News from Issue No 4, 2017
King’s Pupil/Ski Star Millie Knight (Northbourne Park) has very much made her mark since she first came to national prominence representing GB at the Sochi Paralympics in 2014 aged just fifteen. A whole string of successes followed and in March 2017 her gold and two silvers at the World Championships in Italy with her guide Brett Wild, underlined her calibre. Now Millie looks forward to the South Korea
Paralympics in 2018. In the meantime she is working very hard for her A level Photography and her BTec Sport (equivalent to 2 A levels). A key question is how Millie manages to fit her school life in with her skiing career. “It’s certainly been very hard work to keep the balance as a full-time student and full-time athlete. The school has been great and has really helped me. I communicate with teachers by email and there have been Skype calls too. Northbourne Park was such a good preparation for King’s - I learned a good work ethic there which made the transition very easy.”
Geologically Active
Millie now looks forward to the 2018 Games before she goes to Loughborough in autumn 2018 and jokes, in typically modest fashion,“if selected”! Millie adds that in the meantime, once her During the Spring holidays A level geologists enjoyed an excellent visit to Dorset’s Jurassic coast. The focus of the three day 6B expedition to the Lulworth Cove area was the geological history of Britain and provided essential context for classroom and exam work. The Dorset expedition complements a further trip to Tenerife in 6A. A week’s stay during the Autumn half-term to look at a whole range of volcanic features on and around Mount Teide, rounds off the coursework element of the A level. Under the guidance of Mike Mawby, Head of Earth and Planetary Sciences (as Geology is now
Edited by David Hopkins, Head of Prep School Liaison (dnh@kings-school.co.uk)
coursework deadlines are out of the way, “I want to really enjoy my last term at King’s. I have loved it here and want to make the very most of it before I leave.” known), the subject is a popular option with a good take-up at A level and university. GCSE Geology is also being trialled this year. As Mike explains, Geology is thriving at King’s because “It’s not just about rocks, but is a great opportunity to combine all the Sciences and has a whole range of applications to today’s world”. Dorset Geologists: Miss Kendrick, Patrick Prince (Saint Ronan’s), Olly Moore (Wellesley House), Will Oates (Junior King’s), Will Edgar (Junior King’s), Velvet Grainger (Cumnor House), Charlie Jessel (Wellesley House) Ed Birrell (Worth), Antonia Marsden (Broomwood Hall), Mr Mawby
her storage unit, Alfie Gurtler (St Paul’s Cathedral Choir School) and Roberto Ausenda (Cottesmore) who won a prize for the most innovative design. Andrey Kovalenko (Junior King’s) won the prize for the most commercially viable project with his concertina lamp.
Oxford Classics Visit
Well Designed Pupils from the Classics Department enjoyed an excellent Open Day at Oxford University in March. As well as an explanation of course details in the Sheldonian Theatre and some taster lectures, there was also time for a visit to the Volcanoes exhibition and even for a quick look at the Bodleian Library. Another highlight of the year came in February when Janet Taylor, Head of Classics and her departmental colleagues hosted a Day at King’s for Prep School Classics teachers with 20 schools attending. Millie Butler-Gallie (Saint Ronan’s) gave a fascinating talk during the afternoon session about her Extended Project and a pupil’s view of the Classics Department.
The Design Technology Exhibition saw a superb range of exhibits on show in the Shirley Hall. Pupils were on hand to discuss their designs and a whole number caught the eye, including those by Ella Sainsbury (TrevorRoberts), pictured here with
Matthew Rolison Head of DT explained how Andrey’s work illustrates the challenges involved: “It tests perseverance and ability to manage deadlines, as well as pupils’ creativity. With Andrey’s project, the first challenge was whether such an ambitious design would actually work - it’s a tribute to him that it did and so successfully. There are many other examples of excellent designs made possible by the dedication of the pupils concerned and it’s great to have this opportunity to celebrate their work.”
At Corpus Christi, Oxford: Millie Butler-Gallie (Saint Ronan’s), Elizabeth Guild (Thomas’s Clapham), Emma Chaplin (St John’s College School Cambridge), Molly Hardwick (Ipswich HS for Girls), Anna Poddi (Cumnor House), Guy Smith (North Bridge House), Rupert Davis (USA), Victoria Honychurch (Saint Ronan’s), David Low (St George’s Windsor), Masha Korovina (Moscow)
Art Exhibited The Art Scholars’ annual Exhibition in the atmospheric 12th century Eastbridge Hospital proved to be another wonderful showcase for King’s artists. Amongst many others, Theo Davies-Jones (Dulwich Prep Cranbrook), pictured here with his mixed media piece“Cloisters”, Arabella Fox-Pitt (Wellesley House), Ben Shepherd Barron (The New Beacon), Marinika Webster (Wellesley House) and Jennifer Hofmann (Junior King’s), whose striking portrait was the first to meet the eye on entering the space, all produced memorable work. Leavers’ career choices this year include Architecture, History of Art, Interior Design, Photography as well as many doing Foundation Courses. As Peter Cordeaux, Director of
Marvellous Music
Art, comments: “Art at King’s continues to be a very popular choice. Many pupils take up the option of Art or Photography at GCSE level with an increasing number continuing at A level. The creative arts are becoming increasingly sought after by universities within a broad subject range. We are also fortunate to offer Art as a specialism, allowing students direct entry to further education within the world of Art and Design.”
Three musicians can be especially proud of their achievements this year. Lottie Johnson (Broomwood Hall) and Elizabeth Guild (Thomas’s Clapham) both achieved ABRSM diplomas for flute whilst Francis Bushell (St John’s College School Cambridge) won an instrumental prize at the Royal College of Music for his bassoon playing.
year that the award has been won by a pupil from King’s) as well as being selected as 1st bassoon in the Duet Philharmonic Orchestra.
During the Lent term, special highlights were the performance of Mozart’s Requiem in the Cathedral, recitals by the Chamber Choir of Scarlatti’s Stabat Mater and the Chamber Orchestra Concert featuring In addition Francis not only Shostakovich’s Piano enjoyed the honour of playing Concerto No.2, with each at the Last Night of the Proms, movement played by separate pupils: Hugh Rowlands as part of the BBC Proms Inspire scheme, but also won (Westminster Abbey Choir Canterbury’s Marlowe Young School), Ceri Ngai (Heep Yunn, Hong Kong) and Jebin Musician of the Year Award Yoon (Junior King’s). 2017 (the third successive
Girls’ Cricket Girls’ Cricket at King’s is developing well under the guidance of ex-England player Susie Rowe. Susie hopes that the Womens’ World Cup in England this summer will have an inspirational effect on girls’ cricket generally and at King’s in particular. Lady Taverners Team with coach Susie Rowe: Sophia Smith (Junior King’s), Ella Hemming (Eastbourne College), Grace Francis (Junior King’s), Kirstie Main (Holmewood House), Mary Curry (Sir Roger Manwood’s), Rosie Smith (Windlesham House), Mimi Abson (Junior King’s), Arwen Withey-Harrison (Marlborough House), Flora Brett (Junior King’s), Flo Brealy (Junior King’s)
“Girls’ cricket is thriving here. We have Saturday and midweek fixtures against teams across Kent and Sussex and I am pleased with how things are progressing.” During
the Spring term, King’s did very well in the Lady Taverners Indoor Girls Cricket tournament held at the Kent County Cricket Ground in Canterbury and Susie adds: “I am very keen to make contact with Prep schools who are looking to develop their girls’ cricket and am ready to help in any way I can. We are certainly looking to play a key part as this sport develops further.”
A Global Perspective
Plans Into Action Work is well underway on a £40 million development scheme for King’s which will see the transformation of various key facilities. A new Mitchinson’s Day House is being constructed just outside the Precincts and is due to open in January 2018. This will leave the way clear for the redevelopment of Science facilities in the Mint Yard where the current Mitchinson’s is located. Plans are currently being refined but the projection is for state of the art Science facilities focused on this one site to be opened in September 2020. In the meantime, work is also
well under way to develop the 3.5 acre Malthouse site. As Mark Taylor, Bursar, explains “The project will see the creation of a beautifully designed Performing Arts Centre.” The site will also feature an International College for up to 80 students. Further work this summer in the Precincts will see an additional Dining area and the complete redevelopment of the Shirley Hall pupils’ Social Centre which will all be completed by September 2017. As Headmaster Peter Roberts comments “These are very exciting times for the school.”
Excellent Inspection The school was inspected in early March and came out with flying colours, achieving the top rating of ‘Excellent’. Headmaster Peter Roberts was naturally delighted with
the excellent outcome in both key areas of ‘The quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements’ and ‘The quality of their personal development’. He comments:
Every year pupils in Year 9 (Shell) write an extended research essay as part of the Global Perspectives initiative. Topics can be anything of interest relating to India or China and cover a very wide range, including this year “Can the West condemn China’s pollution?” and “Have Britain and India benefitted from an interwoven past?” The Royal Society for Asian Affairs endorses the competition and sponsors prizes. As Richard Cook, Head of Lower School explains “The scheme does a great job of encouraging global awareness, but also fosters essential skills in researching, writing, critical thinking and public speaking. Once again this year pupils have really engaged and we have seen some outstanding essays.” Prize-winners: Joe Roberts (Dulwich Prep London), James Crawley (Saint Ronan’s), Alex Stokes (Cumnor House), Isabella Roskill (Lycee Francaise), Emily Spens (Orwell Park), Freya Siebert (Cumnor House), Dominique Judd (Chatsworth Int. School), Edward Gaut (The New Beacon). Not pictured: Will Grosse (Sevenoaks Prep).
“Most importantly the report accurately reflects the dedication of the entire teaching staff, who are always willing to go the extra mile on behalf of their pupils, and the considerable pride that the pupils themselves
hold for their school.” Junior King’s was inspected alongside and Headmaster Peter Wells was equally delighted that they too achieved ‘excellent’ in all areas. In all it was a highly pleasing double success!
Sporting Excellence Photo: James Crawley (Saint Ronan’s), Daisy Rex (Wellesley House), Edouard de Vitry d’Avaucourt (Ashdown House), Allegra Hinds (Highfield), Fred Sharp (Junior King’s), Callum Morris (Holmewood House), Grace Murray (Windlesham House), Flora Brett (Junior King’s), Jen Wilson (Head of Elite Development)
“It’s all about what goes on behind the results.” “It helps you to avoid injuries.” “You get to choose your sport for one to one coaching.” “I’ve really enjoyed the programme.” These are some of the comments made by Year 9 members of the Sports Excellence Programme, Triple Olympian Jen Wilson who runs the programme,
explains how it works: “Pupils join either as a result of Sports Scholarship results or as part of our ongoing selection process. We currently have nearly 60 pupils enrolled across the school. We run two group sessions each week which focus on the physical aspects and help individuals develop into elite athletes.
Additionally pupils have an hour every week for a one to one session with one of our expert coaches inthe pupil’s chosen sport.” The enthusiasm which Jen and her team engender in the pupils is palpable. As one commented: “You have to work hard, but we are very lucky to have a programme like this.”
London Reception
Great Debating King’s teams achieved the high honour of competing in both the Cambridge Schools’ International Finals and Oxford Schools Competitions whilst Josie Patterson (Junior King’s) and Eóin Pickstone (New Beacon) were crowned London South regional champions in the International Competition for Young Debaters. Eóin was singled out as one of the top five individual speakers in the competition and the pair went on to the finals at the Cambridge Union. Mike Cox, Head of Debating, puts down this year’s success in great part to “the fantastic foundations laid by Alanna Fraser, who held the post previously”. He adds: “The best thing is to see the huge fun which Debating generates. As well as the academic benefits, it is great to see the sheer buzz generated by going head to head - pupils just love it!” Photo: Josie and Eóin in the Cambridge Union Debating Chamber
Heads and other staff enjoyed a Reception for London Prep Schools hosted by King’s at The Royal Academy in February. In spite of Storm Doris which caused travel disruption that day, 16 schools were represented at the Reception which coincided with the Academy’s exhibition of Russian art from the revolutionary period with some guests taking the opportunity to visit prior to the Reception. A special highlight of the evening was a performance by the A Cappella group. Photo: The Headmaster congratulates our singers: Angus Clews (Dulwich Prep Cranbrook), Louise Gerth (The Chorister School, Durham), Charles Lin (Diocesan Boys Hong Kong), Caroline Loane (Lady Margaret), Beatrice Ninham (Junior King’s), Florence Roberts (Wellesley House), Oscar Saarbach (Ecole Francaise Lausanne), Jeremy Wan (Ying Wa College Hong Kong)
New Magazine For Preps June 2017 sees the first issue of “Mind’s Eye Prep”, a brand new magazine for Prep Schools. Anthony Lyons, Head of Creative Writing at King’s whose brainchild it is, explains: “It aims to provide a vehicle for Prep school pupils’ writing and to give them a voice about any aspect of the world they choose. Subjects range from sporting heroes to the environment, space, art and emotional issues, and many more besides. The idea is to give freedom of expression to young writers and I am very excited by the wide interest shown so far.” The new publication, which is modelled on Mind’s Eye, a yearly magazine written entirely by pupils at King’s since 2011, will be distributed in June. Anthony hopes that Mind’s Eye Prep will develop in the future: “This is just the first year and I hope that more and more schools will want to contribute once they have seen this first edition.”
EP
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Bully Victims
Must Not Suffer in
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Silenc
How
Global g Warmin it s is Ta ki ng
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The Futi of th eVietnam
War
World Peace?
What u G ive
Yo Wou ld for
Mind’s Eye Prep | 2017
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