a great love and he has continued to run various teams right up to last season. His office as Registrar gave him a (perhaps) suspiciously good view over the 1st XI square!

In 1985 he was appointed Head of First Year and then promoted to Head of Lower School in 1994 when he was heavily involved with the introduction of girls in that section of the School. In 2003 he took on the very senior role of Registrar, following on from Mr Gordon.

The management of our admissions process is a great responsibility. It requires a prodigious amount of work behind the scenes as well as guiding prospective pupils and their parents around the School, organising the Open Evening, the entrance examination and ensuring that the School retains its position in the local education market. Mr Putt has managed this with great aplomb and apparent calm. He has developed a remarkable knowledge of our many feeder schools and in this critical role has been very ably supported by his wife as his PA. He has been a key member of Cabinet, advising three Head Masters for twenty years about a wide range of educational matters. He has a very wise head on his shoulders and a keen sense of when it is right to take on a new initiative and, just as significantly, when it might be better to wait. He has had a vital role in advising the governors for over a decade sitting on the Education, Fee and Stroud committees. He is also a serving governor himself at Prince’s Mead Prep school.

He has worked in a number of key roles in the School and, not least, as the principal link between Stroud and King Edward’s in the merger of the two schools in 2012 and the subsequent process of consolidation and convergence.

We wish Mr Putt well as he retires after over 37 years of service to King Edward’s. He certainly deserves a break from school tours but he will be keeping fit (he has swiftly improved his golf handicap) and will continue to support the School through his work with the Edwardian Foundation. He has been outstanding as a Deputy Head, a great servant of the School and leaves some very big shoes to fill.

Mr Thould

8 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 8

Miss Carole Peachment

M

iss Peachment was appointed to her post in 1993 as the first ever female P.E. teacher at KES. The first girls joined the School a year later so to begin with Miss P became involved with teaching rugby in, what was then,

an all boys’ school. She spent a great deal of her first year setting up suitable programmes and fixtures for the girls’ intake and much of the current provision is down to the hard work put in by Miss P some twenty years earlier. The first year of fixtures proved to be extremely challenging with just a dozen or so girls forming all the girls’ teams for netball, hockey and rounders.

During the course of her career at KES, Miss P showed outstanding organisational ability and she was utterly hardworking and reliable. Everything was always on time and in its place. She made extraordinary efforts to get to know her pupils and this was evident by the detail in her report writing. She earned the respect and trust from all around her, staff and students alike. As a PE teacher, she has always aimed to get the best from her students whilst being keen that they enjoy their involvement in sport and she displayed a thoroughly professional approach to every aspect of teaching. Carol was also fully involved in school life and co-curricular activities. She helped run nine ski trips, she assisted with several Spanish trips and numerous sports tours, including the world tour in 2003.

One of her personal passions is DIY and her move to restore an entire house in Cornwall should satisfy her thirst for this. She is also a keen photographer and this is another field she is keen to develop. Her last major goal may take a while to complete. She enjoys travelling (mainly in challenging back-packer style) and has only one continent left on her list – Antarctica!

Miss P has been an amazingly loyal servant of the School, she has shunned the limelight but has always been there when needed. Carol, Miss P, Peachy – you will be greatly missed!

Mr Fitzpatrick

Dr Oliver Leaman

O

liver Leaman joined the School in 2004 as a part-time Music

range of topics reflecting Oliver’s own

Technology teacher to establish A-Level Music Technology and

myriad of interests. Oliver was the

the School Recording Studio. In 2010 he moved to a full-time role

perfect teacher to take on additional

as Deputy Director of Music, expanding his teaching to embrace all

provision for the most able students

year groups and becoming a Form tutor, and in 2011 completed his

at KES; he embraced excellence

PhD. An exceptional teacher and musician, Oliver is summarised by

and academic rigour in everything

his colleagues in the School as a talented, creative and supportive

he touched and was a true enemy

member of staff of a calibre one rarely meets during the course of a

of logical sloppiness. In his last two

career.

years at the School, Oliver led the Extended Project in the Sixth Form

Vast numbers of students have benefited from his wide range of

which proved an excellent vehicle for

skills as saxophonist, composer and arranger. His direction of the

his wide ranging interests. In this role

Big Band, Sax Choir, Telemann Octet, Sax Quartet and Symphonic

he championed originality and research

Winds has been outstanding with his ambitious choice of repertoire

and broadened the scope of projects away from the pure dissertation

and skilful arrangements carefully crafted to challenge the players

to encompass more widely creative work in the fields of music,

and wow audiences. His many compositions written for public

animation and photography.

concerts and services such as the Anvil, St John’s Smith Square and Winchester Cathedral remain real highlights of his time at the School.

Oliver’s eclectic set of interests has made him a popular and much

Oliver collaborated with Lawrence Herklots on ‘Einstein the Musical’

admired member of staff with the ability to connect with so many

which played at the Winchester Science Centre and Nuffield Theatre

different people. He plays cricket (wicket keeper for the staff team),

and again on ‘That Certain Uncertainty’ which was performed at the

staff five a-side–football and tennis, and his whole school DVDs are

Theatre Royal, Winchester, and the success of the performances

legendary. In Dr Schofield’s words ‘His Christmas Time video remains

was, in no small part, due to Oliver’s superb arrangements, his

one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen.’

professionalism, energy and enthusiasm. He also directed the bands for the school musicals ‘Guys and Dolls’ and ‘Grease.’

In the Music department we will miss Oliver’s edgy and exciting creativity, the way he is prepared to take creative risks, his ferocious

Oliver played a leading role in our music tours to Paris, Prague,

intellect and musicianship, his impeccable high standards, his

Berlin and Northern Italy where he contributed so much to ensure the

ambition and the fact that he never deletes old emails! Oliver will be

success of the trips. He has been on five School ski trips and on each

a hard act to follow and will be sorely missed by all at KES. We wish

occasion has been a welcome presence and incredibly helpful.

him much success and happiness at Blundell’s School Tiverton, where he takes up the post as Director of Music.

Oliver was an extremely effective and popular Sixth Form tutor: his Group Base a hive of musical activity and discussion across a diverse

Mrs Freemantle

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 9

Mr Ben Watson

B

en joined the School in 2010 as an NQT and has achieved so much in a short space of time. An outstanding teacher and musician, Ben will be greatly missed in the Music Department. During his time at KES he has directed First Year Choir, Sinfonietta, Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Choir and the Adult Choir and accompanied countless pupils for recitals and solo performances. Impressively, he staged Faure’s Requiem at St Mary’s Church to great acclaim. He was Musical Director for the pantomime ‘Ali Baba’ and bravely took on the role of Archie Spent in ‘That Certain Uncertainty’, playing alongside colleagues and students and showing great comic timing.

In the department, Ben is renowned for his amazing memory, outstanding musicianship, knowledge of repertoire, organisational ability, wonderful sense of humour and prodigious piano playing. He brings out the very best in pupils and colleagues. He is respected for his banking skills on school trips, his cake making and the way he has thrown himself in to every aspect of school life.

Ben has been an excellent Head of Watts House, U12 cricket team coach and has supported other departments with the History trip to Berlin, Spanish trip and the ski trip. He is an accomplished sportsman, playing in the staff teams for cricket, five-a-side-football, tennis and golf (where he won the longest drive competition at the staff golf competition last year).

Ben has been an integral part of the KES music team and a joy to work with. He will be greatly missed by all, and we wish him great success and happiness as he moves to Fettes College as Deputy Director of Music.

Mrs Freemantle

Dr Polly Sinnett-Jones

P

olly joined KES in 2010 after giving a first-class demonstration lesson which I had the privilege of observing.

She quickly settled into school life and soon became one of the Mathematics Department’s up-andcoming young stars.

Polly’s contribution to the department has been immense during these four years. She has brought innovation, and led departmental training sessions on various issues, and students from all years have all valued her teaching.

On top of Polly’s many, many co-curricular involvements she has coached a netball team every year since she joined KES and has worked with the U13, U14 and U15 teams at various times. Her energy and enthusiasm towards pupil participation and enjoyment in sport is second to none. Although she does not see netball as a strength of hers, there is no doubt that the pupils have gained enormously from having her as their coach.

Polly has also accompanied a number of trips including the Charlotte exchange, ski trip, watersports and she also ran the Third Year trip to Morocco. She coordinated the Summer Camp for young carers for three years and started up the ‘Battle of the Bands’ and the ‘24 hour Rowathon’ fundraising initiatives.

In 2013 Polly took on the running of the Charities Committee for one year and set herself some personal targets. She undertook a set of thirteen physical challenges to help raise money for Southampton Young Carers. These included a muddy 10km run, her first marathon, her first ultra-marathon, cycling the South Downs Way and also a team 24 hour endurance race.

She finished with a 250km self-sufficient foot race across the Kalahari Desert over 7 days. Approximately £12,000 was raised in total and her boundless enthusiasm inspired many others along the way to help them challenge themselves.

Polly has been a tremendous asset to the Mathematics Department and we received no transfer fee when she moved to teaching Physics. We will all miss her enormously but wish her the very best of luck for her new adventure teaching in Thailand.

Mr Collins

10 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

Mrs Rebecca Parkyn

M

rs Parkyn joined the School in 2009. Following graduation at Oxford, where she studied Modern Languages at St Hilda’s College, she read for a second MA at University College, London. Her teaching career started at St Benedict’s School, Ealing following the completion of a PGCE at the Institute of Education, London and then led her to Bedales School, where she held various management positions. She joined King Edward’s as Head of Faculty following a restructure and leading a team of twenty staff.

During her time with us she undertook a number of valuable school ventures including the languages’ colloquium at Whitgift, academic weekends at Lovaton, the Le Havre French Exchange, and the Sixth Form visit to Berlin. She has also guided students to success in the Languages’ Olympiad and helped to direct school policy through her contributions to curriculum reform committees and to Academic Board. Over the past five

years she has developed further her impressive grasp of educational trends and her ability to understand the finer points of curriculum management.

She is a passionate advocate of the importance of learning modern and classical languages and believes in offering pupils opportunities to widen their experience and build their confidence. In addition, she has always aimed for academic excellence.

Mrs Parkyn has been appointed to a headship at Mayville High School in Southsea. We shall miss her enthusiasm, leadership and commitment and wish her success in her exciting new post.

Mr Giles

Mrs Maud Cottrell-Ferrat

M

aud Cottrell-Ferrat joined King Edward’s in September 2006, having spent a year at the School working as a French assistant in 2002. She quickly gained a reputation as a highly effective and inspirational teacher of French, (German and Spanish) as well as a supportive colleague whose humour and organisational skills cannot be exaggerated. Maud has worked wonders in the classroom and a high number of her students have gone on to study French at IGCSE, AS level, A2 level and beyond. Her contribution to the Modern Languages Faculty, and to the French Department in particular, should not be underestimated and both colleagues and students will miss her.

Maud is an innovative and inspirational teacher who enjoys trying out new ideas to add to her already vast array of teaching ideas and methodology. Her lessons are always organised, purposeful and led with humour and control. Regardless of whether she is teaching an Upper Sixth or a First Year class, the atmosphere is always positive and all students respect and enjoy each and every lesson. Her teaching of grammar is thorough and her ability to push the most academically able students is without question. Her high-quality results demonstrate that she clearly knows how to get the best out of her students.

Since joining King Edward’s Maud has worked as the ICT Link, Teaching and Learning Link and recently as the Partnership Co-ordinator. She also formed part of the Extended Studies team and she set up a course on International Awareness which has proved very popular with the First Year classes. As ICT Link and now Teaching and Learning Link, Maud has helped colleagues to master the new media centres, (Sanako

Study 1200 system) and has been on a number of courses to keep up to date with developments. She has been integral in the move towards iPad use in the classroom and has helped the MFL Faculty put together inset for MFL during this academic year. As Partnership Co-ordinator, Maud’s energy and effectiveness are impressive. Four local Primary Schools now come to King Edward’s on a regular basis to enjoy a variety of subjects and she organised the mini olympics for a variety of local Primary Schools in 2012.

Maud has given of her time freely since arriving at King Edward’s. She has helped to lead the French Sixth Form Exchange for the last eight years and was instrumental in setting up the current exchange to Angers. Maud has also accompanied the trip to Normandy with the Second Years since it started in July 2010.

As a tutor Maud has developed excellent relationships with her tutees over the years and former students are always quick to ask how she is getting on. Maud is irreplaceable and her warm and generous qualities will be missed by all who know her. She now moves on to work at Abingdon School. She has touched us all with her wit and humour and Abingdon’s gain will be our loss.

Mrs Jones

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 11

Mrs Karen Naylor

K

aren Naylor joined the School in September 2011 as a part-time member of the Economics Department to help cope with a surge in interest in the subject, following the financial crisis of 2007 and the subsequent recession in the UK. Karen has taught both Economics and Business Studies with real enthusiasm and energy in the classroom. Students have benefited greatly from her thorough preparation, subject expertise and commitment. She has taken great care over the marking of work, providing students with valuable feedback to enable them to fulfil their potential. In preparation for public examinations she has played her part in the department’s revision activities and has made herself available to individuals for last minute help and reassurance.

Karen’s contribution has extended beyond the Economics classroom. She has participated in the Extended Studies programme in her usual positive and wholehearted fashion, and she has offered ballroom dancing tuition to students inspired by the twin attractions of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ and sequins.

Karen is moving to Switzerland with her family because her husband’s work is taking him to Bern. She departs with our sincere thanks for all that she has done during her time at the School and our best wishes for every success in the future.

Mr Walter

Miss Laura Ibañez Manzano

L

aura Ibañez Manzano is leaving KES after just two years. During her first year she worked as a Spanish Language Assistant and contributed enormously to the conversational skills of our students, in particular the A Level students, who found her thorough knowledge of Spain’s current affairs and culture and traditions of great help when they came to prepare for their examination. Her willingness to give generously of her time for extra sessions during that first year carried on through to her teaching post in the second year. Although Miss Ibañez Manzano only worked part-time she really wanted to get involved in life beyond the classroom in KES. She organised the Salamanca trip for the Sixth Form, which ran as usual in a very successful manner, and stepped in at the last minute to accompany the Catalonia trip for the First and Second years. Miss Ibañez Manzano has been a real asset to the Spanish Department and will be missed. She is leaving us to teach in a secondary school in the centre of Madrid.

Mrs Ladislao

Mr Lloyd Kelsey

L

loyd Kelsey joined the School and the Classics Department in September 2003 and soon established himself as a highly erudite and much-admired presence. His gentle and kind manner has been much appreciated by both staff and students over the years. The span of his knowledge seems to know no bounds and we shall all miss his engaging conversation which has ranged from Homeric dialects and metrics through to an extraordinary knowledge of European History.

His warm and affable personality has made him an excellent companion on school trips and he came to the fore during a particularly illness-riddled trip to Greece. He also provided us with an excellent in house tour guide: there seems to be very little he doesn’t know about the Classical World. Indeed his love of the Classics has proved infectious and he has inspired some of our best students to continue with it.

Mr Kelsey has been well known for his presentations and quizzes at Classical Society, including a very memorable one on Chariot Racing. His commitment and enthusiasm will be much missed and we all wish him the best in his retirement that sadly he is taking early due to ill health.

Mrs Meredith

12 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

Mrs Jackie Putt

J

ackie Putt joined the staff at KES for the second time in 2003 as PA to the Registrar having previously worked in the library and, with me, formed the KES Admissions Team for nearly eleven years. The role of the Registrar’s PA cannot be underestimated, as Jackie would often be the first point of contact for new parents whether on the telephone, or meeting families when they visit the School. It takes time to talk through each individual’s particular needs, whether it is explaining the registration and application process or dealing with the disappointment of a candidate not being offered a place at the School. In all of these conversations Jackie would take the time that was necessary, treating each parent or enquirer as an individual and dealing with their particular question with understanding and patience. Throughout her time in the Admissions Department she has had to cope with the whole range of parental expectations and emotions from elation through to disappointment and anger.

Her skills, of course, were not confined to the telephone but her organisational abilities were brought to bear particularly with the Admissions process when paperwork was required for some 300 applicants on Admissions Exam day. Staff would always receive the appropriate paperwork with very clear instructions although perhaps what they appreciated most was the variety of homemade cakes that she would produce for the break on that day. This was certainly the ethos that

she hoped to bring to her role, in that she was intent in making life as easy as possible for others. To that end she would always willingly help out in other areas of the School if she could, whenever a need occurred.

Anybody who visited Jackie’s office would be immediately struck by the colour coded files and trays that filled the shelves of the office and this is symptomatic of the organisational skills that she brought to the job. Highly organised and efficient, Jackie would ensure that letters and emails were promptly dealt with and would often stay beyond her allotted hours to ensure that no task was left incomplete. Parents frequently wrote and commented on the efficiency and thoroughness of the Admissions Department.

Overall, Jackie has overseen and dealt with the entry of nearly 2000 pupils into the School over the past 11 years, not to mention the significantly greater number of applicants and enquiries. In all of her dealings with the people that this represents she has shown a listening ear, diplomacy, empathy and patience.

As her husband I may be biased, but as her Line Manager I cannot thank her enough for the amount of unstinting support that she has given me over the past eleven years. I know that she has made my role easier and I have appreciated her advice, efficiency and thoughtfulness over this time.

After 38 years of association with KES through family and work we look forward to our retirement.

Mr Putt

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 13

Mrs Lesley Kemp

L

esley Kemp joined King Edward’s in September 2012 as the Head’s Executive Assistant. She embraced this pivotal role and her organisational skills and capable nature ensured she became a key part of the administration team. Unfortunately Lesley had to leave her post in 2013 due to ill health and we were very sad to see her go.

Mrs Priscilla Cook

P

riscilla joined the Music Department in 2011 as Music Administrator and during her two years in the post she looked after the team of twenty-six visiting Music teachers. Priscilla also assisted with concert days and Open Evening and her cheerful, efficient manner and excellent organisational skills ensured everything ran smoothly

Mrs Freemantle

Mrs Stella Evans Any good Biology teacher will tell you, that the secret to successful teaching is having a great technician. What is seen by our students is a shadowy figure, with a flash of blond hair, wheeling a trolley between lessons. This is the proverbial iceberg tip – the job includes among other things responding to teachers’ semi-legible requests in a timely manner with attention to the latest CLEAPPS regulations, whilst managing the ordering of items as disparate as pig eyeballs and eight toothed combs for gel electrophoresis tanks. Those of us who depend upon our support staff for the experience our students have in class appreciate everything they do.

Stella Evans has been the Biology Technician at KES for eight years, during which time she has broken in the new teaching labs, most of the current teachers of Biology and this Head of Department. My first proper meeting with Stella was the day of the Biology Field trip in 2012. She appeared from nowhere wheeling a trolley, packed with all the equipment we needed for a week of A level coursework, sorted both by day and weight. She gave me an appraising look and then explained exactly what needed doing with each bit of kit. She has, of course, done much beyond biology, assisting in the nurses’ room, singing in the adult choir, navigating many students around Dartmoor, the New Forest and the complexities of trangia cooking.

Stella has been promoted to lead the team of Biology technicians at Barton Peveril College and our best wishes go with her for every success in her new role with thanks for all the work she has done at KES.

Mr Aellen

14 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

Mrs Jenni Shaw

J

enni Shaw joined the school in May 2013 on a temporary contract and held the position of Head’s Executive Assistant for nine months. She had never worked in education before and has done a wonderful job getting to know the vagaries of working in a busy secondary school. We are very grateful for all that she has done for King Edward’s and wish her well for the future.

Mr Alex Jarvis

A

lex Jarvis joined King Edward’s in September 2013 as IT Classroom Support Technician on the sandwich work-placement component of his degree course in Forensic Computing at Portsmouth University. Alex has always been keen to assist anyone who asks for help and his enthusiasm and ability to adjust explanations to match the ability of those being supported has meant that he will be sadly missed by everyone. Outside of school, Alex is a qualified football referee, a skill that he has used here on several occasions presiding over several inter House matches. We wish him well in his continuing study.

Mr Rigg

Mrs Heather Holmes

H

eather Holmes started at KES in March 2013 and quickly became a valued member of the Administration Team. A keen netball player, Heather completed training to become an umpire and regularly assisted the Sports Department with Saturday fixtures. She leaves KES for a new job in the NHS and we wish her well.

Miss Anna Roberts

T

hank you to Anna Roberts who did a fantastic job as our temporary Music Administrator in the spring term. We are truly grateful for the excellent job she has done and wish her well in her travels as she flies off to South America.

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 15

16 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 16

House Results 2013-2014

Capon House I

t has been another fast and furious year for the yellows with plenty of highs and some challenges thrown in along the way. It wasn’t to be our year for scoring the high points but I have been most pleased with the levels of participation and our continued ability to smile, be enthusiastic and keep turning out for the events.

The Upper School rugby in the autumn term was the closest fought battle I have seen in a long time and the final, against rivals Watts, came down to a single try.

Having played our Joker on the event we were keen for victory. It wasn’t to be but we still picked up ten points for coming second and Charles Bolton’s team well deserved the credit.

The Upper School boys continued to dominate with a victory in the football, second place in the hockey and the girls did equally well to come second in the Upper School House hockey.

Another achievement was a credible second place in the House Chess, with an intelligent team behind us who only just lost out to Lake.

This year saw the start of some exciting new events.

The Greenpower House Racing Challenge saw the Capon members of the school Greenpower Club raring to get into the driver’s seat of the school’s electric car.

Both Sava Heron and Will Rose helped the event run smoothly and, along with Jack Dyer-Slade, Finn Ducker and James Diaper who all drove the car, we recorded some impressive lap times. We also had the House Engineering Challenge which saw the Capon team building water tower structures from paper.

Our new intake of First Years were keen to make their mark with lots of volunteers for all events and the First Year boys performed well in bench ball and gained second place in the rugby competition. Will Atherton discovered his culinary side with Max Kinder cooking an excellent plate of food in the Ready Steady Cook Challenge. Toby Reid also showed his athletics abilities on Sports Day to win the First Year 200m and 100m events. Henry Gwilliam also won the First Year boys’ long jump to gain us some much needed points.

On the whole, Sports Day saw some fantastic individual achievements. Vicky Diaper in the Fourth Year won the 200m, Jasper Ladd gained first place in the Second Year triple jump and Tom Croft-Baker came first in the Second Year 1500m. Katie Newsom won the Sixth Form 800m and the sporting talents of Richard Bolton gained us first place in the Sixth Form 100m, long jump and triple jump. Riccardo Barnard achieve first place in the Sixth Form boys’ shot.

All this year’s House Captains have done a great job and my thanks go to all of them including Maddie Burton, Blake Miller, Olivia Reeves, Charlie Harrigan, Maddie Kinder and Max Beaver.

A big thank you also to our outgoing Heads of House, Harriet Billington and Niema Moazzami who are handing over to Tabby Piggott and James Kingshott. I hope that next year we can begin to re-climb the points table and keep up the shining enthusiasm of the yellows.

Miss Stone

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 17

18 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 18

Lake House W

ith such an unexpected end to the school year the Swimming Gala failed to go ahead, and therefore the final Allen Grant Trophy standings were not able to be published. The good news for Lake though; at this time we are first in the running!

Building on the increased participation of last year I am really pleased to report that Lake managed to populate every event to capacity, something which the students should be very proud of. I have been overwhelmed with the enthusiasm of the students and their willingness to enter as many events as possible.

This has, in by no means a small part, been down to the enthusiasm and dedication of the Heads of House: Harvey Armstrong and Georgina Hawkings, who have never failed to impress me.

The new intake of First Years have really built on the ‘participation is key’ ethos installed into Lake by the fantastic previous Head of House Dr Sinnett-Jones.

The girls have shown true spirit along the way, and although lacking in numbers made a big impact. They excelled in many events, including benchball, netball and hockey. The boys have made an equal show of form, winning the benchball and narrowly missing out to Reynolds in the football. I am excited to watch how these amazing First Years develop over the coming years; there is a lot of talent there.

The Lower School have not been without dedication and commitment as well. Junior House events were extremely well supported by the Sixth Form and our teams never failed to entertain the spectators.

Particular successes were seen with the girls’ hockey A team, boys’ hockey A team and the netball B team, who were the only team to remain undefeated within the competition. Lower School students also played a big part in the House Quiz and chess competitions; both of which we succeed in retaining the title from last year.

The Upper School have not been without success as well, they too have embodied the House spirit and have never left an event without full participation. It has been a pleasure to watch their House identity grow over the year, and many students would even ask me what they would need to do to be awarded House colours – true commitment! The colts should be proud of their achievements this year, which has included a win in the boys’ basketball, and notable placings in the cross-country, football and boys’ hockey.

The Sixth Form have certainly not let the side down, with their amazing show of spirit and commitment to the cause. Their willingness to enter any House event, regardless of whether they believed they were good at it or not, was outstanding. They showed true House spirit and were integral to us winning many of the team events such as the House Quiz and chess.

It was fantastic to see the girls come out in force for the hockey, winning by a good margin, and Georgina Hawkings even managed to score a goal on her birthday! Domination continued to the Senior Sports Day, gaining us a top spot when it was really needed.

I want to reiterate my thanks to all who have participated, supported, captained and organised throughout the year. It still amazes me how engaged everybody remained in all the events; it made it such a pleasure to be a part of and certainly exciting to watch. This includes all the Lake House Tutors, who have been unrivalled in their enthusiasm. There is much to look forward to next year and I have every faith in the new Heads of House, Ben Dunford and Subrena Chhatwal, to keep up the level of participation, pride and enthusiasm. High expectations all the way!

Mr Miller Heads of House: Harvey Armstrong and Georgina Hawkings First Year Prefect: Joe Smith Upper School House Captains: Albert Beck, Tim van der Horst, Primrose Merritt, Lucy Porter, Lower School House Captains: Nick Hepworth, Honey Lander, Daisy Porter, Alexander Shadbolt House Colours: Albert Beck, Anna Brooks, Subrena Chhatwal, Mafiqual Choudhury, Amaar Hamid, Ameena Hamid, Nicholas Hepworth, Honey Lander, Rory Morris, Liberty Roberts, Oliver Viant

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 19

20 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 20

Lawrence House A

fter the success and sheer joy of winning the Allen Grant Trophy last year, the pupils started this year with a change in mentality, demonstrating more belief and a desire to succeed… and they certainly did not disappoint!

The year began with an early win in the poetry competition closely followed by a valiant House effort in the cross country. Junior House brought in strong performances from both the boys’ rugby and girls’ hockey teams. Although it was a tough competition for Lawrence, spectators and performers united to make the House proud displaying startling skill, power and tenacity which resulted in some admirable results against some very tough opposition.

The Lower School football competition was a particular highlight this year as the team showed fantastic cohesion and House spirit. Fred Davies demonstrated strong leadership capabilities as he led his team to victory showing great sportsmanship throughout the tournament. As the term progressed we saw Lawrence House make history by entering the first ever mixed team into the House basketball competition. Susannah Hill took to the court with great confidence and tremendous skill and certainly played her part in helping the team finish in second place.

The spring term saw the change in sports and the return of netball which has proven to be one of our stronger events in the past. True to form this year we continued to be competitive particularly in the colts and senior matches. After playing our Joker on the colts competition the girls were delighted to secure the win

and guarantee the House twelve points.

As the summer term arrived, along with the warmer weather came the summer sports including rounders and athletics. Just like last year the Lawrencians turned out in full force; the combination of the talented cricketers and the knowledge and skill of our rounders players enabled us to secure the win of the Lower School rounders competition for the second year running.

Without a doubt, the biggest highlight from this past year has to be Sports Day. In true Lawrence style we had athletes entered into every single event showing great determination and performing with passion and drive. It was a joy to watch the athletes compete and to see so many of them performing at such a high level; a number of school records were broken this year by Lawrence House. The pupils worked tirelessly throughout the day and their outstanding efforts were rewarded as they won Sports Day and picked up the Spranger Cup for the second year running.

I have thoroughly enjoyed leading Lawrence House over the last two years. Working alongside such wonderful pupils and House Captains has made it a dream job and I am genuinely sad to be stepping down as Head of House. I know that under the leadership of Mr Brown the House will continue to compete for the top of the table position and I look forward to hearing about their future successes.

Mrs Ferrand

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 21

22 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 22

Reynolds House W

hat can I say? A superb year for Reynolds House! Every member has shown their commitment and determination throughout the entire year. On the benchball court, the poetry stage, in the science labs and of course on the sports fields, no matter the event or the venue, Reynolds have represented the true values of the House system, and demonstrated their faith and dedication in search of success - and what success!

The whole House deserves a huge congratulations for all those times when they pulled together and refused to give up in order to gain valuable points in all the competitions. They assured that the Reynolds rocket kept rising to the dizzying heights of top spot on the Allen Grant table, and even though at the time of writing we do not know the final scores for the year, and Lake may still steal the show, I know that every single pupil in Reynolds is a winner!

A special mention needs to go to our Junior House teams who in the autumn term dominated both hockey and rugby pitches showing great style and super teamwork. Indeed both the A and B teams secured first and second positions and a solid stock of points with which to start the year. Our First Years also set us well on our way winning maximum points in the football and rugby competitions. Our badminton team displayed good organisation and fought tough competition to claim third prize. We also saw the introduction of an exciting new event in the autumn term; the poetry competition in which our Sixth Form representative gave an outstanding performance to win second place. We ended the term in good spirits also coming second in the House Quiz.

Our Junior House teams continued to prove their sporting prowess throughout the spring term; this time the boys dominated the hockey pitch whilst the girls stood their ground on the netball courts.

The senior girls also won maximum points on the netball courts and our colts did very well coming fourth. The Upper School boys did a fantastic job in the hockey tournament where some of our star sportsmen showed their flair, energy and team spirit to win first place. The colts basketball team also did us proud coming third. Our senior boys did superbly

on the football and hockey pitches coming second and third respectively to add to the points tally. Our Lower School footballers also impressed and came second and the First Years claimed a respectable third in their benchball event.

The summer term saw the growing determination and belief that the House could win as we began to claw our way back up the table. We knew that Sports Day was not our strong suit but that did not stop anyone from volunteering to race and take part in the field events. I am so proud of the spirit shown

by Reynolds during all of the heat races and in the final races on Sports Day; every competitor worked hard and did their very best, and without their hard work we would not be in our strong position now. They have truly shown that hard work and perseverance really do pay off. A special mention needs to go to our seniors who stood together in their reduced numbers to cover all events and win third place. In other events, our Lower School rounders team did a super job to come in second.

We also enjoyed the chess and ‘Ready, Steady, Cook’ competitions and saw the introduction of the thrilling new event, the Greenpower challenge. After a couple of (minor) crashes on the training track set up on the netball courts, the racers took to the field to race for the checkered flag round a demanding course. A final event took place where Reynolds again showed their intellectual prowess to win first place by building the highest and strongest water tower with a very limited set of materials and under short time constraints.

All the above-mentioned hard work, commitment and dedication deserve massive congratulations for every member of the House. We have all pulled together and you deserve every success. We’ll await the final scores with anticipation but whatever the outcome, in Reynolds we will never stop believing in ourselves or fail in our hope, determination or spirit.

Well done Reynolds – you superstars!!!

Miss Lindebringhs

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 23

24 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 24

Sylvester House F

or the first time in living memory, the school year ended with the Allen Grant Trophy still unresolved. My best guess is that Sylvester will finish third, matching our result from last year and marking quite a comeback from Christmas time when we were languishing in last place.

The First Year played a major part in turning things round. The Greenpower team of Mikey Stevens, Ned Clarke and Mukund Srinivasa Raghavan won the inaugural House ‘Grand Prix’ with some speedy driving and super-fast pit changes. Stella Bendoni teamed up with new Head of House Max Self, not previously renowned for his cooking, to win ‘Ready Steady Cook’, the girls won the benchball and finished as runners-up in the netball, while the boys were runners-up in their benchball competition. There were also some very impressive results on Sports Day, including a win for Charlotte Young in the 100m.

Shyam Samraj, Rosie Potter and Xyla Taufaniska also collected exceptional numbers of merits to reach third place overall. Had it not been for their input, particularly in the second half of the year, things would have looked much bleaker for the light blues.

The Lower School found life more difficult, especially in the Junior House competitions. However, the 1st team boys achieved third place in both the rugby and in the hockey, but it was the hockey C team, captained by George Budden, who achieved the only victory. For the girls, it was the B team netballers who achieved, by far, the best result, finishing second.

However, if team sports weren’t quite their thing, the Lower School can certainly run. They dominated the Junior Cross Country event with George Budden, Alla Garside and Jacob Fay all finishing in the top five, while Alla Garside also broke two track records on Sports Day (in the 400m and 800m) even though she prefers much longer distances. Jacob Fay also gained a Sports Day double and there were wins too for Dan Stevens in the hurdles and for Hugo Wybourne, who even found time to provide some ‘on the spot’ coaching for his rival competitors in the shot.

The Second Year also won the merit competition for the second year in a row with Hannah Elton-Dobbin, Ella Wright and Michael Hannides all finishing in the top ten for their year group, while George Budden top scored for the Third Year, who finished a creditable third overall.

The Upper School were highly consistent, achieving good results in all the events they contested: runners-up in the boys’ hockey and the netball and third in the girls’ hockey and the football. The House Captains led by example, Tom Fay was the first light blue home in the Cross Country, finishing sixth, and Briallen Taylor was the first girl home. The Fourth Year boys particularly distinguished themselves on Sports Day, winning every race from 100m to 800m. Ryan Cousins and Tom Smart shared the honours, with Nick White picking up an impressive seven places overall. They also gained a near clean sweep in the relays, winning both of the boys’ races and finishing second in the girls, ensuring that they took the Upper School Cup. Ably led by Hannah Larkin and Toby Edwards, the seniors were runners-up in the badminton and in the Cross Country where Harvey Kavanagh and Tom Martin finished second and third. This pair have been ever present in House events since they arrived at the School and have gained numerous points for the House in a whole multitude of events. Captained by Toby Edwards, the boys’ hockey team came from behind to defeat Capon in the last seconds of the final, while Hannah’s girls’ hockey side finished as runners-up. By comparison, the least said about Sports Day the better, where there were more absences than wins but a special mention goes to Owain Thomas, for filling in for the House relays when injured and for captaining the Team Challenge team to second place right at the end of term. Working with James and Tom Mitchell and Kai England, they designed a most innovative water tower out of paper, cellotape and paper clips that was strong enough to hold over a kilo of weights.

Our new Heads of House are the dynamic pairing of Hannah Kaye and Max Self. They are determined to turn bronze into gold next year and regain the trophy; so no pressure everybody.

Miss Barron

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 25

26 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 26

Watts “H

igh or low and not much in between” would be a good contender for a new Watts motto! This year has followed much the same pattern as the last, with the House going from first place at Christmas down to fifth by the end of the year.

Badminton was, once again, a real strength and victory put us top of the table within two weeks of the start of term. Girls’ hockey was another success, and the girls’ excellent play in all competitions earned us twenty-four points out of a possible thirty.

The Upper School rugby team, including a number of county players, was a pleasure to watch and romped home to victory in this competition, and there are clearly some strong players coming through in the Second and Third Year.

Unfortunately, football seems to be somewhat of a weakness across all years in the House, and only eight points from a possible twenty-four were claimed. Still, we were once more sitting pretty at the top of the table at the end of the autumn term.

The spring term arrived, and how quickly fortunes can change! Despite some valiant play across the board, basketball, colts hockey, senior hockey, colts netball, and First Year benchball could not replicate the success of the previous term and, an excellent victory for the First Year netball team notwithstanding, we had been knocked off our perch by mid-March.

Rounders, ‘Ready Steady Cook’ and chess got the summer term off to a slow but tasty start, before the true might of the Watts machine was unleashed for all to see at Sports Day 2014. Thanks to those who were signed-up and prepared to compete in the Swimming Gala that didn’t take place.

I wish Mr Westwater the best of luck to as he seeks to accomplish what I could not (anything better than 5th will do), and I know that Jack Pritchard and Pip Rees will be real figureheads as they take on the mantle of Head of House.

Mr Watson

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 27

Sports Day 2014

28 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

29 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 29

Creative Arts

Art at KES T

he department has seen another busy year with the high standard of artwork always impressing staff and visitors.

The Upper Sixth artists have shown they are artistically ambitious. Luis Jordan chose to capture the boat yards of the Hamble through some very sensitive oil painting.

Lizzi Osborne carried on her AS theme to reinterpret the narrative of storytelling through a very large pastel drawing and both are going on to the prestigious foundation course at Falmouth Art School. Georgie Hawking continued her enjoyment of working on a huge mixed media piece based on the London skyline, banking and the rise of signature architecture.

The Lower Sixth have also impressed with their range of work. Esme Woodington’s large expressive paintings have given a glimpse of what she might do next year and Victoria Hoad’s large ink drawings demand attention, as do her examination pastel pieces. Subrena Chhatwal’s paintings on old car bonnets are worth noting, as are Joanna Seaby’s large canvases looking at musical instruments. Rebecca Chandler’s large examination painting is really striking and thoughtful.

The photographers have also produced some lovely images. Hattie Rawson-Smith’s portfolio on professional polo is simply outstanding as is the book produced to accompany her sketchbooks. Oscar Ferguson and Emily Osmond have both shown a real eye for ‘making’ a good photograph as well as realising there is always a potential for wider context.

The GCSE classes have yet again produced a fantastic range of work with their sketchbooks really embracing

the opportunity to experiment with a wide range of material. Their examination pieces were equally confident with too many individuals to single out. The best work can be seen on the department’s Flickr site via the school website.

We continue to host partnership workshops with Highfield and Springhill primary schools. This year a fantastic group of Third Year girls have helped run things and their enthusiasm and care for our young guests was simply exceptional and a real credit to the School.

There have been trips to the Tate galleries and the Royal Academy as well as a Sixth Form master class day with photographer Martin Parr and painter Lisa Milroy.

Life drawing for the Sixth Form proved popular again with artist Chris Wood showing how to both record accurately and draw freely.

All this creativity culminated in the Annual Art Exhibition.

This year, as a one off special, we took over the squash courts. One of the courts is being redeveloped as a new fitness room so we were given the go ahead to turn it into a gallery. The other court with its glass back was the ideal venue to project over 60 images of sketchbook pages and photographs. The overall result felt very contemporary with many commenting on how it felt like a professional gallery.

Mr Piggott (Head of Art)

30 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 30

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 31

Dance at KES Dance is thriving at King Edward’s and there is so much on offer for all of our pupils with an extensive programme available including lunch time and after school clubs. The exciting programme has broadened the experiences of our pupils of all abilities whilst making full use of our exceptional Dance Studio and space. Our dance programme has included links with Spring Hill Primary School, the Northern Ballet Company and the English National Ballet, our Zumba Club, our Contemporary Dance Club and a continuation of the successful Rhythmic Gymnastics Club. There have also been opportunities to learn jive, salsa, waltz and tango in our Jive Club and Strictly KES Dancing Club. Pupils have also had the opportunity to learn Street Dance, Cha-cha and ballet during a workshop.

Many KES students have used the Dance Studio during our ‘rehearsal time’ slots to prepare for their up-andcoming dance examinations. There is certainly a buzz surrounding dance at the School.

Many of our talented dancers were involved with the school production of ‘Grease’ and this was a fantastic effort by all. It is great to have the opportunity to display some of the high quality work that our pupils can produce. We have also seen some of our talented First Year pupils perform in our Year Group assemblies.

Dance has also continued to feature in our Foundation Studies programme and the Extended Studies programme. These are fantastic four week blocks for all pupils, giving the opportunity to learn different styles of dance.

The school’s rhythmic gymnasts continue to strive and achieve, and they performed exceptionally at the National Schools’ Rhythmic Championships which was held at Windsor High School, Halesowen. The girls all performed with dedication, enthusiasm and to a high level of skill and retained the two trophies for the Team Competition once again. This is a fabulous achievement and something the girls should feel extremely proud of. For the third year running they are the Under 19 Rhythmic Team Champions. The girls achieved a combined five Gold medals, four Silver medals, three Bronze medals and two team trophies; an exceptional achievement from our pupils.

There were also individual successes in the Open Competition.

Level 1 Under 19 Rope Solo Gold - Amelia Abraham Silver - Georgia Hoile

Under 19 Ribbon Solo Gold - Gemma Asher Silver - Beth Rose Under 19 Rope Group Gold - Joan Chen, Seonaid Carson, Beth Rose & Annabel Winsor.

Silver - Maddi Holden, Daisy Sarton, Phoebe Nicoll, Emily James, Abigail Sheppard, Isi Browning & Rosie Potter.

Bronze - Georgia Hoile, Gemma Asher, Amelia Abraham & Bella Turner.

Level 2 Under 19 Rope Solo Gold - Abigail Sheppard Bronze - Joan Chen Under 19 Ribbon Gold - Abigail Sheppard Under 19 Ball Duet Silver - Julia Mead-Briggs & Danni Townsend.

Bronze - Phoebe Nicoll & Emily James.

A large number of the school’s ballet dancers were also involved with a ballet workshop run by the Northern Ballet Company. This was a fantastic opportunity for those who took part. The company visited The Mayflower Theatre in May with their acclaimed adaptation of Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and KES pupils were lucky enough to enjoy a workshop run by them. Northern Ballet are a narrative ballet company, renowned for telling stories through dance. The pupils enjoyed a fun and energetic warm up, the workshop then explored the story and characters from the show and gave our pupils the chance to try out some of the moves for themselves. This workshop was completed on a Monday which was a fabulous way to start the week!

There is no doubt that it is an exciting time to be part of dance at King Edward’s and we are certain that the programme is going to continue to grow. We are delighted to report that ballet classes and Musical Theatre Club will start in September, alongside some other exciting opportunities for our dancers. It has been a great year for dance at the School and we look forward to the success of the programme in the future.

Miss Campbell (Head of Dance)

32 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 33

Drama at KES T

he Drama department has been busier than ever this year with an eclectic range of productions from the musical ‘Grease’ at Christmas to more hard hitting modern plays like ‘Bassett’ and ‘A Handbag’ produced by the Third Years and Sixth Form respectively.

‘Grease’ was the word on the lips of the Drama department, and the 100 pupils who were involved in the spectacular production in December in the School Hall. With a cast of fifty and as many in the production, backstage and make-up teams, the show was seen by over 1200 pupils, family, friends and partner schools. It was directed by Mrs Piggott, with Mrs Freemantle as Musical Director, and choreography by two professionals Donna Cox and Huon Mackley.

The energy, talent and enthusiasm from the whole cast was electric, and for a week the School Hall was transformed to 1950s America with neon lights and bleacher seating, as the young cast, many previously unknown on the school stage, wowed the audiences.

This was followed in the spring term by the Sixth Form directed play ‘A Handbag’, by Anthony Horowitz; a thought-provoking contemporary play about a group of young people rehearsing for a production of ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’. The summer term saw the First and Second Year Junior Drama Club members present ‘An Enchanted Evening’, a lovely collection of folk and fairy tales directed by Miss Birks. Most recently the Third Year pupils showcased their talent in three excellent modern plays from the National Theatre Connections play series, ‘45 Minutes’, ‘Arden City’ and ‘Bassett’. They tackled issues from relocation due to the Olympic Games, the trials of UCAS applications and the impact of the repatriations on local school children in Wotton Bassett. The incredibly high standard of acting in these performances was appreciated by all in the audience.

As always, there have been a diverse range of theatre trips for all the GCSE and A Level exam pupils including visits to London to see ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’, ‘War Horse’, in the West End, ‘The World of Extreme Happiness’ and ‘Blurred Lines’, both at the Shed at the National Theatre, ‘The Believers’ at the Tricycle Theatre, ‘A Doll’s House’ and ‘Valley of Astonishment’ at the Young Vic, as well as trips to the Nuffield Theatre to see ‘Spring Awakening’, and ‘A Number’, to The Point to see ‘A Table’ and the Theatre Royal Winchester to see ‘Alice in Wonderland’.

We also had the pleasure of having Scene Productions Theatre Company in school in September to perform ‘Fear and Misery of the Third Reich’ and to give a

34 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

practical workshop to pupils on Brechtian style acting.

The highlight of the summer term has been the visit from Frantic Assembly Theatre Company who gave two physical theatre workshops for the GCSE and A Level groups. Pupils were put through their paces in a vigorous warm up, before learning lifts and routines from ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the NightTime’, which caused great excitement, before devising their own pieces of theatre.

There have been several new ventures for the department. Mrs Piggott ran the New Views Playwriting Scheme in school in partnership with The National Theatre. The club was attended by seventeen pupils from the Upper School who each had the opportunity to see plays at the National Theatre and have their work mentored by playwright Deborah Gearing. We were very proud that two pupils had their scripts selected for the National Theatre playwriting competition ‘long list’ which was a great achievement.

This year we have also seen the start of Improvisation Club for Second and Third Years which has proved very popular and the reintroduction of Tech Club with Mr Mason. In the autumn term Miss White ran a propmaking club in the Art department to make the props for ‘Grease’.

LAMDA lessons have also been introduced this year, taught by Miss Riley who is currently in school one day a week, teaching private and shared lessons to pupils in the First to Third Years. This has proved hugely popular and we will be increasing Miss Riley’s days in school from the autumn.

The Junior Drama Club has been as popular as ever.

Run by Miss Birks with the support of Miss Grant and members of the Sixth Form, numbers have remained consistently high, with all the places being filled in record time.

The examination performances dominated the spring term with a well-researched A2 devised play, ‘A Shot in the Arm’, by Robin Hutchings looking at the scandal around the MMR vaccination and performed in a Brechtian style. The Lower Sixth produced two contrasting, yet equally excellent, performances of extracts with Max Kinder and Ella Moody as Sybil and Elyot Chase in a highly entertaining and well observed version of ‘Private Lives’ and Anna Teasdale and Tabitha Piggott as Joan and Harper in the disturbingly compelling play ‘Far Away’ by Caryl Churchill.

The GCSE classes entertained family and friends throughout the year with their devised pieces inspired by the song ‘Gladrags and Handbags’ and the theme ‘A Nightmare’ and then with a diverse selection of extracts from plays such as ‘Blue Remembered Hills’, ‘Citizenship’, ‘Shakers’, ‘Bouncers’, ‘A Glass Menagerie’ and many more in the spring, showcasing their diverse talents.

Mrs Piggott (Head of Drama)

35 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 35

Music at KES K

ES musicians have had another action-packed year of performances and workshops which began with a performance of Fauré’s Requiem in St Mary’s Church. The choir, under the baton of Mr Watson, sang with great vitality and energy and brought this serene yet powerful music to life. Special mention must go to the three Sixth Form soloists; Liberty Roberts, Josh Blunsden and Andrew Morgan, who all performed with great musicality and presence.

Many musicians were in action amongst the cast and band of ‘Grease’, which played to sell-out audiences for four performances in December. The singing was full of energy and the set numbers were delivered with great style and terrific dancing. The leading characters performed their solo numbers with passion and the whole show left both cast and audience beaming.

In December, the combined choirs led the singing at this year’s traditional Carol Service at St Mary’s Church and a retiring collection raised a sizeable sum for local charities.

The first of this year’s two Spring Concerts was held in the Dobson Theatre in February where over 100 young musicians, from the Lower School, supported by a few Fourth Year performers, played a programme of lively items. The evening saw the first performance of Mr Cleaver’s newly-formed classical guitar ensemble with guest performer, Mr Thould, who showed remarkable prowess on the guitar. Many parents commented on the lovely atmosphere and high standard of the evening.

The second Spring Concert was held at Turner Sims in March and showcased the School’s advanced musicians in the Chamber Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, Big Band and Chamber Choir. Music ranged from Beethoven’s 5th Symphony and Shostakovich’s 2nd Piano Concert to Billy Strayhorn’s ‘Take the A Train.’ There were a number of outstanding solos and chamber items to complete the programme. One of the many highlights of the evening was Dr Leaman’s arrangement of an Alt-J song arranged for vocal quartet.

In addition to the large-scale concerts that have taken place, this year has also seen a number of successful Year Group concerts, organised by Miss Collier, and ‘Listen While you Lunch’ concerts, organised by Mr Belassie. These have given more musicians the opportunity to play to parents and friends in an informal environment.

Mr Kotch’s Rock Academy continues to flourish and the bands were seen in action at the annual ‘Battle of the Bands’ event in the spring term. Several Grade VIII pianists enjoyed a master class with pianist Philip Jenkins, the Flute Trio took part in a further inspiring master class with Ian Clarke and A-Level Music Technology students travelled to London for an informative Music Technology conference. A level musicians visited Berlin for a mini music tour where they heard the world class Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Berlin State Opera and visited an authentic Berlin jazz club. Closer to home the School’s Flute trio, directed by Miss Burns, reached the final of the National Chamber Music Competition and several individual students won prizes at the Southampton Festival of Music and Drama. Particular congratulations go to flautist Jenny Whitby who, in addition to playing in the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, won the Winchester Young Soloist competition and the Concerto Competition at the Portsmouth Festival.

The musical year was rounded off with the annual Music Competition which attracted a high number of entries. This year’s adjudicator was former KES student Dr Andrew Fisher, from Southampton University Music Department, who awarded the following prizes: Grade I –III: Grade IV-VI: Grade VII+:

Maddie Holden (voice) Eleanor Dunlop (voice) Joe Arthur (piano)

This year has seen a number of new instrumental staff join the team and we are grateful to our excellent new Music Administrator, Miss Barnett, for making sure the system runs smoothly.

At the end of the year we said goodbye to Miss Collier who has been a popular singing teacher at the School for nine years, and also to Miss Burns who directed the advanced flute ensembles and took them to great heights in national competitions. We also wished Dr Leaman and Mr Watson great success and happiness as they move on to their new posts. Their contribution to KES music has been truly outstanding and they will be greatly missed by students and staff alike.

Mrs Freemantle (Director of Music).

36 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 36

37 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 37

Chamber Orchestra O

nce again it has been an absolute privilege to conduct the forty players in the advanced Chamber Orchestra.

They bring commitment, enthusiasm and fun to every rehearsal and are never phased by the challenging repertoire put in front of them. They opened the Turner Sims Spring Concert with a rousing and professional account of the first movement of Beethoven’s iconic 5th Symphony and followed with a sensitive and musical performance of the second movement of Shostakovich’s 2nd Piano Concerto, where Bi Jia Wu as soloist played with musical insight and great panache. Copland’s ‘Hoe Down’, from the ballet suite Rodeo, completed the programme and allowed all players to raise the roof with complex syncopated rhythms and Wild West folksong.

This year we say goodbye to Jenny Whitby, Maddie Normand, Caitlin Gordon, Emily Atherton, Jonny Millar and Carl Wikely who have contributed so much to the orchestra during their time at KES. Following on the tradition maintained by former pupils, maybe we will see them again as guest players at some point in the future.

Mrs Freemantle, Director of Chamber Orchestra

Symphony Orchestra T

he Symphony Orchestra has tackled some challenging repertoire this year and come out on top! We performed to a packed audience at the Turner Sims Concert Hall in the spring during which the overture to Wagner’s ‘Mastersingers of Nuremberg’ provided every player in the ensemble with a chance to explore the lush harmonies of late Romanticism and the infamous ‘never-ending melodies’ of Wagner’s operas. Rounding the programme off was ‘The Radetzky March’, which the group performed with real Viennese spirit to the accompaniment of the audience clapping along.

Mr Watson, Director of Symphony Orchestra

Second Orchestra T

his has been an exciting and very enjoyable year for Second Orchestra, who have worked with unfailing dedication on a variety of demanding repertoire. The highlight of the year, in the spring term, was the inaugural Junior School Showcase Concert in the Dobson Theatre, when all the players rose to the occasion in an exuberant rendition of two classic jazz standards. The momentum from this success carried us into the summer term, with many of the players deciding to continue rehearsing throughout the busy exam period, which allowed us another performance opportunity in the First and Second Year Concert, this time of Shostakovich’s Jazz Waltz No. 2.

Mr Belassie, Director of Second Orchestra

38 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 38

Big Band T

he Big Band performed with real passion and dynamism at this year’s Spring Concert. The Turner Sims audience were toe-tapping to ‘Mercy, Mercy, Mercy’, written by the pianist Joe Zawinul in 1966 for Cannonball Adderley, the alto saxophonist in the Miles Davis ‘Kind of Blue’ quintet. This was then followed

by Billy Stayhorn’s ‘Take the ‘A’ Train’, one of the most famous jazz standards of all time. The song almost never saw the light of day, being retrieved from the wastepaper basket by Duke Ellington’s arranger. The band played a transcription of the original and most famous Ellington recording session from 1941. They rounded off their performance with ‘Sing Sing

Sing’. Written in 1936 by Louis Prima (best known to the general public as King Louis the orang-utan in The Jungle Book), this tune was famously re-recorded by Benny Goodman a year later. It is this arrangement that the band played, featuring a fantastic solo from a very bouncy Jonny Millar on drums in his last appearance with the band. Other leavers that have contributed so much over the years include Tom Martin (trumpet), Caitlin Gordon (saxophone) and Will Sheard (saxophone).

Dr Leaman, Director of Big Band

Symphonic Winds S

ymphonic Winds continues to grow in strength as an ensemble, both in numbers and in ability. This year they tackled some very tricky repertoire and gave a fantastic performance at the Junior Spring Concert. They opened their performance with a slinky version of ‘The Pink Panther’, with Daisy Porter a soloist on tenor saxophone. They then treated the audience to a bombastic version of ‘New York New York’, with Holly Smart in fine voice, before completing their set with Joplin’s ‘Maple Leaf Rag’, featuring Maya Garside on piano.

Dr Leaman, Director of Symphonic Winds

39 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 39

First Year Choir F

irst Year Choir had a busy start to the school year, with a forty strong ensemble performing Chilcott’s arrangement of ‘This Joy’ in three-part harmony at the School Carol Service. Two weeks prior to this they performed in the termly First Year music assembly.

They sang their own song medley combining a total of nine different pop songs ranging from Jessie J’s ‘Price Tag’ to Journey’s ‘Don’t Stop Believing’. The First Years threw themselves into this challenge, creating harmonies and interlocking the songs to produce a fun and inspiring performance. In the spring term, the First Years were joined by thirty keen Second and Third Years for a performance of ‘Wade in the Water’ in the Lower School Concert in the Dobson Theatre. The First Years also performed their song medley with excellent

solos by Eleanor Dunlop and Daisy Sarton.

The summer term brought the First and Second Year Music Showcase Concert in June. The First Year Choir performed three-part harmony versions of ‘Climbing Up the Mountain’, ‘Children’ arranged by Dilworth and ‘Let it Go’ from Disney’s Frozen. As a rousing finale, the choir also performed their version of Pharrell Williams’s ‘Happy’.

Miss Collier, Director of First Year Choir

Chamber Choir T

his has been a very busy year for this ever-improving ensemble. In October, the Chamber Choir joined with forty parents and staff to sing the Fauré Requiem in St. Mary’s Church. Although the pupils only had five weeks to learn this 40-minute elegy, they performed with a real sense of occasion. Andy Morgan, Liberty Roberts and Josh Blunsden sang their solos beautifully and with great professionalism. In December at the Carol Service, despite some challenging repertoire, the pupils managed to lead the parents, staff and choir. A special mention should go to the soloists who performed in the premiere of Dr Leaman’s ‘Godes Mother’. Finally, in the Spring Concert at the Turner Sims, the Chamber Choir performed a variety of new repertoire, from Vaughan-Williams’ ‘The Turtle Dove’, with Luke Roberts as soloist, to ‘I’m A Train’, complete with chugging and whistles!

Mr Watson, Director of Chamber Choir

Guitar Ensemble T

he new KES Guitar Ensemble has been meeting every Thursday lunchtime. This is a group primarily for classical players but open to complimentary tones, so also incorporating a bass plus occasional appearances by a violin, a harmonica and who knows what else! With a stonking first performance in the spring term we have been finishing the year riffing on that fab musical of decades - the 60s! Join the party, if you think you are groovy enough...

Mr Cleaver, Director of Guitar Ensemble

40 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 40

Telemann Octet T

he KES Telemann Octet, formed in 2012, has continued to work on ‘lost’ repertoire of the great composer. This year they worked on a concerto that does not exist in currently published recorded format and there are no records on line of any public concerts including the work. The group conveyed the delightful counterpoint and question and answer motifs that one would expect from the composer and provided an excellent opportunity for the musicians to explore their communication in the chamber music setting. The group featured Jo Seaby and Sophie Arthur [violins], Jenny Whitby and Zoe Carter-Tai [flutes], Liberty Roberts and Luke Roberts [oboe], Anna Roberts OE [cello] and Bi Jia Wu [piano].

Dr Leaman, Director of Telemann Octet

Flute Choir T

he Flute Choir reformed in September 2013 with new members. The flautists worked hard to prepare for the Lower School Music Concert in March.

They have been learning to lead and follow each other effectively whilst developing their ensemble skills in a variety of different pieces. A memorable performance, of which they should be very proud, was presented to a capacity audience. Recently we have also introduced the piccolo and alto flute into the ensemble to develop the range of sounds and skills. Regular contributors this year have been Amy Boyle, Alice Dean, Yasmine Elsheikh, Phoebe Moriarty-Palios and Rebecca Williams. Next year we look forward to welcoming more flautists to develop the successes we have enjoyed so far.

Miss Stocker, Director of Flute Choir

41 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 41

Flute Trio T

he Flute Trio have had a fantastically successful year. The group worked on the flute trio and piano composition ‘Curves’ by Ian Clarke and reached the final of the Pro Corda National Chamber Music competition where they performed with an elite line up at the Birmingham Conservatoire. They also had the chance to work on the piece in a masterclass with the composer which was an incredibly enlightening experience. The piece is extraordinarily tricky, making use of extended techniques, alternative fingerings and non-standard tuning. The technical and musical expertise shown by the group was quite exceptional. Congratulations to Jenny Whitby, Zoe Carter Tai, Tom Edwards on flutes and Bi Jia Wu on piano.

Miss Burns, Director of Flute Trio

Rock Academy A

nother year sees more talent, more success and more future stars in the making! From moody photoshoots and energised rehearsals to ‘Battle of the Bands’ and year group concerts, Rock Academy has had another year of memories made and accolades accomplished.

Highlights include a prize (for the second year in a row) at the ‘Battle of the Bands’ for a Rock Academy band.

The guest judges made a special presentation to the duo of First Years, Sam and Josh, whose electrifying medley performance had the whole crowd enchanted and subsequently rocking along!

Performances at the Third Year and First Year concerts have also been graced with Rock Academy performers who continue to grow in confidence and skill as live performers.

Mr Kotch, Director of Rock Academy

42 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 42

Clubs and Societies

Amnesty Group T

he autumn term saw regular attendance in Monday meetings from a sizable group of Sixth Formers and Fifth Years. We took part in letter writing on behalf of political prisoners in various parts of the world and continued to support AI’s promotion of women’s rights in Afghanistan.

Our most dramatic action came in October when an orange boiler-suited Anna Cooke sat in a cage in the Crush Hall. She caused quite a stir, promoting interest ahead of her ‘Thought for the Day’ about illegal imprisonment and the abuse of solitary confinement.

The advent of exams saw numbers at meetings drop off towards the end of the spring term but a committed few remained to write letters to MPs and foreign embassies.

Thanks to all those that contributed to the work of the group throughout the year.

Dr Gamblin

Astronomy Society T

his year the Astronomy Society has been active in many fields, both literally and metaphorically. Six students have been working towards their final examinations this summer for the Astronomy GCSE qualification, undertaking naked and aided-eye observations to complete their coursework, which included topics such as measuring stellar density in star clusters and measuring the sidereal day. We have taken several successful trips to the Toothill Observatory this year and plan to attend more of their society talks next year. There was however disappointment in the year, with storm damage to the school telescope, and comet Ison turning out to be a bit of a damp squib as it broke up passing its perigee with The Sun. We are looking forward to next year now, with more cold but starry nights up at Toothill and a very exciting trip to observe a total solar eclipse in the Faroe Islands. There will also be a new intake of students wishing to undertake the Astronomy GCSE next year, so if you are interested see Mr Simm.

Thanks to Dan, Georgie, Hazel, Oli C, Oli R, Harry and Dr G. Happy star gazing!

Mr Simm

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 43

Badminton Club S

eptember saw the usual large numbers attending Badminton Club as new students, keen to sample the School’s co-curricular programme, joined the more experienced players and those seeking a bit of practice for the House badminton competition. It was often necessary to press both squash courts into service to accommodate all of the players but, in the true traditions of the club, people did not complain about the lack of court time and rotated sensibly and patiently.

A combination of factors, such as the completion of the House badminton tournament in October and other co-curricular commitments, saw attendance dwindle to a more manageable number and from about December onwards it was possible to give players a full hour of court time. From my perspective at court side, I am pleased to report that all players have shown good levels of commitment and enthusiasm over the year and have made progress with both their technique and general match play. At the very top of the club we are fortunate to have some extremely talented players who help to inspire others.

It is always difficult to name check all students who have attended, but those that come to mind include Tom Durham, Joe Smith, Tom Davies, Hashim Amjad, Rahell Ahmed, Marco Ma, Shrinivas Anikhindi, Curtis Crowley, Mike Huang, Bert Borley, Luke Murtagh, Albert Beck, Toby Saer, Jamie He, Alex Liu, Cameron Barr, Matthew Duke, Zak Martyn, Edward Baker, Manish Arunachalam and Behrang Mansourian.

My apologies to anybody that I have missed.

My usual thanks go to all club members for their participation and support over the year, and to Dr Gamblin for his help in running the club.

Mr Walter

44 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

Beekeeping (KES Bees) T

he bees have had an increasingly high profile over this year with larger numbers of students involved, a harvest of honey and some swarms.

The close of the 2013 season brought the excitement of a honey extraction as we had one hive super full of honey. This yielded just over 15lb of honey which went in to 100 small jars. Members of KES Bees had a share, some were given as gifts to supporters and about half were sold or auctioned for school charities. The bees had built up a strong colony, relatively free from Varoa and well supplied for the winter as the bee feeding phase drew to a close.

During the winter, while the bees were less active, KES Bees held what is now hoped will be an annual honey tasting event, led by Dave Norris, our visiting apiarist. About a dozen honey varieties were on offer and a number of students and staff were able to find their preferred variety.

The bees survived winter and emerged strongly in the spring. Regular inspections of the hive started after Easter. A grant from KES PTA for a second hive meant that an empty hive was ready for when we performed our swarm management. This took place in early May – but the bees swarmed anyway!

As I write we are in a position where we have colonies in two hives but no mature queen.

Hopefully, under the care of the KES Bees Team, we will have an egg laying queen in each hive and plenty of bees for honey collection for the coming summer!

One thing we have had to remind ourselves of this season is that bees are wild creatures and may well behave differently from descriptions in books!

Mr Robinson

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 45

Byron Society T

he society in honour of our dearly beloved friend, Lord Byron, has been one filled with thrilling and wonderful social engagements. Our dear friends have come together for our annual Winter Ball, as well as a new, and highly exclusive, soirée. The Schweppes and merriment was free flowing and plentiful, and our members were delighted to observe the absence of the Lady Caroline Lamb (who was, nevertheless, much missed by the Lushington faction).

Several of our esteemed members have earned my undying gratitude for their assistance this year, but none more so than my dear Bess Kent, whose dedication to our society is second only to me. Percy Shelley and Scrope Berdmore Davies also took a few moments away from their usual amusements to assist, although perhaps some of the hijinks could have been left at the door. The buskin boots remain a hugely and worryingly vivid recollection!

The Reading Competition was won yet again by Harry Hazelgrove with a first class rendering of Byron’s ‘Parisina’.

Harry, a true entertainer with a sportive spirit, delivered his lines in a broad Irish brogue. He brought the house down! The Mazeppa Prize for best original composition in the style of Byron went to our admirable President, Lady Jersey, known today as Georgina Humphrey. Her stanzas on the situation in the Crimea had the rhythm and punch of the bard at his most captivating. Following the tradition of the Society, the winning manuscript was burnt in memory of the committing to the flames of Byron’s memoirs (literary outrage!) in the upper room at John Murray’s Publishing House in Albemarle Street in the early summer of 1824!

We travelled too. On the last Saturday of November the huzzahs rang out as the annual Byron Society venture to London to visit some of the key sites associated with Lord Byron was launched. Places visited included Byron’s school at Harrow, the Drury Lane Theatre where Byron was a director during his years of fame, Albany in Piccadilly where the poet lived for a time, the House of Lords, the Scottish Office where Byron met Lady Caroline Lamb, Marylebone Parish Church where the poet was baptised and Holles Street the site of the poet’s birthplace. We were also memorably entertained at the Piccadilly Cinnabon Emporium, reputedly the poet’s favourite hideaway when the creditors were in town.

My prayer is that our wonderful organisation will continue to thrive in the legendary Childe Harold spirit well into the new academic year. We shall go in search of the leather satchel of Scrope Berdmore Davies at the British Library.

The Byronic contents of the satchel are guaranteed to enthral.

Forever yours,

Lady Sarah Sophia Childe Villiers, Countess of Jersey, Georgina Humphrey.

The Reason for the Society: (George Gordon, Lord Byron, in Albanian Dress)

46 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

Canoe and Kayak Club T

he KES Canoe and Kayak Club has been dominated this year with planning for the Swedish Archipelago tour taking place in July 2014. With a wide range of students signed up from four different year groups the team began their preparations by researching and delivering a presentation about the Archipelagos during the parents’ information evening.

The Sweden team then embarked on a series of training paddles including a skills-based session at Eastleigh Lakeside Country Park and a morning on the water at Lymington where the group were invited to paddle from Lymington Town Sailing Club as part of their RYA ‘push the boat out’ weekend.

With plenty of practice under our belts, confidence and excitement were high for the final trip.

Mr Blow

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 47

Cactus Club T

his year we put together our programme based on three key pillars, one for each term. These were; the Eco Garden Cactus Dome, based on the Dome of Visions – ‘a greenhouse dome in the centre of Copenhagen’; the annual Cacti (and succulent) Competition, won this year by Thomas Mitchell with a small, cheeky, prickly chap in a specially designed t-shirt; and the trip to Kew Gardens, this year in search of Marianne North, the English Victorian biologist and botanical artist, notable for her plant and landscape paintings, her extensive foreign travels, her writings, her plant discoveries and the creation of her gallery at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew itself. She was also an inspirational cactus hunter.

This was due to the discouraging weather forecast which predicted heavy rain. People kept away so we enjoyed the unexpected sunshine and had the 330 acre site very much to ourselves. We were able to achieve all our targets, which included; the North Pole (the gallery at the end of the universe), Castanea Sativa (the oldest tree in the world), Charlotte’s Cottage (Blind Man’s Zed), The Crossing Point - cactus exchange, Badger Run (Meet the Director), Ursus Major (the guardian of the gardens), the Home of the People’s Princess (trading cacti), The Indigo Factory (to dye for), Kew Palace and the search for Byron’s curtains (a delightful and surprising find) and the Hot House. It was a great day and many cacti were added to personal collections.

There was no queue at Kew on our day at Kew in April.

The bread and butter of our year (the soil and water as it were) was the fantastic series of Monday lectures, which were often followed by a research competition, given by club members and assorted special guests.

These were; ‘Celebrity Cacti’, ‘Mexico - Land of the

48 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

Prickly Pear’, ‘How to Grow Cacti Effectively’, ‘Gary Barlow’s Earls Court Cacti Menagerie’, ‘The Great Water Lily Mystery’ (a tremendously passionate illustrated talk about metropolitan police chief Bernard Hogan Howe’s search for the endangered lily stolen to order from Kew in January of this year), ‘Ten Cacti That Changed the World’ and, to round off the year, the captivating, puzzling and richly rewarding ‘Cacti on the Underground’.

For members of the School who are not yet members of the club we offer a few key tips for cultivating cacti.

Desert cacti are light lovers - place them well and keep them cool in winter. This aids flowering in the next season. Watering should be increased in February as they start growing again at this time. Go lightly on the bone meal! A little once a month is good in season. Join us when the cactus doctors are next in town.

As we write this report, the blowing of the cactus dome has just been completed. This will be secured at the northern end of the Eco Garden and will be home

initially to three cacti whose progress we shall monitor carefully. A prickly pear will be placed alongside ‘en plein air’ as this is a hardy variety. Bubble wrap will be used for protection in winter if necessary.

These are exciting times for the club! Membership is at a record level and ownership of cacti by KES students is at an all-time high. This would not be possible without the time and effort of Mr Giles, who has organised all of the events throughout this year and makes it possible to hold our weekly meetings, and our greatest thanks go to him. We also thank our President, James Mitchell, for his peerless leadership, his brother and Vice President, Tom Mitchell, and Scribe, Ed Sheppard, for their hard work each week in setting up the classroom, the Fifth Year Latin group for their cakes and posters, and a plethora of staff (Miss Hewitt, Mr Kay, Mr Kelsey and Miss Stone) for their support, advice and never-say-die attitude.

Members of the Cactus Club

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 49

Charities Commission T

his has been another fun-filled and busy year for the Charities Commission with events, big and small, allowing all members of the KES community to get involved in raising money for local, national and international charities.

The year kicked off with our annual Christmas Shoebox Appeal and pupil, staff and parent generosity was again overwhelming. Thereafter and throughout the year a number of large scale events have also taken place. These have included the annual Burns Night Supper for the South Africa Goedgedacht project which raised £3,600, the First Year Toy Appeal fun run which generated an incredible £2,160 through sponsorship, enabling 200 presents to be bought for local children who may not otherwise get a gift at Christmas, and the 24 hour Summer Camp Rowathon that brought in £900. The Carol Service collection amassed £700 that was donated to New Forest Nightstop, an organisation which enables homeless young people to access safe, free, emergency accommodation in the local area and ticket sales from the ‘Battle of the Bands’ competition brought in a further £740. The Krispy Kreme doughnut sales remain as popular as ever and have generated £1,300 this year whilst a further £1400 was also raised for Typhoon Haiyan Appeal and donated to Oxfam and the Disasters Emergency Committee in equal parts.

Other pupil run events have included non-uniform days, the sale of roses and bears for Valentine’s Day,

a ‘KES does Countdown’ competition, ‘Innuendo Bingo’, the sale of Advent calendars, ‘Children in Need’ stalls, dodgeball and football tournaments, an Easter egg raffle, the retail of school honey, Christmas stalls and many other imaginative events. The Charities Commission has also supported mental health awareness days and World Aids Day and, through former pupil Joanna Reid (née Hutton) working out in Uganda, well over fifty hats were either donated or knitted for premature babies on the neonatal ward.

The team have worked immensely hard to ensure that events are successfully run throughout the year, in addition to helping support the School run the Goedgedacht and Summer Camp projects. All money raised is donated to a variety of charities and charitable groups that have been put forward by staff, parents and members of the Charities Commission.

Dr Sinnett-Jones

50 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 51

Chess Club T

his year, the Chess Club has tended to operate in three separate age groups, although there have been a few instances of interaction among these. There is a strong nucleus of Lower Sixth Formers, several of them new to the club this year, another contingent of Fifth Years, and quite a good number of Lower School pupils too, although sadly very few from the First Year.

Once again, the main event of the year was the UK Schools’ Chess Challenge, which operates at intraschool level throughout the spring term. This year’s competition was the most evenly contested tournament we have had, with numerous unexpected setbacks befalling the successive favourites for the overall title.

The last round began with three contenders for the School Championship and, in the end, this was shared between Marco Ma and Chris Lotery, with David Veres following Curtis Crowley, John Lyons and Toby Saer in seeing the championship (which had seemed a highly realistic prospect for each of them at one stage or another) elude him.

From this event, sixteen King Edward’s pupils qualified for the next phase of the Challenge: the Hampshire Megafinal at Basingstoke in May. Those who took the opportunity to attend performed well, and were slightly unfortunate to come home with only one county title.

This belonged to David Veres, who is therefore the “Supremo” for U15 boys: a fine consolation for missing out on the School Championship. Qualifying along with

David for the Southern Gigafinal in the summer are James Lesniak and Chris Lotery, who tied for second place in the U13 boys, and Marco Ma who finished second in the U17 boys only on tie-break.

The House Competition was as chaotic and keenly contested as ever, with Lake emerging from the fray to take the championship for the first time since 2010, and Sylvester completing a strange sequence in those four years of last, first, first, last.

Finally, there was one very pleasant surprise for me during the year. I was contacted by the Blake family, whose sons Chris and Andrew were both stalwarts of the Club throughout their years at KES in the 1980s and 90s, Chris going on to Captain Oxford University at chess. The family offered the School a collection of chess books for all levels of expertise, so we now have a Chess Club lending library as well. I hope this will continue to stimulate interest among the Blake boys’ successors.

Mr Patten

Christian Union D

uring this academic year Christian Union has met regularly on a Wednesday lunchtime in CL5 as a group mostly of between ten and twenty Upper Sixth, Lower Sixth, Fourth and Fifth Years.

We have largely held discussion groups which have been open to all members of the Upper School and Sixth Form and have seen diverse religious and philosophical views expressed. A number of these discussions were hosted by a panel of Christian leaders and teachers from local churches who bravely came to KES under the session title ‘Grill a Christian’.

Due to the popularity of these events the current CU team is planning to hold similar events in the coming academic year.

Mr Robinson

52 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

Classical Society C

lassical Society has continued to flourish this year with students from across the years attending on a Friday lunchtime. Freddie Padgham, Richard Tissiman and Josh Nelthorpe-Cowne have jointly presided over the meetings, always ensuring that the drinks and brownies have arrived on time. There have been a variety of activities aimed at all age ranges interspersed with the odd ‘games’ session.

Mr Kelsey produced some memorable talks, including Roman building methods and chariots: a tricky quiz on the Circus Maximus followed this with a clip from the old favourite, Ben Hur, and some mistake spotting. We had a number of quizzes: one on the Iliad, one requiring identification of Classical films and characters and a very successful, if slightly odd, one of guessing the myth from lego re-enactments on YouTube.

Mr Halls presided over some play readings which were accompanied by much merriment and some fine acting.

Aristophanes’ Birds amused us all but we also tackled the darker plays including Agamemnon, Medea and Hecabe.

Part of the success of the society is the variety of fun things one can do with the Classics. One of the more unusual meetings was a form of the BBC game “Would I lie to you?” Here we surprisingly learned that the Greeks really did believe that beans contained the souls of the dead but that Caesar was not bullied at school (as far as we know)!

Many thanks to those who regularly attend and we look forward to another fruitful and exciting year of Classical fun.

Mrs Meredith

Cookery Club

B

efore we started Cookery Club we were give a recipe booklet. Then, on the day, we had to bring in the ingredients. It was really good fun and we cooked things like chicken curry and chocolate brownies. On the final session we had a ‘Great KES Bake Off’ which we all enjoyed.

I hope that the Cookery Club carries on for future years because it is a great club.

Thanks to Mrs Searles and Mrs Sheppard I have discovered some new and delicious recipes.

Stella Bendoni

I

n Cookery Club we learnt how to make some amazing things. We made chicken curry, gingerbread men, chocolate brownies (that I can still taste in my mouth when I think about them), chilli con carne, fruit crumble and lots of other delicious meals. I had great fun and lots of laughs and overall had a great time whilst learning to cook some tasty dishes.

Luka Astles

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 53

Creative Writing Club T

he Lower School Creative Writing Club has been an excellent new addition to the co-curricular opportunities on offer at KES and has grown steadily in popularity throughout the year. The club now comprises a small but dedicated band of budding authors, poets and playwrights. Students from the First to the Third year have been busy flexing their linguistic muscles and honing their creative thinking during lunchtime sessions which have been dedicated to a wide variety of topics ranging from: ways to beat writers’ block, making editing exciting, and tips and tricks of the writing trade.

Members of the club have also been working on entries for a variety of national competitions including the ‘Young Writers: Twist in the Tale’ mini-saga competition, which challenged entrants to write an original story, or create a re-imagining of a well-known classic. The twist? They had to do it in just 100 words! Several of our students entered but Isobel Searles deserves a special mention as her story entitled ‘Haunt’ was selected for publication and will be included in an anthology of the winning submissions.

A number of students also entered the ‘War of Words’ poetry competition which challenged pupils to write about the thought-provoking theme of conflict using

any poetry style they chose. The results for this competition will be announced later this year.

Our resident writers have also been preparing entries for Britain’s most prestigious poetry prize for young writers: ‘The Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award’ on the subject of: ‘poems that engage the senses and imagination’.

However, it hasn’t all been hard work…sometimes in fact it’s all about fun and games! A particular favourite was ‘Story Cubes’, a game which puts players on the spot to create an original, engaging yet cohesive story using all of the nine icons displayed after rolling the dice; perfect for getting those creative juices flowing!

I would like to thank the students for all of the enthusiasm, energy and imagination which they have brought to the club this year, and I look forward to reading the latest literary offerings from these talented writers soon!

Mrs Gunton

Debating and Public Speaking Society T

he Debating and Public Speaking Society has continued to go from strength to strength this year, achieving significant competitive success and growing in both numbers and confidence.

This year, we reached the later stages of three national

competitions. Toby Saer, Emma Blackman and Nick Neves came first in the opening round of the English Speaking Union Public Speaking Competition and Emma won an individual award for “Best Chairperson”.

They then competed in the regional branch final in

54 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

Salisbury in January and the ESU Competitions National Officer quoted Toby’s speech in his summing up! Then, on 7th February, Joe Smith and Emma Blackman competed in the regional final of the Cambridge Union Schools’ Debating Competition at Bishop Wordsworth’s School in Salisbury. They debated two unprepared motions extremely well, and defeated some impressive opponents, although teams from Bishop’s and South Wilts Grammar ultimately went through to the national final. The standard was very high and, again, the KES team received excellent, very positive feedback. On Monday 10th February, in the second round of the ESU Schools’ Mace Debating Competition at The Portsmouth Grammar School, Emma Blackman and Georgia Everest, both Fifth Years, beat a very strong Upper Sixth PGS team to be placed 2nd overall. They therefore became the reserve team for the regional final of that competition, which put them just one step away from the England final.

KES teams also performed well in other competitions and some new faces certainly made their mark, which bodes well for future years! In February, two KES teams (Emma Blackman and Joe Smith; Cameron Brown and Ollie Chapman) took part in the first round of the Oxford Union Schools’ Debating Competition at St Catherine’s School in Bramley, Guildford. This was a huge round, in which both KES teams performed excellently, especially Ollie and Cameron, who were both debating in formal competition for the first time. Cameron, in particular, delivered some truly blistering points of information, which did pretty serious damage to his opponents’ arguments. In March, Hugo McCullagh and Nick Neves travelled to Chenderit School in Banbury to take part in the International Competition for Young Debaters 2014.

They had an excellent day of debating, competing in three different rounds, two of which were unprepared debates, and they achieved one 1st place, one 2nd and a 4th. They finished 9th overall out of 24 teams.

Towards the end of March, four KES teams (Joe Smith, Vanya Zheludev, Henry Marden, Alex Chamberlain-Clay, Ollie Chapman, Curtis Crowley and Georgia Everest) took part in the University of Southampton Debating IV Tournament. Despite the fact that nearly all of the other participants were undergraduate or postgraduate students from various universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, Warwick and London, our teams did very well in the fairly intense competition, which comprised four consecutive unprepared British Parliamentary debates from 9am to 6pm. All of our teams beat university teams, which is impressive in itself. The best results from the four rounds were Alex and Henry achieving a 2nd place, beating Manchester and Southampton University teams and Georgia defeating Southampton and Kingston University teams to gain

a 1st and a 2nd. Georgia ranked highest overall in the team results, while Alex was our star in the individual speaker rankings, coming an impressive 32nd out of 56 speakers. Everyone received excellent feedback though and few fellow competitors even realised our debaters were not university students. At the end of May, we had our annual prize-giving ceremony featuring the customary high-quality prizes and hand-made Zheludev-Smith trophy, which this year, was awarded to Georgia Everest.

This has also been a year of firsts. Most recently, Debating and Public Speaking colours were awarded for the first time at the end of last term. Half colours went to Georgia Everest, Nick Neves, Toby Saer and Tay Sparks, while full colours were awarded to Joe Smith, Vanya Zheludev and Emma Blackman. We also have new positions within the society: Henry Marden is our new Lower School Debating and Public Speaking Captain and has lots of exciting ideas for the Lower School branch of the Society. He will be ably assisted by his two Vice Captains, Georgia Everest and Emma Blackman. We have introduced competitive coaching on Fridays and we have also been lucky to have several coaching sessions from the University of Southampton Debating Society. We now have a Facebook page to keep everyone updated and also hosted our first friendly debates against St Swithun’s in June. St Swithun’s won the junior debate, proposing the motion “This house would abolish all gambling”.

The KES team won the senior debate, opposing the motion “This house would make voting compulsory in the UK”. Many students came to offer home support, which really made the event, especially those on study leave, who took a break from their revision to chair and help to judge the debates. We also welcomed PGS on 10th July, and look forward to welcoming other schools in the future.

As this term draws to a close, we have said fond farewells to Joe Smith and Vanya Zheludev after two jam-packed years as President and Vice President of the society. They have both made significant contributions to the society’s growth, success and wit, as well as becoming excellent debaters in their own right. We all wish them the very best at university and look forward to seeing them when they return as guest speakers or judges in the future. Next year promises to be just as busy for the society, with the usual range of local and national competitions, as well as the hotly anticipated elections for the new President and Vice President. 2014-15 certainly has big shoes to fill, but we’re all excited to see what it holds for KES debaters and public speakers.

Miss Stenning

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 55

Economics Society E

conomics Society meets every Friday for Upper School, Sixth Form and teachers to listen to, and give exciting talks on, various economic issues.

2013/14 was another excellent year for the Society with large numbers of enthused attendees for every single talk.

The year kicked off with a briefing by Jeremy WilkinsonSmith and Brent Lund on the UK’s economic status and well thought out argument for Britain turning a corner. These two clearly predicted the future well as the UK has, at the time of writing, the fastest economy of any OECD nation. Moving on through the year, we went global with Matt Ward and Adrian Ellis doing a talk on the economic relevance of South America; Owen Lock gave us a condensed, quick-fire briefing on the ‘Worst Economist Ever’ who he proposed was the ex-governor of Zimbabwe’s reserve bank, Gideon Gono; and Richard Bolton gave us fascinating insight into the world of global cyber warfare. He predicted that cyber espionage would be a rising problem in the future, it seems he didn’t speak too soon with recent accusations of spying from both the US and China.

Onto our more controversial talks, Joe Smith and Jeremy Wilkinson-Smith returned for a debate about the future of our membership of Europe with Joe arguing

that we should leave and Jeremy saying the opposite.

This is a discussion that is getting more and more heated with UKIP’s continual rise and the Conservatives promising a referendum on membership of the EU if they win the General Election in 2015. Another, and probably the most controversial, talk was Matt Ward’s and Adrian Ellis’s talk entitled ‘The World’s Oldest Profession’, in which we looked at the economics and social issues of a market not often referred to in the classroom.

Overall on behalf of the Society I’d like to thank the Economics Department for helping us, and everyone who came to all of the talks and discussions. It is now up to the incoming Upper Sixth and new Lower Sixth to ensure the Society continues to thrive – good luck to them.

Adrian Ellis Note from Mr Culver: As ever, this Society just wouldn’t work without the input of students giving up their own time to research and present. My thanks to Adrian Ellis for writing the report above, and for chairing the Society with the support of Matt Ward and Jeremy WilkinsonSmith.

56 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

English Society I

t has been an exciting year for the newly rejuvenated English Society and we have seen a huge range of both cake and guest speakers even managing to draw a few members away from the clutches of the History Society during Thursday lunchtimes; a feat often considered impossible.

We started off with the subsidiary Booker Prize Challenge. Twenty-five students took part this year, the challenge being to read all the short-listed novels in the five weeks between short-listed announcement and the award ceremony. This year we had the added incentive of a trip to London to see and hear all six novelists read and discuss their books. The lucky winners to accompany Dr Schofield were Liberty Roberts and Issy Bartholomew, who afterwards met the winner Eleanor Catton, and had their books signed by all.

Several students also went over to Southampton University to hear a lecture by the critic and highly respected academic Sir Christopher Rickman who spoke about blasphemy in English literature.

We later welcomed guests such as Dr Will May from the University of Southampton to come to speak on F.T. Prince, the greatest poet that we have all now, thankfully, heard of, and also an impressive selection of teachers and pupils willing to show their love for their own little corner of English. Mr Herklots shocked us with some Victorian science, which made a strong impression in particular on the students studying ‘Frankenstein’, as he delved into the science behind Mary Shelley’s masterpiece. Mr Mason intrigued us with a fascinating history of detective fiction, starting again with the Victorians and working through to Philip Marlowe and beyond. Dr Schofield left us at least

mildly concerned about the state of D.H. Lawrence, asking and attempting to answer the questions: ‘Pornographer? Spy? Misogynist? Or the greatest novelist England has ever produced?’

Another subsidiary activity was the Poetry by Heart competition, in which students had to learn and recite poems from a wide anthologised choice and then compete at school and regional level. I actually won the school heat myself and then went to Winchester and competed, enthusiastically but unsuccessfully, against other Hampshire teams.

Overall it has been an exceptionally successful year for the English Society, one that I am very proud to have been a part of. I raise my glass, and my well-thumbed copy of Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’, to another equally eventful year.

Georgia Humphrey (English Society President)

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 57

Fencing Club T

he 2013-14 season saw the welcome return of Mr Kay to the Fencing Club, providing the club with the opportunity to develop our fencers at different levels and disciplines. Throughout the season various students have been competing at both local and national level – in fact the School currently boasts one girl in the top 50 of the U17 national rankings, and two regional champions.

best of 14th, Katya Sheath gained a very respectable 18th with epee but in the foil event she surpassed this result to achieve 10th place. Lastly, but by no means least, was Lauren Begbour who demonstrated her experience and left the venue in 7th place earning the title of Public Schools’ Fencing Championships FINALIST. We hope to return to the competition again next year to compete for more shields!

In 2014 the School also returned to the Public Schools’ Fencing Championships at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre with KES fencers competing in eight individual events. This is a popular competition and our fencers demonstrated excellent sportsmanship along with the grit and determination required at this elite event. Tom Edwards and Tim Riley both competed in tough groups but still managed to achieve top half placings of 69th and 64th respectively whilst our youngest competitor, Beth Ryan, finished 45th. George Budden was promoted through two rounds and finished 29th, Jenny Budden managed an impressive personal

Our Junior School Partnership has continued to be popular with ninety junior school pupils visiting us during six lunchtimes throughout the year for beginner fencing training courses and we hope some of these pupils will join the club in September.

The Fencing Club will continue to run in the Table Tennis room on Wednesday lunchtimes from 1.05pm. All are welcome, any age, any level – equipment provided.

Mrs Coker

58 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

First Aid Club F

irst Aid Club was a nine week course that took place after School on Mondays and was run by the school nurse, Mrs Duke. This club offered detailed knowledge of first aid as well as practical skills that would be useful in emergency situations.

We had a great experience and enjoyed learning all the valuable skills, for example the recovery position, helping someone with breathing difficulties and dealing with other external wounds. In our group of ten we had plenty of time to learn the information necessary, put it to practical use and also ask questions about various medical situations.

At the end of the course we took an official test during which we completed a written section, showed our understanding of the recovery position and CPR and dealt with a hypothetical emergency situation. It was great fun, we learned a lot and are now certified first aiders for three years.

Rachel Jacob and Katya Sheath

German Magazine Club A

ll of the members of GMC have been producing many good articles this past year with the help of the language assistants. We said farewell to Christian, who left last summer, but we also want to thank Lisa, who has helped us from September. We have had a vast range of subjects covered including the German Bundesländer, Aachen Weihnachtsmarkt, German sweets and chocolates, German businesses, chalets, and tourist destinations.

We welcome all students, and it doesn’t matter if they don’t study German. We write in English and German about German speaking countries, and anything else Germanic! Our magazines are published every term on the school website, for all school members to read.

James Mitchell

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 59

Greenpower I

t had been a year of change for the Greenpower Club in 2014. With the majority of students reaching the maximum age for racing in the Formula 24 class, the club has been revitalised by new First, Second and Third Year students. It has been a steep learning curve for the new members of the team as they have prepared for the early season testing at Goodwood race circuit. This test session was particularly important as Greenpower have dramatically altered the racing format and regulations for 2014. Instead of a single four hour endurance race the teams are now required to compete

in two races of duration ninety minutes without a battery change during each race. This change in regulations has meant the team have had to quickly rethink elements of the car, such as the gearing, in order to stay competitive over the shorter distance whist still maintaining the reliability. With help from a KESPTA bid the team were able to replace the gearing to great effect and the team are now looking to gain experience with this new race format.

Mr Blow

60 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

Green Team T

he School started the academic year by introducing the Eco blazer into its uniform. From this academic year, all new school blazers will now be manufactured from 100% recycled non-biodegradable plastic drinking bottles. Whereas the bottles would normally go to landfill sites where they can take up to 500 years to break down, the outer fabric of each new KES blazer is now made up of sixteen of these plastic bottles. The revolutionary manufacturing process, which involves shredding the bottles, breaking the shredding down into plastic and turning this into thread, helps prevent millions of tonnes of plastic waste from being buried in the Earth, saving energy and reducing CO2 emissions too. Compared to a traditional blazer, the Eco blazer requires up to 84% less energy to produce it.

After a successful 2013 ‘water’ theme, this year’s Green Team picked ‘waste’ as their emphasis for the year tying in nicely with the launch of the Eco blazer. This ‘waste’ focus will also form part of our part of our renewed application for the Green Flag.

The first big project of the year involved promoting awareness of Switch Off Fortnight. This is a

government-led initiative whereby schools are inspired to focus on their energy usage and waste. Green Team decided to attempt to encourage the School to adopt a whole day of switching off mobile phones and other electrical devices. Several stickers were handed out in the Crush Hall to successful individuals.

The second project involved another Eco-Schools campaign called ‘Science into Schools’. Green Team designed posters and went into Group Bases spreading the word about our scheme to convert textile waste into science equipment for our partnership schools. We managed to collect a significant amount of waste and the exciting new equipment is currently in the process of being delivered to Springhill Junior School.

Additionally throughout the year, we have discussed the recent climate change report, held a waste-themed non-uniform day and produced ‘upcycled’ wallets and purses made out of ‘tetra-pak’ juice cartons. All in all this has made us all a bit more aware of the waste we are producing and thinking about ways to reduce it.

Miss Hewitt

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 61

Historical Society T

his year, Historical Society has enjoyed a diverse and engaging series of talks on subjects ranging from ‘Gossip in Renaissance France’ to ‘The fall of the Byzantine Empire via all 43 U.S. Presidents’.

Attendance this year has been exemplary despite tough competition from rival societies. Highlights of the year have included visits and talks from the Head, Professor Jeanice Brooks of the University of Southampton and former pupils Tony Hewitt and Jeremy Wikeley.

Stimulating questions came, as always, from regular attendee, Will Lee who also, along with his team members Mr Diver, Chris Logie and Robin Hutchings, claimed team victory at the Yuletide Quiz. This left a

distraught-looking Mr Coundley clutching his long-held legacy like David Moyes at the end of the season. A further highlight was the visit of TV expert Professor Anne Curry speaking on ‘The human perspective of The Hundred Years’ War’. Thanks go to Mr John and the catering staff for a consistently high level of cake and tea and to all the speakers who have allowed Historical Society to flourish this year. History remains a thriving part within, and outside the classroom.

Joe Smith and Carl Wikeley

Hospital Visiting T

he Hospital Visiting programme got underway early in September with a number of students in the Upper Sixth returning to visiting. A high number of Lower Sixth students also signed up for the programme and, once the paperwork was completed, were able to join us each week at Southampton General Hospital.

A wide variety of surveys were completed by our students throughout the year, including one about the quality of hospital food. The students benefit from the chance to hone their bedside manner and the patients benefit from the opportunity to speak with young adults. We received many compliments about the friendly and helpful KES students.

Mrs Searles

Interface T

his group for First, Second and Third Years has been meeting every Friday to explore the Christian faith through games, activities, quizzes and discussions.

Bob Dylan’s ‘Man gave names to all the animals’ was the inspiration for Animal Art with the snake at the conclusion. The Monty Hall dilemma developed into a discussion about covetousness, the psychic ability test led to prophecies about Jesus and ‘Upside down thinking’ turned to the remarkable beatitudes of Jesus. There were plenty of card games and quizzes as well as the construction of some very small tetrahedrons and one rather large one, all somehow connected to treasure buried in a field!

Students with a viewpoint to express or those who like pondering new ideas are very welcome to attend.

Mr Singleton

62 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

Japanese Club J

apanese manga, anime and computer games are known and loved throughout the world. A lot of English people are also acquainted with Japanese food, art and fashion. Not many English people, however, can speak Japanese.

Japanese is a very distinct language, with a very different grammar and vocabulary. Add to this the complexity of its writing system which uses a mixture of kanji, hiragana and katakana and learning Japanese is no mean feat.

Fortunately everyone in Japanese Club this year was up to the challenge. Over the course of the year (in addition to watching some anime) we mastered some of the basics including things like: exchanging personal information about ourselves, talking about our hobbies, expressing likes and dislikes and ordering typical Japanese food in a restaurant.

Mr Lawson

Lunar Society L

unar Society has met relatively few times this year, but what we lacked in quantity we made up for in quality.

The year started with a talk from Hannah Semeraro, a Postgraduate Researcher from the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research at the University of Southampton. Dr Semararo’s talk, “How does hearing help on the battlefield? Audiology in the military”, gave an insight into cutting edge audiology research, something we do not necessarily hear much about in school, and the stresses that can be put on the senses of military personnel in both training and on active missions. It was also an excellent example, for the members of the Lunar Society, of how postgraduate degrees can take you to places you had never expected, in Mrs Semararo’s case this involved being locked in a tank for 12 hours during military exercises.

Contrary to popular misconception, Lunar Society is not all about physics, and this year there was only one physics talk. I was fortunate enough to visit CERN for their 59th anniversary open day, only the second public open day they have ever held. The open day was extremely poorly attended by the Swiss and French public for whom it was intended but that made it better for those who did turn up. My KES lunch card proved its true value. To my slight surprise, it was accepted in place of my passport (accidentally left on the other side

of the border) in order to secure a ticket to visit the CMS detector; lunch cards really are wasted when used as rulers. As a result of the low turnout for the open day I was able to speak to a number of the researchers in real detail, and hence report back to the Society not only about the current work at CERN, but also about the developments planned for the future, when they could be working there as postgraduate students.

The standout student talk of the year was given by Vanya Zheludev who led the assembled staff and students through his project to launch and recover a weather balloon. The entertaining talk, which featured everything from a confused pensioner on Hayling Island, to steamed-up webcams and wardens on Southampton Common, passed on a lot of very useful information to anyone who would like to try to launch their own balloon, including the fact that you need to obtain permission to do this!

Plans are already afoot for the autumn term talks, and the Society looks forward to welcoming any members of the Sixth Form (we even let Upper School in too) either to give talks on their own, to pursue their scientific passion, or simply to enjoy the scholarly atmosphere and unique brand of geek chic.

Dr Purves

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 63

Maths Challenge Club A

cuboid has sides n, (n+1) and (n+3) where n is an integer. The cuboid is painted red and then divided into unit cubes. 2014 cubes have at least one red face. How many cubes have no red faces?

If this is the sort of question that grabs your attention then the Maths Challenge Club is for you. There are no gimmicks or exciting talks; it is simply tackling challenging mathematical problems in preparation for maths competitions (Junior Mathematical Challenge, Intermediate Mathematical Challenge and Team Challenges). Lower and Upper School students are welcome.

Mr Singleton

MedSoc T

his has been another fascinating and successful year of talks looking into the fields of medicine and medical research.

Southampton General. This offered us the chance to learn and practise how to suture wounds and intubate patients.

The society has met regularly on Wednesdays after school to host a variety of excellent speakers from the world of medicine and medical research. Many of the talks were given by visiting consultants from Southampton General Hospital and professors from the university.

In addition MedSoc members received plenty of information and advice on applications to medical school from university lecturers and both current and returning KES students. I think everyone has been inspired by what they’ve heard this year and many MedSoc members have developed a deeper understanding of the many different areas open to medical students.

This year our visitors have spoken on a wide range of topics related to medicine including Dr Franchesca Houghton who gave a fascinating talk on stem cells, Mr Phil Totham, a Lupus sufferer who provided us with a very frank and illuminating insight into the disease, Dr Richard Holt who spoke about his medical career and research into doping in sport, diabetes and mental health, and Professor Diana Eccles who spoke about the genetics of cancer. Other speakers’ topics ranged from the work of chiropractors to oncology and neurosurgery.

MedSoc also hosted an excellent practical session, run

by Dr Diana Hulbert, Head of Emergency Medicine at

MedSoc has given us all a great opportunity to further our interest in medicine and medical research. We would like to thank all the speakers for giving up their time to talk to us throughout the year. The society will continue next year for all those aspiring to become medics or to be involved in healthcare professions or medical research.

Mrs Millar and current MedSoc Presidents: Zoe Carter-Tai, Emily Ralls and Annabel Winsor.

64 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

Partnerships C

lose to 150 King Edward’s pupils have been involved in Partnerships this year. Many clubs are on offer; Latin, Philosophy, Literacy, Reading, French, Maths, Science, Art, Fencing, ICT and Rhythmic Gymnastics. All have received positive and enthusiastic feedback and new opportunities have emerged. As part of the Foundation Study Programme, Lower Sixth pupils were given the opportunity to help out with the Stroud Forest School programme with Early Year and Key Stage 1 pupils. A fortnightly Spanish club also started in Year 4.

On 13th May, thirty-nine Year 6 pupils from Sherborne House came to KES in order to practise their French before heading off to France on a school trip. They

practised buying food and drinks in a French market and left the session with high confidence levels.

This year too, Fourth Year KES pupils have been given the opportunity to work closely with our partnership schools as part of Endeavour. They will be in charge of planning and delivering workshops to 200 pupils in Year 4 and 5, in a subject of their choice, ranging from Art, Drama, Fencing, Spanish, Public Speaking, Maths, Science and PE. This is a great opportunity for our pupils to develop key skills and a fantastic way to celebrate our strong links with the wider community.

Mrs Cottrell-Ferrat

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 65

Photography Club T

he KES Photography Club was formed in September 2013 and has been active throughout the year.

Over the course of the past twelve months we have studied topics such as water, portraits and lights as well as rapid assignments on topics in school. There have also been workshops on composition, movement, bokeh and photoshop, to name a few.

Thanks to a grant from the KES PTA the group recently acquired some tripods and camera bean bags to enhance their photography skills and are now also able to take part in short excursions in the local area. It is hoped that with a growing number of students becoming involved, that more activities and trips can be undertaken next year.

KES Photography has a Flickr group where students upload images and comment and compare. Information can also be found relating to meetings and projects that are current. It is a hidden Flickr group so you will need to ask for an invitation from Mr Robinson if you would like to view the images or join the group. You can also look at some of the latest images and information on the group display board in the maths corridor.

Mr Robinson

66 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

Sailing Club T

he School Sailing Club is to be found at Weston Sailing Club on Weston Shore very near Netley and we sail on Southampton Water, a pleasant expanse of water with reliable breezes and plenty of space. Weston Sailing Club is a long established club with a strong racing tradition. Indeed, they boast a very large number of World, European and National champions in a range of classes; the Olympic champion Iain Percy (OE) sailed there.

The school club has a very large variety of boats; eight Picos, two Lasers, two Laser Vagos, three RS Fevas and a Wanderer. We enjoy a good relationship with Weston; indeed many pupils and their parents are members there and the aim of the school club is to teach pupils to sail and then to improve their skills.

We are a Royal Yachting Association recognised teaching establishment and can teach both sailing and powerboating. This year saw the launch of our new rib “Blue”, during a Sixth Form sailing session on a sunny Wednesday afternoon.

We ran two beginners’ courses this year with around twenty pupils gaining their RYA Stage 1 and 2. There are presently about sixty club members who come from all year groups within the School. We can accommodate up to twenty pupils at the weekend and sail most weekends throughout the year with sessions generally lasting for four hours. Times vary as we cannot launch at low tide and Southampton Water does tend to get rather chilly in the winter so these sessions are not as popular as the summer ones. Only serious or fanatical sailors sail in the winter!

This year, the annual KES Regatta was run in conjunction with Weston Sailing Club to try and encourage some of their younger sailors into racing.

A nice breeze and lots of sunshine was the order of the day and the majority of competitors managed to complete three races. Weston organised the racing and KES provided and manned the safety boats.

Twenty KES sailors, ranging from First Years to Lower Sixth, and nine members of Stroud School took part and there was a real mix of ability. A great turnout of almost forty sailors in twenty-four boats enjoyed a day of fun and competitive racing. The race officer set a trapezoidal course, giving a great view to the many parents on shore in the sunshine. The shifty northerly breeze made for some interesting sailing and with the tide changing direction during the day, choosing the right plan at the start was critical. There was some tight racing in the Feva fleet as KES took on Stroud whilst a little further back the Picos battled it out, with the conditions proving challenging for many quite new to sailing, some racing for the first time and showing a lot of concentration and great enthusiasm. Results were very close, with a number of ties on points, right through the fleet.

Results: 6th RS Feva - Dan Stevens & Alex Everest 7th RS Feva - Jess Jarman & Mhairi Carson 8th RS Feva - Flo Peters & Iona Howells (Stroud) 9th Vago - Jack Lippold & Oliver Chapman 11th RS Feva - Harry Cowell & Dan Atchley 12th Laser Radial - Charlie Waring (Stroud) 14th Pico – Ed Moody & Will Billington (Stroud) 15th Pico - Chis & Patrick Lotery 16th Pico - Izzy Holland & Alice Dean 17th Pico - Leon Astles & Joe Linehan 18th Pico - Sweeny & Nicholson (Stroud) 22nd Pico - Alex Topley & James Brook (Stroud) 24th Pico - Matt Duke & Cam Jesney

I was very lucky to have the help of Mr Richards and Mr Whitman from Stroud, Mr Allen from KES and Phillip Montague, a volunteer sailing instructor.

The generosity of sponsors ‘Andark Diving and Watersports’ allowed many sailors to receive fantastic prizes of buoyancy aids, boots, gloves and vouchers, as well as discount vouchers for all competitors.

Mrs Burrows

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 67

Scamp Club O

n Saturday 23rd November Bletchley Park was the destination for the Scamp Club outing. Bletchley Park is located in the town of Bletchley in Buckinghamshire and is ninety minutes away from Southampton by road.

During World War II, it was the site of the United Kingdom’s main decryption establishment, the Government Code and Cypher School where ciphers and codes of several Axis countries were decrypted, most importantly the ciphers generated by the German Enigma and Lorenz machines. Bletchley also housed Station X, a secret radio intercept station. The high-level intelligence produced at Bletchley Park, codenamed ‘Ultra’, provided crucial assistance to the allied war effort. It has been said that ‘Ultra’ shortened the war “by no fewer than two years and probably by four years”. The Government Code and Cypher School (GC&CS) moved to Bletchley Park on 15 August 1939 and some 9,000 people were working at Bletchley Park at the height of the code-breaking efforts in January 1945. Prime Minister Winston Churchill referred to the Bletchley staff as “My geese that laid the golden eggs and never cackled.” Facts such as these and many more made for an utterly absorbing day. Congratulations to Timothy Ward for winning this year’s Alan Turing Challenge for cracking the code in nine exciting minutes (a new school record). Seb Sheath did remarkably well too in identifying John Cairncross as the member of the Ring of Five who worked at Bletchley during the war.

A number of lectures took place on Tuesdays in CL3 throughout the year. Hazel Webb delivered a delightful talk on the ‘Life and Work of Michael Ventris’, covering a wide range of codes and ciphers whilst Joe Linehan entertained us with a series of wonderful talks; his thoughts on time travel will not be forgotten. Yet again members of the club carried out a number of projects in the course of the year. The pick of a fascinating bunch was perhaps James Mitchell’s work on the cactus dome for the eco garden inspired by the Dome of Visions in Copenhagen and brilliantly assisted with advice on technique by Mr Kay. The dome will be established during the summer vacation as part of our living ecology programme.

The range of presentations since last September has been stunning. They have included ‘The Story of the Longbow’ by Henry Gwilliam, ‘The One Time Pad’ by Adam Brodzki, ‘The Adventures of Mizte’ by Hazel Webb (President), ‘Russian Automobiles’ by Tom Edwards (Vice President), ‘The Mystery of the Bruce-Partington Plans’

by Ed Shepherd, ‘Medical Calligraphy’ by Hashim Akbar, ‘The novels of Charles Cumming’ by Daria Crowley, ‘The Science of Black Holes’ by Daniel Hawkes and ‘Binary Code’ by the class of 1/2. Membership this year has topped the thirty mark. Thank you to Hazel Webb, Daria Crowley and Tom Edwards for running the club this year and for their inspired leadership (and extremely light sponge cakes).

Members of the Scamp Club

A veterans’ reunion at “Station X”

68 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

Table Tennis Club N

umbers were a little down this year but, nevertheless, there were many exciting matches and a good number of pupils made a significant improvement in their standard of play. This was especially the case in the spring term when our new coach Adam Proszko got to work; he is extremely experienced and has achieved a great deal with players of all abilities.

In the Southampton Schools’ U13 league we did very well winning most matches comprehensively.

Unfortunately Cantell School (also coached by Adam but since September) were too strong in the decisive match and we had to settle for 2nd place. The team (Jameel Khan, Toby Dudson, Matthew Bell and Oliver Kimmance) played extremely well and were a credit to the School throughout the season. Matthew even taught himself to play left handed when he broke his arm so as to not let the team down! Jameel was selected to play in the Hampshire Schools’ U13 Individual competition and performed very strongly,

reaching the semi-final, and only losing out to the eventual winner. We did not enter an U16 team in the league this year but with an improving squad of players this must surely be a target for next season.

In the annual First Year inter-form competition 1/3 were once again triumphant with 1/2 and 1/4 coming equal second. Hugh Wilkinson, Kai England and Tom Lockyer were the winning team members but in the individual competitions it was 1/6 who made their mark. The top three positions in the boys’ event went to George Beresford Campbell, Luke Collins and Finn McCullagh while for the girls it was Emily Procter who triumphed followed by Yuqing Chen and Gemma Westley. Luke from 1/2 prevented it from being an all 1/6 victory.

Next season we look forward to even more exciting matches.

Mr Singleton

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 69

Young Enterprise Y

oung Enterprise, in which Lower Sixth pupils are given the chance to run a company with a view to making a profit, is a popular activity and we were able to enter the full complement of 25 pupils this year.

This enabled them to work in smaller groups, with more pupils taking ownership and using their initiative.

Managing Director Andrew Devoy, Financial Director Harrison Mancey, and partner Emma Falconer took part in a ‘Dragons’ Den’ style presentation to win investment from external sources and they were highly praised by the judges for the way they had organised themselves.

The KES production of Grease offered the company the chance to provide themed refreshments and the team worked together effectively to source popcorn in bulk, soft drinks in glass bottles and striped straws in order to maintain the 1950s theme. A team of boys were on duty each evening, dressed in the agreed ‘uniform’ of jeans and white t-shirts, and they set up and cleared up after

A

themselves each evening. A successful three nights of trading earned a profit of approximately £350.

Young Enterprise would not be possible without the co-operation of external Business Advisors who give their time generously to assist and advise. We are very grateful to them.

Mrs Quinn

budding group of young entrepreneurs embarked on a monetary journey this past year as part of the Young Enterprise charity scheme where students form a structured business team with allocated roles and their very own board of directors. In the case of KES Trade, we were led by Andrew Devoy (Managing Director) overseeing all of the projects we were undertaking along with the respective directors Harrison Mancey (Financial Director), Jack Pritchard (Sales Director) and Caitlin Brown (Marketing Director), Ali Diaper (Product Director) as well as Max Harries who took down minutes and kept a record of attendance. We were also accompanied by two helpers, Jan and Paul, as well as Mrs. Quinn to help guide us through the process.

In terms of projects, we had a slow start whilst trying to organise our strengths into the various departments but eventually we were in full-throttle. We managed to brainstorm a wide variety of product ideas ranging from a stacked cake tin to a locker divider even stretching as far as an online shopping website for KES parents and students (imaginatively named KESBay). We eventually agreed that inventing a product from scratch was not the way forward for our team and so we set our eyes on a rather different goal. The KES theatre production of Grease provided us with the perfect opportunity to make pure profit, which is exactly what we ended up doing by selling Coca-Cola in the classic glass bottles as well as sweet and salted popcorn for low prices to the audience members and cast. As the end of the whole Young Enterprise program approached, we began planning, designing and sourcing elements for a dinner-party themed cookbook we would create featuring celebrity recipes given to us personally by the likes of Gregg Wallace and Ainsley Harriott. Sadly, time ran out and we weren’t able to go ahead and begin producing and selling the books. However, all of these experiences and idea development opportunities have allowed us to enjoy the process as a whole and even entice some of us into pursuing a career in business.

Oliver McQuitty

70 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 70

TRIPS & VISITS

Aachen Trip O

n another dark December evening a group of forty students and five staff met on Hill lane for our annual trip to the historic German town of Aachen and its atmospheric Christmas Market. There are, of course, Christmas markets all over the UK nowadays, including our own micro-market in Southampton, but none quite matches up to the special character of those in Germany and especially the one in Aachen.

A late change in plans led to our usual crossing through Eurotunnel being replaced by a sea crossing. Although not ideal it all led to a sense of adventure and the feeling that we were embarking on something new and different.

The sea was calm and the journey to Aachen through France and Belgium equally so, and as we arrived the skies were lightening to reveal a beautiful old town coming to life. A copious breakfast in the oak-panelled private room provided for us in Van den Daele’s café set us all up for a day of exploration and discovery. Mr Kelsey led us on a short walk to take in the main sites of the cathedral, main square and the old Rathaus as we got to grips with the geography of the pedestrian area where the market takes place.

It was then time to discover the different stalls and what they had to offer. This year it was the incense-burning wooden Christmas figures, tree decorations and the local speciality of Printen that proved to be popular. A visit to the Rathaus, the site of Charlemagne’s old palace, gave everyone a chance to sit down and to warm up before a second assault on the market began. The day was then rounded off with a visit to the Lindt chocolate outlet shop which gave everyone the opportunity to stock up on a variety of treats either as presents or for more personal and immediate consumption.

The return ferry trip was somewhat less calm than the outward journey but it was a happy, though somewhat tired, group of travellers who arrived back at the point we had left some 28 hours previously.

Mr Kukla

71 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 71

Beaulieu Activity Centre I

n September we all trooped off in the bus to Beaulieu. When we arrived we then had to trek downhill and uphill until we eventually reached the cabins in the middle of the forest. We were split into two groups and went off to discuss what we would be doing for the next five hours. Our team leader told us that on each activity we had to ‘Plan, Do, Review’. We set off to do the five activities. These consisted of: • The Spider’s Web: An activity where you have to get all the members through the web without knocking the rope and waking the spider.

• Low ropes: Navigating a low rope course without touching the ground.

• The Night Line: A personal favourite of mine where you have to follow a rope through, under and over obstacles but everyone is blindfolded.

• The Leap of Faith: Jumping off a 10 metre platform on a harness with the aim of hitting a hanging ball.

• The Death Wall: Getting the whole group over a massive wall.

Eleanor Dunlop

O

n Thursday 12th September, 1/2 went to Beaulieu Activity Centre for the day to do some team-building activities. I liked the ‘spider’s web’ because everyone had to be able to listen to others. On our first go we didn’t do as well as we could have done because everyone was talking at once. However, we learnt from our mistakes and by the end of the challenge we were working together really well.

The ‘Leap of Faith’ was really good to build up trust. This is because you had to jump from a high platform 10 metres up a tree. The only things holding you up were your friends. This really helped to build up trust. The instructors were really helpful and explained everything clearly and I would say that everyone benefited from the day.

Alex Hall

W

hen one of your senses is taken away, communication becomes very important. This is what happened whilst we were on the ‘night line’ at Beaulieu. We were given blindfolds to wear and then told to go round an obstacle course. Without our other classmates it would have been impossible but because we worked as a team, talking to the person behind about the upcoming obstacle, we finished the course victorious. If you could do anything to create friendships at the start of KES, Beaulieu would be the best one to choose.

Sam Thompson

T

he trip to Beaulieu was very interesting and enjoyable. All of the games that we took part in were all exciting in their own way. Doing the ‘Leap of Faith’ was quite a challenge for people such as myself who are afraid of heights. Most of the activities really put us out of our comfort zone and it was the one thing that we all needed.

I felt as if it helped the class a lot. When I first went to KES, I was incredibly shy and didn’t talk to anyone. Even if someone tried to converse with me I tried my best to avoid them because I was more of a solitary person rather than a social one. After the trip I could speak with the rest of my class much easier and more freely than before.

Xyla Taufaniska

72 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 72

Biology Trip - Madagascar (Operation Wallacea) O

n the 24th of July, twenty-five pupils and four staff embarked on a nineteen day expedition to Madagascar focusing on conservation and biodiversity within marine and forest environments. After a gruelling journey including one coach trip, two plane hops, three broken trains, and a high speed taxi jaunt, we arrived in the capital, Antananarivo, exhausted and ready for bed.

We spent the next day at a lemur sanctuary just outside the capital where we were able to get up close and personal with the many of species of lemur that inhabit the island and we learned about the breeding programme for the endangered and very beautiful radiated tortoises. Here we also learned about the threats that Madagascar faces in terms of sustainable living and how is it difficult to protect the wildlife when so many of the population rely on farming and burning trees for charcoal to bring in an income.

The following day was mostly taken up by an eventful journey (filled with pot-holes and open roads) before we arrived at Mariarano Forest. We arrived covered in dust but the forest environment and lemurs which inhabited the camp more than made up for it. The camp, although basic in facilities, was teaming with wildlife and we felt very much that we had arrived in Madagascar as we began our six day conservation programme in the forests. In the days that followed we completed data collection surveys on forest plots, bird surveys, lemur and amphibian walks at night, as well as participating in a Malagasy language class.

We also organised a football match against the local village, which was enthusiastically supported and gave a great opportunity for interaction. The village children not taking part in the match enjoyed having their photos taken, and judging by the great excitement in seeing their own image it was quite possibly for the first time. We saw how much the Operation Wallacea projects benefit the local community, with many of them acting as guides for us and the researchers.

Half way through the week we packed our bags onto Zebu carts and began a two and half hour trek over the hills and through rivers to get to our second forest camp. After a steep climb, we came to a breath-taking view of a lake, over-flowing with bird species, with our camp beside it. The satellite camp, which we were to call home for the next few days, made us feel that we were truly in the wilderness, with limited facilities and very few people around. Here, we continued to help with the ongoing research, ensuring that data collection was finished thoroughly for the season.

The majority of the trip’s accommodation was in tents of one kind or another and included scorpions which can give a very nasty sting if trodden on or found in a sleeping bag! We also experienced the not so glamorous side to volunteering which included long drop toilets and a bucket and cup instead of showers. The satellite camp experience was rounded off on the last night by a cultural evening, where students, teachers, local guides and researchers all danced around the campfire to traditional music under the most amazing display of stars.

In contrast, the following week was spent in relative luxury on the island of Nosy Be. We woke to a spectacular view of the bay, a tropical paradise busy with the daily routines of the local wildlife. Most of the party spent the next few days qualifying as open water divers by completing dives on the reef close to the island. We were then able to plan our own dives which included a wreck dive and taking part in biodiversity monitoring of the coral communities.

A highlight of this amazing week was a day trip by boat to Tanikely, a marine park about half an hour offshore by speed boat. We had a free day to explore the island, snorkel and relax. The island and its reef is a protected area where lemurs roam freely and the coral is thriving. The stunningly clear ocean rewarded all our hard work with views of turtles, an octopus, barracuda, parrot fish and dolphins to name just a few. At the end of an unforgettable few weeks we had to say goodbye and prepare for a long journey back home.

Zoe Carter Tai and Caitlin Brown

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 73

Charlotte Exchange I

n November 2013, eight carefully selected KES students travelled to Charlotte, North Carolina, where they stayed with the students from Charlotte Country Day School and their families. Two months later, the American students flew to Britain for what was also a twelve day opportunity to share, learn and laugh.

Last year, after hearing the previous group talk about their trip to the States in assembly, there was a rush of enthusiastic students to apply for the 2013-2014 Charlotte Exchange. Anyone who wanted to apply had to write a letter of application, in which they explained about their proposed artistic project and how they would fully use the experience. These topics were then further discussed in interviews. As a creative arts exchange, a great number of applicants decided to base their project around art. However, the projects can be from any of the arts including drama, creative writing, music and occasionally more academic ideas.

For my project, I wrote a short historical fiction piece about migration to the Colonies (based on old records) just years before the American Revolution. The majority of the other projects were art based and included a comic book of our adventures on the programme, a painting combining rural and urban Charlotte, etchings of British and American images, a collage of the US and UK flags (using pictures taken on the exchange) and a guide to the Bechtler Art Museum in Charlotte. The other two projects were a dress and several designs based on works done by modern British and American artists along with a musical piece made up of chart-topping songs from both countries.

By April 2013 all those accepted onto the exchange were informed that they had secured a position on the team.

Although we had been in some classes together we were almost strangers to each other. One of the best parts of the exchange is getting to know people who you might otherwise not have spoken to at all; be that American students or peers. To help us bond before our trip to America, the School took us to the Rural Studies Centre at Lovaton, Dartmoor in the first term of Third Year. Not only did we get to start our projects but also we crammed a number of team building exercises into only two nights and two days. These activities included; a movie night; fish and chips; a quiz on American slang; horrifically embarrassing line dancing lessons and orienteering in the moors.

A short month after visiting Dartmoor, we all left our families at an agonisingly early time but we were almost too excited to care. The flight from Gatwick took 9 hours and by the time we had got through the tough US customs the jet lag was beginning to set in. As we walked along an empty corridor we saw a crowd of people cheering at

74 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

the end and it took a while for us to realise that they were our exchange partners and their relatives holding up welcoming banners. Instantly the sixteen teenagers found a way of chatting as though they had known each other for years.

Charlotte is the largest financial centre in the US outside of New York and it has been growing over the years to a size that has attracted a number of New Yorkers and banks. Although the centre of the city seems to symbolise all that is great and sparkling about modern finance and architecture there was no shortage of museums for us to visit. When we weren’t working on our projects we were taken to as many of Charlotte’s attractions as possible.

For example, the Nascar Hall of Fame, the Levine Museum of the South and the Biltmore Estate which showed us that, contrary to popular belief, the United States of America does have a long and complex history. Despite this, the entire middle school was amazed when they were told that KES is older than their country in an assembly! Of course, we saw a lot of the creative arts when we visited Charlotte. The school took us on trips to see the Grant Museum for African Americans, The Bechtler Museum for Modern Art, a number of parks which showed Charlotte’s artistic nature through a number of imaginative sculptures and some of us saw The Dresser, an invention of the physical artist Joseph Herescher, where we were interviewed for a documentary of the artist’s work.

We were treated like extended family by our hosts who took us to football matches, corn mazes, concerts, weekend breaks outside the city and to share a twenty scoop Ben and Jerry’s tub, to name just a few. Very quickly we learnt how kind and sociable Americans are. Even students who weren’t part of the exchange came over to talk to us at lunches or school events. Through meeting people our own age that lived in Charlotte we learnt about what it is to be an American teenager, something that wasn’t in any of the museums we visited, or diners we ate in.

After our amazing time in North Carolina it was no wonder that, come February, we were feeling the same excitement all over again. Once our American friends stepped out of the bus at KES we were thrown back into the overwhelming but unforgettable rush of the programme. A welcome party was kindly organised and a wide variety of trips, from weekends in London to seeing the sights around Hampshire. The CCDS students experienced as much of British life as possible even if it meant torture via Marmite and One Direction. Once the Americans’ time in Britain was over, we were all aware that the exchange was too. There were a lot of hugs and tears when the CCDS students left for Gatwick at five in the morning.

Overall, the Charlotte Exchange was an amazing experience from which we gained not only new friendships but also a new understanding of American culture and life in the US. We developed our talents in our creative arts with help from our mentors and got to see a country that none of us had been to before. The Charlotte Exchange took sixteen teenagers away from their normal school experiences and comfort zones and helped us grow not just in our chosen art but also in our understanding of ourselves.

Grace Bailey

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 75

Classics Trip - Istanbul O

n Monday 31st March, a group of eighteen students and three teachers, left school for Heathrow, to catch our flight to Istanbul. With a four hour flight, and a two hour time difference, it was late afternoon when we arrived at our hotel, tired from the early morning but excited about the trip. Some of us decided to venture out on to the streets of Istanbul after dinner, while others stayed to play cards with Mr Halls.

There were stalls all along the road trying to sell us their ‘genuine’ goods, very convincing, but the prices proved how fake they were.

The first full day of our visit was spent touring the highlights of Istanbul. We started in the Hippodrome, where chariot racing would have taken place in ancient times, before heading to the Blue Mosque. Before we could go into the Blue Mosque, all the girls had to cover their heads with scarves and we all had to take off our shoes and carry them with us in a bag so that the carpet inside stayed clean. The Mosque gets its name from the colour of the interior; it has mosaics covering the walls and they are mostly blue! After this we had a chance to wander around the Hippodrome, go into some shops and try out haggling.

Our next visit was to the underground Basilica Cistern, the system that brought the city drinking water. It was built in the 6th century but then forgotten and now, with lowered water levels, is home to some fish and has been fitted with lights so you can see the intricate structure; there are also two upside down heads of Medusa hiding towards the back! While we were there, some of us chose to get a group photo dressed up as authentic rich Turks, much to the annoyance of our guide, as this took quite a long time. After lunch we had a tour around the Aya Sofya (Haghia Sophia), an ancient Byzantine Church that was later converted to a mosque. It is full of both Christian and Islamic art and was (for around 1000 years) the largest church in the world! The condition of the mosaic inside was incredible as it is about 1500 years old and it impressed us greatly. The last stop of our very busy first day was to the Kariye Museum Church, considered to be one of the most beautiful surviving Byzantine churches.

However, we were unlucky as the central part of the church was closed for renovations so we could only see the entrance. Before we went to a local fish restaurant for dinner that evening, we went to the Egyptian Spice Market, where many of us bought Turkish Delight. We

76 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

got back to the hotel with the knowledge that we would be getting a 5.30 am wake-up call to drive to the Asian side of Turkey and so would need some sleep.

It took a while on the second morning to get everyone up to breakfast, but we were all ready in time to get on the coach with a long drive ahead and a short ferry crossing. We stopped on the way in Gallipoli to look at the Anzac Day memorials, commemorating the First World War landing, and at a beach where we enjoyed lunch. The ferry was our next destination and, after crossing into the Asian part of Turkey, we went to visit the remains at Troy. The site at Troy was spectacular and it was nice to learn more about it while actually there. We also saw the Trojan Horse and we had a chance to be like Odysseus and climb in to it. We had done so much but it didn’t feel like it had only been two days, and we were already half way through the whole trip!

The penultimate day started early again, with another early wake-up call; we had to catch a ferry back to the European side and get back to Istanbul. After missing the first ferry, we had to drive very quickly to another port, to try and catch the same one ten minutes later so that we didn’t have to wait an hour. Once back in Istanbul we went to the Topkapi Palace, the first built Ottoman palace, now turned into a museum containing

costumes of the sultans, ornaments, thrones, a very large collection of extravagant clocks and Islamic holy relics, including Moses’ beard and teeth to name a few! From here we headed to our last stop of the trip, the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. It was a great experience.

However it was rather hard to haggle and you never knew if you were getting ripped off. Luckily no one got lost inside the 31,000m² area. Our last night was spent at the Hotel Fuar, the same one we stayed at for our first visit to Istanbul; we couldn’t quite believe the next day we would be going home.

On Friday morning we spent a couple of hours in Istanbul, after getting the tram into the city and spending our last few Lira. We returned to the hotel for lunch, before driving to the airport, where we sat on the floor waiting for our check in to open: over an hour later it did! We also found out the winner of the ‘crazy hat competition’: James Diaper, who not only bought a Fez, but also a Turkish suit to go with it. A four hour flight later, we touched down in Heathrow and set off back to school, sad that such an amazing trip was over so soon.

Samara Jones

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 77

Duke of Edinburgh

T

he Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at KES has had a busy year as always; this year however has been the first full year of KES operating under its own licence. This was following on from Southampton City Council’s decision to cease operating the Award.

The changeover should hopefully have been seamless to both participants and parents as, in many ways, it does not affect how the Award is offered to our students. We have again seen large numbers (particularly Bronze in the Fourth Year) take up the Award, with a healthy percentage of those continuing on to the Silver and Gold levels during the Fifth Year and in the Sixth Form.

A total of sixty-five expedition teams have taken to the hills at one point or another during the last academic year, some in rain, some in sunshine and the vast majority with a smile on their face!

In recognition of successful participants, schools and award centres from the Southampton area will be combining to host the annual DofE Award Presentation Evening on Thursday 27th November 2014 – this year it will be held in the Main Hall at King Edward’s.

Mr Barnes

78 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 79

ENDEAVOUR T

his year saw the launch of the new Endeavour programme. Rather than the Activities Day that has taken place in the past, the whole school took two days off timetable to work towards specific goals within their year groups. The First Years focussed on ‘Independence’, the Second Years on ‘Confidence’, the Third Years on ‘Collaboration’, the Fourth Years on ‘Community’ and the Lower Sixth on ‘Self Improvement’. A whole host of activities, residential and non-residential, took place over the course of the two days with much fun being had by all those taking part.

Endeavour (First Year) Camping at Ferny Croft Activity Centre.

E

xcitement amongst the First Years could not have been higher for their first residential trip as a whole year group. The destination for this ‘en masse’ trip was Ferny Croft Activity Centre in the New Forest. The trip needed to be accompanied by several members of dedicated staff, who traded their bed for a tent floor, apart from Mr Kay, who actually bought his own bed with him! We left school on the Wednesday evening after supper, and upon arrival decided a mass hide and seek game in the woods was in order. Mr Blow was worth double points, and subsequently proved hard to find! After some much needed hot chocolate the students were superb at bedding down and certainly needed a good night’s sleep for a day of full activities the following day.

It was amazing to see so many of the First Years participating in such a variety of challenging activities. Adrenaline was most definitely pumping on the zip wire, which saw students zooming down a 100 metre wire, reaching speeds of up to 30 miles per hour! High ‘All Aboard’ really tested their confidence in heights and each other - the aim was to get their team of 4 up a high pole and onto a small platform. Students would then link arms and see how far they could lean back over the edge! Seeing students encourage each other on this activity was heartwarming and bodes well for the future of this year group. The climbing wall challenged many students to move out of their comfort zone, and they certainly didn’t disappoint! The initial terror of the task at hand was often quite overwhelming, but with some great determination their sights were set high! Other activities undertaken on the day

80 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

included an adventure course, a walk through the New Forest, orienteering, volley ball and backwards cooking, all of which saw students (and staff) fully engaged.

The evening saw the tuck shop being available for students to purchase ‘some’ sweets or the like. I think we doubled their profits for the year in this one sitting! As dusk came on such a lovely hot summer’s day, it seemed only fitting to start the traditional toasting of marshmallows around a campfire – cue songs and ghost stories! I don’t know how, but the students seemed to still have boundless amounts of energy left, some sat around talking, while others played field games until later in the evening. Finally eyes started to become heavy and retirement to the tents seemed to occur without any suggestion at all. A very busy day indeed!

As Friday dawned, it began with scorching sunshine, and the promise of another action-packed morning. The groups took part in some of the activities they missed out on the day before and then the team building began.

The groups really did work well together and were focused on completing the varied tasks. We certainly have some excellent promise for the future in this year group. When the time was upon us to leave on the buses for school, there were many tired, but happy, faces on the journey back, and some even managed a little sleep! A massive thank you goes out to all the staff that helped make this trip such an eventful and enjoyable one for all concerned.

Mr Miller

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 81

Endeavour (Second Year) Confidence Abroad A

s part of the Endeavour programme sixty-four Second Year students and seven teachers travelled to Normandy where everyone was able to learn a great deal. Our driver learnt that you need to turn up on time and with a map, KES students learnt how to eat French ice-cream, ‘crêpes’, ‘escargots’ and ‘cuisses de grenouilles’ with enthusiasm and KES staff learnt how to cope with very little sleep!

The sun shone for our arrival in France and the visit to Pegasus Bridge followed by swimming and ‘It’s a knockout’ at the Château du Molay got the trip off to a good start. Friday was spent on the beach visiting the American and German cemeteries and learning about the D Day landings. As usual the ‘Pointe du Hoc’ proved popular and the blue sky and sunshine made a stark contrast with the brutality of the craters that were being explored. The rain came on the final day and the medieval market was a little damp, but the Bayeux Tapestry remained as impressive and fascinating as ever. The final stop at the British Cemetery proved a memorable way to end and we again were able to lay a wreath on behalf of the Hampshire Regiment.

Mrs Jones

Endeavour (Second Year) Confidence with the Lens.

T

he group experienced a mix of technical and activity based workshops over the two days, improving their photography skills and having a good time practising techniques. Three students walked away with prizes for top photos.

Mr Robinson

82 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 82

Endeavour (Second Year) Confidence with Heights.

O

ver the Thursday to Saturday of the Endeavour period, twelve intrepid Second Years, accompanied by Beth Rose and Old Edwardian, Harrison Lewis, headed north to conquer the rock walls of the Peak District. The group arrived on a windy Thursday afternoon and headed directly for Bamford Edge where they became acquainted with the pleasures of gritstone climbing. As the rain set in, the group, having completed at least four climbs, descended to set up camp and cook their own meals on trangias. They then enjoyed games of Capture the Flag and Quick Cricket on the farm field in the deep grass as the sun disappeared behind darkening clouds.

After a wet and windy night the second day saw the group heading back onto the gritstone to the ever popular Stannage Edge. The morning was based on an area known as ‘Faith’ where most of them learnt faith in their peer groups as they took a number of falls on harder climbs. With heavens darkening, the group moved twenty miles to an area known as ‘Youth’ where four more climbs were set, initially including ‘Havers delight’ with its gardening option. Two more climbs

were added to a small stack but as the rain approached in earnest from across the valley, it was decided that it was time to retreat to the local outdoor swimming pool.

After a warm shower it was back to camp for a second night’s cooking and wet games as the rain descended continuously. Although the night remained very wet the morning brought a lessening in the downpour and most ended up with breakfast in the dry. The group packed up the minibus and headed south towards the sunshine and the dry limestone rock by Yardcliffe.

Whilst the ropes were being set the Second Years enjoyed experiencing the opportunity to do some low level bouldering before it was back into harnesses and off up the white rock. For the intrepid there was the opportunity to try a decent overhang or head into the rock to a cave system from which they could exit (after a lot of huffing and puffing) through a hole in the roof. All in all the students had the opportunity to attempt over twenty climbs which they did with growing assurance and confidence.

Mrs Henderson

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 83

Endeavour (Second Year) Confidence in the Water D

uring the two day Endeavour programme, a group of Second Year students were able to attempt new and exciting water based activities, many of which they had not had the opportunity to experience before. They thoroughly enjoyed being out on the water and grew in confidence throughout the two days.

Dr Green

I

chose to do water sports for my Endeavour course this year. I thoroughly enjoyed myself on this trip and I definitely feel that I have become more confident in the water as a result of the activities. Most of the sports that we did were new to me and the instructors were fantastic at helping us master what to do.

On the first day, we started by kayaking and then we sailed in a Pico Laser. We finished the first day by going across the harbour in a power boat before wakeboarding (like water skiing but on one board).

On the second day, we set off in the power boat again, this time to do waterskiing. We were amazed to find that we were even able to drive the power boat. After lunch, we did windsurfing and paddle boarding before setting off home rather more tanned and tired than we had started out. What a fantastic two days!

Alice Booth

84 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

Endeavour (Fourth Year) First World War Battlefields Trip A

s part of the Fourth Year Endeavour programme focussing on ‘collaboration’, forty-nine pupils and five staff travelled to France in the penultimate week of the academic year in an effort both to learn more about the nature of the war itself and, more intimately, to trace the stories of a number of fallen OEs. The hundredth anniversary of the outbreak of World War One has lent a special edge to the teaching of this topic in recent months and it was thus no surprise that the annual trip to the Somme battlefields was oversubscribed this year. The itinerary covered such important places on the Somme such as Serre, Lochnagar, Newfoundland Park and the Thiepval Memorial but, perhaps most interestingly, also allowed a first visit to the recently excavated British trenches in Thiepval Wood. It is hard to return from such a trip without a more developed understanding of the Great War and I know that our pupils had their eyes opened to the dreadful reality of the conflict on a host of occasions. I would like to thank those staff who came with the party and thus made the whole expedition possible.

Mr Diver

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 85

Endeavour (Third Year) Dragons’ Den O

ne hundred Third Years took part in ‘Dragons’ Den’ over the two days of Endeavour. After an initial briefing from clients (volunteers from the Board of Governors), teams had to plan, finance and present a proposal to provide corporate entertainment services.

There were twenty teams in total and, after a few sessions to provide basic skills, they kept themselves busy working out costings, developing web pages, designing logos and writing their presentations. On the second day, the six best teams were chosen to present to the dragons – Mr Culver (Director of Sixth Form), Mr Morgan (School Governor and Chair of Finance Committee) and Mr Barton (Managing Director of Zondle - an educational software company).

The six were Mighty Morphin Stock Exchangers, Team Alice, Vicious and Delicious, The Treble Makers, French Toast Mafia and Team Ciao.

The six teams faced the dragons in the Dobson Theatre, with their peers watching and encouraging. After presenting their ideas, the pupils were asked some very tough questions; they answered them confidently and choosing a winner was an extremely difficult task but Team Alice - Jacob Fay, Lucy Allinson, Will Osborne, Patrick Miller and Alice Ridley - just edged it with their extremely well researched proposal.

Mrs Quinn

Endeavour (Fourth Year) Volcanic Eruptions O

n a sunny Thursday morning, seventy-two enthusiastic geographers embarked upon a journey of Endeavour.

The day began by modelling volcanoes using basic resources of newspaper, chicken wire, mod roc cherryade and vinegar. Students worked in groups of four to build their masterpieces and when the fire alarm was set off part way through the morning, the volcanoes were baking in the sunshine for all the school to see! Whilst waiting for their volcanoes to dry ready for painting, students were allocated a country from the World Cup and painted the flags of their respective nations.

Particular mention should go to Jacob Baxendale, Robbie Miles and James Young for their fantastic volcano model which closely replicated a Pacific island volcano. Two further groups also decorated their volcanoes with immense attention to detail, collecting twigs, stones, and moss to embellish their models.

After lunch the spectacle of volcanic eruptions ensued. Many spectators gathered for the event and students

86 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

Endeavour (Fourth Year) Partnerships

T

his year we decided to try something new for Endeavour. We had seventy-seven motivated Fourth Year pupils, 200 enthusiastic Year 4 and 5 primary school children, thirty committed members of staff, nine different activities and two days. On Thursday 3rd July, the Fourth Year pupils worked in small teams to plan a lesson that they would deliver to three different groups the following day. Pupils were able to choose from the following: sports, maths, science, art, drama, Spanish, public speaking, gardening with members of the community, textiles and DT. It was time to put your thinking hat on; how do you plan a lesson? How much do you have to explain? What resources?

On Friday 4th July, 114 Year 4 pupils made their way to Wellington Sports Ground for a day of sports and eighty-five Year 5 pupils came to KES to take part in three workshops. The atmosphere around the School was remarkable. After the initial nervousness, it was clear that our Fourth Year pupils enjoyed sharing their knowledge and expertise with younger children and there was, of course, a lot of fun and laughter throughout the day. Our primary school friends left at the end of the day extremely happy to have tried new activities and met new people. Fourth Year pupils realised how hard but how rewarding it is working with younger children.

They rose to the challenge and acted as fantastic KES ambassadors.

Mrs Cottrell-Ferrat

added the secret ingredients to cause the explosion. Charlie Gale was rather slow off the mark to move away from his volcano once adding mentos, resulting in him having a cherryade shower.

The completed World Cup flags were used in the afternoon to represent the Quarter Final teams of the World Cup in the Geography Department Rounders World Cup Tournament. The teams battled all afternoon to seize the trophy, with the Netherlands emerging victorious.

A fantastic day was had by all and it was a brilliant start to the forthcoming four day residential to Osmington Bay

Miss Grant

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 87

Endeavour (Lower Sixth) - Trip to CERN

T

wenty-two keen KES physicists, and three very keen KES teachers enjoyed a wonderful trip to visit CERN (Conseil Européen pour la Recherche Nucléaire) in Geneva as part of the Endeavour programme. In a day devoted to learning about the frontiers of fundamental particle physics, the group enjoyed visiting the exhibitions about the history of the facility, founded in 1954 to help retain European scientists who had fled Nazi occupation during the war, and a new exhibition in the globe of innovation known as the Universe of Particles.

The highlight of the day was our guided tour of two particular experiments by our excellent guide Mr Marc Goulette.

The group was able to see the control centre for the AMS (Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer), which is a cosmic ray particle detector on board the International Space Station. However, the best was saved until last when we were able to see up close the COMPASS (COmmon Muon Proton Apparatus for Structure and Spectroscopy) experiment, which is fed by the Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS) and is designed to investigate hadron spectroscopy.

In the evening we ventured into Geneva to continue our deep discussions of physics over fondue and ice cream by the beautiful lake. I could not finish this report without the mention of Louis Lyons, a wonderfully polite research physicist working at CERN from the University of Oxford who was directly involved in the discovery of the Higgs Boson at the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment, whom Tom Davies approached on the tram into Geneva to request an autograph. He politely obliged Tom’s request, who now has a very nice personal memento of the trip.

Mr Simm

88 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

Endeavour (Lower Sixth) - Biology field trip to Dale Fort T

he Biology field trip to Dale Fort saw fifty-one students (+/- 1 used for standard counting error) split a six day trip between learning sampling techniques and then applying them to an individual investigation of their own design. This is a stretching piece of work for students and staff. It involves long days, usually until 9pm, although admittedly in the beautiful surroundings of Pembrokeshire.

Students this year looked at whether beadlet anemones prefer south facing rock pools (they do), the amount of air in the bladders of egg wrack (a lot), how storm damage to limpets has affected the distribution of gut weed (it increases)…… and so on! Thanks to Kim and Steve, the expert tutors at Dale.

Students said the following about the trip.

“It was all worth it for the cake” “This was better than putting a cut finger into lemon juice” “Has anyone got a 5N meter?”

“Can we watch France v Germany?”

“Do you think I have used enough sellotape on this quadrat?”

On the whole they worked hard, had a great time learning and experiencing field biology; well done to all involved.

Mr Aellen

Endeavour (Lower Sixth) - Self Improvement F

or the Sixth Form, Endeavour provided an opportunity for students to put themselves in better shape for the next stage of their lives, either by improving and widening their academic profile in one or more areas, working on the soft skills required by employers, or researching next steps for university in the form of Open Days or through advice on personal statements and other aspect of university entry available at School.

Over fifty students attended the biology residential research trip to Dale Fort, and more than twenty went to CERN to see the site of the Large Hadron Collider. Ten students gained entrepreneurial experience helping with

the Third Year Dragon’s Den enterprise day, in particular organising the marketing and finance sides of the ‘tuck shop’, whilst six students helped out with the First Year camp. Many students took the opportunity to attend the Cardiff, Oxford, and Cambridge Open Days that took place over the two days, and those available to make an accelerated start to the Extended Project took advantage of detailed discussion of their ideas with Dr Leaman and Miss Costello. There were also students taking part in the Headstart engineering programme and a few elite sports people took the opportunity to play extra fixtures or engage in intensive training.

Mr Culver

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 89

French Exchange - Angers I

n the autumn term, we (a group of Sixth formers and Fifth years) flew out to Angers to spend a week with our French exchanges and their families. They immediately made us feel really at home and we started planning for the weekend ahead.

The following day we went to Futuroscope, a French theme park with a futuristic twist. This group day out was a great chance to get to know everyone on the exchange. The next three days were spent with our families and we got to experience some aspects of French culture: for example trips to the cinema, restaurants and shopping. On Monday and Tuesday morning we had lessons which were a real opportunity to see what it was like to be a student in a French Lycée. In the afternoons we spent time in Angers with trips to Le Château d’Angers, Le Musée de l’Ardoise d’Angers and we played an exciting game of boule de fort. On our last evening, the Lycée St Martin organised a soirée to finish off the week and although we were sad to leave we were looking forward to seeing our exchanges again in March.

The home leg of the exchange soon arrived and it started off with the three day weekend and us showing our visitors everything that Southampton, Portsmouth, Winchester and even the beach at Bournemouth had to offer.

On Tuesday we took our partners to lessons with us and got to show them what life at KES is like. During the rest of the week they enjoyed trips to Oxford and London before a last dinner all together in Winchester. The next morning we took them to Southampton airport before School where we were all so sad to say our last goodbyes.

The exchange was an amazing experience during which we were fully immersed in French life and met some lovely people with whom I am sure we will keep in contact. The exchange was a great opportunity to improve our French and we all learnt a lot. It was one of the best trips that we have been on at KES, and given the chance we would definitely do it again.

Marta Brodzka and Addy Gault

90 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

Geography Trip - Malham Tarn I

n October 2013 the Lower Sixth geographers headed north to Yorkshire in order to spend four days exploring the rural settlements of Skipton and Malham as well as looking at farm diversification on Tenant Gill Farm, glacial and fluvial processes and cold environments. The trip began with an early start but we soon perked up following our first pit stop and eight cups of tea which was shortly followed by a graceful slide down a hill by Phoebe Dunne! That afternoon we were treated to a muddy walk across the limestone pavements around Malham Cove where Ben Maher literally stood knee deep in Malham as he stepped into an emergent stream. However, despite the incessant downpour and cold winds, Mr Havers’ enthusiasm in demonstrating a drumlin formation and the inspirational David Attenborough (Oliver Mcquitty) ensured that we all gained a lot from the experience.

Throughout the following days we proceeded to study

flood management in Skipton, visit Ingleborough Caves and compare and contrast rural lifestyles in varying areas, developing useful case studies for our AS course. We particularly enjoyed the trip to Margaret’s Farm where we learnt about the hardships of upland farming in the isolated Yorkshire Dales.

After the four days we had thoroughly explored the area (both inside and out of the classroom) with each day beginning and ending with a lesson in order to consolidate the day’s field work. Even the bus journeys were full of interesting moments or ‘flanter’ as Mr Brown followed the thalweg of the road in his minibus.

In summary the trip was ‘smashing’ and a worthwhile experience; one which I’m sure we would all recommend to others.

Caitlin Brown

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 91

Geography field trip - Osmington Bay F

ollowing the success of Thursday’s Endeavour we had a tough act to follow on Friday 4th July but we were greeted with the endless optimism of PGL staff on arrival at Osmington and students were able to settle into their rooms before dinner.

The weekend was blessed with good weather, apart from Friday evening when the heavens opened, and a fire alarm sounded. In the pouring rain, KES students set the example by following instructions to congregate in the designated area – they were the only group to do so! Despite this, the drill did not dampen their spirits and they headed to bed ready for fieldwork the following day.

After Miss Grant’s repeated reminder about ‘sensible length shorts’ the girls (and boys) duly adhered. Mr Walter’s clothing choices were colour coordinated to the fieldwork he was undertaking that day – turquoise for coasts, blue for rivers and yellow for sand dunes! Unfortunately Robbie Stelling forgot his spare pair of shorts, which would have come in very handy after he emptied his wellies on himself during the rivers fieldwork. Joel Davies won the prize for best headwear of the weekend, sporting various ‘Rambo-style’ headbands and hats.

On the Saturday and Sunday physical and human geography fieldwork was undertaken by the groups. A visit to various sites along the River Wey allowed students to get to grips with methods of data collection, whilst the day in Weymouth provided students with the opportunity to think about the impact of tourism and the Olympics in this area.

Lunchtimes out in the field always provided much entertainment. The ‘dry’ lunch baps were renowned from previous years and in preparation for this Mr Walter came well equipped with a squeezable bottle of pickle in his rucksack.

In the afternoons, activities were held for the students with some participating in abseiling and others on the giant swing. Screams of laughter could be heard from all over the site, not only from those participating but also from spectators. Miss Grant and Mr Brown could not resist the temptation of taking part in these activities and many amusing photographs were taken during their participation!

On Sunday morning, before many students had awoken, Mr Brown, accompanied by other members of staff, set out along the South West Coastal Path to find the ‘famous’ mass movement featured in a recent Geography Review magazine. He was absolutely overcome with joy upon his discovery, so much so that he posed for photographs near this location with his copy of the magazine.

The students gathered to watch a montage of photographs taken from the weekend on Sunday evening, and this provided many laughs amongst the group. Mr Brown’s photograph in particular was well received and in recognition of his enthusiasm for geography he was awarded a local delicacy of Dorset knob biscuits!

On Monday, students completed their fieldwork at Studland by investigating sand dune succession. Awards were then given to students for a variety of achievements, some more serious than others! Particular mention should go to James Thomson and Charlie Lisle for their awards of Best Male and Female Geographers of the weekend. We then journeyed back to KES, via the Studland Chain Ferry, arriving back in the nick of time for the school buses!

Miss Grant

92 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

German Exchange - Mutterstadt T

he group of KES German exchange students and our teachers arrived in Germany on Friday 28th March. After the long bus and plane journey, we were greeted by our German exchanges at a station called Mannheim. We travelled home with our new families and had dinner they had prepared especially for us. On the Saturday we were able to spend time with the families and their friends. Quite a few of us were taken to their local shopping centre to meet up. The weather on Sunday was very hot and sunny, so the families had barbecues and walks, George and Nick even went to a water park and Felix, a handball tournament. Everybody who went to Germany tried or learnt something new. Monday was one of my favourite days because we went to a museum called Sinsheim Auto & Technik museum. Whilst wandering around the museum, admiring the old fashioned planes and cars, we found a few rides with no one around and we went on all of them! We then had a guided tour of Rhein-Neckar-Arena, a football stadium. On Tuesday we went to a Go Ape style park and, after a shaky start, most of us attempted the highest of the rope courses. Heidelberg was the town we visited on Wednesday, where all the girls were able to do a bit of shopping. We were taken to a beautiful looking castle and then a bridge with a wonderful view. On the morning of Thursday, with a very early start, we were taken to our German partner’s school. In their school they didn’t have to wear uniforms and their lessons finish at 1.15pm. In the evening there was a Farewell Bowling Party in Ludwigshafen and we were all able to speak to the other exchanges. The morning of Friday was a difficult one, as none of us wanted to leave our exchanges. We arrived early at the train station and, after a few tears, we said our Auf Wiedersehens.

Ellie Page

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 93

History Trip to Berlin T

he annual History Department trip to Berlin in February is now a well-established part of the History IGCSE course and becomes ever more popular. This year over forty pupils spent four days in the German capital soaking up the sights, sounds and atmosphere of this fascinating place. The weather was, for once, extremely mild and the group visited all of the major sites; the Reichstag, the Olympic Stadium, Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, the Berlin Wall, the Holocaust Memorial and the Wannsee Memorial House. It is hard not to be affected by Berlin; the past is very much alive wherever you go here and I am sure that the pupils involved will have had their understanding of the compelling and tragic events that happened in Germany in the 1930s and 1940s deepened.

For my part, I would like to thank those members of staff who gave up a sizeable portion of their half term holiday and thus made the trip possible.

Mr Diver

Kayak trip to Sweden 4 a.m. was the wake-up call for the fifteen students and four members of staff about to travel to Sweden for the KES kayaking Swedish archipelago tour 2014. A coach to Gatwick, aeroplane to Stockholm, another coach transfer, followed by a water taxi rounded off the morning of travelling and left the group on an island somewhere in the St Anne’s archipelago listening to our kayak guide for the week, Morgan, as he talked us through the kit we would be taking and the boats we would be paddling. What followed was an interesting hour where four days’ worth of provisions and equipment for twenty people were packed and repacked into sea kayaks, a seemingly impossible task but eventually there was nothing left on the banks and the group pushed off for our first afternoon paddle of the tour.

The weather was fair on day one with a touch of drizzle in the air but with force five winds predicted for the following day, Morgan was pushing to have the group established on a more sheltered island before night fall.

Everyone enjoyed the opportunity to wash away the day of travel and we arrived at our first overnight stop minutes before the rain really set in. Finding suitable camping spots, pitching tents and settling in for the night was a wet affair but spirits were high even as we all tried to sleep despite it still being light outside!

Day two bought a great improvement in the weather although the forecasted strong winds had also arrived overnight. Reindeer in a tube was on offer, amongst other foods for breakfast, and after a repack of the boats we set off using the island chains as shelter from the growing winds. With around 24,000 islands making up the archipelago the day progressed with hard stints of paddling into head and cross winds followed by short rests when we could find shelter. Our mixture of double and single kayaks was invaluable as we could swap around giving everyone a chance to rest in what was a long day of paddling. After a stop for lunch, it was on to our second camping island. This time, the island was smaller than the first but gave us excellent views of the spectacular sunset. Tents pitched and meals cooked, it was time to relax and I think it’s fair to say everyone slept well after the day’s exertions.

94 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

Morgan’s plan for the following day was a shorter paddle that would then give us the opportunity to explore by water or land depending on how we felt. The wind was still blowing, forcing us at one point to head into a wildlife protection zone seeking shelter. There are a number of birds that find refuge in Sweden in the summer months and when unwittingly paddling a little close to a nesting site we got to see the Arctic Terns a little closer than we would have liked as they dive bombed the group and let us know we needed to give them some space. Our campsite for night three was a small chain of Islands in close proximity to each other. While some of the group enjoyed the afternoon sun and set up camp at a leisurely pace, others set off to circumnavigate a cluster of islands and organise some short (and longer) races. By now the weather was perfect as the wind had died and there was not a cloud in the sky. We all zipped up the tents anticipating a great day ahead.

In order to meet our coach that was booked to take us to Stockholm the paddling had to start early on day four. As we completed the now familiar packing routine (that was made much easier by the fact we had eaten most of the food!), Morgan exclaimed ‘It doesn’t get any better than this’.

Looking around as we pushed off, we could all see what he meant, the water was mirror flat, there was not a breath of wind and despite it still being relatively early in the day, most of us were just wearing t shirts with waterproof tops well and truly packed away. The paddling that day was smooth and easy. The next stop was back to base where we emptied out and cleaned down the boats before hiking to the high point of the island to take a look at where we had just been for the past few days. A farewell and huge thank you was said to Morgan who had been a great guide, before we boarded the water taxi again bound for Stockholm.

In contrast to the wilderness of the past few days, Stockholm was thriving and alive. The sun was shining, there were bands playing in the central gardens and we all had a great time looking around the old town of Gamla Stan and finding somewhere we could afford to eat! Our accommodation was a hostel situated on the western shore of the islet Skeppsholmen, part of which was an 1888 steel ship that had been converted into a bar and restaurant and gave a great perspective of the city whilst sitting and enjoying an orange juice. Everyone was pretty tired considering we had woken that same day in a tent out in the archipelago and I know I for one was looking forward to a shower, proper bed and mattress.

Our supposedly final day in Sweden was predominantly set aside for travelling. We caught the local bus to the train station and the Arlanda Express to the airport. All was going well and I believe one of the teachers may have even said ‘what could possibly go wrong now?’ Twenty four hours of airport delays is what unfortunately went wrong but the group morale remained high and we all now feel we have an insight into the character played by Tom Hanks in Terminal.

A video of the trip can be found here: http://vimeo.com/101605106

Mr Blow

95 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 95

Morocco Trip T

he Morocco trip, where to start...

There was so much to see and you would never believe how much you can do in a week! It is most definitely one of the best trips I have ever been on at KES.

Looking back, there were so many enjoyable things it is hard to pick a favourite. There was such a contrast between the bustling souks of Marrakech filled with monkey trainers, snake charmers and great characters trying to convince you to buy from their stall and the Sahara desert (that translates from Arabic to “desert desert”) sleeping under the shooting stars and watching so many shoot by that you run out of wishes! We also went camel trekking at sunrise and called the camels all sorts of names ranging from Bert to Blondie. Then there was the visit to the Atlas Corporation Film Studios where the films ‘Gladiator’ and ‘Ben Hur’ were filmed along with the BBC series ‘Atlantis’ and the third season of the world famous ‘Game Of Thrones’. Ait Benhaddou, which as well as being an old salt rich city was the set for the ‘Prince of Persia’ and this, along with the film studios, showed you how Egypt, Persia, Greece, Israel and more could be created in a matter of months in Morocco.

The time spent on the minibus was just as fun-filled: learning Arabic songs, making an acapella choir and even playing card games. The latter becomes much harder when you get onto the twisty, twirly roads in the Atlas Mountains though! The views were also outstanding; pictures can’t even do the stomach-flipping natural beauty justice from the High Atlas to the low desert planes. Like everyone though, one of my favourite times was meal times, as the Moroccan delicacies were so delicious and full of great flavours.

As I write this I think of all the things we did: haggling, camel riding, climbing, singing, camping in the desert, trekking in rocky valleys, driving through the Atlas Mountains, swimming in freezing pools and I realise that, not only have we gained so many new experiences, but we have also gained memories and learned skills to help us in the future.

If you don’t think Morocco is for you I can guarantee you are wrong; whether you plan to go on the school trip, or as a holiday, it is one of the most beautiful and varied places to go. So much happened on this trip and it feels like I could write a 5000 page essay on how amazing it was. I can’t explain how short of the experience my words fall, but I hope I have shown what an amazing trip we had anyway!

Ameena Hamid

96 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

Prague Exchange A

brand new cultural exchange programme was set up this year between our school and one in Pribram in the Czech Republic, just 45 minutes from Prague. The objective of the exchange for the KES students was to improve their understanding of Czech culture and build relationships with their counterparts. Additionally, they had an opportunity to participate in some community work in local special schools, giving KES students relevant experience that might be helpful should they be considering work in the caring professions.

Four Fourth Year girls alongside Miss Hewitt and Mr Robinson departed from London over the Easter holidays.

Activities in Pribram included visiting the beautiful buildings and local sights such as the Holy Mountain, two castles and the mining museum. A particular highlight was taking part in Easter celebrations including the decoration of eggs, gingerbread and the production of jewellery. The girls also experienced daily life at school and were surprised by how different the two cultures were. The dumplings in the school canteen were definitely interesting!

Both the KES students and their exchange partners took part in planning and delivering a Sports Day for a local special needs school. This included sack races, obstacle courses and egg painting. On the last two days, the group spent time in the capital of Prague where plenty of sightseeing and shopping took place. The Old Town Square decorated with Easter markets was a beautiful sight, as was the Castle and the view from the Petrin observation tower.

The girls are looking forward to hosting their exchange partners when they visit KES in the autumn term. During this time they will visit local attractions such as Stonehenge, Winchester and London as well as get their turn to experience a day in the life of a KES student and all the sports and co-curricular activities they have on offer!

Miss Hewitt

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 97

Second Year Camp T

he Second Year camp to Dartmoor was one of the best weekends of our lives. The camping experience was amazing because it was like we were camping in the middle of nowhere (because of the sheep and birds nearby) but we were only a couple of metres away from the cottage if anything happened. It was quite an independent trip and gave us an idea of what DofE would be like.

The cooking during the weekend was a challenge as we had to learn how to use a trangia and work out the timings of the food ourselves as no electric devices were allowed. We really enjoyed the catapult-making exercise too as this taught us great teamworking skills. We also learnt how to use a compass and did an activity using the methods we had been taught. In the afternoon we went for a walk and visited the most amazing sites.

The best part of the trip was definitely the rock climbing. It gave us confidence. We also did a climbing activity where we had to go up a rock face but without footholds. That took some working out!

Overall we had a great trip and would recommend it. If you need a bit of confidence or you just love the outdoors then this is the trip for you.

Ella Wright and Meg Magee

98 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

Ski Trip A

t the end of March, sixty-five students departed for Serre Chevalier in the southern French Alps. Accompanied by nine staff, the ski party were located in the Clubhotel Fréjus, a small hotel that was within fifty metres of the main lift. The students (and staff) enjoyed the proximity not only of the slopes, but also the local shops which were only a two minute walk away. The hotel had all the group needed including a comfortably sized restaurant, for breakfast and dinner and a games room and bar area with a seemingly non-stop supply of milkshake! We were also lucky to have a dedicated ski representative, Teresa, and a fabulously helpful ski technician, Alan. Nothing was too much effort for Alan, including daily movement of skis into the locker room at the end of the day and out again in the morning. Coupling this with the proximity of the meet point and I think the majority of students left thinking that this was the norm for all ski holidays!

The ski party enjoyed fabulous snow conditions and, for the majority of the week, excellent weather. The students thoroughly enjoyed the opportunities to explore the skiing area within their six ski school groups, which were organised according to ability and experience. Each day the students would enjoy four hours of skiing lessons, with a two hour lesson either side of a restful lunch break. Reports from all the instructors at the end of the week suggested not only did the students focus on improving their skiing, but they did so with good humour and excellent attention to the instructors - they were a credit to themselves throughout the week. An addition to the usual routine of this trip was the opportunity to have a group and individual photographs - these seemed popular with the students, particular as the set-up of the shot maximised their ‘ski look’! The group shot is featured here and shows the entire party with Serre Chevalier in the background.

Outside of their ski commitments, the students took full advantage of the opportunities to relax, both in the Clubhotel and around the small town centre. As always, the local pizzeria were delighted to see the arrival of so many eager customers who seemed capable of parting with their cash, despite afternoon cake provided at the hotel, on top of three meals a day. The students engaged in a series of evening entertainment options with a good degree of enthusiasm, in no small part down to the effervescent encouragement of the evening entertainment team!

The participation at the ‘interactive quiz’ was as good as we have known it and led to some extraordinary scenes.

Ten pin bowling and bum boarding seemed to be as popular as usual with, as expected, a mixture of outcomes at both events. All in all, a very successful trip. Next year the ski party heads to Sunday River, Maine, USA.

Mr Sheppard

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 99

South Africa Trip 2014 A

fter landing in sunny Cape Town we were immediately whisked onto a coach and driven through the city and around the coast to Cape Point where we enjoyed the spectacular views of the Cape of Good Hope. The next day we were shown District Six and given a tour round the museum by our lovely coach driver William. Sitting in our comfortable, air-conditioned bus overlooking a couple of makeshift shacks in an overgrown field it was hard to believe that this place had once been a thriving community which had been demolished by the apartheid government. However, this was a very visual way of helping us all to understanding the scale of the injustice faced by many South African people during the apartheid years. After seeing District Six we headed across to Robben Island. We were very excited about seeing the place where Mandela was held, as he is an amazing figure for South Africa and was so greatly respected by every South African we met. We travelled over to the island in one of the most unstable, rusty fishing boats we had ever seen, which had actually been used to transport the prisoners, and this, combined with the raging waves, rain and our seats on the top deck (right at the front) resulted in all of us, particularly Andrew Devoy, getting quite drenched and cold by the end of the hour journey. When we arrived on the island we realised how isolated it felt and being given a tour by an ex-prisoner gave us a real insight into what life was really like on the island. We walked away from the island along the walk to freedom, as Mandela himself had done, and this was the perfect way to end the time in Cape Town and begin our time working for the Goedgedacht project.

When we arrived at Goedgedacht farm, we went straight to meet some of the young children and were greeted by so many smiling faces. Although at first it was daunting walking into a room of children we had never met, after a couple of rounds of the hokey cokey it was already time to leave and we felt thoroughly attached to our new friends. That evening, we met the ‘youth in construction’ all part of the POP programme and engaged in some apartheid activities. The whole group was split into racial groups of coloureds, whites and blacks and some of us then had to eat in the dark and do press ups simply because of our race. Although it was light hearted, Ingrid (the Trust’s director) reminded us that despite it being a game for us, this did happen to a lot of people and the segregation laws played a huge part in creating and sustaining the poverty in the rural communities.

During our visit, we conducted an enumeration study in the community of Saron which allowed us to go in pairs and interview local people in their homes. It was fascinating to talk to people about their own experiences but also sad to see the conditions of some people’s lives. We saw eleven people in a three room house, residents who did not know the ages of their own children and some people who we only realised were illiterate when, at the end of the interview, they could not sign their own name.

During the week, we visited the pre-school and three other POP centres. The children’s energy was contagious and we saw the difference the POP centres, and people who run them, make to the children’s lives. It became apparent very quickly that a huge problem currently is FAS (Foetal Alcohol Syndrome), which affects over 50% of the children in the centres. The result of this is often low birth weight and we saw the effect of this with many of the children looking underage. Alcohol abuse, illiteracy and violence against women were just a few of the horrific circumstances that nearly all of the youth and children we met had experienced. It was all very overwhelming but Ingrid kept reminding us that the project is all about ‘sowing the seeds’ of change. The effects of the apartheid cannot be undone quickly, which can seem frustrating, but this long term programme will create change in the lives of the younger generation and that is what is most important for the futures of the children and communities. Being temporarily part of such a strong community, who are aware of their imperfections yet remain positive and always willing to dance and include you, gave us such a euphoric feeling that it was almost impossible to leave and several of us are already planning our return.

Ali Diaper

100 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 101

Spanish Trip - Catalonia T

hirty-six First Years, ten Second Years and six members of staff spent five interesting and very enjoyable days exploring the rich cultural, historical and artistic heritage of Catalonia, an autonomous region in the north-east of Spain. Despite a rather gloomy forecast before setting off, we were actually rather lucky with the weather, and it was warm and sunny most of the time.

We stayed in Tossa de Mar, once a small agricultural town, now a pleasant seaside resort. On the first day we had just a few hours after dinner to explore Tossa de Mar and play some ball games on the beach.

On the second day we travelled north, almost as far as the French border, to the town of Figueres, Dalí’s birthplace and the home of his fabulous Theatre Museum, the second most visited museum in Spain after the Prado. We spent a good hour marvelling at his weird and wonderful artwork and looking out for some of his key motifs. We then had time for a well-deserved ice-cream and lunch in the park. Back on the coach we were soon winding our way through the mountains to the coast and the beautifully picturesque Cadaqués.

Here the students were able to explore the narrow, winding streets of this delightful little fishing port. As we walked back from the beach that evening we could already see the bars filling up in anticipation of the

Champions League Final between two Spanish teams, Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid which we were able to watch as a group in the hotel’s lounge.

The following day we travelled to Barcelona. We started off with a visit to Barça’s football ground and museum, making our football fans even happier! We then moved on to the Parc Güell, created by the modernist Gaudí, with its famous mosaics, columns and colonnades.

After a spot of lunch it was time to explore the centre of Barcelona. We started at the Plaça de Catalunya and walked down the Ramblas and into the Gothic quarter, past the old Gothic cathedral and on to the delightful Plaça Reial with its street performers, who rather excitingly were chased off by the police just as we were enjoying their acrobatics! Sunday night was disco night, although some of the boys preferred to hone their skills on the pool table or at air hockey rather than strutting their stuff on the dance floor!

Day three was when we were unlucky with the weather.

Because of this we had a rather short walk through the old Jewish quarter in Girona and along the city walls. However, this meant we were able to spend a bit longer visiting the Arab baths and the cathedral with its impressive stained-glass windows, chapels, cloisters and treasures. Slightly bedraggled from the rain, we were more than happy to sit in a warm restaurant

102 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

and tuck into our Spanish tapas. Then it was time to head back to Tossa de Mar and, as the sun came out again, we took a trip along the coast in a glass-bottomed boat. In the evening it was Flamenco dancing with all the instructions in Spanish and, this time, everyone was on the dance floor although the pupils seemed to find moving their hips somewhat easier than some of the teachers did!

On the final day there was time for a last swim in the hotel pool or a climb up to the lighthouse in Tossa de Mar before winding back down through the old part of town. Both pupils and staff alike had an amazing time on this year’s trip and the energy and enthusiasm demonstrated throughout was impressive.

Mr Lawson

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 103

Spanish Trip - Córdoba O

n 28th March, a group of fourteen Third Year pupils set off to Córdoba in the heart of Southern Spain. The journey from Málaga airport was spent admiring the miles and miles of olive groves that flanked the road, and the weather was a welcome change from the English drizzle left behind. When the pupils arrived in Córdoba and met the Spanish families they would be staying with, they felt a bit apprehensive but all their anxieties were soon put aside when they realised that all the hosts this year were young families and most had young children.

Particularly exciting was meeting a very glamorous former Miss Córdoba and her family, who would host two of our girls - much to the dismay of the boys!

Throughout the five day trip, the students attended lessons in a Spanish language centre, ‘CLC Idiomas’, visited the main attractions of Córdoba such as the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos (a medieval fortress that was home to many Spanish monarchs), La Mezquita de Córdoba (originally a mosque but now a cathedral) and enjoyed plenty of free time to experience Spanish culture and a good deal of frozen yogurt. The linguists also had a chance to eat chocolate con churros and tapas and visit Sevilla, where they saw the Alcázar of Sevilla and the Plaza de Espana, which impressed them greatly as it has been used in films such as Star Wars and The Dictator. The weather was great throughout all our stay, and we seemingly escaped from the rain forecasted every day.

Both the students and teachers, Mrs Ladislao and Mrs Cottrell-Ferrat, found this trip thoroughly enjoyable and were quite saddened when it came to leaving the host families and the sun behind.

Mrs Ladislao

104 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

Spanish Trip - Salamanca O

n 13th February, fourteen A Level Spanish students, Miss Lindebringhs and Miss Ibañez Manzano started their annual trip to Salamanca, the very famous and monumental university town in the north west of Spain. Salamanca has one of the oldest universities in the country and is often compared to Oxford and Cambridge. The architecture is stunning and the life-style is one that appeals to students from all over the world. After a smooth journey by minibus and air, we arrived at our destination and the students were introduced to their families and dispersed to their various houses.

The students attended language classes for four hours every day at the Ábaco Instituto Hispánico de Salamanca. They were separated into two groups, according to year group, and received intensive grammar and conversation classes from highly experienced teachers. In the afternoons and evenings activities were organised to take more advantage of the trip. This year the trip included visits to monuments and museums in Salamanca, like the university buildings, the oldest European university library, the beautiful and original art deco museum “ Casa Lys” and the

Cathedral tower where they learnt about the Lisbon earthquake.

The group also had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Spanish culture though a rumba class with Spanish “abanicos” (fans). They tasted tapas, ate churros, went to the cinema to see the winner of this year’s “Goyas” (Spanish version of the Oscars) and on the final night all had dinner together in a typical restaurant.

On the last day, before going to the airport, everyone had time to do some sightseeing in Madrid. They started by visiting the Botanical gardens in Atocha Station, the Reina Sofia Museum, where they enjoyed paintings by Picasso, Miró and Dalí and visited some of the most famous sights, such as Plaza del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Las Cortes and the Royal Palace. On the way to the airport and to the delight of the football supporters, we did a quick stop at the Bernabeu Stadium to take some photos. They returned to school exhausted but happy and having improved their language skills.

Mrs Ladislao

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 105

Summer Camp

T

he premise of Summer Camp is a group of sixteen Sixth Formers taking young carers from Southampton, aged between eight and twelve, on a fun, activity-packed five days of camping just outside the heart of Swanage. The person they care for may have a physical or learning disability, mental health difficulty, or have problems with drug or alcohol abuse.

Throughout this academic year the team have fundraised for camp in order to make it the best experience possible for the young carers. We were able to raise over £1,000 from the success of the ‘Year 3000’ Second and Third Year disco and the immensely popular ‘Battle of the Bands’.

The hallmark event of the Summer Camp calendar is always the twenty-four hour-athon: this year we went back to our roots with Rowathon. Students and staff alike volunteered for twenty minute slots, raising money through sponsorship and entry fees. Those who stayed overnight were incessant in their support for the rowers until the early hours of the morning; needless to say faces were less upbeat during lessons the next day.

In the middle of July, two mini-buses filled with Sixth Formers, young carers and the classic regulars Dr S-J, Quinny, Crossy and (a new face) Birksy, trekked down to our campsite in Swanage. Many of them hadn’t been camping before, so spirits were high and excited at the prospect of the unfamiliar. Activities during the five days included a trip to a high-ropes course, Splashdown and Monkey World. All posed challenges to overcome for some of the carers but with our support they managed to stretch their limits, reassess their comfort-zones and achieve new feats. However, it wasn’t always us giving the pep-talks: one young carer was notable for his inspirational speeches for his fellow comrades, touchingly speaking with a voice far older than his years. What startled me throughout the week were the displays of maturity, consideration and sensitivity for each other, making camp relaxed and replete in affection for both kids and adults.

To end the week on a high, we held the annual ‘Summer Camp Talent Show’ which is always an entertaining affair. This year we had the bonus company of Mr Thould and his dancing. Performances included magic tricks, hula-hooping, singing and some impressive face-painting.

The Upper Sixth girls changed the famous One Direction lyric to ‘Best Camp Ever’ but as impressive as it was, nothing could beat the Sixth Form boys’ tear-jerking, hand-written poem to Dr S-J bidding her a farewell. We had circle time after the show which allowed us to reflect on the past five days and impart our favourite moments. All the Sixth Formers realised how lucky we had been getting to know these remarkable young children. Undoubtedly, camp was just as rewarding for us as it was for the young carers and it was a privilege to put a smile on their faces, even just for five days. I always come away from camp shattered, emotionally drained from such a charged week, but marvelling at how such a simple camping trip can become so profound for all those involved.

My final word is for Dr S-J who has magnificently held the reigns of Summer Camp for three years but is leaving KES for the tropical shores of Thailand (see you on my Gap Year, Miss!) On behalf of the Upper Sixth, I’d like to wish Birksy good luck in taking over the role – I’m sure you’ll do a fantastic job.

Liberty Roberts

106 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

Watersports 2014 T

he third week of August saw five staff and forty-seven assorted Second, Third and Fourth Years off on the annual watersports holiday in the south of France. After the discomfort of trying to sleep during an eighteen hour coach journey, we were met at the La Rive campsite by the usual mix of irrepressibly perky Rockley instructors and the pupils barely had time for breakfast before being whisked off to the lake. This set the tone for a relentlessly busy week both on and off the water, in and out of camp.

Highlights for many were the dinghy (Pico) and catamaran (Dart) sessions, the morning out at the Aqualand waterpark and the chance to charge down one of the largest sand dunes in Europe. Who would have thought a big pile of sand could be so much fun?

Thankfully, the pupils presented staff with very few problems to solve, though we could have done without a last minute trip to the hospital that, for a few hours, looked like leaving one staff member and student stranded. Luckily they made it back to camp just in time to catch the coach and we all came home together; happy, tired and, for one of us at least, with a big bump on the head.

Thanks to the KES staff, our pair of drivers and to all forty-seven pupils who were a pleasure to take away and a credit to the school.

Dr Gamblin

107 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 107

SPORT AT KES 2013-2014

Rugby at KES T

he 2013 KES rugby season has been another emotional, productive and busy one; we have seen some stars emerge from the younger teams, some talented players shine for their county and some of the senior players have proven what rewards are available to you if you commit to the rugby programme at School.

August saw another well-attended pre-season schedule with development days run for all age groups that would focus on both skills and fitness required for the season ahead.

Our South Coast Kings tournament was a resounding success which, despite the foreboding weather predictions, saw high participation numbers in both the U15 and U18 competitions.

The season started for all KES teams on the second Saturday in September and, as a result of increased staffing numbers, combined with a focus on B team rugby, KES was in a position to field eleven teams on a block fixture. The first month of the term saw the School recording some impressive results; our First Year team were developing a reputation throughout the county with their committed defence and blistering pace in attack whilst other teams, particularly the U14 squads, were unrecognisable to the team that had finished the 2012 season. One team which had started the academic year exactly how they had left the previous season were the U16 squad; the abundance of genuine rugby talent maintained their status as one of the strongest U16 teams in the country. They marched through September and combined their block fixtures with a strong run in the Hampshire Cup competition emerging as county champions in January.

The first XV was, for the first time in several seasons, rather depleted in numbers; indeed a squad of eighteen players meant that the majority of the 2nd XV fixtures had to be cancelled.

The U13 squad showed some real improvement under the tutelage of Mr Westwater. Despite a rather inconsistent approach to the commitment levels that are essential at B team competition, the players in this year group really focussed on what was expected from them and, certainly by half term, were playing with real vigour and guile.

The U15 team had matured during the close season and began their block fixture list with a far more balanced style of play. The squad marched through their preliminary County Plate games and they too succeeded in getting to the final.

More success was attained from our U14 team who, for the first time ever, entered the Hampshire 10-a-side tournament in the middle of October. Not only did Mr Tesseyman’s team remain undefeated in the whole competition but they also recorded just three tries against them! They were rightly crowned the Hampshire U14 10-a-side champions for 2013.

The final half of the season saw one of the most challenging and competitive list of opponents any fixture card could boast. The U16 A team smashed a Pangbourne team and finished the regular season with only one loss. The U12 teams both triumphed on the last fixture against PGS and set the tone for future rugby fixtures at our Wellington Sports Grounds as, due to staggered start times, the Lower School players were able to watch the senior teams play.

The focus turned to our Rugby 7s program during the spring term as for the first time all KES teams had the opportunity to further develop their rugby skills.

Rugby at King Edward VI School is moving forward and there has never been a more exciting time to be involved in sport at our amazing School.

Mr Powell (Head of Rugby)

108 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

U12 Rugby Report T

his has been a very encouraging first season for the KES U12 rugby squad, with much promise shown for future years. The boys who were new to the game, along with those with some experience, were enthusiastic and training after school had over thirty boys each week. Over the season forty-two players represented the School for the A or B team.

Against some teams who have been playing together for several seasons, the U12s showed that they could be rugged in defence and displayed some real attacking flair on the ball, with sixteen tries scored by the outside backs. James Jerram showed real pace to claim ten of these tries. Captain, Jamie Cook, scored five and Toby Reid also weighed in from the back row with fifteen tries. Our ability to turn over the ball and recycle our own really picked up over the season and much credit should be given to the forwards for creating a good platform.

In the Bs Alex Hall also played well as Captain, including a hat-trick of tries against Perrins.

A highlight for any KES team has to be a win over PGS and we managed to tame them 19-14, with Ben Pearce scoring the decisive try. Our Bs also came back from three tries down to draw 15-15. A fine finale to a cracking first season.

Mr Aellen

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 109

U13 Rugby Report T

he U13 boys had a tough campaign this year which has been extremely frustrating at moments, due to a combination of injuries to key players, and more B team games making it more difficult to put out strong squads at all times. The boys did, however, show a great passion for the game and the potential to be a truly great side.

In the first match against Bishop Wordsworth the U13s led for most of the match with two scintillating tries in the first half. The second half showed another part of their game with dogged defence play and it was only a last-minute try which stopped the boys from beginning the season with a win. Unfortunately, this was typical of the season, with often great performances resulting in the boys finishing just short of the finishing line.

There is a lot to be said for the team spirit within the team, and despite losing more games than they won, there was never a moment where the boys let themselves or the School down. Within the A team, Jameel Khan revealed himself to be much more than a good second row player. His conversions from touch lines amazed many of the teams we played against. Peter Ryall always put his body on the line and was a rock in the pack. Sam Hill-Cousins led from the front with some huge tackles and Tom CroftBaker was definitely a contender for player of the season, being a great ball carrier and tackler. Adam Lock and James Lander provided a great 9 and 10 combination throughout the season, with Lock scoring some excellent solo tries. James Webb in the centre

showed an excellent step and great pair of hands which often set up Andrew Crawford, whose raw pace broke through most defences. Jack Wergan also had a terrific season and made the fullback position his own with some excellent performances.

The B team also showed some great character throughout the season, often playing with less than a full squad due to injuries. Both teams really showed a great passion for the game and were model professionals at all times, they should be proud of their performances and they should know that they have represented the School well.

The boys ended the season with perhaps the hardest fixture, going up against a PGS team who were unbeaten in over a year. Again playing with a side weakened by injuries to key players, KES conceded two break-away first half tries against the run of play.

The second half, however, was the highlight of the season for me, as they came back to within a try of a formidable team. The performance summed up the squad; a ‘never say die’ attitude and the ability to challenge and out-perform any team. If they can start next season in the same way they finished this one, continue with the same effort, and hopefully have a little more luck on the injury front, both the A and B team can really build up a reputation as a team to be feared.

Mr Westwater

110 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

U14 Rugby Report T

he 2013 rugby season was an important one for this group of players. The previous season had some spirited performances, but ultimately disappointed in terms of results. We knew that this team was better than their Under 13 season suggested, and it was up to them to prove it this year.

The U14s had the addition of some new players, which bolstered the ranks. New players that forced their way into the A team included the hardworking Freddie Saint who came in at flanker, the athletic Henry Waring who came in at lock and the excellent ball skills of the Millar brothers, Ben and Archie, who came in at scrum half and full back respectively. So impressive was Ben Millar at directing the team and running the games in pre-season training, he was made team Captain for the season.

The season started emphatically with a dismantling of Bournemouth School with over 40 points scored against them. This was followed by another home victory against Dauntsey’s; a match that was close in the first half but we were able to pull away in the second half thanks to several excellent team tries. The match against Churcher’s was an entirely one-sided affair and it was only due to the fact that the match was stopped early that the KES boys were limited to 52-0 and the match away to Reading was another comfortable win. The boys went into the last match before half term undefeated but met an outstanding Canford School team that were simply too strong.

The team was invited to compete in the Hampshire 10-a-side championship. A one day event made up of six teams who compete in a round robin format. There were easy victories against HCS, Perins and Oakland and against arch-rivals PGS the boys scored two tries to win the game. The U14s also won the much anticipated final match against Kings’ to be crowned champions and were presented with the winner’s trophy and declared Hampshire 10-a-side champions!

The second half of the season got off to a bad start. Against Magdalen College (a team that racked up 70 points on KES at under 13 level) the team played well losing by just 1 point! This was, however, an excellent effort and a yardstick against which to measure the team’s progress. The U14s then played away to Pangbourne, a good rugby school, and managed to edge an important victory unlike the next match against St John’s where they lost. The team claimed another victory over HCS to finish the last match of the season against rivals PGS, who they had already beaten in the tournament. This was a very close, physical game and unfortunately the PGS defence managed to keep the boys at bay and hold on for the victory.

The defeat to Canford knocked the boys’ confidence and the second half of the season didn’t have the flair of the first half. The players should learn from this and come back next season more resilient. That is not to take anything away from the success of this season. The depth of the U14 squad was particularly impressive.

There were a number of B team matches this season with good performances against Dauntsey’s, Churcher’s, Magdalen, Pangbourne and PGS, with a particularly impressive rolling maul and some excellent tackling.

The entire squad looks strong and is set to do well next season when they compete at U15 level and will be entered into the County Cup for the first time.

Mr Tesseyman

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 111

U15 Rugby Report Honours County Plate finalists

I

don’t think anyone that turned up for pre-season training could have predicted the A team’s set of results after only winning two games the previous season and the boys are to be congratulated for the real sense of team spirit and pride demonstrated every time they took to the field. Playing against some excellent teams such as Truro College and Glan Taff was an experience that they learnt from in the South Coast Tournament. A good win against Bournemouth School set up the turning point of the season. Against Dauntsey’s, the boys were 12-0 down at half-time (against a much bigger team) but they managed to win 32-12! Other highlights included excellent wins against Magdalen and Pangbourne. Both are sides by whom the KES team had been defeated by over fifty points in previous years and to finish the Saturday fixtures with a well fought 22-12 victory against PGS was the icing on the cake.

The team will learn from their three losses; Churcher’s and St John’s (both County Cup finalists) and the Plate Cup final to PGS. All were matches where the U15 As played the better rugby for significant periods of the matches. It is very difficult to single anyone out but David Marsh led the team very well and has proved

to be a turnover specialist. Ben Sharpley, Jamie Morgan, Charlie Gale and Hugo Wilkinson all linked up superbly at times to create a real sense of unity and attacking options. The back of Nick White, Joe Winter and Tom Smart were constant threats and all scored memorable tries. It was in the forwards though that there were unsung heroes: Cameron Thomas, Ben Trotter, Michael Gorry, Stanley Paxton, Reuben Benton, Ed Creeden, Joel Davies and Jake Berry all played key roles. Alex Damley-Jones, James Thomson, Ollie Martin, Callum Loader and Max Holden also made important contributions.

The U15B team gave their all in every game and should also be proud of the way they played. An excellent 2610 victory against local rivals PGS, in the last game of the season, showed what depth in talent that there is in this year group. In the other matches against Magdalen, Churcher’s and Pangbourne the team never gave up and it is with this attitude that they will look forward to next year. The boys were well led by the Captain, Ollie Martin, and he was well supported by the big boot of Jim Murphy and the organisational skills of Alec Damley-Jones. Harry Ruprecht, Sam Mills, Callum Loader, Duncan Urquhart-Hawkins, Jayesh Nagpal, James Allen, Hugo Wilkinson and Henry Scullard made up the forwards who were more than willing to put their bodies on the line when needed. Gregor McKenzie, Johnny Bramwell-Codd, Ed Rollitt, Ollie Fox, Ethan Sharpe, Max Hopkins and Oscar Roberts all played with freedom in the backs resulting in some excellent tries. I look forward to seeing how this team progresses next year.

Mr Mixer

112 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

U16 Rugby Report T

he results speaks for themselves. This has been a fantastic season with just one “blip” against Reading School that we shall not dwell on! At the first training session of the season it became instantly noticeable that this was going to be a successful year although those watching the first half display against HCS would have found this hard to believe. After three short words at half-time “keep it simple” the team found its form and secured a comfortable victory. The second game of the season followed a similar pattern, until in the third game the team found the correct way to play and PGS were taken apart by a devastating display of simple running rugby – ball in hand, early passes and good support play. A good Dauntsey’s side were also defeated but then came “that game”. The run in to half term saw three tough fixtures: two cup games and a match versus historically strong opponents Canford School. All three matches were hard games but the team returned to winning ways and played some magnificent rugby. An outstanding feature of these matches was the huge defensive display that the boys gave, particularly against Canford, the commitment to the tackle and ensuing breakdown was huge and there was a collective responsibility that the opposition were not going to score.

Against Magdelen College, a good first half saw KES leading by the narrowest of margins. Magdalen came back in the second half but the KES defence held firm.

With only four visits to the Magdalen half after the break, the U16s kept the scoreboard ticking over with four penalty kicks at goal and 12 points to increase their lead. This was enough to keep us a score ahead of Magdalen who always needed a converted try to draw level. The team had learnt how to win when on the back foot – it’s not all about scoring tries to win matches! The last four fixtures of the autumn term were a festival of running rugby where 196 points were scored whilst only conceding 15.

The last match of the season was the Hampshire School RFU U16 Cup Final match which was eventually played in February. Due to the bad weather at the start of the term the side had not been able to train on grass since before Christmas and this reflected in their performance. A number of uncharacteristic errors gave Oaklands the upper hand in the early exchanges and they led by 8 points to 5 at half time. The second half

saw an improved performance by the School’s Under 16 side in which they scored 10 unanswered points to deservedly win the match by 15 points to 8 and become the first team from King Edward VI School to lift the Hampshire Schools’ RFU Under 16 Cup. The seven boys who represented the county during the season, Ed Connolly, Charlie Bolton, Harry Johnston, Theo Pritchard, Ben Brooks, Dom Saville and Sam Webb deserve a mention for their contribution to rugby, while Harry Johnston further enhanced his reputation with selection for Welsh Exiles and is to be congratulated on this achievement. Dan DamleyJones made huge progress during the course of the season and despite playing as a first choice for many games never grumbled when starting on the bench later in the season as players returned to fitness.

All members of the squad who played for either the A team or B team are to be thanked for their contribution to this thoroughly enjoyable season and I look forward to watching their rugby development over the next two years in the senior squad.

Mr Wood

Results: V Hampshire Collegiate 43-5 Won V Bournemouth School 7-0 Won V PGS (Hampshire Cup) 39-7 Won V Dauntsey’s 31-5 Won V Reading 22-24 Lost V St John’s (Hampshire Cup) 20-5 Won V Churcher’s (Hampshire Cup) 27-3 Won V Canford School 19-15 Won V Magdalen College 26-19 Won V Pangbourne College 62-10 Won V St John’s 40-5 Won V King’s (Hampshire wCup) 63-0 Won V PGS 31-0 Won V Oaklands Catholic School 15-8 Won (Hampshire Cup Final)

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 113

Senior Rugby Report T

he 2013 season has been another emotional, productive and busy one.

August saw another well-attended pre-season schedule with a six day program organised for the senior players to help set the expectations of what would be a thoroughly challenging term.

Our South Coast Kings’ Tournament was a resounding success which (despite the foreboding weather and the sporadic start to many of our attendees’ school terms) saw high participation numbers in both the U15 and U18 competitions. Our KES players acquitted themselves admirably in the face of some of the best rugby playing schools in the region, and beyond; Hartpury College, Brighton College and Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf were just a few of the high profile schools that our students had to lock horns with. The organisation and match-day administration of the event would not have run as smoothly if it wasn’t for the efforts of Dr Green, Mr Miller, Mr Kent and Mr Mixer.

The 1st XV was, for the first time in several seasons, rather depleted in numbers; indeed a squad of eighteen players meant that the majority of the 2nd XV fixtures had to be cancelled. This is a real cause for concern and will form a major part of the development plan as we go forward. A highlight of the season was undoubtedly the 15-man lineout that we had been practising for months; Tom Simpson (Captain) and Richard Jones (Vice Captain) had been planning this particular move only to have it culminate in a try against Peter Symonds College in the semi-final of the U18 County Trophy; you would have thought we had won the Webb Ellis Cup when watching how we celebrated the score!

Late November saw the re-emergence of our mini-tours; once again the 1st XV squad, with notable inclusions of some of the stars from the U16 team, travelled “abroad” to play Whitchurch High School, Cardiff; this was as memorable for our on-pitch performance as it was for our conduct as a squad around the Welsh principality; the players were impeccable!

The final half of the season saw one of the most challenging and competitive lists of opponents any fixture card could boast; Magdalen College School, Pangbourne College and Portsmouth Grammar School all featured and, during the last block weekend of the season, against PGS, and as a result of staggered start times, the Lower School players were able to watch the 1st XV play. This, combined with one of the warmest December days I can remember and the high number of parents watching their sons representing King Edward’s, led to a carnival atmosphere that made the occasion unforgettable.

Mr Duncan and I would like to thank all those parents who braved the weather when cheering on our players; you are irreplaceable. Likewise, our medical support and our grounds staff have made our Wellington Sports Grounds an amazing venue.

Mr Powell Most Improved Player of the Season: Jack Scullard Player of the Season: Mark Mitchell Moment of the Season: 15-man lineout!

114 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

Boys’ Hockey at KES H

ockey at KES continues to be a popular choice for the boys in the spring term. The quality of hockey on display and the depth in numbers has been key to building the future of hockey at the School.

There have been over 180 boys playing hockey on a Saturday for the School with the U12s even putting an U12E and F team out against St George’s. With the depth of hockey at KES on the increase, the quality of hockey played by the A teams and 1st X| is an example of the talent at KES. The 1st X| enjoyed a great run in England Hockey’s pilot U18 Championship, being knocked out by Caterham after beating MCS of Oxford and Wellington College. KES beat the eventual winners, but the loss to Caterham saw KES finish second in the pool on goal difference. The 1st X| enjoyed a tour to Bath for the 30th annual KES tournament, during which they again displayed their potential.

The U13, U14 and U16 teams all qualified to represent Hampshire at the Southern Finals with the U13s winning the U13 Hampshire In2hockey competition. The teams did well at the South Finals, with many lessons being learnt about team structure and the importance of perfecting basics to compete at the next level.

The U14s enjoyed a trip to Wembley to watch the Finals of the Maxi-Nutrition Indoor Finals. Indoor hockey was played at KES for the first time and was well received; the 1st X| being the Hampshire winners and beating Reed School to qualify for the South Finals at Whitgift.

The indoor team played well and learnt many lessons and can be proud of their achievements on their first time entering this tournament.

The U15 team had an unbeaten season and credit must go to Mr Kent for guiding this talented team.

The season, as a whole, has been a success for KES, with all teams having improved throughout the season and with the U14A boys, under the guidance of Miss Campbell, being the most improved team.

The season would not have been possible without the coaches giving up their time to manage the teams and organise not one, but at times, A,B,C and D teams to ensure all boys had an opportunity to represent the School. My thanks to Mrs Thomas, Mr Lewis, Mr Wood, Miss Campbell, Mr Kent, Mr Sheppard, Mr Fitzpatrick and Mr. Gilbert. Their efforts and generosity are very much appreciated by the boys and parents alike.

Mr Crichton (Head of Hockey)

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 115

Boys’ U12 Hockey Report T

he season started with a practice before Christmas and this, along with practices throughout the spring term was very well attended, with around forty boys regularly turning out. This year group show much promise on the hockey field and with continuing focus they should develop into a strong hockey side.

All four sides lost against RGS, Guildford, with the C team being the closest to victory. The following weekend, however, all three teams gained victory over Portsmouth Grammar School. Teamwork was much more in evidence, with the A team playing some fast-paced passing hockey. Luca Astles netted his first hat-trick of the season, scoring all three of the B team goals. The West Hill A team contained older boys and KES found themselves 6–2 down at the break. However, a determined display brought KES back into the game for an exciting second half. The B team put on an excellent display to win 5–0, with Luca again netting a hat-trick. Against Stroud, the A team were leading 2-1 at half-time, with Will Barker making some excellent saves in goal. Stroud capitalised on their chances in the second half to win the game, but mention must be made of Toby Reid’s hat-trick for KES. The B team had a close game but lost against

Results: V RGS (A) V RGS (B) V RGS (C) V RGS (D) V PGS (A) V PGS (B) V PGS (C) V West Hill Park (A) V West Hill Park (B) V Stroud (A) V Stroud (B) V St George’s (A) V St George’s (B)

1-5 0-4 0-1 0-6 5-2 3-0 2-1 5-8 5-0 3-5 0-2 0-11 2-11

Lost Lost Lost Lost Won Won Won Lost Won Lost Lost Lost Lost

Stroud. St George’s proved too strong for all but the F team, with the top four teams all losing heavily to more skilful sides. However, the next weekend the teams had greater success against Churcher’s College, with the Bs and Ds winning, the As drawing a very close contest and the C team doing all but scoring to dominate the game but sadly losing to the only goal of the match.

On the penultimate weekend all teams moved over to 11-a-side games and thoroughly enjoyed the additional space that this format gave them. The C team were given a difficult task when they were pitched against the A team from Ryde. They rallied well but the opposition proved too strong for them. Against Magdalen College School, a new hockey fixture for KES, the A team played their best hockey yet, beating an MCS team who had not been defeated. The B team also played well but MCS were sharp in front of goal and won the game. The final game of the season was played in hail, rain and sunshine. It was a good day for KES, with the A team winning comfortably against Dauntsey’s, with Toby Reid scoring 4 of the tally and the B team also finishing with a win.

Mrs Thomas

V St George’s (C) V St George’s (D) V St George’s (E) V St George’s (F) V Churcher’s (A) V Churcher’s (B) V Churcher’s (C) V Churcher’s (D) V MCS (A) V MCS (B) V Ryde (C) V Dauntsey’s (A) V Dauntsey’s (B)

2-10 0-8 3-4 2-2 3-3 5-4 0-1 2-1 2-0 1-5 0-9 8-0 1-0

Lost Lost Lost Drew Drew Won Lost Won Won Lost Lost Won Won

116 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

Boys’ U13 Hockey Report A

large number of games were played and a large number of students represented the School during the course of the season. Over thirty boys regularly attended training after School and on most Saturdays two teams were selected and fulfilled fixtures.

Those students who represented the A team can be very pleased with their progression and performance during the course of the term. Notable victories were achieved against Magdalen College School (3-2 away from home) and a thrilling game against Churcher’s College which ended six goals to five in our favour.

The A team won the County Cup Tournament, without conceding a goal and recording four wins and a draw during the day. This meant the boys progressed to the regional finals as the number one seeds from Hampshire. A tough and competitive day at Reading Hockey Club saw the squad win two matches and draw the other in the group phase. This gave us a quarter final match against Whitgift School who taught us a lesson in fast passing, keeping possession and accuracy in front of goal. This experience allowed us to finish the season with a powerful performance against Dauntsey’s and, having learnt valuable lessons from the Whitgift match, the team played magnificently to

outclass their opponents by scoring 12 goals without reply.

The B team had a magnificent run of 6 victories until they came unstuck at Magdalen College School but also finished their season on a high beating Dauntsey’s convincingly. It is often said that a strong second team is needed for the first team to be strong and competitive. That has certainly been the case this season with the U13 B team players putting forward many strong cases for inclusion in the A team. The C and D teams that venture onto the hockey pitch can remember their performances fondly having played good hockey in the matches they were involved in.

It is impossible to mention all those who have played but they can all be proud of their performances this season. However, Tom Croft-Baker was selected to represent Hampshire and he is to be congratulated on this achievement and I would also like to thank Toby Dudson for his captaincy during the season; he did the job very well.

I look forward to watching this year group develop over the next few years.

Mr Wood

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 117

Boys’ U14 Hockey Report I

t has been an absolute delight to work with such an enthusiastic, energetic and dedicated hockey squad who have demonstrated so much talent and promise.

I was particularly impressed with how keen they were to work hard and listen to all the advice given to them in training and during matches. They were a credit to themselves and to the School and they should feel proud of their achievements this season. It has been a very wet season but the determination of the players meant that they produced some great hockey.

It was a quick start to the season and it was obvious from the beginning that the squad were going to have a fun, busy and inspirational season. It was great to see so many hockey players out at training on a Monday evening and sometimes this number exceeded 45 students for both A, B and C team players. The players were keen to learn new skills and to develop their experience in tactical awareness and set plays. This resulted in some fine play on the pitch and therefore some excellent results of which they should be proud.

The boys got off to a tough start losing to Millfield School 6-1 at the beginning of the season. They played competitively but it was clear that a team with five new players needed some time to settle in and find their way. The A team then went on to play PGS which again was a very tough game. The boys had worked hard and the training was paying off, but they were defeated 4-0. One of the highlights of the season was the game against Bryanston. The boys played incredibly well at home and beat their opponents 9-0 playing some superb hockey with flair and real drive. One of the toughest opponents the side were to face was St George’s. After a tightly fought contest, the KES side

finished the match with a fabulous 1-0 win. This result was well-deserved and a fantastic game. The boys also recorded victories over Churcher’s (4-0) and, Dauntsey’s School (6-0) but lost to Sherborne School (3-2).

Unfortunately due to poor weather conditions, the game against Seaford College was abandoned; the School side were winning 1-0 at the time of close.

The boys finished in the top two of the Hampshire County Tournament and their efforts are to be congratulated. Unfortunately due to wet weather, the tournament had to be abandoned. At the time of close, the boys had won all of their matches, with Portsmouth Grammar School still to play. This meant they qualified for the regional finals. At the regionals, the team played exceptionally well and played some of their best hockey of the season. The boys beat Hurstpierpoint College comfortably, narrowly lost to Langley Park and then came up against a strong opposition in the form of Whitgift. These results meant the boys did not qualify for the next stages of the competition but they should be pleased with what they have achieved in such a short space of time.

Will Thompson needs to feel proud of the achievements his squad have demonstrated and he was an excellent Captain for the team. Jacob Fay was an excellent Vice Captain and both boys led by example. I have thoroughly enjoyed the season with the U14s and I look forward to hearing about their progress in the years to come.

Miss Campbell

118 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

Boys’ U15 Hockey Report H

aving had a very successful U14 season it was with great optimism that the team started the season in January 2014. The first game was a tough challenge against Millfield. However, the boys played some excellent passing, to create a number of chances, whilst their opponents relied on individual ability to provide their attacking threat. Both teams created a number of opportunities but KES emerged victorious 5-3.

The attacking threats that the U15s possessed meant that they were always threatening and scoring 33 goals in 7 games was an excellent performance.

The remaining three games before half term were straightforward, and convincing wins were gained against Bryanston 5-0, PGS 5-0 and Seaford 7-2.

The drawback of this was that the team were not put under pressure and so the quality of their play did not improve as much as it should have done over the season. Consequently, against St George’s they failed to keep control of possession to begin with, but they recovered to win a scrappy game 3-1.

Unfortunately the Churcher’s match was cancelled due to them being stranded on the M27 and so the two final games of the season provided sterner challenges than KES had experienced so far. At Sherborne both teams played at great pace, turning defence into attack, with good ball speed and an excellent display from the Sherborne keeper made life difficult for KES. The game was very tight at half time but once again the team’s ability going forward created numerous chances and they finished the game with a 5-1 win.

The final game was again away at Dauntsey’s who worked hard to put us under pressure and their defence was resolute. The U15s eventually took the lead before half time and kept a one goal lead going into the break.

In the second half the KES boys dominated possession and went three goals up to win the game and finish the season with a 100% win record.

In these final two games, the boys played with great quality and if, as a group, they decide they want to work hard to improve, they are capable of excellent achievements next year in national cup competitions.

Squad (A team): David Marsh, James Thomson, Jim Murphy, Ben Trotter, Sam Mills, Ollie Martin, Stanley Paxton, Joe Winter, Joel Davies, Matt Livingston, Reuben Benton, Tomek Bruml (C), Zak Milner, Jamie Morgan.

The B team worked well over the course of the year and with a more clinical approach in front of goal could, and possibly should, have turned the draws into victories.

The season started with an excellent win over Millfield 4-3 and this was followed with a 1-0 win over Bryanston. Against PGS the boys faced a number of A team players as PGS could not field two full teams; the key player being the opposition keeper who made many excellent saves. PGS were ahead going into the final five minutes but the determination of the KES U15 B team kept them going and they equalised deservedly with two minutes to spare.

In the next fixture, the team struggled against St George’s as a number of key players were unavailable but they came back from this defeat with a good 2-2 draw against Churcher’s. The trip to Sherborne was a tough one and the boys lost 2-0. The final game was a trip to Dauntsey’s and again availability affected the team that was fielded. This proved to be a tight match but the team drew 1-1.

This completed a season during which boys enjoyed the opportunity provided by fielding a B team and this will stand them in good stead as they move into the senior teams for whom a number of U15 B players should be aiming to play next season.

Squad (B team): James Allen, Reuben Benton, Alec Damley-Jones, Joel Davies, Charlie Gale, Max Hopkins, Matt Livingston, David Marsh, Hugo Marshall, Gregor McKenzie, Finley O’Donovan, Oscar Roberts, Edward Rollitt, Henry Scullard, Cameron Thomas, Hugo Wilkinson

Mr Kent

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 119

Boys’ 3rd XI Hockey Report T

he 3rd XI season was never going to be a walk in the park. We had a tough fixture list against a mixture of 2nd XI, 3rd XI & U16 outfits. Whoever we played they were likely to have had more players regularly attending training. This is something a competitive 3rd XI should be looking to add to their repertoire... attendance at training! Nonetheless, every outing saw an extremely positive and competitive KES side take to the pitch.

Our first outing saw us face a strong 2nd XI side from Canford. A disciplined performance, especially in the first half (0-0), saw some strong defensive work at the back and in midfield. The second half saw Canford move the ball more freely and exploit some width as we tired, but we competed well at times. We were defeated, but not significantly outplayed, and this led us to an equally challenging encounter the following weekend with the arrival of Bryanston at Wellington.

At the end of the first half we were one goal to the good but Bryanston came out the better side after the restart. We conceded an equaliser after six minutes and then scored four more in a six minute spell. It was a difficult afternoon, but an important example of the need to work hard and keep our shape in the face of enthusiasm from the opposition.

Having seen the next match cancelled due to forecasts of high winds, on what turned out to be a Saturday morning dominated by calm, blue skies, the following week the forecast proved to be more accurate. Strong winds and frightful weather would eventually lead to the cancellation of matches later in the day, but as the first fixture we were able to travel and play. We found ourselves two goals down to some precision passing from Seaford. It looked as if we were going to find the remainder of the match equally challenging, until an almighty hail storm. Play continued and we found a little form whilst playing into quite unpleasant conditions, picking up a vital goal just before half-time. A fabulous second half response from the team saw us pick up three unanswered goals to secure what ended up a solid victory.

After the half-term break and record numbers at training in the week, it was a squad of eleven that lined up to face an athletic-looking Sixth Form 2nd XI from St George’s. The opposition created several chances in the first ten minutes but fortunately did not score.

A goal from Dan on debut put us up at half-time. The second half was an open affair with a great match up in midfield between Rob and St George’s number 10.

St George’s equalised, which was no less than they deserved in a half that featured chances for both sides.

The match against Churcher’s College was played in excellent spirit with both sides creating chances and plenty of open play in midfield! Arguably the opposition had the better chances but after a reasonably even first half, Churcher’s restarted with more pace. The KES team conceded the only goal with six minutes remaining, Tim being beaten by a shot into the roof of the net but this was a cracking match, played by two well-matched sides, with a very polite yet competitive edge. The Sherbourne match saw a similar outcome and a pattern was emerging of excellent possession, not quite being converted into positivity in the score line.

The final match of the season was against a very tough Dauntsey’s side and once again we crafted nice looking hockey and plenty of chances, but significant possession did not translate into a material lead. After a close (and sometimes testing affair) the match ended in a draw, but neither side wanted to leave it like this and badgered the coaches into a penalty shoot-out but this also ended in a 3-3 stalemate. A fitting end maybe to a season that saw a core of committed players produce some attractive hockey. The possession statistics record a better view than the final results but the squad are to be commended on their persistence and enthusiasm.

Mr Sheppard Results: V Canford 2nd XI V Bryanston V Seaford V St George’s V Churcher’s V Sherborne V Dauntsey’s

0-3 2-6 4-2 1-1 0-1 0-1 1-1

Lost Lost Won Drew Lost Lost Drew

120 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

Boys’ 2nd XI Hockey Report T

he season’s goal and result summary tells a fairly accurate story - eight games played: 22 goals conceded and 14 goals scored. This would seem to indicate something of a leaky defence and a profligate attack and is probably accurate and a fair reflection of a somewhat disappointing season.

As is the way with running a second team, disruption was a weekly problem. Consequently, the line up for the 2nd XI varied from week to week; the major factor of attempting to achieve settled patterns of play already foiled. A couple of areas however cannot be captured by statistics alone. Firstly, some of the goals conceded were unfortunate to say the least - luck was simply not on our side. Secondly, the results cannot reveal the spirit shown by the team in some of the tougher fixtures.

The goalkeeper and defensive four performed with credit. Dugald Rhodes, the keeper, had a fine season, Harry Rivett tackled beautifully, Reece Wiggins used his pace to good effect, Alex Darch improved significantly and Henry Marden played with intelligence and guile, but the four did not really gel as a group. Perhaps the defensive problems were caused from further up the pitch by the midfielders not working back to help?

The midfield trio were almost always attack minded, whichever three were selected, and none of them were particularly effective as a central midfielder. This I feel, was the root of most problems. I am sure the four

midfielders who perhaps currently prefer attacking roles will develop into fine players, but they need to realise what is best for the team and play the role accordingly.

Harrison Glew did this job very well – so well, he spent most of the season in the 1st XI. Oscar Birnie was very good on the ball, but only concerned with going forward, Harvey Kavanagh battled hard, tackled ferociously, but conceded possession; Harvey Curzen developed well as the season progressed. Jonny Millar worked hard, but needed more support and better close control; it was only when Rory Saunders ended up at centre did the team discover a player strong enough and capable enough to hold the ball and deliver telling passes to ask questions of the opposition. Regular front runners Louis Kolliari and Rory Morris also showed talent, but need to be more accurate and ruthless, but remain calm when chances come their way.

On a personal note, I found it very difficult to juggle a match day squad successfully, especially when the squad was fourteen in number. I felt obliged to play all the members of the squad and this inevitably presents problems with better players taking a turn off, players out of position and so on. Overall though a season of decent effort, commitment and good fun. I would like to thank all the players for their time, effort and good humour throughout the season.

Mr Fitzpatrick

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 121

Boys’ 1st XI Hockey Report Honours:

3rd Round of National Cup and St George’s College Sixes Plate semi-finalists

Squad: Nikhil Chikhliwala, Ben Dunford, Will Meacher, Ed Evans, Tom Fay, Mike Churcher, Luke Benton, Josh Keaveney, Harvey Kavanagh, Toby Edwards, Henry Thould, Richard Bolton, Jake Kolliari, Harrison Glew Also played: Jonny Millar, Mafiqul Choudary, Dugald Rhodes, Oscar Birnie, Harry Rivett

T

his team was always going to play some exciting hockey and did not disappoint on that account, but what was frustrating was the team’s inability to close out matches. They were blessed with good players, capable of producing excellent hockey with their passing, skill and speed but with one of the strongest fixture lists of recent years, and with many away games, as well as the team’s capacity to throw away big leads, their results were not quite as good as in previous years.

Too often this season, the team only had one dimension – ATTACK - and this they did well. Attackers learned to stretch the game and more players looked to get ahead of the ball. The boys got better at passing the ball forward (rather than running with it) and at changing the channel. Unsurprisingly, the best play came during periods when the players trusted one another and passed the ball well. Shifting Richard Bolton to the forward line certainly added pace and finishing power to the attack, although the team did not score enough goals during these dominant periods. To their credit, they were always hungry for more goals but got carried away, leaving the back too exposed. As the opponents came back at the boys, they often reacted badly with the experienced players taking on more, rather than getting more out of the less experienced players. The 1st XI certainly did not ever consider letting the opponents have the ball and then stopping them from scoring by getting a strong unit behind it.

This pattern returned time and time again and, despite our discussions, cost us several matches. The most shocking example was on our tour to Bath when we gave away a 7-0 lead to draw 7-7!

The National Cup took on a new format this year. Out went the county stage, and so it was that we welcomed

Magdalen College to Wellington in late January. A strong Magdalen team competed well and out-muscled KES in the closing stages for the home team only to win it on penalties. At Wellington College, with our specialist penalty saver Nikhil Chikhliwala between the posts, everyone knew that a draw would be enough and so it turned out with another fine performance in the penalty stroke competition. In foul weather, and on a slow pitch against a bigger team, the side struggled away to Caterham in the 3rd round. The team failed to compete in the middle of the pitch for long periods and succumbed to some fine finishing from their opponents.

The side rallied for ten minutes during the second half to bring the tie back to 4-2, and this showed what could have been, if the side had been able to defend better in the first half.

As always, St George’s 6s was eagerly anticipated and the day did not disappoint with a series of impressive victories against some prestigious hockey schools. The boys came 7th out of twenty-eight teams and could have won the competition if it had not been for our bogey side Caterham!

The back four comprised Ben Dunford, Will Meacher, Eddy Evans and Tom Fay. This was a young unit led skilfully by Captain Evans who played with authority throughout. Eddy used all the experience he has gained playing high level representative and club hockey to the benefit of the team. Will and Tom did well stepping in to the side confidently as Fifth Years. Will has a fine range of passes and should now look to improve his positional play. Tom was a very effective defender who needs to work on his passing skills if he is to play the level of hockey of which he is capable. Ben’s athleticism and balanced running were impressive – he can be a key player next year if he continues to work

122 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

on his skills. Mike Churcher contributed well, when required, and if he were to play more often would improve his touch and become a more confident player.

Luke Benton, Josh Keaveney and Harvey Kavanagh played in the midfield. Luke was very strong on the ball and we missed his strong all-round game when he was injured. Josh has good basic skills and will grow into a fine player as he learns to be more dominant.

Harvey was full of energy and got forward well to create many of our chances. There are times when he needs to pass it earlier and open up the right hand side of the pitch with his first touch. This said, his willingness to go the extra mile and his all-round skill (particularly his aerials on the run) were impressive. Richard Bolton, Toby Edwards, Jake Kolliari and Henry Thould played in attack. Richard’s running off the ball from centreforward was very effective and he was a genuine threat, although he did rely on his ability to dribble the ball at pace a little too often. Toby improved his running behind the defence and scored lots of good goals, although it would have been nice to see him vary his

repertoire by sometimes going for placement rather than power. As Jake got match fit he reminded us all of what a good all-round player he is and contributed well. Henry has much to offer – tenacity in defence, skill on the ball and pleasingly cool in front of goal. In close quarters he ends up taking on too many players and so he needs to learn how to set up a pass into space with his first touch. Harrison was promoted to the 1st X| and stepped up well showing good all round skills and the games understanding to play in a variety of positions.

The 2nd XI really missed him which speaks volumes.

The lads really enjoyed the closing stages of the season. They produced some of their best play to worry the strongest Edwardian side I can remember. Rob Moore, Duncan Marsh, Ian Bassett, Chris Jackson, Jack Culmer, Matt Wood et al. really did have to raise their game in the second half. Having recovered from this, the side enjoyed a short tour to Bath with plenty of good games, sunshine and banter.

Mr Gilbert

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 123

Cricket at KES A

s the England test team start to try to find renewed enthusiasm, it is with great delight that I come to KES and find that there is enthusiasm in abundance for cricket. The U12s regularly had over forty boys at after school practice sessions and we managed to field eleven teams across the School. This is no mean feat when the top three year groups have considerable commitments in the Exam Hall.

In the Lower School the U12 teams developed well over the course of the term and, once the enthusiasm can be turned into experience, I am sure that we will start to find some very talented players coming through.

The U13s worked hard to become a very effective unit and the cup win was a fitting finish to their season. The U14A team also showed great ability winning five of their fixtures, the most notable being the cup win (by the skin of their teeth) against PGS and the convincing B team victory over PGS was no less impressive.

The U15A team played more than any other team and got over some disappointing results at the start of the term to put in good performances later on and it was a shame that having come close they could not quite overhaul a good PGS side in the County Cup. It is a measure of how far they have come that they matched a team who reached the semi-finals of the National Cup a week later. I am sure that a number of these boys will be pushing for 1st X| selection next year.

It was a more frustrating season for the senior teams as we failed to play any 2nd XI matches due to a combination of weather and exam availability. The 1st XI were also disrupted but a number of boys committed themselves to playing for the School and some games were possible with mixed results. In terms of individual highlights there were five wicket hauls for Tom Fay and Ben Vail for the 1st XI and for Oscar Bussey-Jones in the U12, but the top performance has to go to Patrick Holly for his 171 n.o. v Bloxham off 115 balls.

And so as we look to the future, I see a lot of very able

cricketers in the School and the prospects are good. I hope that we will be able to relocate the 1st XI up to Wellington as this will become quite an arena once the balcony is put on the pavilion and provide a larger size playing surface for senior boys. This will also give the younger players a chance to watch and be inspired by senior players on their Saturdays at Wellington.

We have a number of our players at all ages who have been selected for district and county honours and I wish them well in their continued cricket exploits. However, particular congratulations must go to Joe Weatherley on his continued progress in the sport as he played a full summer for Hampshire CCC 2nd X| this year and this is on top of his representative performances as captain of England U17.

And finally a word of thanks to all staff who gave up their time to take practice and teams. Thanks too must go to the ground staff on both sites for the hard work in preparing pitches in what was the most challenging summer for some time and to the kitchen staff for their endless support in providing our students and guests with refreshments.

I am looking forward to next season already but not before a well-earned break for all.

Mr Kent (Head of Cricket)

124 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

Boys’ U12 Cricket Report C

a very good economy rate to match. Other notable batting performances; Zack Tidby and Jack Dyer-Slade 50s vs Seaford College, Jamie Cook 47* vs Farleigh.

Oliver Wilson captained the B team to good wins over Churcher’s, Hampshire Collegiate, and Magdalen College School. The following players recorded good scores for the B team; Finn MacCullagh 47 vs Farleigh, Joe Mills 50 and Zach Tidby 42 vs Hampshire Collegiate and Sam Thompson 47 vs Magdalen School.

The C team, captained by Ben Pearce, enjoyed the opportunity to represent the School on a Saturday.

They drew their first game with Farleigh, then lost to Stroud B team but bounced back to Beat Magdalen College School by 6 wickets.

Many thanks must go to the staff that have helped coach and umpire the U12s: Dr Filtness, Mr Cross, Mr Thould and Mr Diver.

ricket at the U12 level continues to be a popular summer choice for the boys at KES. We had over forty boys attend Wednesday practice with KES fielding U12A, B and C teams on a weekend. There was strong competition for places in the teams, with two players moving from the C team to the A team over the course of the season.

Hugh Wilkinson was the find of the season, having taken 4 wickets for the C team versus Farleigh and 4 wickets for the B team versus Churcher’s. He then took his opportunity in the A team with 4 wickets versus Hampshire Collegiate School.

The A team was captained by Jai Mei who proved to be an outstanding Captain with his batting and management of his team. Jai ended the season with a batting average of 74 and only failed to score a 50 once with the bat during the season. Oscar Bussey-Jones was the U12A team’s lead wicket taker with 12 wickets.

This was a great achievement for an off-spinner, with

Mr Crichton

U12 A Team

U12 B Team

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 125

Boys’ U13 Cricket Report T

his has been an enjoyable season with a group of committed cricketers. The results have been impressive but the most enjoyable thing to witness, from a coaching perspective, is the improvement of the players over the course of the season. It was just disappointing that six games were cancelled due to poor weather.

Three Saturday fixtures were completed and they started with a convincing victory over Seaford College by 150 runs. KES set 224-3, which was always going to be too much for a weak opposition, and they eventually finished on 74-8.

Another good victory was gained over Churcher’s College who were bowled out for 104. On a challenging pitch KES lost 5 wickets in response, but finished off scoring 105-5 to win. The final Saturday game saw them take on the HCS U14 team who had a batsman in good form. Unfortunately he proved to be too strong and KES lost.

The cup run, however, was the real positive of the season. In the first game we played Kings’ School, Winchester and won by 44 runs. We then faced a tough game away to Yateley Manor and did well to score 153 runs. In reply, Yateley were restricted by good spin bowling and KES won to qualify for the final to play against Perins. The final took place on a hot day and we punished some wayward bowling to set a dominant 183 from 25 overs. In reply, Perins lost wickets at regular intervals and were all out for 56 runs. KES won by 127 runs and became County Champions which is an excellent achievement.

I would like to thank the boys for their efforts over the course of the season and look forward to hearing of their progress in seasons to come.

Mr Wheeler

Q

uel dommage – il pleut! It is a telling but miserable thought that the U13B side have this year spent considerably longer on coaches to and from their matches than they have done playing cricket.

Our first ill-fated outing was to Bloxham School, Oxfordshire. Having driven through the rain from Southampton, assured that the weather was fine further north, our parade was thoroughly rained upon. We ate tea (there was some excellent coffee) and promptly returned home. Next up was Churcher’s College. Rain, this time, held off but for a few brief moments during the match and the team had their first outing. As might have been expected of a team rather lacking in match play, our fielding was rather poor, and extras top-scored for the opposition with 65! However, the Churcher’s side fared little better and a cameo 45 from Rob Dye took the KES side to victory with time to spare.

Local rivalries were brought to the fore the following week in a match against Stroud. This inexperienced KES XI were up against the full might of the Stroud U13A team, it showed in nearly every department. There was some excellent bowling from captain Leon Astles and a flashy 42 from Nathan Hastings, but a total of 113 from 20 overs was never going to be enough on a small pitch.The final ‘hurrah!’ of the season was planned for Oxfordshire once more. Another long journey to Magdalen College School, 10 overs played, and another tea eaten without any chance to burn off those calories.

Mr Watson

126 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

Boys’ U14 Cricket Report Honours: County Cup Winners

L

et’s not dwell on the weather and the resulting shortage of games! This was a winning season (the only loss being against our own U15 team in the first match of the year). The U14 A team was well led by the two very impressive talents of Captain Jacob Fay and Vice Captain Patrick Holly. Jacob produced some excellent spells of bowling including 4-11 v HCS. Patrick’s 171 not out against Bloxham was outstanding. The batting was well supported by Felix Bussey-Jones (33 v Churcher’s and 29 v HCS) and Ben Millar looks a good prospect as wicketkeeper batsman. Freddie Davies, Archie MiIllar, Oscar Shaheen, Will Thompson, James Gaunt, Matthew Titcombe (4-19 v HCS) and Tom Duff all played their parts. In the county final the boys fielded with typical skill and intensity in getting PGS out for 58 (Fay 4-11, Holly 4-14) but when Matthew Titcombe came in at number 11 with 2 still needed for victory and a county bowler charging in at him, it could have gone either way! The victory by one wicket meant that we will now see how the team copes against the very best next year as they have qualified for the national competition. Bring on Millfield!

Mr Mixer The B team settled into the season very quickly and gelled very well as a unit but the rain meant only half the fixtures were played. Starting away at Pangbourne College a narrow defeat by 28 runs ensued against their A team.

Comfortable victories were attained against Halliford and Churcher’s College in the next two fixtures and in their final game against PGS at home, solid bowling resulted in them being 64 all out. This total was achieved with 6 wickets and many overs in hand. Recognition should be given to Matt Stelling who captained the side with solid leadership.

Mr Mapstone

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 127

Boys’ U15 Cricket Report T

he 2014 season for the U15A cricket team was all about the Cup Competition. After a mixed bag of friendly results, including a narrow defeat to Bryanston and an impressive victory over Churcher’s College, the boys knew that only a good cup run would help to turn a promising season from 2013 into a successful 2014 season.

The team met Perins School in the County Cup Quarter Final. Having bowled out the opposition for just 76, the team were confident of chasing this down without much fuss. However, just like in the previous year, things got off to a bad start with the loss of early wickets. The wickets kept tumbling and KES were reeling at 54-7. Fortunately for the team, Alec Damley-Jones played a steady innings and with Sam Mills providing some powerful hitting, the U15 team were into the semi-final. The semi-final provided the team with another home fixture, this time against Mountbatten School. Fielding first, the team showed what a potent bowling attack they have, with Tom Smart and Ben Trotter taking regular wickets to restrict the opposition to 113 runs off their 20 overs. Tom Smart and Patrick Holly got the team off to a flying start and KES were very quickly at 80-1. However, four wickets in one over sent jitters through the team and it was left to Jacob Fay to guide the team across the line.

The County Cup Final gave the team a chance for redemption against Portsmouth Grammar School. Although the team suffered a defeat by 15 runs, this was arguably their finest performance in the past two years. Bowling first, KES applied excellent pressure and took their chances to restrict PGS to 157, Cameron Thomas was the pick of the bowlers with 1-20 from his 4 overs. In reply, KES lost early wickets but a 73 run partnership between Jacob Fay and Sam Mills helped to take the match into the last over.

Throughout the season, the U15A team showed what talent they have within them and what they can achieve when they work as a team. Cameron Thomas was the outstanding player of the season and I look forward to seeing him, Alec Damley-Jones and a few others pushing for places in the 1st XI over the next few years.

Mr Brown

T

he U15B team have a good number of talented cricketers but were unfortunately starved of matches by the uncanny arrival of rain virtually every Saturday. As a result, there were only two completed matches and the first of these resulted in a disappointing loss to Seaford. However, the second match against Churcher’s was far more successful and resulted in a 9 wicket win. The KES team took to the field and with excellent opening bowling from Sam Woodcock (3-5 from 4.1 overs), Richard Brown (1-5 from 5 overs), the opposition were off to a slow start. Spinners Callum Loader and James Thomson kept up the pressure and Churcher’s were bowled out for 76. In reply, Ollie Martin (43 n.o.) and Ethan Sharpe (22) made short work of the total and won with more than 10 overs remaining. Thanks to the boys for their commitment and enjoyment of cricket this term.

Mr Eyssens

128 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

Boys’ 1st XI Cricket A

fter a good winter’s indoor training the season started in a positive vein with a comfortable 8 wicket win over Queen Mary’s College in the first Altham Trophy match. This was thanks largely to a 5 wicket haul for Ben Vail which included a hat-trick as he took the final 3 wickets in 4 deliveries. We were never in trouble as Toby Edwards and Captain, Jack Stanley, saw us home with an unbeaten stand of 47. It was at this stage that the weather took a turn for the worst as the next two scheduled matches, against Reading Blue Coat School and Bryanston, were rained off.

The second Altham Trophy game ended in disappointment against Peter Symonds as exams started to affect selection and we succumbed in a poor performance failing to chase 161 in 30 overs. The closest game of the season was to follow against Seaford College. Our inning was built on a solid start from Tom Fay and Richard Bolton against challenging bowling. As time wore on, batting became easier and after good acceleration we reached 197-5 off our overs. Seaford got off to a flying start but good bowling from our spin pair pulled things back. Eventually Seaford required 16 off the last over but failed and so finished 6 runs short. A good win for KES. Our next game was not for another month when we played Churcher’s College at home. The opposition batted first and set us a target of 176 which should have been reachable. However, their bowling was impressive and with the exception of Dan Damley-Jones we failed to apply ourselves and lost by 58 runs. The final school game also ended in disappointment as we failed to compete against a well drilled team from HCS. Batting first we were not able to set a challenging target and they won by 7 wickets. Our players were understandably disappointed after this.

The other two games played were the annual MCC fixture and a game against the Edwardians. Against the MCC, the School bowled well taking wickets at regular intervals and therefore controlled their run rate. Tom Fay was particularly impressive taking 5 wickets. They declared at 231-8 and with our batting line up we were hopeful of repeating the 2013 victory. However, our top order was bowled out in quick time and we were left to rebuild and hold on for a creditable draw. Whilst not the close match the spectators wanted, it was good to see some young players working hard to avoid defeat.

The final game against the Edwardians provided much entertainment for a Sunday afternoon near the end of term.

They batted first and our good bowling kept them in check. It was thanks to a cameo innings from their middle order that we were set a target of 142 to win. An excellent start to our inning from Tom Fay and Richard Bolton took us to 108 before the first wicket was lost and from then on the victory was never in doubt. This was a good way to finish what had been a frustrating season for all involved.

I am looking forward to working with the many boys who have now had 1st X| experience and are returning next year for what will hopefully be a 2015 with more cricket being played.

Mr Kent

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 129

Boys’ U13 Tennis Report T

here has been a high level of competition for places amongst the First and Second Year boys for a place in the team to play in the Aegon tournament this year. There are a number of students who could have expected to be regulars in the team in an average year, but unfortunately for them this has not been an average year.

The friendly fixture against Stroud, offered the opportunity for more students to represent KES this year. The evening went very well with many boys representing the School for the first time on the tennis courts.

The high level of ability demonstrated internally was reflected in the early rounds of the Aegon Competition. At the time of writing, the group stage has just been.

Six boys have represented the School to date: Ben Fox, Henry Gwilliam, Jameel Khan, Adam Lock, Toby Pugh and Edward Sheppard. All boys have acquitted themselves very well, both on and off the court, showing a fine standard of good sportsmanship alongside a keen will to win. Ben deserves particular praise as not only has he featured as the top seed in each of our fixtures to date, but he has also won every singles and doubles set he has played.

We are currently awaiting news of who we will face in the county rounds of the competition. While there is no room for arrogance in the team, besides it is not their style, the boys deserve to approach any remaining matches with confidence.

Dr Purves

130 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

Boys’ U14, U15 and U16 Tennis Report M

emories of the tennis season tend to be heavily influenced by the prevailing weather conditions and although this was not perhaps a vintage season, in terms of overall performance, it is one that we can look back on with pleasure and reminiscence of competitive matches played out under the summer sunshine. Some highlights follow below, although the matches are only part of a season that saw good numbers out on the practice courts on a Thursday afternoon.

The U15 Aegeon fixture against Westgate School was eagerly anticipated because we had been beaten by them last year. On this occasion, a dominant performance from Will Thompson (playing at number one) and gritty determination from Peter Borodzicz (playing in smooth soled shoes that allowed him to slide along the astro as if it were a clay court) got us off to a fine start. Felix de Merode played very well in his first match for the School but ultimately succumbed to strong opposition, and eventually it was left to Joe Powell to win the decisive set that sealed the tie in KES’s favour. A good close match played in excellent spirit.

A fine summer’s evening was the setting for our away match at Ballard. The Ballard team contained three high ranking players, the lowest of which ranked more highly than our number one. It was always going to be a tough fixture, and the KES one and two players struggled to find their best form in this short format, one set only, competition. Although the tie was lost overall, there was some compensation for the new players on the team – Ben and Archie Millar, with Ben winning his singles match in his first time out competing for the School, and the twins using their genetically enhanced communication skills to take the doubles 7-5.

The matches against Thornden and Kings’ Winchester resulted in a narrow defeat and a narrow win respectively.

However, these matches were notable for having two spirited performances from First Year students stepping in at the last minute to fill for absent players. It is an extraordinary achievement for Henry Gwilliam and Ed Sheppard to have played, and held their own, against opposition players three years their senior and I thank them for stepping into the breach.

The biggest fixture in terms of numbers at this level are the matches against Winchester College, which gives an opportunity for those who may not ordinarily make the School teams to gain a cap. Sadly, for the third year running, rain had the final say, with Mr Kent lured to Winchester by the breezy optimism of their sports staff, only to be greeted by thunder and heavy rain on arrival at the College and thus a wasted journey.

The season’s traditional finale was the Hampshire Schools’ U16 Doubles Tournament for both girls and boys, this year played in glorious sunshine at the Southsea Tennis Club. KES has a fine record to defend in this tournament with the girls being champions for the past three years and the boys reaching the finals in two years out of the last four. This time, however, we selected a team ‘for the future’ (as the football euphemism goes), since all bar one of our players were at least a year younger than the age limit. Will Meacher represented experience in the side, as the only Fifth Year player, and he showed a commendable, some would say foolhardy, attitude by volunteering to play the 8am fixture the morning after the Fifth Year prom and ‘after party’. The boys were fortunate to play opposition in the first match that challenged, but did not stretch them, allowing the time needed for a warm up, or indeed wake-up. Will Thompson partnered Will Meacher in this ‘Will and Will’ show and the pair eased through the group stage with an unbeaten record. They faced a strong pair from Robert Mays School in the semi-finals and were over-powered by this team who went on to win the final. The effects of minimal sleep started to show on Will Meacher, both in terms of performance and temper, with the latter showing flashes of John McEnroe without the saving grace of the former. Nevertheless, the boys did well to win the third place play off, and Will Thompson has a further two years in which he will be eligible to play this tournament. The girls’ pairing of Emma Taylor and Romily Clark got off to a very shaky, nervous start in their first match, before blossoming into convincing victors in their other group matches. Sadly the first defeat cost them the opportunity to progress, but they gained valuable experience and used the remaining time to play some challenging friendlies against other pairs. We returned to KES listening to Andy Murray lose his Wimbledon crown on Centre Court on the car radio, which perhaps helped to put any KES disappointments into perspective.

Mr Culver 2014 Team players: Will Thompson, Joe Powell, Hugo Wilkinson, Peter Borodzicz, Felix de Merode, Archie Millar, Ben Millar, Edward Sheppard, Henry Gwilliam, Will Meacher.

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 131

Senior Basketball Report W

ith the squad suffering several key departures from last year’s team, it gave an opportunity for many younger players to compete at a higher level. With the oldest player of the U19 basketball squad being seventeen, everyone knew that the season was going to be tough and that the players had to step up. The regulars for the season were Harvey Barr and Tom Holden-Dye (Captains), Sixth Formers Andrew Devoy and Jordan Sheath, and Upper School students Roman Farion, Sam Tan, Tom Stanley, Amaar Hamid, Nick Francis and Duncan UrquhartHawkins. Regardless of the age differences between KES and their opponents, the team performed admirably well to challenge the toughest teams during the season.

After vigorous pre-season training, led by Coach Drew Sewell, the first game of the season saw the squad face Itchen College at home. Itchen, having a basketball academy, were considered the best team in the division.

Despite a great first quarter, with Andrew Devoy shooting well, Itchen’s quality was clear and they ended up taking the game 83-34. The following week the team had a tough away match against Portsmouth College. A poor start cost the team dearly, and a great second half display wasn’t enough to stop the team losing 98-47.

After two defeats, the team was determined to win the next match against St Vincent’s. Even though the squad for the game consisted of just five players, the team played really well and the game went right down to the last possession. Unfortunately, St Vincent’s snatched a late basket to take the game 59-58. Roman Farion and Duncan Urquhart-Hawkins played particularly well.

The players returned after the Christmas break with the unfortunate news that Jordan Sheath would be departing the team. Tom Holden-Dye rallied the squad though and confidence was high going into the next match versus local rivals Taunton’s College. KES was leading at half-time with just five players but because of an injury suffered

by Roman Farion they had to play the second half with only four. This meant they lost the game 72-46 with Harvey Barr scoring 26 of the team’s points.

Their penultimate game of the season saw the team play Taunton’s again. They played well, especially Tom HoldenDye and Nick Francis, but Taunton’s good start meant that they ended up winning the match 102-42. This was the heaviest defeat of the season. However, this made the KES team even more determined to win their final game which was at home to South Downs College. Like King Edward’s, South Downs hadn’t won a match all season.

Sensing a victory, the team put out a brilliant performance to win the match 49-43.

Even though the U19s have only managed one win, the season was a positive one. Many of the underage players stepped up and played extremely well against opposition several years older. Duncan Urquhart-Hawkins, Nick Francis and Sam Tan progressed particularly well, with Amaar Hamid, Tom Stanley and Roman Farion becoming key members of the squad. With no Sixth Form departures, the squad is looking to improve on this season’s league table finish next year. Special thanks goes to the scorers, Mr Smart for refereeing, organising and helping manage the squad, and Drew Sewell for coaching the team.

Harvey Barr and Tom Holden-Dye

132 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

Colts Basketball Report T

he ‘Barr’ was set high by last year’s team led by Harvey (Barr) and Dan Hemmingway, who had an undefeated season, finishing the season 9-0. This year’s team, led by Roman Farion and Ben Cartwright, had high hopes going into the season. In the opening game against Toynbee School, King Edward’s led the game by as many as 8 points going into the second half, only to see the game slip through their fingers. The school team found it difficult to match the opposition team’s intensity and ended up losing the game by seven points. In the next game against Westgate School, the School, down by six going into the second half, saw team Captain, Roman Farion, increase the intensity of the game, eventually scoring nineteen of the team’s twenty-three points. However, this performance was not enough to overcome the large half-time deficit as the team went on to lose by a narrow two point margin.

Following this game the team suffered an unexpected setback as one of the team’s key players, Ben Cartwright, was forced to quit due to other sporting commitments.

The team’s next performance, against eventual league winners Noadswood, was poor: the players produced a lacklustre defence and could barely get anything to fall through the hoop. Having said that, some of the team’s less experienced players such as Amaar Hamid and Tom Stanley really showed what they could do by providing valuable points for the team. On December 10th, KES recorded the first win of the season against Romsey School, partly owing to the determined performances of Stanley Paxton, who scored fourteen points, and team Captain, Roman Farion, who provided the eventual game-winning basket. This victory greatly restored team morale and confidence.

The next game, against Cantell, saw the benefits of this with a win by ten points. Roman Farion scored thirty of the team’s points and Harry Elton-Dobbin marked a strong display with six points.

The subsequent match saw the team produce another poor performance, as the players were unable to find their rhythm and lost by six points. With the end of the season in sight, the boys made one last push for the play offs.

However, the team fell just short in a crucial game against Mountbatten School, losing by a tight margin of just four points. The final game of the season against Wildern School saw the team cruise to a comfortable victory, with many of the players putting points on the board. As well as this, the team witnessed the shot of the season by Duncan Urquart-Hawkins, making a no-look, behind the backboard shot look like it was a piece of cake.

Although this year’s season did not reach expected heights, many of the squad should be very proud of the way they performed with many players, such as Sam Tan, Amaar Hamid and Harry Elton-Dobbin, making big improvements in their game.

Roman Farion (Captain)

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 133

Football Report After a summer of rest and rehabilitation, the lazy, blue skies of September above our Wellington training complex provided the perfect backdrop to the beginning of a new footballing odyssey. A successful pre-season training schedule was completed with the now traditional match against an Edwardian side that, on paper at least, appeared a strong test. However, poor match preparation on the part of the OE team and possibly the best footballing display of the entire season from the school team contributed to an opening 3-1 victory for KES with George Edwards putting in the kind of dominant and intelligent display in defence that was to characterise his season as Captain. He was ably aided and complemented by Ricky Barnard who combined a strong physical presence with an excellent understanding of good centre half play. Lewis Marden, too, started to show what he was capable of in the position that he was to make his own on the left side of defence.

Following this solid performance, the team went into the first league game against Farnborough in good spirits and with a sense of optimism. It soon emerged, however, that Farnborough would be a stern test. With the scores locked at 2-2, Tom Holden-Dye came up with a trademark finish from six yards (after some excellent individual work) to give KES a winning start to the season. The team sustained what was materialising into a title challenge with a victory over Queen Mary College, with Owen Lock’s four goals placing him firmly at the top of the goal scoring charts for the season. It was at this stage of the season that Elliot D’Souza and Anash Croker began to force their way into the team on a regular basis and to make real contributions to some excellent results.

Elliot provided energy, industry and no little skill on the ball, whilst Anash’s pace and discipline more than made up for the sometimes overly adventurous forward forays of his defensive colleagues.

Brockenhurst College were brushed aside 3-1, thanks to Jake Thomas and his incredible exploits - an example to the rest of the team. The match against Fareham College will perhaps be remembered as the “coming of age” of Mike Morgan. Assistant Manager, Mr Halls, taking control of the team for the first time, immediately caused controversy by leaving Mike out of the starting XI (a decision greeted by characteristic expressions of sympathy and understanding from his team-mates in this tight-knit group). This proved to be the challenge that inspired him as he came off the bench and got off the mark for the season with a brace of well-taken goals.

Caspar Larcombe, possibly the most complete footballer of the group, also distinguished himself in this game by scoring a hat-trick, one of the three unfortunately being

at the wrong end!

With just one game left before half-term, the game against City College was already turning into a title decider.

Despite a determined performance from Charlie Field, who distinguished himself with a series of astonishing saves, a heavy 4-1 defeat left KES in 3rd place in the league. The team responded to this set back after half term with an excellent win at home to Itchen College, the league leaders, in the second round of the cup.

Draws at Taunton’s and Peter Symonds all but ended hopes of league success, as focus turned to cup glory.

Victory over a strong Fareham team 4-0 in the quarterfinal created a day of destiny and a rematch with Farnborough College in the semi-finals. Heavy rain on the day made for a game of thrills and spills where one mistake could be crucial. Unfortunately it came from KES and despite a mighty effort in the last moments of the game with all eleven players in the opposing penalty for an injury time corner, another semi-final near miss was suffered in a cup competition, the third in the last five years and a dejected team set off home in the knowledge that it was to be a trophyless season back in SO15.

“Life is movement” says the sage Wenger and so the disappointments of the semi-final defeat were soon forgotten and spirits raised in the next game with a stunning 8-2 victory over local rivals HCS. Their insistence on playing a high defensive line played into the hands of our deep-lying false nine Harrison Mancey who was able to show off his skill and vision by consistently threading passes through for our breaking midfield players to exploit.

The season, as usual, has been a series of high and low points, but one characterised the whole way through by enjoyment and love of the game of football. There were some remarkable individual performances and some pleasing progress shown by all players involved.

Joe Macklin and Ed Wright in particular were amongst a group of Lower Sixth players who will be expected to make a great impact on performances and results next year. Charlie Field, who completed his second season as goalkeeping number one was deserved winner of the Players’ Player of the Year Award after a whole season of match winning performances and stunning reflex saves.

Thanks must be given to all players involved this year for providing a season of fun, interest and excitement and we can look forward to the next year with expectation and optimism.

Owen Lock and Jake Thomas (with contributions from Mr Kukla)

134 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

Girls’ Hockey at KES T

he 2013 season was a very encouraging season for girls’ hockey at King Edward’s. We saw a greater number girls playing matches on a Saturday, with competition for places in teams. The energy and enthusiasm shown from all teams throughout the season is very encouraging for the growth of girls’ hockey as a whole within the School.

The 2013 season saw a number of changes to the coaching staff. We welcomed a new Head of Hockey, Mr Crichton from Abingdon School, and a new Director of Sport, Mr Kent, from Dulwich College.

For the first time at KES we also had the services of two Assistant Sports Coaches, former Sixth Formers, Olivia Ellis and Eleanor Stephens. They gave a great amount of time and energy to their teams and were great role models to the younger players.

The girls enjoyed their after-school practice and games lessons, where skill development was a key focus. They adapted well to the new coaching styles at KES and the success was seen in the results on Saturday fixtures and in the Hampshire Cups. The teams enjoyed playing regular fixtures during the autumn term against, St George’s, Canford, Churcher’s, Dauntsey’s and PGS to name a few.

The 1st X| girls and U15 girls were the two stand out teams this year. Special mention must go to Mr Kent’s U15 for their success. The U13, U14, U16 and U18 girls’ teams all qualified to represent Hampshire in the South Finals with mixed results; the U18 girls being the closest team to qualifying for the Nationals. A major goal for 2014 season will be to qualify from the South for the National finals.

The highlight of the season was the inclusion of Yvie Lock in the England U16 team. She has been an outstanding role model for the girls’ hockey at KES. A massive thank you all the staff who have given up their time to help coach teams; Mrs Jordan and Mr Cross, Mrs Ferrand, Miss Peachment, Mr Kent, Mr Sheppard, Mr Fitzpatrick and Miss Campbell. The 2014 seasons is looking promising with KES playing fixtures against Millfield and Kingston Grammar but the highlight for next year will be the girls’ hockey tour to South Africa in the summer.

Mr Crichton (Head of Hockey)

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 135

U12 Girls’ Hockey Report T

he hockey season started before term, with the customary one day event for our new First Years. Thirty-two girls attended on this very warm Friday and by the end of the session, newcomers to the sport had grasped the basics, and several new friendships had been forged.

Most of these girls went on to commit to Wednesday afternoon training and Saturday fixtures.

Our first match comprised four 7-a-side teams against PGS in a back-to-back fixture. All four teams performed superbly: a mix of experience in the B, C and D teams gave many of our new players the chance to put into practice what they had achieved at training to date. The A team were almost faultless, and the score reflected squad’s superiority, both in defence and attack. This win was particularly poignant as KES has never beaten PGS before at U12 A team level. Similar can be said of the way in which the A team conducted themselves during the epic match against the mighty St George’s, known for their strength in hockey. The A team performed superbly in terribly wet conditions, coming 2nd by the narrowest of margins. A draw, at the very least, would certainly have been the fairest of results.

This season has been very productive, with extra fixtures arranged (including an innovative indoor training session with Hamble School). This has given many more players the opportunity to represent the School, which in turn has much improved their knowledge, skill and game play. Girls new to the sport have improved beyond all recognition and it is testament to their endeavour and progress that goals have been scored in attack, and averted in defence.

Particular thanks should go to Fifth Formers Natalie Thomson, Yvie Lock, Zoe McLean and Will Meacher and Sixth Former Abi Searle. Their presence has made a huge impact on our training sessions and their enthusiasm and participation have been invaluable. Ellie Stephens (Assistant Sports Coach), has been a fabulous acquisition to the U12s. She is knowledgeable, enthusiastic, firm but fair, and extremely helpful. She was very much the third coach this season and we are very, very thankful to her for her efforts.

Three cheers for the U12s.

KJ and Mr Cross

Results: V PGS (7s) V Ryde U13 (11s)

V Farleigh U12/U13 (7s)

V HCS U12/U13 (7s) V West Hill Park U12/U13 (7s)

V Stroud U12/U13 (7s)

V St John’s College U13 and U12 (7s) V St George’s (7s) V Westbourne House (7s)

V Churcher’s (7s)

V Kings’ School (7s) V Frensham Heights U12/U13 (7s) V LVS U12/U13 (7s) V Dauntsey’s (11s) V KES U13s (7s)

A 3-0, B 1-4, C 2-0, D 0-1 A 0-1 A 5-0, B 1-3, C 2-5 A 6-0, B 0-2 A 0-0 B 1-1 A 5-1, B 6-0 A 1-2, B 2-6, C 1-10 A 1-3, B 1-1, C 3-1 A 0-0, B 1-4, C 0-4, D 2-0 A 8-0, B 9-0 A cancelled, B 3-0 A 7-1, B 0-2 A 1-0, B 0-1 A 0-5, B 3-1

136 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

U13 Girls’ Hockey Report T

his has been an exciting year for the U13 girls’ hockey teams. For the first time we have offered B team hockey and this opportunity was met with nothing but enthusiasm and positivity from the pupils. The A and B squads showed tremendous commitment to training and matches and this was reflected in the progress that they made throughout the term.

For the first game of the season we faced Portsmouth Grammar School in two tough matches played on an 11-a-side pitch; for some of the girls it was their first time playing 11-a-side hockey. Although both teams battled hard, showing great promise, the PGS side just had the edge over the A team but the B team managed to hold their opposition to a draw.

As the season progressed the A team experienced some impressive wins against some experienced sides and both teams made improvements to their game play and developed a great team spirit! Particular highlights include the B team putting in a valiant effort against Stroud to come away with a 1-1 draw after narrowly missing out on the win, and the A team’s 3-2 win over Westbourne House demonstrating how well they can perform when under pressure, as this is always a tightly-fought match.

A special mention should go to Catherine Thompson and Isobel Holland who demonstrated superb leadership, organisation and passion throughout the term in their roles as A team Captain and B team Captain respectively. I would like to thank the girls for their hard work and commitment and congratulate them on an impressive season.

Mrs Ferrand

U13 A Team

U13 B Team

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 137

U14 Girls’ Hockey Report T

he 2013 season was one to remember; made special by the enthusiastic and committed group of U14 girls that worked hard, laughed lots and improved each week. They were competitive throughout and thoroughly deserved their success. This year there were regular B team matches which was very popular and the girls finished their season all level in terms of wins/losses and goals for/goals against. There is much potential within the squad and some of the B team players may well challenge strongly for a place in the A team next season.

The start of the season for the A team saw the school side start confidently. They suffered an initial loss to Canford in a training match but after this their confidence began to grow as they became used to each other and the results started to turn in the School’s favour. Indeed there were some very impressive wins as the team started to convert the chances that were created.

The squad really came to life at the County Tournament where they dominated the games they played and impressed people who were watching. They were

unlucky to only draw in the final against Portsmouth Grammar School as they had the bulk of possession.

Unable to score, the opposition won on penalty flicks.

It seemed a rather cruel way to end a fantastic day of hockey but the team still went through to the southern heats. The standard at this event was very high and provided a huge learning experience for the girls.

In the Hockey Cup competition, the squad again put in a tremendous performance but just lost out by one goal to Portsmouth Grammar School in the final.

I was really pleased that both the A and B team managed to finish their season with wins against Dauntsey’s and Churcher’s respectively especially as the A team had experienced a tough middle to their fixture list suffering four losses in a row. They are a talented group of girls with lots of character and lots of potential. I will miss both their company and their fun factor. I hope they can maintain their commitment, will to win and love of life!

Results: A Team Canford lost 1-2 PGS won 2-1 Pangbourne College drew 1-1 HCS won 4-0 Lord Wandsworth College won 2-0 Bryanston lost 0-2 St George’s College lost 0-4 Canford lost 0-4 Churcher’s College lost 1-4 Seaford College won 10-0 Dauntsey’s won 1-0

County Tournament Runners Up: HCS won 2-0 Lord Wandsworth College won 2-0 Churcher’s College won 1-0 PGS drew 1-1 South heats: Kingston lost 0-2 Tudor Hall drew 1-1 Stowe lost 0-1

Miss Peachment

Hampshire Cup Final: PGS lost 1-2

B Team Canford lost 0-1 Ryde lost 0-3 Bryanston lost 2-3 Kings’ won 1-0 Churcher’s College won 3-1 St George’s College won 2-0

U14 A Team

U14 B Team

138 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

U15 Girls’ Hockey Report I

t was clear from the pre-season sessions that the U15 girls’ A team was a team with a lot of potential. Our first fixture was a tough encounter against local rivals PGS and KES played well in the first half creating a number of opportunities and went into the half-time break with a 3-0 lead. However PGS came out with renewed vigour and it was 3-3 with only 5 minutes left. Fortunately KES scored from one last opportunity from a short corner to deservedly win the game 4-3; an excellent way to start the term.

The following weeks saw some easier matches as the girls beat Ryde School 2-0, Pangbourne College 7-0, Hampshire Collegiate School 4-0, and Frensham Heights 10-0. Lord Wandsworth provided a stiffer challenge and were a real threat in attack taking the lead in the first five minutes through a well taken goal. However KES continued to play their fast attacking hockey equalising soon and after which they took complete control of the match winning 5-1. The final match before half term was an away trip to Bryanston.

KES played exceptionally well during the first half and it wasn’t long before the team took the lead which saw the girls go into half-time with a 4-0 lead. Bryanston came back at us in the second half but could not make up the gap in score to leave a 4-2 KES victory.

After half term there were some tougher games. In the first game against St George’s the team achieved a good 3-1 victory against a strong team but the toughest game of the term was against Canford who had reached the national finals the previous year. The girls battled hard taking the lead to begin with but Canford’s strength told in the end and they won 4-1. The second defeat followed away at Churcher’s as complacency caused the girls to under perform in a 2-3 defeat. This was disappointing but it did show the team that any victory had to be earned.

The final game of the season game the team a chance to show their ability. Dauntsey’s were not a weak team but the quality of KES play was so impressive resulting in a 6-1 victory. This concluded an excellent season with some very good results and a lot of improvement of the quality of their play that should lead to a lot of success in the future as these girls move into the senior school teams. Congratulations to all those who played in an excellent season.

A

B team was also fielded this year for the first time in a number of years and it was great to see a year group where there were regularly over twenty-five girls at after-school training.

The first B team outing ended with an excellent 7-0 win over Pangbourne and so with optimism they moved onto further challenges. Despite playing some excellent passing hockey and creating many chances they were not able to capitalise on these chances and so did not win any further games. This can be seen from the scorelines as they only scored one further goal from the remaining five games against Bryanston, St George’s, Kings’, Churcher’s and Dauntsey’s. However the girls should not be disheartened as they showed a lot of improvement over the course of the term and, if they continue to work in this fashion, I am sure they will be able to be part of one of the senior teams next year.

Mr Kent

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 139

U15 A Team

U15 B Team

A Squad: Iona Rhodes, Niamh Phelan, Mary Amos, Emily Morgan, Mia Hamblin, Claudia Tam, Romily Clark, Freya Wilks (Captain), Sophie Ridley, Seungyeon Oh, Darra McCarthy-Paul, Georgia Hoile, Beth Self, Victoria Diaper, Georgia Appleby, Clare Mitchell B Squad: Niamh Phelan, Rachel Crawford, Beth Self (Capt.), Rose Van Der Schee, Sacha Warnes, Rachel Maxwell, Iman Elsheikh, Holly Smart, Hannah Thompson, Jana Billington, Maya Garside, Issie Elliott, Alice Osmond, Natalya Evans, Bella Turner, Seungyeon Oh

U16 Girls’ Hockey Report T

he main focus for the U16 side is on competitions available for this particular age group. One friendly fixture against Bedales U18 side ended in an exciting 3-3 draw, but further success was on the menu.

The first tournament of the season saw the side play in the Ballard School Invitational Tournament. The girls performed with real style, recording five wins and one draw to become the champions. This win, however, was at some cost because the squad lost Primrose Merritt for the remainder of the season, with a bad head injury.

The next competition was the County Tournament, with the best two sides progressing to the divisional round.

Once again, the side performed very well indeed with three wins, two draws and a single defeat, which meant that KES U16s were declared county runnersup. Representing Hampshire in the divisional round was quite a step up. Inevitably, with some players representing the U18 squad, the divisional round was a bridge too far, ending with two defeats and one draw.

I would like to thank all members of the U16 squad for their efforts, concentration and competitiveness. Their cohesion as a team and general tactical awareness are two areas to develop in the future.

Squad: Georgia Everest, Primrose Merritt, Amelia Beck, Natalie Thomson, Zoe McLean, Hannah Piggott, Sim Garewal, Yvie Lock, India Clark, Maddie Kinder, Katy Billington, Lucy Porter and Laura Birch.

Mr Fitzpatrick

140 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

Girls’ 2nd XI Hockey Report T

he 2nd XI enjoyed a reasonably successful season. An overall record of four wins and six defeats was no disgrace, especially when some of the defeats were at the hands of some powerful opponents. Generally speaking there were two main factors that affected the season. Firstly, the side varied from week to week; calls from the 1st XI team often removed the better players, which obviously had an impact on the performance of the team as a whole. Secondly, no single individual was able to hold on to the ball in midfield and control possession for the side. This resulted in a series of fairly loose, uncontrolled attacks, which would break down and result in pressure on our own defence. Not enough goals scored and too many conceded, sums up the season.

The early season developed pretty well. After a couple of defeats the side recorded three consecutive victories, most notably, the 6-0 defeat of Lord Wandsworth College and a good away win at Bryanston. Some of the tougher fixtures then presented themselves and a run of three defeats followed, with the first against St George’s College.

This was perhaps one of the best performances of the season despite defeat. Against a strong side, the girls played with real endeavour, a degree of composure and genuine spirit. Two further defeats took the impetus away and the season came to a mixed conclusion with a 2-0 win at Seaford and a 2-0 loss at Dauntsey’s School.

I would like to thank all the girls who represented the School. Playing at this level requires effort, commitment and drive. This was shown in abundance by the following sixteen girls.

Squad: Pip Rees, Emily Ralls, Georgia Everest, Rebecca Collins, Zoe McLean, Hannah Piggott, Sim Garewal, India Clark, Maddie Kinder, Emily Lewis, Alice Davies, Julia Roope, Katy Billington, Catherine Whitby, Lucy Porter and Laura Birch

Mr Fitzpatrick

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 141

Girls’ 1st XI Hockey Report T

his year saw the introduction of our new Head of Hockey, Mr Crichton and the senior squad enjoyed the coaching sessions and worked hard to produce some fantastic results. It has been an absolute delight to work with the 1st XI team again this season and girls have been enthusiastic, cohesive, extremely talented and dedicated role models for all younger hockey players in the School. The squad were particularly young this year and this is very exciting as we develop a talented squad for the seasons to follow. This was the second year that the School have merged the Fifth Year with the Sixth Form and this turned out to be a success once again. The seniors continued to attend compulsory fitness sessions and definitely reaped the benefits of this. The girls had a fantastic record in standard fixtures, County Cup events and National Schools’ Competitions, have achieved some fantastic results over the course of the season and developed and improved vastly. This is a season they should be proud of.

We were delighted to host Cranleigh and Portsmouth Grammar School as part of our pre-season preparations before the beginning of term. These were valuable squad sessions and the girls demonstrated their dedication and motivation right from the beginning of the season. It was an absolute to delight to see over 30 players training during the summer holidays.

Early in the season the squad participated in the U19 Hampshire Hockey Cup Tournament at Southampton Sports Centre; the entry to the National Schools’ Competition Regional Heats. The KES team played Churcher’s College, Brockenhurst College, Peter Symonds and Portsmouth Grammar School beating all the teams with Portsmouth Grammar School left to play. Unfortunately they were beaten by Portsmouth Grammar School 3-1 and finished the tournament as Hampshire Cup runners-up. This result meant that the girls qualified for the next stages of the competition.

The girls then went on to represent Hampshire in the Regional tournament where they played some of the best hockey of their season.

As a squad, we have been very unfortunate with the amount of injuries we have accumulated as the season has developed. This resulted in the team going to the regional competition without five players who would normally make the starting XI. The girls faced a tough group which included Cranleigh, Surbiton and Hurstpierpoint but they worked hard and tirelessly to produce 1-0 victories over Cranleigh and Surbiton.

They then faced Hurstpierpoint in the final game, with

the knowledge that if they won they would qualify for the next stages. Unfortunately, despite having the chances to score, KES lost the game 2-0. However, the girls played exceptionally well and were a credit to both Hampshire and the School.

In the Hampshire Cup Competition the girls defeated Churcher’s College 4-3 in the semi-final but unfortunately were beaten 5-0 by Portsmouth Grammar School in the final. The girls should not be too disappointed by this result though after such a great season where the team have produced results even with so many injured players. The girls have so much that they should be proud of and it has been such a delight to see such a talented group of young ladies develop into an outstanding hockey squad. My thanks must go to the outstanding leadership of Captain and Vice-Captain Hannah Larkin and Liberty Roberts.

Without their support and collective ambitions the squad would not have been so successful. The results of the season speak volumes with the team only losing two of their regular fixtures. Congratulation girls – you have been a pleasure to work with!

Miss Campbell and Mr Crichton Squad: Hannah Larkin (C), Liberty Roberts (VC), Hattie Rawson-Smith, Hannah Kaye, Ellie Gilbert, Abbie Searle, Emma Preston, Natalie Thomson, Amelia Beck, Primrose Merritt, Katie Newsom, Gina Steel, Yvie Lock, Juliet Fox, Alice Davies, Simreet Garewal, Sophie Ridley, Pip Rees and Freya Wilks.

Results: V Old Edwardians XI V Portsmouth Grammar School V Pangbourne College V Bryanston School V St George’s College V Churcher’s College

V Dauntsey’s

V Peter Symonds V Canford V Bath University V Seaford V Hamble Hockey Club V Lord Wandsworth

2-2 3-1 5-0 8-3 5-5 4-3 3-0 2-2 2-1 12-0 1-0 2-0 2-2

Player of the Season: Ellie Gilbert Most Improved Player: Emma Preston.

Drew Lost Won Won Drew Won Won Drew Lost Won Won Won Drew

142 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

Netball at KES I

am feeling very optimistic about the future of netball at KES. This year has seen the introduction of more teams, more fixtures and great success. For our U18, U16 and U14 sides the season began in September as the teams trained hard in preparation for the County Tournaments. The U16 side were unfortunate not to qualify for the National Cup but they came away as runners-up in the County Cup which they more than deserved. The U18s had a more successful tournament but narrowly missed out on the regional round by only one point. Due to the team’s previous success in this national competition this was hard for them to swallow. The junior side were this year’s most successful team in the County Tournaments finishing as runners-up and qualifying for the regional round which was held in January. The U14 side continued to train hard in preparation for the regionals and played some exceptional netball on the day but did not progress to the national round.

The main netball season began in January and as I sit writing this, and the glorious summer sun is beaming down on the netball courts, the thought of the wet and windy weather we were faced with at the start of this year’s season seems a million miles away. The frustrating start to the season had no effect on the girls’ enthusiasm and attendance at training and eventually, once the season was in full swing, this commitment paid off.

With the growing demand from the pupils to play netball for the School it was only right that we offered more teams, particularly in the younger age groups where we would regularly have nearly forty girls out at training. Due to the unfortunate weather, the C teams only had a handful of matches but this has allowed us to set the wheels in motion for next year where we are hoping to offer more teams across all year groups.

I am delighted to report that a number of our pupils have progressed onto the England Pathway, with Emma Falconer and Brooke Wakeman being selected for the Excel Academy. Both girls have enjoyed the challenge of playing for Team South’s U19 squad in the National Performance League.

I am sad to say that we are losing a valuable member of the coaching team this year and I am sure the girls will agree with me that Dr SJ will be sorely missed on the side of the netball court. I would like to thank Dr SinnettJones for all that she has done during her time at KES to support netball and to help take it forward.

I am very much looking forward to next season and the successes that it will bring.

Mrs Ferrand (Head of Netball)

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 143

U12 Netball Report T

he First Year girls were enthusiastic to play netball, with over twenty girls signing up for training. The season got off to a very wet start and the girls had only had one short practice before their first match. Throughout the remaining weeks the A team matches all went ahead and the group became more coherent. The B and C teams saw different players each week which gave them a chance to shine. Although it took a while for the girls to get into the swing of things, there was lots of improvement over the season with players becoming more flexible at playing different positions around the court. Zoe Henderson made an excellent team manager, aided by other members of the team, and organised two if not three teams to play each week. The A team bonded and went from strength to strength, encouraging each other and ending the season with five wins from the nine games played.

With Izzy Richardson playing a lovely centre court game, Eleanor Dunlop consistently holding a strong defence and Zoe Henderson easing into her shooting role, the team found their assets and played to them. The girls showed dedication and listened well to feedback to help them to improve their game. This paid off against some tough opposition over the season and the girls should look forward to next year.

Mrs Penfold and Miss Yerbury

U12 A Team

U12 B Team

144 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

U13 Netball Report A

huge contingent of aspiring netballers attended Thursday practice: each one keen as mustard to learn and play to the best of their ability. Due to the very early start to the season, initial selection was not straightforward, but by the end of term, out of 30+ girls, those available on Saturdays had represented the School on at least one occasion.

The playing term got off to a very quick start, with Ryde coming across the water to play us on the first Saturday in January, which was an unusually dry morning. Ryde A and B teams just pipped us at the post on both occasions, but our girls should have grabbed at least a draw!

The match against Churcher’s, who we hadn’t played before (due to a cancellation last year), was played indoors back to back, due to the more familiar inclement weather. They were very strong and proved just too much for our girls. Despite the very wet weather, most of the fixtures were fulfilled one way or another, and the results were, on the whole, positive.

U13 A Team

U13 B Team

On three occasions this season our opposition requested we play weaker squads to ensure parity.

As a gesture of goodwill KES accommodated, to our cost; a lesson learnt for the future. Many of the girls had improved significantly by the end of this season, and the A team, in particular, can boast a strong and versatile squad (when availability allows), which bodes very well indeed for next year.

Particular thanks goes to Livvie Ellis, our Assistant Sports Coach whose enthusiasm and knowledge has been invaluable at practice. I know the girls appreciated her efforts and would want to wish her all the very best at university. A big thank you also goes to Mrs Holmes for arranging away travel and after-match refreshments, and to our Saturday catering staff for providing much needed hot meals on several very cold days.

KJ, Miss Stone and Livvie Ellis

U13 C Team Results: V Ryde V Churcher’s V Priestlands V Frensham V Stroud (mixed) V Portsmouth High V St George’s V Westhill Park (mixed) V Kings’ V Dauntsey’s V PGS V Seaford V LWC A and B

A 9-11, B 2-3 A 3-19, B 2-12, C cancelled A 10-4, 14-4 C 3-6 A 17-9 Cancelled A 7-8, B 5-8 A 15-6, B cancelled, C cancelled A 20-18, B 4-14 A 12-3, B 19-3 A 13-25, B 15-13, C 8-20 B 9-11 A 20-14, B 20-6

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 145

U14 Netball Report I

t was always going to be a great season with a number of the year group successfully having competed in the U14 County Netball Tournament in October to gain a place in the regional finals. Ellie Holland-Wright, Martha Lawrence, Honey Lander and Thailie Mace all played well at regionals and were part of a team that were, at times, unstoppable. Unable to pull out the required level of consistency, the team came 6th in their pool; a very commendable achievement.

This season was less hampered by weather than last year, with only one game being cancelled. With almost 200 goals scored in matches over the season, the U14A team achieved great success this year. They won six of their eight matches and the losses were against two exceptionally strong sides, St George’s and Portsmouth Grammar School. The latter game went to a nail-biting last quarter in which either side could have edged ahead.

Unfortunately the win was not ours but the tight score line of 29-31 emphasises that the girls should certainly be proud of their efforts and of how well they have worked together as a team this year. Player of the season was awarded jointly to Eleanor Todd and Maddie Deakin for their tenacity and commitment on court.

The U14B team saw great success as well this year. With ten matches played, the only losses were again against two very strong sides, Bryanston and Portsmouth Grammar School. The B team should be particularly proud of their efforts against St George’s College in which they held on to a narrow lead, finally winning 12-10. A 26-0 victory against Priestlands School early in the season, certainly gave the team confidence and I have been impressed with how the girls have improved from game to game. Player of the Season was awarded to Maddie Burton for being the most improved player within both teams.

Overall, I could not be more delighted with the effort and commitment that the girls have shown this season and they have been a pleasure to have worked with these last two years. They have notably grown in confidence and ability, but above all they have strengthened as a team. With a little more discipline in their game they should be looking to beat the likes of Portsmouth Grammar School next year. I wish them every success in their future games!

Dr Sinnett-Jones

U14 A Team

U14 B Team

146 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

U15 Netball Report T

he U15 netball team are one of the most talented collection of players (regardless of gender or sport) that I have had the pleasure of coaching during my time here at King Edward VI School. Narrowly losing only two games all season, the A and B teams consistently showed strength, skill and determination in every encounter on the court.

The A team recorded notable victories against Bryanston School, Pangbourne College and St George’s, and only lost to PGS (whose team reached the national finals) and to a strong touring Hull Collegiate U16 team. The mighty B team took the impressive scalps of PGS, Lord Wandsworth and Dauntsey’s School.

Training numbers were outstanding this season with almost 30 players regularly turning up to practice sessions.

Particular mention must go to those players who were given leadership responsibilities throughout the season; Darra McCarthy-Paul, Rachel Maxwell and Dannii Townsend for the B team, and Meg Dunlop and Julia MeadBriggs for the A team; these girls were phenomenal in their on-court motivation, tactical awareness and general organisation throughout the entire term. I cannot thank them enough for all their efforts in this regard.

Mr Powell Player of the Season: Mary Amos Coach of the Season: Olivia Ellis

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 147

U16 Netball Report A

s always the U16 season started in September with preparations for the County Championships at which a combined U15 and U16 squad performed admirably qualifying for the Challenge Cup competition and finishing the day 3rd in their section. After a break in training in November, the girls came back together as a full U16 squad in December to get in a couple of vital training sessions before mid-sessional examinations.

Amelia Beck took on the role of Captain for the A team and Primrose Merriot for the B team, although Primrose also played for the As when there was no B team fixture.

The first game against St George’s was played inside and the score did not reflect the full nature of the game as the girls got into their stride and closed the gap, in the later stages, winning the fourth quarter significantly.

At Priestlands the A team were up against a school team comprised of several Southampton league players and played outstandingly well to maintain such a low score line. The B team fared better in a more evenlymatched game with outstanding shooting from Briallen Taylor and Sara Wilson.

The Bryanston match proved to be an interesting fixture as it was difficult to appreciate any difference in ability between the two Bryanston sides. The A team game went to a nail biting one goal loss whilst the Bs fared less well. Amri Mandair played particularly well in this game faced with a very tall and well-built defender and put in a number of goals from very unbalanced positions.

The A team suffered a loss against St George’s at Wellington and the first trip to Pangbourne was played in appalling weather conditions. However both teams achieved two comfortable wins against the older but certainly less experienced players. As always we knew that the matches against PGS would be tough, particularly knowing that the PGS A team were attending the National Schools Championship and that the majority of their A team play regularly for local Portsmouth clubs. With a couple of players missing, both KES teams were in slightly different formations and Izzy Monger made a fantastic job of stepping up into the A team in defence. India Clarke played exceptionally well and with Samara’s determination at Wing Defence, any loose balls were certainly destined for the KES end of the court. The B team had a fantastic match and fully deserved their win with solid defence from Anna, Sim, Katie and Maddie.

Against Seaford, KES displayed a stronger skill set from the start and with stability in the shooting circle from Briallen and Iona it did not take long for them to establish a lead. The final fixture of the season saw the two teams travel to Lord Wandsworth College where they accomplished two wins.

The season has been very enjoyable and although not always successful, the team has been upbeat and has responded well to coaching. Numbers at training have been excellent despite the conditions and I thank the girls for all their efforts particularly Amelia and Primrose for their help and support as team Captains.

Mrs Henderson

U16 A Team

U16 B Team

Results: A team B team V Churcher’s 17-25 Lost V Priestlands 13-18 Lost 28-18 Won V Bryanston 22-23 Lost 19-34 Lost V St George’s 16 -23 Lost V Pangbourne 31-13 Won 39-3 Won V PGS 16-42 Lost 26-18 Won V Seaford 42-16 Won V LWC 26-8 Won 37-9 Won

148 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

Senior Netball Report T

he senior netball squad have had one of their most successful seasons and this is largely down to the exceptional level of commitment to training and the positive mentality towards achieving their goals.

The 1st V|| started the season early, in November, at the County Tournament where they faced some tough opposition from all over Hampshire. With the team’s previous success at younger age groups at county, regional and national level the girls, quite naturally, felt the pressure to perform. However, although they played some outstanding netball throughout the tournament, beating many local rivals including PGS and Peter Symonds, they narrowly missed out on a chance to represent Hampshire at the Regional Tournament. After losing to Brockenhurst College, which meant the team let slip the opportunity of progressing to the next round by only one point, they were determined to play them again later in the season.

In January, the season really got started and although we were faced with some very wet weather some of the fixtures were still able to go ahead. The 1st team started on a high beating both Ryde and Churcher’s convincingly to give them the boost in confidence that they needed.

After the disappointment of not progressing through the County Tournament, both squads were keen to take on Brockenhurst College. Both KES sides put up a very good fight against some tough opposition, but neither side could secure the win. Although the girls were disappointed, this confirmed that the results from the

2nd team Netball

County Tournament were a true reflection of the teams in Hampshire.

Both squads continued into the season with the drive and tenacity to win. The 1st team went from strength to strength winning all of their remaining games with a strong score line, learning from every match and becoming more cohesive as the season progressed.

The shooting partnership between Emma Falconer and Ellie D’Alton was almost faultless and the strength of court play from Gina Steel, along with her effortless feeds to the circle, made watching and coaching this side a real pleasure. The 2nd team were not so successful with their results but were equally as committed and also made huge progress throughout their fixtures. The defensive partnership between Beth Sadler and Emily Ralls was solid and the team’s ability to bring the ball down the court with ease and minimal errors were particular strengths.

The strong leadership from the 1st team Captain, Emma Falconer, and the 2nd team Captain, Beth Sadler, certainly played a part in the success of the season.

Their passion for the sport as well as their tireless energy and drive towards motivating and leading their peers has not gone unrecognised and I would like to thank them for all that they have done to support netball at KES. Well done girls!

Mrs Ferrand (Head of Netball)

1st team Netball

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 149

Rounders at KES T

his was a difficult year for the summer sports and rounders was no exception. The poor weather resulted in a number of fixtures being cancelled, meaning that the girls had few competitive opportunities. This did not however dampen the enthusiasm for the sport and each year group had good attendances at practice throughout the term.

For the senior year groups the exams will always dominate the term and there was no opportunity for any U16 rounders. The 1st and 2nd team did however manage to fit in one game which they won against Churcher’s College. The 1st team won a tight game 15½-14 whilst the 2nd team had a more comfortable victory 20½-6½.

As already hinted, it was great to see the numbers enabling A and B teams to be fielded in each year group and there was some success within this. With more time and experience then both the U12 and U13 teams have the ability to develop their game as they have endless enthusiasm as they showed in their respective tournaments at HCS. The U14 and U15 teams both won two of their three matches with the U15A being the highest scoring team with 60½ rounders in their three matches. It was a shame that the weather deprived the B teams of the same opportunities but I am hopeful that we can make greater provision for these girls next year.

The highlight of the rounders term however was the U13 tournament that we hosted for eight local preparatory schools. A huge amount of effort was put into this by a number of staff, under the guidance of Mr Gilbert, and they were rewarded by a fantastic afternoon in the sun on the bottom field at Wellington. The visitors enjoyed their afternoon and were particularly impressed by the number of our Sixth Form students who umpired the matches.

It is often said that the best advert for a school is done by the current students and this is an event that will, I am sure, become a firm fixture in our sporting calendar.

I would like to thank all those involved in the rounders this year and I hope that the summer of 2015 provides more opportunity for our girls to play competitively.

Mr D Kent (Director of Sport)

U12 Rounders Report T

he First Year girls have been full of enthusiasm for their rounders this term. Sadly our fixtures were cancelled too often, due to the weather, which resulted in us only being able to play in two fixtures and one tournament.

In May we travelled to the Isle of Wight to play in a lovely fixture against Ryde School. The girls were outplayed in the first innings but managed to draw the second innings and the final score was 7½-20.

We took two teams to Churcher’s College at the beginning of June. The A team played well and were unlucky to lose 9½-11½. The B team also lost with a score of 6½-9½.

In the middle of June we took the A team to the HCS tournament on an incredibly hot day. The girls played with commitment, skill and enthusiasm and were unlucky to lose their three matches; 9-13 to St Swithun’s, 6½-13 to PGS and 16-2 to Lord Wandsworth College.

They are a talented bunch with several very skilled bowlers and some impressive deep fielders. Their fielding was certainly their strongest point this term and many of the girls are skilled in several areas of the field. We were not so successful with the batting and this is certainly the area we will need to concentrate on in future years.

Mrs Sheppard

U12 A Team

U12 B Team

150 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

U13 Rounders Report A

large group of enthusiasts represented the U13s this year, with mixed success. The weather was not as kind to us as last year; it seemed that during the week the sun shone, and then at the weekend, particularly Saturday, the heavens opened; hence the cancellations! However, the fixtures that were fulfilled were contested in perfect conditions.

The U13A team attended the innovative Round Robin Tournament at our beautiful Wellington site on a hot and sunny afternoon, where several local preparatory schools competed alongside our own U13s. The idea was to bring schools together for an afternoon of competition, prize giving and the obligatory KES packed tea! We faired rather well and, although we did not win, the girls displayed some terrific skills, particularly in deep field. The HCS tournament was another most successful morning of rounders. Again, KES came 4th under sweltering conditions.

With more commitment from some of the players, the U13s have the makings of an extremely talented squad.

KJ Results: V St George’s

KES Tournament V Ryde and Chine V Churcher’s

V LWC mixed

HCS Tournament V HCS

V PGS

cancelled 4th place (won 4, lost 4) 3½ -13 Lost 9-22 Lost (A team) 4½ -15 Lost (B team) abandoned on arrival 4th place (won 1, lost 2, drew 1) cancelled cancelled

U14 Rounders Report T

his has been an enjoyable season and I have been impressed whilst working with this group of girls. They show great attitude, enthusiasm and love for the game and have committed enthusiastically to practices, irrespective of the poor weather. This has, in turn, resulted in a considerable improvement in their game.

The A team managed to complete 3 matches. The first was against Ryde School which they won 15½-8. This was as a result of some excellent placement of shots whilst batting and good communication in the field. They then played Lord Wandsworth College and were dominant throughout winning 14-4. The most impressive aspect of this match was in the second innings in which KES bowled the opposition players out in just 12 balls: an incredible display of game understanding and teamwork.

The final game was against PGS. The girls batted well setting a target of 12½, however PGS managed to overhaul this score in the final balls and so KES lost by 2½ rounders. The B team, in what was their only match of the season, had a closer game. They were winning by 1 rounder at the end of the first innings making good use of no balls to score. However PGS came back strongly in the second innings and the match ended in a high scoring draw of 21½ rounders each.

Unfortunately, the other scheduled games had to be cancelled due to the poor weather and waterlogged pitches.

I would like to thank the girls for their time, effort and endless laughter. It has been a real pleasure coaching them over the course of the season.

Mrs Kent Squad: Myfanwy Allen, Madeleine Burton, Sophie Fletcher, Ammena Hamid, Ellie Holland-Wright, Jess Holmes, Honey Lander, Martha Lawrence, Thailie Mace, Ellie Page, Anna Pang, Daisy Porter, Alice Ridley, Flossie Rose, Isabel Rose, Amy Tizard, Eleanor Todd and Kate Ward

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 151

Girls’ U15 Rounders Report T

he U15 rounders squad has been great fun with a core of really committed players who have been frustrated by the number of cancellations due to the weather. Seuny has been a stalwart Captain who has led from the front on the pitch and been integral in a number of the close fielding positions, as well as out in the deep.

The squad’s first match was against Ryde. KES fielded strongly getting the majority of their opponents out in their 30 balls but finally conceded the win in the second innings due to a lack of really big hits.

The match against Lord Wandsworth was a different event with the KES girls really getting into their stride with their batting, particularly Darra and Emilia. The combination of Vicky’s bowling, with the deep fielding from Meg and Sacha, meant that even the big hitters from Lord Wandsworth struggled to make it to second base.

The final match of the season against Churcher’s gave an opportunity for the B team to have their only run out of the season and both teams were pleased to achieve wins against strong opposition. Notable hitting contributions came from Katya Seifert in the B team and from Bronwyn Lee in the A team.

Well played girls, a fun but short season.

Mrs Henderson Squad: Seuny Oh (Capt), Vicky Diaper, Meg Dunlop, Issie Elliott, Iman Elsheikh, Susannah Hill, Georgia Hoile, Rachel Jacob, Bronwyn Lee, Darra McCarthy-Paul, Rachel Maxwell, Julia Mead-Briggs, Katie Mote, Beth Self, Emma Taylor, Sacha Warnes, Amelia Williams, Emilia Wyatt.

Results: A team V Ryde V LWC V Churcher’s

11½-16½ 28½-2 20½-14

Lost Won Won

B Team V Churchers

25-13

Won

152 | SOTONIENSIS 2014

Lower School Tennis (U12 and U13 Tennis) The U12 and 13 tennis club after school was inundated with girls desperate to try their hand on the tennis court.

This enthusiasm was maintained throughout the term despite the relatively few opportunities to compete for the School. It is hoped that the weather will be more helpful next year and more matches will be possible. When they were able to compete the U12 tennis team played in one inter-school fixture against Churcher’s college which they lost 1-8 and we put out an A, B and C pair in the PGS tournament. Our three teams competed well in some tough company finishing in 10th, 14th and 16th places in the eighteen team tournament.

Mr Kent This year a fair number of budding tennis players attended practice. KES again entered the AEGON Competiton (a national event where the best players from the First and Second Years play as a team of four: one singles and one doubles per match). Most of the matches this year seemed to be played against St. Swithun’s, who had entered three teams into the event. Although we did not progress to the next level of the competition, we did ourselves proud and some of the matches were very close. In particular the match against PGS is memorable. It started in the wet and, although the rain made the balls heavy, the competition between the players was impressive with each player matching her opponent in serving, rally and movement around the court. The girls were called into the minibus once, due to ten minutes of torrential downpour, but then play continued until staff made the decision (after an hour or so) to abandon the match, much to the chagrin of the soaking wet competitors.

As always, thanks goes to Joe, our coach in residence, who made the practices great fun and at the same time a learning experience.

KJ AEGON squad: Anna Poller, Eliza Winter, Eve Henley, Tusca Alavi, Catherine Thomson and Indie Chungh.

AEGON results: St. Swithun’s C 7-6 Won St. Swithun’s A 12-0 Lost St. Swithun’s B 8-4 Lost King’s 1-0 Lost PGS game abandoned

U12 Team

Friendly match results: Churcher’s PGS Tournament

U13 Team

8-1 Lost 10th place

SOTONIENSIS 2014 | 153

U14 Girls’ Tennis Report T

here was an impressive turnout for the practices throughout the term. Our coach taught us many new skills and made each session competitive and most enjoyable. The weather slightly defeated the number of matches played this year but we only lost one match. We look forward to an even more successful term next summer.

Mrs Searles

U15 Girls’ Tennis Report A

handful of budding tennis players attended practice and went on to represent the School in matches this year.

This year, again, we entered the national AEGON competition (comprising four singles and two doubles games). The team, selected from the best four players from the U15s and U14s, saw mixed results and although we did not manage to proceed into the next round, we did ourselves proud and played some exciting tennis, both in competition and friendly matches.

As always, we are extremely grateful to Joe for his fun and very useful coaching: practices were always energetic and thoroughly enjoyable.

KJ AEGON squad: Julia Mead-Briggs (U15), Emma Taylor (U15), Romily Clark (U15), Kate Ward (U14), Ellie HollandWright (U14) KES U15 squad: Julia Mead-Briggs, Romily Clark, Emma Taylor, Sophie Ridley, Mia Hamblin, Jana Billington, Seungyeon Oh. AEGON results: V Westgate 12-0 Lost V St Swithun’s C 8-4 Won V St Swithun’s 12-0 Lost V Kings‘ 7-6 Won

Friendly match results: V Churcher’s 7-2 Won V PGS cancelled