Kingswood In Focus 2017/18 by Kingswood School

KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS

2017/18

KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18 | HEADMASTER’S WELCOME

HEADMASTER’S WELCOME coincidence that the exceptional all-round achievements chronicled here are the product of a community based on shared values, which aims to be both mutually supportive and mutually encouraging.

Dear Parents and Friends I am delighted to have this opportunity to write a few introductory words to this very fine reflection of a year in the life of Kingswood School. Schools such as ours are really inspiring places to work in; they are full of youthful energy, full of exciting challenge and full of dynamic variety. Each day really does bring something new and, more often than not, surprising. As I am reminded as I read this chronicle of the past year of so many wonderful achievements, so I am also reminded not only of the huge commitment from both students and staff which leads to such excellence, but also that behind such successes there are so often stories of persistence and perseverance, of overcoming obstacles and of challenging prejudices. Good schools are, of course, supportive learning communities where each person can not only confront their own personal challenges, but where they can do so in the knowledge that those around them stand firmly alongside them. It is certainly no

One highly significant area of development over the past few years has been our commitment to the students’ all-round athletic development, and I am pleased to see this prominently recognised in this yearbook. The healthy lifestyles for all which our athletic development programmes seek to promote are, of course, part of a much wider school commitment to the fundamental importance of personal wellbeing. Whilst schools cannot easily influence broader society – though it does often seem that schools are somehow expected to play a major role in solving society’s ills! – they can certainly play a very important role in helping young people navigate the ever increasing complexities of modern society. By, for instance, helping young people gain confidence in decision-making, by helping them build up their powers of resilience, by encouraging them actively to consider their own and others’ mental as well as physical health, and by encouraging a community-spirited approach to life, schools can, ultimately, help the students to develop those qualities which will mean they really can look forward to a meaningful life beyond school, where they are equipped to make a real difference. The Athletic

Development programme has adopted the mantra, ‘To become better people who inspire others’; that they should have adopted this particular strand of the school’s mission is both impressively insightful and also reflective of our desire to see such a commitment featuring prominently across all areas of the School’s activities. Independent schools are under increasing scrutiny in terms of their broader charitable objectives, and understandably so. At Kingswood we have always sought to be true to our origins, whilst seeking to recognise and respond appropriately to the myriad external challenges which face us. Unpretentious, yet ambitious and driven we certainly are; inward-looking, complacent and self-congratulatory we are not. The values which come through so clearly in these pages and which our students embrace so comfortably are something of real substance; our challenge remains to ensure that the privileges of our very special community are as widely accessible as possible and that every student recognises the broader responsibilities to others which so clearly come with the benefits of a Kingswood education. I do hope you will enjoy reading this magazine and that, as you do so, you too will feel that sense of wider purpose and service which those of us who work here have the good fortune to experience every day. Yours sincerely

Mr Simon Morris (Headmaster)

CONTENTS | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18

CONTENTS

HEADMASTER’S WELCOME

KINGSWOOD: A YEAR IN PICTURES

COMMUNITY & WORLD ACTION 4 From the Chaplain 6 Charities 7 Mrs Katie Pillinger 8 Malawi Trip & Restart Centre Visit 11 Sustainability ACADEMIC 12 Exam Results 14 Prize Giving 16 Leavers’ Destinations 18 Academic Enrichment HOUSES 24 Westwood 26 Fonthill 28 Hall 30 Middle 32 Summerhill 34 School 36 Upper

CREATIVE ARTS

38 Art 41 ‘Made in Kingswood’ Art & DT Awards 42 Design & Technology 44 Drama 49 Theatre Tech 51 Music 56 ‘KATS’ Music & Drama Awards 58 Alumni Feature: Oscar Batterham SPORT 60 Girls’ Hockey 62 Rugby 64 Netball 66 Boys’ Hockey 68 Orienteering 69 Cross Country 70 Cricket 72 Cricket Tour 73 Boys’ Tennis 74 Girls’ Tennis 76 Athletics 78 Swimming 80 Athletic Development 81 Climbing 82 Equestrian

TRIPS & ACTIVITIES

STAFF & LEAVERS Staff Farewells Head Girl & Head Boy Reflections Leavers 2018 Teaching Staff & Governors List Mrs Debbie Jenner

102 103 104 105

KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18 | A YEAR IN PICTURES

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

In glorious weather, the School gets ready for the new academic year. The amazing view from Hall House, across fields to the picturesque rural outskirts of Bath, prepares to welcome back its cohort of boy boarders.

Matches well underway, the 1st XV prepare for another fixture on the Upper playing fields. The season sees them unbeaten in regular fixtures, whilst also making it through to the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy, beating Eton College on the way.

In a visually stunning production, the Drama Department stages The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, performed by senior pupils from Years 11 – 13, and even some staff members as the older Kings and Queens of Narnia. Stealing the show however is the more than lifesized Aslan, skilfully puppeteered by Kingswood Drama students.

KINGSWOOD

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

“Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow” … for real this time. The School operates a reduced timetable of activities, and boarders, resident staff and some day pupils clear paths and enjoy the snow with snowball fights and sledging. Boarders Medha (Head of Fonthill), and sister Sudipti (Year 7) enjoy their time away from lessons.

Raising money for charity, Upper House’s Year 13s, including the Head and Deputy Head Boy, with their tutor Mr Hills, take on The Battle of Lansdown Muddy Race – 10km through stunning landscape, across challenging terrain and over 35 obstacles. All 19 make it to the end together to celebrate their achievement, raising money for Cancer Research.

The Kingswood community, including pupils from all year groups, staff, parents and alumni come together at Green Park Station to be entertained by Kingswood Jazz Orchestra and solo singers. Now a key feature of the Bath Festival programme, this event also has good attendance by the general public, such is the reputation now established by the Music Department over the number of years that this gig has been running.

A YEAR IN PICTURES | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18

DECEMBER

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

“Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow” … as the Music Department rounds off the term with the Christmas Concert, including the Jazz Orchestra’s memorable performance under the snow machine. Dedication, concentration and sense of humour all required.

The girls of the 1st VII Netball squad are in good spirits at the start of the season. They remain unbeaten to the end, including a thrilling 30-30 draw with local rivals KES, and a well-contested match against Kingswood alumni keen to return to the Upper courts.

The 4th annual Kingswood Boarders’ Bake Off is hotly contested by all six Senior houses, and Westwood, the Junior house. The boys from Middle House are keen to show off their baking skills, and house pride, artistically imposing the house logo onto their creation. Summerhill Year 10s & 11s go on to win.

A YEAR IN PICTURES

JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

The second major production of the year sees junior pupils from Years 7-9 perform Bugsy Malone. Lively dance routines and wellknown musical numbers entertain throughout, but the showstopper is definitely the ‘splurge’-filled finale – ‘We Could Have Been Anything That We Wanted to Be’ – which covers all of the cast and most of the front row audience in foam.

Just after term ends, 24 students set off for the biennial Malawi trip. In between physical tasks such as digging latrines and painting buildings, Kingswood students, including Year 11, Tom find time to relax with the Malawi children, making long-lasting memories for both sides.

Just before the new school year, Kingswood is able to celebrate record GCSE results, with 68% of pupils achieving A/A* or 7/8/9. Along with friends, Charlotte (right) finds out that she is one of Kingswood’s top achievers, with 10 A* grades.

And now to start it all over again in 2018/19!

KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18 | COMMUNITY & WORLD ACTION

FROM THE CHAPLAIN I have been amused to discover a book, written by Robert Fulgham and entitled; ‘All I really needed to know I learned in Kindergarten’.

mongst the essential lessons he learned in his earliest years of schooling, Fulgham lists the following: • Share • Put things back where you found them • Say sorry when you hurt someone • Wash your hands • Take a nap every afternoon

Clearly, it wasn’t only Jesus who taught that we should all ‘become like little children’! Jesus referred to such little children when he answered a question about who was the greatest. Even fairytales know that this is a question often in the human heart: ‘Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?’ asks Snow

White’s stepmother. There is only one answer we want to hear and woe betide the person if this isn’t ‘you’! Jesus however turned his questioners’ expectations on their heads. Greatness is found, he taught, in taking the lowly position of a child, and greatness is found in service. It was this sentiment that was behind John Wesley’s great vision in founding Kingswood School. The foundation stone he laid in 1748 now hangs in our library, and is inscribed with the words he chose for the school’s motto, also engraved above the door to the Chapel: ‘In Gloriam Dei Optimi Maximi In Usum Ecclesiae et Republicae’ – ‘To the glory of the most high God in the service of Church and State’. Clearly, John Wesley was driven by the vision of educating young people so that they could become the best they could be to God’s glory and in public service.

COMMUNITY & WORLD ACTION | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18

‘Kingswood Spirit’ … confidence and ability expressed in humility and service. Many people still speak about the ‘Kingswood Spirit’, and how recognisable it often is within the School’s former pupils. When I try to pin down what they mean, it seems to me that they are talking about confidence and ability expressed in humility and service. This is a vision that found its ultimate expression in the example of Jesus himself who, in the words of the most ancient hymn of the Christian Church, though being in very nature God, humbled himself, taking the form of a servant, even to death on a cross. It is a vision that continues to lie at the heart of Kingswood School and all its educational endeavours to this day, and lives on within the many pupils who now live their lives in the service of others.

The Revd David A. Hull (Chaplain)

Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. Mark Twain

KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18 | COMMUNITY & WORLD ACTION

Expressing Kingswood’s desire to serve a world in need, we have supported a number of charities throughout the year. Many of the events began with the initiative of individual pupils and / or members of staff. Together, we were able to support the following:

CHARITIES

Bath Child Contact Centre Bath Foodbank Cancer Research Cancer Care UK Children’s Hospice South West Dorothy House The Genesis Trust Hope and Homes for Children The House of Grace, Thailand The Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust Julian House LEPRA Open Arms Infant Home, Malawi ShelterBox Rainbow Railroad The Royal British Legion The William Cross Foundation Young Carers’ Development Trust

CHARITY AWARDS The Chaplain’s Award for Charity is awarded annually, in recognition of student work to support charitable causes as an expression of our Wesleyan commitment to do all the good we can. This year, the Chaplain’s Award for Charity was deservedly awarded to Year 13 Leaver Charlotte Brooke for her unstinting and unheralded work in support of the Genesis Trust, both within and outside school. The Friends of Kingswood Silver Salver is awarded annually to a pupil or group of pupils who have contributed the most to the Kingswood community and social life of the School. This year this was awarded to The Pride Club, in recognition of all they have done to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues, and particularly for their work in raising money to support the Rainbow Railroad - a charity which aims to help LGBTQ+ people in countries where they would be persecuted or worse.

COMMUNITY & WORLD ACTION | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18

MRS KATIE PILLINGER Kingswood Governor 1999-2018

ingswood has been fortunate over the years to have been able to attract governors with a broad range of relevant skills and a deep understanding of and affection for the School’s special ethos. Katie Pillinger has been one of those governors who not only has those skills, that understanding and that affection, but who has also had a hugely significant influence not only on the development of the School itself, but also on the personal development of so many people within the Kingswood Foundation. Twenty years is a long time in the life of a school. All good schools adapt and develop, yet they can easily, in responding to a rapidly changing society and changing expectations of both students and parents, lose some of that soul which makes the best schools such distinctive and special places.

Katie Pillinger’s influence on the School has been quite exceptional.

It is in these times that continuity of purpose is of course so important, and in Katie Pillinger’s immense contribution to Kingswood there is such a very fine example of how intelligent progress can be successfully married with the strengths of an enduring ethos. Pastorally focused by nature, Katie Pillinger has taken a deep interest in the personal development of students and staff – and, indeed, headmasters – and understood that, in ensuring the School focuses on the importance of high quality pastoral care for all, this sets a firm platform for the wider and ambitious development of the School. Wise and selfless, and with an admirable ability to combine idealistic thought with a suitable dose of realism, Katie Pillinger’s influence on the School has been quite exceptional. For many years Chair of the Governors’ Education and Pastoral Committee, one of the two main committees feeding into the Whole Governing Body, Katie Pillinger also has had a particular role in supporting the Prep School and in helping develop our boarding provision. Yet these specific responsibilities only tell a very small part of the story of someone who has willingly attended countless plays, concerts and services at both the Prep School and the Senior School, who has contributed hugely to all aspects of the Foundation’s strategic vision and who has never flinched from

a hugely significant influence ... on the personal development of so many people within the Kingswood Foundation. those difficult decisions which will, at times, be required by all governing bodies. Governors, like teachers, should of course embody the personal qualities which we see as important in our students. Humble, considerate and kind, yet also ambitious, determined and purposeful, Katie Pillinger is just that type of governor. We will miss her greatly, but we are so very grateful for all that she has done for Kingswood over the past two decades.

Mr Simon Morris (Headmaster)

KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18 | COMMUNITY & WORLD ACTION

MALAWI TRIP Arriving in Blantyre after an exhausting day travelling, our group was greeted by an enthusiastic group of porters.

e then met Wilfred, our would-be driver with endless patience and unparalleled skill for navigating even the more difficult of Malawi’s roads. As our first impression of Malawi, the city seemed very run down, with faded shop signs and endless street vendors, however when we returned before leaving the country, we saw it through completely fresh eyes; with its multiple-story buildings and tarmacked roads, we could now understand why this was labelled Malawi’s centre of finance and commerce. At the end of day one, we fell into our beds at St Andrews, excited and ready to do some work the following day.

We then made our way to Open Arms, where we alternated helping to dig a septic tank, and playing with the babies. Everyone enjoyed the work, and we were in high spirits. In the evening, we visited a Hindu Temple beautifully decorated with hand-crafted idols: a truly enlightening experience. Friday was to be many of the group’s favourite experience since we went to Namalo Village, where we were greeted by a flood of enthusiastic children who were eager to play with us and attempt to teach us some of their games as well. We were led to meet the Village Chief who greeted all of us in turn, before being shown the birthing station, where hundreds of

women deliver their babies in a safe environment. The simplicity of the building shocked us all, and only the ever-delighted children prevented the visit from becoming sombre, as we learnt women would travel for miles to come to this very basic building, and sometimes die in the process. In the afternoon, it was time for the eagerly awaited football and netball matches, and for the first time ever, the latter was won! Our last morning in Blantyre was again spent at Open Arms. Many of us visited one of the foster homes - Rosemarie’s House - where we met some delightful orphans who, for a variety of reasons, had not been able to return to their own communities. The next stop was Liwondi National Park to allow a few days relaxation before a trip up Mount Mulanji (which was unfortunately later cancelled due to bad weather). We stayed in luxurious cabins next to a beautiful river, although with a natural alarm clock - the hippos - who unfortunately woke up a lot earlier than we did! On the first evening, our game drive highlight was the incredible sunset that we got to enjoy out in the park, as well as the novelty of seeing animals such as kudu,

COMMUNITY & WORLD ACTION | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18

students crowding around each of us as we read through various stories. We were even invited to their end of term assembly or ‘prize giving’ where top scoring students in the recent public exams were awarded their prizes of a bottle of soda or packet of crisps. Remarkably, this is the equivalent to a Kingswood pupil being given a laptop or an iPhone at a final assembly, something that really put all the smiles and laughter of the children into perspective.

We were worn out but happy, with memories that will last forever. impala and warthogs, along with Mr Opie diligently pointing out every bird. The following day began with a boat safari on which we were awed by the sight of a herd of elephants, complete with babies, along the riverbank. We were able to get very close to them in the boats, and their sheer size was in equal parts aweinspiring and terrifying, especially when one of the matriarchs decided to mock charge us! Later the weather took a turn for the worse, with rain doing its best to dampen our spirits, but one group were extremely lucky to experience an excellent sighting of a black rhino - a trip highlight for many. We also saw an enormous hollow baobab tree – big enough for us all to fit inside – a herd of buffalo, and as we drew into the camp, we were lucky enough to spot a hyena, so it was a pretty eventful day! Instead of heading up to Mount Mulanji, from Liwondi, we made the 7-hour drive north to Nkotakota, a port town on the shore of Lake Malawi. Staying at Nkotakota Pottery Lodge, we had our first glimpse of the third largest lake in Africa, before meeting the staff at Chankhasi School. Over the next few days we spent our time working on projects such as building eco-toilets, painting blackboards and signs, as well as constructing a disability ramp into one of the classrooms. Some of us were deemed more ‘artistically inept’ than others, and immediately had to learn how to lay bricks in the bore hole for the new

outdoor toilets…with mixed results. Nevertheless, everyone got stuck in for the four mornings we were there, with everyone thoroughly enjoying the respite of having fun and playing with some of the younger students during breaks. A few of us were also fortunate enough to help take some reading sessions at Chankhasi, with

We then moved onto Mangochi where our stunning accommodation was right on the shores of the lake. Open Arms 2 is based in Mangochi, and we were greeted with a series of traditional songs and dances before being shown around the beautiful facility (which former Kingswood trips had helped to build) and given an interesting talk about the Open Arms outreach program. For the next few days half of us were based at Open Arms painting the nursery wall displays whilst the other half were part of a building project at the local feeding

KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18 | COMMUNITY & WORLD ACTION

no-one else staying on the island, but we occupied an area concentrated around the sandy beach, with some even camping directly on it, and the others camping in tents on wooden platforms further in on the island. This was luxury relaxation and we snorkelled and kayaked in the clear waters, observing Malawian cichlids and plant life, as well as enjoying the opportunity to take some fantastic photos. Whilst here we were lucky to witness a rare lunar eclipse huddled together around the campfire for our last night on the island.

station, sieving sand and moving bricks - which proved quite hard work under the African sun. Our accommodation was excellent, and the pier provided a great spot for the early risers, who enjoyed a 5 o’clock start, wrapped in sleeping bags to watch the sun rise. During our stay at Mangochi we also visited “Netties”, a charity sewing project, where we all bought a huge array of “happy pants” of every colour as can be seen in a trip photo.

We departed Mangochi on one of our shortest drives yet, on one of the bumpiest roads, to the port from which we would sail to Domwe Island. An hour’s drive through beautiful geographic scenery and cultural markets led us to our destination, where we left the bus and took a 30 minute boat trip to the uninhabited island where we enjoyed a quick swim around the rocks and coves, making use of the snorkelling gear. There was

Our last two days in Malawi were spent back at St Andrews in Blantyre. Sadly we then had to say goodbye to Malawi as we flew to South Africa and then onto London. We were worn out but happy, with memories that will last forever. We also felt that we had learnt a great deal about what is really important in life from amazing people in an amazing country. It really was a trip of a lifetime, and many of us are determined to go back before too long.

Izzy Barnes, Charlotte Cutter (Year 12), Holly Guy, Menina Nightingale & Davida Samikwa (Year 11)

THE RESTART CENTRE, KENYA Kingswood has a longstanding and special relationship with the Restart Centre in Gilgil, which inspirationally provides street children with a home and positive future outlook. For the last two years, both Senior and Prep School students have been linking with those at the Centre via the internet, however, ties go back much further to when Deputy Head, Mr Opie, was growing up in Gilgil. Today, he is a regular visitor. This June, Julius Karanja and Sandra Wambani, who have been taking part in the linking activities, visited Kingswood together with their IT teacher, Mr Ndolo. This was largely financed by funds raised by KPS last year. They received a whole-heated welcome from students and staff alike, and

enjoyed exploring Bath, Dyrham Park, Stonehenge and Bristol, as well as joining in activities at both schools. Hall and Fonthill houses hosted Julius and Sandra, and the Brearey and Stubbings families kindly treated them to a glimpse of UK family life. The pupils left us with many fond memories - such as Sandra’s dancing and Julius’ soccer skills - as well as insightful comments about life in England. Both were so polite and quietly confident: a great tribute to all the amazing work done at the Restart Centre.

COMMUNITY & WORLD ACTION | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18

Earth Day - Hang Like an Orang-utan winners

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT SOCIETY

Feed Kingswood

Dump Trump

Feed Kingswood

SUSTAINABILITY At Kingswood we continue to be passionate about the future, and about contributing to delivering a fair and sustainable future for all.

here is a huge range of opportunities open to enable pupils to get involved, to help deliver this goal and feel empowered to bring about positive change. Weekly activities include: • Sustainable Development Society meetings • Sustainable Design Club • ‘Feed Kingswood’ (in which pupils grow food that is then incorporated into the Catering Department’s menu rota) Special events are also held throughout the year to raise awareness of sustainable issues. This year, the following special events took place:

Kingswood Earth Day which this year focused on the impacts of palm oil consumption, including: climate change and the greenhouse effect; decreasing bio-diversity; and habitat destruction (with particular emphasis on endangering the orang-utan population). Activities included: ‘Palm-or-no-Palm?’ quiz; ‘Chase the Ape’ treasure hunt; palm oil-free tuckshop; book upcycling and mural painting activities; ‘Hang Like an Orang-utan’ competition (won by Will Connors Yr 8 and Joey Cleghorn Yr 12); and the everpopular ‘Dump Trump’ coconut shy. Over £80 was raised and donated to the Orang-utan Foundation to help sponsor 2 orang-utans in Borneo for a year.

Westwood Wildlife Quiz Whole-school Wildlife and Waste Photography Competition (see winning entries below) 3-day Year 9 ‘Better Earth’ Project with pupils in groups responding to the brief to deliver an idea or product to help make the world a better place. Challenges included: a 3 minute video advertising their product / idea; marketing stall; interviews with board of judges and peers. BANES Youth Climate Summit (see report on p.22) Sixth Form Environmental Dragon’s Den Challenge Engaging in our role and responsibilities as part of a global community is an increasingly important part of our community’s outlook, and an aim to which Kingswood remains wholeheartedly committed.

Waste Category Winner - Anonymous (Yr 12)

Wildlife Category Winner - Daisy Dai (Yr 12)

Mr Will Musgrove (Sustainable Development & World Action Co-ordinator)

KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18 | ACADEMIC

EXAM RESULTS GCSE Kingswood Year 11 students celebrated record GCSE and IGCSEs this year, scoring impressive results. 42%

A*or 9/8

68%

A*/A or 9/8/7

42 individual students achieved at least 5 A* grades or equivalent. Amongst many exceptional individual performances, the highest achievers were as follows: • 11 A* OR EQUIVALENT GRADES - Bridie Knox, Henry McBraida, Ella McLeod and Numa Tumbahangphe. • 10 A* OR EQUIVALENT GRADES - Eliza Brunt, Alexandra Forbes-Cable, Holly Guy, Stephen King, Edward Lee, Alban Sankaran, Charlotte Scruton, Johnny Sedcole, Ashish Tamang and Finlay Tankard.

THE HEADMASTER COMMENTED… “It is such a credit to these students and their teachers that, in a year where so many of these examinations were first-time through qualifications, they should achieve such exceptional record results. With such strong foundations, they can move confidently onto Sixth Form study; we are certainly much looking forward to welcoming them back, to congratulating them, and to working further with them over the next two years”.

ACADEMIC | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18

A LEVEL Kingswood students also celebrated excellent A Level results, with approximately three quarters of all grades at A*- B, over 90% at A*- C and a 100% pass rate.

THE HEADMASTER COMMENTED… “I am delighted that Kingswood students continue to achieve so impressively, and all the more so given the number of subjects this year for whom it was the first year of the new, tougher examinations. Academic results are, of course, only one component of the all-round education to which Kingswood is committed, but it is terrific to see our many gifted all-rounders achieving such brilliant academic results”.

...it is terrific to see our many gifted all-rounders achieving such brilliant academic results.

Angus Batchelor, one of this year’s successful Oxbridge candidates, whose excellent results secured him a place to read Natural Sciences at Cambridge.

KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18 | ACADEMIC

PRIZE GIVING 2018 It is such a privilege to be involved in the Prize Giving celebrations at the end of the academic year.

uch events are so important: the maelstrom of school life can sometimes lead us to take for granted the many superb qualities of our young people, and therefore Prize Giving is when we are able to stand back and recognise the fine academic achievements of many of our pupils. This year it was particularly special for me to be a part of this event - my first as a member of the Kingswood community. The event itself had all the hallmarks of what I have come to learn is part of the Kingswood ethos: dignity, respect, humility and pride. One of the lovely elements of the ceremony is that we seek to separately recognise both academic attainment and effort. I think this is great. It is absolutely right, of course, that we celebrate those pupils who have excelled academically. All of Kingswood’s pupils would be considered, by most measures, to be above the ‘national average’, and so it is particularly notable when some stand out from the rest for exceptional academic achievements, more impressive given that they are also juggling the many other commitments that help make us the vibrant community we strive

to be. It is right, therefore, to celebrate these young people, and recognise their excellence. That being said, it is also wonderful, I think, that each academic subject also nominates a pupil in each year group who has gone ‘above and beyond’ in their effort, irrespective of academic outcomes. Many of these pupils also achieve highly, which should come as no surprise given the relationship between effort and achievement, but these awards seek to acknowledge that, for some, high achievement does not always come easily. It was a very hot day indeed, and I was thankful that the Headmaster did not insist that those of us on stage wore a jacket and gown! Impressively, the pupils and guests coped with the conditions, and sustained their attention and supportive applause throughout.

We were greatly honoured to be joined by Governor, Mrs Katie Pillinger, to help us award the prizes – a fitting tribute to the many wonderful contributions that she has made to the life of this School. As usual, the event was punctuated with additional items, connected with academic study, but also individual celebrations of the way in which our pupils pursue their academic interests beyond the normal timetable. To start, Menina Nightingale read to us her fabulous short story, ‘Lies Hid from Men’, which was taken from the 201718 edition of the School’s short story anthology, itself a document celebrating the talents of many of our budding writers, and the importance of creative writing to the School. Later, we were treated to a musical item by Senior Chorister Elsbeth Overeynder - a version of ‘High’ by The Lighthouse Family, a choice that felt particularly apt for those pupils who were nearing the end of their time at Kingswood. Continuing the musical theme, Upper Sixth Leaver, Oliver Parry, also sang, this time ‘Sea Feaver’ by John Ireland, another song that appropriately reflects on the future. We also celebrated dramatic achievement. Miss Kenny and Mr Francis had collaborated to produce a video which captured

ACADEMIC | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18

all of the Drama highlights of the year, and we were reminded of the many wonderful successes, including fantastic senior and junior productions of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and Bugsy Malone, alongside a number of brilliant exam and scholars’ performances. We are rightly proud of the quality of the drama at Kingswood, and this video served to highlight the wonderful array of acting, and supporting, talent in our pupil body. We reconvened in the afternoon to continue our celebration of academic achievement in the School’s Final Assembly, in which prizes are awarded to Upper Sixth pupils only - an opportunity to particularly celebrate this special group on their final day at Kingswood. Again, we recognised those who had achieved particularly highly, and also those who had demonstrated the work ethic and determination to succeed throughout the year. The prizes were interspersed with even more creative talent: Viky Shen’s video documenting the development of a piece of her GCSE art was an excellent way for the artists to show their true colours, and this was underscored by a music composition entitled ‘Regression’ by Gabriel Montefiore-Vita. I was struck by the originality and maturity of both pieces of work, and felt that the combination of the two was a real celebration of the artistic community at Kingswood.

...all the hallmarks of the Kingswood ethos: dignity, respect, humility and pride. Our Principal Musicians, Alice Kennedy and Anna Rowland, performed for a final time and showcased their particular talents in their version of ‘Use Somebody’ by the Kings of Leon. This was followed by a video showcasing the many musical events that had taken place through the year. Again, I was struck by the vast array of musical

experiences we had enjoyed, but also the depth of the musical community at Kingswood. All that remained was to say farewell to those who were leaving us. It was a particular privilege to bid farewell to long-standing colleagues: Mr Hills, Mr Forrester and, particularly, Mrs Jenner, who between them had served the School for a combined total of 54 years, as well as other colleagues who were moving to new pastures. Mrs Jenner seized the opportunity to engage the entire room in a musical dance to the song ‘Longitude, Latitude’, which involved giant pipe cleaners and synchronised bobbing. I think it had something to do with Geography, but unfortunately I was too distracted with managing to balance my pipe cleaner headgear to take in any new geographical information. There is even photographic evidence that the Headmaster participated in this with great gusto! It was a fitting conclusion to Mrs Jenner’s time at Kingswood, in that it captured in a moment her infectious enthusiasm, and joy for teaching that has inspired so many pupils through the years. I am only sorry that I didn’t have the chance to spend more time working alongside her before she retired. We finished with the Deputy and Head Boy and Girl speeches. We often look to our most senior pupils to showcase all that is great about

the pupil body here at Kingswood, and this year Grace Tyrrell and Archie Smith particularly spoke with great maturity, poise and humility as they reflected on their time at their School, well-supported by Jasper Davis and Natasha Thornton. It was clear that these young people had a deep love and affection for this community, and that they would carry wonderful memories forward into life after Kingswood. My particular congratulations go to all the academic prize winners, and those who were awarded the other Special Prizes that seek to celebrate more than just academic achievement or endeavour. Phoebe Hill and Kit Marrack were awarded the ‘Heart of Westwood Prize’, something reserved for pupils in Year 8 who have made a substantial contribution to the life of Westwood House. This prize, for me, felt particularly significant. Whilst a large proportion of Prize Giving is dedicated, quite rightly, to those pupils who are soon to leave us, it was a particular privilege to celebrate those who will follow in their footsteps. The great privilege of Prize Giving, I think, is to recognise that each generation of young people is seeking to emulate the successes of those that have gone before, and in so doing, sustain Kingswood’s wonderful legacy.

Mr John M. Davies (Deputy Head Academic)

KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18 | ACADEMIC

UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS NAME

COURSE

INSTITUTION

Charlie Aaron Matilda (Tilly) Baines William Barnes Angus Batchelor Rupert Bayliss Mikhail (Misha) Bazarov Charlotte Bendrey Georgina (Georgie) Blackmore Henry Brearey Charlotte Brooke Alfie Brooks Zoe Brown Sid Brunt Eve Burch Catherine (Katie) Butterworth Rose Buxton Fai Shuen (Jasmine) Chan Kei Kei (Natalie) Chan Leong Tung (Easton) Chan Chun Kwok (Aves) Cheung Medha Chhetri Kei Tsun (Matthew) Choy Lea Conze James Craig Issy Crane Thomas (Tom) Craven Thomas (Tom) Cronchey Brendan Curran Alex Dale Jasper Davis Thomas (Tom) Deverell Conor Devlin-Cook Andrei Dinu Charlotte Fillis Louise Fisher India Folker Theodore (Theo) Gammie Leah Noa Gencheva Skyla Godwin-Rowland Elen (Elie) Gould Ellie Gould Madeleine (Maddie) Greenway Anan Gurung Katherine (Kate) Hall Oliver Hall Maximilian (Max) Harris James Hatherell Emily Hill Isobel (Izzy) Hirsch Harry Hodges Ella Holmes Eleanor (Ellie) Jackson Oliver Jenkins Nicholas (Nick) Johncox Benjamin (Ben) Juliano Elizabeth (Lillie) Keith Jack Kelly Alice Kennedy John Kenny Harry Kerrison Charles (Charlie) Knight Rostislav Kravchenko Ka Yan (Michelle) Leung Wing Sze (Kelly) Leung Sula Levitt Jessica (Jess) Lindsay Jo Ken Liu Alexander (Al) Mackenzie Neve Matthews Niamh McCarthy James McLeod Phoebe Meadowcroft Oliver Millichap-Merrick

Mechanical with Automotive Engineering Gap Year Gap Year Gap Year; Natural Sciences Human Geography and Environment Chemistry Art Foundation Archaeology & Ancient History (Integrated) Philosophy Creative Writing Gap Year; Business Studies Gap Year; Product Design Gap Year Modern Languages Studies in Science with Foundation Year Gap Year; Politics and International Studies Psychology with Education Studies Actuarial Science Medicine Economics and Mathematics Geography (Human) Economics Fashion International Management & French Gap Year Economics Gap Year Economics Gap Year Art Foundation Gap Year; Population and Geography Gap Year; Drama Architecture Gap Year; Sport Management Gap Year Media with Foundation Year Gap Year; Architecture Modern Languages Gap Year English Gap Year; Business and Marketing Management Gap Year Design Engineering Gap Year; Sports Science and Physiology Economics Gap Year Audio and Music Technology Gap Year Gap Year Gap Year Art Foundation Law Gap Year Gap Year International Business Gap Year Business Economics Gap Year Gap Year; Strength and Conditioning Gap Year Gap Year; Geography Economics Social Policy with Government Business and Management Gap Year; English Psychology Automotive Engineering Gap Year Gap Year; Spanish Gap Year Mechanical Engineering inc. Year in Industry Nursing Child Branch Gap Year; Real Estate

University of Bath

University of Cambridge University of York Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College, University of London Cardiff University Cardiff University York St John University Bournemouth University Cardiff Metropolitan University University of Portsmouth University of Leeds University of Warwick University of Warwick City, University of London Cardiff University University of Bristol Cardiff University UCL, University of London ESMOD Fashion Design School, Paris University of Bath Oxford Brookes University University of Exeter

University of Southampton University of Exeter UCL, University of London Cardiff Metropolitan University York St John University Oxford Brookes University University of Exeter University of York Oxford Brookes University University of East London University of Leeds University of Exeter University of the West of England

Oxford Brookes University

Florida Southern College Cardiff University Plymouth Marjon University University of Oxford Queen Mary, University of London LSE, University of London University of Kent University of Sussex University of Nottingham Loughborough University University of Bristol University of Nottingham University of Southampton Liverpool John Moores University

ACADEMIC | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18

NAME

COURSE

INSTITUTION

Alan (Gregor) Morton Finlay (Fin) Moss Rory Murchison Sebastien (Seb) Nicastro Chizaram (Zary) Nwakodo Gracie Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Mahony Anais Osborne Rebecca Ousby Elsbeth (Elsie) Overeynder Helena (Hellie) Painter Anna Parker James Parker Oliver Parry Lauren Parsons Cormac Paul Oliver (Ollie) Penney Isobel (Izzy) Pope Kiana Portman Miles Pulley Charles (Charlie) Roberts Charles (Charlie) Robinson Emily Rothery Laura Rouffiac Anna Rowland James (Jamie) Rowley Thomas (Tom) Royston Alice Rutter-Eley Yemi Sawyerr Edward (Ed) Sealy Archie Smith Kai Lok (Charles) So Hannah Spratt Patricija Starkovskyte Anna Street Cheuk Kin (Eason) Sung Adam Tappin Henry (Harry) Taylor Karyna Ter-Tumasova Max Thompson William (Will) Thompson Natasha Thornton Alexander (Alex) Tolenaar Timothy (Tim) Turek Grace Tyrrell Hannah Whitehead Alexia Williams Abigail (Abi) Wylie Zoltan Yasin Sarah Yates Peishi (Selene) Zhang Leyan (Krystal) Zheng

Philosophy and Politics Gap Year; Business & Management Mechanical Engineering Aeropace Engineering Pharmacy Gap Year Biological Sciences Biomedical Sciences Osteopathy Liberal Arts with Study Abroad Mechanical Engineering Economics with a Year in Business Gap Year Law with Spanish Gap Year Sport and Exercise Sciences Gap Year; Sport and Exercise Science Events Management Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence Gap Year; Mechanical Engineering Physics Geology and Physical Geography Archaeology and Anthropology Music Gap Year Business Management with Placement Year Mechanical Engineering with Industrial Year Medicine Gap Year; Agriculture Gap Year Engineering (Mechanical) Spanish and English Literature Art Foundation Gap Year; Psychology with Sport Science Pharmacy History Gap Year Mathematics and Physics Gap Year; Psychology Economics International Relations Biological Sciences Mechanical Engineering with Foundation Year Gap Year English Literature and History Apprenticeship, Rolls-Royce Psychology Gap Year Events Management Fashion Jewellery Management

University of Edinburgh University of Exeter University of Exeter University of Surrey University of Birmingham

University of Lincoln University of the Arts, London LSE, University of London

Business Management Politics with International Relations Business Management/Geography Geography (Human) History Politics and Philosophy History Sport and Exercise Science Arabic and Islamic Studies Marketing with Placement History International Relations and Politics Geography (Human and Physical) Psychology Mathematics, Op. Research, Statistics, Econ. Architecture Geography Computer Science with a Year in Industry Design for Digital Media English Literature and Creative Writing International Business Marketing Management (Placement) Product Design

University of Sussex University of York Oxford Brookes University University of Reading University of Edinburgh LSE, University of London University of Sussex Oxford Brookes University University of Exeter University of Southampton University of Exeter Cardiff University University of Reading University of Plymouth University of Warwick Cardiff University Newcastle University Royal Holloway, University of London University of Brighton University of Warwick Loughborough University Manchester Metropolitan University Bournemouth University

University of Exeter Newcastle University Plymouth Marjon University University of Exeter Imperial College, University of London Royal Holloway, University of London University of Buckingham University of Leeds Oxford Brookes University Leeds Beckett University University of Leeds University of Leeds University of Bristol University of Birmingham University of Bristol Royal Northern College of Music Cardiff University University of Birmingham Cardiff University Harper Adams University UCL, University of London University of Edinburgh University of Exeter UCL, University of London University of Oxford University of Edinburgh University of Leeds Cardiff University University of York University of Warwick Swansea University Durham University Cardiff University

POST A LEVEL APPLICANTS Archie Armitt-Goddard Charlotte Bean Isabelle (Issy) Broom Rory Crowther Angus Forbes-Cable Harvey Goodliffe Thea Guy Joseph (Joe) Han-Hauser Freya Jones Jake Lewis Cameron McFadyen William Moorey Jasper Norman Charles (Charlie) Patterson Thomas (Tommy) Phillips James (Jim) Pope Sabrina Robley Matthew Rodger Poppy Roper Flora Stone Joe Tait Harrison (Harry) Warne Kate Woodcock

KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18 | ACADEMIC

ENGLISH:

SHORT STORY ANTHOLOGY 2018 marked two hundred years since the birth of Emily Brontë, whose most famous work (and only published novel) is Wuthering Heights, a narrative that charts a stormy, passionate love.

rontë is also known for her atmospheric, brooding poetry. Brontë grew up in West Yorkshire, and clearly the dark, sometimes tempestuous atmosphere of this location also influenced her significantly. To honour this anniversary, selected Kingswood students were invited to write stories in any genre, but with titles taken from either Wuthering Heights or one of Emily Brontë’s poems. The narratives that were inspired by this brief captured the darkness and intensity that was so prominent in Brontë’s work.

Artwork by Luke Phillips

Artwork by Emma Askew

In total, 53 pupils from Years 7 to 13 contributed pieces to the anthology, and 4 also contributed illustrations. Lottie Brooke (Year 13), Kingswood’s Writer in Residence, contributed a piece, as well as providing enthusiasm, efficiency and meticulous proof-reading skills. A launch evening was held in July, at which the following short stories were read by their authors: ‘I Remained in the Dark’ by Naomi Waheed (Year 9); ‘Rejoice for Those that Live’ by Rose Bates (Year 9);

‘Nature’s Sad Reality’ by Poppy Freeman (Year 10); ‘Existence, After Losing Her, Would Be Hell’ by Lucy Bean (Year 12); ‘I Remembered the Eyes’ by Izzy Evans (Year 7); ‘An Early Ride on Such a Beautiful Morning Is Much Preferable to an Hour’s More Sleep’ by Max Lister (Year 12); ‘A Single Wish’ by Numa Tumbahangphe (Year 11); ‘Why, Because the Dazzling Sun’ by Josephine Learoyd (Year 12).

Miss Charlotte Wormald (Teacher of English)

ACADEMIC AN EXTRACT FROM, ‘YOUR LOVE WILL MAKE HIM A BEGGAR AND AN OUTCAST’ BY LOTTIE BROOKE YEAR 13 (WRITER IN RESIDENCE)

“What have you done with my husband?” She had questioned me accusingly before I’d even fully opened the door. Granted, he was asleep on my couch behind the easel I’d just been sat at, but it wasn’t as if I spent my weekends on her front lawn. He always sought me, not the other way around. Her ardent effort to condemn

me brought a wave of laughter to my lips, threatening to break as she tried to appear dominant. They always enjoyed feeling like they had power over me. Instead of letting it loose, I had dragged on my cigarette, sizing her up as I slowly exhaled my smoke towards her. Leaning against the doorframe, I began to smirk, whilst my fingers played with a loose thread from my underwear. I was

ACADEMIC | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18

EFL:

LIBRARY:

This year, Kingswood hosted the 12th ‘International Student Voice’ speaking contest.

In November, Kingswood hosted the South West Regional Heat of the Kid’s Lit Quiz.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT VOICE CONTEST

he contest is open to pupils with English as a second language, who have been at a British school for less than two years, requiring them to talk about a subject of their choice for between two and three minutes. There were two competitions: Junior (pupils in Years 7 – 10) and Senior (pupils in Years 11 – 13). This year’s competition was as fiercely contested as ever, with pupils delivering speeches on a range of interesting topics. All students acquitted themselves well, and displayed a great deal of courage in standing up in front of peers and teachers to deliver speeches in their second language. Kingswood entered two speakers in the Junior competition. Moto Chaiwongkiat spoke fluently about why he is such a keen photographer, and Phoebe Leung delivered an excellent speech about what Anime has taught her about life, in which she spoke fluently, while at the same time using impressive technical vocabulary. This excellent effort bagged her the Runner-up prize in this competition. The Senior competition was won by Rin Watanabe, who delivered an outstanding speech about how Japanese culture deals with the issue of litter. Rin spoke confidently, and was able to add humour to her speech - particularly challenging to achieve in a second language.

KIDS’ LIT QUIZ

eams of four competed for a place in the National Final in London, and a great day of literary quizzing was had by all. Kingswood was represented by Year 8 pupils, Florence Burton, Lola Gulotti, Rachel Bedding and Sophie Parobek, who came a very impressive second place out of fifteen teams.

...a great day literary quizzing was had by all.

ENRICHMENT hardly dressed; what more could be expected when I’d been busy painting and wasn’t expecting guests? “Oh, honey, I’m quite sure I don’t know what you m –” “Yes, you do. I watched him come up here with you.” ***

Ah yes, him. I should’ve ended it with him the moment he mentioned his wife, that first moment he became vulnerable. He’s begun to doubt himself and doubt has never been a good thing when it comes to these matters. I barely understand why it has continued so fervently between us. It isn’t as if he is valuable, nor is he the first, but without wishing to appear

clichéd, he had this amazing innocence. There really is no other way to describe it than innocence, as if he had no idea that he was no longer a child, that he no longer needed taking care of. It was both infuriating and beautiful; this man had somehow escaped the throes of toxic masculinity I so often have to face, and desired my attention more than he longed for my body.

KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18 | ACADEMIC

MFL:

UK LINGUISTICS OLYMPIAD

n February, over 50 pupils took part in the Linguistics Olympiad - a rigorous over 2-hour examination that involved decoding previously unseen language. Many of the best schools in the country take part in this annual event, which is exceptionally challenging.

MFL:

ROUTES INTO LANGUAGES COMPETITION

In March, MFL pupils took part in the annual Routes into Languages speaking competition.

he event is a speaking competition for pupils from KS3, KS4 and KS5, and consists of students giving a two minute presentation in a foreign language that they are either native or near-native in. KS3 and KS4 pupils give presentations on topics such as ‘My Holidays,’ ‘My Dream,’ or ‘My Hobbies,’ whilst Sixth Form pupils have an open field from which to choose. This experience is a really enriching one for all involved, and it is no mean feat standing in front of over 100 of your peers and giving a presentation in a foreign language!

The following Kingswood pupils deserve recognition: ADVANCED LEVEL: Henry McBraida - Gold (awarded to top 5% nationally); Rin Watanabe - Bronze INTERMEDIATE LEVEL: Lottie Davis (with highest mark in school) and Alban Sankaran - Bronze FOUNDATION LEVEL: Rose Bates, Elli Duke, Max Waring (with highest mark in school), Lizzie Wylie - Silver; Grace Asplin, Rose Betts, Izzy Canham, Max Gooding, Alex Kellagher, Jonny Lester, Finn Morris, Oscar Power, Mia Randolph, Isabella Zhang - Bronze.

The following pupils participated and excelled in their presentations: Andrei Dinu, Issy Crane, Nathan Bode, Leyla Aysan, Lara Chalkley, Lottie Davis, Precious Lee, Georgina Charlesworth and Alex Kellagher. Leyla gained 1st place in her category, whilst Lara came 2nd.

COMMONWEALTH DAY In March, four Year 11 pupils were invited to the Guildhall to attend a reception for young people from Commonwealth nations.

e met the Right Worshipful Mayor of Bath, and learnt a lot about the mayoralty, before hearing a short talk from Mr Godfrey Hall, the chairman of the Royal Commonwealth Society (Bath & District). Finally, we had a photo opportunity with the Mayor in his official parlour - a place where people like Buzz Aldrin and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II have stood. An eye-opening experience!

Alix Keates (Year 11)

ACADEMIC | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18

COMPUTER SCIENCE: HACK JAM In May, the Computer Science Department held their first ever Hack Jam, in which 66 students from Years 7 to 10 took part.

he event teamed up people with different skill-sets to explore an interesting challenge and collaboratively build something new. All students engaged well with the task, and it was excellent to see the independence that they worked with, and how well team dynamics operated. Students were required to design a solution to a problem using a BBC microbit, and then develop a prototype. A wide range of potential products were considered including: • An alarm clock for an igloo • A dog head shaking measurement tool which could be used in research • A tool to tell Trump when his red nuclear button is ready to press • A musical instrument pitch measurement tool • A tool to alert people when their phone is in the wash (although it would be too late by the time the alert was sent since the damage would have been done). • A temperature gauge for outside a submarine Students initially took part in a game which generated a range of ideas from which they chose the solution they would prototype. Teams then had an hour and a half to develop their prototype and write some sample code. There was a great level of effort and engagement from every single student during all phases of the event.

Mr Gareth Edgell (Head of Computer Science)

Teams were judged for their creativity, team-working and problem-solving skills. Winners were as follows: 3RD PLACE:

‘The Flat Earthers’ (Sam Bernstein, Avyash Rana and Jonah Heal) ‘Microblasters’ (Alex Read, Marcus Brend and Charlie Harden)

2ND PLACE:

‘Sons of Edgell’ (Connor Neary, Luke Mullock and Rohan Chhantyal) ‘TiggySophie’ (Tiggy Pollard and Sophie Farmer) ‘Tortoises’ (Rufus Sokell Thompson, Lola Gulotti and Elliot Fallows)

1ST PLACE:

‘Team Logic’ (Oscar Bankes, Joe Watt and Oliver Brown) ‘Bumble Beavers’ (Will Farmer, Alex Sedcole and Zac Hale)

KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18 | ACADEMIC

CAREERS: YOUNG ENTERPRISE

In the Summer term, all Year 8 students took part in Young Enterprise morning.

hey were immersed in workshops to develop their employability skills, and also heard testimonials from experts working in different sectors within industry. These included: Lloyds Banking, the MOD, Kier, Aviva and KPMG.

Each team of students began by carefully assessing the relative strengths of their team mates, before collaboratively designing a new shoe business, focusing on pricing and branding. Working closely with their industry mentors, each team developed a catchy brand and novel shoe design, and rehearsed a one-minute pitch. In this small amount of time, teams had to communicate their product and business concept to students and judges. The teams all produced high-calibre pitches covering a wide variety of shoe concepts, and the judges had a difficult time deciding who was worthy of the awards for Innovation, Team Work, Marketing and Strength of Delivery. Many teams were highly commended, but the winners were ‘Team Schwifty’ for their unique, gender-neutral shoe. The members were: Rachel Bedding, Rory Bushell, Hari Master, Fraser Riddoch and Olivia Websper.

SUSTAINABILITY: YOUTH CLIMATE SUMMIT

In February, a group of 12 students attended the 10th annual Youth Climate Summit.

he group listened to thought-provoking talks from speakers such as author and BBC TV producer Stephen Moss, John O’Malley from the Orang-utan Appeal UK, and a representative from Tinker’s Bubble, a fullysustainable community in Somerset. In addition, there were many interactive workshops, including ‘City to Sea’, a company planning to reduce plastic waste, and environmental photographer and artist Andy Hughes. Of course there was also an all-time favourite - the raw chocolate making workshop. Lunch was provided courtesy of Christine’s Sustainable Supermarket, before a summary session in which we collated everything we had learned. The day ended with a ‘Pledge Session’ in which we, as school representatives, came up with

the following three points to help Kingswood better address sustainability: • • •

Reducing plastic waste in areas of our school; Supporting the orang-utan organisation by sponsorship; Encouraging environmental photography to raise pupil awareness.

In 6 months these pledges will be sent to us, and we shall see what we have achieved.

Alix Keates & Menina Nightingale (Year 11)

ACADEMIC | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18

SCIENCE: BIOLOGY OLYMPIADS Lower Sixth Biologists took part in the National Intermediate Biology Olympiad, in which a total of 5,600 students from all over the country took part. COMMENDED:

Bella Bird, An Nabeshima, Ben Narbett, Zoe King

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Daisy Dai, Harriet Mohr, Lily Palmer, Alice Spratt GOLD MEDAL:

Daniel Greenslade

Upper Sixth Biologists took part in the National Senior Biology Olympiad, along with over 7,800 students from other schools. COMMENDED:

Misha Bazarov

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Jasmine Chan, AnaÃ¯s Osborne BRONZE MEDAL:

Max Harris, Zary Nwakodo

SILVER MEDAL:

Natalie Chan, Cormac Paul, Archie Smith

GOLD MEDAL (awarded to the top 6.5% of participants): Angus Batchelor

MATHEMATICS: UK MATHS CHALLENGE Throughout the year, Kingswood Mathematicians have sat Maths Challenge Papers, set by the UK Mathematics Trust. Once again, Kingswood experienced much success in these events. At Senior Level, 28 pupils achieved Gold, Silver or Bronze awards. At Intermediate Level, 31 pupils achieved the same, and at Junior Level this number was 52. Superb success for Kingswood Mathematicians! Those achieving Gold awards were as follows: SENIOR: Jenny Ainsworth, Daisy Dai, Rory Murchison, An Nabeshima, Rin Watanabe, Jason Wong, Krystal Zheng INTERMEDIATE: Marcus Brend, Holly Guy, Charlie Harden, Dima Mai, Tomiwo Owoseje, Oliver Tonge

BIOLOGY CHALLENGE 45 Year 9 students completed this national competition in which over 43,000 students took part. Kingswood pupils did very well. 8 students were Commended, 10 Highly Commended, and 14 achieved Bronze Medals. In addition, the following achieved Silver or Gold: SILVER MEDAL:

Evelyn Bradley, Phoebe Hall, Alex Kellagher, Alex Sedcole, Max Waring

GOLD MEDAL:

Lizzie Wylie

JUNIOR: Grace Asplin, Emily Hirsch, Hannah King, Kit Marrack, Oscar Power, Louis Record, Andy Wang.

KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18 | HOUSES

Year 8 & Tutors

WESTWOOD HOUSE (LOWER SCHOOL) Heart of Westwood

Boardersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Activity

South Africa Exchange

HOUSES | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18

House Music Competition

Wyvern Boarding Award

KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18 | HOUSES

FONTHILL HOUSE As always, Fonthill thrived this year in a variety of areas, most notably in our display of exceptional House spirit.

Medha

Hellie

o start off the year on a high, we ‘broke the system’ by bringing home, for the second consecutive year, the title for the House Music competition. With our partner, Hall House, our performance of ‘Holding out for a Hero’ was truly a huge group effort, and all those who took part should be incredibly proud. Other memorable moments included much laughter on the ice rink in the rain at Christmas, the Fonthill fairies ‘flying’ round the Cross Country course in the Spring term, and very competitive but good natured inter-year tug-ofwar battles in our Summer term House entertainment! Fonthill girls threw themselves into all House events, whether as competitors or supporters, with many offering to step in at the last minute, even if out of their comfort zone. We feel Fonthill House should be awarded a Gold Medal for Endeavour and Enthusiasm, even if this year we haven’t had the opportunity to lift many trophies. On top of school work and extra-curricular activities, the girls got working as Santa’s little helpers (especially the boarders) in the Autumn term for the annual candy cane sale. Through their tireless efforts, the girls raised over £1,700 in aid of Sands (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death charity) and the Kenyan Restart Centre. In addition to continuing to sponsor two boys’ education, our money this year was used to fund a visit by two students from the Centre.

Lillie

We all enjoyed meeting Sandra and Julius, and were humbled by their extraordinarily positive approach, given their devastatingly sad backgrounds

and starts in life. Throughout the past year, the Fonthill girls came out in force to show off their creative talents in the areas of Drama, Music, Art and DT. This year’s Senior Production, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe involved many Fonthill girls including Sula Levitt, as older sister Susan, and Year 11s Meg Scott and Alexandra ForbesCable who managed the difficult task of making the life-sized Aslan puppet come to life, winning them

who was awarded Best in Show for her phenomenal artwork in the Art and DT Summer Exhibition. Mr Chua and Miss Wright have provided yet another year of fantastic opportunities for our boarders, starting the year off well with the Year 9 and 12 camping trip, and the Year 13 boarders’ university cooking course. Throughout the year, the boarders have also had the opportunity to go on a number of trips including Thorpe Park, the Swindon Outlet Centre and Bournemouth Beach, and practise their baking skills in the annual Boarders’ Bake Off competition. They also supported Julian House in their Circuit of Bath walk, and again in the sleep-out. This busy year has shown how much Fonthill has engaged in all areas of school life, and from both

Fonthill House should be awarded a Gold Medal for Endeavour and Enthusiasm. a KATS nomination. It was lovely to see so many Year 9s on stage in the Junior Production, ‘Bugsy Malone’, including Tara WynneEdwards’ impressive debut Drama role as Blousey Brown. The Music Department has also seen plenty of participation from Fonthill this year in multiple concerts and recitals throughout the terms. Green Park Station proved very popular again, with Zoe Brown, Ellie Gould and many more girls giving outstanding performances. Furthermore, Fonthill has a range of incredible artists across all year groups, but a special mention must go to Maddy Attwood,

of us we would like to thank each of the girls and the staff for making our last year so enjoyable and memorable. We would also like to give a special thanks to fellow ‘leavers’ Miss Brookes and Miss Chapman for all their contributions to the House, and we wish them the very best for their futures. We know the House is in very good hands for next year, and hope that Fonthill continues to demonstrate its fantastic House spirit!

Medha Chhetri and Hellie Painter (Head and Deputy Head of House, Fonthill House)

HOUSES | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18

KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18 | HOUSES

HALL HOUSE We welcomed a record number of new students to the house in September. Along with the twenty boys coming up from Westwood to join the Hall family, we also had nine new boarders.

Easton

Jamie

t did not take long for the boys to feel part of the house, largely thanks to our success on the first weekend when we retained the House Music crown that we had won with the girls from Fonthill in 2016. Can we be the first house to win such a prestigious competition three years in a row? The Autumn term kept everyone busy and new friendships were forged and old friendships rekindled as the boys shared many experiences. It has become a tradition for the Year 13 boys and girls from Hall and Fonthill to go out for a meal together in September, this year to Pizza Express. Such social occasions are what really helps create the bonds that last

throughout the years, and House Entertainment at the end of each term also contributes. As with previous years, just John prior to the Christmas break we went ice skating and then on to Jimmyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s World Grill. We competed against each other in a Dodgeball tournament in March, and then played in a series of fun games on inflatables accompanied by a barbecue prior to breaking up for the summer. We are lucky to be able to share such events with our sister house, Fonthill. Of course, there is always plenty of competition throughout the year, and this is usually where the boys get serious! There was a valiant effort from the Year 9 and 10 boys in the House Rugby competitions, but Middle proved to be the strongest house in this sport. However, come the Spring and Summer terms we were able to exact our revenge. Our

Year 9 Hockey team, superbly lead by Rob Wilson, managed to overcome the pre-tournament favourites, Middle, to win, as did the Year 10 boys in an exciting penalty shootout. The Cross Country was notable for a superb run from Mr Smith who used it as training for his 100 mile run along the Dorset coast in April â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the man is a machine! At the end of the year the boys participated in the Senior Sports Day and not only won it but also created several new records. Probably the most notable of these was the Intermediate Boys 4 x 100 relay team who broke a record that had stood since the 1950s. We were exceptionally proud of Nicholas Baines, Matthew Vaughan, Harry Maskell and Gustav Asamoah-Bondzie for their amazing achievement: long may this new record stand. Away from sport, there was much for the boys to do, and it never ceases to amaze me what talent we have not just in Hall but in the whole school. James Hatherell gave a sterling performance as Peter in the senior production of The Lion, the

HOUSES | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18

Witch and the Wardrobe and later in the year we were able to celebrate many successes in the annual KATS awards. Those of us lucky enough to go to Green Park saw Tim Turek provide us with one of the most memorable performances ever seen there when he sang the Bill Withers classic ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ whilst accompanying himself on guitar. At the annual Art and Design Awards exhibition, we were proud to see Gold Medal awards for Jamie Rowley and Edward Sealy, and numerous other fantastic exhibits from Hall boys.

We are lucky to be able to share such events with our sister house, Fonthill. I would like to personally thank the Year 13 boys in the house who helped things run so smoothly this year – all the House prefects but in particular, Easton Chan, Jamie Rowley and John Kenny. This year saw us introduce a new award titled Hall House Hero, for the person who epitomises everything we look for in a Hall House man – reliability, honesty, dedication, perseverance and the ability to regularly set a good example for others to follow. It was a unanimous decision that the inaugural winner of this award should be Rupert Bayliss. Obviously, we wish the very best of luck to all our leavers, but 2017 – 2018 will also be known as the year that Mr Forrester moved on from his role as Resident Assistant House master to oversee EAL at Rugby International School, Thailand. He has been a great support to the house, and we all wish him and his family well in what I am sure will be a great adventure for them all. He will be missed by the boys, especially the boarders. Thanks for everything you have done, Foz!

Mr Darrell Harding (Senior Housemaster, Hall House)

KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18 | HOUSES

MIDDLE HOUSE A great year, and amazing to think what has been packed into it.

Gregor

Rory

he house has undergone quite a transition this year, as we said goodbye to Mr and Mrs Matthews. They were here for 8 years as house parents, but thankfully have only moved next door to Summerhill. At Christmas, we also said goodbye to Mr Thomas, who left to take up a new teaching position in Pembrokeshire. Mrs Smyth and myself would like to thank all these staff on behalf of the boys in Middle for all they contributed to the house, but also on a personal level for aiding our transition into our new role in Middle. Mr Webb joined the house in January to replace Mr Thomas as the Assistant House Master, and he has been a great addition. The boys have certainly benefited from his time and care, as well as his barbequing skills! We of course also welcomed a number of new Year 9s in to the house, and they settled in well. The academic year and Autumn term started as usual with the House Music Competition, and it was the first chance for Gregor Morton, Anan Gurung and Rory Murchison to display their leadership qualities. They worked closely with their Summerhill counterparts to prepare some musical numbers, perhaps the highlight being William Barnes, Al Mackenzie and Henry Brearey performing ‘Three Wise Men.’ It was also an important term for many of the Middle boys involved in rugby teams at various age groups. We had a large contingent involved in a very successful 1st XV team, and many were awarded their full colours at the end of the season.

A special mention should be made to Jack Kelly who won the Player of the Season Award, and went on to represent the England Lambs. Anan Towards the end of the term we were treated to a superb production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe with Conor Devlin-Cook superb in the role of Edmund. In the Spring term, the boarders took part in the Bake Off, and won the dessert prize with their Japanese cheesecake. Unfortunately, in the

of Music examinations, as did Gabriel Vita and James Wong. Ten Tors and DofE were also a big part of the final term, and Middle boys made up a significant number of the final Ten Tors teams. We also contributed much to the Summer sport programme, and from a house perspective we did very well to win the Junior Swimming competition, with Freddie Baker and Marcus Brend starring here. At the end of the term we had the opportunity to say goodbye to our leavers, and Gregor spoke very eloquently during the final house assembly. His final message of ‘inspire through example’ is one that will hopefully ring in the ears

‘inspire through example’... will hopefully ring in the ears of future Middle House men. inclement Spring weather, the Bath Half was cancelled, but Middle students Alfie Brooks, Thomas Deverell, Theo Gammie, Harvey Brooks and Charlie Knight still ran the course. Alfie went on to run the Madrid Marathon alongside Middle old boy, Charlie Webb, and in the process raised over £10,000 for Cancer Research. We were also well represented in other sports teams, with Ben Narbett captaining the Boys’ Cross Country team, and Henry Brearey captaining the 1st XI Hockey team. Charlie Knight impressed in the House Cross Country by winning the Senior Boys’ race. During the Summer term, our musicians got to showcase their talents at the Green Park concert, and Tomiwo Owoseje was a particular highlight. Colby Chu also went on to achieve great things in his Associated Board Royal School

of future Middle House men. I also would like to wish all of the Middle House leavers the best of luck, and please do remember that you are always welcome to come and visit.

Mr Steve Smyth (Senior Housemaster, Middle House)

HOUSES | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18

KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18 | HOUSES

SUMMERHILL HOUSE This year it has been great to see how the girls have fully immersed themselves in the school community, and the House spirit they have shown; we most definitely followed one of our house mottos: ‘Win with Respect, Lose with Dignity.’

Rebecca

India

he Autumn term started off with House Music, in which Summerhill and Middle performed a rousing rendition of ‘Like a Prayer.’ We also had the Inter-House Hockey, in which the girls played competitively and with enthusiasm at all levels. Even though we did not come out as winners, the girls threw themselves in and had great fun competing. The Upper Sixth girls enjoyed their prefects’ meal, all tutor groups ate croissants during their tutorials for ‘Breakfast Club,’ and we finished the year with ‘Festive Fun and Games’. The boarders enjoyed their Summerhill ‘Christmas Day,’ which

saw them opening homemade stockings, preparing lunch, having a visit from Santa, and even real snow! The girls spent Sarah the term putting together shoe boxes of items for the Genesis Trust, which they then delivered. They also raised money for the Trust by organising a ‘silly sock’ day in school, co-ordinated by Charlotte Brooke. The Spring term saw lots more snow, and the girls thoroughly enjoyed the time they had sledging and sweeping the school grounds! The House competed to a high standard in the Inter-House Netball, with the Senior A team narrowly losing to School House. Cross Country saw five of the top fifteen finishers in the Junior race from Summerhill, with Lizzie White winning the Seniors by a clear margin. In the Boarders Bake

Off, we won the ‘Best Cake’ award with the YouTube themed cake the Year 10 and 11s made. The term finished with an Easter Egg Hunt, in which some good hiding was done by the Upper Sixth. The evening ended with some tuneful karaoke! Throughout the year it was a real pleasure to watch the performances from all our very talented Drama and Music students; in numerous concerts and assemblies, and in the GCSE and A Level Drama assessments, we saw very powerful performances from the girls that put us through the full range of emotions from cheers to tears. In the Drama production The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Tash Houghton and Abigail Wylie gave very fine performances, and it was lovely to see all the girls’ efforts acknowledged at KATS. The Summer term saw the girls preparing for their examinations, but there was also time for some fun and

HOUSES | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18

more inter house competitiveness! We hosted a BBQ to celebrate the Royal Wedding, and enjoyed the annual water slide and BBQ as part of House entertainment. The Short Story Anthology evening saw many Summerhill girls take part, with superb readings from Lottie Brooke, Poppy Freeman, Rose Bates, Naomi Waheed and Josephine Learoyd. Marnie Lister, Niamh Weldon and Rose Bates performed brilliantly in the end of term production of Bugsy Malone, and Emily Becconsall, as part of her EPQ, organised the superb ‘Make Noise’ concert. Green Park was also a highlight, where Lauren Parsons, Lizzie Wylie, Anna Blezard, Niamh Goodwin and Rebecca Ousby wowed the crowds with their respective songs. We finished the year with successes. Summerhill were the winners of the Year 9 and 10 Tennis and Year 9 swimming competitions. As well as this, on a very hot Sports Day, Lizzie White (1500m), Rebecca Ousby (200m) and the Senior 4 x 100m relay team broke school records. The participation and support from all the girls was superb. What a great end to the year! But, in fact, it really is not all about the winning; what makes Summerhill special is that girls are happy to just have a go at things and put themselves forward even if it is completely out of their comfort zone. This is what House Spirit is all about, and so many of the girls have shown that this year. It is an enormous privilege to see how well the different year groups mix and get on with the House staff, and this makes for a genuine sense of community and family. Thanks also go to Rebecca Ousby, Sarah Yates and India Folker who, through their leadership and with the support of the Upper Sixth, have massively helped out with the

...a genuine sense of community and family. running of the House and have been integral in setting the tone and engendering that House spirit. At the end of the year we were very sad to say goodbye to our Year 13 leavers in our final assembly, but also to Miss A Nicholson, who has been a tutor in Summerhill for 5 years. She has always been incredibly supportive of the girls, a fantastic role model and will be sorely missed in the House next year. We also wish Mrs Jenner all the best in her retirement. She was the first ever Housemistress of Summerhill, and ran it for 15 years from 1991 – 2006, so it was very special and fitting that she came to our final assembly to present our House awards. The Perseverance Prize went to Lottie Brooke, ‘The Egg’ went to Sarah Yates, and the new award left by Mrs Jenner - ‘The Dragon Award for Sport’ - was awarded to Charlotte Houghton.

Mrs Matthews (Senior Housemistress, Summerhill House)

KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18 | HOUSES

SCHOOL HOUSE Another year has flown by, and School House has had a wonderful year with a great deal to celebrate. The house has been ably led by a fantastic team of tutors and prefects. In her end-of-year speech, Head of House Yemi Sawyerr reflected on the year:

Yemi

S ’

Izzy

ince joining the house in Year 9, School House has been central in my secondary school experience, providing me with a stable support network of encouraging staff and students. This house has consistently given me everything from a place to run to in order that I may vent my petty frustrations, to simply a sofa to sit on and watch friends when I didn’t really feel like socialising. Through house events and competitions, I was given opportunities to try new things and to take part in new activities, some of which I now know I have absolutely no affinity for, and throughout these experiences, School House provided a group of girls that didn’t laugh at me too much. I think I speak for all of us when I say School House contains

the best group of staff and students; our tutors are all willing to go the extra mile to help us, and we have the most dedicated and Skyla encouraging housemistress possible, who has a million and one things to take care of every day but who still takes the time to get to know each and every one of us individually. It’s so easy for us to take what we have here for granted when we get caught up in the bustle of everyday life, and looking back on my time in both Kingswood and in School House has helped me to realise just how fortunate I am to be in the position that I am in now. Thank you to Izzy and Skye for being so amazing and helpful throughout this year; I couldn’t have done it without you. So, a message to all of the leavers about to start a new phase of their lives, and everyone moving up the school: like everyone always says, “the best is yet to come,” so I guess that means the future will be pretty

good, since what we have here is so great.’

Deputy Head of House, Izzy Pope, added the following: ‘I have been at Kingswood for 15 years, since I was 3, and School House has been part of my journey for the last 5 of these years. From coaching me on the Year 10 Hockey pitch, to teaching me A Level PE, Miss Paver has had a huge influence on my whole school career. We all joke about the numerous times we have all been into Miss Paver’s office to cry while she hands us a box of tissues, but I know that I am speaking on behalf of all School House girls when I say we can’t thank her enough for the support she has given us over the years. The School House spirit is something that I will never forget; despite coming up against some difficult competitive situations, we always manage to keep the highest level of sportsmanship while maintaining the smile on our faces, with this year’s highlights being the amazing enthusiasm in the House Netball, and support on Sports Day in the new event of girls’ Steeplechase.’

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It has been a difficult year for the boarders, who have had to cope with temporarily moving out of School House and into old Hall House, on the other side of the Main School building.

Head of Boarding, Skyla Godwin-Rowland, had the following to say: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Firstly, thank you to all of the boarders. To each boarder in Year 13, it has been so interesting to get to know you, to learn more about your cultures, and to see you all grow as people alongside myself. Some of the Upper Sixth have taught me patience and acceptance since we have had some quite difficult moments, but we sure have all come a long way. Year 13 is a hard time, and with all of the changes going on it has been vital for the boarders to stick together. This year in particular I feel that we have achieved this. Being Head of Boarding has been a genuine honour for me, and all I have wanted to do is to bring the house closer together. I really hope I have done this. I feel both sad and happy to be leaving school because it marks a new beginning, but I will truly miss the help of all the staff, my friends and just being part of such a lovely community. All of the tutors, staff and matrons have been so helpful this year, as they always are, because the support is very much needed, and I can say on behalf of everyone I think, thank you for being there.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

I guess that means the future will be pretty good, since what we have here is so great. Finally, some last goodbyes and thank yous. Firstly to Miss Wilson, who steps down as Assistant Housemistress after a number of years. Miss Moore also leaves the house as tutor, to move across to Fonthill as Assistant Housemistress. We wish them all the best in their new roles. My own personal thanks to my amazing group of staff and matrons, and the prefects for all their support and hard work; it all makes it very worthwhile.

Miss Una Paver (Senior Housemistress, School House)

KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18 | HOUSES

UPPER HOUSE 2018 was a tremendous year for Upper House, with Upper men making the effort to be involved in all aspects of Kingswood life. The following are just some of the highlights.

Angus

Oliver

cademically, Upper had some impressive results at GCSE level. We also look forward to our Upper Sixth going on to attend some of the country’s top universities next year. In sport, there have been some fantastic individual and team performances. In Rugby, several members of the Sixth Form were involved in the 1st XV’s runs in both the National Cup and Rosslyn Park Sevens. Harry Bristow was selected for Somerset, and both he and Oran Hawkins represented Bath Academy. In Hockey, Oliver Lechmere, Alfred Briggs, Fergus Matthews and Jonny Lester of Year 9 can be proud of being part of the Under 14 County Championship winning team. Oliver Hall and Lucas Lawman experienced success in many inter-school swimming galas, and helped Upper and School win the Senior House competition. In Cricket, Oliver Penney was captain, Oliver Parry was regularly mentioned in reports, and we wish him the best next year as he goes to help coach at a school in New Zealand. It was also good to see Year 11s Matthew Hooper and Stephen King getting opportunities with the Cricket 1st team. In Tennis, Cameron Crowhurst from Year 10

continued to show great potential, and Zach Wheelhouse-Steel had an incredible year, representing the school’s 1st team on many occasions. Brendan Curran and Oliver Jenkins were captain and Vice-captain of Athletics. In Orienteering, James Bailey and Oliver Tonge both represented England at the Home Internationals, with James winning silver in the individuals. Jamie Dale also made a big contribution to the school’s success. In Drama, several of the Year 9s showed their talent in the production of Bugsy Malone, and there is also

United Nations and Debating. In terms of charity work, the House should all be happy with the effort made to raise money for the William Cross foundation at the Easter Quiz, and the Upper Sixth should be especially proud of the sum that they raised for Cancer Research UK at the Battle of Lansdown. Angus Batchelor and Oliver Hall demonstrated true Upper spirit in carrying out their roles as Head and Deputy Head of Upper. They led by example, organising events and activities with enthusiasm, dedication and good humour.

They led by example, organising events and activities with enthusiasm, dedication and good humour. great potential in Year 10. The Year 11s have stars of the future in their ranks with Jules Hawking, Llewy Godfrey, Reuben Zukas and Felix Lynch. In Music, Tim Green, Oliver Parry, Callum Michie and Archie Smith have all been regularly involved in various ensembles and concerts, with Tim achieving an impressive Grade 8 on the Clarinet. Many other men also had success in their music examinations for Drums and Guitar. Jasper Davies and Adam Tappin continued their inspiring work for the Model

We also congratulate Archie Smith and Jasper Davies for the fine jobs that they have done as Head Boy and Deputy Head Boy this year. At the end of the year we said farewell to Mr Hills and Mr Matheson. Mr Hills especially has made a wonderful contribution to Upper House over the last ten years, and we thank him for helping to make Upper House what it is today.

Mr Roger White (Senior Housemaster, Upper House)

HOUSES | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18

KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18 | CREATIVE ARTS

ART

CREATIVE ARTS | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18

13 12

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Eliza Brunt Davida Samikwa Patricija Starkovskyte Jasper Davis Katie Butterworth Viky Shen Kiana Portman Charlotte Bendrey India Folker

10. Maddy Attwood 11. Cherry Ng 12. Bethany Cheung 13. Freya Morris 14. Rhiannon Knowles 15. Lucy Wyon 16. Sophie Woodcock 17. Rhea Lewis

KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18 | CREATIVE ARTS

18. Lea Conze 19. Andrei Dinu 20. Selene Zhang 21. Edward Lee

21 20

22. Ella Holmes 23. Soraya Yasin 24. Menina Nightingale

CREATIVE ARTS | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18

ART AND DT EXHIBITION AND AWARDS The following pupils achieved recognition at this event for their achievements in Art and Design & Technology throughout the year. The awards were presented this year by John Law, Joint Director of the award-winning interior and garden design company, Woodhouse and Law.

YEAR 11 GCSE ART Silver Award: Cherry Ng - architectural laser cut screen prints

Freya Morris - double portrait drawing Davida Samikwa - double portrait painting

Gold Award:

Edward Lee - examination video Viky Shen - iPad drawing Niamh Goodwin - examination pencil portrait

Best in Show: Maddy Attwood - self-portrait oil painting

YEAR 11 GCSE DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY Silver Award: Louis March Smith - small storage unit

Libby Taylor - jewellery storage unit Jasmin Cameron - oak octagonal wall unit Sophie Woodcock - copper and laser-engraved bedside table

Gold Award:

James Button - oak multi-level storage unit Martha Brain - multi-wood bedside table Jude Meaden - small table in oak and steel Edward Lee - 3-tier DVD rack Ben Shardlow - coffee table

Best in Show: Holly Guy - coffee table in copper, pine and acrylic

YEAR 13 A LEVEL ART Silver Award: Lea Conze - series of photographs Andrei Dinu - combined paint, plaster and cling film experiments Gold Award:

Katie Butterworth - mixed-media fish composition Patricija Starkovskyte - series of textile panels Jasper Davis - large landscape oil painting

Best in Show: Charlotte Bendrey - installation work combining painting and performance

YEAR 13 A LEVEL DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY Silver Award: Zoe Brown - inlaid coffee table Edward Sealy - tripod side table Gold Award:

Alfie Brooks - record storage unit Alexia Williams - oak coffee table

Best in Show: Anna Parker - side table with welded tripod support

KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18 | CREATIVE ARTS

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY 1

The Design Department had another very busy and productive year, with students working tirelessly to produce a huge and varied body of work finished to a very high standard.

his year we were proud to welcome Arkwright Scholar Jade Hartley (Year 12) to the School. This external scholarship award is open to students across the country, and places its winners at the top of potential engineers of the future. The Summer Exhibition is the highlight of the Design calendar, when award winners and parents celebrate the work on show. As a spectator myself at the exhibition due to my accident it was wonderful to be able to step back and see the work from a new perspective.

Mr Barney Brown (Head of DT)

1. Harry Hodges - lamp

7. Alfie Brooks - record unit

2. James McLeod - car

8. Theo Gammie - concrete table

3. Alexia Williams - glass table

9. Tom Cronchey - stool

4. Alice Rutter-Eley - cardboard stool

10. Anna Parker - book unit

5. Ella Holmes - shelf

11. Zoe Brown - inlay table

6. Patricija Starkovskyte - dress

12. Edward Sealy - wooden table

CREATIVE ARTS | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18

KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18 | CREATIVE ARTS

Senior Production - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

DRAMA

...the year saw a wealth of memorable performances.

In the Drama Department, the year saw a wealth of memorable performances, from the visually stunning Senior Production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, to the moving Year 10 performance of Blood Brothers, and the energetic and frenetic Bugsy Malone put on as the Junior Production in the Summer term.

he Drama scholars were kept busy, performing in a joint collaboration with Clarendon School in the sensitive and revealing verbatim play Brainstorm, as well as entertaining the School with comic sketches later in the year. There were also numerous other events, including an overnight trip to London for the 6th Form Drama students, a day trip for Year 10 to explore backstage at the National Theatre, numerous production trips to see a wide variety of genres including musical theatre, physical theatre and political satire, and workshops run by Splendid Theatre and the Bath-based Natural Theatre Company. Junior Production - Bugsy Malone

Drama Scholarsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Comedy Sketches Evening

In addition, there were the usual outstanding practical examination pieces, as all GCSE and A Level students impressed with their ability to both create and perform to a very high standard. What a year it has been. GCSE Production - Blood Brothers

Mrs Catherine Nash (Head of Drama)

CREATIVE ARTS | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18

When the auditions started, we could feel the tension and nerves in the air. However, parts were allocated, and lines were learned. Arriving at the theatre for rehearsals, we knew that we were going to be led in the right direction by our amazing team of directors and staff.

THE JUNIOR PRODUCTION BUGSY MALONE When the first performance came, my nerves really kicked in; we had all rehearsed tens of times, however there was still one unanswered question: could we do it in front of a live audience?

After the performance I felt a definite feeling of accomplishment - that we had just conquered the world. But then it dawned on meâ&#x20AC;Ś we had to do it all again, four times! When the Gala Performance ended I felt sad that we would have to wait another year to be able to do this again!

For those considering signing up for a production in the future, I would highly recommend you to do so. Taking part in such a massive and enjoyable project has definitely given me the bug for acting.

Oliver H. Williams (Year 8)

...the whole cast can relate to the memories of learning new skills, and having a great time whilst doing Drama.

KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18 | CREATIVE ARTS

THE SENIOR PRODUCTION THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE

CREATIVE ARTS | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18

KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18 | CREATIVE ARTS

THE YEAR 10 PRODUCTION – BLOOD BROTHERS One component of GCSE Drama demands that students explore a set text in detail, studying this practically, in order to develop knowledge and understanding of the whole play’s characteristics and context.

his year we chose Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers - the original play before it was developed into the famous musical version with which we are more familiar (performing rights for the full musical version that students actually study for their examination are not available to amateur groups).

The style of the play gave the Year 10s an opportunity to develop key acting and characterisation skills. Our Design candidates also used this opportunity to explore how sound and lighting decisions impact on performance. Overall, the process helped to develop all students’ skill sets, and their understanding of interpretation of a text from page to stage.

GCSE DRAMA YEAR 11 ASSESSED PERFORMANCES The 27 GCSE Drama and GCSE Design Year 11s staged many short pieces this year.

tudents can be assessed as any of the following: Performer, Lighting Designer, Sound Designer, Set Designer, Costume Designer, Puppet Designer. The Drama Department for the first time ever were delighted to have students exploring all of the above categories. Teechers

Swallows & Amazons

The Importance of Being Earnest

Born in England, Live in GREAT Britain (devised)

Words, Words, Words, It Rhymes With Birds (devised)

CREATIVE ARTS | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18

THEATRE TECH What have the ‘techies’ been up to this year?

017-2018 has been another incredibly busy year for all those who lurk in the theatre control room and other corners of the school. As well as our three main shows The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Blood Brothers and Bugsy Malone, we also provided design and technical support for a huge number of assemblies, music events, visiting companies, guest speakers, drama assessments, and many other events around the school. We have had our largest ever number of Drama design students

finish their GCSEs, with great success. It is unfair to pick out any individuals but I cannot let this opportunity pass without mentioning Year 11 Holly Guy’s dragon puppet which she made from scratch for her devised practical assessment. She not only received full marks for this, but it was picked out in the AQA Chief Examiner’s report as, “The most successful puppet seen by a moderator”, and will be used as exemplar material nationally. In the spirit of embarrassing the techies’ highest achievers, this year saw Year 11 James Button back up consecutive

Techies’ Techie Awards at KATS by becoming our first ever student awarded a Drama Scholarship for theatre design skills. We look forward to seeing what he and the other designers can produce at A Level. From the Drama and Music departments, a huge thank you to the 20 or so ‘techie’ students who helped with events in the last year. It is always a pleasure to be working with such a dedicated team of pupils, and seeing such positive results from their hard work. Finally, every year, we have our own party in the theatre to celebrate our successes, and show our appreciation with pizzas, Playstations and our prestigious ‘KITKAT’ awards. This year’s winners included Freya Morris, Sam Bernstein and Jenny Ainsworth, with the ‘Lifetime’ Achievement Award going to Jasmine Chan. As I write this article, we have already started on our ambitious and exciting plans for Treasure Island, and the long list of other events to follow: plenty for the team to get stuck in to in 2018-19.

Mr Neil Francis (Theatre Manager)

KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18 | CREATIVE ARTS

OUR YEAR IN A SELECTION OF NUMBERS: 17 individual assessed designs by GCSE students 30 LED battens to light the curved white screens in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Close to 1 kilometre of temporary sound, lighting and pyrotechnic cables used at KATS

65 projection cues in just one nine-minute extract for a GCSE practical assessment Roughly 265 assemblies with technical support in the Theatre and Chapel

21 microphones, 8 speakers and 52 cans of ‘splurge’ used in Bugsy Malone Approximately 380 minutes of GCSE and A Level practical assessments

49 specifically focused lights and 63 lighting cues used in Blood Brothers £120 of Domino’s pizzas and £55 of drinks and snacks consumed at the ‘KITKAT’ party

CREATIVE ARTS | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18

MUSIC

The Music Department has had another vibrant and exciting year, with a whole variety of concerts and opportunities for Kingswood’s musicians. The range of musical talent was exceptional, and we were treated to fantastic performances by musicians of all ages.

SENIOR MUSICIANS • Principal Instrumentalist: Anna Rowland • Principal Chorister: Alice Kennedy • Senior Choristers: Ellie Gould, Elsbeth Overeynder, Grace Tyrrell These pupils led the way, providing inspiration for younger students. Each of them contributed hugely, and upheld the high standards of excellence that we have come to expect from our Senior Musicians. All five stunned audiences throughout the myriad concerts this year, with particular highlights including the Sixth Form Showcase and Make Noise Festival, as well as countless assemblies and services.

As Principal Musicians, Anna Rowland and Alice Kennedy led the way as soloists, each bringing unique and interesting interpretations to the music they performed. Alice’s natural affinity with musical theatre led to emotional renditions of many numbers including ‘On My Own’ and ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ from Les Misérables, as well as soulful pop tunes. Anna is a violinist of exceptional talent, and wowed audiences this year, notably with her performance of Pergolesi’s Violin Concerto, as well as a moving rendition of John Williams’ ‘Remembrances’. Anna will continue her musical study next year as she takes up her place to study Violin at the Royal Northern College of Music - one of the most prestigious conservatoires in the UK.

DIPLOMA & GRADE 8 MUSICIANS: The Music Department were delighted to celebrate the following students who achieved their Diploma or Grade 8 this year:

GRADE 8 Emily Becconsall – Saxophone (Merit) Matthew Choy – Piano (Merit) Tom Craven – Trumpet Ellie Gould – Singing (Distinction) Tim Green – Clarinet (Distinction) James Hatherell – Trumpet (Merit) Alice Kennedy – Singing (Merit) Precious Lee – Piano (Merit) Larissa Man – Piano An Nabeshima – Clarinet (Merit) Anna Parker – Trumpet Lauren Parsons – Singing Sonia Sung – Harp (Distinction)

TRINITY RECITAL DIPLOMA Colby Chu – Violin ATCL

KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18 | CREATIVE ARTS

CONCERT PROGRAMME 2017-2018

This year was jam-packed with concerts and events for our musicians. The following is a quick round up of the year’s highlights: • The Cherry Tree Concert – Sixth Form & GCSE Musicians • Concert at Woolley Church – featuring the Chamber Choir and selected soloists • The Christmas Concert – including all of the department’s major ensembles, all of Year 7, and a snow machine! • Frome Active and In Touch Concert – Kingswood Strings and invited soloists • 4th Annual Voices Festival – featuring 70 soloists across the week, and a Gala Concert including all of the school’s choirs • Song for Guy – a memorial concert in memory of the late Guy Harrup, Kingswood’s guitar teacher, featuring many of his students and friends

...we were treated to fantastic performances by musicians of all ages.

• The Scholars’ Concert – featuring all of the Music Scholars: Migle Astrauskaite, Georgina Charlesworth, Colby Chu, Katie Green, Tim Green, George Hudson, Gabriel Vita, Joe Randolph, Mia Randolph, Anna Rowland, Tayo Sawyerr, Meg Scott, Alex Sedcole, Johnny Sedcole, Freddie Stockton, Emily Vaughan, Izzy Vaughan, Aurora Vergani • Piano Hands Concert – pianists from all year groups performing duets and trios on the finest of instruments!

CREATIVE ARTS | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18

• The Spring Concert – a showcase of all of the major ensembles, including the Senior Orchestra performing Offenbach’s Orphée aux Enfers, and the Chamber Choir singing Tippett’s Spirituals • Sixth Form Showcase – led and organised completely by our Sixth Form musicians, featuring a wide array of genres and styles • Green Park Station – another superb evening of Jazz and Pop classics by KJO and our wonderful singers as part of Bath Festival’s Party in the City (see report on next page) • Make Noise Festival – this year led by Emily Becconsall (Year 12) for her EPQ project, featuring performers from across Years 8, 9 and the Sixth Form, all in support of House of Grace charity • Bugsy Malone – with a band including musicians from Years 9, 10 and 12, and fantastic singers in the cast, this joint production between Music and Drama showed the very best of Kingswood’s young performers In addition, there were regular Lunchtime Concerts across the year, allowing musicians of all ages and abilities to perform in an informal, intimate setting to small, friendly audiences.

SPECIAL EVENTS GREEN PARK STATION The screaming crowd that is always enticed to come and see Kingswood students perform at Green Park were their normal selves.

he high level of enthusiasm of the massed crowd of pupils, parents and public was only beaten by the high quality of singing and instrumentalism. The cheering for KJO’s performances was certainly one that rivalled previous years as they played celebrated classics such as the Jackson Five’s ‘I Want You Back’, Coldplay’s ‘Viva La Vida’ and the ‘Best of Queen’. As the night progressed, it was time for Kingswood’s crooners to perform. Everyone performed to a high standard, although inevitably there were a few undoubted highlights. Tomiwo Owoseje’s smooth rendition of ‘Come Fly With Me’ was a performance to remember, and Ellie Gould gave a similarly amazing performance of ‘Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend’, wowing the crowd with a lively version from Moulin Rouge. Tim Turek’s performance of ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ was outstanding - his incredible guitar-playing and understated voice impressing spectators - whilst Karyna Ter-Tumasova performing Whitney Houston’s ‘I Will Always Love You’ broke many of the audience’s hearts.

Theo Gammie (Year 13) List of vocalists who performed: Anna Blezard, Zoe Brown, Medha Chhetri, Daisy Dai, Molly Dickinson, Theo Gammie, Niamh Goodwin, Ellie Gould, Izzy Hirsh, Alix Keates, Alice Kennedy, Francesca Ledbury, Rebecca Ousby, Elsbeth Overeynder, Tomiwo Owoseje, Oliver Parry, Lauren Parsons, Anna Rowland, Meg Scott, Bella Shorten, Archie Smith, Karyna Ter-Tumasova, Tim Turek, Grace Tyrell, Lizzie Wylie

...everyone - singers and instrumentalists alike - stunned the crowd and set a tough act to follow next year.

CREATIVE ARTS | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18

MAKE NOISE FESTIVAL 2018 saw our annual Make Noise Festival take on a new spin as Lower Sixth pupil, Emily Becconsall, took the reins to organise the event as part of her EPQ (Extended Project Qualification).

usicians from Years 8, 9 and the Sixth Form all took part, performing throughout the week, and all the while building up to the final performance in the Make Noise Concert. A huge variety of performers provided entertainment for the evening, with a range of styles and genres, including solo acts from singers, drummers, and pianists, to duets and bands galore. The evening ended with a massed performance of Madness’ ‘Our House,’ featuring all of the performers. The festival, as part of Emily’s EPQ, was a charity event to raise money for House of Grace, who support Thai girls to keep them safe and secure and with continued education and career prospects. The evening included a visit from Kingswood alumni, Katya Kerrison, who spoke about her gap year helping at House of Grace. Over £400 was raised, spearheaded by Emily who led the project with enthusiasm and energy.

VOICES FESTIVAL This year saw the 4th Annual Voices Festival.

cross the week, singers from all year groups and across all styles of music performed in the Chapel, providing a diverse and interesting programme of lunchtime concerts for fellow students, staff and parents to enjoy, including songs from the shows, folk tunes, French art songs, Italian arias, and even the world of 70s soft rock. At the end of the week, Mary Nelson - professional soprano and teacher at the Royal Academy of Music visited Kingswood to offer coaching on vocal technique, and her words of wisdom about posture, presence and commitment to the sound were very insightful, giving our singers lots to think about. The Festival ended with the Gala Concert with all age groups and styles of singing represented as a snapshot of the brilliant performances throughout the week. Mary Nelson adjudicated, and offered more advice to students at the end, noting how impressed she was with everything she had seen and heard. As the finale to the Festival, Mary chose performances to commend, and this year’s winners were as follows:

• HIGHLY COMMENDED CONTEMPORARY: Ana Fox (Year 12) • HIGHLY COMMENDED CLASSICAL Niamh Goodwin (Year 11) • OUTSTANDING PERFORMER (& OVERALL FESTIVAL WINNER) Bella Shorten (Year 9) for her stunning performance of ‘I Can Hear the Bells’ from Hairspray

KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18 | CREATIVE ARTS

KATS AWARDS I (Kingswood Artistically Talented Students)

n June, Drama and Music students, along with invited guests, gathered to celebrate the annual Drama and Music Awards - always the glittering highlight of the Kingswood performing arts calendar.

CREATIVE ARTS | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18

The full list of nominees and winners (in bold) is reproduced below, but congratulations to all Kingswood artistic and creative students, nominated or otherwise!

MUSIC AWARDS BEST GCSE COMPOSITION Emily Vaughan Gabriel Montefiore-Vita Johnny Sedcole Rory Padkin BEST GCSE PERFORMANCE Gabriel Montefiore-Vita Emily Vaughan Johnny Sedcole MOST IMPROVED GCSE MUSICIAN Charlotte Roberts Alix Keates Oliver Lester A LEVEL PERFORMANCE PRIZE Anna Rowland A LEVEL MUSIC PRIZE Alice Kennedy SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT Elsbeth Overeynder Grace Tyrrell Tim Turek Lauren Parsons MUSO’S MUSO Yemi Sawyerr Anna Rowland Tim Turek Grace Tyrrell

DRAMA AWARDS BEST NEWCOMER Ethan Hawtin Angel Chant Lizzie Narbett Ben Cox BEST GCSE INDIVIDUAL PERFORMER

Lewis Taylor Henry McCollom Francesca Ledbury Holly Harris BEST A LEVEL INDIVIDUAL PERFORMER Conor Devlin-Cook James Hatherell Abigail Wylie Charlotte Bendrey BEST PERFORMANCE IN A PRODUCTION Charlotte Bendrey Ethan Hawtin Henry McCollom Meg Scott, Alexandra Forbes Cable and Holly Guy (Aslan puppeteers) BEST GROUP PERFORMANCE IN AN ASSESSMENT Conor Devlin-Cook, James Hatherell (The Pillowman) Angel Chant, Tash Houghton, Molly Dickinson, Charlotte Chilton, Georgette Wakefield, Conor Finnamore (Easy Flight) Reuben Zukas, Henry McCollom (Dumb Waiter) Holly Harris, Lewis Taylor, Freya Morris and Holly Guy (Teechers) ACTOR’S ACTOR Hellie Painter Conor Devlin-Cook Charlotte Bendrey James Hatherell TECHIE’S TECHIE James Button Jasmine Chan Jude Meaden Helen Lam

KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18 | CREATIVE ARTS

ALUMNI FEATURE: OSCAR BATTERHAM (KW 19972011) - PROFESSIONAL ACTOR 2018 KATS GUEST SPEAKER Oscar left Kingswood in 2011, having appeared in myriad productions from Arabian Nights (where he proudly played a rock, a thief and a talking bird!), to a Kingswood ‘original’ - Grin Tales, a musical written by then Director of Music, Mr Mainwaring - in which he played a trumpeter with no front teeth.

fine comedian and comic actor, he was an integral part of the ensemble Exit Stage Right, and also memorably played the pompous Julian in Five on a Treasure Island - a now infamous piece of Kingswood theatre history. For those who saw Oscar perform, it was no surprise that he gained a place to study Acting at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama, turning down RADA in the process - an institution he had long dreamed of attending. He graduated with the coveted Gold Medal, and has made his living in the theatre ever since. The Drama and Music departments were delighted to welcome Oscar back to speak at this year’s KATS awards. The speech he delivered was honest and inspirational, testament both to a Kingswood education, and personal hard work to achieve your dreams. The following is an edited version of Oscar’s speech.

“I asked Mrs Nash what she wanted me to talk about, and she suggested I explain to you why creativity is important, and added that she hoped that might also reassure parents that creative A Levels aren’t a total waste of time. With all due respect, I’m not going to do that. Partly because I think if any of you were of the bizarre opinion that creativity isn’t important, then you probably wouldn’t be here, and also because I don’t think this is a recruitment exercise. This evening is a celebration. It’s an opportunity

to celebrate the fact that we are in a place that embraces and values the arts, and to recognise our shared passion for Music and for Drama. Although I can’t offer you decades of wisdom from Hollywood, I can speak to you about my experience of leaving this school and choosing to be an artist. And although I’m speaking as an actor, I hope what I have to say is relevant to the musicians in the room as well. People sometimes ask ‘When did you decide to become an actor’? I never really know because I don’t honestly remember a time when that wasn’t the plan. But I do remember my first theatrical experience, very clearly. I was 4 and was cast in The Tailor of Gloucester in KPS Reception. I doubt I had any concept of what a play was, and despite having the title role I had no lines – apparently the teacher narrates and you don’t get lines until Year 1. Despite this, on the day, I improvised a huge snore at a critical moment, and everybody laughed. This was probably what people call a ‘significant life event’ because I still remember it, as the moment I realised that I am a pathological show-off. It was extremely exhilarating, and after this role, I told everyone I met that I would be an actor. And now I am. However, the thing that I experienced in that moment, that ‘something’ that was so vivid and exhilarating that 21 years later I still remember it, can’t just have been showing off

(I know this because I have shown off a lot since then and it hasn’t been the same). So what was it? It wasn’t a skill I discovered; what I felt, I felt by pure chance. But I was immediately addicted to it, and like all addicts I inconvenienced everyone around me to facilitate getting my next fix. I joined youth groups, made plays at home, dragged my incredibly patient parents to some woeful variety shows, and acted here, elsewhere, anywhere anyone would let me. Eventually I applied to drama schools, who turned me down, so I went to university in London anyway so I could watch and be in plays. I applied the following year, got in, did 3 years training and now I’m out, either working in plays or banging on audition room doors trying to convince people to put me in their plays, all, ultimately, so I can continue experiencing and developing that ‘something’. However, I still don’t know exactly what this ‘something’ is. I know it’s what all artists seek – painters, musicians, poets, anyone. I know that it feels good, and I can recognise it when I see it in other people. I would suggest that everyone here has, to some degree, felt something similar, if only for a moment. The best description I know comes from Martha Graham, a famous dancer, who said: “It’s a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action,

CREATIVE ARTS | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18

and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open”. My experience so far has shown me that the pursuit of this elusive ‘something’ can take us to some extraordinary places, pushing us to explore everything and anything in the world around us, and taking us from the loftiest reaches of our imaginations to the darkest fathoms of the human condition. It’s why we write plays and play them for each other over and over. It’s why we compose music and share it again and again. And I think it’s worth doing. The other curious thing that I’ve found about Art is that it doesn’t obey the rules: it’s not beauty, it is anarchy, and, unlike works of Science, cannot be empirically judged, and is entirely subjective. Acting, certainly, is illusory and

difficult to study. It doesn’t follow the formula: ‘time spent revising = improvement’. Talent is important, but it is not enough. You need to also relish the days spent toiling alone at your craft, only to perform and utterly fail, dust yourself off and try again. Hard work is crucial but failure is essential. Every time I begin rehearsing a new role I feel like a total fraud, and, inevitably, I initially fail, but that’s ok because we need to stumble around in the unknown to find anything new. The most valuable lessons I’ve learnt about acting were by making a complete and total tit of myself in front of those whose opinions I valued most. It can feel painful and humiliating, but pushing yourself beyond where you feel comfortable is the only way to get better. I didn’t realise this until I arrived at drama school, and it was a complete and very uncomfortable revelation. At Kingswood, including this evening, we celebrate success, and perhaps this is absolutely correct, but when I left, I saw differently. Moments of artistic greatness are only achieved when the artist takes an enormous risk - they give something of themselves, it personally costs

them something, and they know that it may be judged as unworthy or poor. But they give it anyway. It takes enormous courage to do this, so first and foremost it is that courage that must be applauded tonight. More than the specific awards or individual talent that we are celebrating, it is also the art you have brilliantly created. And that, I think, is infinitely more exciting. Before I wind up, I should say a little something to those of you who are flirting with or indeed already fully head-over-heels with the idea of pursuing the arts when you leave school. Forging a career in this area is indeed uncertain, unpredictable and competitive. You will not know when you will next be paid, your greatest triumphs will rub shoulders with your bitterest failures, and you will continually have to field the question: ‘So do you actually make a living?’. Absolutely, if there is something else you fancy doing then please, do it - your life will probably be easier. But if like me you have an insatiable compulsion to act or sing or play or dance, to satiate or explore that ‘something’, and your madness will not be cured any other way, then if you see the door ahead of you even slightly ajar, then throw yourself at it with everything you have. To deny yourself that opportunity when it arises would be a great sadness if you looked back at that moment and wish you’d pushed harder. For me that was a risk I wasn’t willing to take. I can assure you that it is possible. I am still at the beginning of my career, but I am an actor, I live in London, I pay my rent, and I’m not remotely famous! If fame and wealth are what you want then go get yourself on Love Island: your odds are probably better ... and you’ll get a free holiday. But if you need to chase your ‘something’, then follow it courageously and with compassion, and don’t take ‘no’ for an answer. I wish you all the very best. Thank you very much.”

KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18 | SPORT

GIRLS’ HOCKEY 1ST XI CO-CAPTAINS: Zoe Brown & Rebecca Ousby | 1ST XI VICE-CAPTAIN: Kate Hall

SEASON OVERVIEW There were many highlights for Kingswood hockey teams again this season. The U12A team were unbeaten, and the U12C, U12D and U13D teams only lost one fixture. The 1st XI came third in the County tournament, just missing out on penalty strokes, and the U13s were County Champions and through to the Regional Finals in April. With an ever-growing fixture list, including some very competitive schools such as King’s Bruton and Canford, the teams must be congratulated on their outstanding efforts and their superb attitude. As a result, the overall win rate of 61% was excellent. In such a successful season, listing all of the names of the key players would take far too long, so this year, following on from the ‘Team of the Week’ theme in Assemblies, we selected two ‘fantasy’ teams to represent the best Kingswood hockey players.

1ST XI With an almost entirely new team this year, it was always going to be an interesting season. Starting on tour, we gelled almost immediately. Martha Brain was our only Year 11 this year, but she definitely did not look out of place. She is a very reliable player who throughout the season improved massively, and is now a regular member of our starting line-up. Three new Lower Sixth joined the team this year: Lexi Hart, Lily Landman and Charlotte Cutter. They all convincingly demonstrated

B TEAM SELECT XI (Made up of some of the stand out players from our Junior B teams, and the 3rd & 4th XIs) Goal Keeper Sweeper Right Defender Central Defender Left Defender Right Midfield Centre Midfield Left Midfield Right Forward Centre Forward Left Forward Captain

Bea Harding Niamh Goodwin Florence Burns Emily Rothery Lulu Thomas Alice Boutin Rose Betts Amelie Cardy Jade Hartley Aoife Targett Vicki Baldwin Charlotte Fillis

U12B 4th Xl U15B 3rd Xl U15C U13B U14B U12C 4th Xl U12B U14C 4th XI

A TEAM SELECT XI (Made up of standout players from the Junior ‘A’ teams and the 2nd XI). Goal Keeper Sweeper Right Defence Centre Defence Left Defence Right Midfield Centre Midfield Left Midfield Right Forward Centre Forward Left Forward Captain

Clemmie Coxen Natasha Thornton Charlie Hollywood Beth Harris Rose Bates Iris Marrack Holly Harris Alice Wilson Imogen Hall Maya Lane Hannah Gunn Anna Street

U12A 2nd XI U13A U15A U14A U15A 2nd XI U12A U12A U14A U13A 2nd XI

SPORT | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18

1st XI

with 12 goals in total, and all played excellent hockey, proving that they fully deserved their places in the team. Vice-captain Kate Hall and Elsbeth Overeynder have now both played two seasons in the 1st XI. Kate’s pace and skill are quite incredible, giving her the ability to beat players all over the pitch, and she has the ability to see passes where most people can’t. Elsbeth’s strength in defence is undeniable, but she also has great versatility. She has been a key member of our team in both seasons she played. Both of these girls have the ability to go on to play a very high level of hockey. Rebecca has been a great co-captain to work alongside, with her pure determination and drive to do well. She is top goal scorer with 31 goals, proving that nobody else has the ability to put the ball in the back of the goal with such force and accuracy as her.

that they deserved their place, most impressively Lily Landman, who was in the 4ths last year but who has become a pivotal member of the squad. Lexi and Charlotte are also great additions, in attack and defence respectively. Our remaining Lower Sixth Jessica Norton and Lizzie White - have now completed their second full seasons in the 1st XI. Jess is fundamental as the leader of the defence, and her extraordinary hit makes everybody’s life on the team a lot easier, despite her tendency to give away short corners. Lizzie is an incredibly strong player who can consistently out-play pretty much anybody she comes across. She has an endless work rate and a great attitude that we would all like to emulate. Clearly the team is in very safe hands next year with this duo. Onto the leavers. Izzy Pope, Tilly Baines, Anna Parker, Anaïs Osborne and Louise Fisher all had their first season for the 1sts this year. Izzy finished as second highest goal scorer 1st

2nd

3rd

Queens Taunton

W 4-2 W 5-1 L 0-3

Bristol Grammar

D 3-3 W 3-1

King's Bruton L 0-5

L 1-2

4th

Clifton Coll.

W 3-1

L 0-5

D 0-0

W 2-0 W 3-1

Prior Park

W 3-1 W 1-0 W 8-0 L 2-5

KES

W 3-1 W 5-0 W 4-0

W 1-0 D 2-2

W 3-0 W 7-0 W 4-0

L 0-4

D 2-2

L 2-5

W 1-0

D 2-2

L 0-4

D 1-1

L 0-4

L 3-2

L 2-3

L 1-2

L 0-2 L 2-1

GROVE TROPHY: Jessica Norton

W 3-0

W 7-0

L 0-4

L 8-1

W 1-0 W 2-0

L 0-7

W 3-2

L 5-3

W 6-2

L 1-3

L 2-1

W 2-0

L 1-2

W 8-0 W 3-1

L 1-4

W 2-1

W 8-0

L 1-3

W 5-0

L 0-1

W 6-0

L 5-1

L 3-1

L 2-6

L 2-3 W 10-0 W 2-0 W 3-0 W 3-0 W 5-0

L 0-1

W 1-0

L 1-4

D 0-0

D 3-3

D 1-1 W 4-1 W 6-2 W 2-1 W 3-0 W 5-0 W 2-1

D 1-1

D 2-2

L 0-6

L 0-4

L 0-7

L 1-3

Dauntsey's

W 4-2 D 1-1 W 1-0

Sherborne

L 1-3

W 7-0 W 1-0 W 4-1 W 3-1

Bryanston

W 3-1

L 1-3

Redmaids

FULL COLOURS: Rebecca Ousby, Zoe Brown, Kate Hall, Elsbeth Overeynder, Jessica Norton, Lizzie White

W 3-2 W 1-0

All Hallows Canford

HALF COLOURS: Tilly Baines, Louise Fisher, Anaïs Osborne, Anna Parker, Izzy Pope

U15A U15B U15C U14A U14B U14C U13A U13B U13C U13D U12A U12B U12C U12D

W 6-2

Dean Close

COLTS COLOURS: Martha Brain, Holly Harris, Jess Brain

Zoe Brown (Co-Captain)

D 0-0

CLUB AWARDS & COLOURS

Thank you to all players who helped make this season a successful and, most importantly, an enjoyable one.

W 2-1 D 1-1 W 2-0 D 2-2 W 5-0

Monkton Combe

...the teams must be congratulated on their outstanding efforts and their superb attitude

W 3-1 W 2-0 W 5-0 W 1-0

D 0-0

L 1-3 L 2-1

W 1-0

D 0-0

L 0-6

W 2-1

W 3-2 W 1-0

L 8-3

W 6-0

W 8-1 W 5-1

L 0-2

Fixtures cancelled due to bad weather

KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18 | SPORT

SEASON OVERVIEW

RUGBY

1ST XV CAPTAIN: Al Mackenzie | 1ST XV VICE-CAPTAIN: Thomas Royston

The performances of Kingswood’s rugby teams this year have continued to improve. Aside from the progress that the 1st XV made in the Champions Trophy, both the U12As and U13As only lost one match all season, beating some top schools along the way. The U15As and U14As have made massive improvements on last year, and were competitive in every match. In total, 10 of our 14 teams finished with more wins than losses. Perhaps understandably for a relatively small school, some of our B teams found things harder against some schools, but the U13Bs and U15Bs were the exception to this since they both had excellent seasons. Rafferty Weston, Tom Roach, James Redman, Liam Toner, Theo Marven, James Eayres, Jack Gould, Jamie Wright, Jamie Deverell, Rory Padkin and Ciaran McCarthy all deserve mentions for the contributions they made to their respective teams. The 3rd XV played eight matches, winning half, and with Fin Crowe and Ben Narbett featuring prominently throughout the season. Conor Devlin-Cook was an excellent leader, and received good support from fellow Year 13s James Parker, James McLeod and Oliver Hall. The success of the 2nd XV was built around a core group of Year 13s that included captain Max Thompson and key players Theo Gammie, Thomas Deverell, Archie Smith, Tom Craven and Harry Hodges. They won nearly 70% of their matches.

1ST XV

CHAMPIONS TROPHY RESULTS: Round 1: Marlborough 22 - 3 (W) Round 2: Bedford 29 - 17 (W) Quarter-Final: Eton College 20 - 13 (W) Semi-Final: Blundell’s 5 - 27 (L)

As a 1st XV, we were unbeaten in the regular season of fixtures, with our only loss coming in the semifinal of the prestigious Champions Trophy. With nine of the 1st team having played in our Year 7 team, we have been a strong group for 7 years. Due to losing a few good players at the end of Year 11, we needed the help of some of this year’s Lower Sixth, and Harry Bristow, Oran Hawkins and Reuben Barnett stepped up well and will be a key part of the team next year. The rest of the squad are all leavers,

SPORT | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18

CLUB AWARDS & COLOURS COLTS COLOURS: Ciarán McCarthy, Rory Padkin HALF COLOURS: Reuben Barnett, Harry Bristow, Oran Hawkins, Max Thompson FULL COLOURS: William Barnes, James Craig, Brendan Curran, Anan Gurung, Jack Kelly, Al Mackenzie, Oliver Millichap-Merrick, Gregor Morton, Rory Murchison, Oliver Parry, Oliver Penney, Harry Taylor, Will Thompson MOST IMPROVED PLAYER AWARD: Brendan Curran PLAYER OF THE SEASON: Jack Kelly

As a 1st XV, we were unbeaten in the regular season of fixtures... including the front row of Anan Gurung, Rory Murchison and Brendan Curran that has outscrummaged every team on the circuit. Rory and Anan were key ball-carriers in attack, and Brendan was one of our most reliable defenders. The rest of the pack was made up of equally strong players. William Barnes hardly ever missed a tackle despite being the slowest boy in schoolboy rugby, closely followed by Will Thompson! Harry Taylor was hugely powerful in attack and defence. Oliver Parry 1st

2nd

King Edward’s

W 29-10 L 12-19

Taunton School

W 60-0

W 35-5

Bristol Grammar

W 38-5

D 17-17

Prior Park

W 26-11 W 15-0

3rd

U16A

U16B

W 28-7

L 20-21

U15A

U15B

W 39-10 W 55-14

The Vice-captain this year was Thomas Royston, one of the best forwards at schoolboy level. He was a leader on the pitch through his extraordinary work rate and controlled aggression, and will hopefully continue his rugby at this excellent level, wherever the future takes him. Overall, this final season of my school rugby career was immensely enjoyable, due in no small part to the rest of the squad around me.

Al Mackenzie (Captain)

U14A

U14B

U13A

U13B

L 7-31

L 7-17

W 35-0

W 50-5 W 40-20 W 30-0 W 40-25

W 26-12

L 0-38

L 26-41

W 24-5

W 36-5

L 14-24

L 10-43

W12-0

D 22-22 W 29-14

L 7-39

L 5-38

Llandaff CS Bishop Wordsworth

W 45-12 W 19-5

Beechen Cliff

W 24-11

L 7-12

L 0-7

W 43-7

W 56-0

Dauntsey’s

W 38-0

W 5-0

Kings Taunton

W 61-5

L 15-22

L 10-20

L 17-36

W 31-0

W 55-0

W 24-7

Monkton Combe Colston’s

and Oliver Millichap-Merrick were also vital to our success with their work rate and versatility. In the backs, Oliver Penney was one of the best scrum-halves on the circuit and, despite his size, made some big hits. The centre partnership of Gregor Morton and Jack Kelly caused every team trouble, and they are two who will be sure to go much further with their rugby. James Craig finished the line up at full back; his vision, kicking game and handling skills were all excellent.

1st XV

L 17-31

W 10-7

L 5-31

L 11-22

L 5-20

W 35-20 W 30-10

L 21-41

L 0-59

W 45-5 W 25-15

W 20-5

L 17-25

L 5-25

L 15-50

W 20-15 L 25-15

W 35-0 W 40-15

W 50-14 W 37-0

L 15-45

W 15-5

W 29-5

L 17-44

L 7-43

W 50-0

W 55-5

W 24-0

L 10-19 W 34-7

W 48-0

W 43-7

L 17-19

W 50-5

L 15-25

W 31-5 W 38-12

L 0-24

L 34-46 W 26-22

L 5-17

W 50-0

W 25-5 W 20-15

Millfield

W 65-5 W 65-15 W 30-15 L 15-25

L 5-15

L 0-20

W 10-5 W 35-25 L 35-40

W 40-0

L 10-20

W 20-0

W 20-10

W 25-15 L 10-20

Bromsgrove Dean Close

QEH Bristol

W 54-0

W 32-0

Blundell’s

U12B

W 35-25

L 17-19

L 10-17

U12A

D 10-10 W 30-15 W 25-20 W 25-10

W 45-0 W 34-0

U13C

W 19-0 W 19-12 W 29-14

L 5-12

L 0-27

W 24-12 L 19-26

KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18 | SPORT

NETBALL 1ST VII CAPTAIN: Jess Lindsay | 1ST VII VICE-CAPTAIN: Rebecca Ousby

The Netball Club have had the delights of new courts, and these certainly helped when playing in the elements on the Upper, including in snow. JUNIOR NETBALL The U12s have been quite incredible, showing skill, and dominating all areas of the court and the circuit. The As and Bs have had unbeaten seasons, and the highlight was certainly the As beating Millfield away. Alice Wilson was pivotal at Centre, and Sophie Heath showed great accuracy when shooting. Aoife Targett has shown her versatility in the Bs. In lower teams, Monica Mba Ivina improved greatly, whilst Holly Robinson was fast-tracked from the Cs to the As. The U13s had a tough fixture schedule, but their determination and grit has been commendable. In the As, Ciara Newcastle was outstanding in defence, and Hannah Gunn’s speed around the court was effective. The Bs had a mixed season but never stopped trying hard and playing

with enthusiasm. Captain Rachel Bedding, Evelyn Pilcher and Alice Boutin are all to be commended.

SENIOR NETBALL The U14s certainly showed what potential they have as they won the County Tournament and progressed to the Regional Finals. Edie Morris and Annie Davis were the perfect duo in defence, and Bella MarchSmith came into her own in attack. Maya Lane was outstanding, and she even had a debut for the 1st VII - a first for a Year 9. She has also recently been selected for the U17 Hub. The Bs improved their game week-on-week with Holly Drew a key mid court player, and Ciara Dyer making crucial interceptions. An unbeaten season went to the U15Bs who showed true talent, Amelie Morgan being pick of the

players and Ritika Shrestha the most improved. The As were dynamic in all areas of the court, with Nina Brain and Ellie Webster combining well in defence. Emma Lamey’s positivity and energy was the C’s greatest asset, and her ability to pick the team up was exceptional. In the 3rds, Holly Harris, Emily Vaughan and Charlotte Scruton all impressed. What stood out in this team was their spirit - particularly a willingness to sacrifice favourite positions for the good of the team - and their sheer enjoyment in playing. Led well by Anaïs Osborne and with shrewd and athletic play from Anna Street, they lost just one match whilst soundly trouncing all other opponents. The 4ths also only lost one fixture with Chloe Pearce fundamental in attack, and Francesca Ledbury making many turnovers in defence. In the 2nds,

SPORT | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18

CLUB AWARDS & COLOURS COLTS COLOURS: Jess Brain, Martha Brain HALF COLOURS: Sophie Garcia, Lexi Hart, Jade Hartley, Jessica Norton, Lizzie White FULL COLOURS: Emily Becconsall, Kate Hall, Jess Lindsay, Rebecca Ousby, Natasha Thornton, Hannah Spratt

Zoe Brown was a great leader on and off the court, and she has outplayed many defence. This, combined with Sophie Garcia’s tenacity and ability to intercept anywhere on court, gave them the edge in many fixtures.

1ST VII It has been a privilege to captain the team this year, and to experience an unbeaten final season, despite some very close matches. The highlight was our 30-30 draw to KES, a game that is highly contested every year - a fitting end to our netball careers at Kingswood. Although only Rebecca Ousby and I remained from last year’s team, the season was characterised by the full cooperation of our team. Of all my years at Kingswood, I haven’t known a team gel so quickly, and I enjoyed every single session with this unforgettable squad. The team frequently counted on Jade Hartley’s shooting and ability to keep her cool in the dying minutes, Jessica Norton’s hockey tenacity, and the energy that Lizzie White brings. With her fiery attitude and stupidly long arms, Lexi Hart has managed to irritate every GA on the circuit, proving herself unstoppable in the D. Also, we couldn’t be more pleased that Emily Becconsall chose Kingswood over

Bryanston; her commitment to training was exemplary, and she has been a huge part of the team’s success. Lastly, we would like to acknowledge all of the leavers for their effort and commitment to Kingswood Netball over the years. We can always rely on Natasha Thornton at GK to turn ball over when we need it the most, and her support through court is influential in our play. Hannah Spratt’s impressive marking in the D puts even the best of shooters under pressure. Kate Hall’s pace and skill have transformed her into an invaluable sports woman who constantly proves us wrong by showing how she can intercept anywhere on the court. In Vice-captain Rebecca Ousby, we are lucky to have a shooter with a range as large as hers, and we could always depend on her to get even her most ambitious shots in. Lastly, thank you to all of those behind the scenes who enabled this to be such a memorable season, particularly Izzy Hirsch for braving the freezing climate on the Upper to be the team photographer, and coach Jess Shaw for sharing her Super League expertise.

Jess Lindsay (Captain)

OUTSTANDING PLAYER OF THE SEASON AWARD: This goes to a player who has been in the 1st team for the last three seasons. Her understanding of the game is superb and she has been one of the key contributors to the team’s success and captained with maturity. She is someone who could go very far with her Netball, and is a superb role model for the sport. This year’s recipient is Jess Lindsay.

KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18 | SPORT

outstanding player, and deservedly played a number of 1st team games late in the season.

1ST XI

BOYS’ HOCKEY 1ST XI CAPTAIN: Henry Brearey 1ST TEAM VICE-CAPTAINS: Angus Batchelor & Alfie Brooks

SEASON OVERVIEW 2018 was an incredible one in terms of whole school results. A win rate of 83% on the circuit we now play on is fantastic, and we finished the season with 7 unbeaten teams. This included all three U12 teams, who also won the Booker Shield - effectively their county tournament. Charlie Ward, Will Shardlow, Joe Randolph, Joe Watt and Can Kucukcan in goal were all key players, and for the Bs, Freddie Williamson in defence, Oliver Brown in midfield and James Highton and John Bean in attack were all very impressive. The U13As, well led by Will Duncan, coped admirably on a tough circuit, with Rafferty Weston prolific as the team’s top scorer. The U13Bs used a large squad, but managed to secure an unbeaten season, thanks in no small part to Oscar Power’s goal-scoring and Robert Toner’s defensive organisation. The U14As were probably the team of the season, with their excellent run in the National Cup. They were incredibly unlucky as they missed out on making the National Finals on penalty flicks. Rob Wilson was outstanding in the forward line and Tom Roach, who made his 1st team debut this season, was equally

impressive in goal. Finn Morris and James Redman made up the rest of what was a very strong core of the team. The U14Bs give this year group real strength in depth, with Floyd Jones and player of the season Bertie Phillipson central to their success. The U15As underachieved, but finished the season strongly with some good wins. Ciaran Curran was the main threat in front of goal, Charlie Fry and Cameron Crowhurst made things tick in midfield, and Sam Ward was extremely consistent at left-back. Conversely the U15Bs were one of the unbeaten teams, scoring 31 goals and conceding just 3. The 4th XI completed yet another unbeaten season with captain Charlie Knight well-supported by Year 11 Finn Sayce and veteran Thomas Royston. Marcus Kershaw and Gabriel Montefiore-Vita were key players in midfield for the U16s, and Toni Mba Ivina and Matthew Cheung, who was the most improved player, were very reliable in defence. The 2nd XI only lost once against an excellent Dean Close team. Captain Archie Smith, in his third season for the 2nds, and only Year 13, led by example throughout. Harry Bristow was a real threat in attack but Finley Feaver was the

For the 1st team boys it was a strange season. We had our best performances against some of the best sides in the country, and our worst performances against some of the weaker sides we faced. Overall, an inability to finish off chances prevented us from having what might have been a very special season. However, draws against Dean Close and Queen’s Taunton, who both included international players in their line-ups, showed what we were capable of when at our best. The team was primarily made up of a lot of Upper 6th and Year 11s, but both Dominic Carruthers and Finley Feaver from Year 12 also featured. Of the Year 11s, Freddy Bayliss was the ‘find’ of the season, cementing his position on the right side of defence. Ben Shardlow stood up in the most important matches, and Charlie Roach was consistently good throughout the season. Harvey Brooks has the ability to beat defenders for fun, and Ashish Tamang’s second year in the 1st team was an excellent one. He will be sorely missed when he leaves Kingswood at the end of the year. Of the leavers, Rupert Bayliss has loved playing alongside his brother this year, and was a vital part of the team, never stopping running when other people were flagging. Thomas

SPORT | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18

CLUB AWARDS & COLOURS COLTS COLOURS: Freddie Bayliss, Harvey Brooks, Charlie Roach, Ben Shardlow, Ashish Tamang HALF COLOURS: Gregor Morton, Oliver Penney, Zoltan Yasin FULL COLOURS: Rupert Bayliss, Angus Batchelor, Henry Brearey, Alfie Brooks, Thomas Deverell, Harry Hodges, Charlie Roberts IDRIS CUP (awarded to the player who has made the greatest contribution to Kingswood Hockey): Gregor Morton

...we finished the season with 7 unbeaten teams. Deverell was one of the side’s most versatile players, and alongside him, Zoltan Yasin, one of quickest players, was a useful asset in attack. Gregor Morton stepped in as our emergency goalkeeper, putting pads on for the first time just two months before the season began. An excellent communicator from the back, he grew into the role, and his performances kept the team in several games. Oliver Penney also played a major role in the team, bringing energy and noise to both training and matches. Harry Hodges has been in the 1st team for three years, playing in both midfield and defence, and being the team’s number one short-corner

INTERNATIONAL HONOURS

stopper. Both vice captains were incredibly helpful both on and off the pitch. Angus Batchelor and Alfie Brooks have been in the 1st team for 3 years and both are incredibly skilful players who have a huge impact on the team’s success. Lastly, Charlie Roberts was the cool head at the heart of the defence that the rest of the team could always depend on.

Kingswood was delighted that alumnus Hywel Jones graduated from captaining the U18 Boys, to make his debut for the full Welsh side this season, securing a place in the squad for the Commonwealth Games in April.

From going to the National Finals in Year 8 with five of these boys, I have loved every second of playing hockey for Kingswood, especially this final season.

Henry Brearey (Captain)

1st

2nd

U16

3rd X1 U15A U15B U15C U14A

U14B

U14C U13A U13B U13C U12A U12B U12C

Cheltenham Coll.

L 1-3

W 5-0

L 1-2

W 3-1 W 2-1 W 1-0 D 1-1

L 0-2

W 5-0

Colston’s

W 6-0

Beechen Cliff

W 4-3 W 4-0

Dean Close

D 2-2

L 1-5

L 1-7 W 3-2 W 5-1

L 2-5 W 3-0

L 1-3

W 5-1

W 7-0

W 6-0 W 9-1 W 6-0 W 13-0 L 0-1

W 9-0

W 5-1 W 3-2

W 5-0 W 3-1 W 5-2 W 2-0 W 2-0

W 3-0 W 4-0

Monkton Combe W 3-0 W 4-1 W 10-0 Bryanston Prior Park Coll.

L 1-2

King Edwards

W 4-1 W 4-0 W 10-0

D 3-3 W 5-1

Queens Taunton

D 3-3 W 9-0 W 7-1 W 11-0 W 9-1 W 7-1

Wells Cathedral

W 8-1

Downside

W 6-1

Millfield

L 1-2

Clifton College

W 3-1 W 3-0 W 4-0

L 2-4

L 0-3

W 3-0 W 10-0

L 0-5

D 2-2

W 11-3

D 2-2 W 3-1

W 3-0

D1-1

L 2-3

W 7-0 W 9-1 W 3-1 D 1-1 W 4-0

W 1-0

W 2-0

W 4-0 W 1-0 D 1-1 W 5-2 W 3-0 W 2-1 W 3-0 W 6-0

W 6-0 W 2-0

L 3-5

W 3-0 W 2-0

W 3-0 W 2-1 W 3-1 W 2-0

W 3-1

W 1-0

D 2-2

KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18 | SPORT

ORIENTEERING This was another great year for the orienteers, who continue to go from strength to strength.

ingswood dominated the Avon Schools’ League right from the start, even scoring a full house of 600 points at the event in the Forest of Dean. Individually, both Lucy Tonge and James Bailey scored the maximum 500 points to win their classes overall. Following James’ lead, Oliver Tonge and Jamie Dale completed the top three in the Year 10 class. In Year 9, Sebastian Crow and Angus Martin finished the league 1st and 2nd respectively, whilst Wilfrid Whishaw (Year 8) was also 1st, with Alberta Fryer 3rd. The highlight of the season however was the British Schools’ Championships which were hosted by Bristol Orienteering Klub, closeto-home in the Forest of Dean. The aim was to try to achieve Kingswood’s best result to date. In Year 10, James Bailey was our only individual winner, but together with Oliver Tonge (5th) and Jamie Dale (17th), this team came 3rd overall. The Year 7 team (Joe Watt 4th, Will Shardlow 6th and Jacob Barton 13th) went one better to finish 2nd. Nevertheless, it was a true team

performance with Lucy Tonge, Angus Martin, Sebastian Crow and Jack Beveridge completing the team scorers, and helping Kingswood to a fantastic 5th in the team competition. The Avon Schools’ Individual Championships were again held in the Forest of Dean, with more Kingswood wins from Wilfrid Whishaw, Sebastian Crow and Jamie Dale. Katya Volkova was 2nd on her debut, and Jacob Barton and Alberta Fryer 3rd. At the Avon Inter School Relays, the Kingswood team of Sebastian Crow, Jacob Barton and Wilfrid Whishaw won the Intermediate Class trophy. The Westwood Championships saw a whitewash in the girls’ competition for Beckford, with Katya Volkova and Sophie Farmer winning in Year 7 and 8 respectively. In the boys’ competition, two Wills - Shardlow and Connors - won their year groups, with Cusworth retaining the cup.

Mrs Jackie Hallett (Head of Orienteering)

INTERNATIONAL HONOURS Internationally, Lucy Tonge, James Bailey and Oliver Tonge all ran for England in the Home International, and Lucy was also selected for the Interland Competition.* All three have been selected for National Junior summer tours, and James has been selected for the Great Britain talent squad. It is also pleasing to hear that Kingswood alumnus Eddie Narbett was selected for the Junior World Orienteering Championships. These students don’t rest on their success however, and help at the weekly Orienteering Club, to inspire younger orienteers. * It must be noted that Mrs Hallett too was selected to compete internationally, in this competition (Ed.)

SPORT | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18

CROSS COUNTRY BOYS’ CAPTAIN: Ben Narbett | GIRLS’ CAPTAINS: Lucy Tonge & Isabella North

ross Country continues to play a significant part in the sporting calendar at Kingswood, with the school playing host to the B&NES County Championship - an inter school race in the Spring term - and two house events: the House Cross Country and the House Cross Country Relays. The Cross Country team itself continues to go from strength to strength, with many superb junior runners rising through the ranks to produce a number of sterling individual and team performances throughout the 2017-18 season. We had a large number of runners qualify for the Avon County Championships and of these, Ciara Newcastle, Ellie Webster and Will Connors all earned their place representing Avon at the English Schools Cross Country Championships. On our inter school circuit, the Inter Boys and Inter Girls teams continued their formidable form, finishing on the podium in many of the events in which they competed. Year 12 Lizzie White also continued to compete with the highest-class runners in Senior Girls events. It is however, not always all about the winning, and the Cross Country team’s inclusive and joyful spirit (spurred on by Captains Lucy Tonge, Isabella North and Ben Narbett) always ensured that no matter how cold, how treacherous, or how long the race may be, it is always fun to run (#Doitforthedoughnut!).

CLUB AWARDS & COLOURS HALF COLOURS: Charlie Aaron

Izzy North wipeout!

#Doitforthedoughnut!

KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18 | SPORT

CRICKET 1ST TEAM CAPTAIN: Oliver Penney

SEASON OVERVIEW 2018 was an amazing season â&#x20AC;&#x201C; not least because the Upper was actually warm pretty much all term! The incredible weather meant our Cricket teams played exactly 100 matches, winning nearly 60%, and 3 of our teams reached the finals of their respective Twenty20 competitions. Whilst the U13s and the 1st XI finished as runners-up, Joe Wattâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s excellent hundred saw the U12s to a very impressive win. A number of players in this team including Charlie Ward, Alice Wilson, Joe Randolph and John

Bean also had excellent seasons. The U13s were helped by the runs that Louis Kenyon and Noah Davis scored throughout the season, although Will Connors and Harry Charlesworth also contributed with both bat and ball. The U14s improved again, with James Redman racking up the runs, James Eayres impressive with the ball, and Player of the Season Angus Duncan proving to be an excellent new recruit with runs and wickets on a consistent basis. After a slow start, the U15s finished strongly, with Sam Ward, Ed Gilpin, Ollie Knight and Louis Fryer amongst the most consistent. Of the B teams, the U12s had the

...the Upper was actually warm pretty much all term!

best win percentage, with captain Daniel Zukas leading the team intelligently, and Charley Lunt, Will Cory, Lorcan Thornley and Jasper Nejad all turning in some strong performances. The two Oscars - Power and Billett - were very good for the U13Bs, as were Rory Bushell, Rufus SokellThompson and Harry Walsh. Finn Morris, Oliver Lechmere and Noah Richardson were the stand-out players for the U14s. In the 2nd and 3rd XIs, Thomas Deverell continued his amazing final year of sport at Kingswood with a couple of fifties, Conor DevlinCook led the 2nds with his typical enthusiasm, and Rupert Bayliss was also influential. However, opening bowler Reuben Barnett was the Player of the Season.

1ST XI For the 1sts, this year has been a hard, yet successful season, with a few batters who struggled for runs. However, our cohesion as a team helped us to a number of wins in the first half of the term. The Year 11s in the side this season have shown great promise, with Matthew Hooper becoming more consistent, and turning himself into an opening bowler with a knack for taking wickets. Marcus Kershaw also showed promise with bat and ball. The Year 12s - Hamish Walker, Oscar

SPORT | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18

Kenyon, Nathan Gregg and Will Jeffery - all contributed at different times. Hamish and Nathan showed that they have the ability to lead the batting next year, and Will showed his full potential as a middle order batsman with a match-winning knock of 42 not out against Prior. Oscar was arguably one of the players of the season, with his swing bowling regularly causing problems for opening batsmen. His best figures of 6 for 43 came against the Headmaster’s XI, but he also proved to be a great finisher with the bat, getting us over the line in several tight games. As for the Upper Sixth leavers, Al Mackenzie showed his class with the bat, achieving a brilliant 113 not out against the Headmaster’s XI, and usually making something happen in the field or with the ball. Oliver Parry was a more than handy off spinner, as well as often contributing with quick runs, including a hard-hitting 62 not out against Wellsway in the T20 Cup. Harry Hodges’ unorthodox bowling style has caused many batters problems over the last 3 years, and it was fitting that he managed to take his first 5-wicket haul against QEH in his final match for the school. William Barnes timed the ball as well as any batter, and his knock to see the team home against BGS was a real highlight of the season. Henry Brearey was the main all-rounder this season, often taking important wickets at crucial stages of the game, and regularly rebuilding the innings after a collapse. As captain, it has been a pleasure playing this, my last sporting season at Kingswood, with my best mates, and I would like to thank them for making it such an enjoyable time. I hope they continue to play, and enjoy, cricket in the future.

CLUB AWARDS & COLOURS COLTS COLOURS: Matthew Hooper, Marcus Kershaw HALF COLOURS: William Barnes, Nathan Gregg, Oscar Kenyon, Oliver Penney, Hamish Walker FULL COLOURS: Henry Brearey, Harry Hodges, Al Mackenzie, Oliver Parry

Oliver Penney (Captain) 1st XI

THE CRICKET TROPHY For outstanding contribution to one of the Kingswood teams: Oscar Kenyon

KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18 | SPORT

King Edward’s Wycliffe Kings Gloucester

1st

2nd

Lost by 4 wickets

Won

3rd

U15

U14A

U14B

U13A

U13B

U12A

U12B

Won

Cancelled

Lost

Won

Won by 28 runs Cancelled

Cancelled

Clifton College Monkton Combe

Won by 2 wickets

Kings’ Worcester

Lost by 6 wickets

Won Lost

Lost

Bristol Grammar

Won by 3 wickets

Lost

Won

Prior Park

Won by 2 wickets

Lost

Won

Lost

Dean Close

Won by 5 wickets

Lost

Won

Colston’s

Lost by 2 wickets

Won

Lost

Won

Lost

Won

Beechen Cliff

Won by 6 wickets

Won

Lost

Won

Dauntsey’s

Lost by 9 wickets

Lost

Won

Lost

Won

Lost

Won

XL Club

Lost by 3 wickets

Won

Lost

Won

Headmaster’s XI

Lost

Lost by 4 runs

MCC

Lost by 97 runs

QEH

Won by 158 runs

CUP MATCHES Round 1

KES (L)

Redland Green conceded

Nailsea (W)

Beechen Cliff (W)

KES (W)

Round 2

Wellsway (W)

Beechen (W)

Downend (W)

Backwell (W)

Monkton (W)

Semi-Final

Prior Park (W)

Downend (L)

Colston’s (L)

Clifton Coll. (W)

BGS (W)

Monkton Prep (L)

Downend (W)

Final

Monkton (L)

PRE-SEASON CRICKET TOUR TO LA MANGA The pre-season tour to La Manga was great preparation, contributing to our strong showing in the early part of the season and also enabling the Year 8s to work alongside and learn from the senior players.

SPORT | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18

BOYS’ TENNIS 1ST VI CAPTAIN: Charlie Roberts | 1ST VI VICE-CAPTAIN: John Kenny

Aves Cheung, and Harry Kerrison and Tom Craven. Zoltan Yasin and Alfie Brooks played together well, but the opportunity to pair the Brooks brothers was not to be missed and when Harvey joined Alfie, the pair won more sets than they lost. The most consistent 2nd team pairing again was Matthew Cheung and Gabriel Montefiore-Vita; both also made appearances for the 1st VI. The 1st team changed quite frequently due to form, examinations and injury. Year 10 Cameron Crowhurst’s season was short-lived due to injury, but debutant ‘Mr Consistent’ Zach Wheelhouse-Steel was a great addition, and he was the Most Improved Senior Player. Brothers Johnny and Alex Sedcole were able to combine together again, and they picked up the only triple bagel of the season.

he boys’ Tennis teams had a total of 33 different fixtures, winning 78%, with up to 30 boys representing the school each weekend. In Year 7, Oliver Brown showed potential with his excellent singlehanded backhand. Vladislav Rozhkov and Louis Record were among the pick of the Year 8s, with Vladislav definitely the keenest tennis player in the school. His aggressive forehand, coupled with Louis’ clinical doublehanded backhand made them both highly effective. These two players were jointly awarded the Most Improved Junior Player Award. The middle school players were also

strong, with Will Farmer, Zac Hale, Bertie Phillipson, Fergus Matthews, Xavier Gadras and Jim McAllister all improving their court craft by attending senior sessions and filling in for older boys on examination leave. Their 9-0 win over Warminster was a season highlight. In Year 10, Will Flemington-Clare held his own whilst playing some 2nd VI Tennis. With Max Mohr, Nathan Bode, Alex Read, Coleman Lee, Tim Green and Oliver Tonge there is much to get excited about for the future since these players have all made significant progress. The 2nd VI lost just once, owing much to senior pairs Ken Liu and

Senior players John Kenny and Joe Partridge continued to make an impact. John improved his movement around court and became a more consistent volleyer, also standing in as captain for the convincing win over Downside! The truly classy member of the boys’ team remains Joe Partridge. He has one season left, and after five years in the first team he deserved his award of Full Colours. The boys’ teams were captained by Charlie Roberts, who was an excellent role model. Always competitive but calm on court, he chased down every ball to stay in rallies, manoeuvring opposition players around the court to turn defence into attack. He always complimented opposition players on their fine play, and helped to assimilate much younger players into the senior squad. For all these reasons he was a very worthy recipient of Full Colours.

Mr Roderick Duke

CLUB AWARDS & COLOURS COLTS COLOURS: Gabriel Montefiore-Vita, Johnny Sedcole, Matthew Cheung HALF COLOURS: Alfie Brooks, Harry Kerrison, John Kenny, Tom Craven, Zach Wheelhouse-Steel FULL COLOURS: Joe Partridge, Charlie Roberts MOST IMPROVED JUNIOR PLAYERS: Vladislav Rozhkov & Louis Record MOST IMPROVED SENIOR PLAYER: Zach Wheelhouse-Steel

KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18 | SPORT

GIRLS’ TENNIS 1ST VI CAPTAIN: Ellie Jackson | 1ST VI VICE-CAPTAIN: Ella Holmes

The Girls’ Tennis season this year was built on superb participation, enthusiasm and dedication, with 14 teams, 84 players involved, and 91 fixtures across the Summer term. JUNIORS The U12 teams were unbeaten, and the first two pairs of Emily Hersch / Martha Small, and Holly Robinson / Hayley Crowhurst (who was also Player of the Season) did not lose a single match all term. Aoife Targett was the Most Improved player in this year group. The U13s worked hard, showing a good level of commitment to matches and training. A new fixture again Dean Close Prep offered tough opposition, but helped them raise their game in subsequent matches. Player of the Season was Sophie Farmer, who showed the most consistency. The Most

Improved Player was Evelyn Pilcher, who went from the B to the A team as her technique and consistency greatly improved. The U14s had a strong season with all the girls contributing to building team spirit and playing at an increasingly sophisticated level. Player of the Season was Rose Bates, who personified these characteristics very well. The Most Improved Player was Stevie Saunders whose tenacity and enthusiasm for the game saw her make tremendous improvements in her match play. The U15s should be commended on an outstanding season, with an

80% win rate over some competitive teams. A highlight of their season was the rare triple bagel secured by pairs Andi Newman / Kate Hollywood and Charlotte Houghton / Hannah Kelly in the same match against Monkton. Player of the Season was captain Beth Harris for her tenacity and determination to run down every ball. The Most Improved Player was Iris Marrack, who showed increased confidence in all areas of the court and was particularly effective in the latter stages of the season.

SENIORS 22 Sixth formers attended preseason practices in the Spring term to get sharpened up for the coming season. Benefits were seen in particular for the 3rd and 4th teams as they secured excellent results in their opening games. Indeed the 3rds remained unbeaten under the captaincy of Neve Matthews and with the help of Player of the Season Hannah Whitehead. A small core of Year 11s also supported this team until exams forced them into early ‘retirement’. Emily Vaughan was the pick of this year group.

SPORT | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18

one of the most improved members, often winning crucial rallies by hitting ‘one more shot’. Izzy Jolliffe’s natural ability to read the game, plus a fierce competitive spirit was also key to the team’s success. Charlotte Fillis was the most dedicated team member, and her readiness to train allowed her to make excellent improvements over the season. Natasha Burke was a very positive player, with strong groundstrokes, including a fantastic topspin forehand that proved a real weapon, and Amber Rees-Jones, in her second season in the 1sts, used her powerful serve once again to make matches a struggle for her opponents.

The 4th team had a good season, with their most notable performance beating Prior Park College 9 – 0. Many new players were promoted to the team this year, and their promising performances will be sure to help Girls’ Tennis in coming years. Player of the Season was Lucy Tonge. The 2nd VI were a stable squad, spearheaded by captain Anna Street and Zoe Brown, who both seemed to find freedom in their last season, hitting out confidently in all their matches. The long-standing partnership of Lily Landman and Sophie Garcia was also effective, showing fighting spirit and determination on court. They always played consistently, and were the most successful pairing, with the most sets won. They rightly were joint Players of the Season. Grace Tyrrell and Laura Rouffiac finished their school Tennis careers on a high, performing well. Emily Becconsall made a late burst onto the scene, when we could tear her away from Netball training. She was the deserved recipient of the Most Improved Player award. The 1st VI had a very new look, after four long-standing players left. This meant a steep learning curve, but nonetheless the players impressed. Alice O’Gorman was

who love their Tennis, and who have played regularly over their time at school. I hope university life allows for them all to carry on playing. Having played for the 1st VI since Year 10, to be able to captain the team has been a dream. I have had the best time playing with the team this year since they are an amazing group of girls, and I will miss them all very much.

Ellie Jackson (Captain)

Upper Sixth Ella Holmes was a great Vice-captain this year, and her ability to move around the court made her an equally good doubles partner. She also played club league Tennis, and brought this experience to the courts. She exemplifies a year group

CLUB AWARDS & COLOURS HALF COLOURS: Charlotte Fillis, Izzy Jolliffe, Alice O’Gorman, Amber Rees-Jones FULL COLOURS: Ella Holmes, Ellie Jackson (re-awarded) MOST IMPROVED PLAYER SALVER: Alice O’Gorman THE BLEATHMAN TROPHY (left by former pupil and teacher, Becky Bleathman, who was passionate about Tennis, and admired artistry, fair play and good sportsmanship): Lily Landman PLAYER OF THE SEASON: Ellie Jackson - a standalone contender whose play is above and beyond school level. She played with consistency, and always with good grace and humility. She impressed with her service, her ground strokes, and her supreme calmness throughout a match, and as captain was an outstanding role model for all school players.

KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18 | SPORT

4 x 100m School Record which had stood since 1956. The Seniors only attended a couple of meets this season, but still had a number of successes. Oran Hawkins and Harry Leakey performed well in 100m and 800m respectively, and Finley Feaver competed in many events including High Jump, Javelin, and most successfully 200m. Sam Cox and Jack Brain also contributed to the team, which looks forward to having Harry Bristow back next season once he returns from injury. Captain Brendan Curran was an admirable athlete throughout the season, especially in Discus, despite struggling with injury. He was fully deserving of his captaincy, and was a significant role model and leader throughout the season. Vicecaptain Oliver Jenkins switched this year from throwing to track events. He was a great Vice-captain, and helped ensure that meets all ran smoothly. Both contributed to the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success.

CLUB COLOURS COLTS COLOURS: Nicholas Baines and Matthew Vaughan

BOYSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ATHLETICS

HALF COLOURS: Brendan Curran, Oliver Jenkins, Natasha Thornton, Lizzie White

CAPTAIN: Brendan Curran | VICE-CAPTAIN: Oliver Jenkins

FULL COLOURS: Katherine Hall, Rebecca Ousby, Lizzie White

SENIOR SPORTS DAY AWARDS

any of the Juniors were competing for the first time this season, making their success even more impressive. The standout performer was Year 8 Rob Wilson, who often held his own against much older opponents. Jack Wheaton and Liam Toner were also both consistent all-round athletes, competing in track and field events, and often gaining podium places. The Intermediates were perhaps the most enthusiastic group this season, with 10 athletes regularly competing. Year 10s made up the majority of this team, and Ciaran Curran, Ben Cox, Ethan Hawtin and Gustav Asamoah-Bondzie all had wins against older opponents, which highlights the strength of

this year group. Tayo Sawyerr, Toby Bates and Tomiwo Owoseje also contributed to the success, and showed massive improvements in their events. Callum Chamberlain deserves a special mention for competing in almost every event, and for his improvement in Hurdles, starting off filling in at the Lutra Shield Competition, and finishing by coming second at Avon Schools and being selected for the county team. In Year 11, Nicholas Baines, Matthew Vaughan and Bert Nokes all performed well. Nicholas had regular wins in both 100m and 200m, with Matthew impressing in Long Jump, jumping almost 6 metres. Nicholas won the sprint double on Sports Day, and was part of the relay team which broke the

Awarded to the most successful girl and boy athlete on the day: VICTRIX LUDORUM: Lizzie White VICTOR LUDORUM Nicholas Baines

SPORT | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18

GIRLS’ ATHLETICS CAPTAIN: Kate Hall | VICE-CAPTAIN: Lizzie White

ompeting in Athletics can be daunting, however the Juniors did not seem phased by this, and demonstrated impressive talent, with Grace Horswell repeatedly winning 300m and 800m races, alongside Sterling Smith in the 200m. Hannah Gunn, Georgia Thompson, Ciara Newcastle and Edie Morris also all regularly competed. Edie’s win in the Junior Girls Discus at the B&NES District Athletics Championships was indicative of the potential lower down the school. The Inters were arguably the strongest age group this season, with Imogen Leakey beating School Records in both 100m and 200m, achieving PBs better than many older athletes within the school. She also achieved the title of U17 100m County Champion. Similarly,

Ellie Webster became the U17 800m County Champion. During the season, Ellie broke an 800m School Record that had stood since 1996 by 5 seconds, and also now holds the record in 1500m for her age group. Both Imogen and Ellie, alongside Kate Hall and Rebecca Ousby, were part of the Senior Girls 4 x 100m team who also set a new record time. It is very clear that both Imogen and Ellie fully deserved their selection to represent Avon Schools in the English Schools Athletics Championships (for the second year running). Other successful Inters included Lizzie Narbett, Nina Brain and Emma Lamey. Lizzie maintained her family’s reputation within 1500m, whilst Nina dominated both Long Jump and Triple Jump. Emma showed her capabilities in Discus, and qualified for the County Championships.

The future of Kingswood Athletics looks in safe hands.

In addition, Year 11s, Soraya Yasin, Bridie Knox and Mia and Jasmin Cameron all participated well. In the Seniors, the Year 12s were essential. Emily Davies and Charlotte Cutter both excelled in the shortdistance events, and Isabella North also showed consistency in 800m as well as being always willing to take part in events outside her comfort zone. Vice-captain Lizzie White was an exceptional role model and an influential leader. She is an incredible track athlete who repeatedly sets new PBs in 1500m, is a very worthy record holder in this event, and was deservedly awarded her Full Colours. Tash Thornton never failed to miss a meet and, although her heart may lie with Swimming, her performances in throwing events, particularly Shot Put and Discus, were always reliable. Rebecca Ousby again proved herself a well-rounded and versatile athlete, capable of competing in any event. She finished 8th in the Combined Events Regional Finals, and qualified for the English Schools ‘Next Best Nine in the Country.’ Captain Kate Hall set a brilliant example for the younger athletes this year with her dedication to training and intense competitiveness. She produced lightning-quick times in the 100m, which was her best event. The future of Kingswood Athletics looks in safe hands. With the strong contingent of Year 11 and 12 athletes this year, and the massive enthusiasm of younger years, it is certain that the Athletics Club will go from strength-to-strength in the next few years.

SWIMMING THE FOLLOWING IS TAKEN FROM THE END-OF-SEASON SPEECH GIVEN BY THE SWIMMING CAPTAINS TO THE SCHOOL.

BOYS’ CAPTAIN: Oliver Hall GIRLS’ CAPTAIN: Yemi Sawyerr

This year we thought we’d keep our speech short and sweet – just like our pool! The plan is to share some of our swimming HIGHLIGHTS from this season, so here goes…

is for Healthy Hearts Six swimmers braved the snow to take part in the sponsored swim in aid of the British Heart Foundation this year. Between them they swam 1322 lengths over 24km. Special mention must go to Lucas Lawman and Julia Reid who swam 400 and 300 lengths respectively, and to Daniel Adams who swam 200 lengths in 1 hour. A grand total of £500 was raised for charity.

is for Individual Lucas Lawman (Year 11) competed in six events at the South West Regional Championships. Seeing as this region has a number of very strong swimming academies including Millfield and Bournemouth Collegiate, Lucas did amazingly well to get to the finals in all of his events, winning bronze in the 400M IM. To put this race in context: it is equivalent to swimming 20 lengths of the Kingswood pool, 5 of each stroke, in just under 5 minutes! To add to this success, in school galas Lucas has been unbeaten in both IM and Breaststroke.

is for Galas Throughout the course of the year, Kingswood swimmers have competed in 7 galas against 11 different schools,

in some very fancy pools. We have swum in a grand sum of 405 races, achieving 4 clean sweeps.

is for House Gala This is always a competitive event, and a chance for Mrs Opie to do some scouting. Both Ruth Cheng and Ollie Knight put in impressive performances in their races, and can expect Mrs Opie to get them in the team next year! The combined scores made School and Upper winners of the House Swimming Competition.

is for Lads The following lads have finished either 1st or 2nd in all their races: Tom Connors and Jamie Rowley in Breaststroke, Will Connors in IM, Oliver Hall in Backstroke, and Freddie Baker in Freestyle. To add to this list, Nicholas Baines has been successful in both Backstroke and Fly, and Daniel Adams and Marcus Brend in Backstroke and Freestyle. The U13 relay team have also had an unbeaten season in all school galas. Kingswood newcomer Ted Nightingale is an up-and-coming swimmer, and Tayo Sawyerr continued to show dedication to his training. On to the leaving lads of the season: Jamie Rowley, who never trains but is somehow still at the top of his game in the pool;

Matthew Choy, who spends most of his time at galas asking why he is there in the first place; Misha Bazarov, who is always sporting designer t-shirts poolside; and Eason Sung, unfortunately unable to compete for the majority of the season due to injury. And last but not least, Boys’ Captain Oliver who is a pretty good swimmer when he puts his mind to it.

is for Incredible Images Beautiful pictures were taken of our pool this year. It was surprising to see these, since our early morning training means we never get to see it in its best light, and are used to considering our pool as … let’s just say not quite up to Olympic standards. It looks pretty massive in these shots … must have been a very wide angle lens we guess!

is for Girls Key members of the girls’ team this year have been: Ana Fox, who has come 1st or 2nd in all of her Breaststroke races; Rose Betts, who excelled in both Backstroke and Breaststroke, and Georgia Thompson, our pocketsized prodigy who has had great success in Fly and Freestyle. Mention must also go to phenomenal breaststrokers Olivia Patterson and Menina Nightingale, backstrokers

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Ellie Duke, Grace Horswell, Jessica Brain and Charlotte Hollywood, freestyle swimmers Martha Brain, Ellie Webster and Emily Becconsall, and Nina Brain and Anisha Gofton in the IM. The girls’ U15 relay team has been unbeaten in both Medley and Freestyle events. On to our leavers for this year. Natasha Thornton has proved to be a reliable member of the team throughout her time at Kingswood; she’s always willing to swim, and has competed in every event under the sun. The only other leaving member of the girls’ team this year is the ever reliable Captain Yemi Sawyerr, someone not only the girls, but everyone in the team looks up to.

is for Hot water One of our abiding memories of swimming in the Kingswood pool will be the excessively warm water – sometimes reaching 34°C - almost 10 degrees warmer than the average Olympic pool! But on the bright side, if we ever swim badly, we can always just blame it on heat stroke from the pool.

is for Top Team Our top team of the season is the U13 Boys’ relay team consisting of Daniel Adams, William Wong, Will Connors and Will Shardlow. This group qualified for the National Relay Finals in both the freestyle and medley events which took place in the impressive London Aquatic Centre in the Olympic Park. And finally ...

is for Statistics • 100% - the win rate of the U13 girls and boys, and the U15 girls • 85% - the win rate for the U16 boys • 75% - the win rate for the U16 girls • 66% - the win rate for all combined teams, so not a bad overall result from the Swimming Club this year.

Swimming is regarded as an individual sport, but our teams will assure you that their fondest memories as Kingswood swimmers are from the times shared with team members, so thank you to everyone who made our time in Kingswood swimming as memorable as it was.

Yemi Sawyerr and Oliver Hall (Captains)

CLUB AWARDS & COLOURS COLTS COLOURS: Jessica Brain, Martha Brain, Menina Nightingale, Nicholas Baines and Lucas Lawman HALF COLOURS: Natasha Thornton, Matthew Choy, Misha Bazarov, Ana Fox FULL COLOURS: Jamie Rowley, Oliver Hall and Yemi Sawyerr - all are excellent all round swimmers who have been outstanding role models to the younger pupils. MOST IMPROVED SWIMMER CUP: Connie Slater (Year 8) - she worked very hard throughout the year, attending Early Morning Swimming and Team Swim. She has represented the U13 team, but also stepped in at the last minute to swim for the Open Girls when they were short. TENCH CUP (awarded to the most successful school swimmer): As usual there were a number of contenders: Georgia Thompson has been the most successful girl, competing for the U13, U16 and Open Teams throughout the year, with a number of wins in IM and Fly. Last year’s winner Lucas Lawman had another very successful season, both for school and at the South West Regional Championships. This year however, the award is shared by four swimmers in Westwood who have had National success, swimming in the London Aquatic Centre for the Finals of both the Medley and Freestyle Relays. It is awarded to Daniel Adams, Will Connors, William Wong and Will Shardlow. BERESFORD SHIELD (awarded to the person who has made the greatest contribution to Kingswood swimming): This year this is awarded to a member of the U6 who has trained regularly, been prepared to swim whatever event was needed, and who has helped out with Westwood swimming each week. It is awarded to Misha Bazarov.

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ATHLETIC DEVELOPMENT AIM: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;To become better people who inspire othersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

his is the mission statement of the Athletic Development program at Kingswood School, and the past year has seen its continued evolution. The emphasis has been taken away from athletic performance alone, and has been replaced with a focus on developing the whole individual. Through this we have enjoyed numerous special moments in which individuals have come together and achieved things they never before thought possible. Opportunities to develop leadership skills, and improve knowledge around training methodologies, nutrition and recovery have all contributed towards this.

With a wider reach than ever before, and a growing interest in Strength and Conditioning (S&C), our numbers are rapidly increasing. The Movement Literacy classes in Years 7, 8 & 9 continue to help pupils improve their motor competency, whilst aiming to ignite a passion for physical fitness - seeing that it can be fun! At the core of the program is the S&C Club, which runs throughout the year and sees a mix of pupils from Year 9 to Year 11 working on various set programs which support them in chasing their goals. The positive energy from this group, and the support they give one another, makes the experience very special for all.

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Various sport teams and athletes have also been involved in S&C over the past year, but the group which has been arguably the most noticeable has been the 1st XV Rugby, the majority of whom have been committed to the S&C provision at Kingswood since its inception three years ago. Playing against well-known rugby schools from around the country in the Champions Trophy, the superior physicality of the Kingswood team was clearly a key contributor to their success. This group has shown what is possible through a commitment to S&C training, and we hope to have many more teams and individuals experiencing these benefits in future years.

Mr Digby Webb (Athletic Development Coordinator)

...the support they give one another, makes the experience very special for all.

CLIMBING: Bristol Schools Bouldering League Kingswood again entered students from Years 7 to 13 into the schools bouldering competition at The Climbing Academy in Bristol. Our intrepid students had to attempt 20 climbs on each of the 4 evenings, trying their best to get as high as possible each time. The positive attitude and determination shown by all students who took part was impressive, suggesting that Climbing at Kingswood is on the up.

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EQUESTRIAN Kingswood’s Equestrian team continued to compete strongly throughout this year. Key events and achievements were as follows: SEPTEMBER: At Blenheim International Horse Trials, competing as part of an Arena Eventing team, Olivia Patterson completed both showjumping and cross country with clear rounds. In separate events, Naomi Waheed competed at Rectory Farm NSEA, and Olivia rode again at Pontispool, finishing just outside the top 10. By far the biggest event was the Senior Independent Schools’ One Day Event held at Stonar, which as usual proved very challenging for the riders. Deserving of mention were Naomi Waheed’s personal best in the dressage, and clear round in cross country, and Olivia Patterson’s 6th place in the 90cm class, with the best dressage mark in the section.

As well as competing as a team, Kingswood riders also enjoyed much individual success, including the following achievements: Naomi Waheed - qualified for the National Horseware Hunter Trial Finals.

NOVEMBER: In individual competition, Naomi

Will Connors - represented the Beaufort PC at the National Tetrathlon Championships, an event that spans three days, with Shoot, Swim, Ride and Run phases. Will scored the highest marks for Shooting, followed with a good swim and run, and clear round inside the time on the cross country. He finished in 3rd place.

Waheed completed double honours at West Wilts Equestrian Centre, coming 2nd in the 65cm class, and winning the 75cm class. Later in the month, five members of the team (including Naomi) represented Kingswood at the Dauntsey’s NSEA show jumping competition. Brilliant performances from all, including 7 clear rounds out of 9, resulted in the team gaining 4th place overall.

APRIL: This month saw the first One Day Event of the NSEA season that was not cancelled due to horrible weather! Rose Betts jumped a double clear, and Marnie Lister completed her first one day event at 90cm height, including securing a personal best dressage score. Will Connors and Olivia Patterson both jumped double clears to finish 7th and 1st respectively, Olivia winning with an excellent dressage score. Both qualified individually for the NSEA championships, and helped the 90cm team to 2nd place overall, also qualifying them. JANUARY: Three riders competed at the NSEA arena eventing competition, completing a course of show jumps followed by cross country-style jumps on the same surface. Rose Betts, Naomi Waheed and Rory Ferguson took part, and each jumped extremely well, although not bringing any rosettes home this time.

Lexi Hart - competed in the British Dressage 2018 Area Festival, coming 3rd and qualifying for the Area Finals at which she managed to secure 9th place in the Elementary Under 21 section. She also undertook work experience with Robert Barker, who rides for Dressage Olympic gold medal winner, Charlotte Dujardin, and hopes to pursue this placement further in her gap year - a huge step towards her dream of international honours.

Olivia Patterson competed in the Pony Club National Championships, Novice Dressage, held in the Summer holidays. 52 teams of 4 competed, with winners and runnersup from each riding off against each other. Olivia was the only member of the team to progress, and finished 8th individually, helping her team to win the National Championships title, their nearest rivals some 8 points behind.

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JUNIOR SKI TRIP: ALPE Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;HUEZ

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GREECE TRIP This was an incredible first for Kingswood’s Model United Nations delegates, who attended an international conference in Thessaloniki, Greece.

MODEL UNITED NATIONS T

his event, hosted by Anatolia College, is affiliated with The Hague International MUN and, as such, sees an intensely authentic level of debate on global issues facing the international community. Fourteen sixth formers undertook the challenging preparation ahead of the conference - producing research folders, policy papers and resolutions - before jetting off to Greece as delegates. Kingswood delegates sat on 8 committees, and participated in 20 hours of debate over 3 days – a feat of stamina and engagement as they tackled the intimidating scenarios head-on. Of course, this MUN experience was about so much more than just the issues and concerns facing our world. On an individual level, it required commitment and dedication to be ready for the event. Then, during the conference, there

were opportunities to be taken, or missed, and chances to learn from other, new, people and cultures. The adrenaline rush of speaking in front of 500 people, or the personal satisfaction of contributing to the writing of an amendment were equally valid and joyous. Fortunately, there was also enough time in the evenings for students to explore some of Thessaloniki’s celebrated eateries, and everybody wasted no time in replenishing their energies after the demanding days of international diplomacy. Each and every delegate was a source of pride to their teachers, and a credit to themselves, and they must be congratulated on their participation. They made it abundantly clear the concern that Kingswood has for global issues and World action.

Miss Sandra Jones (Teacher of English)

At the conference, recognition for particular contributions went to the following pupils: • Jasper Davis (Year 13) Best Delegate on GA2 • Joanna Vaughan (Year 12) Best Delegate on GA3 • Leah Noah Gencheva (Year 13) Honourable Delegate on GA6 • Gregor Morton (Year 13) Delegate, Historical Committee.

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DOMESTIC EVENTS Closer to home, the Model United Nations activity has also been busy.

his year saw two regular weekly slots full of debate, research and conference preparation. School assemblies were also a feature, challenging the rest of the Kingswood community to reflect on their own responses to solving global crises. Our seasoned Sixth Formers set the bar for intense engagement with global affairs, occasionally veering into controversial territory. We were

The Summer term saw a repeat of KS3 MUN, and there followed a term of high-level engagement with students from Years 8 and 9, joined by some of our Year 12s. Within topics such as ‘Ethnic Cleansing in Myanmar’, ‘Political Assassination’, and ‘Maintaining Biodiversity,’ students learned how to debate operative clauses and begin writing some of their own: an exciting starting point for being future conference delegates.

...intense engagement with global affairs, occasionally veering into controversial territory.

also pleased to welcome some new faces, including the extremely promising new talent of Year 9, Tara Wynne-Edwards. Along with other new recruits, there were outings to Malvern St James and Bristol Grammar School. At the latter, Elie Gould (Year 13) was awarded the gavel for outstanding delegate in the Special Committee on the Charter of the UN.

Many students participated in MUN this year, and the following should be commended for their dedication and global outlook: Adam Tappin, Jasper Davis, Rose Buxton, Natasha Thornton, Elie Gould, Joanna Vaughan, Josephine Learoyd, Megan Lloyd-Evans, Rin Watanabe, Kate Soldatenko, Leo Osipovs, Frede Dellwhite, Poppy

Hasoon, Gregor Morton, Anish Thapa, Tara Wynne-Edwards, Johnny Sedcole, Lizzie Wylie, Matty Wylie, Oliver Ellis, Arthur Darwish, Fergus Matthews, Joshua Thornton. We wish you well if you are leaving us, and look forward to more adventures if you are sticking around.

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HISTORY TRIP: BERLIN During the Easter holidays, 50 students from Years 10 and 11, accompanied by 6 staff, enjoyed a successful and memorable trip to Berlin.

he group visited a range of sites associated with the history of Germany in the first half of the Twentieth century and the Cold War, which are important topics in the GCSE History course. On the first day, the group shook off the effects of the 20-hour coach journey by undertaking a walking tour of some of the sites of central Berlin, and ascended Berlin’s TV Tower, one of the tallest structures in western Europe, to get a fantastic view of the city. In a packed schedule, other notable sites included the Holocaust Memorial, the first-rate Museum of German History which closely

complemented the GCSE History course, and an excellent guided tour of the Olympic Stadium, which was built for the 1936 Olympics. The group also spent a very moving and thought-provoking morning at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, where the very cold, snowy conditions helped to bring home the harsh reality of the prisoners’ experiences, as well as the atrocities committed there. All of the students behaved impeccably and showed interest throughout the week.

Mr Peter MacDonald (Head of History)

...the very cold, snowy conditions helped to bring home the harsh reality of the prisoners’ experiences.

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CLASSICS TRIP: ROME

In October, a group of Kingswood Classicists visited Rome. The jaw-dropping sights of this city - where around every corner a new view delights, and the elegance of the architecture is dwarfed by the effortless beauty of the natural surroundings - enchanted us for four days.

he Philosopher Alain de Boton wrote the following about holidays abroad:

The point of travel shouldn’t be constant bliss; it should be an encounter with interesting new disturbances of the soul. We should rediscover self-assertion by squabbling with public officials, rethink our lives by having midnight career crises and play havoc with our romantic lives by dancing with inappropriate people. All of it will make our lives far more interesting than the so-called relaxing holiday, which is as rare as a unicorn and dull, too. Our trip was anything but this. Although there was some hauling of baggage along cobblestones which would be better travelled in a sedan chair than on foot, we also experienced the warmth of the Italian sun, the best of Italian culture, and the passionate nature of the people who gave us the word ‘romantic’, all in the charming company of our pupils. We stood by the prison where St

Peter was miraculously freed from his incarceration by an angel, the moment referred to in the lines ‘my chains fell off, my heart felt free’ – lines sung often in Kingswood Whole School Services. We stood where Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44BC. We stood before the ruins of the mightiest empire, ruins that rose majestically from the bottom of the Capitoline Hill, surrounded by the gargantuan edifices of 20th Century fascism. When you approach the Colosseum you are struck by its size. However, the world around is still with you. Protecting your charges from frisky

security guards, dazed from your daring escape from the labyrinthine Forum, or thinking that actually you might go back and buy a Colosseum paperweight for one Euro: whatever is occupying your thoughts when you pass under the arch that leads into the Flavian amphitheatre, half way through it you, and everyone around, gasp. The height of the archway, the heat and excitement of the crowd, the knowledge of where you are hits you, and the next moment you find yourself in the arena itself. The encounter with this building certainly provided all of us a new disturbance of the soul. And there were also the Trevi Fountain, St Peter’s Basilica, Gucci, Prada, Missoni, gelato every day … and a lot of pizza. Without a doubt, our trip to ‘the eternal city’ will continue to enrich our thoughts and our lives forever.

Mrs Sarah Dakin (Head of Classics)

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HISTORY TRIP: WW1 BATTLEFIELDS In July, Kingswood students travelled to the now picturesque Belgian town of Ypres: their base for exploring the First World War battlefields of Belgium and Northern France.

his trip was particularly pertinent since 2018 marks the centenary of the end of the First World War.

The five day trip included visits to a preserved trench network, enormous war cemeteries such as Tyn Cot, as well as the Menin Gate in Ypres, a memorial to those lost but who have no known grave. Students also visited the Somme battlefields, with a particularly poignant visit to the grave of Old Kingswoodian Eric Heaton who was killed on the first day of the Somme Offensive in 1916. Here the students led a service of remembrance, including ‘The Last Post’ performed by Kingswood Trumpeter Alex Sedcole. Other highlights included descending into Wellington Quarry - used as an underground shelter, hospital and staging post during the war - as well as more light-hearted pursuits such as bowling, a theme park trip and watching England lose to Croatia in the Football World Cup (much to Mr Darwin’s dismay). Despite the sombreness of the historical locations visited, all the students exhibited great enthusiasm and were good company throughout. Mr George Newbould (Teacher of History)

...a particularly poignant visit to the grave of Old Kingswoodian Eric Heaton who was killed on the first day of the Somme Offensive in 1916.

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THE FRENCH EXCHANGE On the last day of the Spring term, an excited group of eight pupils from Years 10 and 12 set off to spend a week with their exchange partners from the Lycée Saint Sernin in Toulouse, who had visited Kingswood in November.

he group embraced the French way of life with huge enthusiasm: speaking French to their partners and host families; experiencing lessons in a French school; cooking a two-course lunch; bowling; and visiting the famous medieval fortress in Carcassonne, as well as having breakfast in one of Toulouse’s most upmarket cafes, Café Bibent. The group were really excellent company throughout the week, and enjoyed spending more time with their French exchanges, this time as their guests.

The group embraced the French way of life with huge enthusiasm.

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THE GERMAN EXCHANGE A group of 22 pupils accompanied by 3 staff visited Münster in December, arriving a little later than planned after some rigorous passport checks.

uring their stay, pupils had a taste of the 7.45am start to a German school day, and some lessons. At the weekend many spent time at some of the five Christmas markets in the town centre, sampling sausages, chips and various sweets, or were shown other nearby towns. One lucky pupil even made a visit to Amsterdam for the day. The trip also included two contrasting day trips, the first to

a state-run national and prestigious stud farm, where the group saw some impressive stallions, and learned that some of the horses which compete at the Olympics also train there. The group also visited the museum of the successful Borussia Dortmund football team. Much entertainment was to be had here, some more football-orientated than others. Dortmund town centre was also on the itinerary, with the tallest Christmas tree in the world, as well as a renowned “Currywurst”

stall, which some pupils sampled. Disappointingly, snow only fell on one day, and after a week everyone returned to their various home destinations, tired but having experienced a traditional German warm-up to their own Christmas, and lots of fun. Pupils’ language skills also improved, both in terms of understanding and communication.

Miss Nicola Beale (Teacher of French and German)

...having experienced a traditional German warm-up to their own Christmas.

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THE SPANISH EXCHANGE When we arrived at our Spanish host school, the Leonardo da Vinci Bilingual School, everybody was bustling with excitement to see their and everybody else’s exchange partners.

fter meeting these lovely Spanish people who we would spend time with on the trip, we each parted our ways to go to our new home for a week. The next day we attended lessons in the school, such as PE, Italian and Science. At first it was very difficult to understand what was going on, but as the trip went on, eventually it became easier to pick out familiar Spanish words and phrases. The best advice for a trip such as this would be: don’t be annoyed if you can’t understand everything at once! During our trip, we visited the Museo de Reina Sofia, a famous art gallery in central Madrid, where we also went shopping. We also visited Segovia, an extremely beautiful Spanish town.

...these lovely Spanish people who we would spend time with on the trip.

In the evenings we spent time in the centre of Moralzarzal, to talk and socialise with the other exchange partners who we may not have had the chance to converse with during the school day. I made many new friends this way, and enjoyed learning about their Spanish culture and way of life. In addition, the trip was definitely very beneficial for my Spanish listening and speaking; in particular, my accent improved a lot. To anyone wanting to go the extra mile in their Spanish learning and interest in Spanish culture, this trip comes highly recommended.

Evelyn Kerr (Year 10)

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FRENCH TRIP: PARIS During October half term, 60 pupils in Years 8 and 9 left for Paris, full of excitement.

espite a long bus journey through the night, the group arrived at the Paris Catacombs in high spirits and ready to learn about and indeed see the somewhat gruesome history of Paris’ overflowing cemeteries from the 18th Century. The following day was more light-hearted, with a whole day at Disneyland where the group enjoyed numerous rollercoasters, a parade of Disney characters, and shops full of memorabilia. Supper was served at Planet Hollywood, and the group then headed to the Montparnasse Tower to see some spectacular views of all the famous Paris landmarks by night. The next day, the group started with a cruise down the River Seine, taking in views of Notre

Dame, the Eiffel Tower and many beautiful bridges. The next stop was the famous art museum, the Louvre, from which the group took a historical walking tour to the Champs Elysées, finishing up at the Arc de Triomphe. A visit to France’s national stadium, the Stade de France, followed, and the tour guides gave a detailed insight into the regular sports fixtures and music concerts that take place there. The final evening comprised of a Quiz Night where teams had to create the best Eiffel Tower out of tin foil, and answer some tough general knowledge and historical questions on what they had seen during the trip. The group also visited a small chocolate factory on the way home where they got a chance to taste and buy lots of delicious chocolate.

Many thanks to all the pupils and staff for another memorable French trip.

Miss Sarah Brookes (Head of French)

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SPANISH TRIP: SEVILLE During February half term, 54 Kingswood pupils ventured to sunny Seville – a far cry from the cold, wet and windy weather left behind in England!

irst stop was lunch, which included the pupils’ first taste of using Spanish as they ordered jamón, queso or chorizo baguettes. Blue skies and sunshine then welcomed us as we approached Seville and quickly headed out into the city with our guide, Ignacio. We learned about the history of the city and its buildings, and walked through the beautiful Maria Luisa Park and back to our hostel via the stunning Plaza España. The first full day included a visit to the Reales Alcazares (Royal Palace of Seville) and then the Cathedral – where Christopher Columbus rests. Students then climbed the 34 sets of ramps to the top of the 100m tall Giralda (prayercalling tower) where they enjoyed panoramic views of the city. Lunch was tapas-tasting at a local restaurant, then a walk through the old quarter (Barrio Santa Cruz) before some much-anticipated shopping time. A day trip was next: to Córdoba, the birthplace of Seneca and famous for its ‘Mezquita’ (mosque) which the Romans, Muslims and Christians all contributed to over the centuries. With 1300 columns and a maximum capacity of 30,000, we all experienced an amazing feeling when we stepped inside. We were also able to enjoy lots of shopping time and free-time for lunch before students took part in a quiz which tested them on Seville, Córdoba and the key Spanish language they had used on the trip. The last full day in Seville included a visit to the market in Triana followed by lunch, then onto the museum and bullring before an evening Flamenco show. This concluded an extraordinary trip which enabled everyone to fully embrace Spanish culture, warm weather and language.

Miss Nadine Robinson (Teacher of French and Spanish)

Blue skies and sunshine welcomed us.

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OUTDOOR PURSUITS DUKE OF EDINBURGH OVERVIEW Duke of Edinburgh is thriving at Kingswood, and most students now undertake the award at one level at the very least. In order to complete the Duke of Edinburgh Award, participants must complete three sections, as well as the expedition. The award is therefore a notable achievement, and it is great that such a high proportion of students have continued with the scheme throughout the year. In 2017-18 we had a record number of Year 10 students undertake Bronze, with over 80 participating in the final two Qualifying Expeditions in June. Numbers have also been our highest ever at Silver, with 28 Year 11 students going on the final Qualifying Expedition on Exmoor. At Gold, we finished the year with two groups completing their qualifying in the Summer, and one back in October on the Black Mountains. A special mention should be made of the following, who have all completed their Gold Award: Charlotte Crowe, Charlie Knight, Matthew Choy, Anna Rowland and Laura Rouffiac. This represents a huge achievement, and all have been rewarded with a trip to St Jamesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Palace, with some of them receiving awards from the Queen.

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BRONZE Due to the large number of participants, two Bronze Qualifying Expeditions were run simultaneously in June, with the large number of Year 10 participants completing two days on either the Mendip Hills or the Forest of Dean. Groups in both expedition areas displayed clear planning of their routes, and were well-organised in their approach to camping. The walking certainly represented a challenge when carrying heavy rucksacks over undulating terrain. However, all of the groups made excellent progress over the two days and were able to navigate with far greater accuracy during Sunday afternoon than they were during Saturday morning.

SILVER The Silver Qualifying Expedition represents a great way for the Year 11 students to celebrate the end of their public examinations, and it was great to see so many doing so this year. The Expedition area is in the beautiful Exmoor National Park, and groups are able to enjoy great views from Dunkery Beacon, as well as looking out over the Bristol Channel. The routes are long and challenging, but the groups did manage to secure some great camping spots, and all were able to pass this part of the award.

GOLD 19 students undertook their Gold Qualifying Expedition in the Lake District. The groups enjoyed some very hot weather and varied but testing routes. Thankfully, it was only Mr Alchorne who succumbed to the sun and got burnt! Across the three days the groups faced challenges and rewards: ascending nearly 700m by mid-day and a cooling dip in Angle Tarn; views of the entire Lake District and beyond (Blackpool Tower could even be seen from the top of High Raise); the delights of Patterdale; and some lakeside camping on Ullswater. The groups impressed the external assessor who wrote a glowing report on each of the participants, and passed this section of the award for them. Thanks must go to the many staff who assisted with all of the expedition weekends and the training, as well as congratulations to all of the students who were involved in Duke of Edinburgh this academic year.

Mr Steve Smyth (Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator)

GOLD: QUALIFYING – LAKE DISTRICT TRAINING – BLACK MOUNTAINS

SILVER: QUALIFYING – EXMOOR TRAINING – QUANTOCKS

BRONZE: QUALIFYING – MENDIPS / FOREST OF DEAN

KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18 | TRIPS & ACTIVITIES

TEN TORS 2018

After months of arduous training, the teams finally completed the Ten Tors event on Dartmoor, navigating challenging routes across tough terrain whilst carrying all the kit and equipment needed for their expedition.

he 35 mile teams both made exceptional progress all weekend. Team ‘Juliet Charlie’ were the first to finish their course at 9.05 am – one and a half hours in front of the next school on the same route. Team ‘India Delta’ finished just five minutes later at 9.10am – also the first of the teams to finish their course. Both Year 10 teams made history as the fastest ever Kingswood 35 mile teams. The 45 mile team completed their route well within the time limit, coping well with the surprisingly warm weather conditions on the hills on Sunday. After an unforeseen setback, Max Brindley stepped in at the last minute (on Thursday evening) to allow the 55 mile team to start their route. They were also the fastest ever Kingswood team to finish the event at just after 11.30am, also the quickest team to finish their route, despite just two hours sleep on Saturday night.

They were also the fastest ever Kingswood team to finish the event...

TRIPS & ACTIVITIES | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18

The successful Kingswood teams this year were as follows: 35 MILE ‘INDIA DELTA’ • • • • • •

Charlotte Houghton Nina Brain Ritika Shrestha Edgar Mottershead Davies Ben Cox Oliver Tonge

35 MILE ‘JULIET CHARLIE’ • • • • • •

Archie Webb Callum Chamberlain Jamie Dale Ed Gilpin Ollie Knight Josh Nicholson

45 MILE ‘UNIFORM FOXTROT’ • • • • • •

Poppy Hasoon Lucy Tonge Joey Cleghorn George Halsey Fin Crowe Gabriel Burge-Swatton

55 MILE ‘YANKEE JULIET’ • • • • • • •

Joshua Gammie Harry Leakey Finn Sayce Ben Narbett Sam Cox Charlie Knight (injured) Max Brindley (replacement)

KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18 | TRIPS & ACTIVITIES

EXPEDITION CLUBS

YEAR GROUP HIKES … … IN FACTS & STATISTICS!

YEAR 7

This year saw a new Kingswood venture, as each term saw a different Junior year group plan and undertake an expedition, including wild camping and carrying all necessary equipment with them.

his activity involved learning and perfecting campcraft skills, practising map-reading, and preparing and packing for the expedition.

The Year 8s headed to Dartmoor in glorious weather, to find a remote spot on the North Moor which even included swimming for those brave enough. The views from Higher Tor were amazing, although the weather set in for day 2 which involved some torrential downpours. This was Mr Hills’ last ever trip with Kingswood, and is therefore an appropriate moment to mention the considerable amount that he has contributed to outdoor pursuits in his time at the school. The Year 9s also braved Dartmoor, camping in a picturesque spot. The group overcame challenges such as forgotten tent poles, stoves and walking boots, and created a lively atmosphere with more unusual equipment such as fairy lights and a chocolate fondue! Their circular route visited features such as a waterfall, a tinner’s hut, the top of Sittaford Tor and two ancient standing stone circles, and was a suitable challenge to allow pupils to prepare for Duke of Edinburgh and Ten Tors in future years.

… 34 pupils ... a 5 hour hike … the Cotswold Way from Selsley to Dursley ... glorious weather

YEAR 8

… 33 pupils … an 8 mile hike … the Mendips, including the highest point ... very muddy conditions

YEAR 9

… 38 pupils … 5 hour circular hike … the Black Mountains, including summits over 700m … splendid views in perfect conditions

STAFF & LEAVERS | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18

STAFF FAREWELLS During the academic year, the Kingswood community bade farewell to the following members of staff. The valedictions below are adapted from words shared by the Headmaster with the School at the time of the staff leaving. Miss Chapman English

life and her own personal example, Miss Chapman was a real supporter of the Christian life of the School. When she joined the School, I think Miss Chapman expected to be with us rather longer, but circumstances change, and she now relocates to the North East to be closer to her brother. I am really delighted for Miss Chapman that she has secured a position at the prestigious Whitley Bay High School, and we wish her every success and happiness there, alongside thanking her for such a terrific contribution to Kingswood.

time on developing this online business. He will be a loss, but here is an example of someone showing entrepreneurial spirit, and we should certainly admire that. We thank Mr Matheson for all he has done for Kingswood both within Science and, of course, in his contribution to Outdoor Pursuits, particularly Ten Tors. We wish him much happiness and success with his next venture.

Miss Nicholson Art & DT

Mr Matheson Head of Science

Miss Chapman joined us just two years ago to teach English. She is someone with a very academic background herself, and those she taught will know that she really inspired them with her love both of her subject and of teaching. She is warm and kind, but also expects very high standards – just as she does of herself. She cares that pupils make the best of themselves, and they know this and respond to it. She contributed to Cross Country and Outdoor Pursuits, and through both her contributions to Chapel

Mr Matheson also joined us just two years ago, from his position as Head of Physics at Beechen Cliff, to be our Head of Science. It was a natural move, and one for which Mr Matheson was particularly well placed, with experience as an engineer and in the army prior to entering teaching. Mr Matheson took on this important leadership role at a time of significant change in the examination system, which would have a direct impact on how we taught our individual sciences, and on how we constructed and taught our Junior Science course. In addition to his Physics teaching, this has been a major focus of Mr Matheson’s work over the past two years. However, Mr Matheson has also enjoyed increasing success with the online teaching materials he has been developing, and from which many Kingswood pupils benefited. Such has been the success and demand, that Mr Matheson decided, at least for the moment, to concentrate his

Miss Nicholson joined us in 2014 to teach Art and DT. I looked back at my interview notes from 2014 and, given what we know about Miss Nicholson, they offer no surprises. Words and phrases such as ‘delightful, positive, enthusiastic, warm, would be a brilliant fit for Kingswood, terrific role model, modest’ were all present. But even these first impressions do not properly reflect what a wonderful person Miss Nicholson is, and what an influence she has had on so many Kingswood pupils over the past four years. That kindness, warmth and positivity has been there not only towards pupils, but also towards her

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colleagues, including those in senior management. She is a very fine and hugely committed teacher, and a brilliant tutor. She is very generous and very flexible. She will go that extra mile not because people like me say she should, but because she wouldn’t know any other way. She is one of those people for whom giving comes naturally, and taking does not even enter the equation. It is quite an ask to teach across two departments and to be flexible enough to adapt to the particular needs of these departments, but I doubt Miss Nicholson ever thought of that as an issue. When she applied for the job she is now moving to - as an Art teacher at Cheltenham Ladies’ College - she apologised to me. When she got the job - as I told her she would, because I couldn’t imagine a stronger allround candidate - she apologised for deciding to accept the role, even though it is an absolutely ideal one for her in the right location. And since then she has apologised many times for any inconvenience she may have caused. I have told her there is no need to apologise, so she apologised for that, too! The thing is that Miss Nicholson is so selfless, that she finds it very difficult to do anything fundamentally for herself - the hallmark of a great teacher and a great person. We will all miss Miss Nicholson greatly, but these have been four years of wonderful service for which we thank her deeply. As she moves to Cheltenham and those very lucky girls at the Ladies’ College benefit from her care, I hope she may find time occasionally to think of herself, too. Miss Nicholson, thank you.

absolutely first-rate teacher, who inspired many pupils in Design Technology. Working under Mr Brown’s leadership, he has been an important member of a DT team which has really modernised that department, making it very popular and very successful. But, of course, really good teachers excel well beyond the classroom, and Mr Thomas is one of those really good teachers. He has run teams in rugby, cricket and football with great skill and commitment. A terrific tutor, he was a very obvious choice to take on the role of assistant housemaster in Middle, working alongside two housemasters. He has run or accompanied numerous trips, and been involved in some capacity in a huge range of activities. Not surprisingly, he has excelled in all these roles. We are very sorry to see Mr Thomas go, but at the same time we understand; the draw of a return to his native Wales, and a position at the school he himself attended was just too tempting. They know they have someone of real quality joining them; we know we are losing someone of real quality. But we do so with real gratitude for everything Mr Thomas has done for Kingswood.

Miss Brookes Head of French

Mr Thomas DT Mr Thomas leaves us after five years of outstanding contribution to the Kingswood community. I remember that on interview he impressed everyone he met hugely. He was comfortably the first choice of everybody who interviewed him. This is quite something to live up to, but Mr Thomas did not only that, but much more. He has been an

Miss Brookes joined Kingswood in 2011 as Head of French and, whilst she has led that department with distinction over the past 7 years, her impact on the School has been so much wider than that. With natural warmth and intelligence, and evident enjoyment of and understanding of working in a school such as this, Miss

Brookes is the type of teacher who individual students both admire and who they naturally seek out for support, guidance and advice. In the classroom she has high expectations, but her style is very much supportive and encouraging; her most able students have achieved Oxbridge success, but she is equally at home guiding those to whom foreign languages do not come at all naturally. I was delighted when she agreed in 2014 to join Fonthill as Resident Assistant Housemistress, and I know that Mrs Sergeant has found Miss Brookes to be a wonderful support in the house, and that the girls in Fonthill have benefited hugely from her committed involvement and care for each as individuals. As we have focused increasingly on whole-school wellbeing, Miss Brookes has been one of the teachers who has taken a lead in looking at ways in which this important area of development can be properly integrated into our approach to pastoral care. Her experience in this area, together with the opportunity to run a house of her own, means that she now moves to Wellington College as both a boarding housemistress and a teacher of wellbeing. We are hugely sorry to lose her, but we should importantly recognise this: Miss Brookes has given us seven wonderful years in the classroom, in the house, and with colleagues. She is now ready to employ her impressive array of talents in an entirely different role, and we both congratulate her on this and wish her every success. One other impending change for Miss Brookes is that she will be getting married in October – and since she will not

STAFF & LEAVERS | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18

be here for us to congratulate her then, I congratulate her now. Miss Brookes: thank you.

Mr Hills Head of Economics & Business

committed leadership. I wrote in Mr Hills’ most recent appraisal that he was in a really strong position to consider moving into senior leadership if that was his desire. He has, however, decided for the moment to step away from teaching and education and pursue other interests. I have no doubt he will achieve great success in whatever he chooses to do. I hope he may miss teaching and, at some stage, return to education. People with Mr Hill’s all-round skills are hard to find: schools need them and maybe someone in my type of role will be able to persuade him to have another go. But for the moment, we thanks Mr Hills deeply for all he has done for Kingswood, and wish him well in his next ventures.

Mr Forrester Head of EAL

Mr Hills joined us from his previous position, in the Summer term of 2008, just over 10 years ago, as our Head of Economics and Business. In these years he has made a terrific all-round impact, modernising a department which is one of the largest in the Sixth Form, and improving examination results whilst also ensuring plenty of breadth and real life experiences were made available to students. He has been a leader in innovative use of IT, and a positive contributor to wider academic initiatives in the school. However, his influence has been far broader than merely the academic. Throughout his time at Kingswood Mr Hills has run a whole range of sports teams with conspicuous success, and also been a major contributor to Outdoor Pursuits, particularly Ten Tors. For a number of years he also worked alongside Mr Davies in Upper as Deputy Housemaster, and I know how much Mr Davies valued Mr Hills’ wholehearted contribution and his type of strong and

Mr Forrester responded some eleven years ago to an advert for an English as a Second Language and Sports teacher. I imagine that the then headmaster, Mr Best, was jumping for joy when he saw Mr Forrester’s application, and that his major concern will have been whether he could secure Mr Forrester’s services ahead of the other schools who would have also been seeking talented all-rounders. To Kingswood’s great advantage, Mr Best did persuade Mr Forrester to join us here – and that appointment has been shown many times over the past years to have been a quite outstanding one. ESL has become EAL – English as an Additional Language – in that time, but this small change in no way

reflects the major changes which Mr Forrester’ has effected. He has led this important part of our provision with great distinction, adapting to changing examination requirements and new qualifications, always with a close eye on what each of his students may need to move to the next stage, whether here within Kingswood or in terms of university entrance. He has helped other staff understand the needs of those whose first language is not English, and always done so generously and non-judgmentally. The role he accepted was also a Sports teaching role and, even as the EAL demands have grown, he has continued to make a very significant contribution in this area, most noticeably in expertly running rugby, football, cricket and hockey teams, but helping out elsewhere too. He has been an exceptional Resident Assistant Housemaster and tutor in Hall for the past seven years, where so many have benefited from his positive influence and total commitment. He moves now to an exciting new post setting up the EAL department at Rugby School’s new venture in Thailand; they are very fortunate to have secured Mr Forrester’s services, and we are very sorry to lose him.

The staff who left this year had collectively given 74 years of service to the School…

We wish them all well in their future careers, teaching or otherwise.

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HEAD GIRL & HEAD BOY: REFLECTIONS The following reflections are taken from the farewell speeches given by the Heads of School: “Being a pupil at Kingswood is challenging; there are high standards across all aspects of the school, and we all learn important skills as a result. For example resilience when you didn’t quite achieve as you wanted, and then determination and grit to work hard until you do reach your goals. You’ll find that Kingswood will make you well-rounded and ambitious people who, given this platform, will have the skills to achieve whatever you want as long as you’re willing to work hard”. “The experiences you have over the years here will most likely be made with your friends, and the memories you take away will be accompanied by the people involved. Hopefully you will be able to look back and appreciate these many people who have played such a huge role in your Kingswood lives”. “The house system is easily one of the best aspects of Kingswood, and we have loved everything about being in Upper and School over our time here. Being in a house with

friends has defined our lives at the school, and will probably be the thing that we will miss most when we leave. House events were brilliant, but it was doing these with the other members that made it especially fantastic. In the Sixth Form, being in the Dixon - and part of the Sixth Form generally - is one of the highlights. There is great sense of community with the years above or below, and although it’s true that our year could have been more integrated, at the end of the day we’ve all made some amazing friendships”. “Some advice from us: firstly, make the most of your teachers... they are extremely passionate and committed to their respective subjects. It is difficult to even begin to express how much teachers have helped and supported us this year, and we are extremely grateful for this. Secondly, the ‘Kingswood experience’ may be summed up by: ‘you get out what you put in’ … meaning making the most of the many opportunities to improve your abilities and flourish

in your interests. Kingswood would not be the same without such opportunities. From our Year 9 core music ‘flash mob’ Cup Song rendition in the Dining Hall; winning best GCSE composition at KATS 2016; singing in various choirs; performing as Peter Pan, or a workhouse child, or a roller skating nun (!), some of our greatest memories are from within the collective arts departments. Positive experiences have come in sport also, in various teams and at various levels. The Yr 8 boys hockey team reaching the national finals, tackling the Vice-captain of the 1st XV into touch during house matches, 2nds for Tennis, 4ths for Hockey, and the kit (of course) are all memorable moments in our Kingswood sporting careers”. “What is perhaps most odd about leaving is looking back at how we were when we started. Although our haircuts look exactly the same, we’ve matured a lot - we all have. As a result, we think we speak for the majority of the Upper Sixth when we say we are ready to leave. Not that our time at Kingswood has not been enjoyable, but because we feel excited to move on to the next stage – to see places and meet people beyond the school. Whatever the next stage for all of us, we know that the school has prepared us in a way that means we won’t be short of options.” “At Kingswood, there have been so many experiences and memories, all of which have been truly lifechanging – thank you very much”.

Head Girl, Grace Tyrrell & Head Boy, Archie Smith

STAFF & LEAVERS | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18

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LEAVERS 2018

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KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18 | STAFF & LEAVERS

TEACHING STAFF 2017 -18 NAME

JOINED

SUBJECT

NAME

Mr Simon Morris

01/09/2008 Headmaster

Mr John M Davies

01/09/2017

Deputy Head (Academic)

Mr Gordon Opie

01/01/1990

Revd David Hull

09/01/2015

JOINED

SUBJECT

Mrs Alexandra Matthews

23/04/2007

Geography; Senior Housemistress Summerhill

Deputy Head (Pastoral)

Mr James Matthews

01/09/2002

Games & PE

Chaplain

Mr Tom Moat

01/09/2017

Head of Geography

Miss Alice Moore

01/09/2016

English

Mrs Caroline Morris

10/11/2008

Head of German

Mrs Rebecca Murchison

01/09/2016

Mathematics

Mr William Musgrove

01/09/2014

Physics

Mr Garrod Musto

01/09/1994

Director of Professional Development

Mrs Catherine Nash

01/09/2005

Head of Drama & Theatre Studies

Mr George Newbould

01/09/2016

History & Politics

Miss Michelle Newman

12/01/2004

Games

Miss Alexandra Nicholson

01/09/2014

Art & DT

Mrs Jenny Opie

07/09/1992

Head of Biology

Mr Edward Allchorne

13/06/2016

Biology

Mrs Sophie Andell

01/09/2017

French & Spanish

Miss Nicola Beale

01/09/1993

French & German

Miss Sarah Brookes

01/01/2011

Head of French

Mr Barnaby Brown

01/09/2010

Head of DT

Mrs Emma Brown

01/09/2017

Head of English

Mr James Brown

01/09/2009

Head of Boys’ Games

Mrs Mary Brown

01/09/2001

Physics

Mr Stephen Brown

01/01/2011

Head of Art

Mr Richard Burton

01/09/1999

Head of Physics

Mrs Ilona Chamen

01/09/2017

Head of Learning Support

Mrs Eugenie Pasco

01/09/2014

French & Spanish; Head of Careers

Miss Orla Chapman

01/09/2016

English

Mrs Mary Patterson

01/09/2000

Biology

Mr Jude Chua

01/09/2010

Mathematics; Head of Activities

Mrs Nicola Curtis

01/09/2016

Head of Academic PE

Miss Una-Jean Paver

01/09/1990

PE & Games; Senior Housemistress School

Mrs Sarah Dakin

01/09/2008

Head of Classics

Mr Edward Peerless

01/09/2011

Physics

Mr Daniel Darwin

01/09/2012

History & Politics

Mr John W Davies

01/09/1994

Director of Co-Curricular

Mr Stephen Pentreath

01/09/2015

Chemistry; Head of Lower School

Mr Roderick Duke

01/09/2003

German; Housemaster Westwood

Mrs Amanda Phillips

01/09/2016

Classics

Head of Computer Science

Mrs Jacqueline Reeman

01/09/1990

Mathematics

Mr Timothy Reeman

01/09/1988

Director of Sport

Miss Nadine Robinson

01/09/2010

French & Spanish

Mr Gareth Edgell

01/09/2010

Mrs Claire Edwards

01/09/2008

Head of Psychology; Assistant Head of Sixth Form

Miss Sophie Elliott

01/09/2015

Art

Miss Bethany Rolfe

01/09/2017

Biology; Head of PHSCE

Mr Simon Forrester

01/09/2007

Head of EAL

Mrs Clare Sergeant

01/09/2005

Mrs Samantha Fountain

01/09/2007

Humanities & Classics

Computer Science; Senior Housemistress Fonthill

Miss Alice Fox

01/09/2017

Second in Mathematics

Mrs Victoria Sim

01/09/2012

Head of Girls’ Games

Mrs Elaine Francis

01/09/2015

Music

Mr Matthew W Smith

01/09/2016

Mathematics

Mrs Nicola Gerrish

01/09/2013

Chemistry

Mr Matthew D Smith

01/09/2016

Head of Mathematics

Mrs Jaqueline Hallett

01/09/2008

Learning Support

Mrs Laura Smyth

01/09/2011

Biology

Mr Darrell Harding

01/09/2002

Drama & Theatre Studies; Senior Housemaster Hall

Mr Steven Smyth

01/09/2012

Geography; Senior Housemaster Middle

Mr Mark Snell

01/09/2017

Chemistry

Mrs Sarah Herlinger

01/09/2012

History & Politics; Assistant Head of Lower School

Mrs Janine Solomon-Gardner

01/09/2013

Computer Science

Miss Kirsty Sutherland

17/08/2015

Librarian; Head of EPQ

Mr James Hills

11/04/2008

Head of Economics

Mr Matthew Thatcher

01/01/2012

Head of RPE

Mr Phil Hollywell

01/09/1991

PE & Games and Geography

Mr Sean Thomas

01/09/2012

Mrs Ann Holsgrove

01/09/1997

Learning Support

Mr David Walker

01/09/2009

Head of MFL

Mrs Marjorie Huckle

01/09/2016

Music

Mrs Elizabeth Ward

01/09/2013

Drama

Miss Hazel Hughes

01/09/2016

French & Spanish

Mrs Deborah Jenner

01/09/1985

Geography

Mr Digby Webb

01/09/2015

Athletic Development Coordinator

Miss Sandra Jones

01/09/2015

English

Mrs Karen Whishaw

01/09/2017

Economics

Mrs Anna Knights

01/09/2004

Mathematics

Mr Jamie Knights

04/09/2006

Musician in Residence

Mr Roger White

01/09/2012

Mathematics; Senior Housemaster Upper

Ms Priscilla Lam

21/09/2011

Mandarin

Mrs Jo-Anne Wilcock

23/04/2012

Chemistry

Mr Peter MacDonald

01/09/2003

Head of History & Politics

Miss Harriet Wilson

01/09/2013

RPE

Mrs Juliette Mainwaring

01/09/2003

English

Dr Jenifer Wood

01/09/2016

Head of Chemistry

Mr Rory Mansfield

01/09/2017

English

Mr Craig Woodgate

01/09/2001

Head of Sixth Form

Mrs Suzanne Marshall

01/09/2004

RPE & PSHCE

Miss Charlotte Wormald

12/03/2015

English

Mr Lewis Matheson

01/09/2016

Head of Science

Miss Angela Wright

01/09/1983

Head of Boarding

GOVERNORS 2017 -18 Mr Paul Baines

Mr Simon Crowther

Mr Danny Lau

Mr David Quine

Mrs Helen Bools

Mr Peter Freeman

Mrs Barbara Pendle

Maj Gen Tony Raper

Wing Cdr Colin Burns

Mr David Humphreys

Mrs Katie Pillinger

Mr Robert Sandry

Mrs Susan Cook

Mr Rob Jolliffe

Rev Jonathan Pye

Mr Chris Stafford

Mr Tim Westbrook (Chair of Governors)

STAFF & LEAVERS | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2017-18

DEBBIE JENNER Kingswood Staff 1985 - 2018

ccasionally we say goodbye to someone whose influence on generations of Kingswood students has been exceptionally profound. In these cases it is not just about what they have done - although they will have contributed massively across the whole spectrum of School life - but much more significantly about how they have done this and the example they have set. These are people who really do live the values which we talk about at Kingswood, and Mrs Jenner is without doubt one of these rare, and rather special, people. In March 1985, Miss Deborah Arbourne applied for a Geography teaching post at Kingswood. The Headmaster of her current place of work wrote, in support of her application: ‘Debbie Arbourne is a woman of exceptional drive and vitality. She is of cheerful disposition, tactful and responsible, and she works well as part of a team. Robust and energetic, she is at the same time sympathetic and caring’. For 1985, read 2018, but now with 33 years of exceptional service to Kingswood. It is, of course, impossible to do justice to those 33 years. 15 were

spent as an outstanding Senior Housemistress of Summerhill, where Mrs Jenner’s warmth and supportive approach towards all the girls is so fondly remembered. A short stint in the 1980s, and a longer stint post-housemistressing were taken up with being Head of Geography, and of course, all 33 years were spent teaching this subject in a very popular department with outstanding results, due largely to Mrs Jenner’s real passion for the subject. Large numbers of Kingswood students have headed to universities to study Geography and related subjects, instilled not only with that same enthusiasm and passion, but also with the belief that this is something important. Geography is a subject which deals with real world issues, and it is therefore a natural fit for someone who really wants to make a difference – someone like Mrs Jenner. It is no surprise that she has also been actively involved in the School’s Malawi projects, or that she has sought to offer exciting educational trips to Iceland and elsewhere. And alongside all this, Mrs Jenner also found time to run Hockey and Netball teams, and offer exceptional

...your place in the School’s history is secure.

tutoring in Senior houses and, most recently, Westwood. For the last few years, she has also been Chair of the Common Room - a role which acts as a link between the staff and the Headmaster - elected, not surprisingly, by her fellow teachers. The very best school teachers will really love their subjects, and have a desire to share that love with young people. They will take every student as an individual, and think about how they might help them make the most of their abilities. But there are also those for whom this commitment is even deeper, and doesn’t waver. Whose selflessness is quite natural, and whose first thought will always be for someone else. Who see the positives and don’t seem to have a cross word for anyone. For these qualities, Kingswood owes Mrs Jenner so very much. You have been a true servant to Kingswood, and your place in the School’s history is secure – thank you.

Mr Simon Morris (Headmaster) (adapted from speech in Final Assembly, June 2018)

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