Upper

UPPER HOUSE

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.

Oliver Alexander

The 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.

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 September, we welcomed a big Year 9 group to the House and Miss Murtagh to the Year 9 tutor team. The fi rst 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. 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 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.

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.

Terence Beekma’s boxing career made a great start with two wins in his fi rst 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. In the fi nal of the Upper table tennis tournament, played in front of the whole House, Charlie Woodward was the deserved victor.

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 fi ne 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.

Mr Roger White

(Senior Housemaster)

Head of House: Oliver Lechmere

Deputy Head

of House: Alexander Bushell

Senior Prefects:

Leo Barnes Caleb Bond Jonny Lester Fergus Matthews Thomas Prowse Jamie Wright