Kingswood 275 Newsletter - May 2023

Iam so pleased to be able to welcome you to this edition of the 275 Newsletter where we will be shining a light on the history of the Admiralty at Kingswood during 1939 – 1946 and the work of the Civil Engineering Department that led to the designing and planning of the DDay artificial harbours which were described as one of the greatest engineering feats of WWII.

Kingswood’s 275 Anniversary has been a time for reflection and when I arrived at Kingswood as a graduate of Exeter University, little did I realise just how deeply Methodist values ran within my Welsh DNA. I grew up in a small community within the South Wales Coalfield, a stone’s throw from

Celebrating together in our 275 anniversary year

LIFE AT KINGSWOOD IS TRANSFORMATIVE GARROD MUSTO (1994 – PRESENT, STAFF)

Garrod discusses the achievements of the Admiralty during their stay at Kingswood, and how the School develops pupils’ understanding of the skills required to plan the D-Day landings.

my grandparents. Faith was always an important part of my upbringing. My grandparents attended Elim Presbyterian Chapel each Sunday, but it was only when I mentioned Kingswood and our founder John Wesley, my grandmother mentioned that many of the local chapels were rooted in Methodism, and she described her father as being from proud Methodist

Calvinist stock! It’s hardly surprising therefore while sat in the chapel of John Wesley’s school, listening to Mike Wilkinson deliver my wedding vows, my grandmother had a little tear in her eye.

Growing up, the largest employer in the region was the National Coal Board, and every male member of my family were involved in the production of black gold, or Anthracite. It was only reading Gary Best’s books did I realise just how important Methodism was to many within those communities, not just the cornerstone of their faith but also how important Methodist ideals were to those communities through social action and how it helped change the working conditions, through the

“...little did I realise just how deeply Methodist values ran within my Welsh DNA....”

engineers, designers, naval personnel, and construction workers. Effective teamwork and communication were essential for co-ordinating efforts and ensuring the seamless integration of various components.

Resilience and Perseverance - The engineers faced immense pressure and tight deadlines to deliver the Mulberry Harbours within a short time frame. Their resilience, determination, and ability to overcome setbacks and challenges were vital qualities that helped them accomplish their mission. Through our Kingswood for Life programme we instil these qualities in our pupils, encouraging them to persist in the face of adversity.

birth of the Trade Union movement. My grandfather Granville “Jim” Musto, was a proud coal miner, and was a designated Key Worker during WWII. He was a mentor to the conscripted “Bevin Boys” in the local colliery, tasked to produce the coal needed to manufacture the Iron and Steel required for the war effort and as fuel for the Royal Navy’s ships. Sadly, he died of emphysema, before I began at Kingswood, but my grandmother made the connection when I mentioned the story of the School moving to Uppingham to make way for the Admiralty.

The Admiralty’s accomplishments, particularly in engineering during their time at Kingswood, serve as an inspiration given the scale of the endeavour, over 45,000 people worked around the clock throughout a 10 month period, to build the required parts for the harbours which were then assembled in a matter of days after DDay. So, I would like to share this story of the Mulberry project, which provides not only the ideal opportunity to celebrate our rich history, but also a chance to develop our pupils’ understanding of highly desirable skills and capabilities.

The 275 Anniversary celebrations of Kingswood provides a remarkable opportunity to honour these Achievements. Skills that enabled the accomplishments to continue to be taught today as part of the broad and balanced Kingswood curriculum that ignites real passion in our pupils whatever their interest.

10 years ago I wrote an article for KIF which focused on a project inspired by John “Banger” Allison. The STEM project involved teachers from Mathematics, Physics and Design departments to collaborate and help students design an element of the artificial harbour. We have revamped the project and will relaunch it this September. The students will learn about:

Engineering Excellence - The engineers involved in designing the Mulberry Harbours demonstrated innovative pragmatic skills. They displayed a profound understanding of structural mechanics, hydrodynamics, and materials science. These remarkable individuals created innovative solutions to construct floating harbours under challenging conditions.

Problem-Solving and AdaptabilityDesigning the Mulberry Harbours presented numerous complex challenges. Engineers had to overcome unpredictable tides, wave conditions, and even enemy attacks. Their ability to analyse problems, think creatively, and adapt their designs accordingly was crucial to the success of these floating harbours. Kingswood fosters problem-solving skills and adaptability among our pupils, instilling in them the same qualities demonstrated by the Civil Engineers Department during World War II.

Collaboration and Teamwork

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The construction of the Mulberry Harbours was a massive undertaking that required the collaboration of

Kingswood has always been more than a workplace; it is a place that has shaped my career and I feel blessed to have worked with such wonderful colleagues who have passed on the desire to give something back to a community which has given me so much. So, building on previous projects inspired by John Allison and to celebrate these remarkable qualities and skills during our anniversary celebrations, we have planned several engaging activities (details below), for our pupils and the wider school community.

ENGINEERING WORKSHOPS AND COMPETITIONS

Through engineering workshops, pupils will engage in hands-on activities, problem solving challenges, and design competitions. Working with local schools, delivering a shortened version of the challenge, supporting our wider community.

TALKS

Develop a series of educational talks for teachers, local community groups and students to engage and share this story with our community during our 275th Year.

SIXTH FORM SUPER CURRICULUM COURSE: MULBERRY HARBOUR

Develop an innovative course which uses design thinking and entrepreneurship alongside Engineering Habits of Mind to celebrate this part of our rich history and enable our students to achieve Gold CREST awards which can help the University application process.

CAREERS IN ENGINEERING

Through sharing stories of successful alumni careers in engineering, our pupils will be inspired, encouraging them to pursue careers in engineering or other fields where these qualities and skills are valuable.

THE ‘275 WALK’

SUNDAY 25 JUNE 2023 - ALL WELCOME

Twenty five years ago a group of Kingswood pupils and staff walked from School to the site where the School was originally founded in Kingswood in Bristol to mark the School’s 250th year.

This year, we are making the same journey in reverse to celebrate our 275th year. 25 years ago we also pushed the old school bell back to where it originally came from (see above) but luckily there are no plans to repeat this!

If you are a parent or an Old Kingswoodian with a particular interest in these activities and would like to get involved, I warmly invite you to get in touch via email Garrod Musto at gmusto@kingswood.bath.sch.uk

We look forward to coming together to celebrate our history, inspire our pupils, and promote these essential skills for a brighter future.

On Sunday 25 June we will take minibuses to the original site of the School in Kingswood and then walk back to School in small groups – the distance is 10 beautiful hilly miles.

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST...

If you would like to take part in this event, please register your interest by emailing marketing@kingswood.bath.sch.uk. Spaces are limited so please get in touch as soon as you can. We look forward to welcoming you back.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

We look forward to enjoying an exciting line-up of events for our 275 anniversary year.

JUNE

OPEN THROUGHOUT JUNE

• Methodist Modern Art Exhibition

The collection of ten pieces of art is here for the Summer Term and offers an exploration of Christian themes reflecting Methodist Education. The exhibition can be viewed by appointment only.

To arrange your viewing of this special exhibition please email Rev. Katy Thomas.

FRIDAY 9 JUNE

• 275 Community Golf Day

Cumberwell Golf Club

Everyone welcome. Please contact Michele Greene if you are interested in playing either on your own or in your own fourball: mgreene@kingswood.bath.sch.uk

THURSDAY 15 JUNE

• Nairobi Reception

Please contact Michele Greene to join this event. mgreene@kingswood.bath.sch.uk

FRIDAY 23 JUNE

• 275 Celebration Supper

Everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy a lovely supper cooked by our School Chefs in the School Dining Hall – guests welcome. Please contact Michele Greene: mgreene@kingswood.bath.sch.uk | £15 per person

SEPTEMBER

THURSDAY 28 SEPTEMBER

• The Modern Maverick, Ed Haddon

Kingswood Theatre, 6pm

This lecture will also be streamed live –book your place now.

2023

BOOK YOUR VIEWING NOW...

To arrange your viewing of this special exhibition, please contact Rev. Katy Thomas

G.HowardWashing of Feet; J.SahiDalit Madonna, from the Methodist Modern Art Collection

GIVING BACK: NURTURING YOUR EDUCATIONAL ROOTS

Former parent and Architect George Batterham, talks about the transformative power of a Kingswood education and why he is giving back.

Having researched the independent schools in the Bath area, we chose Kingswood School for our four children back in1997 for its holistic educational approach; nurturing mind, body and soul in equal measure. Kingswood also combined high aspiration with a modest outlook and service to others. This very much aligned with our own family ethos and values, allowing us to walk together along the same educational path.

Joshua, Eleanor, Oscar and Angus all benefited in many different ways from their time at Kingswood. But at no time was there any pressure to be like an older sibling or some kind of model Kingswood pupil, so at such a critical stage in their development, their individuality and free thinking was allowed to flourish. It is a privilege having had children at the School for 16 years, and to now be in a position to be able to support and nurture Kingswood School in return, to ensure that such an enlightened and forward looking school can flourish for many generations to come.

The current focus for Andrew GordonBrown and the governors is on

preparing the pupils for university life and beyond, with plans for a new Cookery School to support the learning of additional life skills and remodelling of the Dixon Sixth Form building to make it fit for purpose.

Past parents and pupils who have benefited from the Kingswood School experience and who wish to be appreciative, supportive and philanthropic can either give of their time and expertise or simply additional funds. Either way it will help the School to continue its good work and maintain its reputation.

We continue to recommend the School to others, as many past parents and pupils do, but as part of the wider Kingswood School Community, we also need to make sure that the School can maintain its high standards and modest outlook going forwards. So, in the style of John Wesley, give all that you can, to help others benefit from a Kingswood education, be it buildings, resources, business work experience for current pupils, or simply keeping in touch with your educational roots.

George Batterham (RIBA)

“It is always lovely to remain in contact with Kingswood families after their children have left the school, and I would like to thank George for his continued interest and support of Kingswood. With the help from George, and other members of the community, we are forming a coalition of supporters who are in a position to offer services which will enable the development plans to come to fruition.

If you are in the construction industry or have contacts that might be interested in being involved, I would love to hear from you.”

The Simon Morris Pavilion, 2011 Hall House, Boys Boarding 2015

Andrew Gordon-Brown & George Batterham, RIBA

Andrew Gordon-Brown

LAST CHANCE TO PURCHASE THE STUDENT DESIGNED 275 CELEBRATORY TIE

Sixth Former Tilly Bankes, celebrated winning the 275 Celebratory Tie Competition.

influential movements that had shaped the institution. Channelling the glamour and elegance of the 1950s Art Deco era, her initial designs incorporated bold motifs and unforgettable patterns, capturing the essence of the past.

£10

Tilly’s artistic journey began at Kingswood in Year 3, fuelled by an unwavering passion for Art, Drama, Music, and Design Technology. It was her KPS Art Teacher, Mrs Fox, who ignited her artistic flame, shaping Tilly’s life in profound ways. Immersing herself in the arts, Tilly came to appreciate the power of creative problemsolving and its positive impact on mental wellbeing. This project offered her a unique opportunity to explore new avenues of artistic expression and design.

Tilly’s vision for her tie designs was to honour Kingswood’s 275 years of history by celebrating the diverse aesthetics and

Like any design endeavour, Tilly’s tie designs underwent numerous iterations, a process that proved invaluable. She gained insights into the intricacies of marketing, from selecting colour palettes and designing for specific audiences to embracing inclusivity and choosing the perfect type fonts to create a polished final product.

“The design process was exhilarating and witnessing my creations on sample fabric come to life was magical. This experience has only further solidified my determination to pursue a career in Design and continue my studies on Art.”

“A SCHOOL SET APART”, WRITTEN BY GARY BEST

£15

(Kingswood Headmaster 1987 to 2008)

(£20 inc P&P)

ORDER YOURS NOW

How to Order

Order your celebratory 275 tie now by clicking here. The price of a tie is £10 and can be paid using this link, choosing ‘Other Payments’.

Pre-order your copy of Gary Best's latest book

A journey through time, tracing the legacy of Kingswood School and its Alumni from 1748 to 2023, as we commemorate 275 years of excellence in education.

HOW TO ORDER

A journey through time, tracing the legacy of Kingswood School and its Alumni from 1748 to 2023, as we commemorate 275 years of excellence in education

How to order

Click on the QR Code to order and pay for your book, choosing the 'Association' payment type If you have opted for posting then please add your address in the payment description box

Click on the QR Code to order and pay for your book, choosing the ‘Association’ payment type. If you have opted for posting then please add your address in the payment description box.

£15 (£20 inc P&P)

A HISTORY OF KINGSWOOD FOCUSING ON NUMBER FIVE

The Admiralty took over the School buildings in 1939. The whole School (that is, all equipment as well as the staff and 278 boys) was relocated to Uppingham School. Additionally, a Preparatory School for the younger boys, was opened in 1939 in a beautiful eighteenth century house and estate at Prior’s Court, near Newbury in Oxfordshire. Prior to the arrival of the Kingswood boarders to Uppingham, Kingswood staff and senior prefects arrived to unload 27 wagons containing what had been packed from Kingswood.

YOUR MEMORIES

Do you have fond memories of your time at Kingswood that you would like to share with the community?

If so, we would like to hear from you.

This evacuation thus enabled the School buildings in Bath to become an important base for the Ministry of Defence. The School buildings were transformed; some dormitories were utilised as offices and the Moulton Hall, now the J. O. Heap Library was also used for official Admiralty business. The final stages of the design for the Mulberry Harbours, so critical to the success of the D-Day landings in 1944, were produced at the School.

The students returned to Bath in the Summer Term of 1946. It has been said this was one of the most successful of all wartime evacuations.

We would very much like to include some of your most treasured moments from your time at Kingswood. Whether it was a particular event, a memorable teacher, or a group of friends that made a lasting impact on you, we want to know about it! Simply send an email with your memory, to marketing@kingswood.bath.sch.uk, keeping them to a maximum of 150 words and you could see your memory in the next edition.

Zoë Parsons, Archivist

Click here to view our objects gallery.

J. O. Heap Library (The Moulton Hall)

A B Sackett, the Headmaster at that time recounted: