From The Head The weather has been unusually warm and, perhaps inevitably, rather stormy but this has been a good spring term with plenty achieved. The term began with good results for our university applicants with over 80% receiving offers from Russell Group universities with more still to come as we go to print. Much time has also been focussed on managing the design of the library extension on the main site. Work is now well advanced and this should be completed in August 2019, with the addition of much more study space for our students. Plans and photographs may be viewed on the website.
As this edition of KonnEctionS makes clear, the School remains extraordinarily busy with a variety of activities offering our students many opportunities. The spring term has a compressed calendar of hockey, netball, football and even sailing at SWAC when the wind allows! We have also enjoyed the annual KESPTA Quiz Night, a highly entertaining Sixth Form play written by Mr Collinson, some studio drama productions and several musical events including two spring concerts and Thanksgiving in Winchester Cathedral. Charitable activity has been particularly successful with over £30,000 raised this term; a great achievement. Students have travelled to Berlin, Florence and Salamanca over half-term.
There will be plenty more opportunities for students over the Easter break with the annual ski visit to the Alps, as well as the regular trip to Andalucía in Spain to improve language skills. Many other students will also be involved in various Duke of Edinburgh expeditions in the New Forest and on Dartmoor at Lovaton. This publication also highlights some of the remarkable achievements of individual students at King Edward’s. They remain positive and highly community minded whatever the weather throws at them! A J Thould Head
King Edward VI School Wilton Road . Southampton . Hampshire SO15 5UQ Telephone: 023 8070 4561
www.kes.hants.sch.uk
2 | SPRING 2019 |
Academic In Search of Michael Wood The Fourth Year Classical Civilisation group attended the inaugural Michael Wood symposium at the British Museum earlier this term. Mr Wood provided the inspiration for research in the Greek and Roman galleries, plus a creative exercise based on Sherlock Holmes and key objects at the museum.
A visual voyage through Ancient Greece In January, the Classics Department were pleased to welcome back Ancient World expert William Lawrence who came to talk to the Second Year about ‘The Odyssey’. His storytelling was engaging and included some wonderful visual material from a variety of time periods, showing the extent of Homer’s influence. During an informal lunch, he then spoke to classicists about the legacy of Ancient Greece taking students on a visual trek through both the history and the impact of that period.
Art trip to London Fifth years had the opportunity to see rare and fragile drawings by Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele, offering intimate insights into their artistic relationship and differing creative processes, during their trip to London this term. The students then had their own tour of the ‘Black Mirror: Art as a Social Satire’ exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery where they were encouraged to inquire as to how the artworks were satirical and critical of contemporary life.
| SPRING 2019 | 3
The art of physical communication! A Level Theatre Studies students enjoyed the opportunity to participate in an all-day physical theatre workshop with Luke Brown from the Luke Brown Dance Company. He is a specialist in the art of physical communication and one of Frantic Assembly’s creative team and performers. The workshop provided many exciting and innovative ideas for students to use as they embark on devising their A Level pieces.
Third Year History Day In January, Third Year pupils took part in a WWI History Day. In a series of lively and interactive sessions, delivered by visiting speakers, they learnt about all aspects of this period of history from medical developments and aerial warfare, through to the rise of the Nazis and the Christmas truce of 1914. They also heard from Pete Jones, former Head of Sixth Form at KES, about his research on Old Edwardians who fought on, but sadly did not return from, the battlefront.
4 | SPRING 2019 |
PSHE Days The School’s PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic) programme provides an important chance for pupils to discuss and explore topics outside of the academic curriculum. This term Fourth Year pupils spent a day focusing on online safety, personal finance, diversity and tolerance, leadership skills, and sexual health and relationships. Alongside in-house expertise, presentations were delivered by a number of external organisations, bringing a new perspective to the pupils. Third Year pupils spent time during their PSHE day looking at issues around substances harmful to health, leadership, mental well-being, using new technology, disability awareness and career pathways. The interactive nature of all the sessions made for a lively and engaging day of learning for all the students.
Preparing for Oxbridge
The Living Rainforest
King Edward’s were delighted to host another ‘Oxbridge Explained’ event in the Dobson Theatre in preparation for next year’s round of applications. Students and admissions representatives from St Edmund Hall, University of Oxford explained the Oxbridge admissions process to KES Lower Sixth students as well as applicants from fifteen local state schools and colleges.
Second Year Geography pupils spent an enjoyable day out at ‘The Living Rainforest’ in Hampstead Norreys this term.
There was also a workshop on producing personal statements, a talk on the additional entrance tests required, as well as specific advice about interviews.
Throughout the day, the students learnt about how animals have adapted to live in this ecosystem, enhanced their understanding of the current threats facing the Rainforest, and learnt many new ways to manage the Rainforests in a sustainable manner.
| SPRING 2019 | 5
A Valentine’s trip to Hardy country
Provoking thought and debate
On 14th February, Lower and Upper Sixth English Literature students visited Dorset for a Valentine’s Thomas Hardy day.
Just before half-term, a group of Lower Sixth students travelled to St Andrew’s Church, Oxford for a series of thought-provoking lectures by the eminent philosopher, Peter Vardy.
All the students are currently studying ‘Tess of the D’Urbervilles’ and the group visited the Hardy family cottage where Hardy was born; his house, ‘Max Gate’ situated in Dorchester; his local church in Stinsford; Talbothay’s Dairy, where Tess and Angel Claire fall in love; and Wellbridge, where the lovers honeymoon. Along the way, there were several talks at the venues, readings by students, a Hardy quiz and plenty of discussion. The day was rounded off with an excellent cream tea at Moreton Tea Rooms.
Subjects included the Teleological argument, the problem of evil, utilitarianism and euthanasia. Afterwards, Sophie Allan-Burns took on the challenge of speaking in the debate about the ethics of euthanasia, giving a convincing performance.
El Viejo Saloon! In February, the Spanish Department welcomed the Onatti Theatre company for a performance of ‘El viejo saloon’ in the Dobson Theatre. All the Third Year Hispanists and forty-two students from Stroud School were treated to a fun afternoon in the ‘Far West’. Sam Golledge was drafted in to play one of the main characters and his first ever performance in Spanish was a real success!
Guilty or not guilty? Upper Sixth psychologists visited the Freud Museum and the Royal Courts of Justice in January. At the Freud Museum, students were given a talk by a Freudian psychoanalyst before viewing the museum’s ‘Freud, Dalí and the Metamorphosis of Narcissus’ exhibition, which explores the connection between Sigmund Freud and Salvador Dalí. Afterwards, at the Royal Courts of Justice on the Strand, the students prepared and enacted a trial, based on a real-life scenario. With prior knowledge of the case, they were able to debate real historical sentencing options and compare these to sentencing options in the present day whilst making links to topics in the A Level curriculum.
6 | SPRING 2019 |
Co-curricular Science Roadshow Mr Herklots and his team of Sixth Form scientists have continued to visit local prep schools this term to deliver their fun and inspiring Science Roadshow. The session has provided an opportunity for younger pupils to all learn and get involved in a hands-on and creative manner.
Debating Society On 17th January, members of the School Debating Society entered the nationally organised ‘Debating Matters’ competition aimed at fostering debating skills and participation amongst senior pupils. KES were drawn against Brockenhurst College in a debate entitled, ‘Technological progress will not solve society’s environmental issues’; a motion they had to oppose.
Thanksgiving Service On 13th March, the school community gathered in Winchester Cathedral for the annual Thanksgiving Service. A combination of dance, music and words helped express recognition of King Edward’s royal and Christian heritage and gratitude to all whose vision, generosity and hard work have enabled us to enjoy our present good fortune and the many opportunities on offer. The Chamber Choir and School Choir sang works by Vivaldi, Fauré, Rutter and Purcell, with accompaniment by some of the School’s most talented musicians. Fourth Year pupil, Ed Bence, shared the organ playing with the cathedral organist. Salisbury Cathedral’s Revd Canon Robert Titley encouraged all those present to lead lives grounded on respecting and valuing all people and creation; using our gifts, education and privilege to build a just and peaceful world. This was also a fitting occasion to thank Mr and Mrs Thould for their tireless work.
| SPRING 2019 | 7
Safer Internet day To mark this year’s Safer Internet Day, the KES eSafety group put together a programme of events for the Lower School, including a focussed assembly and a carousel of activities for the First Year Extended Studies sessions. The eSafety group is made up of students from across the years and was formed last year with the aim of reviewing the use of the internet and social media, and identifying ways that the School can further support students in this ever-changing environment.
Battle of the Bands The School’s ‘Battle of the Bands’ competition has become an annual event and this year was superbly compèred by Sixth Formers, Gus Berry and Ed Bissett. The evening offered up an outstandingly high standard of musicianship from all the students involved, with a range of group and solo acts competing for the title of winner 2019. The Summer Camp team did an excellent job of organising the evening and over £1,900 was raised for this year’s trip for Southampton’s young carers. The winners in the three categories were: Audience favourite: Daisy and Millie Runner up: Nell Sarton Overall winner: Blue Lines ft. Ruth Kilgannon
Which way next? This term, the School hosted its second University and H.E. Fair in the Sixth Form Concourse. We were delighted to welcome thirtysix visiting organisations including twenty-nine of the UK’s top universities, representatives from each of the Armed Forces, the National Apprenticeship Service and several GAP Year placement companies. The event was primarily aimed at Lower Sixth students and their parents, allowing them to explore possibilities for further study, employment and overseas opportunities when they leave KES.
8 | SPRING 2019 |
KES hosts ballet workshop On 1st February, Birmingham Royal Ballet delivered an inspiring workshop to a group of enthusiastic Lower School dancers, based on their touring production of ‘Beauty and the Beast’. The dancers began their workshop with some ballet exercises and quickly found themselves learning some repertoire based on the choreography, playing the roles of woodland animals. In the evening, pupils battled through the snow to visit The Mayflower Theatre to see the company in action performing their acclaimed production.
Biking in Swinley At King Edward’s we are proud of the multitude of co-curricular clubs and societies that we offer to our students and one weekend this term saw members of the KES Mountain Biking Club head up to Swinley in Berkshire for a day of riding. Braving the cold Sunday winds, the cyclists focused on the red run throughout the day, practising their skills in preparation for their next residential trip due to take place in March.
| SPRING 2019 | 9
Mad, bad and dangerous to know! On 12th February, a number of keen Byronists attended a talk given by Dr Emily PatersonMorgan - the Director of The Byron Society in London. She delivered an inspired address about Byron’s most celebrated and shocking affair with Lady Caroline Lamb, providing lots of background information for the uninitiated, but also including much that was novel, even surprising, to stimulate even the most ardent Byronists attending the talk.
Sunny Salamanca!
Charlotte Exchange
Twenty-three A Level students travelled to Salamanca in Spain during half-term. The weather was exceptionally kind to them during their visit, and they spent their time participating in daily lessons at a local language school as well as enjoying a range of cultural activities and excursions, including a visit to Segovia, with its famous Roman aqueduct, and a karaoke evening. The exchange provided a fantastic opportunity for the students to practise their language skills in an authentic Spanish environment.
This term saw the home leg of The Charlotte Exchange take place. KES students, who had experienced the wonderful opportunity of spending time with American families in the autumn, welcomed back their counterparts to the UK. The American students spent time in school, as well as visiting London, Oxford and other more local sites of interest during the week, whilst relaxing with their host families during the weekend.
10 | SPRING 2019 |
Reflecting in Berlin! The half-term holiday saw twentynine IGCSE History students visit Berlin. The trip took in many sites of importance relating to the Nazi period and the Cold War, such as the Olympic Stadium, Sachenhausen Concentration Camp, the Reichstag and the Berlin Wall, and the pupils undoubtedly returned with an enhanced understanding of these momentous times and places. It would be hard not to be unsettled by places such as these, and the pupils were noticeably moved by all that they saw.
A stormy day of racing! Storm Freya made for some interesting driving conditions on Sunday 3rd March at the pre-season Greenpower test session held at Goodwood Race Circuit. Very cold track temperatures, force 8 gusts and heavy rain tested the drivers, pit crew and car to the limit. The team’s waterproofing measures held up well giving some new drivers the valuable opportunity to experience some difficult laps ahead of the new season. The team managed to run for an impressive three hours which was a great achievement in the conditions and has provided useful feedback on car set up for the qualifying heats.
| SPRING 2019 | 11
Florence in February A combined group of Third and Fourth Year artists and language students spent five fantastic days in Florence at the beginning of half-term. The linguists attended language classes, whilst the artists sketched, before the groups joined up to visit the many spectacular architectural and cultural sites of interest in and around Florence. The Uffizi Gallery, the Galleria dell’Accademia, the Medici Chapels and climbing the Duomo all featured on their itinerary, as did an ice cream and pizza-making evening. A quick stop in Pisa on the way home rounded off a fantastic stay in this beautiful and inspiring part of the world.
Goedgedacht Fundraising Dinner On a Saturday night in March, the South Africa team, under Mr Miller’s guidance, organised a wonderful fundraising dinner dance in aid of the Goedgedacht Trust. Diners were treated to music from Battle of the Bands audience favourite ‘Daisy and Millie’ and the event raised an incredible £9000 through ticket sales and an auction. The Goedgedacht Trust is based just outside Cape Town and supports young local children born into poverty. Overall this year more than £29,000 has been raised for the charity; a record achievement!
12 | SPRING 2019 |
Creative Arts Annual Music Competition This year’s annual KES Music Competition, was adjudicated by the professional pianist, Dr Samantha Carrasco, and featured the School’s finest talents in solo performance. The winners in each of the categories were: Grade V-VII Runner up: Lucy Walker Winner: Barnaby Saer Grade VIII+ Runner up: Edward Bence Winner: Aelfred Hillman with an outstanding performance of Shalom Aleichem, Rov Feidman by Bela Kovacs.
Mayflower Charity Concert In February, Sixth Form students Henry Gwilliam, Sam Thompson and Patrick Keith (all members of the band ‘Donny Brook’) performed at the Mayflower Theatre (along with their drummer) as part of Wessex Heartbeat Gala Charity Evening. Included within their set, the boys performed two of their own songs to a live audience of 2000 people. The concert featured over 250 performers in a production that brought together West End acts and local talented artists.
Junior Spring Concert The first of this term’s large-scale musical productions was the Junior Spring Concert. There were many superb performances from Lower School musicians, with additional Fourth Year chamber and solo performers, all showcasing their musical talents and creative skill. The combination of solo, chamber, choral and ensemble performances made the programme wonderfully rich and varied with diverse repertoire from one of Chopin’s ‘Nocturne’ to ‘Pulled’ from the Addams Family! The Swing Band ended the evening with a fun-filled showstopper from ‘The Jungle Book’.
| SPRING 2019 | 13
UK composer visits KES The KES Music Department frequently welcomes professionals working within the music industry to share their knowledge and experience with students. This provides a first-hand insight into the many opportunities available to those with music qualifications. To this end, the School was delighted to host a visit from Jono Buchanan, a UK composer, producer, songwriter, lecturer and journalist, who spoke to students about his career in the music industry providing an inspiring insight into the working life of a musician, and engaging with them about the possibilities of careers with creative and musical focus.
Spring Concert The Senior Spring Concert began in dramatic fashion with an excellent theatrical performance of ‘The Confrontation’ from ‘Les Misérables’. The newly formed String Ensemble gave their KES début, followed by some beautiful solo arias and Aelfred Hillman’s mesmerising interpretation of the Mozart clarinet concerto second movement, accompanied by the Symphony Orchestra. As the evening progressed, the repertoire turned to Jazz and contemporary performances, showcasing the diverse musical talents of our KES musicians. A spectacular piano solo of Bohemian Rhapsody led the way for our guitarists and Big Band to finish the evening in a sparkling finale.
14 | SPRING 2019 |
Schoolboy Errors Congratulations to the Sixth Form cast of this term’s excellent production of ‘Schoolboy Errors’. This year’s Sixth Form-directed play was written by Mr Collinson and directed by Head of School, Evie Wateridge. The farcical play, set in a school in the 1970s, where the entire staff body go on strike on the same day as the school inspection, provided an evening of entertainment and hilarity for the packed auditorium.
Dance Gala On Wednesday 27th March, the Dobson Theatre was filled with an array of the School’s finest dancers to perform in the annual Dance Gala. The evening was an eclectic mix of dances, and showcased the talents of our pupils in styles including Tap, Traditional North Indian, Ballet, Irish, Jazz, Contemporary and Street Dance. The dancers have been working hard choreographing their dances for many months and each took to the stage with professionalism, poise and energy. It was a fantastic evening and a pleasure to celebrate dance and the enjoyment it brings to all involved.
Peter Folkes Art Exhibition The Peter Folkes Art Exhibition aims to encourage and celebrate creativity in our local prep schools. Last year showcased some of the best work, from across our principal feeders schools, in the inspiring surroundings of the School’s new Art Studios and Atrium Gallery. In 2019, we again welcomed back Durlston Court Prep School, Pilgrims, Forres Sandle Manor, Prince’s Mead School, Westhill Park, and Sherborne House School, as well as new entrants Walhampton School and Salisbury Cathedral School, alongside our own Stroud School, for another wonderful display of talent.
| SPRING 2019 | 15
Sport Netballers compete at regional rounds At the end of January, the School took two year groups to the Regional Rounds of the National Netball Competition (held at Wavell School in Farnborough) for the second year running following success in the County Tournaments. Both the U14 and U16 teams performed well on the day and achieved some impressive results against some excellent schools. The U14 side finished in a respectable 4th place in their pool whilst the U16 side were more successful, only narrowly missing out on a place in the semi-final. In their cup run the girls’ U15 and U13 sides secured some excellent wins in the Plate competition and both progressed to the National Plate Final in each of their age groups. The U13s faced Oldham Hulme School in the final. In a tight, closely-fought match in the KES Sports Hall, the teams were neck and neck, but the KES girls secured a vital extra goal that won them the competition 31-30 making them the U13 National Plate Winners for 2019 - a huge achievement!
Indoor Hockey success Congratulations to the U16 boys’ indoor hockey side who competed in the English Schools’ Indoor Hockey Competition at Whitgift School this term. After a disappointing defeat to Repton School in their first game the boys then played some excellent hockey to win their remaining three group games finishing second in the group. This earned them a semi-final against hosts, Whitgift School. The KES side took an early lead during this match but, unfortunately, during the second half of the game the home side advantage prevailed and Whitgift secured a 2-1 victory. The U16 boys put in a superb performance and should be justifiably proud to reach the top 4 in the country.
16 | SPRING 2019 |
Boys’ Hockey Competitions
Individual achievements
The 1st XI progressed to the quarter-final of the Independent Schools’ National Cup in this year’s competition and will now face St Lawrence College in Ramsgate. They also finished 3rd in their group in the England Hockey Tier 1 competition placing them in the top 10 schools in the country.
Celia Brabazon and Rhyseren Taylor have both been selected to run for Hampshire following their performances in the Southampton Cross Country races.
In the U13 County Cup competition the KES side finished in 2nd place with five wins and two draws thus qualifying for the regional rounds of the tournament.
Harry Croft-Baker and Rory Penrose both represented England in hockey at half-term (at U18 and U16 levels respectively) with Rory captaining the U16 team.
Michael Pang was selected to represent England in the 8 Nations Badminton Tournament in Holland in halfterm. He played both singles and doubles matches and the England team achieved a 3rd place finish.
Prep School Hockey Tournament In March, the School hosted a Prep Schools’ Hockey Tournament at Wellington Sports Ground. Both the KES U13 and U12 KES sides took part in the competition alongside Durlston Court, West Hill Park, Dumpton, Stroud, Chafyn Grove and Salisbury Cathedral School. Parents and teachers were impressed by the fine hockey on show with some great teamwork, individual skill and goals. Both our KES teams played well, but it was the U13 team who reached the final against Durlston Court. This match ended in a draw, but Durlston stole the victory on penalties.
King Edward VI School Wilton Road . Southampton . Hampshire SO15 5UQ Telephone: 023 8070 4561 . www.kes.hants.sch.uk