275 CELEBRATORY TIE COMPETITION WINNER... SIXTH FORMER, TILLY BANKES

In 2012, I began my journey at Kingswood School in Year 3, with a burning passion for Art, Drama, Music, and Design Technology. Mrs Fox, my Prep School Art Teacher, was the driving force behind my pursuit of Art, which has now become a defining aspect of my life.

My interest in the arts has helped me appreciate the significance of creative problem-solving and the positive impact it has on our mental wellbeing.

I was excited by the tie competition so decided to participate. Textile manipulation and design have always intrigued me, and this project presented a unique opportunity to explore a new world of design. I wanted my designs to represent Kingswood’s 275 years of history by celebrating the diverse aesthetics and movements that have shaped the institution. The glamour and elegance of the 1950s Art Deco era heavily influenced my initial designs, incorporating bold motifs and unforgettable patterns.

As with any design project, the tie designs underwent numerous iterations, and this experience has been invaluable in shaping my future. I have gained insight into the behindthe-scenes workings of the marketing team, from selecting specific colour palettes, designing for a specific audience, inclusivity and to choosing the right type fonts to produce a polished final product.

The entire design process was exhilarating, and seeing the final design come to life on the sample fabric was a surreal and magical experience. It has only strengthened my resolve to continue studying Art and pursue a career in Design. I am delighted to have been accepted to Edinburgh University College of Art next year, and I am confident that this course will help me develop the skills I honed during this project. I am immensely grateful to Kingswood for this opportunity to showcase my passion and talent. The images above show the design process I took.

WHY GIVE?

Giving back to others is an important aspect of living a fulfilling and meaningful life. It allows us to make a positive impact on the world around us and demonstrate our love and compassion for our community. Giving selflessly and without expecting anything in return can also bring us a sense of fulfilment and help us grow as individuals.

Overall, the act of giving is a way to make a positive difference in the world and contribute to the greater good.

John Wesley believed that giving is an essential part of living a fulfilling and meaningful life, and that it allows us to make a positive impact on the world around us. Wesley’s words “Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.” remain an important part of the life at Kingswood, through pupils raising funds for local charities such as Julian House as well as further afield.

In his Welcome in the January edition of this newsletter, Andrew GordonBrown shared that our 275 Campaign was now live. He invited our community to support the Campaign as we look to raise £2.75m towards:

The Cookery School

Offering enrichment and co-curricular cookery for students and staff through Leiths prestigious Certificate in Food and Wine qualification. The Kingswood Cookery School will also offer training and commercial courses for our community.

Transformational Bursaries

Renewing our commitment to expanding the access to life-changing education to more students who or may overcome significant obstacles in pursuit of their education.

The Sixth Form Centre

A inspirational and creative study area preparing Sixth Formers for higher education and the world of work, whilst fostering a sense of community and space for collaborative work.

GRAHAM PAPENFUS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

GRATEFUL FOR £1M RAISED SO FAR

I am extremely grateful for the many gifts we have received towards the campaign, resulting in over £1m donated and pledged so far. Included in this total is more than £250,000 in the form of legacies from Old Kingswoodians who have included Kingswood in their Will, thereby becoming members of our 1748 Society. There are still a number of naming opportunities for larger gifts as well as opportunities to have your gift recognised on our 275 pathway at the front of the Senior School.

HOW CAN YOU HELP MAKE AN IMPACT?

Our immediate priorities are:

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+£500,000 received and pledged so far towards our target of £1m. This leaves a further £400,000 (+ Gift Aid) to allow this very exciting project to go ahead