2021/22 KINGSWOODINFOCUS
Dear Parents and Friends
Given the success of the class of 2021, whose excellent grades were surpassed only by their success in securing places at first choice universities, we certainly began the 2021/22 academic year with a spring in our collective step. The class of 2022 fed off this energy because, in a remarkable achievement, they have bucked the national trend and achieved Kingswood’s best ever A Level outcome. We are very proud of our young people who have showed characteristic ambition and resilience to achieve such excellent results, despite the disruption they have experienced in their Sixth Form years. Moreover, they flourished and exhibited the virtues that made
them such fine role models to the younger years, embracing the many activities on offer which give all our pupils a sense of challenge, a sense of purpose, and an opportunity to grow and develop themselves.
This vignette is a microcosm of so many areas of school life; it’s not the winning or losing that is important, but the content of your character and how you play the game, and these two contrasting stories hold the same core truth, exhibited by Kingswood teams, about the importance of winning with humility and losing with good grace.
If the commandmentgreatest is to love, it follows that the ruleimportantmostschoolistobekind.
If the greatest commandment is to love, it follows that the most important school rule is to be kind. It is heartwarming to lead a community where this is so hardwired into everyday life and, to this end, it was a pleasure to be back in our
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Kingswood in Focus 2021/22 is a lovely record which highlights the breadth, balance and joyful nature of a Kingswood education. After a well-deserved summer break, I feel sure that this community will once again commence the new academic year with a spring in our step.
KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 | HEADMASTER’S WELCOME
Every good wish to you all.
The pages that follow are brimming with pictures and stories of young people developing their existing talents and taking advantage of the many opportunities to find new ones. This is all facilitated by our talented and committed staff who make such a generous contribution to the co-curricular life of the School. There are so many highlights of the year, but the rugby season produced a story that for me exemplifies the Kingswood spirit and all that sport and competition teaches about life. All season, our 1st XV played with grit, determination, and an indefatigable team spirit – despite this, match wins remained elusive. Our U15A and U16A teams meanwhile exhibited the very same qualities, and, in contrast, both enjoyed unbeaten seasons.
As the pages in this edition of Kingswood in Focus will attest, this was the year when the school life that we know and love came roaring back to something approaching normality.
t is always a privilege as Headmaster to pen the opening words to this impressive magazine, and it feels especially so as I come to the end of my second year at the helm, having now experienced the great spirit of our pupils in action, and had a chance to meet many of our parents and alumni who are so supportive of our efforts.
Mr Andrew Gordon-Brown
WELCOMEHEADMASTER’S
This was also a year of some very significant farewells and I hope that our leaving staff depart safe in the knowledge of just how grateful we are for the amazing contributions they have made to school life. I must make a special mention of Mr and Mrs Opie and Mr and Mrs Hollywell who between them clocked up an incredible 113 years of service to Kingswood. It has been a great blessing for me to have had Mr Opie working alongside me as Senior Deputy during these last two years. The positive impact Gordon has had on the lives of so many individuals is the stuff of legend. Thank you.
lovely chapel this year with our new chaplain, Rev Katy. She has challenged our pupils to develop a philosophy that looks beyond the self and responds to the needs of others. I always maintain that a school that sings is a school at ease with itself, and I was delighted to see the quality of congregational singing improving over the year as our pupils made up for the lack of music and singing that was a feature of the pandemic years.
CONTENTS
Editor: |FauxTheresa Photo:Cover 13)(YearButtonTom HEADMASTER’S WELCOME COMMUNITY & WORLD ACTION 2 From the Chaplain 4 Diversity, Equality & Inclusion 6 Fundraising 10 Model United Nations 12 ACADEMICSustainability 13 Science, Computing & Mathematics 17 Modern Foreign Languages 19 Classics, English & Library News 20 Humanities 22 Examination Results 2022 24 Prize Giving 2022 26 Careers 27 Academic Enrichment HOUSES 28 Westwood 30 Fonthill 32 Hall 34 Summerhill 36 Middle 38 School 40 Upper 42 CREATIVEBoarding ARTS 44 Art 47 Design & Technology 50 Drama 56 Theatre Tech 58 Music 64 ‘KATS’ Music & Drama Awards SPORT 66 Girls' Hockey 68 Rugby 70 Netball 72 Boys' Hockey 74 Cricket 76 Girls' Tennis 78 Boys' Tennis 80 Orienteering 81 Cross Country 82 Swimming 84 Athletics 86 Athletic Development 87 Football 88 OUTDOOR PURSUITS 94 ASSOCIATION CAFÉ STAFF & LEAVERS 96 Head Girl & Head Boy Reflections 98 Leavers' Dinner 100 Teaching Staff & Governors List 101 Staff Farewells 1
CONTENTS | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22
KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 | COMMUNITY & WORLD ACTION2
Kingswood’s Chapel is a beautiful sacred space, a place of calm that can be accessed by staff or students at any point in a busy day. Whether you seek warmth and shelter on a wet and windy break time or a cool retreat on a hot summer’s day, it has been a place of solace, decision making or personal prayer. It is also where we gather the community for reflection, worship and celebration.
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t was a joy to celebrate the Chapel’s Centenary this year joined by former students, Governors, and staff, some of whom travelled a distance to be there. Many alumni responded to the invitation to write about the Chapel and, amongst the mix of funny and poignant memories, one thing that stood out was the love of music that began there. At the service we were treated to uplifting songs by KPS Singers as well as a beautiful piano duet performed by Alyssa Chu and Gordon Tse (Year 10).
When Reverend Marshall Harvey spoke at the opening service and Dedication of the Chapel on 16 June 1922, he said, “The Chapel would be the Lord’s classroom; worship was the gathering ground of grace, spirit and strength, in which their daily life should be lived.” Although students no longer go to Chapel every morning or on a Sunday,100 years later, I believe that the Chapel continues to be a gathering ground of ‘grace, spirit and strength’ that sustains the ethos of the Kingswood Community, rooting young people with a deep sense of love, kindness and service.
FROM THE CHAPLAIN
leaving, spoke to Year 13 of what he had learned at Kingswood both as a student and as a teacher. He said that the Chapel had been a significant place and encouraged us to live our lives being open to a spiritual journey.
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The Chapel is also a Grade ll listed War Memorial having been built in memory of the 116 old boys and three former staff who died in the Great War. The vestibule contains several moving war memorials including one for Hardy Falconer Parsons, awarded the Victoria Cross. He left Kingswood in 1915 but died in 1917 protecting his comrades. The family of Hardy attended the opening service where Buglers of the Somerset
COMMUNITY & WORLD ACTION | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22
Rev Katy Thomas (Chaplain)
One of the most special times of year in Chapel is Christmas. Unable to invite families to St Stephen’s due to Covid, we had a smaller Candlelit Carol Service for Westwood in addition to the annual Candlelit Advent Service for Boarders in the Chapel. There were lots of KPS Carol services too and Reception children sang their hearts out to teary eyed parents! It is lovely that the Chapel is very much a focal point for the whole Foundation. Even the nursery children came in during the year and were so excited to talk about weddings!
Light Infantry sounded the Last Post. The most poignant service of our year is Remembrance Day when the whole of the Senior School gathers below the Chapel accompanied by members of the Royal Forces, where a cross is placed for each of the students and teachers lost in conflicts to this day.
Finally, the Year 6 and Year 13 Leavers’ Services were both moving and joyous, celebrating all that has been achieved but marking those moments of significant transition. Mr Opie, who was also
...the Chapel continues to be a gathering ground of ‘grace, spirit and strength’...
The Chapel is an inclusive place where all are welcome and simply invited to come with openness and curiosity to reflect on the Gospel values of Kingswood and our founder John Wesley. This year in addition to Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter and Pentecost, we explored themes of Trade Justice, Homelessness, Sustainable Eco Fashion, Refugee Week, the life of Desmond Tutu, the Queen’s Jubilee alongside messages of Hope, Peace, Forgiveness and Grace. During Lent, the whole school was challenged to express 40 days of Gratitude, something that was not only good for others and the whole community but also for our own wellbeing.
Students who share a particular identity or protected characteristic are able to gather and talk in a safe space about issues related to that identity, and transfer that discussion into action that makes for a more equitable experience at school. The groups are student-led with senior students overseeing, and pupils are encouraged to share with the rest of the School through assemblies and tutorial sessions. The affinity groups currently at Kingswood include: Pride, Black Students of Kingswood, Neurodiversity Forum, and Junior Cultural Discussion
Our aim is to ensure we embed Diversity, Equality and Inclusion into every young person’s educational, cultural and personal development, as well as in the working environment. In order to support this we have staff and students on the body of two working groups which support the DEI lead and help to develop appropriate actions.
KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 | COMMUNITY & WORLD ACTION
At Kingswood we firmly believe that diversity and inclusion is a collective responsibility. There is a call to be transparent and open about our efforts to improve, as well as to share our successes.
BANES CHARTEREQUALITY
In line with our school ethos and commitment to equality, this charter will aim to make us accountable for our actions and ensure we continue to follow anti-racist practice. The charter encourages us to challenge incidents, champion equality, enable and empower communities through education, teach a diverse curriculum, and ensure we manage good practice whilst ensuring equality for all.
DIVERSITY, EQUALITY & INCLUSION
AFFINITY @ KWS
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Mrs Janine Solomon-Gardner (DEI Lead)
t the beginning of the year we gave every member of our community – parents, staff and students – the opportunity to participate and engage with the DEI groups by completing an audit, the results of which will direct us in understanding and supporting our wider community and embrace the differences between us.
Kingswood Senior School has now signed up to the newly developed BANES race equality charter.
Scan the QR code to find out more, or alternatively, Services/6444https://thehub.bathnes.gov.uk/visit:
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This year at Kingswood we also introduced a growing number of affinity groups.
Our Pride group has been very active and have been able to meet in person every week.
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We have weekly meetings with members ranging from Years 8 to 12. We had a small celebration for our Year 11s for their hard work in preparation for their GCSEs and to wish them luck. We are looking forward to celebrating our independence days together and educating the Kingswood community on the diversity of our African and Caribbean cultures. Zenzi and Fade
“At Kingswood we have attempted to create a space where LGBTQ people can raise issues and discuss topics for improvement in the world around us, but first and foremost we have tried to achieve a space where LGBTQ students at Kingswood can feel safe and comfortable to be themselves. It’s also been an important space for younger students to have the chance to ask questions about LGBTQ issues and experiences, and have those questions answered by someone close to their age who knows them. So far, the club has worked on raising awareness of this group and creating an information board in a classroom where there are posters explaining some more common questions asked about the LGBTQ community, and also where/when/what KWS Pride is and does. For the future, the club is working on fundraising ideas for Pride month, including assemblies to educate the wider student body, and a bake-sale, with a few more ideas in motion which involve Kingswood students further. We are also working on meeting other schools’ LGBTQ groups in the area, and on being a key part of the Bath 2023 Pride celebrations.”
In April, we started the Black Students of Kingswood club (BSK) to provide a safe space for the Black community in school and celebrate our varied cultures and histories.
We intend to educate, empower, entertain and engage our members.
While it is still in the early stages, the group has already been able to create an environment in which people can be free and open to share their feelings in a constructive manner. Attendants have spanned several year groups, and have included a multitude of neurodiverse individuals and a variety of experiences. Recently, some topics that have been discussed include: extra time and issues surrounding the way in which this is managed; how classrooms can become a more inclusive space to those who may be struggling; and the underlying challenges that neurodiversity brings. It has been excellent to be part of a group that is passionate about campaigning for change, acceptance and joy, and I am proud to be surrounded by such positive and wonderful individuals. Lily
COMMUNITY & WORLD ACTION | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22
Neurodiversity group has been an important forum for people from a variety of experiences and differences to come together and create a shared, creative and collaborative space.
CULTURAL DISCUSSION GROUP JUNIOR
PRIDE
Student
NEURODIVERSITY FORUM
BLACK STUDENTS OF KINGSWOOD CLUB (BSK)
This group gives our Westwood pupils the opportunity to chat about cultural issues that interest them. We meet as part of the activity program and share experiences, ideas and cultural examples then share them with the rest of the community.
FONTHILL CANDY CANES
FUNDRAISING
In December, girls from Fonthill House sold and delivered over 1,000 candy canes to pupils and staff. The House raised £677 for Restart Kenya.
“WestwoodFOODBANKBATHMrCastrique’stutorgroupunveiledtheHouseFoodbankCollectionPoint”andurgedeveryonetodonate. BRIDGECHARITYDAYWiththehelpofstudentvolunteers,KingswoodhostedtheannualCharityBridgeDayinaidofOpenArms,Malawi.Over£1500wasraisedwhichwillpaythefinalpartofFelista’sNursingdegree,oneofthecharity’sorphans.
Y9 FOOD POVERTY AWARENESS DAY
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GENESIS TRUST PACKAGES Summerhill collected, packaged and delivered 215 care packages for Genesis Trust.
Here is a just a small sample of the charitable work carried out at Kingswood this year:
In November, Mrs Ward’s Westwood tutor group arranged a bake sale to support Holly Hedge Animal Shelter in Bristol.
BIKES FOR JULIAN HOUSE
KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 | COMMUNITY & WORLD ACTION
Thanks to kind donations from the community,Kingswoodthe Bike Maintenance club were able to refurbish and donate 20 bikes to Julian House who combat bytermaddictionhomelessness,andlong-unemploymentsellingusedbikes.
WESTWOOD BAKE SALE
During PSHCE classes, Year 9 learned about the role of our Founder John Wesley as an agent of social change in Bristol 275 years ago, helping to feed some of the neediest members in society. Highly engaging speakers from Genesis Trust, Julian House, FoodCycle and Rubbish Science, who are all focused on addressing food insecurity, outlined their work in the community here in Bath and more widely across the UK. Students then created a series of elevator pitches outlining ways in which Kingswood could further support local organisations through fundraising and making the School more sustainable.
In May, the Kingswood community came together to play in a Touch Rugby Festival in support of Masiphumelele RFC in South Africa. Sixteen teams took part with our largest ever attendance: around 250 members of our Kingswood community!
Miss Tamblyn’s Westwood tutor group raised £144 for Young Minds, selling nearly 300 bakes, and Ms Lowe’s Year 7 tutor group raised £142 for Cancer Research UK.
TOUCH RUGBY FESTIVAL
On a chilly Friday evening in March, 11 of the Kingswood Sixth Formers braved the cold and damp by spending the night in Alice Park at the Big Bath Sleep Out in support of Julian House.
MIDDLE HOUSE FUNDRAISER
SOLIDARITY LUNCH
KINGSWOODMalawi.
GRAND JUMBLE SALE
COMMUNITY & WORLD ACTION | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22
SCHOOL HOUSE PINK DAY
School House students made and sold cakes in support of Breast Cancer Research and the Royal Marsden Hospital. The last day of term was ‘Pink Day’, where pupils wore an item of pink to boost the fundraising further.
MORE WESTWOOD BAKE SALES!
FONTHILL ICE CREAM WEEK
YEAR 9 CHARITY GAMES NIGHT
Fonthill Ice Cream Week was perfectly timed with the arrival of very sunny weather and the end of internal and external exams. Fonthill Year 12s and Year 10s were selling two times per day with a total of over 650 bought and consumed in just 4 days! The total raised was £798 which was split between the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, Malawi and the Bath Foodbank.
BIG BATH SLEEP OUT
Year 9 enjoyed evening entertainment with an inflatable assault course, human table football, rounders, ultimate frisbee and dodgeball, before rounding off the evening with a well-deserved BBQ and raffle. Over £700 was raised for charity projects in
In March, we had a wholesome response from pupils and staff opting for a Solidarity Lunch in support of those in need of humanitarian relief. Those who chose to sacrifice their usual full course lunch were served soup and bread from our catering team and the community raised £800 for the Disaster and Emergency Committee appeal.
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Organised annually by our former Head of Biology, Mrs Opie, the Grand Jumble Sale returned in March after a couple of years out due to Covid. The community was incredibly generous with their donations and a number of people baked delicious goods for the bake sale. The event raised over £2000 which was split between charity projects in Malawi and the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.
Middle House organised a boot sale, selling outgrown and donated boots to raise money for Paul’s Place and the Jemima Layzell Trust. There were a large number of rugby, football and walking boots for sale, as well as a few other attractions and competitions on offer in the Middle House garden.
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KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 | COMMUNITY & WORLD ACTION
The annual Year 10 and 11 Charity Ball took place in March. The Ball Committee did a fantastic job organising the seating plan, laying tables and decorating the Dining Hall, and a number of Sixth Form students and members of staff gave up their time to help serve the food, sell raffle tickets and clear tables. Kind donations of raffle prizes raised over £700 which was shared between charity projects in Malawi and the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.
YEAR 10 AND 11 CHARITY BALL
COMMUNITYPlace. & WORLD ACTION | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 9
SIXTH DINNERFORM
Led by Sixth Form student Angus Duncan, the Sixth Form came together to socialise as one group in March. They enjoyed a three course meal in the Dining Hall with delicious food provided by the catering team. A charity raffle during the evening raised over £1000 for charity projects in Malawi and local charity, Paul’s
tudents met to discuss a range of global affairs issues, including the plight of women’s education in Afghanistan, global terrorism and the Yemen Civil War.
2021-2022UNITEDMODELNATIONS
KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 | COMMUNITY & WORLD ACTION
As we emerged from Covid restrictions, we were delighted that our students were able to take part in ‘in person’ MUN events once again, with the return of the weekly school club.
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2022-23 will see the return of MUN trips, including the residential Sixth Form trip to Oxford in November.
In January, a team of Kingswood students took part in the ‘Good COP Bad COP’ international MUN Conference, looking at the issue of climate change. The conference was organised by Engage with China. Kingswood was one of many schools taking part from across the world, including students from Ireland, China and Australia. For some of our students it was their first MUN event, whilst for others it was an excellent refresher and preparation for our own BISMUN conference in March. Well done to Eloise Wilson, Oli Williams, Hari Master, Ethan Wong, Bea Davies, Oscar McGurdy, Kelland Li and Gala Marrack. A special well done to Freddie Williamson who was the lead ambassador for Nigeria and delivered an excellent opening speech.
Mr George Newbould (History and Politics Teacher)
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As students gathered in the theatre for the Opening Ceremony of BISMUN 2022, thoughts inevitably began to turn to the events of exactly two years previously. Covid had cast a long shadow over the 2020 conference, with a number of schools pulling out only days before as the disease had started to tighten its grip.
In November, Sixth Form and Year 9-10 students took part in Kingswood’s COP 26 MUN style event. Working as delegates of 19 different nations including Saudi Arabia, China, the USA and the Marshall Islands, students worked together to research their country’s stance on climate change. Delegates then debated key issues such as climate change finance, ocean pollution and sustainable city development, with each fighting for their country’s position. In the end, delegates successfully drafted and passed a very ambitious Kingswood Climate Accord.
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The conference agenda reflected the contemporary concerns and preoccupations of the international community. Russian forces had invaded Ukraine just days earlier, and the war loomed large
As always, my fears proved entirely groundless. Elli Duke and Rose Bates proved outstanding Secretary Generals, the powerful speeches they delivered at the Opening Ceremony setting the tone for two days of first rate debate. Chairing an MUN committee requires a range of skills. Not only do you have to be able to communicate clearly and stay calm under pressure, but you also have to display a mastery of procedure, the capacity to deal with the unexpected, and the ability to defuse the conflicts that inevitably arise between delegates. All of the 2022 chairing teams rose admirably to this challenge, with head chairs Elli Duke, Rose Bates, Jacob Fadipe, Naomi Waheed, Aaron Wright, Eloise Wilson, Ollie Williams, Freddie Williamson, Leyla Aysan and Dan Zukas proving especially impressive.
COMMUNITY & WORLD ACTION | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22
Mr Craig Woodgate (Head of Sixth Form)
BISMUN 2022
in everyone’s minds. Few will forget the Ukrainian student who addressed the General Assembly on the Sunday afternoon, asking us all to keep his country in our thoughts, and it was fitting that everyone stepped out of their assigned roles to stand for a minute’s silence in solidarity with those caught up in the conflict. A powerful moment, and a reminder that the issues we were debating are all too real.
As always, the success of BISMUN 2022 was very much a team effort. Thanks to Mr Francis and his crew for their technical support, the catering and caretaking teams, Mr Newbould for his advice and wisdom, and the Friends of Kingswood for their help in running the tuck shop over the conference weekend. Lastly, particular thanks must go to Mrs Davies for the many hours she spends answering emails, making badges and drawing up lists – truly, a herculean effort!
Not that my sense of relief wasn’t mixed with a healthy dose of anxiety. A break of two years meant that none of our chairs had had experience of leading a committee at a live conference. The MUN apostolic succession – the process whereby the Lower Sixth chairs learn their craft by observing their more experienced Upper Sixth counterparts, before taking on the leadership roles in their turn – had been broken. True, they had had experience leading the online event we hosted in 2021, but the question remained – how would they cope?
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he first national lockdown had been just a matter of days away, and few if any could have anticipated then what lay in the future. Now, finally, life was at last beginning to return to normal. The presence of hundreds of happy and excited delegates packing the theatre was yet another sign of that, and as I watched the ceremony get under way, a simple thought was uppermost in my mind – it was good to be back.
In the wake of COP26 the environment, climate change and sustainability in general is rightly high on the School’s agenda.
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own environmental footprint and with a Climate Emergency declared, the committee has been looking at ways to plot our path to net zero by 2030. This has included the planned installation of 45KW of new solar photovoltaics on the roofs of Biology and the Sports Hall. Education and awareness of the issues we face and the urgency needed to tackle them is perhaps our greatest role as a school and, as with past years, much has taken place in this regard. We ran two mock COP26 events for over 100 students in November; we have had two beach cleans in November and June; joint sustainability projects between Science and Geography for Year 7 and 8 students; weekly student-led activities; the start of a new Year 9 course on Global Goals; a Year 9 Sustainability and team working day; and several whole school Sustainabilityassemblies.isrightly on the school’s agenda. We can do more and should do more.
COP26 KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 | COMMUNITY & WORLD ACTION12
SUSTAINABILITY
he School’s worksDevelopmentSustainableCommitteetoaddresstheSchool’s
SILVER AWARD
SILVER AWARD
A group of Lower Sixth Biologists took part in the International Intermediate Biology Olympiad, along with over 12,000 students from 608 schools worldwide.
COPPER AWARD
ACADEMIC | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22
Kitty Ho
RESULTS
A group of Upper Sixth Biologists took part in the annual National Biology Olympiad, along with over 10,000 students from 700 schools worldwide.
BRONZE MEDALS Connie Slater Hanya Wang Florence Burton Emily Watkins
GOLD MEDALS Zara Kellagher (Top 5% nationally) Phoebe Hill
Eddie Wong Toluwani Lawai
INTERMEDIATE BIOLOGY OLYMPIAD
PHYSICS OLYMPIAD
GOLD AWARD Naoyoshi Ueda (also in the top 9% of students)
Gold medal winners
BRONZE MEDAL Kitty Ho
BIOLOGY OLYMPIAD
GOLD AWARD Matthew BIOLOGYWadsworthCHALLENGE
GOLD MEDAL (Top 5% nationally) Hiroki Nishimura Alex Sedcole
Anouk Caney Grace Cardwell Zara Kellagher Lainee Weng Bryan Yeung
COMMENDED Bryan Au-Leung Ai-Ling Crossley
Manaka Koreyasu Charlie Hollywood Grace Cardwell Charlotte Nicholson
CHEMISTRY OLYMPIAD
Ten Kingswood Year 12 students took part in the 2022 Physics Olympiad Senior Physics Challenge competition. They were alongside 7000 students who were among the most able from a range of schools worldwide. Students were asked tricky questions requiring deep thinking and advanced problemsolving skills with the additional challenge of time pressure.
This year the Chemistry Olympiad coincided with the Year 13 Chemistry mock exam, so we only had one entry from a Year 13 student and all the rest were from Year 12. This makes their success even more amazing as this is a very hard paper even if you have been taught the Chemistry, let alone if you have not!
Evie Brown Evie Campbell Cyrus Chan Gaby Davies Oscar Easen Oyin Obe James Prowse Haydn Watts Crystal Yu
Zara & Phoebe
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SILVER MEDALS
Manaka Koreyasu Naoyoshi Ueda
Year 10 students took part in the online Biology Challenge competition. Over 10,000 students took part from 700 different schools worldwide. 18 Kingswood students were commended and 15 highly commended. Medals were awarded to the following students:
HIGHLY COMMENDED Kacie Ku Sienna Websper
SCIENCE, COMPUTING & MATHEMATICS
BRONZE AWARD
Yamato Miyamoto Ricky Wong
COMMENDED Jack Byrne Anouk Caney Rohan Harvey Alex Keogh
Terence Beekma Alma Bode George Cardwell Unnav Gurung Amelie Hockey Eleanor Hurley-Land Kara Kirkham Kelland Li Izzy Milborrow Mambwe Mulambya Orla Reddin
BRONZE AWARD
ACADEMIC NEWS
COMMENDED Grace Ardus HIGHLY COMMENDED Marnie Lister
GOLD AWARD
The team were chosen for two special awards: the Stantec Developing Future Communities Award, and The Army Humanitarian Aid Award. After two rounds of online interviews and exhibiting at the NEC, the team were thrilled to WIN the Stantec Developing Future Communities Award which is a huge achievement.
398 Kingswood students took part in the annual International Bebras Computational Thinking competition.
BEBRAS COMPUTATIONAL THINKING
BIG BANG STEM COMPETITION
KINGSWOOD SCIENTISTS WIN MAJOR PRIZE AT NATIONAL FINALS OF THE BIG BANG AT THE NEC!
The Year 11 team, ‘Cocoon’, consisting of Emily Hersch and Jamie Phillips, was nominated for The Army Humanitarian Aid Award with their concept of a highly portable emergency shelter which has a pop-up design. The shelter utilises smart alloys to deploy the shelter when required and uses recycled material from discarded festival tents.
One Year 12 team (Jackson Byrne, Anouk Caney, Grace Cardwell and Rufus SokellThompson) were up for the Stantec Developing Future Communities Award. They came up with an idea for turning common airborne pollutants – the Isocyanides – into harmless chemicals which could fertilize a plant.
COMPETITION
KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 | ACADEMIC
Computational thinking involves using a set of problem-solving skills and techniques that software engineers use to write programs and apps. The Bebras challenge promotes problemsolving skills and Informatics
Year 12 team (Alberta Fryer, Sophie Farmer, Florence Burton, Phoebe Hill and Manaka Koreyasu) ran a project they called ‘Girls into School: leak free for you and me’ which produced reusable sanitary pads for Kenyan girls and women who cannot afford disposable pads, and therefore cannot attend school whilst menstruating, disadvantaging them severely.
Scan to view The Big Bang Competition 2022 Award Ceremony (see it at 7mins).
Joshua
Barnes – Year 7 Ernie Padfield – Year 8 Olly Cory – Year 9 Alfie Bassett-Flowers – Year 10 Harry Rawlins – Year 12 George Lowes – Year 13 14
concepts, including the ability to break down complex tasks into simpler components, algorithm design, pattern recognition, pattern generalisation and abstraction. The highest achievers in each age group were:
Three teams from Kingswood, consisting of Year 12 and 11 students, were selected for the Finals of the national STEM competition, The Big Bang. This prestigious event takes place at the NEC in Birmingham and, over three days, attracts over 80,000 visitors.
Koreyasu Miyamoto
Jamie Phillips
Olly Cory Best in Year 9
Over six months, Anouk Caney, Grace Asplin and Grace Cardwell (Year 12) have been involved in the Empowering Women in STEM talent programme, having been selected from over 600 applicants from all over the UK.
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Arcus Chim Adam Estcourt
Emily Hersch Best in Year 11
GOLD AWARD
Manaka Yahato
ACADEMIC | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22
Felix Leung Jago Neech
Charlie Barton Ivor Branigan
In March, the girls travelled to the London Institute of Engineering and Technology to take part in the programme’s graduation event, and to meet the mentors and other students in person. The event included a panel talk from some of the mentors, including a civil engineer and project lead of UCB, as well as a talk from Sonya Barlow, an award-winning entrepreneur, TEDx speaker and founder of the Like Minded Females Network. The event included an awards ceremony and the girls each won an award: Grace C. and Anouk for Self-Development and Grace A. and Anouk for attendance. They all found this programme really insightful and now feel more at home in the world of STEM as part of an inclusive and empowering environment.
William Farmer Haru Ishizaka
EMPOWERING WOMEN IN STEM TALENT PROGRAMME
Jiwoo Yang Best in Year 10
UKMTMerit. followingSilverThereintheAMATHSSENIORCHALLENGEgroupofstudentstookpartinUKMTSeniorMathsChallengetheAutumnterm.weremanyBronzeandawardsaswellastheGoldawards:
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Ricky Wong Evie Bradley
Emily was also within the top 500 of all Year 11 entries nationally so was invited to participate in the Maclaurin Mathematics Olympiad where she received a Certificate of
he programme aims to teach skills such as public speaking, networking, and building personal brand, all important for a career in STEM. These skills are part of the wider project goals: to increase the confidence of girls, provide them with a forum of around 100 like-minded people, and ultimately to empower women and gender fluid students with a future career in STEM.
William Greig Hannah King
Hiroki Nishimura Naoyoshi Ueda
Women make up only 28% of the STEM workforce, and this programme is an opportunity to challenge the stereotypes and barriers that women face in school lessons, degrees and the workplace.
Colby Chu Arthur Darwish
UKMT
Shinnosuke Yoshiki
These students engaged in online calls involving panel talks, listening to inspirational speakers addressing issues such as imposter syndrome, and working in a small mentoring group with a female mentor currently working in STEM. The programme was sponsored by companies including Facebook, Google and UCB, so it was inspirational to be advised by these high achieving women.
Andy Wang Lainee Weng
studentsandChallenge.Trust11MathematiciansSomeMATHSINTERMEDIATECHALLENGEofourbestMiddleSchoolinYears9,10andtookontheannualUKMathsIntermediateMathematicsAswellas30Bronze24Silverawards,12ofourachievedaGoldaward.
Perry Chiu Alex Keogh
GOLD AWARD
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is a shelf, and each section contains a 'stereotypical' use of disposable income for each quintile. The task of retrieving the object becomes harder the further right the person is. Each person, except the poorest one, has some sort of item that helps them reach the item on top.
clever details after reading the write-up.’
Ksenia Morozova and Oyin Obe (Year 10) won the National Advanced Mathematics Visualising Inequality Competition.
KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 | ACADEMIC
HACK:JAM
DISTINCTION (Top 500 students in the country) Manaka NaoyoshiKoreyasuUedaJUNIORMATHSCHALLENGE GOLD AWARD Benjamin White Best in Year 7 Mathijs in
Rieden Best in School Spike Salkeld Ernie EthanOscarPadfieldMcGurdyHayWing Wong Lexi EthanEddieNwabuezeBarbatoYuiLong Wong
Students were set the challenge of coming up with a solution to design a concept to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. The judges were impressed with the creativity that was demonstrated throughout the event and how students applied their computational thinking skills to develop a range of solutions. OF Der
BRITISH orthejustifyingsolutionsquestionsOlympiadthetheirMathematicswereSevenOLYMPIADMATHEMATICSofourbestmathematiciansenteredintheBritishOlympiad,followingimpressiveperformancesinSeniorMathsChallenge.Theconsistsofsixgruellingthatrequireextendedandrigorousexplanations,whyacandidatecomestosolution,andwhyitistheonlybestsolution. CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION Perry Chiu Matt RickyMiyamotoWong CERTIFICATE OF MERIT Shinnosuke Yoshiki Haru Ishizaka CERTIFICATE
In April, nearly 50 Year 7 to 9 students took part in Kingswood’s third hack:jam.
Their task was to take a nondescript pie chart representing the distribution of wealth in the UK and turn it into an emotive piece of art. Ksenia and Oyin wrote the following to accompany their entry:
The judges commented ‘This is a very detailed and thoughtful submission! I noticed even more
Each person is a representation of a quintile in society, the poorest on the left and the richest on the right. Above the people
ADVANCED MATHEMATICS VISUALISING INEQUALITY COMPETITION
Topics and largely by
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Pour ou Contre le mariage homosexuel et l’adoption?
MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES
andusingandspeakingrunner-upJaniceveryteachingofchoicespeechesVoice”.-schoolYuMariaInSTUDENTINTERNATIONALEAL:VOICENovember,JaniceCheng,RozhkovaandAlenaattendedtheannualinter-speakingcompetition“InternationalStudentCompetitorsgaveonatopicoftheirinfrontofanaudiencefellowstudentsandstaff.Allthreegaveengagingspeeches,andChengfinishedasofthecompetition,aboutthehistoryethicsof‘utilitarianism’visualaidstoeducateinformheraudience. ACADEMIC | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22
Well done to the following students for their enthusiasm, good humour and contributions in our successful French A Level Debating Club. Florence Burton Emily Watkins Fade Alayande Romy Sloane Alex Kellagher Jago Neech Amelie Girdher Polina Akimova
MFL VISITING SPEAKERS
Les réseaux sociaux influencent-ils les jeunes à pratiquer de la chirurgie esthétique?
Notre personnalité est-elle innée ou influencée par notre environnement? Nature vs nurture
In March, Year 10 MFL pupils enjoyed a talk given by Florence Broderick (Chief Marketing Officer at CARTO).
receivedtoParticularlanguages.thealsochallenging,asallde-codingofinvolvingtheinInOLYMPIADLINGUISTICSFebruary,twelvepupilsYears11-13tookonLinguisticsOlympiad,overtwohoursproblem-solvingandlanguagesfromovertheworld.AswellbeingexceptionallytheOlympiadgivesusaninsighttofascinatingworldofcongratulationsthefollowingpupilswhoawards: BRONZE AWARD Grace Asplin Oscar Power SILVER AWARD Aoife Targett
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«la Cancel Culture/Culture de l’effacement» 17
lorence was born and raised in Somerset and went on to study Spanish and French at Southampton University. She has worked all over the world and during her talk she urged pupils to embrace language learning as a door opener to other cultures and ways of working.
influenced
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Pupils were also given a talk by three language graduates from Bath University. They were given an insight into what studying languages beyond school could be like and where it could take them in the future. What was particularly insightful was the diversity of potential careers one might have having studied a language or more beyond school.
KS5 FRENCH DEBATING CLUB
were varied
students’ personal interest. This year, they debated on the following topics:
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KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 | ACADEMIC
This year, as schools returned to normal, German classes were able to revisit and experience some of the activities that we had looked forward to so much, and that have been missed greatly over the past few years.
FROM THE GERMAN DEPARTMENT
ur pupils in Year 8 were treated to a German breakfast whilst studying the topic of food and daily routine in lessons and were able to sample an authentic breakfast picnic while using their language skills to describe their experience in German. We were also fortunate enough to have been put in contact with some pen friends in a German school in Münster, and some pupils have made connections with pen pals. We very much hope that we can stay in touch with them in the next academic year, and we plan to have a joint lesson online when we are back after the summer break.
non-fiction.inStudentsTRANSLATINGPOETRYcelebratedculturalandcalligraphyChineseTheythethetheMandarintypesbyfinishedenjoyableTheculturesexploringgavemajoreachYearMANDARIN10MandarinstudentsresearchedoneofthecitiesinChinaandfabulouspresentations,thedifferentcities,andinterestingfacts.presentationswereveryandeducational!TheythepresentationweekhavingatasteofdifferentofChineseBubbleTea!studentslearntabouttraditionsandcustomsofChineseNewYearincludinglegendofthezodiacanimals.engagedindifferentartformssuchasandpapercutting,allenjoyedthespecialexperienceastheytheChineseNewYear!inYear7to13tookparttranslatingpoetry,andliteraryYear7translated
La Lune by Maurice Carême and looked at Apollinaire’s calligrams; Year 9 had a go at translating Liberté by Paul Eluard; Year 10 and 11 looked at street poetry and translated a poem about Black Lives Matter; whilst Year 12 and 13 rendered some excellent translations of the first stanza of L’Albatros, by Charles Baudelaire.
On a misty Thursday morning in early May, Year 10 and 12 Germanists made the journey from Kingswood to London Southbank at almost the break of dawn. After a weary start, we were treated to a guided tour of many of the most iconic sights in London, before arriving at the very impressive British Film Institute for a day of workshops focussing on German culture and identity through the medium of short films. The workshop started with an introduction from a German lecturer from Goldsmith’s University who led an engaging range of activities based on the five films discussed. We were shown a short, animated film on a Hungarian girl’s experience of German New Year traditions, a moral tale of a big businessman and a homeless man, a look at the future of technology seen through the eyes of a group of young film makers, and finally another animated film looking at the future of the world from the perspective of two stone age characters made of rocks. It was very impressive to see such engagement and discussion taking place in German amongst Kingswood pupils, with a range of complex ideas on film analysis being discussed. Some exam style questions were also tackled with ease, and it was good to hear lots of excellent German being spoken. In the afternoon, we were shown a screening of ‘Berlin 39’; a very moving tale of two young women’s experiences of training for the Berlin Olympics in 1939, under Nazi rule. This was a fascinating story to watch unfold, and the cinema screen often broke into rapturous applause as the story developed.
We had a visitor from Bristol University who works for the world-famous Goethe Institut, who gave a talk to all Year 10 German pupils about her pathway into languages. Iris, a current student of German and Spanish who works as a volunteer for the ‘Goethe Young Ambassadors’, delivered a very insightful talk on the benefits of learning German at GCSE and A Level, and further beyond.
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Minerva purses her lips, as a gaggle of visitors explore the Baths around her. This statue was one of the early indicators to those excavating the site in 1727 that Bath was not just a typical Roman settlement. Statues like this are rare finds, and only two other fragments have been discovered in Britain.
Year 12 English students enjoyed a visit to the Jane Austen Centre in Bath, where they listened to some wonderful talks from actors embodying characters from Austen’s novels and explored artefacts from the time.
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In the Autumn term, Year 11 and Year 10 Latin students visited the Roman Baths. Whilst on route, they learnt about the history of Kingswood and analysed the finer points of our world-famous Georgian architecture.
After a break for coffee and book-buying in Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights, a visit to Persephone Books followed where students received a talk from the founder Nicola Beauman. She was a fierce and inspirational speaker who made them examine the value of the literary canon.
A Level Spanish pupils enjoyed a tapas evening in Bath. It was great to see the pupils enjoying some authentic food and even get served by a Spanish waiter!
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tudents studying French took part in the Oxford University Anthea Bell Prize for Young Translators 2022, joining over 3,200 submissions from more than 260 schools across the country. Emily Watkins (Year 12) was awarded a Level 4 commendation for her translation of an extract from the novel L’Art de perdre by Alice Zeniter. The novel tells the story of a family who moved to France following the Algerian War of Independence.
OXFORD UNIVERSITY ANTHEA BELL PRIZE FOR YOUNG TRANSLATORS
CLASSICS TRIP TO THE ROMAN BATHS
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ressing up in regency costume was a highlight of the trip, as was finding out that cup and ball was one of Austen’s favourite games as they aimed to beat her score of 100 in a row!
CLASSICS, ENGLISH & LIBRARY NEWS
YOUNG AMONGST OLD
ENGLISH TRIP TO JANE AUSTEN CENTRE
SPANISH A LEVEL TAPAS TRIP
Oliver Hewitt (Year 10)
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Hugo Astin Reuben Crow
WESTWOOD CENTURION READING CHALLENGE
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YEAR 7 COMPETITIONBOOKMARK
Annika Gurung Noah Stacey
On Thursday 2 March we celebrated World Book Day!
In March, Kingswood’s team of 10 students participated in the country’s first Philosothon UK National Final, held at Stowe School.
HUMANITIES
Sofie in Der Rieden Freddie Hockey
PHILOSOTHON
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Tom O’Driscoll
The library ran a Dewey Decimal bookmark design competition in the Autumn term.
Emmy Toft George Allibone
Rubysha Malla, Ivor Branigan, George Cardwell, Orla Reddin, Clemmie Coxen, Freddie Williamson, Lily Saunders, Rory McLeod, James Eayres and Niamh Weldon once again flew the Kingswood flag and engendered praise and admiration from judges and onlookers. The competition concluded with an awards ceremony, which saw another strong, collective performance
Continuing in the spirit of mutual respect and friendliness, critical thinking; questioning; and reflection was aplenty. As expected, the level of discussion and reasoning across the competitors was high, with Kingswood participating fully and impressing across all four discussions.
e were delighted to host Year 6 from KPS for a range of activities including redesigning book covers, matching keywords to books and even a treasure hunt! We also hosted a literary quiz for all our KWS bibliophiles in the afternoon where the teams put their book knowledge to the test with some very tricky questions. The victors went home with their very own trophies and some book-themed prizes.
Sunday Johnston Tanwen Jefferson
WORLD BOOK DAY 2022
Lily Foster, Lexi Nwabueze and Elfriede Wong took part in a Bath Schools’ Spelling Bee at Hayesfield School.
ily and Elfriede did very well and Lexi just missed out on first place having got through to a ‘sudden death’ final round. He tripped up on the word ‘diarrhoea’ – which is acknowledged to be one of the hardest words to spell in our language!
from Kingswood. The team were awarded 2nd place overall, marginally behind the eventual winners, South Hampstead High School. In the process, Kingswood were able to fend off strong competition from schools including Brighton College, Bristol Grammar School, King’s College Taunton and New Hall School. To finish second in the country is a wonderful achievement!
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SPELLING BEE
Sophie Laugharne Will Butterworth
Over the Spring term, pupils in Years 7 and 8 read over 200 books as part of the Westwood Centurion Reading Challenge. There were 6 titles to choose from and prizes for reading 2, 3 and 6 books. 93 prizes were given out in total with 10 pupils receiving their pin badges for reading all 6 books.
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he results were really impressive, with lots of brilliant entries, but particular congratulations go to the following winners:
opics for discussion included: Fast Fashion; Freedom of Speech; Vaccination Conundrums; and Is eating Steak a free choice? Animal Imperialism and Veganism.
In October, Sixth Form Geography students visited Glasgow to support and enhance their understanding of the A Level course.
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GEOGRAPHY TRIP TO GLASGOW
hey visited the Field Studies Centre in Millport on the Isle of Cumbrae before spending four days exploring a range of geographical themes in the area. The students then visited Glasgow where they were able to explore topics including inequality and the impacts of rebranding. A highlight of this day was gathering primary data from local people which gave students a rich and valuable insight into these topics.
"I am immensely proud of all that these students have achieved and full of admiration for our dedicated teachers under whose guidance they were so well prepared. I look forward to hearing more about their journeys as they move onto the next stage of their lives; I am confident they will achieve great things and will continue to make a difference to the lives of those they meet. As a cohort, they have been wonderful role models across all areas of school life, and living proof that at Kingswood pupils learn as much outside the classroom as they do within it. I am grateful for all their acts of service and the way they have enriched our community over the recent years.”
EXAM RESULTS
With 88% of all grades at A*-B, across a wide breadth of subjects including the arts and humanities, our students who applied have overwhelmingly gained acceptance at a university of their choice, despite increased competition this year, as well as access to competitive apprenticeships.
They now finish their Kingswood education well-equipped with both excellent qualifications and, more importantly, with the skills and personal qualities that enable them to be a powerful force for good in the world.
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In August, our students celebrated outstanding A Level results, with 67% of all grades at A* or A, 88% at A*- B and a 100% pass rate.
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Andrew (Headmaster)Gordon-Brown
n a remarkable achievement, this fine cohort has achieved Kingswood’s best ever outcome, considerably ahead even of the results achieved in 2020 and 2021. We are very proud of our students who have showed characteristic ambition and resilience to achieve such excellent results, despite the disruption they have experienced over the last few years.
Amongst the many high achievers, particularly commendable results were awarded to Hiroki and Alfred with 5 A* grades, and a further thirteen students who achieved 3 or 4 A* grades. We are equally delighted for our BTEC Sport cohort who all achieved Distinction and Distinction* grades in this qualification.
A RESULTSLEVEL
...showed characteristic ambition and resilience to achieve such excellent results...
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Students celebrated very strong GCSE/IGCSE results this year.
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Andrew (HeadmasterGordon-Brown )
GCSE RESULTS
results and I could not be prouder of their efforts. I take my hat off to Leyla A, Aoife T, Adam E, Emily H, Hannah K, Isobel M and Jamie P for their exceptional achievement of ten GCSEs at grade 9 and I am immensely proud of all our Year 11, who are now well placed for further success in the Sixth Form. For this multi-talented year group, these qualifications are a further accolade adding to the success they have enjoyed in sport, drama, music and outdoor pursuits. This is a wonderful example of great teaching and great pastoral care working together to enable our young people to be the best versions of themselves in all things, including examinations. I so look forward to watching this cohort develop as leaders and role models in the Sixth Form.”
Amongst many excellent individual performances, we saw seven pupils securing a full set of grade 9s. In addition, 25 students (nearly a quarter of the year group) achieved straight 8s and 9s, while pupils across the year group can be very proud of their results, which is a testament to their hard work and the support of our staff.
ith 56% of all results awarded at grades 9 and 8, and 76% at grades 9-7, students achieved very highly across both GCSE and IGCSE examinations. The picture is an excellent one across the breadth of the curriculum with the Sciences, Humanities and Creative Arts all enjoying stellar results.
“Our Year 11 pupils have achieved a most excellent set of results. It is no mean feat that the cohort outcome is in line with last year’s best ever
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I am immensely proud of all our Year 11, who are now well placed for further success in the Sixth Form.
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In a break from tradition, the Upper Fields played host this year, providing a generous and picturesque setting via a large marquee surrounded by the beautiful Lansdown countryside. Uncharacteristically for the Upper, we were blessed indeed with the weather – perhaps even a little too hot for those sat under the transparent plastic skylights – and it was
The annual Prize Giving and Final Assembly ceremonies always serve to mark a set of crossroads in the rich history of Kingswood School.
hese are ceremonies where we look both forwards and backwards, celebrating all that our Year 13 Leavers have achieved throughout their Kingswood career, whilst also acknowledging the many talented young people following in their footsteps from the years below.
We all need moments such as these to remind us just how special it is to be part of the Kingswood community.
the world around them spins at a dizzying rate.
The Prize Giving ceremony celebrated the usual eclectic mix of achievements that take place during a typical Kingswood school year. Academic departments awarded their prizes for Attainment, Effort and Highly Commended as they usually would, yet the incredibly high level of these young people’s achievements felt even more remarkable this year considering what they had navigated to meet such demanding academic standards. The students given attainment awards this year have reached notably high levels of performance, but it is easy to forget that, for several years, their progress has been hampered by circumstance. In many ways therefore, every award was about character - a recognition of the stoicism and commitment that each young person has shown to continue their pursuit of outstanding educational achievement even when
July 2022 stands out in the memory as being a crossroads moment of particular merit: it was the first time we had held the full ceremony since the beginning of the Covid Pandemic; it was the first time in a few years that we had been able to gather the whole school together in a single venue; it was the last time that a number of long-serving colleagues would attend the events, not least the Hollywells and the Opies, who shared some thoughts and feelings about their Kingswood journeys with the students.
something truly edifying to look out on our fully assembled community: a group of people pulled this way and that through years of Covid restrictions yet held together by a set of shared values and traditions.
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Our ‘special prize’ categories help to encapsulate the Kingswood vision of what excellence looks like
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As is tradition, both events were deeply enriched by performances from some of our senior musicians and artists. Colby Chu gave a characteristically virtuoso rendition of ‘Beethoven’s Romance in F’, the music seeming to suffuse the hushed silence of the marquee air with an additional poignancy as it dawned on us that it might be the last time we would hear him play without having to purchase a concert ticket beforehand. His performance was spellbinding, and a fitting parting gift from such a wonderful talent. Another talented individual, Tom Button, shared his technical expertise with us via a truly remarkable video project, which combined his own video footage with virtual reality imagery; a knowledgeable parent commented that Tom’s final product was of a professional standard. Indeed, the juxtaposition of classical music and virtual reality animation served to emphasise the primacy of both the traditional and progressive arts at Kingswood.
PRIZE GIVING & FINAL ASSEMBLY 2022
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Rex Evans & Thea Bailey
The Burns Family Leadership Award Niamh Weldon
The Gary Best Travel Scholarship Emily Ardus
Mr John Davies (Deputy Head Academic)
The Jean Pratten Award for Music Colby Chu
The Friends of Kingswood Award for Community Spirit Larissa Man
The Grove Award for Sport Emily Ardus & Grace Ardus
The Warmann Shield for Team Sport Boys 1st XI Hockey The Juba Award Marnie Lister
The Rebecca Bleathman Travel Scholarship Award Emily Watkins & Florence Burton
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when we think about great education. The special prizes range widely, including prizes for: Exceptional Sports Achievement (Patience Rhodes), Drama and Theatre (Ted Nightingale and Tom Button), Science (Haru Ishizaka), Fine Art (Eloise Weinberger), Charity and Service (Bea Meadowcroft), ‘Unsung Hero’ (Grace and Emily Ardus), Community Spirit (Larissa Man) and Leadership (Niamh Weldon), amongst others. The eclecticism of the awards speak to the breadth of vision for education that we hold so dearly at Kingswood. Although in many ways our world is much changed and more complex than that of Wesley, his vision for a Kingswood education, subsequently shaped by those who have followed in his footsteps, is still urgently relevant today – indeed, the real ‘prizes’ we celebrate are the young adults we send out into the world with the commission to be people of virtue and character, change-makers, who might just help save us all.
The Sullivan Award for Drama Ted Nightingale
I cannot think of a better road to travel.
The “Golden Mask” Award Tom Button
The Opie Kindness Award
CONTRIBUTIONOUTSTANDINGTOTHESCHOOL 25
The Richard Neal Memorial Award Emily Ardus & Grace Ardus
PRIZES FOR
The Jo Heap Award for Contribution to Sport Rex Evans & Madi Sayce
The Duchars Award for Art Tom Button
The E.P. Thompson Award for History Rex Evans
The President’s Prize for Contribution to Science Haru Ishizaka
The Chaplain’s Award for Charity Bea Meadowcroft
It was absolutely fitting that the final prize of the ceremonies was a newly-commissioned one: the Opie prize. Gordon and Jenny had given much thought to both the nature of the prize and its intended recipients for this year. Characteristically, their prize sought to highlight and celebrate perhaps the greatest virtue a Kingswoodian should embody: kindness. It was a prize that the Opies could offer with absolute integrity, having modelled this virtue so consistently throughout their time together at Kingswood. The inaugural ‘Opie Prize for Kindness’ was awarded to Rex Evans and Thea Bailey, two outstandingly selfless young people who, we are sure, will continue to live Wesley’s values as they continue their lives beyond Kingswood.
The Charlotte Hecquet Butterfly Award for Fine Art Eloise Weinberger
Of course, both events were also opportunities to say farewell to long-standing members of staff, who collectively have shaped and enriched the lives of countless young people over the years. Mr Thatcher, Mr Burton, Mr and Mrs Hollywell and Mr and Mrs Opie were all rightly honoured for their longstanding commitment to the mission of education at Kingswood. The ceremony was filled with the kind of feeling one would expect at the parting of friends: a deep sadness encircled with joy and thankfulness. The emotional tenor of the moment confirmed in us what we believe to be true about Kingswood, that those who give more than they take find themselves irrevocably bound to a powerful community and ethos, their lives deeply enriched in the exchange.
The Heart of Westwood Award Emily Ballantyne & Ethan Y Wong
The John Allison Memorial Award for DT Eloise Weinberger
The Sandy Burgon Award for Sporting Commitment out of School Patience Rhodes
The Dikran A. Knadjian Award for Medicine Larissa Man
The Model United Nations Award Rose Bates & Elli Duke
I emerged from the marquee into the squinting sunshine emotionally exhausted, uplifted, thankful, humbled, and excited about the future of our school –I wondered what the next set of crossroads would bring in a year’s time, and what challenges we might have overcome together in the journeying to get there.
Grace, an A Level computer science student, spent time with a software engineer at EZ Education, an Ed Tech company based in Central Bath who created Doodle Maths. Grace enjoyed working on the company's website and creating new content.
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Oli learnt about Dispute Resolution, Personal Injury & Clinical Negligence at Forrester Sylvester Mackett Solicitors. Oli worked under the wing of Partner & Litigation Solicitor, Jeff Williams in Trowbridge and plans to go to Exeter University after Kingswood.
CAREERS
115 Year 12 students take part in a plethora of work experience in a wide range of sectors from local to national employers.
This annual programme allows our Sixth Formers to learn about specific industries and job roles. Opportunities like these provide our students with a hands on approach and independence to form their own choices about their future. Thank you to all the employers who supported our students.
‘It’s been an eye-opening and engaging experience. I am looking forward to learning more about the law.’ - Oli
students...inspire
and then spent an evening being questioned by Mr Woodgate for a hybrid live and remote audience. It was such a pleasure to welcome Mr Cairns to Kingswood for the first time and enjoy his expertise.
Sir Alan Yarrow, former Lord Mayor of the City of London, was first on the programme for this year. He talked about ‘Big Finance’ and what we all needed to know about how the economy worked. He then enjoyed a lively Q and A as students, parents and teachers all wished to know more.
Aside from the Wesley Society talks, many enrichment talks have been held on a departmental level. These are all crucial adjuncts to our guest speaker programme and inspire students to follow their subject above and beyond the confines of the curriculum.
Alun Cairns to follow curriculum.confiandsubjecttheirabovebeyondthenesofthe
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Cameron Parker is a motivational speaker who really engaged with his audience. Again, he spoke brilliantly about what it is to be resilient, how to set targets and that people should not be afraid of working hard! We were fortunate to also welcome Cameron to talk to our Year 12 students during General Studies as he helped them reflect on their goals for the future and how they could realistically achieve them.
Cameron Parker
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Sir Alan Yarrow
Mr Ed Allchorne
Claire Danson, sister of Olympic Hockey Champion Alex Danson, told her personal story of how she was paralysed by a freak accident and then bounced back quite extraordinarily. Claire was run over by a tractor when out for a cycle ride and almost lost her life, but has managed to reset her goals and ambitions and achieve great things. Recently, Claire completed a 255km triathlon, which highlights what real resilience and grit are, and our audience learnt a great deal about how to set goals and how to reflect on those goals.
We have had another bumper year of speakers for our enrichment programme, which has been a hybrid of live and remote speakers.
Claire Danson
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ith the inception of platforms such as MS Teams, the future is exciting for the speaker programme as they are able talk to us from anywhere in the world!
Alun Cairns MP, former Secretary of State for Wales, did a triad of activities for our community. He did a Q and A with the A Level Politics students, had supper with younger students with a passion for Politics,
ENRICHMENTACADEMIC
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HOUSE (LOWER SCHOOL) 28
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nspired by the house motto, ‘Be the Change’, charity initiatives were always at the forefront this year. Candy Canes and Fonthill Elves were back by popular demand, bringing the usual Christmas fun, and we also ran Ice Cream Week in the Summer. In total, we raised £2557, making donations to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, The Restart Centre in Kenya (continuing to support the education of Ken Kobe), charities in Malawi and also the Bath Foodbank. An amazing achievement from just one house.
Members of Fonthill also shone on stage this year. In February, we watched the Senior Production of Antigone, with Lower Sixth Phia performing powerfully and gaining a KATS nomination for Best Individual Performance. In the Summer term, the Year 9s and 10s put on DNA, with many members of Fonthill involved. School newcomer, May proved her Drama Scholar credentials, along with Clemmie ED, Daisy W and Oyin. Year 9 Matilda also showed great versatility, taking on an extra role at last minute. In GCSE Drama we saw the skills of the Year 11s both on stage and off, with memorable costume and make-up designs by Maisie and Scarlett, and Monica nominated for Best Scripted Piece performance.
not winning. Head & Deputy Head of House, Grace and Liv led from the front, putting in their all, as they would all year. Lari organised the ensemble piece superbly, including members of all year groups - not just the best musicians - and we came a very close second. Music remained a real house strength overall. Senior Musicians and Scholars, Lari, Izzy V and Emily W were involved in almost every Music concert, with Lari ‘instrumental’ (!) in organising the Sixth Form Showcase. At KATS, Lari won the Muso’s Muso Award, and Izzy won Outstanding Contribution to Music. Both gave very powerful vocal performances in the Summer Concert – a fitting end to their school musical careers. In other year groups, Clemmie ED stood out in Night at the Musicals, and Snow and Alyssa (the former achieving Grade 8 during the year) wowed us with their piano pieces. Alyssa’s duet with Gordon was performed in the Chapel Centenary Service – a beautiful piece that helped mark a very special occasion in Kingswood’s history.
Grace
Our year started in the Summer holiday, as ‘Fonthill and Friends’ (Jas, Thea, Precious, and two from other houses) took on a 5km Pretty Muddy for Cancer Research. With Head of House, Grace (who completed her run whilst abroad), we raised over £1000.
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Term started with the House Performance, held on the Astro! With ‘brothers’ from Hall, and the Upper Sixth leading, the Year 9s enthusiastically learned a dance routine for ‘It’s Raining Men’, putting in an energetic performance, despite
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Olivia
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In the sporting calendar, the Year 9s were victorious in House Hockey, with A team players Iona, Ella, Clemmie ED and Soph playing strongly. Despite not winning their Hockey, the Senior team’s definite highlight was a goal scored by Jess B against a Summerhill side including nearly the entire School 1st XI (!). Not to be outdone, the Year 10s edged a close win in their Netball, led by Oyin and Daisy N and
In house staff news, Fonthill ‘lost’ Miss Morris who returned as Mrs Meredith following her wedding, and also gained a new baby, when Miss Bowman’s Raffy arrived at the end of the year. We also said goodbye and good luck to Mrs Lopez as she left to become Senior Houseparent of Summerhill.
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bubbles. Head of Boarding, Ningwa proved good at creating a strong sense of family, and we had the usual fun with large spiders, strange bathroom incidents, cheese boards and bacon sandwiches, film nights and our (now customary!) win in the Bake Off.
Fonthill
Deputy Head of House: Olivia Taylor
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members were prominent in many other events. In the BISMUN Conference, Molly and Ningwa chaired committees, and Rubysha and Clemmie C were in a Philosothon team who competed at national level. Bert and Florence helped a group of Lower Sixth Scientists to another national win – in the Big Bang Science Competition – and Molly’s essay on Sudanese refugees achieved second place in the HART (Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust) competition. Year 9 Abi received her Gold Chief Scout Award, and Rubysha won a golf tournament. Many helped with school charity events such as the Year 10 and 11 Ball and the Malawi Jumble Sale (especially Dipti and Noelina), and we were well-represented in the Ten Tors teams (Tilly and Evie tackling the 35mile course, and Tobina the 45 mile). All this proves the breadth of Fonthill’s talent and interests, living up to our other motto: to be Principled and Passionate in all that you do.
Mrs Juliette Mainwaring (Senior Houseparent)
supported by the enthusiasm and energy of Chloe, Kristy and Crystal. All these also willingly participated in other house competitions such as Swimming and Cross Country, and by the end of the year most had been awarded their House Colours, along with Rosie who showed perhaps the greatest house spirit of anybody, volunteering at the very last minute to run in the Cross Country Relays which we later won due to the fact that other houses entered pupils in the wrong year groups. Other notable house sport performances came from Lauren B in Swimming (competing in, and winning more races than anyone), Masha’s powerful serve and ground strokes in Tennis, and also Sports Day when Iona and Oyin broke records, and the Inter and Senior 4x 100m Relay teams both won – the latter made up entirely of Upper Sixth Athletes (Zoe, Lari, Maya and Liv) in their last ever competitive event at ThroughoutKingswood.theyear,
Head of Boarding: Ningwa Chemjong
Spirit of Fonthill, Grace quite rightly won the Sergeant Leadership Award for being an outstanding Head of House, and Noelina was a deserving recipient of The Wright Way. We all giggled at the Upper Sixth’s baby and first day at school photos before Liv and Grace’s emotional, tearful and heartfelt goodbye speeches. These two led the house superbly this year, and they have left big shoes for Tobina and Alberta to fill next year. We will really miss all the Upper Sixth – they were a year group with great positive spirit, enthusiasm, energy and humour, and throughout their time gave a huge amount to the house. 2022-23 will not be the same without them.
Senior Prefects: Thea
In the boarding house, it was an easier year for the overseas students and their travel (to Karina’s relief!), and so much better that year groups could socialise without ‘bursting’
Finally it was the end of the year, with house awards and goodbyes to our leavers. Ningwa was the
Head of House: Grace Ardus
KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 | HOUSES
you will read more about them and the fantastic contribution they have made to Kingswood elsewhere in this Aftermagazine.tenyears
Ten years ago I became Senior Houseparent for Hall House. I was 43 years old and my kids were 4, 6 and 9 and Mrs Harding was….ten years younger.
As ever, there has been much for Hall House to celebrate this year. A return to something approaching normality enabled us to recommence House Entertainments with Fonthill and all House competitions starting with House Music on the first weekend back.
ob and Ted have led the House superbly and I am indebted to them both for the fantastic role models they have been. The boarding house has been looked after and kept in order by our team of Housekeepers: Denise, Grace and Rubens, with support from Bex. Both Denise and Grace have been with me throughout my time in charge of Hall and they have been quite phenomenal at ensuring the boarders have immaculate rooms and living areas. Sadly, Grace leaves this year and we wish her every success on the next part of her journey. Hall boys know our tutors are the best and Messrs Chua, Moat, Reeman, Smith, Edgell, Davies and Peerless were all thanked at the end of the year for the superb way they have guided our boys through the last year. We say goodbye to Mr Shah, Mr Burton and Mr Snell and
I have always believed we are the sum of our parts. Everyone who is in Hall represents Hall and, as a consequence, when one of us achieves, we should all feel pride.
looking after Hall House it is also time for me to say farewell. I spoke to the boys collected together one last time in Hall on Wednesday 6 July and said the following words:
A lot, an awful lot, has happened in that time: house move into a brand new building, winning House music, being robbed in House music on
Robert Ted
numerous occasions, ice skating, Jimmy’s World Grill, Dodgeball, inflatable games on the Dixon Lawn, tug of war, Bath Half Marathons, Valentine’s Dinners, sporting success, sporting failures, academic success, academic failures, snow days, fans in bedrooms to cool them down, walking through the car park and not using the zebra crossing, Covid-19, quarantine, isolation, house kit, tutors coming and going, babies arriving, marriages, retirements, pool, monopoly, chess, cards, darts, being woken up with water pistols, being woken up with stink bombs(!), practice fire alarms, real fire alarms, Frankie and Liam, Nhyiraba making a huge dent in the wall (still not sure how!), noodles, mango chicken wraps on a Saturday, takeaways on Friday, Dominos (not the game), barbecues, PlayStation, FIFA 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, football on the lower astro, football world cups, Euro 2020, deer, foxes, squirrels, mugs, cufflinks, tears of sadness, tears of laughter, #hallhouseheroes
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HALL HOUSE
At the time, I was Head of Drama, Activities Co-Ordinator and Assistant Houseparent in Westwood living on the top floor of the house with my family. The interview was conducted by Mr Morris and Mr Opie and I was very fortunate that I was selected to run Hall. At that point, Hall was based where Summerhill now have their home in Main School above the Headmaster’s office and Dining Hall.
Farewell to all of our leavers and the very best of luck in where your journey takes you next.
to miss being Hall’s Senior Houseparent but I know you are in very good hands with Mr Brown taking over and the majority of tutors staying. Please always remember, be kind, be respectful and always be #hallhouseheroes.
Mr Darrell Harding (Senior Houseparent)HeadofHouse: Robert Wilson Deputy Head of House and Head of Boarding: Ted Nightingale Senior Prefects: Thomas Button Jacob Fadipe Rory AaronAlexFreddieDerekFergusonHoRobinsonSedcoleWrightPREFECTSHOUSEHALL 33
Being kind is at the core of being at Kingswood and I would add to that – respect one another and respect Iyourself.amgoing
HOUSES | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22
I know I certainly do. We have had international sportsmen, outstanding musicians and performers, outrageously clever academic students who have gained amazing results in examinations and inspirational teachers and tutors who have guided our boys through Kingswood via Hall.
BUT, I am most proud of us when a member of staff tells me about a selfless act – “I saw one of your boys offer to help one of the Support staff carry some books across to the Ferens the other day”; “The boys in your house are reliable, I know they will be in chapel or assembly on time and looking the smartest” or one of the best things I ever heard (and it was from Mr Opie!), “It was a testimony to him and your boys that they came in during the school holidays to help out at the memorial service even though they didn’t even know the person and was even considerate enough to wear their school uniform as a mark of respect”.
To bring these two Art forms together, we had our glamorous KATS awards. The evening didn’t fail to match the vibrancy of the outfits. Phoebe, Dasha and Ayomikun won and presented awards, and we were treated to acting and singing performances from Summerhill pupils. It has been such a successful year for both Music
It was amazing to see the number of Summerhill girls involved in both School and House sport. In the hockey term, we had an impressive cohort of Year 11s in the 1st team. Not only did we make up most of the team, it was captained by our own Phoebe and Ciara D, with Anisha in goal. We also had Ciara O and Mia representing the 1st Netball, Rose captaining the 1st Tennis team, and Anisha the Swimming team. This talent was summed up in our great success at some of the House matches. Finally, the Summer term saw numerous girls step up for the House gala, with the inter girls excelling, despite having only three swimmers for a four-woman race! We then had a great turn out for the infamous Cross-Country Relay.
We can’t talk about the successes of this year without mentioning the tremendous work from all the tutors, duty staff, matrons and of course Mrs Matthews; she has been the beating heart of Summerhill and has embodied what Summerhill stands for, celebrating achievements large and small, and finding opportunities to help and support others whenever possible. She is going to be greatly missed in the House but we know it is in very capable hands with Mrs Lopez and her team.
and Drama, and it was a delight to also see the talent of so many at the Art and DT summer exhibition.
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ur winning streak continued with being victorious in the House Cross Country, Senior House Debating competition and the Senior and Year 10 House Hockey competitions. The new year also saw the first editions of the ‘Summerhill Sum Up’, set up by Zara, which is the termly House newsletter.
well over 200 Christmas care packages for Genesis Trust. On top of this there have been amazing individual charity efforts: Marnie with her 5-hour Spinathon, raising money for Cancer Research; Bea completing the Mallorca312 bike ride in aid of Mind; the Big Bath Sleep Outs with both Niamh and Sophie getting involved, as well as the whole House helping with Open Arms Malawi events.
Summerhill is known for its compassion and generosity and the House always shows this through the charity work we do. We made
Rose Bates and Niamh Weldon (Year 13)
We had girls in Years 9-13 involved in Drama performances including DNA, Antigone and the Year 10 devised assessments which starred our very own Dasha, Harriet, Kim, Florencia, Cecilie, Elsa, Praeasha, Katya, Bea, Lala and so many more!
Within the Music Department there were so many things for people to get involved with. Summerhill was represented in choir, KJO, orchestra rehearsals, the Abbey Carol Service, Spring Concert, Mid-Somerset Festival, lunchtime concerts and many more. One of the highlights was the Summer Concert in which we enjoyed individual performances from Polly, Elsa, Anna, Naomi, Eloise and Niamh. We also heard KJO play which included Mary, Polly, Elsa, Poppy, Phoebe H, Charlotte, Phoebe, Poppy and Anna.
SUMMERHILL HOUSE
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Rose Niamh
We kick started off the year with winning the House Music and ensemble. The great enthusiasm shown from the House prefects, expertly led by Rose and Rex, made this event a real highlight of the year. PRIZE WINNERS • Good Egg Award: Aoife Targett & Ayomikun Thomas • Perseverance Award: Bea Meadowcroft & Coco Cox • Summerhill Dragon Award for Sport: Gaby Davies & Poppy Squires • Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Award: Niamh Weldon
KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 | HOUSES
Leaving poem from Mrs Matthews to all in Summerhill, July 2022
HOUSES | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22
Head of House: Rose Bates
Phoebe Hall Marnie Lister
Madi Sayce Naomi Waheed
We’ve done so much together We’ve laughed, cried and learned I feel privileged to have been part of your journey
As Head of Boarding, I found myself in House most evenings listening to all kinds of stories which never failed to entertain! From fajita nights, rounders, karaoke, Just Dance, BTS, boarders’ bake off, as well as many trips and our awesome Christmas dinner, this year has really emphasised what boarding in Summerhill is all about! Niamh
Now enjoy the summer break you’ve earned.
Remember to come and visit There will always be biscuits and a cuppa, I would love to hear your news And we can have a catch up and good old chatter.
From myself to you I wish you the best, Please always remember Courage and kindness will be your keys to success.
I wish all the leavers the best of luck in their new adventures and massive thanks goes to Rose and Niamh for all their hard work in making sure the House ran smoothly.
Deputy Head of House: Niamh Weldon
Mrs Alex Matthews (Senior Houseparent)
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Keep being Summerhill stars And helping each other out, I will always support Summerhill And in House events continue to give you a big shout.
Ciara Dyer Anisha Gofton
So it’s with happy memories that I send you all out the door, With great hope and expectations For what the next few years hold in store.
Eloise Weinberger
Remember all the good times we’ve had In all the things we’ve done, Thank you everyone here today For making my time so fun.
Senior Prefects:
I am glad I have been your Houseparent I’ve come to know you so, I can’t believe the end is here I’m sad to see you go
FAREWELLS AND THANK YOUS
I’ve watched you learn and grow And change from day to day, I hope all the things we’ve done Have helped in some small way
A big thank you to Miss Robinson who has been a tutor in Summerhill for 12 years. She is someone who has always been there for her tutees. We wish her every success in her new role in the Prep School. We say goodbye and a huge thank you to Mrs Herlinger from the tutor team, as she takes on her new role as Head of Middle School. Big thanks also goes to Miss Elliott for all her help with boarding duties over the last 7 years as Resident Assistant. We are so grateful for all her support she has given the boarders that have come under her care. And finally to Mrs Opie who, after 30 years, is leaving Kingswood. She gave so much to Summerhill over the last 12 years, and we thank her for always being so caring, kind and supportive. Mr and Mrs Opie will be massively missed and we wish them well in their retirement.
MIDDLE HOUSE
KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 | HOUSES
Angus Rex Vasily
Although the year was busy and full, it was so nice to return to some relative normality and be able to experience all the best of what Kingswood has to offer.
After we returned from the Christmas holidays we learned that Haru Ishizaka and Arthur Darwish had secured offers from Oxford and Cambridge Universities respectively. Competition for places at these two particular universities is exceptionally high nowadays so this represents a notable achievement. Many of our Year 13s have also secured offers from top universities and we wish them the best of luck as they wait for their results and hopefully embark on their chosen courses. Hockey has provided Middle with two internationals with both Ollie and Toby Day getting national honours. Both boys are set to become an integral part of next year’s senior hockey side. The footballers also enjoyed success in their fixtures with a number of Middle boys representing both of
in the end of term events and so many Middle men have now made an appearance in this through KJO and smaller music groups.
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he start of the year was an opportunity to welcome the new boys to the House as well as new tutors: Mr AlliesCurtis and Mr Gordon. The latter we welcomed to the position of Assistant Houseparent and it has been so nice for the boys and my family to get to know him better. The first significant event for us was the House Performance competition, something that Middle now has some pedigree in. It provides an opportunity for the new House leadership team to take charge along with their Summerhill counterparts. Head of House Angus Duncan, Deputy Head of House Rex Evans and Head of Boarding Vas Alexeev all galvanised the House well and set the tone for the remainder of the year. We were also fortunate enough to have Alex Kellagher in the position of Deputy Head Boy and, as a seasoned veteran, he was certainly able to offer his guidance and expertise to our rendition of Waterloo by ABBA. The first term is also busy for sport and the House contributes a large number of rugby players to teams right through from Year 9 to 1st XV level. In the senior side we had a large number of regular representatives and Ollie Ellis and Tom Roach shared the captaincy. Middle boys also made up a significant number of the undefeated U15 and U16 rugby sides, not to mention they were both coached by Middle tutors, Mr Gordon and Mr Webb. The Christmas Concert is a big highlight
In the Summer term, Cricket, Swimming, Athletics and Tennis all provided sporting distractions for the boys, whilst KATS and the Summer Showcase celebrated those of the boys who have artistic talents. Particular Cricket highlights were Toby Eayres who notched up two centuries throughout the season, as well as brother James captaining the 1st XI. Noah Davies also continued to impress for both school and
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the senior sides and the 1st XI being captained by Jack Gould. The CrossCountry teams also had a significant Middle House representation across the teams. Seb Crow and Tom Meier deserve particular mention for their impressive performances in the Bristol Half Marathon, as does Charlie Haines for finishing in the top 40 at the English Schools Cross-Country Championships. Elsewhere, Callum Voisin impressed in his season in the British F3 championships and he has enjoyed working with his team Carlin this season, whilst William Paice managed to get in the top 8 at the National Fencing Championships in the Epee.
JackMaxAlexTheoFarmerGoodingKellagherWaringWheaton ...experience all the best of what Kingswood has to offer. 37
Mr Steven Smyth (Senior Houseparent)
we also gave thanks to the brilliant tutor team and the matrons: Timi, Mel and Monika. We also said farewell to our Year 13s and some of the Year 11s. Sadly, we also said farewell to Mr Mansfield, Mr Brown (DT) and Mr Brown (PE). Mr Mansfield takes up a position in a new school closer to home, whilst Messrs Brown (DT) and Brown (PE) become Houseparents of Hall and Upper respectively. We wish them all the best of luck, thank them for all they have done for the House and hope they take a little piece of Middle with them into those new roles.
It was also great to be back in the Middle House garden for our Final House Assembly of the year. As well as giving out various awards,
Somerset. Bruin Ward co-led the boys’ Athletics team and managed to mastermind an excellent Sports Day performance from the House. However, we were without star athlete Charlie Haines who was representing Avon in the final week of term. He gained an excellent third in the final of the Junior boys’ 800m at the English Schools Athletics Championship. Away from sport, my personal musical highlight was seeing Alex Kellagher and Colby Chu perform Me and My Shadow at both the Summer Showcase and the Final Assembly.
money for the House charities: Help for Heroes, the Jemima Layzell Trust and Paul’s Place. Freddie Stockton did a great job ‘drumming’ up interest and raising nearly £1000 by having his ‘Lockdown locks’ removed. Earlier in the term, it was the Middle House Boot Sale and 1000 mile challenge that raised a similar sum whilst providing some great entertainment and pizza.
HOUSES | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22
The Summer term also saw Middle House turn its attention to raise
Deputy Head of House: Rex Evans
Senior Prefects: Freddie Baker Colby Chu Will
Head of House: Angus Duncan
The end of the year culminated in other House events, including the waterslide for House Entertainment.
Head of Boarding: Vasily Alexeev
Haysley
My final year in School House was a wonderful celebration of what School House stands for. We have enjoyed numerous successes in the InterHouse competitions, winning Senior Sports Day, House Netball and House Cross Country. But this has been mainly down to those School House stars who step in to fill in the gaps, to swim the one length of butterfly, don the goalkeeping kit for the first time ever (!), run the 100m or throw a shot put. This is what makes School House so special and something I do hope continues to flourish.
Her house spirit and enthusiasm is unmatched, encouraging us all to get involved with any events and competitions which has led to many happy memories. We are so grateful to Miss Paver for all she has done for us over the years and we can’t thank her enough for all her dedication.
Annie Davis (Head of School House, Y13)
for Breast Cancer Care and the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity thanks to everyone’s efforts in baking and donning pink and running the House Cross Country –all for such an important cause.
School House has been so fortunate to have had Miss Paver as Housemistress over the past ten years. She is compassionate,incrediblycaring and understanding and always makes time for anyone who needs advice or just a friend to Joininglisten.senior houses in Year 9 can be a daunting experience but the support of Miss Paver and her warm guidance through the important years of personal growth makes all the difference. She always sees the good in everyone and encourages us all to be the best versions of ourselves.
My thanks as ever to my terrific prefect team, ably led by Annie and Evie. Thanks too to the matrons, Jayne and Caroline, who always provide care and support for the boarders, and lastly to my tutor team. I am indebted to them for their amazing care and guidance in working with me and the girls in School House. We say goodbye to Miss Sutherland, who will be much missed and wish her all the best in her new job. Good luck to Miss Bond in her new role as Deputy Houseparent, I know the girls are delighted that she will continue to be a part of School House. To Mrs Musgrove who is taking on the role of Senior Houseparent, good luck. School House is in safe hands and I wish you all the best.
I have loved my time in School House and it was wonderful to see old girls and staff who took the time and trouble to come back and share in a BBQ together with many memories. Here’s to the next generation of School House girls - #SchoolHouse4ever!
SCHOOL HOUSE
hankfully school life returned to the ‘old ways’ with mock exams for the Year 11s and 13s coming very soon after half term and into the Spring term, and the real things looming large at the end of the year!
We have had representatives in the Empowering Women in STEM Talent Programme and in the Big Bang competition – all successful in the way they have participated, competed and shared their knowledge and experiences. School House girls have supported and participated in the Pride Club and in the Neurodiversity and Equality clubs, showing wonderful inclusivity and understanding for all. We managed to fund raise over £1,000
Annie Evie
MISS PAVER
A near normal year – hurrah! The Autumn term started with nervous anticipation from the powers that be, waiting to see what Covid would bring next.
The Upper Sixth this year have been marvellous. They have led by example and have embraced all that Kingswood and School House have to offer. Their end of term quiz before the Easter holidays was one of the best ever. We got back on the ice and Bulf was thoroughly kissed at the end of the year! I think the Upper Sixth’s biggest regret was that we did not manage to hold our annual Wide Games… that challenge is for a new generation.
Miss Una Paver (Senior Houseparent)
She has been an inspiration to us all and an amazing role model to look up to. She will be greatly missed as Housemistress.
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As well as our achievements on the sports field, we have seen many School House girls strut their stuff on the boards with some fantastic performances in Antigone and in the A Level and GCSE performances, as well as some fabulous musical numbers throughout the year.
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HOUSES | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 SCHOOL COLOURSHOUSEAWARDS • Lily Bradley • Lexie Game • Aurora Vergani • Lottie Dodge • Honor ThompsonSokell SPIRIT OF SCHOOL HOUSE AWARD • Emily Ardus • Hannah Gatehouse • Annie Davis PREFECTS Head of House: Annie Davis Deputy Head of House: Evie Bradley Head of Boarding: Haysley Ng Senior Prefects: Emily Ardus Vicki Baldwin Bels MiaEdieHollyIssyKittyHannahBarryGatehouseHoJohnsonMannMorrisRandolph 39
It has been wonderful to see that the Upper House Spirit is as strong as it has ever been with much activity in every respect. Oliver Lechmere and Alexander Bushell have played a big part in helping to organise the House and we have enjoyed their end of term summaries.
In Music, we were represented by Louis Record, Joe Randolph, Alexander Kirkwood and George Greenwood. Alexander impressed all of us with his performance in a Whole School Service this term. In Drama, Dan Zukas, Oscar Bankes, Avery Trotter and Kes Joffe all made fine performances in the school production of Antigone. Avery won the KATS award for the Best Scripted Drama Piece and Joe Randolph, playing the cello, won the award for the Most Outstanding GCSE Musical Performance.
At the end of the Summer term, Upper and School combined again for a lovely evening of fun in the sun after Sports Day. In our Final House Assembly speeches, I thanked all the tutors, and bid farewell to Mr Hollywell and Mr Musgrove and our leavers from Year 11 and the Upper Sixth. I wished the best of luck to the House, the new prefects and to their new Houseparent, Mr Brown. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to be Senior Houseparent of such a historic part of Kingswood.
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Mr Roger White (Senior Housemaster)
and School Houses taking to the ice. In the Spring term, the Upper Sixth Prefects did a wonderful job of bringing together the Easter Quiz which they prepared and delivered in a very professional manner in the school theatre.
After almost two years of Covid restrictions, it was a fantastic relief to get the whole House together in the Spring of 2022! The morning gathering of pupils and tutors and the happy sound of conversation and activity had been missed by both the staff and the pupils alike.
In September, we welcomed a big Year 9 group to the House and Miss Murtagh to the Year 9 tutor team. The first event of the year was the traditional House Music Competition which was held outside on the Lower Astro due to Covid restrictions. Nonetheless, the event was as energetic and enjoyable as ever and School and Upper achieved a creditable second place with an enthusiastic performance.
Oliver Alexander
In sport, we had an extraordinarily successful year, winning House Hockey, and both Year 9 and Year 10 Intermediate in the Cross-Country relays. We were also winners of the Intermediate Swimming Gala. Jamie Wright made a notable impact at the House Cross-Country competition with an impressive win in the senior race. Sports Day again proved to be another successful event with many participants from every year. School and Upper were winners of the event, overall. Upper had a great many representatives at all levels in every sport with success at U16 level in rugby and in hockey. Upper was also one of the main contributors to the Senior Tennis Teams. Ollie Yates in Year 10 made a substantial impact and will be a key player in future years.
KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 | HOUSES
Terence Beekma’s boxing career made a great start with two wins in his first two bouts – a pugilist to look out for. As normal, the table tennis table got plenty of use with boys from all Houses. The enthusiasm for the game transferred into successful matches against local opposition.
he ten minutes before registration provides a period for the tutors to chat about any prominent issues that need to be dealt with and, just as importantly, an opportunity for a bit of fun together. I was particularly happy to be able to resume the presentation of our Upper “Man of the Week” award, during our Friday House Assembly. This is presented to an Upper pupil for displays of Upper Spirit whether it be acts of kindness, helpfulness, sporting success or just willingness to get stuck in.
In the final of the Upper table tennis tournament, played in front of the whole House, Charlie Woodward was the deserved victor.
UPPER HOUSE
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In November, the Victoria Park Ice Skating Trip proved again to be a nice entry into the Christmas period, with almost all pupils from Upper
of House: Oliver Lechmere Deputy Head of House Alexander: Bushell Senior Prefects: Leo JamieThomasFergusJonnyCalebBarnesBondLesterMatthewsProwseWright 41
HOUSES | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22
Head
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It has been fantastic to offer our boarders a full range of activities this year without Covid restrictions, enabling them to fully enjoy everything that goes on at Kingswood. Here are a selection of photos from the Senior and Westwood boarding houses giving a taste of what we have been up to…
BOARDING AT KINGSWOOD
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KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 | CREATIVE ARTS 1 ART 2 43 5 6 7 8 9 44
CREATIVE ARTS | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 151210 16 17 1314 11 45
KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 | CREATIVE ARTS 1. Emily Gordon-Brown - Y11 2. Hattie Hawtin - Y13 3. Eloise Weinberger - Y13 4. Stan Wood - Y11 5. Jim McAllister - Y13 6. Holly Robinson - Y11 7. Ryan Leung - Y11 8. Hayley Crowhurst - Y11 9. Izzy Evans - Y11 10. Vicki Baldwin - Y13 11. Emelia Denman - Y11 12. Jemima Balgarnie - Y13 13. Amelie Cardy - Y11 14. Millie Hawking - Y11 15. Sofiia Shliakhova - Y13 16. Eleanor Reilly - Y11 17. Wendy Wang - Y13 18. Tsering Sherpa - Y11 19. Tom Button - Y13 20. Freddie Williamson - Y11 21. Aaron Wright - Y13 22. Madi Sayce - Y13 23. Ian Wong - Y11 24. Jamie Phillips - Y11 25. Lucia Batters - Y11 26. Honor Sokell Thompson - Y11 18 19 20 2422 2625 23 21 46
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A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF THE DT DEPARTMENT
CREATIVE ARTS | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22
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In November, Year 10 and Year 12 DT students visited the Design Museum in London, enjoying workshops hosted by resident designers and producing their own designs based on set briefs.
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CREATIVE ARTS | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22
GCSE and A Level Drama students have enjoyed creating and performing Drama as part of their curriculum. Students can be assessed as either designers or performers, and Kingswood Drama students created many memorable pieces this year. Here are a few highlights from the year.
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DRAMA
KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 | CREATIVE ARTS
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The story of Antigone and her famous father, Oedipus, was picked up by Sophocles in 441BC, after being handed down from generation to generation. It is incredible when you think about how long the story has survived.
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ANTIGONET
here’s a special type of nervous excitement around a school production. However, the production of Antigone was particularly special, as it had been such a long time since Kingswood School had been able to celebrate the talents and creativity of its Drama students with a live audience! In March 2020 theatres went dark and, although the creative arts were on the curriculum and small-scale events continued, Kingswood hadn’t been able to welcome the community into the theatre since their performance of A Christmas Carol in 2019.
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There is a reason that this Greek legend has been told over and over; the ideas Sophocles presents in Antigone have such relevance in today’s world. The themes of gender equality, democratic voice and religious faith still resonate, loudly, today. Antigone shows the strength women have in the face of male authority. She is strong, passionate and full of love; sometimes to a fault. She feels a heaviness of duty to her family name and the Gods. A fearless risk taker, empowered by her defiance, a work of female rebellion. The audience could not fail to admire her loyalty to her brother and her strong beliefs. Equally, watching a man fall from greatness, his blindness and unbending resolve, to stick to his beliefs, a stark lesson in the abuse of power.
Antigone is timeless and relevant to us all.
The appeal of Greek theatre is its colourful, vivid characters and how their stories can be brought to life on a modern stage. We wanted to update Creon’s kingdom to a corporate environment where the conflict could play out amongst a familiar background. Contextualising Antigone for modern times helps us to think of the difference between moral, divine and political law. We can see these echoed daily, playing out in the corridors of power. Antigone is timeless and relevant to us all.
The cast, design team and crew were fantastic throughout rehearsals, and we are so lucky to have some very talented designers, performers and technicians amongst the student body. It was a real pleasure to encourage those not taking Drama as a subject to get involved too, making it a real, whole school event. Putting on a production doesn’t happen without a huge give on top of the busy, regular school day; excellent humour, energy, commitment and resilience were all in play here. I hope that we were able to create some enduring memories for those involved.
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This production was performed by a cast of Year 9 and Year 10 pupils. Here are some
KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 | CREATIVE ARTS
There were six Grimm Tales in total performed by a cast of Year 7 and Year 8 pupils. are some Golden Goose The Hare and the Hedgehog Blue Beard The Emperor’s New Clothes Ashputtel
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The Drama Department are looking forward to the Easter 2023 trip to New York.
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Ms Jo Brayton (Head of Drama and Theatre)
With restrictions lifted, Kingswood Drama students have enjoyed watching live theatre again!
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Year 12 A Level students travelled to London to watch the epic, four-hour production of Our Generation at the National Theatre. This was an astonishing new verbatim play that captured the experiences of a generation of teens. Created from five years of interviews with 12 young people from across the UK, Our Generation was a captivating portrait of their journey into adulthood that inspired and moved both the staff and A Level cohort.
ear 10 GCSE Drama students saw the legendary Blood Brothers at the Theatre Royal Bath, giving them opportunity to see their GCSE set brought to life.
TRIPS
his year’s senior show started with a discussion about how it’s so exciting to be back doing live theatre in front of real live audiences that we should do something fun, uplifting, positive and life-affirming. We settled, of course, on Antigone - a Greek tragedy full of death and misery.
KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 | CREATIVE ARTS
AN-TECH-O-NE
We enjoyed adding details to make this more than the average school show. Miss Tamblyn’s excellent logo transformed into huge banners, stealing black and white pieces from the Art department, beautiful costumes including designs from Elsa France and Tilly Bankes, a noticeboard complete with an advert for staff netball, atmospheric sound effects operated by Leyla
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perspex for depth and silhouette which eventually morphed into our slick moving doors. We were asked many times how much the electric sliding doors cost us… spoiler alert… it was two hidden sixth formers manually sliding them in time with each other! I must acknowledge the brilliant work of Matt and Jason at Technical Hire Collective for turning the design into reality once again.
We thought this might be a good opportunity to reveal some of the secrets to the theatrical design and tech processes. There are many complex and stressful phases to this, starting with, “How are we going to…”, passing through, “Oh, I dunno...” and, “here’s a dodgy idea, but…” to get to a final design.
Aysan and a veritable catalogue of IKEA office furniture. Then it was time for Tom to add his stunning graphics on the screens and Dasha to work her magic on lights…
The design brief started with adjectives such as ‘imposing’, ‘modern’ and ‘corporate’ which eventually led to our impressive set. We decided to work with monochrome so key moments would really stand out with colourful lighting. We wanted Creon to hold the most powerful positions on stage so we put his office upstairs with a view over the whole space. We had planned a set of double doors early on and Dasha had the idea of using frosted
Mr Neil Francis (Theatre Manager)
My AV idea that I had throughout the process of design was that I wanted to include some of my unique skills that have never been used in Kingswood Theatre - 3D motion graphics. The key here though is simplicity and thought - not distracting our audience from the rest of the action on stage… this was my biggest challenge. I also had a couple of moments where I was able to help get some slight laughs from an otherwise dismal storyline with the ‘live video feed’ doorbell.
When thinking about lighting design for this show, I wanted to create something that looked very realistic at the start - complementing the simple monochrome office setting, to then evolve into a darker, more mysterious world of Greek tragedy.
Tom Button (Year 13)
One of my favourite moments to design for was Tiresias’ entrance. By this point the lighting was no longer as simple as it was at the start, which helped communicate across the change to a more “totalitarian” and “oppressed” State under Creon’s rule. This scene, in my opinion, was the most memorable and to achieve the effect I had in mind and show Tiresias’ power and influence, I spent a couple of hours going “I want that light to do this”, shortly followed by, “that doesn’t quite work, it needs to be bigger”. In the end we were able to produce exactly what I wanted - the room would go into “emergency lighting” after what would look like a power surge, creating a beautiful, punchy and abstract environment which worked incredibly well with other aspects of Tiresias’ appearance, including detailed costume and make up.
CREATIVE ARTS | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22
Since the very start we were very keen on using a gauze - which is a piece of special fabric we placed in front of the stage, to create a BIG aesthetic opening for Antigone and Ismene’s first entrance. Working with a gauze required a lot of careful thinking and positioning of lighting fixtures, to achieve first a very transparent look, when the audience are able to see right through the gauze and then a solid “wall” hiding the office space behind it, to create a secluded place for the two sisters to meet.
This year’s senior show started with a discussion about how it’s so exciting to be back doing live theatre... that we should do something fun, uplifting, positive and life-affirming. We settled...on Antigone - a Greek tragedy full of death and misery.
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Dasha Gorbunova (Year 12)
Of course lighting was very important for this show, but equally as important and impressive was the graphics design and the way all of these design aspects come together to create the final product.
Otherwise, for the majority of the show, I knew that I wanted to have a few key states, with very slight motion, because that’s harder to make, so must be ‘better’, right?! I wanted to make sure that I was very happy with these states because I knew I would be relying on them for large chunks of the show.
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worked
Kitty Diploma
Mia Randolph – Piano with Merit 58
OUTSTANDING EXAMINATION RESULTS
delighted to
After things went quiet during the pandemic, the musicians bounced back, producing such an exciting programme of events for everyone to enjoy. Throughout the year, each ensemble tirelessly to perfect their pieces the level of musical talent shown across all year been exceptional!
groups has
achieved their Grade 8 or above
MUSIC
Ho – Piano with Merit Snow Sun – Piano with Merit Phoebe Hill – Clarinet ARSM
and
The Music Department were celebrate the following who this
Music was back with a bang this year at Kingswood!
year: Grade 8 Bryan Au Yeung – Singing with Distinction Izzy Vaughan – Cello with Merit Katie Green – Violin with Distinction Charlotte Nicholson – Trumpet Alex Sedcole – Piano with Distinction
students
The renewed vigour of this academic year saw new musical highlights along the way, as well as a welcome return of much-loved events. Here’s a quick roundup of just some of the many concerts, trips and events the musicians have enjoyed:
• Wells Cathedral School A Level Day – our A Level sets enjoyed the chance to discuss their 20th Century set works in a series of lectures offered at Wells Cathedral School.
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• Christmas Concert – the traditional festivities returned with all of Kingswood’s ensembles in full display.
• Piano & Percussion Concert – including pianists, drummers and percussionists from across all the year groups.
• Carol Service at Bath Abbey – the senior carol service was a triumphant return for the choir at Bath Abbey, after a lengthy hiatus due to the refurbishment works. The service offered a wonderful retelling of the Nativity, including choral works by Malcolm Archer, Dan Forrest and Harold Darke, alongside the traditional Christmas carols we all know and love.
• A Night at the Musicals – showcased the vocal talents of students of all ages, taking to the Theatre stage to entertain with songs from the shows. The audience gathered to enjoy food and wine, as well as the talented singers performing some of the most memorable show tunes of the past 70 years, with everything from West Side Story to Dear Evan Hansen.
MUSIC EVENTS 2021-2022
• Christmas Choir Recording Westwood Voices and Kingswood Choir undertook a two day recording session in the wonderful acoustic of Holy Trinity, Bradford on Avon, laying down tracks for their upcoming album which will be on sale this coming Christmas!
• The Scholars’ Concert – featuring the department’s Music Scholars: Year 7 – Ben Bradford, Sunday Johnston; Year 8 – Beth Dinnis, Leo Muscroft, Santiago Tankard, Elfriede Wong; Year 9 – Alexander Kirkwood, Max Wilson, Jayden Yip; Year 10 – Anna Haldenby, William Greig; Year 11 –Katie Green, Joe Randolph, Aurora Vergani; Year 12 – Freddie Stockton, Emily Watkins; Year 13 – Colby Chu, Larissa Man, Storm Neech, Mia Randolph, Izzy Vaughan.
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• Hairspray – a rare night off for the musicians took them to Bristol Hippodrome to see the acclaimed tour of this smash hit musical.
• The Bath Festival – for the return of the International Bath Festival, Kingswood Jazz Orchestra opened Party in the City with a toe-tapping set at the Assembly Rooms. Just down the road, Westwood Voices performed in the Schools Voices project, singing songs written by all the schools across the city in a wonderful Concert for the People of Bath Kingswood’s song Mountains was chosen as one of the final pieces to be performed, alongside Bath Philharmonia and the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines School of Music.
• Lunchtime Concert Series, Whole School Services & Assemblies – a whole host of individual and group performances have provided countless performance opportunities for our musicians to showcase their talent and hone their performance skills. Well done to each and every performer this year!
• Cardiff Trip – to support our A Level students, we travelled to Cardiff's St David's Hall to hear the London Mozart Players perform a programme featuring Young Musician of the Year finalist, Isata Kanneh-Mason. To conclude the concert, the orchestra played one of the A Level set works which gave a real insight into the analysis of the symphony.
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• Summer Showcase – to finish the year, Kingswood Jazz Orchestra took the stage one more time with some chart-topping hits, including Moves Like Jagger and Can’t Stop the Feeling, alongside old classics like Billie Jean and YMCA! Not to be outdone, the Year 11, 12 and 13 vocalists were backed by the pro-band and brought the house down with power house performances.
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• Sixth Form Showcase – entirely devised and organised by the Sixth Form musicians, this evening was a wonderful celebration of the many and varied talents of our senior students.
• KATS – the annual Music and Drama awards celebrated the many achievements of the department’s musicians, alongside their dramatic counterparts – read more about it elsewhere in this edition!
• The Spring Concert – a showcase of all the major ensembles, including Senior Orchestra, Westwood Orchestra, Kingswood Brass Ensemble, Kingswood Clarinet Ensemble, Kingswood Strings, Senior String Quartet, Westwood Voices, Kingswood Choir and Kingswood Jazz Orchestra!
The next day brought a revealing backstage tour of the Royal Opera House. This incredible venue in Covent Garden houses one of the most celebrated opera and ballet stages in the world, with almost everything produced in house including costumes, shoes, wigs and sets. The whole venue is mammoth in size and scale, and as a repertory theatre it is possible to hold seven different productions at once in the 37m fly tower! A chance to see some of the Royal Ballet School rehearsals on stage capped off this incredible experience. Following some downtime in St James’s Park, the musicians showed their artistic sides, recreating musical scenes that caught their eye in the National Gallery. All of this was the lead up to the main event – an evening watching Dear Evan Hansen at the Noël Coward Theatre. This show, written by Pasek and Paul (most famous for The Greatest Showman), was a true spectacle of singing, acting and theatre production. The group were astounded by the whole show and the emotional impact that moved everyone in the theatre.
• Storm Neech
MUSIC TRIP, LONDON
• Colby Chu
This year’s Year 13 Music Scholars are a singers.instrumentalistsgroupdistinguishedofthefinestand
• Izzy Vaughan
Over their many years, they have each contributed in hugely significant ways, from performing extensively as soloists and in ensembles, to touring with the department, leading sectionals in rehearsals and being a wonderful influence for the younger musicians. They, along with the many other musicians in the same year group, have been such reliable, goodhumoured and positive students to work with and will be sorely missed!
Just after the Summer term ended, students from the Music Department took a short excursion over to the capital to take in the sights and explore some of the fantastic musical venues of London, as well as seeing some live theatre.
The final day of this short jaunt allowed some time to do a spot of shopping at the O2 Arena before hopping across the river to visit the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. One of the world’s leading conservatoires, the group were fortunate to have a tour of the facilities and a chance to meet some of the teaching staff, before observing two rehearsals: a piano duet being coached on some fierce Stravinsky, followed by the final dress rehearsal of opera scenes. None of the students on the trip had ever before ventured into an opera studio and sitting up close and personal on the stage with the powerful singers was truly breath-taking!
• Larissa Man
A huge amount of fun was had along the way, with team games and quizzes earning points and prizes. Overall, a wonderful cultural visit to round off a busy musical
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Mr Andy Barton (Director of Music)
The trip started at the Musical Museum in Kew, which houses an eclectic and unusual collection of mechanical instruments. The musicians were in awe of the complex and intricate mechanics of self-playing pianos, organs and even orchestras! After some time experimenting with early synthesisers and a theremin, the group were treated to a mini concert by the famous Wurlitzer organ which not only plays itself, but also has literal bells and whistles to accompany the music!
• Mia Randolph
YEAR 13 SCHOLARSMUSIC
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CREATIVE ARTS | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 FULL SWING… 63
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re-dinner drinks were served before the guests took to the red carpet to process into the event. Those gathered enjoyed a fantastic meal and much fun was had in the fancy dress photo booth. This year, we were incredibly fortunate to have a current parent give the annual after-dinner speech – the fantastic Leah-Marian Jones began the awards ceremony in style with a glorious rendition of Can’t Help Loving Dat Man. Leah-Marian is an international opera singer, having been a house principal at
The full list of nominees and winners (in bold) is reproduced opposite, though congratulations go to all Kingswood creative students, nominated or otherwise!
KATS 2022
Mr Harding took up compèring duties once again and the awards began, celebrating the many achievements of the students gathered. In between the award presentations, the audience were entertained with music and sketches. Izzy Vaughan sang Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered, stunning the audience with her smooth vocals. Elsa France and Evie Kidd gave a mischievous performance of School Tour; Zenzi Oluoch-Olunya and Ted Nightingale inhabited their roles all too convincingly in a scene called Overbearing Mother, whilst Larissa Man and Niamh Weldon pulled on heartstrings singing For Forever from Dear Evan Hansen
The evening drew to a close with a slideshow featuring our leavers, for whom this was their last KATS awards evening, and a performance of Shine from our Year 13 Leavers’ Band, who had the audience all singing along, before a final burst of confetti and fireworks.
In June, the Year 10 to 13 Drama and Music students, plus parents and specially invited guests, gathered in the Theatre Quad for the return of a fulsome KATS Music & Drama awards evening.
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the Royal Opera House Covent Garden for many years, and she has sung in venues across the world. In her speech, Leah-Marian lifted the curtain on the life of a theatre performer and gave inspiring advice to follow your heart and seize every opportunity to perform you can.
CREATIVE ARTS | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 MUSIC NOMINEESAWARDS2022 OUTSTANDING GCSE COMPOSITION • Katie Green – Twilight • Bea Harding – Battle • Jago Neech – Seasons • Aurora Vergani –Mediaeval Dance OUTSTANDING GCSE PERFORMANCE • Adam Estcourt – • Katie Green – Violin Electric Guitar • Imogen Hall – Piano • Joe Randolph Cello OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO MUSIC AT KINGSWOOD • Colby Chu • Alex Kellagher • Mia Randolph • Izzy Vaughan OUTSTANDING A LEVEL MUSICIAN • Vasily Alexeev • Colby Chu • Storm Neech MUSOS’ MUSO • Colby Chu • Alex Kellagher • Larissa Man • Mia Randolph DRAMA NOMINEESAWARDS2022 BEST ENSEMBLE PIECE • 08:57 • An Exhibition of • Antigone Chorus Human Consciousness • Happiness • Mind The Gap BEST SCRIPTED PIECE • BU21, Ryan Leung • BU21, Dan Zukas • Fences, Monica • The Pillowman, Mimi Mba-Ivina Coles, Ted Nightingale and Avery Trotter BEST NEWCOMER • Alma Bode • Elsa France • Evie Kidd • Zenzi Oluoch-Olunya BEST INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE • Sam Gearing, Heamon in Antigone • Phoebe Gilpin, Ismene in Antigone • Phia Jones, Antigone in Antigone • Ted Nightingale, Creon in Antigone BEST DESIGN • Leyla Aysan, GCSE Devised lighting • Tilly Bankes and Elsa France, Antigone costume • Tom Button, Antigone graphics • Scarlett Cunningham, GCSE Devised costume • Maisie Ewing, GCSE Scripted costume • Dasha Gorbunova, Antigone lighting TECHIES’ TECHIE • Leyla Aysan • Tom Button • Rex Evans • Dasha Gorbunova ACTORS’ ACTOR • Mimi Coles • Ted Nightingale • Lala Thomas • Avery Trotter 65
all captained their respective teams with maturity and were brilliant role models. The 3rds and 4ths went from strength to strength, gracing the Upper with some excellent hockey and team spirit that made every session enjoyable. The 3rds coaches’ players were Amelie Girdher and Romy Sloane. In the 4ths, Zara Kellagher was effective upfront, with Charlotte Nicholson receiving the coaches’ player. Phoebe Gilpin was involved in many exchanges for the 2nd XI, being pivotal in the middle with slick stamina and skill. In addition, Alice Small was the lifeline at the back with her calm and collected approach often breaking through the opposition’s press.
Co-Captains)Thisreport
The 1st XI had a competitive season consisting of 17 matches played, winning 11 and scoring 49 goals. Players pushed each other to the limit during each game and worked the opposition to the best of their ability. With opposing coaches commenting on our work rate more often than not, our strong structure in defence prevented numerous goals from being scored. Rose Bates, Olivia Taylor and Emma Meier played essential roles, with Anisha Gofton saving some extraordinary strikes. The skilful play of sisters Phoebe and Imogen Hall kept the attackers on their toes in midfield as time and time again they broke through and provided the opportunities for a goal. The pace upfront often unsettled the opposition’s defence, as the forwards
managed to run circles around them and star strikers Emily Hersch and Ciara Dyer scored a combined five hat-tricks. It has been a pleasure to Co-Captain such a talented group of hockey players, and it will be sad to leave such a strong side behind. However, we are certain this team will continue to grow into an incredible squad as some younger talents make their way up.
This was Mr Opie's final term of Girls’ Hockey at Kingswood after 32 years and it's been an absolute honour to be coached by such an extraordinary player and man. In my 12 years of Kingswood Hockey, nobody quite compares to Mr Opie. He will be remembered by everyone he has coached for many reasons. Be it his expertise on the pitch or his general fascination with the world, he is an amazing man with a brilliant heart. If what he says is true, 'that good people do, in fact, make good hockey players', then it is no mystery as to where Mr Opie's talent stems from. It's safe to say that Mr Opie's favourite catch phrase rings true to him. He is an incredible person who has done so much for the School.
Emily Franklin-Adams was a force to be reckoned with upfront and Maddie White was one of the most versatile players we have seen. Emily Holt for the Bs was an engine in the middle and Sam Brown in goal showed huge progress. The U15s showed fantastic spirit – working hard, and keeping calm under pressure. Anna Allen and Iona Stokes worked so hard on and off the ball whilst Charlotte Shakespeare was dynamite in attack for the B team, often winning her races.
GIRLS’ HOCKEY
Ciara Dyer & Phoebe Hall (1st XI
is adapted from the end of term speech given by students.
We will never forget this season and all the fun along the way.
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One thing that makes Kingswood Hockey standout above the rest is the dedication to the sport. Not just from the players, but everyone involved. We would like to give a huge thanks to all the staff who repeatedly give up their time to coach and umpire matches. A special mention must go to Miss Newman for her commitment to our squad.
After the long-awaited return to competitive school hockey, it was good to be back. With this being both ours and Mr Opie's final season of Kingswood Girls’ Hockey, it needed to be a good one and we can confidently say that it was!
1ST TEAM
MR OPIE
129 games were played across 10 weeks, and on Saturdays we had up to 17 teams competing, involving over 200 girls.
For the Seniors this season Evie Bradley, Lari Mann and Alice Small
The Westwood teams had some strong score lines, showing great progress. Livvy Hicks weaved through her defenders and was a top goal scorer, alongside the skilful Bea Davies. Emily Anderton was the most improved player and Eleanor Linegar's effort was incredible. The U13Bs held an undefeated season, with Kripa Gurung and Jess Hogg being Congratulationsrelentless. to the U14As who made it to Regional Finals, highlighting their talent.
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SPORT | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 1st XI 2nd XI 3rd XI 4th XI U15A U15B U14A U14B U14C U13A U13B U13C U13D U12A U12B U12C U12D Bristol Grammar W L L L L L L W L L L L L W Monkton Combe (Cup) W King's Bruton L L D W L W W W D L W Cheltenham College W D L L Redmaids' High School W W L D W L L L D Clifton College W L W W W L D L L L W L L King Edward's W D L D L D W W L W W W W L L L Prior Park College (Cup) W Sherborne L L W W W L W D L Queen's College Taunton (Cup) W Royal Grammar School Worcester (Cup) L Dean Close L L W W L W W L King's College Taunton L W L L L W Monkton Combe W W W L W L W Prior Park College W W W W W W L W Royal High School W W W W W W W W Colston's W W W W W W Dauntsey's L W L L L W W L D W L L D Win Ratio 65% 42% 43% 63% 36% 33% 60% 67% 33% 22% 83% 80% 50% 40% 33% 43% 50% Overall Win Rate 56% COLOURS & AWARDS COLTS COLOURS: Lauren Bailey, Phoebe Gilpin, Imogen Hall, Emily Hersch, Emma Meier HALF COLOURS: Emily Ardus, Grace Ardus, Maya Lane, Tobina Lawrence, Nancy Read, Alice Small FULL COLOURS: Rose Bates, Ciara Dyer, Anisha Gofton, Phoebe Hall, Olivia Taylor GROVE TROPHY: Ciara Dyer (made the greatest contribution to hockey) 1ST XI Co-Captains: Ciara Dyer and Phoebe Hall 67
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The U14As had an excellent season, losing just two matches with Tom Stappard and Jack Williams shining (amongst many others). The ‘B’ team were even more successful, losing just once, scoring 84 tries and conceding just 13. Charlie Haines finished as the top try-scorer in the school and Theo Eugster, Ivor Branigan and Ted Minor were really impressive up front. The fact that we were able to field a ‘C’ team in this year group that would compete
strongly with most ‘B’ teams gives an indication of the depth of talent coming through. Theo Antoniades, Daniel Gurung and Fergus Keen were all key performers in this side.
really exciting to think what the senior teams might look like in a couple of years when these two year groups combine.
It was so good to finally see a return to a (relatively) normal season of competitive sports fixtures after such a long break.
RUGBY
This report is adapted from the end of term speech given by students.
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For the U15s, James Linegar, Olly Goodall, Teifion Johnson and captain Archie Wake, despite missing much of the season through injury, have been the standard bearers and it’s
100% records don’t happen unless the whole team commit to preparing week in, week out to perform at their best...
The senior teams had a really tough season but kept going right to the end and produced some memorable moments along the way. Many of them centred around player of the season Miles Deverell, but Tom Roach, Ollie Ellis and Bruin Ward all put in some strong performances along the way. Through it all, Mr Matthews and Mr Reeman accentuated the positives and they, and all the other rugby staff, deserve great credit for the time and attention they gave to their respective teams throughout the Autumn term.
And then to the two unbeaten teams. 100% records don’t happen unless the whole team commit to preparing week in, week out to perform at their best and that is certainly what happened with these two groups. However, in all successful teams there are those players that set and maintain the standards for the rest of the squad to follow and in Year 11 it has been Leo Palmer and Charlie Ward. Both these players are top performers and their attitude is first class.
he Westwood teams faced the most disruption with a number of fixtures cancelled due to Covid but we still managed fixtures for A, B & C teams in both year groups and, with both ‘A’ teams managing to finish the season with convincing wins, the future looks extremely promising.
The U15Bs lost just twice and there were consistent performances from Terence Beekma, Yannis Paris and Ollie Yates. The U16Bs got going in the second half of the season with Jake Wilson prominent in attack scoring the vast majority of the team’s points.
SPORT | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 1st XV 2nd XV 3rd XV U16A U16B U15A U15B U14A U14B U14C U13A U13B U13C U12A U12B U12C Taunton L L W W W Bristol Grammar L L W W W L W W W W W L L L BGS (reverse fixture) L Mount Kelly College L W Malvern L L W W W W W Wycliffe L W W W W Monkton Combe L W W W W W W Monkton (reverse fixture) W Blundell's L W W W L L L Cathedral School, Llandaff L Dauntsey's L L W L W L W W W W L L King Edward's L L W W W W W W W W W L Queen Elizabeth's Hospital L L W W L L Bishop Wordsworth's L L W W W W W W W L L Bloxham L W W L W W W Beechen Cliff W W W W Millfield Prep L L L Clifton College L L Win Ratio 0% 0% 100% 75% 100% 75% 80% 90% 50% 75% 80% 67% 29% 20% 0% Overall Win Rate 60% COLOURS & AWARDS COLTS COLOURS: Jasper Barazandeh-Nejad, Jacob Barton, Leo Palmer, Charlie Ward HALF COLOURS: Will Connors, Ollie Ellis, Louis Kenyon, Bruin Ward FULL COLOURS: Miles Deverell, Tom Roach MOST IMPROVED PLAYER: Ollie Williams PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Miles Deverell 69
I have had the pleasure of playing with Maya for nine years both in school and club netball. Despite only being 4 foot tall, Maya brings so much fire onto the court. Not only has she been a vital player on court, she has been an incredible co-captain and is always there to support anyone on her team.
Annie Davis & Maya Lane (1st VII Co-Captains)
The Netball Club had a very competitive fixture list this year with 158 fixtures across the age groups.
NETBALL
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Annie’s organisation and kindness along with her dependability on court has made being co-captain with her one of the highlights of my final year. Annie is a very special player with the ability to change games with her interceptions and countless tips.
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Finally, we have to say a huge thank you to all the staff who gave up their time on a Saturday and helped the 18 teams that often played. Miss Hay is always full of energy and support and is someone the 1st team formed a connection with from the start. Mrs Sim brings so much positive competitive spirit to every game and ensures that not only do we succeed in our matches, but she encourages us to be kind and supportive athletes no matter the score. She is the spirit of Kingswood netball and never fails to make the hardest tasks seem completely doable.
In mid court, Nancy is a reliable and talented player, as too is Ciara who is always available for the ball and makes it look easy. Alice is a game changer on court wherever she plays as her agility and determination are
estwood often put eight teams out and they show huge potential as they start their Netball journey. Indeed, the U13Ds were unbeaten, and Ruth, Florence and Jewel were all hot shots for their teams with Sophia being outstanding in the Bs. The U12s won the Bath area tournament and beat all their local rivals in regular fixtures. Esme, Freya, Lauren and Tanwen were all pivotal for their respective teams. The U14 team’s confidence steadily increased with Iona being one to watch out for in the future, whilst Asia has been a great addition. In the Bs, Eva’s commitment has been superb and Amelie has shown huge improvement in the Cs. Daisy’s height was a huge advantage for the 15As and she was pivotal at either end! Gracie has been very consistent in the Bs and Ksenia has made countless interceptions for the Cs.
and both Edie’s and Jess’s experience shone on court. Sophia picked up the most Player of the Match awards across the Netball Club and the team show great potential for their call up next year!
second to none. Mia’s ability to stand out in both defensive and attacking play has been integral to the team.
This report is adapted from the end of term speech given by students.
1ST TEAM
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The 4ths had the dynamite of Tobina who covered so much ground and Zenze was like spider-woman tipping ball after ball! The 3rds had four Upper Sixth girls playing; Alice, Elli, Grace and Olivia who led the way for the Year 11s in the team. Sophie became the pick of the players for her athleticism and vision. Jess captained the 2nds with maturity
The first team cemented another strong season with eight wins and only three losses. The team finished second in the County and enjoyed playing in the Regional finals. The shooting circle was lucky to have Lauren, who can play both goal keep and goal shoot. She has the ability to catch almost every ball thrown at her and her calm presence never fails to settle the circle. Bella is the most consistent shooter on the day. She can shoot from all angles and her newest skill of ‘holding’ has added an extra asset to her game which makes her unbeatable.
Every member of our defence this season has been pivotal in our team’s success. Iris brought a much-needed calmness to the court, and it has been a delight to watch her confidence grow. Elsewhere, Issy’s man-to-man marking and her ability to dictate her player’s movement has been key in the mid court defence.
SPORT | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 1st VII 2nd VII 3rd VII 4th VII 5th VII U15A U15B U15C U14A U14B U14C U13A U13B U13C U13D U12A U12B U12C U12D King Edward's L W W L L L L W L L L L W W W W L L W King's Bruton W W W L L Bryanston W W W D L W L D L L Clifton College Prep L W W L W Clifton College W W L L Downside W W W W W W W Millfield L L W W L L L L Bristol Grammar W L L L L L L W L W W W W Monkton Combe W W W W Colston's W W W L W L W W Dauntsey's L W L L L L L W L L L D W D L L L L Marlborough College L L L L L Monkton Combe L L W W W W Royal High School L W L W D L W L W W W W W W L Redmaids' High School W W L L W L L L L L L W D L L L Downside W W Hayesfield Girls' W Prior Park College W L W W W W W W W W W W Win Ratio 73% 69% 69% 36% 25% 20% 50% 50% 38% 38% 17% 30% 67% 89% 83% 50% 43% 33% 20% Overall Win Rate 54% COLOURS & AWARDS COLTS COLOURS: Sophia Heath, Alice Wilson HALF COLOURS: Issy Johnson, Ciara O’Driscoll, Mia O’Driscoll, Iris Worley, Jess Bailey, Edie Morris FULL COLOURS: Lauren Buxton, Annie Davis, Maya Lane, Bella March-Smith, Nancy Read OUTSTANDING PLAYER AWARD: Maya Lane 1 ST VII Co-Captains: Annie Davis and Maya Lane 71
he U16s finished with a 100% record. Add to that a hat-trick of County titles for our U12, U13 and U14 teams and a cup run that took the 1st XI to the last 16 of the National tournament, and it all amounts to a very special season. A huge thank you must go to the group of staff who have given up so much time to enable 19 teams to play fixtures this term. To summarise all the successes this season would have taken up several pages so we felt the best way to do that was for the coaches to select two teams of the season from across the age groups. The first is made up from all of the junior ‘B’ teams and the 3rd & 4th XI squads. The second is made up from our Junior ‘A’ teams and the 2nd XI. Obviously there were a number of strong contenders who just missed the cut and in some cases we have had to be creative with positions to fit all the nominated players in but here are the final versions.
Centre Midfield Noah Davis, 2nd XI
Goalkeeper Oscar Powell, U12B
Left Defence Dan Woodward, U15B
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Written by 1st XI Captain, Rob Wilson.
Centre Forward Jack Watts, U14B
Toby Knight, U13A
The season started well with the inaugural pre-season trip to Cardiff, where Kingswood comprehensively beat both KES and Dauntsey’s, setting up the season well. A good vein of form continued with progression in the Cup following an 8-0 win over Monkton, much to the delight of the large Kingswood crowd, dutifully led by the people’s player of the year: Freddie Robinson! It wasn’t until the next round of the Cup where Kingswood were truly tested, but we were able to get the better of a close 3-2 result versus Prior Park. The season probably peaked with the performance against King’s Gloucester in the round of 16 in the Cup, seeing us triumph 7-1 in a fluid display of attacking hockey, with Will Shardlow demonstrating his newly found abilities up front, and Freddie Marks running the show in midfield. However, all good things must come to an end, and it was heartbreak for all when we lost to Magdalen College on penalty strokes following an emotional comeback. A slight dip of form followed which saw a few disappointing results, but we made sure to finish the season well, guaranteeing Mr Opie a win in his final school hockey match.
Left Forward Sam Milborrow, U12A
Seb Kennard, U12A
Coaches Mr White & Mr Reeman
1ST XI REPORT
Left Midfield Jonny Lester, 4th XI
Reserves Rex Evans, 4th XI
Inside Left Owen Brown, U15A
Right Midfield George Hancock, U14A
Reserves Louis Kenyon, 2nd XI
Alfie Marks, U14A
It really was another excellent term for the boys’ hockey teams. In just 9 weeks they played over 100 matches, involving over 250 boys and finished with an overall win rate across all teams of 80%.
Right Defence Harry Williams, U14B
...good people make good hockey players...
Right Midfield Seb Easen, U13B
Left Midfield Will Butterworth, U12A
THE ‘B’ TEAM, TEAM OF THE SEASON IS:
Rob Wilson (1st XI Captain)
Centre Midfield Ryan Johnston, U15B
Goalkeeper Rory Bushell, 2nd XI
Right Forward Beau O'Mahony, U12B
Right Forward Ollie Yates, U15A
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Inside Right Charlie Day, U13A
Centre Midfield Monty Saunders, U13B
It is, of course, a great shame to hear that Mr Opie has decided to throw in the towel following a mere 32 years coaching Kingswood hockey, and it leaves me wondering if I was the straw that broke the camel’s back! But in all seriousness, I cannot express enough how lucky I, and we, have all been to have been coached by Mr Opie. For me, the last four years have seen varying degrees of quality and strengths and weaknesses in our teams, but it is clear to everyone that one thing remains constant. Mr Opie has always instilled a sense of togetherness and desire to do well for each other in all his teams. And I think what makes Kingswood teams so different to other teams is that we truly are just that; a team, not a collection of individuals, and that is all to Mr Opie’s credit. If you have been able to watch this season, or previous seasons under Mr Opie, you will have noticed the likes of Will Farmer barrelling up and down the pitch, desperately trying to win his races and get an advantage for his team. But that is always in the nature of the teams that Mr Opie builds, as he always says: good people make good hockey players, and it is that which has been the key to our success. He will be sorely missed but I am sure the legacy that he has built will continue to go from strength to strength.
MR OPIE
KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 | SPORT
Centre Defence Jacob Barton, 3rd XI
BOYS’ HOCKEY
Coaches Mr Stuttard & Mr Hollywell
Left Forward Ted Weinberger, 3rd XI
THE ‘A’ TEAM, TEAM OF THE SEASON IS:
Centre Defence Milo Powell, U13A
Centre Forward Sam Tisdale, U14A
Centre Defence James Linegar, U15A
COLOURS
COLTS COLOURS: Ollie Day, Joe Randolph, Will Shardlow, Joe Watt HALF COLOURS: Miles Deverell, Will Farmer, Jim McAllister, Finn Morris FULL COLOURS: Ollie Lechmere, Freddie Marks, Tom Roach, Rob Wilson 73
SPORT | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 1st XI 2nd XI U16 3rd XI U15A U15B U14A U14B U14C U13A U13B U13C U12A U12B U12C U12D Canford L Monkton (Cup) W Monkton W W W W W W W W W W W W W W Dean Close W W W W W W W W W W Prior Park W W W W W W W W W King's Bruton W W W W W W W Cheltenham College W W W W Beechen Cliff W W L W W W Millfield Prep L Warminster W W W KPS L W King Edward's L L W L L W W W W L L W Dauntsey's W W W L W L L L W L W L Clifton College L W Bristol Grammar L W W W W W W W W L King's (Glos, Cup) W Win Ratio 73% 88% 88% 67% 89% 71% 89% 83% 100% 86% 60% 100% 88% 67% 60% 100% Overall Win Rate 80%
COLTS COLOURS: John Bean, Charlie Ward
is for excellent fielding and wicket-keeping. These are the players that throw themselves around in the field to save 4 runs, take a brilliant catch or effect a crucial run-out. Sam Milborrow, Sunny Curtis, Toby Knight, Vivaan Gurung, Theo Eugster, Milo Worthy, and Will Connors are some of the better ones. Ed Armstrong and Joe Randolph are part of an exciting crop of wicket-keepers.
IN FOCUS 2021-22 | SPORT
HALF JamesCOLOURS:Eayres,Freddie Baker, Angus Duncan, Tom Roach, Elliot Ede, Rex Evans
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CRICKET
Mr Opie, Mr Hollywell and Mr Ward, who have all given so much to cricket at Kingswood for so many years. But we should also thank all the staff for the time they give up every Saturday and throughout the week to enable so much cricket to be played.
MMUSER
FULL COLOURS: Noah Davis
Written by 1st XI Captain, James Eayres.
is for run machines, like Freddie Stappard, Teddy McCrum, Sam Douglas, Benjy White, Harry Caveen, Toby Eayres and Rex Evans, who led the 2nd XI from the front to an unbeaten season.
We had over 70 matches in just 9 weeks with a win rate of over 70% and a number of internal matches as well. The U13s led the way with a run to the quarter final of the National Cup and a win in the final of the Regional Cup. The U12s also got to the final, the 2nds were unbeaten and the U13 and U14B teams lost just once. But the word SUMMER can help us to explain the cricket season in a bit more detail:For many of our students, the Summer means Cricket. And this year, largely because of the weather, we had one of the best summers in recent memory, playing loads of cricket and enjoying plenty of success.
is for the Upper which has become a fantastic place to play cricket – as long as the wind doesn’t blow! There have been many days with multiple games going on in the sun and credit must go to the groundstaff for the work they have done this season.
is for mates. Cricket is one of the best team sports because of the time you get to spend on the sideline or the balcony chatting to team mates and generally enjoying each other’s iscompany.alsofor
KINGSWOODEayres
THE CRICKET TROPHY FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION: Toby
is for spinners and seam bowlers who influenced plenty of games this year. Archie Baker, Joss Armstrong. Alex Kirkwood, Mathijs in der Rieden and Oscar Salter all bamboozled teams with their spin. The likes of James Sullivan, George Wylie, Jamie Gearing, George Warden, Lexi Nwabueze, Harry Bates, Tom Beveridge, Henry Evans, Owen Brown and Will Shardlow have done it with pace, swing and seam.
COLOURS & AWARDS
Onperformances.tomyfellow
leavers, Jamie Wright has been with the 1st XI squad for the last 2 seasons, Tom Roach brought a lot of energy and runs when it was needed showing his excellence in the Semi-Final and the Final of the cup with two aggressive innings. Freddie Baker also showed great control and wicket-taking ability and we missed him in the second half of the season. Finally, Angus Duncan, who I have had the pleasure of playing alongside closely for several years now and has been a reliable batsman for the side for a number of years. It has been an absolute pleasure being a part of and captaining the team for the last year and it was so nice to finish the season by winning the Bath Schools T20 in the last week of term.
SPORT | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22
James Eayres (1st XI Captain)
Noah Davis has been exceptional this season with both bat and ball. He scored 786 runs including 3 centuries and 6 fifties and took 23 wickets with his off-spin. The Year 12s made up a large chunk of the side, with a special mention going to Elliot Ede who opened both the batting and the bowling. I have no doubt that these two along with James Stobart, Louis Kenyon, Oscar Power and Harry Charlesworth will guide the side to another successful year. The side also included two Year 10s Archie Baker and Toby, the second best player in the Eayres family! Both showed great maturity throughout the season and an abundance of talent. Three Year 11s also contributed greatly to the side: Charlie Ward, John Bean and Sam Gearing all produced a number of impressive
1st XI 2nd XI U15A XI U14A XI U14B XI U13A XI U13B XI U13C XI U12A XI U12B XI U12C XI Clifton College L L L Monkton Combe L W Bristol Grammar W W L W W D W W L W Wycliffe College W King Edward's W W L L W W L L Prior Park College W W W W W W W W Dean Close L L L W W Colston's W W W L W L W L W Beechen Cliff W W W W W W W WellsQEH Cathedral W Wellsway W Downend W Twyford W Clifton College L W L W W W Colston's W MCC L Forty Club W Kingswood Old Boys W KES (Cup) W Win Ratio 70% 100% 40% 29% 83% 71% 83% 100% 71% 67% 100% County Cup Result Winners Winners Runners Up Overall Win Rate 72% 75
As for the second team, Thea’s consistency alongside Romilly’s strong forehand was a recipe for success. Aoife Targett and Martha
Finally, there’s the first team. The third pair saw Sophie Farmer’s skill at racket high 5s aid her ability at the net, and when paired with the lively Emily Hersch’s skilful slices, it resulted in highly tactful play. This had been their first season as a pair, but we cannot fault their communication and teamwork.
In the thirds and fourths, Amelie Antoniades and Jocasta Spooner had the most bagels, and the most hairstyles! Liv Mohr and Grace Wood were always in control, often winning the ‘break point’. Sienna Websper and Katie Green both forced many errors leading them to a high success rate and they show great promise for next season.
Rose Bates (1st Davis
VI Captain) 1ST VI Captain: Rose Bates | Vice-Captain: Annie
KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 | SPORT
GIRLS’ TENNIS
Rose & Annie
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Small were a great duo with Martha serving well and Aoife always trying to incorporate new skills into her game. Lastly, we had the feisty third pairing of Charlie Hollywood and Katya Volkova who won lots of close matches.
Rose is an incredibly talented player and a strong contribution to any team. Her backhands and volleys continue to amaze and it is always good to be on her side of the net! Not only does she play with skill and fire, she has proved to be a great captain.
This report is adapted from the end of term speech given by students.
Annie and Rose have played alongside each other since Year 9. Despite their inability to play while laughing, truthfully a common occurrence, Annie has consistently triumphed in her service games
and bested volleyers with a cheeky down the line return of service.
Altogether, the lower school has had an ‘ace’ season, India Master took the ‘advantage’ as most improved, while Erin Catt ‘smashed’ it as the best newcomer. In the U15Bs Gracie Weston was the pick of the players and Harriet Brown was consistent in the U13s.
t was lovely to get back to a full Netball season this year. Starting off with a few knockout pairs from the lower years, we had Livvy Hicks and Esme Hersch in Year 7, Erin Catt and Harriet Jones in Year 8, Masha Rozhkova and Aimee Webber in Year 9, and Amy Robinson and Anna Haldenby in Year 10.
I
The second pair saw Holly Robinson serve numerous aces every game. She is an incredibly dependable asset to the team. Hayley Crowhurst managed to dominate the net and not only is she able to outwit the opposition with her talents, she does so with a constant smile!
COLOURS & AWARDS
SPORT | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22
COLOURS:
COLTS Hayley Crowhurst, Emily Hersch, Holly Robinson, Aoife Targett, Katya Volkova
THE Rose
COLOURS:
Bates 1st VI 2nd VI 3rd VI 4th VI U15A U15B U15C U14A U14B U14C U13A U13B U13C U12A U12B St Mary's Calne L L W L King Edward's W W Dauntsey's W L L W L L W W L W L L L Dean Close L L W W L L L L W W Monkton Combe W W W Clifton College W L W L L Prior Park College W W L W L L Bryanston W W W W L W W Wells Cathedral W W W W W W W W L W W W Royal High School W W W Win Ratio 66% 33% 83% 66% 66% 40% 50% 80% 100% 100% 40% 100% 0% 0% 0% Overall Win Rate 62% 77
FULL COLOURS: Rose Bates, Annie Davis
HALF Thea Bailey, Sophie Farmer
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER SALVER: India Master THE BLEATHMAN CUP:
Our strength in depth was demonstrated this year by the outstanding form of the 2nd team, enjoying an unbeaten season. Louis Record was a dominant force at net, whilst Ollie Williams and Ollie Yates were instrumental from the back. With many players jumping between teams due to unavailability, the stalwart constant of the 2nd team was the pairing of Will Farmer and Xavier Gadras. What Will lacks in speed and agility, Xavier more than makes up for with his strong work ethic; many were impressed to see him running for lost causes and unreachable dropshots. Kit Marrack and Fergus Kerr, back from the tennis wilderness, also chipped in with valuable wins and it was encouraging to see the progress of Jacob Barton, Jamie Phillips and Stan Wood.
And finally, on to my vice-captain and partner, Shinnosuke. He’s been the perfect complement to my somewhat inconsistent and temperamental playstyle. Dangerous at the net and strong at the back, he’s pulled off some volleys and dropshots that I didn’t think were possible, and I wish him all the best with wherever he takes his tennis next year. With such a depth of talent on show this season, the future looks bright for Kingswood tennis.
The 1st team enjoyed a very strong season, with talent from a wide range of year groups contributing to its success. Despite only being in Years 10 and 11, Sam Nash and Ollie Brown proved that age is just a number in tennis. The combination of Ollie’s aggressive shot making, and Sam’s leftie confusion factor proved too much for their opponents, leading to an unbeaten season for the pair. These two proved decisive in our narrow, hard fought victory against fierce rivals Beechen Cliff. Fergus Matthews was an integral part of the 1st team squad, providing unshakeable energy on and off the court. Whilst his standard isn’t quite yet comparable to that of Nick Kyrgios, his level-headedness on court certainly is on par with that of his fellow countryman. Seasonal highlights for the 1st team include a clean-sweep victory against
T
confidence propelling them to many a victory. Alexander Bushell filled in enthusiastically on one occasion, surprising many with his performances, which were impressive and entertaining in equal measure.
Alex Sedcole (1st VI Captain)
he first half of term was as packed as ever, with matches on Thursdays and Saturdays providing much opportunity for players to showcase their talent on court. Dominant victories against KES, Monkton and Prior maintained Kingswood’s reputation as the team to beat in the local area.
As exams loomed and study leave beckoned, Year 11 and 13s became unavailable, allowing many younger players to step up to the senior teams. Year 9s Charlie Barton and Harry Williams put on performances to be proud of for the 2nd team, as did Edward Davey, impressing many with his fierce groundstrokes and high consistency. Ollie Boutin, Archie Tillett and Kian Alizadeh have trained well and possess real potential.
KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 | SPORT
It was an actionpacked season for Kingswood boys’ tennis, with a wide range of ages and abilities on display.
Fixtures were less frequent for the more junior teams throughout the season, but when called upon, they never failed to impress. Henri Cairns frequently vaporised his opponent’s hopes of winning, with his impressive racket control and feel. Henri and Alex Kellagher were a formidable partnership; Alex’s unflappable
BOYS TENNIS
’
Written by 1st VI Captain, Alex Sedcole.
Monkton on grass, and Ollie Brown’s audacious between-the-legs shot.
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SPORT | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22
COLOURS
& AWARDS COLTS COLOURS: Ollie Brown HALF COLOURS: Fergus Matthews, Ollie J Williams FULL COLOURS: Alex Sedcole, Shinnosuke Yoshiki MOST IMPROVED SENIOR BOYS’ PLAYER: Alex Kellagher MOST IMPROVED JUNIOR BOYS’ PLAYER: Harry Williams 1st VI 2nd VI 3rd VI U16 Friendly Prior Park College W 8-1 W 7-2 King Edward's Win Monkton Combe W 9-0 W 9-0 W 9-0 Wycliffe W 7-2 W 6-0 Downside W 9-0 W 5-1 Dauntsey's L 4-5 W 5-4 L 3-6 W 9-0 Warminster Loss Beechen Cliff W 5-4 Win Ratio 83% 100% 50% 100% 79
British Schools Orienteering Championships
November 2021
We had complete teams of three finishers in the Year 8 Girls, Year 8 Boys and Year 9 Boys competitions with both of the Year 8 teams gaining podium finishes in 3rd place.
There were lots of good performances but particular congratulations to Freddie Marke, Alex Lowe, Izzy Tonge and Henry Evans who all achieved top 10 finishes on their courses.
ORIENTEERING
old but sunny weather made for excellent running conditions and all twelve Kingswood School competitors enjoyed the experience of competing against schools from all parts of the country.
C
This year the British Schools ParksurroundingsheldChampionshipsOrienteeringwereinthebeautifulofStoweinBuckinghamshire.
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Indeed, it has been a very successful year with lots of very talented runners across all age groups. Over the course of 10 races, Kingswood has had 5 individual race winners, and placed people in the top three 16 times. We’ve also had 10 team podium places between 4 teams and have also sent 4 of our runners to nationals, which is a record-breaking number for Kingswood with our Inter Boys and Senior Girls teams particularly strong. Captains Seb Crow and Evie Bradley did a superb job in leading from the front and with excellent support from fellow leavers Jamie Wright, Max Waring, Hiroki Nishimura, Emily Ardus, Grace Ardus and Freddie Baker the team atmosphere was something that everyone was proud to be a part of.
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SPORT | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22
COUNTRYCROSS
e are a cross section of students from Year 7 to 13 of all genders who share in the misery and cheer each other on towards a donut at the end of the race. This season has been no different in this regard and it has been even more exciting given that we have been free to compete on our regular circuit once again.
Cross Country is not, however, just the reserve of the select few in the Cross Country team, as the 700 students and staff who ran in the House Cross Country at the end of the Easter term can attest. The hoards of supporters who thronged the middle playing field for the House Relays at the beginning of the Summer term to watch the 130 students battle the hill for their houses will also tell you that it can be a very lively occasion.
Cross Country is alive and well at Kingswood - a perfect antidote to our digital lives. Jamie Wright Emily Ardus Grace Ardus Evie Bradley Seb Crow
COLOURS HALF COLOURS:
There are many wonderful things about Cross Country at Kingswood: the mud; the hills; the gale force winds; the long bus journeys through Dorset; the pain; the victories; the defeats; but the greatest thing is the Cross Country family.
FULL COLOURS:
W
Ted didn’t seem too keen on training! Being a boarder, he really had no excuse other than not liking mornings; however he always pulled through in the galas
espite the fact that very few schools still have swimming teams, the Kingswood Swimming Club managed to pull together for Ourgalas.standout swimmers amongst the younger years for this season were Year 9 pupils Jack Williams and Annabelle Hicks. Jack had multiple wins in Individual Medley and Freestyle events at Marlborough and Sherborne for the U16 team, and Annabelle had wins in Freestyle and Fly, even when competing well above her age
KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 | SPORT
Rogergroup.Davis
in Year 8 really impressed this year with his 5 wins overall in Individual Medley, Breaststroke and Fly. He broke the U16 Breaststroke record, pretty impressive for a Year 8 student! At the gala against Marlborough he was the fastest IM swimmer out of all age groups. He also competed at Regional and National events.
SWIMMINGD
Grace and Emily Ardus were two of the most committed swimmers on the team. Even if they had run a record in the cross country the day before, they always turned up to training, and when it comes to galas they have the same very willing attitude. Although they are difficult to distinguish poolside, they have different strengths with Emily’s best results in the Breaststroke and Grace’s in the Freestyle and AlexBackstroke.Kellagher has shown to be a very impressive all-round swimmer, always willing to take part in whatever event he’s thrown into. He had wins in the Breaststroke and close seconds in the Back and Fly, showing himself to be one of the strongest in the Open Boys Freddieteam.Baker, when able to be torn away from cricket, was a very successful member of the team, gaining first place
included a clean sweep against Dauntsey’s. U16 boys also had wins against Marlborough, Blundell’s and Sherborne, whilst the Open Girls were too good for Dauntsey’s, Blundell’s and Leweston.
Pride of place, however, must go to the Open Boys who beat 5 out of the 6 schools they swam against. Their team consisted of Will Connors, Will Wong, Dan Adams, Ted Nightingale, Freddie Baker and Alex Kellagher.
This report is adapted from the end of term speech given by students.
Anisha had been part of the swim team since she joined in Year 7 and always attended early morning swim. She became one of the strongest swimmers and received podium places in all of her events with a win in the Backstroke in our final gala.
This year’s Senior House Gala had many great swims with the overall win going to School and Upper.
to secure top places in the Breaststroke and Freestyle. Ted’s enthusiastic support from poolside will be missed.
LEAVERS
This year’s Senior House Gala had many great swims with the overall win going to School and Upper. Some of the standout swimmers from students who do not currently do any swimming training in school include: Jacob Barton, Lauren Bailey, James Linegar, Chloe Viner, Louis Barbato, Sam Gearing, Aurora Vergani and Will Shardlow, which shows much potential for next year. Highlights of the season
Boys’ Captain: Dan Adams | Girls’ Captain: Georgie Thompson
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Thea trained throughout the year but because she is multi-talented she played tennis at weekends and so was not able to do any galas.
SPORT | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 in the Breaststroke against OnDauntsey’s.totwoof our most significant leavers, Mr and Mrs Opie.
Mr and Mrs Opie have been the heart of Kingswood swimming for many years. Mr Opie liked telling everyone to go faster each week, whilst Mrs Opie always managed to know what’s going on, and was the key organiser and recruiter for the swim team. Mrs Opie was a key player in all aspects for swimming, whether it was finding new swimmers the day before a gala or organising House galas. They will both be greatly missed.
Opponent GirlsU16 BoysU16 OpenGirls OpenBoys Marlborough 1 L W L L Dauntsey’s W W W W Sherborne L W L W Blundell’s L W W W Taunton L L L L Leweston L W W W Marlborough 2 L L L W COLOURS & AWARDS HALF COLOURS: Emily Ardus, Grace Ardus, Freddie Baker, Anisha Gofton, Alex Kellagher, Ted Nightingale FULL COLOURS: Dan Adams, Georgie Thompson MOST IMPROVED SWIMMER CUP: Theo Pillow THE TENCH CUP: Roger Davis THE BERESFORD SHIELD: Dan Adams and Georgie Thompson 83
KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 | SPORT
T
he Girls’ team enjoyed a range of successes against some tough opponents. We welcomed some new members to the club and it has been exciting to see the interest from the lower years.
The Boys’ team highlight was the senior team winning the highly contested Nitro Athletics meet at Marlborough. This event is an exciting format of Athletics, testing all-round athleticism, tactical decision making, teamwork and grit. It came down to the final event, the Medley Relay, consisting of 2x400m, 2x200m, 4x100m to decide the winner.
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This year the Athletics team thrived through a full-programme of inter-schools meets. Being the only school in Bath with a competitive Athletics programme meant that each weekend we travelled to away fixtures against some of the strongest schools in the South of England.
ATHLETICS
Senior team put us back on the map with consistent top level performances throughout the season. Joe Dunn didn’t lose many races in the 100m & 200m, and co-captain Bruin Ward remains the fastest sprinter out the blocks in all competitions! Oskar Billett joined the team this year, and his determination in training has seen him run fantastic 400m & 800m times.
“I just wanted to feedback how impressed I was with your Athletes who came over to Marlborough on Saturday. They clearly wanted to be there, performed well, were tremendous at supporting each other and took time at the end of the afternoon to thank the Marlborough staff for laying on the event.” “A really positive culture in Athletics”.
SPORT | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22
The Inter and Senior teams have been particularly impressive with their support and performances throughout the term.
In the Senior teams, Captains Edie Morris and Grace Ardus led by example. Grace ran a great 1500m smashing the old record, and Edie regularly won the Discus and Javelin in almost every meet this season. They have been hugely grateful for the support shown by Niamh Weldon who attended almost every training session and meet. Tobina Laurence is one to look out for next year. She has produced some very encouraging performances in the Triple Jump and her 800m will continue to improve with further training. Grace Cardwell has enjoyed success in the 400m Hurdles and qualified for the Regional Athletics Championships where she performed well against strong opposition.
Captains: Grace Ardus & Edie Morris
The Intermediate team fared well throughout the season, using their Athletics to complement their rigorous exam timetables. Joe Watt stepped up each weekend taking home a near maximal amount of points by winning the 100m, 200m, and Long Jump. Jack Beveridge deserves a mention for always making himself available despite his cycling training regime. When not selected for the Millfield meet, Jack used the opportunity to do a training cycle to Millfield to support his Thefriends.
Our leavers have played their role well throughout the season. They have committed to attending meets despite writing their final A Level exams. Noah Richardson has competed really well in High Jump, thrown the Discus impressively, and proven himself a capable relay runner. Despite Max Waring being built for arm-wrestling, he cruises a 1500m and has put his strength to use in the Shot Put and Discus events. Finally, co-captain Ollie Lechmere. Ollie is a long-standing member of the Athletics team, and has been a highly valued co-captain. He has supported the younger athletes, competed admirably in a range of events on both track and in the field, and alongside his fellow captains has facilitated a healthy culture. Perhaps this is best summed up by this email sent to Mr GordonBrown from a Marlborough College teacher:
BOYS
GIRLS
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In the ever-growing Junior team, two boys broke two school records each and consistently put in winning performances throughout the season. Year 9 pupil Joseph Bailey broke the 100m & 200m records in times which put him in the top 5 in the entire school! Charlie Haines brought his cross-country form to the track and improved both his 800m & 1500m times throughout the season, taking both of these School records from the well-known Middle House old boy, Tom Kingsnorth. Elsewhere in the Junior team we welcomed a number of new athletes to our rank with Tom White and Rupert Rutter winning events despite still being in Westwood!
The Boys’ team enjoyed their most successful season in recent history, with strong performances across each agecategory. It is impossible to tell all of the individual stories of challenge, failure, discipline and resilience, but we shall focus in on some notable performances.
Captains: Oliver Lechmere & Bruin Ward
In the Inter team, Oyin Obe showed great potential in the Shot and Discus and did not look out of place in the relays. Clemmie Coxen impressed with her speed and power in the Long Jumps, Javelin and the Sprints. Both girls recorded podium places many times this season. Alice Wilson managed to compete at the Dauntsey’s meet but excelled in qualifying for the English Schools Competition with her jump of 5.37m. Alice also competed in the South West Schools Heptathlon Championships which took place in tough, windy conditions. She had a great time and came 4th so has qualified for the Nationals in September.
T
focussed strength and conditioning programme for ambitious sports people is well-covered in scientific literature. Naturally, we have a number of pupils who use the facility in pursuit of these sporting goals. Of this group, there is yet another tier of ambitious sports people who take their strength and conditioning, recovery, nutrition and analysis to the next level. Many of these pupils are involved in development pathway academies or compete at a national level. I am incredibly proud of their commitment, hunger to learn, and the way in which they invest in themselves. The late nights, early mornings, and the physical, mental, and emotional toll of pursuing optimal performance is not easy. Add in the fact that they are teenagers with numerous social and academic demands, it makes these pursuits even more admirable.
This year we eventually saw an easing of the Covid restrictions put in place in both the fitness studio and weight room. Year groups were allowed to mix once more, and we got that healthy “fitness family” feeling back.
Mr Digby Webb (Athletic Development Co-ordinator)
The Year 7, 8 and 9 pupils continued with their movement literacy classes in their core PE rotations. These classes provide pupils with the opportunity to develop their fundamental movement skills, learn about physical training methods, and aim to inspire pupils to keep active and enthused about physical activity.
KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 | SPORT
There are multiple reasons why pupils choose to engage with the strength and conditioning programme at Kingswood. We aim to support everyone on their fitness journey, and we are proud of all pupils who are striving towards their goals. The performance benefits of a
he athletic development offering at Kingswood is diverse and popular, and we welcomed the ability to make full use of the finite space available.
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The strength and conditioning club was once again in great demand, with pupils from a range of years training under the guiding principle of “being better people who inspire others”. This has been clear to see in the quality of relationships within the environment and in how they celebrate each other’s progress whilst also supporting each other through challenges. The concept of ‘progressive overload’ which states that one must push oneself just beyond their comfort zone in order to grow, is a concept that I wish for our pupils to take beyond the gym. I am very proud to work with a community of pupils who are making this link.
...they celebrate each other’s progress whilst also supporting each other through challenges.
ATHLETIC DEVELOPMENT
Kingswood football teams have now firmly established themselves as teams to be reckoned with on the local circuit. The first team, coached by Mr Harding, played seven fixtures this year, winning one, drawing three and losing three, and the second team had their best season in living memory, playing six and winning five of those games. As well as playing opponents we have met before – Beechen Cliff, KES, Wycliffe, QEH and Dauntsey’s – we added Prior Park football team to the fixture list this year and had our
It is worth mentioning the Year 13 leavers who have proved to be stalwarts of the first team and played in every match: joint captains, Johnny Lester and Jack Gould (who also played first team when in Year 11), central defender Rex Evans, midfielder Rayan Roubaie and probably the player of the season, Ted Nightingale, our ever dependable goalkeeper. Caleb Bond and Haru
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For the first time in living memory, there was a Year 10 match played this year in which we came away with a commendable 1-1 draw against Beechen Cliff.
The girls’ football activity has been a real success this year, with over 20 girls attending regularly. In May, we took two teams, consisting of girls from Year 8 to 10 to the U15 BANES festival which was their first competitive fixture.
first ever home and away fixture against this team.
BOYS
To see more photos and also some goals from the first team, Kingswood Football team can be followed on Instagram: kws_footballteam
Ishizaka also featured heavily in the second half of the season, in fact Haru ended up being joint highest scorer with Year 11 Jake Wilson, who we will sorely miss as he moves on. Notably, Jake was unavailable for the three matches we lost.
It was a great competition that the girls enjoyed and we look forward to future fixtures in girls’ football.
FOOTBALL
The second team, coached by Mr Gordon, were well led by Theo Gooding, and Edan Ledbury provided several important goals throughout the season, managing to score with most parts of his body! Zach Hale was crucial to the success of this team as were Max Gooding, Roman Kotciuba and James Eayres. With lots of talent coming through in Years 12 and 11, once again the future looks bright for football at Kingswood.
GIRLS
SPORT | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22
1st XI Captains: Johnny Lester & Jack Gould
KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 | OUTDOOR PURSUITS YEAR 7 HIKE JUNE 2022 47 pupils and staff enjoyed an excellent day out on the Marlborough Downs - completing a 9-mile walk taking in Barbury Castle and Avebury. The weather was perfect, dry and not too hot, and everyone walked very well and were excellent company. PURSUITSOUTDOOROUTDOORSURVIVAL Pupils have enjoyed the Outdoor Survival Club as one of their co-curricular activities this year. 88
YEAR 8 HIKE
OUTDOOR PURSUITS | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22
MAY 2022
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YEAR 9 HIKE
68 pupils and staff completed a 9-mile circular walk from Priddy in the Mendips taking in the narrow Ebbor Gorge. Everyone walked well and enjoyed the spectacular views over the Somerset levels.
46 Year 8 pupils enjoyed a beautiful walk over the Mendip Hills in glorious weather.
SEPTEMBER 2021
Kingswood B 35-mile team
Kingswood A 35-mile team
Kingswood Sixth Form 45-mile team
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TEN TORS EXPEDITION
Finally, the Sixth Form team of team leader Rory McLeod, Freddie Stockton, Oscar Lambert, Connie Slater, Grace Cardwell and Tobina Laurence completed their longer 45-mile route U at 2pm, which went as far south as Peat Cot on
The three Kingswood Ten Tors teams all completed their routes with time to spare. Conditions were near perfect for much of the weekend, although there were a couple of hours of really challenging navigation each morning as there was a thick mist which took time to burn off.
the South Moor and included some really long and challenging legs.
The most pleasing aspect of the weekend was that all three teams finished together as complete teams of six, showing excellent teamwork throughout.
Kingswood A 35-mile team, consisting of team leader Dan Woodward, Charlie Whishaw, Evie Campbell, Gaby Davies, Tilly Byrne and Poppy Squires, reached the finish at 11am having done route J, an anti-clockwise route around the North Moor.
Particular thanks must go to Mr Mansfield for all of his hard work as Team Manager this year and in recent years, which has ensured the continued success of Kingswood teams in the Ten Tors event.
KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 | OUTDOOR PURSUITS
The Kingswood B 35-mile team, consisting of team leader George Cardwell, Jago Dunn, Max Graham, Barney Leach, Wills Hudson and Archie Hamilton, finished at 12.30pm having completed route K, a similar route but clockwise.
After a very successful training programme including local walks and trips to the Marlborough Downs and Dartmoor, Kingswood pupils were once again able to participate in the Ten Tors Expedition in May after two years without an event due to Covid.
It has been another very successful year for DofE at Kingswood with a total of nearly 200 pupils participating across the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards.
BRONZE EXPEDITIONDofE
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The groups walked one of two routes, but both took in the popular Cheddar cliffs just to the east of Cheddar Gorge, Beacon Batch (the highest point on the Mendip Hills) and the delightful Chew Valley. The Bronze participants experienced varied weather, with mist on Saturday morning, heavy showers on Saturday evening and sunshine on Sunday morning. The groups coped pretty well with the damp conditions and most were able to remain dry in their tents. The steep hill climbs, inquisitive cows and at times intricate navigation also represented challenges. However, all of the participants overcame these and made excellent progress over the two days.
• Current Students: Emily Ardus, Grace Ardus, Jasmine Harvey, Olivia Taylor, Jacob Fadipe
OUTDOOR PURSUITS | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22
DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD 2021-22
Particular congratulations to the eleven former and current pupils who had achieved their Gold Awards this year by the time of writing.
• Former students: Emily Davies, Dominic LambertRose, Joshua Nicholson, Miya Cameron, Elouise Penfold, Max Mohr
The Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Qualifying Expeditions took place on the weekend of the 18-19 June, with 93 Year 10s completing two days on the Mendip Hills.
The pupils walked and camped really well despite facing some challenging weather and, as a result of recent Covid-19 restrictions and limited expedition opportunities, having less experience than is usual for pupils completing this expedition.
GOLD EXPEDITIONPRACTICEDofE
On the weekend of Friday 1 to Sunday 3 July, 40 Year 11 students embarked on their Silver qualifying expedition to Exmoor National Park.
Starting in Tretower near Crickhowell the groups followed a varied route taking in Llangors Lake, Twmpa, Llanthony Priory and Sugar Loaf before finishing on the outskirts of Abergavenny.
Walking in groups of between 5 and 7, they tackled the highest point on Exmoor on the first day, Dunkery Beacon. After the long hill leading up to the beacon, they were met with glorious views over the Severn Estuary towards Wales. They then descended towards Porlock and stayed at a rustic campsite with beautiful views over the coast. Day 2 saw the groups pack away in heavy rain, with most groups then heading West along the coastal path – a route which looked easy on the map, but actually was very undulating with numerous diversions around land slips. Most groups managed to stick to their planned routes and made the long walk to Cloud Farm campsite in the Lorna Doone Valley. Some arrived with nasty blisters and others with ticks attached, but all were in high spirits and ready to get some rest ahead of the final day. Day 3 routes took them through valleys and up over open moorland where they trudged through deep bogs and heavy drizzle. All groups finished in excellent time and were relieved for the sit down on the journey home.
During the first four days of the October half term four groups of Sixth Form students successfully completed their DofE Practice Expedition in the Black Mountains.
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KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 | OUTDOOR PURSUITS
SILVER EXPEDITIONDofE
The four groups had five stunning days in the Lake District. The first day involved some orientation in the Langdale Valley before a trip into Ambleside to get some supper.
GOLD EXPEDITIONDofE of the of
During the first week
Edinburgh qualifying expedition. JULY 2022 OUTDOOR PURSUITS | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 93
Congratulations to all of the participants for passing this section of their award.
The ‘expedition proper’ then started the following day as all four groups made their way from Langdale to Borrowdale. Groups faced their first brutal test as they either climbed up to Angle Tarn or over Stakes Pass. On the second day all groups took in High Raise, which at just over 760m, was the high point of the four days for all. On the summit, they were not disappointed by the views of Scafell Pike and most of the central fells.
On the third day groups followed in the footsteps of Wordsworth as they made their way through Grasmere and then up and into Grisedale before camping at the southern edge of Ullswater. On the final day, the groups had the luxury of keeping low and walking along the shores of England’s second largest lake before finishing at Pooley Bridge.
summer holidays, 25 Year 12s embarked on their Gold Duke
Our students in Year 12 and 13 have had the benefit of having their own dining room for some time but the new addition of this café, with large windows overlooking the beautiful city of Bath, provides a quiet space for students to concentrate on their studies. Students enjoy freshly-baked cakes made by the very talented Daisy in the school catering team, or a choice of savoury snacks, along with a choice of hot or cold drinks.
The Kingswood Association has helped to make this possible by providing a very generous contribution to the Café, which is the first stage in the planned re-development of our much-loved Dixon Sixth Form Centre.
KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 | ASSOCIATION CAFÉ
This year we celebrated the official launch of the ‘Association Café’ for Sixth Formers, located in our dedicated Sixth Form Centre.
Pupils are already reaping the benefits of this facility and sharing their views. Some comments from our sixth formers include, “I don’t feel like I’m still in school” and, “The hot chocolate is amazing!”
ASSOCIATION CAFÉ LAUNCHED
It is clear that this has created an added benefit to their school life already and we are looking forward to sharing further development plans of the Sixth Form Centre soon.
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HEAD GIRL & HEAD BOY REFLECTIONS
KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 | STAFF & LEAVERS
Anisha Gofton, Head Girl
I joined this school towards the end of Year 7 and realised that it was where I belonged very quickly. I started off very nervous about playing hockey for example, but decided to take a challenge and play in goal in Year 8 and have worked my way up into the first team this year, playing hockey to a standard I could have only dreamed of back then and with a group of talented, determined people I love and look up to, with a coach who has really shaped my whole Kingswood journey.
You can’t underestimate the impact of the staff here because they give so much of their time and energy into teaching us skills in and out of the classroom in order to make us better people. The Geography Department has been a second home through the A Level period, and they demonstrate how good people make the best role models. Not only the teachers though, but all the support staff also make this community what it is. From the beautiful grounds we take so often for granted, to the clean facilities, and the tasty cakes we are spoiled with for tea, these people make coming to school here a hundred times better.
I am so lucky to have been surrounded by all the amazing people in our year. I’m so proud of how we have bounced back from the challenges that we have been confronted with. Whether it’s the group of us that have swum every Friday morning before school since year seven or Jamie, Emily, Alex, and I in our roles of responsibility, we have made such strong bonds within our teams. This last week of school will no doubt consist of a lot of emotion because of all the millions of memories, which have made up who we are today. Thank you so much Kingswood for believing in me.
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Up the wood.
• DEPUTY HEAD BOY Alex Kellagher • DEPUTY HEAD GIRL Emily Ardus • PR: Grace Ardus Rose RobertOliviaOliverRoryAngusAnnieBatesDavisDuncanFergusonLechmereTaylorWilson
to so many people’s lives in so many different ways, and at whatever stage of school they are in. They certainly received a fitting farewell from the school in Final Assembly, with many standing ovations, and I do hope they appreciate the positive impact they have had on so many.
Being able to mix years, spending time together in our respective houses, and having a full range of sports fixtures have been just a few of the things that we have all enjoyed getting back to normal. Everyone that I have spoken to has said that this has been a great and really enjoyable year.
• HEAD
A huge thank you must be said to the Heads of Houses for their tireless efforts around their houses, and the rest of the PR who have helped so much in the wider school with all the behind the scenes work this year. It’s been so great to work with them all this year, and I couldn’t have done any of it without Anisha. She really has been such a strong and confident Head Girl – the perfect person for this role. I am so thankful to have had such a caring person and a close friend, who has always gone above and beyond in everything she does, to work with.
It’s fantasticbeen to see the ourespeciallystoppacked,usualreturncommunityKingswoodtoitsactionnon-schedule,forfinalyear.
Jamie Wright GIRL Anisha Gofton
...get stuck in to all there is to do here. THE PR
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Kingswood is going to feel very different next year, with both the Opies and the Hollywells leaving, as well as other great teachers. Everyone would agree with me that they have all made such a difference BOY
STAFF & LEAVERS | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22
And finally, thank you to all the leavers for making our final year such a great one, and for all the memories along the way. I have enjoyed it immensely. Good luck to all for next year, wherever the world takes you. And to those still at school, as I said in my final speech – get stuck in to all there is to do here. You will cherish those memories for years to come.
A few highlights have been the showcasing of the vast musical and dramatic talent the school has had to offer, my favourite being Antigone. There has also been House Music, House Cross Country, House Entertainment and of course sports day, which I’m very glad to say Upper and School won (obviously).
• HEAD
Jamie Wright, Head Boy
LEAVERS'DINNER KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 | STAFF & LEAVERS98
STAFF & LEAVERS | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 99
Mr Peter MacDonald 01/09/2003 Assistant Head (Academic); History & Politics
Mr William Musgrove 01/09/2014 Physics
Miss Louise Sobey 01/09/2019 MFL
Ms Nicola Lowe 01/09/2019 Study Support
Mr Malcolm Gordon
Mr Matthew D Smith 01/09/2016 Mathematics
Mrs Eugénie Pasco 01/09/2014 MFL; Head of Careers
Mrs Laura Smyth 01/09/2011 Biology
Miss Natalie Hannah 01/09/2019 Head of Academic PE
Mr Euan Gordon 15/05/2017 Geography
Mrs Monica Corripio-Lopez 28/01/2019 English
Mr Ed Allchorne 13/06/2016 Biology
Mr Daniel Darwin 01/09/2012 Head of History & Politics
Ms Priscilla Lam 01/09/2017 Head of Mandarin
Mrs Nicola Curtis 01/09/2016 PE; Assistant Head of Lower School
Mr Tristram Wright 01/01/2020 Economics
Miss Rosie Bond 01/09/2019 MFL
Mrs Sarah Dakin 01/09/2008 Head of Classics
STAFF 2021-2022
NAME JOINED SUBJECT
Mrs Juliette Mainwaring 01/09/2003 SeniorEnglish;Houseparent Fonthill
Mr Paul Baines Miss Beth Garner
Mrs Lucy Meredith 01/09/2019 Mathematics
2021-2022
Miss Alice Moore 01/09/2016 English
Mr Barney Stuttard 01/09/2018 Geography
Mr David Allies-Curtis 01/09/2021 Art and Photography Teacher
Mr Roderick Duke 01/09/2003 MFL; Houseparent Westwood Mr Olly East 01/09/2018 DT
Mr Ed Peerless 01/09/2011 Head of Lower School Science
Mrs Claire Edwards 01/09/2008 Head of AssistantPsychology;HeadofSixth Form
Mr Steven Smyth 01/09/2012 Geography;SeniorHouseparent Middle
Ms Najat Taibi 01/09/2018 Head of French
Mr Gordon Opie 01/09/1990 Senior Deputy Head
Mr Tim Lindsay
Mrs Sarah Herlinger 01/09/2012 History & Politics
Mrs Jo-Anne Wilcock 23/04/2012 Chemistry
Mr David Humphreys
Mrs Nat Stewart 01/09/2018 English
The Revd Dr Jonathan Pye
Mr Gareth Edgell 01/09/2010 Head of Computer Science
Mrs Amanda Phillips 01/09/2016 Classics
Mrs Elaine Francis 01/09/2015 Music
Mr Barnaby Brown 01/09/2010 Head of DT
Mr Roger White 01/09/2012 SeniorMathematics;Houseparent Upper
Mr Otty Warmann
Miss Bethany Rolfe 11/04/2016 Head of PSHCE; Biology
Mr Stephen Pentreath 01/09/2015 Head of Lower School; Chemistry
Mrs Ilona Chamen 01/09/2017 Head of Study Support
Major General Anthony (Tony) Raper
Mrs Solomon-GardnerJanine 01/09/2013 Computer Science
Dr Jenny Wood 01/09/2016 Head of Chemistry
Mr Mark Snell 01/09/2017 Chemistry
KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 | STAFF & LEAVERS
Mrs Sarah Hopkin 01/09/2018 Head of Economics
Miss Charlotte Evans 01/09/2020 MFL
Mr George Newbould 01/09/2016 History & Politics
TEACHING (SMT members shown in bold)
Mrs Morag Smith
Mrs Emma Brown 01/09/2017 Head of English; Head of Gifted & Talented
Mr James Brown 01/09/2009 Head of Boys' Games
Mr Jude Chua 01/09/2010 Mathematics
Mr Jerome Shah 01/09/2018 Computer Science; Mathematics
Mr John W Davies 01/09/1994 Director of Co-Curricular; History & Politics
Dr Clare Millington
Mrs Rebecca Murchison 01/09/2016 Mathematics
Mrs Jenny Opie 07/09/1992 Head of Biology
Mr Ian Falconer
Mr Andy Barton 01/01/2018 Director of Music
Mr Luke Lorimer 01/09/2021 Mathematics
Miss Michelle Newman 12/01/2004 PE
NAME JOINED SUBJECT
Mr Liam Conner 01/09/2019 Head of EAL
Mr Andrew Ward 01/09/2016 Games
Mr Digby Webb 01/09/2015 PE
Mr John M Davies 01/09/2017 Deputy Head (Academic)
Mr Stephen Brown 01/01/2011 Head of Art
Mr Richard Burton 01/09/1999 Head of Physics
Mrs Dorothy Nancekievill
Miss Nadine Robinson 01/09/2010 MFL
Mrs Lizzy Ward 01/09/2013 Drama
Ms Jo Brayton 01/01/2022 Head of Drama
Mrs Abi Bowman 01/09/2020 Psychology
Mr Matthew W Smith 01/09/2016 Head of Mathematics
Miss Felice Laake 01/09/2019 Biology
Mrs Anna Knights 01/09/2004 Mathematics
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Mr Andrew Gordon-Brown 01/09/2020 Headmaster
Mr Robert Hill
Miss Una Paver 08/01/1990 PE; SeniorBiology;Houseparent School
Mr Darrell Harding 01/09/2002 Drama and Theatre; Senior Houseparent Hall House
Mr Jamie Knights 04/09/2006 Music
Mrs Helen Bools
GOVERNORS
Mr Jamie Matthews 01/09/2002 Assistant Head (Pastoral); PE
Miss Kirsty Sutherland 17/08/2015 Head of EPQ; Librarian
Mr Andrew Tait
Miss Alice Fox 01/09/2017 Mathematics
Miss Amy Murtagh 13/10/2020 Humanities
Mr Peter Freeman
Mr Phil Hollywell 01/09/1991 PE; Geography
Ms Emma Prowse 01/09/2020 Study Support
Mr Bernard Redman 01/09/2020 Physics
Mr Timothy Reeman 01/09/1988 Director of Sport
Mr Paul Watts 02/09/2019 Physics
Miss Harriet Wilson 01/09/2013 RPE; Head of Activities
Mr Chris Stafford
Mr Rory Mansfield 01/09/2017 English
Mr Danny Lau
Mr Matthew Thatcher 01/01/2012 Head of RPE
Mr David Walker 01/09/2009 Head of Languages; Head of Spanish
Miss Sophie Elliott 01/09/2015 Art
Mr James Castrique 01/01/2018 DT
Mrs Sarah Musgrove 01/09/2021 Geography
Mrs Alexandra Matthews 23/04/2007 Geography; HouseparentSeniorSummerhill
Mrs Victoria Sim 01/09/2012 Head of Girls' Games
Miss Charlotte Chua 01/09/2015 English
Mr Craig Woodgate 01/09/2001 Head of Sixth Form; History & Politics
Mrs Nicki Sparks (Gerrish) 01/09/2013 Chemistry
Mr Tom Moat 01/09/2017 Head of Geography
Mrs Sophie Andell 01/09/2017 MFL
Mr and Mrs Hollywell, thank you for your service to Kingswood and we wish you well.
e is a born school master and although has a gruff exterior, it belies a heart of gold and a deep care for our pupils. His contribution to Kingswood, in Sport, Geography and in Westwood has been the stuff of legend. The culture of care and kindness starts in Westwood and as Houseparent, Mr Hollywell has given thousands of Kingswood pupils the best start to their school careers.
MR PHIL HOLLYWELL & MRS CERI HOLLYWELL
Teachers at Kingswood are a very talented group of people. Wesley set the bar high to recruit teachers back in 1748 and we set the bar high today. However, eventually we must say goodbye; sometimes after a short period, other times after decades of serving our community. The following words are an adaptation of the Headmaster’s valedictions to these members of staff.
STAFF & LEAVERS | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22
H
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STAFF LEAVERS
When Mr Hollywell wrote to me to say he was retiring, there was mild panic in the ranks. Not just because we would be losing Mr Hollywell, but also because this would mean we were probably going to lose his other half (some might say his better half) in Mrs Hollywell. She has been the beating heart of Westwood, the second mum to many, the person who more than anyone else has reunited Westwood pupils with their lost property. Thank you for your huge support to the Westwood team through the years and, of course, for keeping Mr Hollywell on the straight and narrow.
Mr Hollywell started his career here 31 years ago at Priors Court, the historic feeder prep school, and when that school closed and moved to Bath, Mr Hollywell moved as well.
MR MATTHEW THATCHER
MS NADINE ROBINSON
Mr Ward has been a Senior School Games Teacher since September 2019, making a huge contribution to the Department. He has co-ordinated the ECA Programme and also taught Games at KPS.
MR RORY MANSFIELD
Mr Mansfield has taught English with us since September 2017. As well as leading the Literary Society, he has also contributed significantly to the cycling and outdoor education with the management of Ten Tors and DofE expeditions
MR ANDREW WARD
Mr Musgrove joined us in September 2014 as Teacher of Physics. He has been an inspirational teacher and has engaged many reluctant physicists over the years!
In 2016 he took on the role of Sustainable Developer and World Action Coordinator and he holds the record for leading more clubs and activities than anyone else! His joy, energy and optimism will be missed as he pursues his next path as a consultant in Sustainable Development.
Ms Robinson has been a teacher of French and Spanish with us since 2010. She moves to KPS to take the role of Head of MFL there from September but we will see her at the Senior School from time to time. I am looking forward to an ongoing and developing relationship to work on the vision for MFL across the Foundation.
KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 | STAFF & LEAVERS
He has been an excellent tutor to Year 7 and Gifted and Talented students. He has made a huge impact on RPE education, planning and delivering bespoke schemes of learning for all in the school, resulting in excellent outcomes in examinations, and organised the Indian Himalayas trip in 2017. He has been someone who gave balance to students’ spiritual experience and he leaves us to take up a Head of Department position at Stonar School.
Mr Watts has been a Part-Time Teacher of Physics with us since 2019, after a previous 9 years in a Deputy Head role. His experience meant our pupils were in safe hands. We will also miss his contribution to the football programme.
Mr Thatcher taught RE from January 2012, and was promoted to Head of the department from September 2013, and Westwood Resident House Assistant from September 2017.
Mr Shah joined us in 2018 as a teacher of Computer Science and Mathematics and in 2019 decided to focus on Computer Science. He brought significant subject knowledge and expertise to his lessons, being particularly excellent at coding. Jerome helped to develop the Computer Science curriculum and enhance the co-curricular provision in the Department.
MR PAUL WATTS
MR DAN CATER
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MR JEROME SHAH
Mr Cater has been our Graduate Assistant and has immersed himself in school life this year. He has now secured his first teaching post as a PE teacher, which is about the most competitive teacher market in the UK. He will be missed.
MR WILL MUSGROVE
MISS KIRSTY SUTHERLAND
Miss Sutherland, our much-loved Librarian, leaves us to move back up to Scotland to be nearer to family. She leaves her positions as School House resident boarding assistant, Head of EPQ, tutor, and custodian of the library – one of the great pastoral spaces at school. We wish you all the best.
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He has demonstrated steadfast academic leadership of a highly successful department in terms of numbers and outcomes. He has run subject clinics and helped Oxbridge students. He has been a Year 10 and 11 Tutor in Hall House and has contributed significantly to the Outdoor Pursuits programme in kayaking, climbing, DofE and Ten Tors. He cycles to work it seems every day and is as fit as a fiddle! He tells me that he is now looking forward to going off in search of steep hills to conquer on his bike. Thank you for your many years of service and we wish you well.
MRS REBECCA MURCHISON
MR RICHARD BURTON
Mr Burton has been our Head of Physics for 23 years since September 1999 and stood in as our Head of Science in 2012-2016.
MRS AMANDA PHILLIPS
MR MARK SNELL
Mr Snell originally came as maternity cover in the Chemistry Department in September 2017 and his contract just kept getting renewed for the next few years! He has significant experience and wisdom and has taught with real joy and flair, having so much charisma and energy. This year, he rallied the winning team at the Big Bang Competition and he will be greatly missed.
Mrs Phillips has been with us since September 2016 as a Part-Time Teacher of Classics. She has been a huge support to Mrs Dakin, has helped with EPQ and single-handedly delivered our Greek offering which has enabled passionate classicists to pursue their interests. Mrs Phillips is hugely knowledgeable and is leaving us for a position at Cambridge University.
Mrs Murchison joined us in January 2016 as a Part-Time Teacher of Mathematics. She has been a very dedicated and conscientious teacher who is particularly thorough in her preparation. With her husband leaving the forces, they have some exciting plans to make the most of the flexibility this gives them.
M
KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22 | STAFF & LEAVERS
MR GORDON OPIE & MRS JENNY OPIE
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It was heart-warming that Mr and Mrs Opie received a standing ovation several times during our end of term events.
rs Opie came to Kingswood in 1992 as Teacher of Biology and was promoted to Head of Biology in 2003. It has been a hugely popular department and Mrs Opie has inspired an endless number of pupils to love the subject. She has also made an extensive commitment to co-curricular activities, not least swimming. My experience of Mrs Opie is that she should win the ‘Do all the good you can’ award. Her thoughtfulness and care for the members of this community is legendary. When we arrived at school two years ago, she came around with a whole hamper of delicious homemade goodies that frankly would put Fortnum and Mason to shame, but this wasn’t just a special occasion – she does this for everyone. She has done a huge amount of charity work for projects in Malawi, not least the organisation of the annual Malawi Christmas Market and Grand Jumble Sale and has been our liaison with Malawi schools. Thank you Mrs Opie for inspiring an endless number of pupils to love Biology and thank you for leading our charge as a community to 'do all the good we can'.
2. If you are not early, you are late.
3. Make the most of every day, it is a privilege.
r Opie was a pupil at Kingswood and returned here in 1990 to teach as Director of PE. He soon became Senior Houseparent of Middle House where collectively Mr and Mrs Opie engendered a unique loyalty from all the boys in their care, both day and boarding. Mr Opie was then appointed Deputy Head in 2009.
5. Life is a journey.
bearer for the values of Kingswood. Mr Opie loves his hockey and he successfully coached the 1st Hockey teams. During the last week of term, over 100 alumni, pupils and parents came along to the Lower Astro to play some hockey to pay their respects, which tells you so much about the high regard in which he is held. There is a new bench, donated by Kingswood parents, situated above the Lower Astro which will have Mr Opie’s name on it. Next time you are watching a hockey match, or indeed any sport on the Lower Astro, rest a while to remember Mr Opie and smile.
6. Be kind and have integrity.
MR OPIE’S RULES FOR SUCCESS:
mentored by Mr Opie over the years and, despite the fact that we have had to replace him with about three people, I feel confident that Mr Opie’s outstanding pastoral work and general strategic input will live on through other excellent people who are cut from the same Mrcloth.Opie,
Loved and respected in equal measure, it’s impossible to overstate Mr Opie’s contribution to Kingswood. Before you saw him at the crossing at morning drop-off, greeting all the pupils by name, he had most likely already taken early morning tennis, hockey or swimming, overseen the boarders coming through breakfast, popped in to see if the Head was alright, and patrolled once around the school. The rest of Mr Opie’s day always continued in this vein, making time for everyone who asked and being a great standard
We have all benefited from having Mr Opie as a benevolent figure watching over us and doing his best to care for each and every member of staff and all pupils. He certainly is a godly man.
you came here as a boy, worked here as a man, and retire as a legend.
I’m delighted that there are many other staff who have
4. No time spent with people is wasted time.
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2010 2012 2018
beenSTAFF & LEAVERS | KINGSWOOD IN FOCUS 2021-22
Mr Opie, you came here as a boy, worked here as a man, and retire as a legend.
1. If you are going to do a job, do it properly.
Lansdown Road, Bath BA1 5RG T. 01225 734210 E. admissions@kingswood.bath.sch.uk www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk
