4 | SOTONIENSIS 2020
From the Head Welcome to the annual Sotoniensis magazine, in what has been an extraordinary year for everybody associated with King Edward’s. I am keenly aware that in the decades to come historians, both of our school and the wider world, will define this past year by the Covid pandemic. Future readers of this edition of Sotoniensis will search for references to the crisis – and naturally they will find them in abundance. Undoubtedly the crushing impact of this terrible virus has been felt at KES, not only by those whose families have suffered illness or loss as a result, but also by our whole community, as we have battled to maintain our educational ambitions and to retain our cherished values. It cannot be denied that much that would normally be reported upon in this publication has needed to be delayed, cancelled or reimagined. But nevertheless, so much has been achieved, either before the blight of the virus, or in defiance of it. I whole-heartedly believe that to allow Covid utterly to dominate a review of the year would be to do a great disservice to the hundreds of pupils, staff members and parents who have participated in, or supported, a stunning breadth and wealth of activity and endeavour at King Edward’s this year. We will not allow it to marginalise all the good that is the life-blood of our wonderful school. This year, we have been tested as we have never been tested before in modern times… but we have endured, and we have flourished, regardless. Of course, the students most impacted by the pandemic were those due to sit public examinations in the summer. Having studiously prepared for the exam season, this cohort of pupils had their opportunity to showcase their academic prowess taken from them by the lockdown. In place of examinations came ‘centre assessed grades’. As the government sought to find equitable ways to assess GCSE and A Level submissions, these grades were initially moderated by a computer algorithm; then (briefly) subject to moderation based on the internal mock results; and then finally, and only at the very last moment, allowed to stand as initially awarded. For our Fifth Year and Upper Sixth students, the disruption and uncertainty was appalling. However, what is beyond doubt is that our students’ results are every bit as valid and deserved as for any other previous
cohort. Their final grades reflected an honest appraisal not only of their ability to thrive in an exam situation, but in their efforts across the entire two-year course. In many ways, therefore this was a more demanding exam process, and we are hugely proud of their achievements. At GCSE, almost exactly 80% of grades awarded were at A* or A (or the numerical equivalent). At A Level, 63% achieved this same very highest level. As a result, 87% of the year group earned places at one of the UK’s ‘Top 25’ universities (including Russell Group and medical schools). In an unprecedented year, these academic results were an extraordinary achievement, and testament to some very talented and dedicated young people. As you will read in this publication, our cocurricular programme continued when and where possible. Reynolds won the coveted Allen Grant House trophy, for the first time in quite some years. The arts had a spectacular year, with key highlights being the stunning spring term concerts; the dance showcase; the sheer breadth of fantastic artwork on display in the Atrium throughout the year; and the magnificent production of ‘West Side Story’. Each showed the depth of talent and creativity our students possess. They were an honour to witness and to support. We also maintained a marvellous breadth of weekly clubs and societies, seeking to ensure that every child at KES can find a niche in which to thrive and find a natural home. At the same time, our Charity Commission co-ordinated a range of fund-raising events and community outreach programmes. In trips, before lockdown
