ALIFE-CHANGING START

DAVID M LANE (1969-1976, GOVERNOR 2022-PRESENT)

Strong institutions are the making of our society, and none more so than those entrusted with education. For me Kingswood was and is one such.

The teachers and my fellow pupils at Kingswood School laid many foundations for my life. Confidence in myself to lead things (Mr Smith, Mr Campbell). A love of Sport (Mr Lewis). An interest in Science and the curiosity to pursue something because it is interesting (Mr Ede). A love of the outdoors, adventure and endurance (Mr Lewis). A taste for jazz and improvisation (Mr Thorne), and an encyclopaedic knowledge of 70s progressive rock (all my school mates).

In this issue we are featuring some of the old dormitories of the School where I had the privilege to be a boarder. I remember them fondly, little changed between the 1930s and the

1970s. They appear spartan by today’s standards but didn’t seem so to us. They were an important place where community emerged with the discipline of self-organisation, minimalist living and washing in cold water, all of which prepared me well for independent living at University and beyond. They also re-enforced the House system and the sense of belonging and competition that connects and binds the School community.

Living accommodation in houses is homelier now, the infamous dirty socks bin is no longer available for pranks and duvets preclude making apple-pie beds. But the community and independence benefits of being a

“...the community and independence benefits of being a border are still present and valued by today’s pupils...” border are still present and valued by today’s pupils growing up.

I’ve been struck how the School values of integrity, compassion, courage and respect in the Weslyan tradition have endured as the community and fabric have evolved. And I’ve been impressed by the confidence and ability to articulate of many of the pupils. Were we this good back in the day?

I well recall in the early 1970s the Dixon was a prestigious modern facility where Sixth Formers felt grown-up and prepared for the transition to University and the world. This need continues today, making the refurbishment of this faithful but now weary building important. A donation towards this would benefit all pupils and staff as well as the broader community who might use it.