SPORTS DAY
The eagerly awaited House Music was a feast for the eyes and ears
This year’s Sports Day saw many KGS records being broken at Ditton Field
Page
Page
18
10
WWW.KGS.ORG.UK
JUNE & JULY 2017
NEWSLETTER
KINGSTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL 1
HOUSE MUSIC
THIRD IN THE WORLD! Hal Purton, Katie Monaghan, Freddie Planz, Tomas Caldon, Mrs Cleaves and Mr Campbell flew to Canada to complete in the Kids’ Lit Quiz Final From June 30th – July 7th, they joined national finalists from Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa and the USA to share their love of books, explore Canada’s great outdoors, meet authors and celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday. The World Final was streamed live, and could not have been more thrilling. Faced with rounds such as Arch Enemies,
• school life •
trips
Residences and Poetry and a one-point penalty for every wrong answer, it was as much about holding nerve as literary knowledge. Freddie scored an important two points in the author round recognising Canada’s top children’s author Kenneth Oppell with the barest of detail. By the end of round eight the South Africans and Americans were uncatchable but the battle for bronze was fiercely fought. We went from
•
competitions
•
last place to bronze in the final round thanks to Katie who bagged six points and clinched it on the last question to take us one point above the Aussies. She will never forget Anne of Green Gables... The team fly home with bronze medals and their well-deserevd trophy! • Mrs H Cleaves, Librarian
sport
•
events
•
alumni
WELCOME
PHOTOS FROM PRIZE GIVING BY OK JAMES FINALY ALL PHOTOS AVAILABLE ON FLICKR
JUNE/JULY 2017
What a year – a year of national titles in hockey, rowing and quizzing culminating in a bronze medal in the World Finals of the Kids’ Lit Quiz for our fearless foursome of Katie, Hal, Tomas and Freddie in Toronto, Canada. Third in the world! Who could have seen that coming last September? All of this, combined with our excellent feedback from ISI, and many other local and regional successes, leaves us feeling very fortunate indeed; fortunate to have such talented students, dedicated staff and supportive parents and governors. Above all, however, we are grateful for the opportunities. It is difficult to thrive without the opportunity to show what can be done, individually and collectively, and certainly not without the support of those around you to make the most of every chance you get. Many others don’t or won’t have these opportunities. The degree of turmoil we have endured as a nation has been almost unprecedented. The instability, disaster, tragedy and grief that has been suffered might make us embarrassed to be enjoying such success, but it shouldn’t: we support the students of Kingston Grammar School and revel in their success, as we want them to be the very best versions of themselves that they are able to be. When the school and university days are over they will be the ones making the tough decisions and setting the standards across all walks of life. We can and should celebrate every achievement, large and small, delighting in and sharing their commitment and talent, as this will enable them to bring out the best in themselves and others. The world around us will become a better place because of what they will bring to it, as well as the manner in which it will be done. And so, ‘well done’ to the gold medallists, the national title winners, the county champions, the academic prize winners, the runners up and the participants of all manner of challenges and pursuits; ‘well done’ to the fundraisers, the House competitors, the experimentalists and analysts, and the organisers; ‘well done’ to all who give it everything they’ve got and help themselves and others to be a little better than they were last session
or lesson. Go on holiday and relax, recharge the batteries and enjoy your summer reading and activities – you’ve earned it! Do all of this, have a safe and happy summer, and come back in September ready to be better and even more successful; help even more people to thrive. Set the bar higher and do all you can to clear it. You certainly did this year! Wishing you all a relaxing and happy summer break. • Stephen Lehec Head Master
@KGSHEADMASTER
3
FAREWELL, UPPER SIXTH On Thursday 29 June we all gathered to celebrate graduation for the class of 2017 It was a humid evening, but students and parents alike filled the Hall in their ‘Black Tie’ finery. The Head Master spoke about the many impressive achievements of the year group to let them know how proud of them we all are. Each tutor then gave a personal address to all of their tutees before the students had their moment in the spotlight, collecting their prizes and Leavers’ certificates from the stage. All the students looked wonderful, and enjoyed their big moment while the tutors became emotional and the parents clapped. As graduation ended we all moved over to the QEII courtyard for a drinks reception, and a chance to mingle with parents and staff. Fortunately, the weather held, so we were able to say our final goodbyes outside before whisking the students off to Sandown Park by coach. The parents stayed at school to enjoy sparkling wine and street food at a soiree hosted by Mr Bond and the Head Master.
4
At Sandown, we were warmly welcomed to the Solario suite and balcony with a mocktail. The venue was certainly impressive, and it was a luxury to enjoy an al fresco drink before dinner.
After a lovely meal, and thoughtful speeches by Joe Hilty, Ellie de Heer and Ollie Cole, the students took to the dance floor, ably abetted by Mr Cooper, Mr Sorley and Mrs Davies, to dance the night away. As the coaches arrived to take them all back to Kingston at the end of the night, a truly enjoyable and memorable evening came to a close. It was a fitting end for a close-knit and special year group. I shall really miss them. • Miss B McDonald Director of Sixth Form
COMPETITION
KGS HEADS TO THE FRINGE Returning to the Fringe after their wellreceived production of Female Transport, KGS Theatre Company (made up of Sixth Form students) is performing Joseph K by Tom Basden. Basden’s darkly comic yet unsettling take on Kafka’s The Trial throws light on the maddening confusion of modern life, relocating the classic novel to 21st century London. On his thirtieth birthday, Joseph K has his sushi takeaway interrupted by two strangers who inform him he is under arrest. He has no idea what he has done wrong but is determined to clear his name. Tapping into the zeitgeist of personal liberty, justice and control, the play ridicules and questions the meaning of freedom in the present political climate. The play is inspired by The Trial rather than being a direct adaptation, and places the story uncomfortably in the present day, rather than in a future dystopia, drawing attention to the idiosyncrasies of everyday bureaucracy. If you’re planning on visiting The Fringe this summer, do go and support KGS from the 20th – 26th August in C+2 (Adam House) at 10.30am. •
GREENPOWER ELECTRIC CAR RACING Congratulations and well done to Team KGS Motorsport for competing in a heat of Formula 24 electric car racing at the world-famous Goodwood motor circuit in West Sussex. Greenpower electric car racing dictates that everyone has the same motor and batteries so teams must design and build a racing car that achieves the most mileage in each of two 90-minute races. Driving skills, aerodynamics, rolling resistance and gearing all play their part in the final mileage achieved. The kit car and the aluminium car performed very well in a field of over 90 cars and swift driver changes ensured that everyone had experience of competitive racing. This time, the help and support of Team KGS parents made a huge difference and created a very enjoyable and social day. The students had an amazing time and although they did not win, it was taking part that counts. Both teams
were a credit to the School with their professionalism and motorsport skills. Team KGS Motorsport were: James Sadler, Alex Middleton and Sophie Wood in the Kit Car and Louis McMahon, Paul Adams and Miland Gajree in the Aluminium Car. • Mr D Farr Head of Design Technology
5
AMONGST THE DREAMING SPIRES On Thursday 22nd June, a group of Fifth Year students travelled to Somerville College, the KGS Oxford link college, where they enjoyed a range of activities including a tutorial with Professor Francesca Southerden, a world expert specialising in Medieval Italian literature. Lydia Fisher-Norton gives her impressions of the day: After a fairly long but air conditioned journey, we arrived at Oxford. Surrounded by culture and beautiful buildings, we walked along the streets to Somerville College. We then enjoyed a 40-minute talk learning more about
Oxbridge, what it means and what it offers. Next we had a fascinating tutorial with a talented Italian Fellow when we analysed and explored 47 different translations of the first three lines of Dante’s Divine Comedy. All the excitement had made us hungry so at 12 we enjoyed lunch in the college dining room. We ate in the grand hall overlooked by portraits of women through history who had attended Somerville. Having refuelled, we continued admiring the grounds. We saw a croquet game in action and learnt about the different dress codes during Oxford exams. After that, we visited
a museum where we not only got to explore but we could be investigators for various objects around the museum that focussed on Anthropology. Walking to St Anne’s College, Miss Knight met a familiar face and introduced us to her former college including where she had lived! We were then given a tour of the grounds, common rooms and student houses. After a packed and inspiring day, we bundled back onto the coach and headed home. • Mr A Fitzgerald Director of Careers & Universities
NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR BUDDING FILM MAKER Huge congratulations to Second Year Sasha Lacey who has come second in The Pitch, a national competition run alongside the Carnegie Medal programme to write a film pitch for a favourite book. Sasha’s prize is to have her film pitch, for popular YA book The Art of Being Normal by Lisa Williamson, published in the ALCS (Authors Licensing and Collecting Society) magazine, and this year’s entire Carnegie and Greenaway shortlists. Sasha came second out of 300 entries of which the final round was judged by a
6
professional TV writer. In the words of the competition organiser: “Sasha’s pitch was fabulous and the competition was fierce this year. A number of entries were made for The Art of Being Normal, but hers really stood out in how she eloquently summarised the story in such a sensitive and mature way. Brilliant work.” Well done, Sasha! • Mrs H Cleaves Librarian
ARCHIVES
AN ADDITION TO THE KGS TREASURE CHEST One of my duties as archivist is to be on the lookout for items to add to and enhance the School archive
Items most frequently come as donations from Old Kingstonians and other friends of the School, but sometimes we do purchase them. As a matter of course, I do a periodic search of Ebay, although this has never turned up much. Until last month, that is, when I found this silver key. Some research shows that this key records an important event in KGS history: the opening of a new building block in 1924. One side is engraved ‘Physics Laboratory Kingston Grammar School’ and on the other, ‘Opened by Canon E W Barnes, 17th May 1924’. It is about 13cm long and weighs 33 grams. This object must have been presented to Canon Barnes to thank him for performing the official opening. The number of boys at the school had increased rapidly after the war, from 162 in October 1918 to 280 in 1923, and the new accommodation was required to cater for this growth in numbers. The block comprised a physics laboratory and two classrooms. A few years later, rooms were added above the new block and the hall was
built so that by 1927 the quad appeared much as it does today.
out-of-date controversy to which we can no longer attach importance.
Canon Barnes was an interesting figure; a Fellow of the Royal Society, he gave up his career in mathematics at Cambridge University in order to pursue his vocation in the church. At the time of his visit to KGS he was the Canon of Westminster Abbey. Later that year he was made Bishop of Birmingham.
A good deal was to be seen of school work and dramatic effort throughout the school premises. There was an elaborate exhibition of drawing and wood-work and the like. The choir sang songs in Latin and French as well as in English. The Laboratories were fitted up to exhibit a variety of scientific apparatus, and a number of practical or imitative effects were devised, such as the miniature reproduction of a mirage in the desert, where the pyramids were seen reflected in water which was never there. The school buildings were filled by our guests, who were highly appreciative of the boys’ efforts, which, indeed, included in one capacity or another, nearly every boy in the school.’
The account of the ceremony and celebrations appeared in The Kingstonian, July 1924. ‘In honour of the opening of the new buildings, on the afternoon of Saturday, May 17th, the School was “At Home “ to parents and friends. The actual ceremony was performed by Canon Barnes, and was begun by a prayer and continued by a speech. He spoke on the noteworthy fact that a laboratory of science was being opened for use in a school by a minister of religion and in the name of God. Such an occasion should be enough to convince sane men that the war between physical science and revealed religion was now a thing of the past, an
We are delighted to have been able to purchase this important item for the KGS archives. • Mrs J Halford Archivist
7
OFF TO THE BAFTAS!
LANGUAGE LEADERS Teaching at St Joseph’s and St John’s Primary Schools
Sophia Snow in the Second Year has entered the BAFTA YGD (Young Game Designer) competition (game concept award - 10-14 years’ category) and has been announced as a finalist for the second year running! Last year Sophia reached the final in the game-making category, and this year she has entered the concept design category. The game she has designed is called Ctrl+U and features a genderneutral white-hat hacker. Good luck to Sophia who will be attending the award ceremony at the BAFTA headquarters on the 8th July! • Mrs N Man Head of Marketing
8
This year, throughout the Language Leaders Award, we have learnt a variety of skills. We learnt that as a teacher, you have to differentiate your lessons and activities so that the students won’t get bored (or find it too challenging). We also learnt that having a well-structured plan is helpful when planning a lesson and that behaviour management is very important in order to make sure that every child in the lesson is paying attention and listening to you. The most important thing I have learnt from this experience is probably that planning and creating a lesson is actually quite challenging and very time consuming. Although I was at first a little nervous – especially as I was teaching Mandarin andwasn’t sure if they would understand it once we had started teaching, I felt much more relaxed and was able to have fun with the students. Izzy and I were teaching numbers in Chinese and as we progressed we learnt that we had to repeat the new language in many voices and volumes so that they could remember it. I really enjoyed the lessons and by the reactions we got from the children, I think they enjoyed it too. Mandarin is not a common subject to be taught
and they seemed particularly interested in our lessons. When we went to St Joseph’s Primary School, we were able to improve on our teaching by adjusting our lessons. We decided to add in a song which all the children loved and they all sang along, laughing at the silly rhythm. knew it and could remember it to use it in the games and activities later on in the lessons. Overall, I had a great time (even if it was stressful at times!) and learnt new skills that will hopefully help me later on in life. I hope that other people will take this opportunity next year and in the years to come as I felt it was a great learning experience and, most importantly, great fun! • Sofie Procter 3RSS
TRIPS
GERMAN TRIP TO LINZ AM RHEIN
It was with much anticipation that students arrived at Ditton Field for a day of travelling. We whizzed through France and Belgium to our hotel in the small but picturesque town of Linz am Rhein. That night, and the next, we had the opportunity to explore the historic centre of Linz, but most importantly, to buy ice cream! The next day, journeying along the winding Mosel River, with vineyards clinging to steeply rising slopes, we headed off to the medieval town of Cochem, where we were given a guided tour of the impressive castle. After lunch, we visited the worldfamous Nürburgring, and were given a behind-the-scenes tour. We got to see the old and new pits, the winner’s podium, the conference room, and even teams preparing for an upcoming race. On Saturday, we spent most of our time in Trier, Germany’s oldest city. A major part of this heritage is its Roman sights. Our first stop was the amphitheatre, where we were given an entertaining and lively talk by the head of the modern Trier Gladiator School, and afterwards we recreated some gladiator fighting moves. We then
walked over to the Imperial Baths, the best preserved of Trier’s three Roman baths, and explored the underground passageways used by slaves. Finally, we had free time for shopping, eating and seeing some more of Trier’s landmarks, such as the Porta Nigra, the Basilica and the cathedral. Our final full day in Germany was one of light relief, mainly spent in the huge theme park Phantasialand, which had many rides and attractions to suit everyone, and was divided into sections based on different countries. On the way we briefly stopped in Bonn, the former capital city of Germany, and the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven. Having had lots of fun, ice cream and sausages, we set off on the long coach journey back to England. Overall, it was a very interesting and enjoyable trip to a beautiful corner of Germany, and I would like to thank Mrs Russell and all the other staff who made the trip possible. • Freddie Pflanz 2CES
9
SPORTS DAY Sports Day was an outstanding success; once again the sun shone and KGS students from the First to Fourth Year competed in track and field events at Ditton Field, the home of KGS Sport. It was the first time we had five houses represented, with Stanley making their debut. Throughout the day many School records were broken. Emma Sloan (Third Year), Adam Sloan (First Year), Natasha Burrell (Fourth Year) and Roddy Reid (Third Year) all broke the 1500m records in their respective age groups and Theo Pawsey-Persaud, (Second Year), Adam Slan (First Year) and Max Mayhew (Fourth Year) also set new 800m records. Izzy James (Fourth Year) and Clara John ((Third Year) set a new record in the girls’ 300m. In the sprint events, Marcus Merritt (Second Year), Ellie Hauck (First Year), Zoe Mason (Third Year) and Tarun Ramphul (Third Year) all broke records in the 200m, with Tarun also breaking the Third year boys 100m record. Elliot Crutchfield (Third Year), Thomas Hall (Fourth Year), Guilia Duggan (Fourth year) and Issy Rosser (Second Year) broke records in the shot putt with Lucy Hicks (Second Year) Jasmin Good (Second Year), Oscar Jorneuax (Fourth year) and Jacob Eley (Second Year) breaking the discus records. Adam Sloan (First Year) and Freddie Morre (Second Year) broke the boys’ high jump records, with Patrick Gubbay (Third Year), Henry Trovoluski (First Year) and Thomas Bowser (Third Year) breaking records in long jump, long jump and vortex respectively. Natasha Brennan, our guest of honour and dual international in both Hockey and Rugby, spoke highly of the performances she had seen as well as the powerful message and the impact on life that sport can bring. The Victor Ludorum prize for the male competitor who won the most events was awarded and presented by Natasha to Third Year student Thomas Bowser and the Victrix Ludorum went to fellow Third Year Clara John.
10
On their first appearance at Sports Day, Stanley house were the overall winners, having accumulated the most points across all events. • Miss H Naismith Head of Physical Education
SPORT
11
CCF UPDATE The CCF had a very busy day of activities this month, with four of our Third Year cadets attending the Kingston upon Thames Armed Forces Flag Raising Event which took place at the Guildhall. Sibel Eksi, Isla Flett, Maia Dickens and Anthony Brenninkmeijer were requested to parade alongside the Mayor and attend the reception held in the Mayor’s parlour. All four of the cadets conducted themselves confidently and with decorum and they were a credit to the School and the CCF.
SIXTH FORM ENTER THE DRAGONS’ DEN We were very pleased to welcome Bentalls once again to run and sponsor our annual two-day Dragons’ Den Event for the Lower Sixth Form
The CCF Second Year introduction afternoon showcased stimulating and engaging CCF-related activities, delivered by our eager and willing current cadets. A very enjoyable time was had by all and I hope the event gave the students the required knowledge to decide whether or not they would like to join the CCF. • Mr A Beggs CCF Contingent Commander; Head of Lovekyn House
12
This year the event took place on Wednesday 14th & Thursday 15th June with the year group divided into 10 teams of approximately 10 students each and given the brief to ‘research, market and launch a profitable product/service that could be offered/ sold in Bentalls’. The event kicked off with an inspirational talk on entrepreneurship by one of our business mentors, Edwina Hughes (who runs her own executive coaching business, Eddy & Co, and is Head of the Kingston Young Entrepreneurs Club). Our students were then briefed on the task ahead, split into their teams and introduced to their mentors - Edwina Hughes, Kate Murphy and Phoebe Unwin (both buyers in the Bentalls Womenswear department), Jon Riches (retail consultant and Old Kingstonian) and Megan Young (business graduate) – before heading off to face the challenges ahead. The teams were given a notional budget of £20,000 to cover the cost of setting up, marketing and launching the service. After appointing their
own Managing Director and Finance Director, each team then set about coming up with an idea, researching it and devising a fully funded business plan (including financial projections for the first three years) to present the following day in our very own Dragons’ Den in front of the rest of the year group. The teams demonstrated fantastic innovation and creativity, coming up with a variety of interesting and realistic products including “Brush Up” (a 2-in1 hair brush and make-up carrier), “Chill Chat” (the fridge gadget to chill you out), “The Bake Station” (a multipurpose baking unit) and “Stretch Tech” (a posture prompting gadget). The teams were competing for two awards (Most Commercial Product and Service and Best Presentation) to be decided by our Dragons Panel – Dave Garnham (Head of Operations, Bentalls), Christine Hawes (Buyer, Furniture Department, Bentalls), Dermot Rice (KGS Chair of Governors) and Mischa Dohler (KGS Governor). While the dragons were unanimous
TRIPS in their praise for all the teams’ efforts, quality of ideas, presentation skills and resilience in the face of some pretty challenging questioning, ‘Mugnificent’ (a revolutionary non-drip mug) won Most Commercial Product (£100 Bentalls vouchers for each team member) and ‘Fruit Drop’ (water with your twist) won Best Presentation (£50 Bentalls vouchers for each team member). ’Utiliteam’ (creators of ‘Mugnificent’) consisted of Sophie Askew, George Casci, James Castle, Nathan Farr, Flo Haly, Karl Meakin, Alex Ritchie, Zoe Sim, Lucy Tait and Isobel Thom. ‘Fruit Drop’ consisted of Bonnie Bray, Oliver Burden, Kirsty George, Eva Gray, Kitty Jackson, Tomos Morgan-Young, Joe Rona, Johan Smith, Jamie Thomson and Tony Wang.
SOME LIKE IT HOT The Lower Sixth A Level biologists were treated to some outstanding weather on the Dorset coast during their A Level field trip to Swanage
All of the teams engaged superbly with their Bentalls mentors over the two days and the mentors were unanimous in their praise for all the teams’ commitment, collaborative skills and innovative flair. In addition to the individual guidance provided by the mentors, the dragons also gave highly valuable feedback to the teams following their presentations. Once again this has been an incredible opportunity for KGS students to gain experience of and develop crucial employability skills such as communication, innovation, teamwork, leadership and presentation skills. And, of course, our sincerest thanks go to Bentalls for supporting this fantastic event so generously. • Mr S Morris Deputy Director of Careers and Universities; Head of Tennis
It was probably the hottest weather any KGS field trip has enjoyed in quite some time but despite the rising temperatures the pupils worked long and hard to develop their field work skills and ecological understanding. The first two evenings involved capturing woodlice, marking them with paint and then releasing them before recapturing them 24 hours later to estimate the populations. Monday was spent by the water; the study of periwinkle zonation and limpet distribution on Kimmeridge Bay was followed the next morning by examining sand dune succession at Studland Beach. The lunchtime
ice cream and paddle in the sea was certainly well earned. The pupils returned from Dorset bronzed, tired and laden with ecological data that they will analyse and process in the last two weeks of term ahead of producing an extensive write-up of their work after the summer holidays. • Mr M Rodgers Head of Biology; Head of Golf
13
NATIONAL SCHOOLS’ REGATTA Back in May the National Schools’ Regatta was again held at the Olympic venue, Eton Dorney This venue became iconic during the London 2012 Olympics with Team GB winning many medals including the first gold medal ever for the women’s rowing team. Eton Dorney is a place that continues to inspire young athletes from across the UK. The National Schools’ Regatta 2017 was another record breaker, with more athletes - and the standard higher than ever before. KGS had over 60 students racing in fourteen crews across eleven events during the threeday regatta. Friday began with the J14 squad, with one girls’ boat and one boys’ boat entered for KGS. Conditions were more like the North Sea than an Olympic standard venue and it is safe to say that the girl’s quad, along with others, were hard done by in their time trail. With over 50 crews racing, conditions varied through the time trial and KGS, along with hot favourites and local rivals Surbiton High School, did not reach the semi-finals. A bitter
14
pill to swallow but these things can happen in an outdoor sport. By the weekend the weather had improved and we had some great results. The boys’ coxed four made up of three J16 boys reached the final of 1st Fours - a great result. The girls’ 1st Four reached the semi-final but couldn’t maintain the pace of the top three crews and despite a great effort that ended their regatta. The J15 boys and girls faced a similar fate. Day three saw the KGS support in full voice as Sorrel Humphrey and Freya King won their time trial in GJ16 pairs with a solid but steady row. They repeated this performance in the semifinal and hopes were high for the final. Having been so controlled earlier in the day, the girls found themselves in fourth place with the leaders moving away. At halfway KGS held fourth but were two lengths behind gold. With 250 metres remaining, KGS had edged into the bronze medal position
but were still over a length off gold. However, rather than settle for bronze, the girls went for broke and stormed through to win by clear water over Becket School and Great Marlow School. It was a fantastic win for the girls and for the whole KGS squad who all stayed to cheer their friends and squad mates. • Mr P Simmons Head of Rowing
TRIPS
AUTHOR VISIT: STEWART FOSTER Hot on the heels of his TSBA win for The Bubble Boy, Stewart Foster treated First Years to a sneak preview of his new book, All The Things That Could Go Wrong four days before it hits the shops. Students were entertained by amusing anecdotes which highlighted how ideas for characters and plot twists can come from the least likely of places, even a sales call from Sky! Most importantly, during the lively Q&A session following his talk, Stewart did not rule out the possibility of a sequel to Bubble Boy – music to the ears of his KGS fan-base desperate to hear more about the eponymous hero Joe and the unforgettable Amir. All 60 copies of Stewart’s books were snapped up with Mrs Cleaves taking additional orders. The new TSBA (Trinity Schools Book Award) shortlist will be announced in September. All students are invited to participate in the programme which will conclude with the awards ceremony in March. • Mrs H Cleaves Librarian
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN IN ENGINEERING DAY As part of International Women in Engineering Day, which is celebrated worldwide on 23rd June, the Second Year girls ventured out in the heat of Wednesday to visit the Emirates Aviation Experience in Greenwich. Over the course of the day, we completed many activities, including pretending to be baggage in Dubai International Airport, trying to beat an Emirates A380 turnaround time, and learning about the science behind the Rolls Royce Trent 900 Engine, the engine that powers all A380s. We also had a workshop on forces that affect aviation and aircraft, and the implications that has on how the aircraft is designed, made and flown. The highlight of the day for many people was the chance to use Emirates’ state-ofthe-art Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 simulators. We all took turns on the flight deck acting as captains and co-pilots, trying to take-off/land our ‘planes’ in airports such as Dubai, London Heathrow and Hong Kong. Overall, it was a fantastic experience
that I hope everyone, not just the girls, gets to try it. Thank you to the teachers who organised the trip. We all had a great time! As Mr B says: “Physics Is Life!” • Sasha Lacey 2MEB
15
A ROARING SUCCESS! This year’s Junior Play was the biggest yet. ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’ involved 50 students in the First, Second and Third Year on stage and ten students behind the scenes. The theatre was transformed into the sketchbook of Professor Kirk with brilliant illustrations by Millie Shaffiee (L6SRC) which transported audiences to the Beavers’ dam, the Queen’s castle and forests and courtyards in-between. The desolate and snow-covered land of Narnia was reinforced by Mrs Borrows’ costumes, which featured textured fur waistcoats and trousers and ears and horns formed out of winding metal wire. Costumes were frayed and patched to show the deterioration of animals and creatures in Narnia under the rule of the White Witch. Directors Miss Robinson and Miss Varley worked with Mr Tierney who managed the students’ music rehearsals and composed an original soundtrack for the production. This imaginative music underscored the entire production, introducing and adding tension to characters’ entrances and other key moments. One such key moment was the dramatic scene toward the end of the play where we saw the culmination of years of rivalry between Aslan (Louisa Marshall, 3RSS) and the White Witch (Emilia Hazel, 3CLB). The combination of intense music and slow motion stage combat resulted in a passionate and fierce battle scene. Standout performances include Emilia Hazel who was phenomenal as the formidable White Witch, commanding the stage from the moment she entered with her white reindeer and trusted sidekick Grumpskin (Edward Phillips, 1Q). Jasmine Levell (1L) was excellent as Lucy Pevensie, and Junior Play regulars Zac Sampson-Regal (3RSS) and Beatrix Page (2RMM) were brilliant as Mr Tumnus and Mrs Beaver respectively. • Miss R Robinson Drama
16
DRAMA
17
HOUSE MUSIC Last Tuesday evening, House Music took place. The five houses each performed their separate pieces, which included choirs, bands and soloists. In Stanley, we had a great first year band who played ‘We’ll be the Stars’ by Sabina Cater and a brilliant choir who sang ‘Pompeii’ by Bastille. As well as all that, we also had Sophia Snow who performed a brilliant solo featuring a song that she had arranged herself and Rickey Rim who was a master on the violin! The evening was an extremely enjoyable one for the performers as well as the audience, I hope. All of the houses
had definitely put a lot of time into the preparation and rehearsal of each individual performance. Effort had obviously not only been put in for the rehearsal but also for costumes and make-up. Although everyone did really well, there has to be a winner. All of the separate performances of the evening and those of the first round were taken into account and put in separate categories. The winners overall were Lovekyn. However, they were closely followed by Stanley who came second. We were delighted!
The evening was extremely exciting. We were all slightly nervous when we first took to the stage but soon became more confident as we started to play. The rehearsals and everything building up to the performance had been lots of fun as well and, overall, it had been an entirely enjoyable and memorable night. • Matilda Drewett 1S
MEMENTO: ART TO REMEMBER In September 2015 I embarked on the daunting prospect of combining teaching at KGS with a Masters in Fine Art at Wimbledon College of Art. Now, nearly two years on, I have a sense of relief that I have not only survived, but passed with Merit, and elation that my degree show artwork was honoured with the Olympia Alice Art Award. The course has been both challenging and transformative, turning a former oil painter into a mixed-media installation artist. Through a programme of tutorials, group ‘crits’ and presentations to gallery curators (the feared ‘Dragons’ Den’), I have honed my practice and learnt how best to communicate my research. My degree show artwork, Memento, focused on the mystery of what happens
18
to memories once forgotten. Using different media as a metaphor for the process of forgetting, I created an installation which gave erased memories a physical presence and allowed the viewer to consider the unpredictable processes and intangible corners of the mind. You can view some of my work through this link to my assessment website: firechristie.wixsite.com/sophiachristieart • Miss S Christie Art
TITLE
HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY TO STANLEY HOUSE The end of the year marks the completion of Stanley’s first year as a fully-fledged House, and what a year it has been! We began with a different moniker – New House – which, although bonded us to some prestigious colleges, ‘Go New’ wasn’t quite the intimidating call we were looking for. And so it fell to our new members to not only name us, but also choose our mascot and colours. After a nail-biting vote, Stanley the Stag was born and his smashing combination of black and silver marked us out as a force to be reckoned with. The House has been keen to live up to our namesake Stanley Shoveller’s example of bravery and perseverance. Shoveller was an Old Kingstonian, who not only won two Olympic Gold Medals for Hockey in 1908 and 1920, but was also awarded the Military Cross in 1915 for his service to his country during World War One. Quite the inspiration for a new House, battling against the wellestablished forces of Lovekyn, Queen’s, Tavener and Walworth. Every House needs a strong team at its helm, and Stanley was lucky enough to have just that this year. Jess Murray, Matt Pugh and Emma Pitcairn made up our outstanding Captain team, with Jess filling the role of House Captain admirably, supported by the unwavering Matt and Emma as Vice Captains for Arts and Sports respectively. Stanley has been fortunate to have such commitment in our inaugural year. But it was not just the Captains who navigated us through the choppy waters of our debut - the House
Committee also took the reins to direct us through many a challenge. Special mention must go to Ellie Falconer for her incredible efforts in House Dance and the fantastic team of Zoe Sim and Jamie Thompson who saw us through House Drama. There have been some wonderful standout stars in the lower years too, who have helped to lay strong foundations for our House; already there are some future potential House Captains making their bids for greatness, adding to the sense of family that we are already beginning to foster. It has been a challenging year, but the members of Stanley have persevered and proven that the baby of the House System cannot be written off. We saw our first triumph in House Art, when our interpretation of Roald Dahl’s ‘The BFG’ stole the show! This has been followed by wins in Intermediate Tug of War, House Tennis, Junior Table Tennis, House Shooting and a glorious victory in the Swimming Gala. As I write this, Stanley currently sits at second place in the House Championship, with only Sports Day left to play for and the Championship looking closer than it has in a few years. For better or worse, it’s been a year that has bonded our new house together; we look forward to seeing how Stanley fares as a toddler! • Miss K Brackley Head of Stanley House; English
19
CRICKET FEST 2017 We have enjoyed a busy time on the cricket squares this month We had some well-earned success with our U13 girls being crowned county champions to back up their indoor title (see report on page 22). Our U15s play in their Surrey finals on Thursday which we are hosting at Ditton Field. On Saturday we enjoyed House Cricket with Queen’s taking the overall title. It was a great way to get all of our cricketers and their parents down to appreciate a morning of cricket, highlighting the enthusiasm and enjoyment had this summer.
20
Some two hundred students contested a number of fiercely competitive limited overs games which were played in a round-robin format. In a mirror of the House Championship itself, it was Lovekyn and Queen’s who dominated, with Lovekyn taking the honours in the girls’ U12 and boys’ U13-15 competitions and Queen’s winning the boys’ U12 and girls’ U1315 events. It was, therefore, down to individual matches to determine the overall result, with Queen’s taking first
place, just one point ahead of Lovekyn. Stanley House were third, Walworth fourth and Taverner fifth. Particular thanks should go to those senior students who came down to lead and manage the junior teams. This was followed up by our Feast at the Field on Sunday where two School teams faced two alumni teams in memory of Rodney Sturgeon. It was great day to see so many faces come down and reminisce over past cricket tales. Both games were won by the old boys. To round off the cricket season we hosted the the annual KGS Senior T20 Festival, attended by KCS Wimbledon, Wilson’s School, Ibstock, Tiffin and Whitgift, with KGS losing in the final to Whitgift. • Mrs N Maclean Director of Sport
SCHOOL LIFE
LA RICETTA DELLA NONNA! First and Second Year pupils who are learning Italian participated in a fantastic workshop run by Giovina and Anna, two linguists and actors who teach Italian. The workshop started with them introducing themselves (in Italian) followed by us working in pairs giving our name, birthday and appearance. After that, we all stood up and saw that they had taped signs around the room with pictures representing verbs. They taught us the vocabulary and action for each of the verbs, put on some upbeat music, and we all chanted the words along with the action in time to the music which was a great learning experience and a lot of fun! The highlight of the event was when they performed a short play, which was highly entertaining and taught me some new phrases. They then handed us a script (in English) and we had to perform a play similar to the one they did, which pushed our Italian skills and was very enjoyable. I enjoyed the event immensely and hope to get a chance to do something similar next year. • Rhiannon Tasker-McLeod 1W
KGS IN THE COMMUNITY Wingham Court is a residential care home for people with brain injuries where we read to the residents Going there to volunteer each week is an invaluable experience and I think I can say on behalf of the five of us that this opportunity has exceeded our expectations - we really feel part of the warm and vibrant community, and really had underestimated just how attached to the residents we would become. Confidence is one of the main things you learn through doing this. When you first arrive, you feel uncertain and slightly anxious. You are faced with a group of people that perhaps you’ve never interacted with before, and so you don’t know how they’re going to behave, or how you should behave around them. You don’t know if you’ll be able to see past their disabilities and you think that you might pity them, although you know that’s wrong at the same time. But when you meet them, and they are such radiant and welcoming people, you realise that sometimes a leap into the unknown is necessary.
At the start, you think you’re there to give, but end up taking a lot more than you could ever offer. Visiting Wingham is not only an integral part of my week now but a highlight, and it’s something I feel honoured to be able to take part in. • Bella Rona L6HAH
21
U13 RETAIN SURREY TITLE The girl’s U13A cricket team have retained the U13 Surrey title for KGS. They were the only team to win all of their matches at the Surrey Finals which were held at St George’s College on Monday 26th June. Opening with a win against Tormead 271-252, they went on to beat Ibstock Place 248-219,
and finally saw off hosts SGC 247238 to win the Surrey U13 title. It was an excellent team performance, with many girls contributing, not only on the day but in previous qualifying rounds. Congratulations to the whole squad who have been undefeated this season: Maddie Prichard, Sophie Wood, Laura
Kimber, Jess West, Issy Morton, Issy Rosser, Alice Tobin, Charlotte Cahn, Anna Pryse-Davies and wicket keeper Emily Bryce. • Ms A Byrne Girls’ Hockey; Games Coach
ENGLAND HOCKEY FOR SALLY... So far this summer, I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of the England U16 camps against both Holland and Ulster. We travelled to Holland over Easter and had a very tough few matches against them. Although we lost the series, it was clear that we improved as the days went on. Besides the score line, it was a fantastic experience and I feel as though it really tested my abilities on and off the pitch, and helped me become a better player. Just recently we had another camp at home against Ulster, which was a different experience to Holland yet still challenging and exciting.
22
Fortunately we won the Ulster series and I’m now looking forward to the upcoming series against Germany and Belgium, followed by the Six Nations tournament in July – being held in Barcelona – which I’m delighted to have been selected vice-captain for. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time being part of the England U16 team so far and I’m excited as to what will happen in the future. • Sally Sime 5MDS
SPORT
...AND FOR OWEN AND MICHAEL, TOO After competing in a couple of very successful International tournaments over the Easter break, Owen Williamson was selected for the final test matches of the international season, with matches against Germany from the 29th June2nd July, followed by matches against Belgium from 5th July-9th July and, finally, for the Six Nations tournament which is the 15th-24th July. We wish him luck! Michael Moran who is still only U17 has also been named as a non-travelling reserve. •
WIN FOR U12s IN TRINITY CUP
Mrs N Maclean Director of Hockey Thursday 29th June saw the annual U13 Trinity Super Eight cricket take place at Alleyn’s School. KGS fielded two teams, an U13A team and an U12A team playing as a B team.
This left KGS in joint 1st place with 4 wins and 1 loss, with the U12s technically winning it on the headto-head record. • Mr M Hall Head of Football
KGS played each other in the first game where the U13s showed their experience in batting and were aggressive with their running between the wickets. The U12s soon tightened up the fielding and their bowling was very good. In a very close match the U12s won by just three runs. The U13s used the defeat to motivate them to beat Alleyns A, Emmanuel, Colfe’s (by 1 run) and Alleyn’s B. The U12s continued their good form to beat Alleyn’s B, Alleyn’s A and Emmanuel comfortably. This just left Colfe’s to play who had just lost to the A team by 1 run and were after revenge against KGS. In a very tough game the U12s couldn’t get into their batting rhythm and were unable to chase down the total.
23
STARPACK AWARDS The Starpack Industry Awards scheme is now in its 58th year and is the UK’s premier annual awards scheme recognising innovation in packaging design and technology. Starpack Schools and Student Awards encourage young people to take up careers in the exciting world of consumer packaging design. Mrs Hetherington’s Graphic Products group entered the brief ‘Easy Pickings’ creative fruit and vegetable packaging. The brief asked the pupils to design and develop a new form of carton board packaging for fruit and vegetables that is effective in not only protection but helps preserve and promote healthy eating. Ciara Kennedy received the top prize of ‘best portfolio’ and a financial reward of £50 for her efforts. Anand Aggarwal achieved a Bronze Award
24
and Izzy Pleasance’s work was Highly Commended. Anand was also able to attend the Award Ceremony to collect his prize, and take part in a special ride on the London Eye. • Mrs RL Hetherington Head of Second Year; Design & Technology