The Annual Magazine of King €duuard's School Birmingham CHRONIO.6

KES CHRONICLE 1998 CHRONICLE

CONTENTS

H6LLOS 5 GOOD6V6S 10 FCATURCS 15

Reviews 29 WORDS 37 MUSIC 45 PICTURCS 49 TRIPS 57 SOCICTieS 75 HOUS6S 83 SPORT 91

EDITORIAL STAFF

Heuos & GOODBVeS The Team FeRTURes Daniel Andrews DRRMR Alex Houuell MUSIC Benedict Fisher TRIPS Paul Rutter Houses Michael McDermott socieTies Vivek Katyal SPORT James Hebblethuuaite

CDITOR Philip Wheatley STRff Sophie Sheringham

RRTWORK Richard Hamilton

Page 3 KES CHRONICLE 1998 CHRONICLE

EDITORIAL

Hugh Wright, our departing Chief Master, has long said that we do "an unusual number of things unusually well", and that much is certainly true. Looking through what has already come in for this year's Chronicle, and what went in last year's Chronicle, there are trips run by staff to far-flung places (Mount Blanc, Iceland, Texas, Abergavenny and Stokes Bam to name but a few); There are articles about pupils' work in Stage Crew, PSG, Cot Fund, and at Andrew's Coppice; There are reviews of five or six school plays and the same number of concerts and lunchtime recitals, there are sports tours in exotic locations and numerous societies. Behind each of these activities there is a member of staff, and a number of pupils, each contributing in their own way, each giving up their free time - be it to organise the trips, to organise a society meeting, or to visit elderly people, or to organise Cot Fund events. It is these people, whom the school has brought up in "godliness and good learning", who have earned for the school a reputation that is second to none. It is these who have "Feared no hardship, shirked no labour, smiled at death and conquered fate", it is these people who have made our school "great" and it is of these people, we should be proud. The price for our reputation must be eternal vigilance. We must never get complacent or apathetic; for if we do we shall surely learn that a tarnished crown is no crown at all.

As is customary, I would like to give my well-earned thanks to Diane, Fred and Sandra, without whom Chronicle would never get off the drawing board let alone through the 57 (and then some) revisions it goes through before it gets to the finished work you see before you. I would also like to thank all the section editors for their hard work. Anyone can hand in a Chronicle section, but it takes a special kind of person to do it well, and this year I am glad to say, they have all done just that. Most of all however, I would like to thank the two people who have been ever-present throughout the 14 month gestation period it takes for Chronicle to go from conception to birth. Without Miss Sheringham and Miss Tudor, Chronicle would have been but a pale reflection of what it is today.

Philip Wheatley Editor

'Unaccustomed as I am...'

Having been impressed by its glossy pages and professional appearance, I enthusiastically accepted responsibility for Chronicle when Julian Burns decided that Chronicle 1997 was to be his last. I am happy to say that in spite of the size and difficulty of the task and the anxiety with which much of the year has been fraught, that initial enthusiasm has not waned (much). I look forward with excitement to seeing the final product of so much hard work.

I must thank first of all, the team who has put the magazine together. The section editors have had full responsibility for the layout of their sections and have coped with the challenge admirably. I name especially Philip Wheatley and James Hebblethwaite, Philip for his dedication to Chronicle, even after his departure for university, and James for his patience and tireless exertions as editor.

My thanks also go to Bradley Spencer, Richard Hamilton and Tomek Naden for their excellent work on the covers and sections headings; Catherine Tudor and Julian Burns for their unstinting advice and support; and to the Resources Centre Staff for their help and their tolerance.

SES

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David Ash door that the appearance of the school C: Why did you go into teaching? and equipment within it are a high th Head of Modern Languages DJA: As a 6 former, I used to earn investment priority. If you are looking money during the holidays teaching for differences, I would have to say that English to French children in Kent and life at KES seems more pressurised. loved it. I spent two years in France as Both pupils and staff are busier, which an English assistant, and after can make it difficult to find time to build graduating, a year's teacher training up relationships. increased my enthusiasm, so I jumped C: The pupils see you as a bit of a in with both feet. radical. What is your answer to this? C: ... Russian ? DJA: It rather depends what you mean. DJA: It's the world's 5th most widely If you mean someone who tends to look spoken language after English, Chinese, at the way things are done and ask Hindi and Spanish (French is 6lh and "How can we do this better, for the German is 12Ih by the way). It is not as greater benefit of a larger number of difficult to learn as they would have you people?", then I'm comfortable with the believe, especially up to GCSE. label. I have always felt that we have C." What are the advantages of doing a more to fear from apathy and modern language at A-Level? complacency that we have from DJA: Britain has a terrible reputation C: What did you do before KES? responsible change. I suppose that's for laziness where foreign languages are DJA: For the last five years I ran the why I try to encourage people to look concerned. It's not true that "everyone Russian Department at Bolton school beyond the familiar, to get out of their out there" speaks English, and those in Lancashire. There aren't many comfort zones, to think more who remain stubbornly monolingual are schools where Russian is a major adventurously. If that means limiting their opportunities. I would not subject, and I suppose a Lancashire mill questioning the status quo from time to stop at European languages either, even town is not the first place you would time, as long as it's done sensibly then though they are the ones we tend to go looking for one, but we had over 100 it can be quite helpful. teach in British schools. The skills of boys studying the language at any one C: What do you like doing out of language acquisition, once learned, can time. I taught French as well, of course, school? be applied to anything from Swahili to but the Russian sort of took over. DJA: My main focus outside school is Chinese. And once you've started, why C: How have you found KES different the church. Wherever my wife and I confine yourself to "economically from your previous school? have lived, being part of a Christian strategic" languages? Buck the trend! DJA: The similarities strike you first. community has always been very Study something unusual for its own Like KES, Bolton school is an important. I'm also a musician and the sake rather than with one eye in the academically successful, independent two spheres overlap quite a bit. My bank account! - There, is that radical boys' school with a girls' "division" on favourite kind of holiday involves hills enough for you? the same site. Sport is strong, the or mountains. And as you would expect buildings are magnificent: it is obvious of a linguist foreign travel has become C: Thank you very much Mr Ash. from the moment you walk through the a bit of a habit.

HELLOS PageS KES CHRONICLE 1998

Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in lesson coincides with the beginning -of Michael Daniel England). another, in spite of the fact that the two Head of Physics lessons are timetabled in two different C: What made you leave CERN to places, which is in direct contradiction pursue a teaching career? of a fundamental law of nature - "You MD: I went to CERN as a research cannot be in two different places at the fellow. Such positions are not same time". Teaching here is a lot of permanent; they usually last two years. hard work and there is always After that you must find another job something to be done in running the somewhere else. After leaving CERN I Physics department. There is always went to work in the Rutherford paper in my pigeon hole, no matter how Appleton Laboratory. My teaching many times I empty it during the day! career started when Canon Phillips, who was then Chaplain of St. John's C: Do you agree with Physicists who (my College in Oxford) was appointed have said that "Biology is for scientists Headmaster of The King's School in who can't handle real mathematics"? Canterbury and was looking for a MD: Certainly not. Biologists study physics teacher. Chris Lewellyn-Smith, extremely complicated systems. Even who was then a Fellow at St. John's, a living cell is very complicated. C: What did you do before KES? suggested that I get in touch with Canon Because of its complexity it is not MD: I was head of Science at St. Paul's Phillips. This I did and I got the job. always possible to study such a system Girls' School in London for six years. mathematically. Physicists, on the other C: What do you think of KES? Before that I spent four years at the hand, devise rather 'simple' systems, MD: It is a very good school with high King's School in Canterbury, teaching which they then analyse thoroughly, academic standards and achievements. Physics. I spent fifteen years before that using the full power of mathematics, in It is not a place for idle pupils. Teaching doing research in elementary particle order to discover and study the and learning at KES is very rapid and physics (department of Theoretical fundamental laws of nature. everything moves quickly, very much Physics in Oxford, DESY in Germany, like the timetable. As you know one Paris in France, CERN, and the C: Thank you very much Dr. Daniel

Andrew Duncombe C: How do such places as Nepal AD: Well, I do like to keep fit, and compare with Birmingham? generally enjoy sport: cricket, rugby, Geography AD: My year of travelling was an and running. Though I wouldn't say unbelievable experience. All the I'm a fitness freak. Also I'm a bit of a cultures were so rich and the people so fan of the theatre, especially musicals. friendly, which is not dissimilar to C: What impression would you like to Birmingham, which I have found a very leave on KES when you leave? (if you friendly place. However places such as leave... ?) Nepal are so unique. Any experience of AD: Is this question referring to the such places affects you in a profound length of time some staff have been way, without you necessarily realising here? I hope to have helped boys learn at the time. how the world works. Mind you I'm C: What would you say the best thing still learning myself - no one should is about teaching at KES? ever stop learning. AD: I can think of three things: the C: Finally, any great ambitions? friendly staff, generally responsive boys AD: I'm not one to look too far ahead, and the splendid facilities. but I would like to make progress in the C: So what would you change about the teaching profession. I'm pretty school? determined in most things I do, and I can't imagine I would stay in teaching, C: Tell us about your life before you AD: I think it's too early to say. if I didn't want to progress further. And came to KES? However, as their coach, I would like to see the world while I'm doing it! AD: I went to school at one of our to be able to change the results of the rivals: Loughborough Grammar School. U14s. C: Mr. Duncombe, Thank you. I then took a year out, travelling to India, Nepal and Australia. I then did C: How do you spend your time outside three years of Geography at Cambridge, school? I've heard you're a fitness followed by a year of teacher training. freak?

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Q. Could you sum up your life story? very positive and enthusiastic about the Qjl: I was born and brought up in subject. Gill Hudson Gloucestershire. I went to a girls Religious Education C: What changes, if any, would you like grammar school. Then I moved to to see in the R.E. department? Birmingham to begin my teacher GH: One major change I would like to training at Westhill College. My first see is more R.E. lessons, certainly two teaching post was in Castle Bromwich. R.E. lessons a week in lower school. I took some time out of teaching after the birth of my two sons and my last C: Would your like your children to be teaching post was at Tudor Grange taught by the people you work with ? School in Solihull. GH: I would love my children to be taught by the people I work with, but C; How does King Edward's compare there are occasions when I don't know to your old school? if the people I work with would like to GH: The facilities are much better. I teach my children. think one of the most positive things about being here is that everyone seems C: What do you do to relax after a day to be pulling in the same direction. at work? There is a good, strong work ethic and GH: When I get home my first priority there's no stigma attached to working is to make sure my sons have given hard. some thought to homework. But when the weather is good I like to go out and C: If you could be a sweet, what would C: What attitudes have you discovered potter in the garden. I love to eat but I you be and how would you like to be towards R.E. among staff and pupils? hate cooking so I like to eat out if at all eaten ? GH: Very positive attitudes. I find staff possible. I also enjoy the occasional GH: I would be a extra strong mint and most supportive. There's a good, strong game of Bridge. I would be eaten with extreme caution. R.E. department and generally speaking most of the boys I've come across are C: Thank you Mrs Hudson.

C: Tell us about your life so far. JS: It has a liberal attitude to education Jan Sendor JS: I started in lighting at the age of as a whole. It advertises an 'all-round Assistant Director of Drama 17 as a volunteer in my local Rep education', and develops an education theatre and did that for 4 years whilst which is, I suppose, a cultural doing 'O' and 'A' levels, then moved education, dealing with everything on to the University of Hull, the first and aspiring to excellence. university to offer Drama as a single C: What else are you doing? honours degree. I then began a career, JS: I am lighting a production of initially in lighting, and then Henry VIII. Lighting fits around other gradually going into production projects, because it tends to happen on management and latterly technical one or two days in a production period: direction. I am now taking the you have to go in and sort out the opportunity to move into a new role. lighting and you only have limited time. C: Have you been in education before? C: Any big ambitions, personally? JS: Over the last 5 or 6 years, I've JS: I live a charmed life! It's quite done occasional teaching here dealing curious. I've always thought that with stage lighting. I don't normally somehow all will be well. My mother have to justify myself by teaching The energy level and the commitment said that to me: I've always thought anybody else. I learnt by people level and the performances they gave that she must have seen something teaching me in an empirical way - so were far and away much more exciting about the way my life was going. I they told me to do things and I just than what you might sometimes see suppose ambition is sometimes did them, and found out whether they in the professional world: their minds fulfilled in unexpected ways. worked for me, over 30 years! were open, they performed with a Lighting is a craft, that at its more C: What do you like about your work? native enthusiasm. Consequently I advanced level, can be art. JS: I found myself recently lighting a remember thinking 'I'm so glad that production of 'The Wall' for Midlands I'm here', which is very important - C: What do you think of the school's Arts Centre, which was done by Stage you need to be glad to be there. attitude to drama? Two - a company of young people. C: Jan Sendor, thank you very much.

HELLOS Page 7 KES CHRONICLE 1998

Lawrence Kimpton was used to finance a trip to the USA LK: Well, in the past at Manchester I Geography and Canada. I went to Swansea was involved in schools camps and a University for a Geography Degree and mountain activities club. When I was then Nottingham for a PGCE. I spent at KES before I helped with the 20 years teaching in the Midlands Removes' Study Week and rather by ending up as Head of Department with accident than design I took over the exception of one year which I spent temporary charge of cross-country studying for an M.Ed, degree. I then despite the fact that my previous moved to a temporary job at KES for involvement in the sport was the dizzy five terms before I obtained a heights of reserve in the school team permanent job in the independent sector many years previously. at Manchester Grammar where I have C: Do you have any plans for the been for the last seven years. I wanted future? to return to the Midlands and the LK: When I left Manchester Grammar opportunity arose for a part-time post I finished full-time teaching so one here. I decided to come back for a could say that my ambitions there have second stint as I had enjoyed my first. probably ended, although in the past I C: Has KES changed much since you have been involved with the writing and were last here? revision of Geography textbooks which C: Could you give us some details of I may continue in the future. Possibly I LK: In general no, but the most obvious your life before KES? would like to further my interest in changed are physical, especially in the LK: I grew up in Cambridge and went foreign travel; just before I came to geography department where there is a to a school similar to KES. On leaving KES I spent two months in New new resources area, which before was I took a gap year. Part of the time I spent Zealand. I also have an ambition to little more than two cupboards linked doing a job as a Hospital Porter, and organise the building of my own house. by a balcony. then two terms unqualified teaching at C: Mr. Kimpton, Thank you very much. Primary School which stirred my C: What are your 'extra-curricular' interest in education. The money earned interests?

country: I've always felt attracted to NM: I've always thought that if a person Nandy Millan English people and English culture. wanted to be devoted to teaching the Spanish Assistant Spain is a very nice place for holidays, best place to teach would be a but I think if you have expectations to university, as that is supposed to be the do something serious in life, you don't place where people should be more really have the chance to do that there, motivated because they are finally C: I hear that Nandy Millan isn't so I prefer England. doing what they have chosen to do. But, exactly your full name. after the time I've been teaching at KES, C: Are your views of English people NM: No - my whole name is Maria I've realised it's not always like that. Fernanda Millan Corrales. When I first shared in Spain? came to England it was confusing. In NM: No, unfortunately there are always C: And if there's any spare time after Spain, people have two surnames and stereotypes, which I detest. The way all of that? two or three first names. When I English people are 'seen' from Spain is NM: I love going shopping - I know registered at the university, I was given generally associated with hooliganism the city centre like the back of my four or five different identities, because and bad behaviour and as being "cold- hand!! - I like travelling a lot. I have of the different combinations they made mannered". I think this is extremely been to many places all over the country of my names! So I have become just unfair. You can find people "behaving and all over Europe. I like talking to Nandy Millan. badly" everywhere, and in my three people and do my best to learn from years here I have always felt very them, and share experiences. I also like C: So why, when you come from a welcomed and I never felt any sort of reading and "vegetating" when I have beautiful country like Spain, have you rejection for being Spanish. the time. chosen to come to England? NM: Well, because...what's the problem C: How do you find KE? C." Senorita Millan, Thank you very with England? Is there something much. wrong here? It's not such a nasty

HELLOS Page 8 KES CHRONICLE 1998 Herr Briinner snow! The English really know how to on foreigners to speak their language, drink. I could not believe it when I first such as when conducting business. German Assistant came here: I was lying under the table while everyone else was drinking. C: How do you spend your spare time ? C: Could you tell us a bit about your HB: In Germany I did a lot of Tae Kwon C: What are the main differences background. Do. I also went sailing a lot on the River between England and Germany? HB: I am studying Biology and English Mosel. I'm addicted to travelling, and I HB: The main difference is probably at Koln University. I was born in try to visit as many places as possible Marmite - I cannot understand how Oldenburg in the North of Germany, every year. In recent years I've been to anyone can like it! It must be the and I grew up in Koblenz. South Africa, Tanzania, Egypt, Corsica English sense of humour. I had a good and Los Angeles, to name just a few. C: Why did you decide to come to welcome when I arrived so I didn't find England? Why did you choose KES? people reserved here. C: Have you any ambitions for the HB: I wanted to improve my English future? C: What do you think of the standard of and gain experience of teaching. My HB: I always wanted to become a German spoken here at KES? brother was an assistant here four years teacher, and my year here has really HB: I think the standard is very high. ago and he enjoyed it so I applied too. I confirmed this ambition as I have This is especially true when I compare am an assistant at the Girl's School as enjoyed myself immensely. them with the pupils of other German well, so it is interesting to compare the assistants I know. C: Thank you very much Herr Briinner. two schools. C: How important is the learning of C: Did you have a stereotype of the languages in today's society? English before you came here? HB: It is becoming extremely HB: In Germany they think the English important, especially now with the EU. go out in shorts even if it's - 10°C, and The English sometimes rely too heavily sunbathe on beaches even if there's

Sue Lowe Chemistry Technician C: What did you do before you came C: Do you think single-sex to KES? education is a good idea ? SL: I was an exotic dancer and I also SL: I think single-sex education is a did some television work for Live! GREAT idea! TV (my favourite sport is darts). C: Do you eat toast at break ? C: When did you decide to take a SL: It depends who's making the scientific career? toast. SL: What scientific career?!? C: Do you share the other chemistry C: How have you found the staff and technician's love of soaps? pupils here ? SL: No, I don't watch TV soaps - I SL: The staff are mostly a friendly have a life! bunch and the pupils are well- mannered and polite. C: Thank you very much, Sue Lowe.

HELLOS Page 9 KES CHRONICLE 1998

^Li-

Hugh Wright (Chief Master: Sept '91 - July '98)

In August 1998, the month of his As a result his Tutor strongly advised would agree with him, but if not sixtieth birthday, Hugh Wright retired him not to think of teaching as a marble, Hugh Wright's achievement as the twenty-eighth Chief Master of career. How wrong can one be? After was much more than brick and King Edward's School. a very successful career as a Classics certainly did not just relate to the When he arrived, seven years earlier, teacher, Hugh Wright became fabric of the building, but much more the school was in a state of flux, with Headmaster of Stockport Grammar to its spirit. He made sure that the the expansion by one form per year School and then Gresham's School in school was ready for the challenges group started by the previous Chief Holt. At both these schools he was of the new Millenium. Master, Martin Rogers, having instrumental in introducing many new Building work was carried out reached about the half-way stage. developments and at Stockport the during the whole of his tenure as Chief Without fuss, Hugh Wright numbers of pupils grew from 550 to Master. When Hugh Wright arrived engineered the smooth transition 960 during his years as Headmaster. in September 1991, the immediate which resulted in a school of some 870 With this pedigree he was a natural requirement was to cater for the extra boys. With the Governors' help and choice for the Governors to continue boys in the School. So the Cartland Hugh Wright's careful planning, new and complete the expansion plan Corridor was opened up and, with a rooms and laboratories appeared. As which had been started by Martin superb example of lateral thinking, the befits his somewhat shy nature, none Rogers. He had been left to provide Upper School Common Room was of these new facilities bears Hugh solutions for the many and various created within the space previously Wright's name, somewhat bucking the 'details' which needed to be addressed occupied by the CCF. offices and trend set by previous Chief Masters! to make the enlarged school an stores. This, of course, necessitated the relocation of the CCF. and Hugh Wright, who read Classics at efficient establishment. In a recent adequate space was found in the old The Queen's College, Oxford, has Foundation newsletter, Hugh Wright Scout hut. At the same time the been a teacher all his working life. wrote an article which detailed the Library was extended and some This lasting commitment to teaching changes that he made during his computers were housed in the extra may be something of a surprise when period at King Edward's. He started accommodation. The refurbishment one considers the one and only piece the article thus : "Only Augustus of a Chemistry laboratory at this time of career advice he ever received. He would be so bold to say he found did not create any extra laboratory went to Queen's as a Scholar, but in Rome a city of brick and left it a city space and with the very rapid increase his first year examinations he did not of marble. I certainly would not claim in the number of boys taking A-level live up to what was expected of him. this of King Edward's School". Most

GOODBYES Page 10 KES CHRONICLE 1998

Science subjects, another two laboratories had to be built, preparation of his GAP year made easier with Hugh Wright's which were named after two former Heads of Science. positive contribution. Bernard Guy and Harold Mayor had both given over 30 During his Chief Mastership, he appointed many new years of service to the school and had influenced many members of staff and he is proud of the fact that now one- generations of boys, and so it was fitting for them to be fifth (0.2!) of the Common Room is female, this number honoured in this way. The new wing within the Science being swelled for a few years by his wife, Jill, who School also created two new Computer rooms and so freed contributed much to the teaching in the Chemistry up space to enable the Art and Design, and the Design and Department. Technology Departments to have more teaching space, The boys who have made the school what it is are the ones again, because more boys than ever were who have gained the most from his leadership. studying these subjects. He lead them by example and they The computer rooms were named responded by not only producing after Paul Ruddock, Old outstanding academic results but Edwardian, whose generous creating an air of industry and gifts had enabled much of the energy unequalled under any School's I.T. equipment to previous Chief Master. His be purchased and Nick support for all activities Holliday, a teacher of was always very much Geography at the appreciated, but he school, who was so also joined in. tragically killed in a Playing the bassoon climbing accident. in the Orchestra, During his time taking a hat-trick at King Edward's, in a Kestrels Hugh Wright was cricket match and always an being the coach advocate of of the U12D modern ideas and Rugby team technology and he showed an was very keen to unusual breadth ensure that both of interests and the boys and their talents. teachers used them He has retired as to the full. the Chief Master of However, he did not King Edward's necessarily do so School, but not from himself. For example, education, and in a he always chose not to sense his career has use decimals and most of completed one lap. the calculations that he did, Having been educated at be it to do with scholarships or Kings wood School in Bath teaching allocations, were done by he goes back there as Chairman adding and subtracting fractions. The of Governors. In this job, and the computer was a machine which he many others he has accumulated to do ensured all within the school were trained to in his 'retirement', he will use his use - save one! considerable body of knowledge and wisdom of For the school to have moved forward so far in such a short education that he has gained as Chairman of the H.M.C. and period of time required a person who had the School at heart. as a member of the Birmingham Secondary Schools Hugh Wright was such a man. Whenever boys or teachers Education Commission. went to him with suggestions and ideas he was always willing All who have been associated with Hugh and Jill whilst at to listen sympathetically and, more often than not, produce King Edward's would wish that they enjoy their move to the support and finance required. Many a boy has had the Limpley Stoke near Bath and enjoy the retirement they so richly deserve.

GA

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An Interview with Hugh Wright

C: Have you enjoyed your time as Chief Master of KES? we have the facility for combining in more ways with the High HW: Enormously, and I hope it has showed. School it will provide both schools with a way of getting over that change effectively. C: It is commonplace to find the attitude of KES boys criticised. Do you feel there are any grounds for complaint? C: Is it ever possible to achieve a balance between tolerance HW: Well I haven't heard these complaints. It is rather the and discipline? reverse! I'm often told how co-operative and lively you are. HW: I think of it more as an equilibrium, I'm not sure about a I'd say that on the whole the boys are a lively and hard-working "balance". It needs constant attention, but I do think that you bunch, and I'm delighted to have my time here in such splendid can - you must be very careful that you don't err too much company. I think that you're a tolerant lot and you're sensibly one way or another (which I'm sure is one of the jobs of the outspoken, which I rather enjoy. Chief Master). I do believe that we've got the kind of equilibrium that is in the interests of everybody. C: Do you think that there's an imbalance in the School between the Sciences and the Arts? C: Do you think Birmingham as a whole profits from the K.E. HW: Well, I compare what happens here with what I know Foundation ? happens in other schools. By comparison, we're a shining HW: Yes. The Children's University, and the University of the example of offering everything and doing it really rather well. First Age, both schemes that the Foundation has been heavily If you consider the range of A-Level subjects we do here, there involved in are of great significance for the future of education are very few schools that do more, and similarly at GCSE in Birmingham. We also have long produced a steady stream everyone does 11 subjects which is quite remarkable, and very of well-educated people. Many people think "Well maybe if I few schools do that. It's all there and it's all done well. go and live in Birmingham then I can get my child into one of the King Edward's Schools!" C: Martin Rogers said that being Chief Master of KE was the most stimulating job he had ever had, do you agree ? C: Could you tell us what your position as chairman of the HW: Yes. The five form entry has grown through to the top HMC involved? while I have been here, and we've had the opportunity as a HW: It is not a simple role. You are acting as a spokesman for result for an enormous amount of development of every kind. a very prominent set of independent schools, and because of I also like the pace of the school - exhilarating. the interest taken in those schools; you frequently find yourself speaking for the independent sector as a whole. There is a C: In what ways do you anticipate the school may feel (or has strong political element - I remember seeing David Blunkett felt) the effect of the change in Government? several times and getting on very well with him (we both were HW: You might have felt that with a change in Government, a brought up in Sheffield) and I also went to see the Conservative school which relies as heavily as we do on the Assisted Places and Liberal Democrats. During my time there was a great deal Scheme, would feel a tremendous change. In fact because of of planning for the Dearing report (on 16-19 curriculum) - I the Foundation's offer to replace the Government's scheme had a good deal to do with that. I also did a great deal of with it's own, really there has not been a great deal of impact - travelling up and down the country seeing a lot of schools and long may that continue. I am encouraged that we were able to a lot of people. It was all remarkably challenging and join with the Government in the Literacy Summer School last interesting. It was impressive that with the support of the Summer, and that we are involved with various partnership common room and David Buttress in particular, the school schemes in Birmingham, and that these things have attracted seemed to manage perfectly well for the year. national notice. C: What will you look back on with satisfaction? C: Do you see more integration with KEHS as the way forward? HW: One thing in particular that is always now needed, and is HW: Yes! I think that both schools rightly seek to keep their impressive, is more information technology. If you look now own identity, but there are many things that could be done around the school in all the departments and the new building together. If required we could extend the range of our upper which houses the computing and electronics departments - it school curriculum by more co-operation with them, and it may has become a significant part of the school. Also I look back well be an enormously helpful thing. I suspect that large 6th on the Ofsted inspection, and although it was pretty ghastly at forms in the future will be something which will be more or the time, we received a very favourable report, after having less required. As far as the maintained sector is concerned, I the biggest team of inspectors that have ever been to a school think that there will be attempts to limit the funding for very of our size at one time. Above all however, I get satisfaction small 6th forms, having the effect of making them disappear from the fact that it was a marvellous school when I came and altogether - and also as the curriculum develops we will require that it is a marvellous school as I leave. greater numbers to put it into place at the 6th form stage. So if

GOODBYES Page 12 KES CHRONICLE 1998

Q. js there a single event from the last seven years that stands of bids for funding for the national lottery (all right for some - out above all else? Ed) at the request of the new chairman of the National Heritage jjW' I thought you'd ask me that! I've had a thought. I can't Trust. I will be one of the assessors for the south-west - we are say "any one sm$e event">there are several. I got tremendous retiring to Bath. Secondly, and somewhat unexpectedly I've satisfaction, and some fear from playing in the school orchestra been asked to be an inspector for the Bishops of Anglican in the Belioz Symphonic Fantastique when I arrived - it was a Theological Colleges. Thirdly, I've agreed to become Chairman marvellous experience, with a wonderful orchestra. I found of the Governors of Kingswood School, my own school - 4 going to Twickenham to watch our U15's Rugby side win the generations of my family have gone there, including our three Daily Mail Cup so exciting to be almost painful. I enjoyed sons. I think we will travel. I might rejoin the Bath Symphony going to Lords to see the Oxford vs Cambridge match to see Orchestra which I used to play in, watch Bath play rugby, see the two Captains who were old scholars pitched together. Our more of old friends, but keep in contact with Birmingham - dogs had pups while I was here - a totally unexpected event. having been asked to chair a committee to co-ordinate the Seriously though, the replacement of the Assisted Places Children's University nationally. Scheme is singly the most remarkable thing which will ensure C: Are you looking forward to having a bit more time to the continuing character of the school. yourself? C: In your "Hello" interview you spoke of having a "wide HW: I've not really thought about that. I hope I'll continue to variety" of outside interests. Has your time here allowed you be busy, and feel that I've got something to do which is useful, to continue and/or expand these interests in any way? and generally keep going. I don't see retirement from here as HW: I do more reading, listen to more music and do a lot less stopping doing things. exercise now. C: Thank you very much Chief Master, and Good Luck for the C: What are you going to do after leaving us? future. HW: No one single thing. So far I've agreed to act as an assessor

I first heard about Matthew Smith several new skills he became expert before I took up my post here at KES. in a number of very important areas. Matthew Smith My predecessor was enthusing about Matthew was a very popular Design & Technology this bright young chap he had just member of staff with his students, recruited from Brunei University and always maintaining a happy but hard now, after five very enjoyable years working atmosphere in his classes and working with him, I am pleased to be was regularly in his workshop outside able to report that Matthew equalled of normal school time. He was also a or surpassed all of these early very successful Rems form tutor expectations. (receiving large numbers of presents Design and Technology is a subject at Christmas!) and always came back area that requires a very broad range with a few good stories from Rems' of skills and fortunately for KES week. Matthew was an individual with that He also proved to be a good all increasingly rare combination of good round sportsman, playing both soccer design and graphic skills as well as and cricket to a good standard and four the more traditional attributes of the years ago he took on responsibility for old craft teacher - the ability to the 2nd XI. produce high quality outcomes in a Matthew made a very important range of materials. He produced a contribution to Design and range of exemplary work which I am Technology at KES and I'm sure that club!) He also mentioned something sure inspired his students and certainly he will go on to lead major about Karaoke and late nights in bars raised the general standard of work developments at The Island School in but perhaps I had better not mention throughout the department. When the Hong Kong. I know that he has that. school was inspected he received already settled in well and although special mention for the excellence of he has a long teaching day (starting at Matthew was great fun to work with his sixth form work and he also 7.55am) he tells me that he is already and he is sorely missed by all in the responded with great enthusiasm and playing soccer for the Kowloon Design Centre. We wish him great commitment to the technological Cricket Club and has also been asked success in the future. courses introduced here during the last to play cricket for another team few years. As well as developing (probably the Hong Kong football CH

GOODBYES Page 13 KES CHRONICLE 1998 Brian Tomlinson really knows his stuff, and being a man one of the select band to have who allies North country grit with iron Head of Languages conquered all 277 Munroes (British determination, he ensured that his Peaks over 3000 feet). In his 50s he pupils knew their stuff too. climbed Tmja-Tse in the Himalayas Brian retired in July after 33 years Years of superb academic results are He has been on countless expeditions at KES, 18 of them as Head of only part of Brian's achievement. An with the Venture Scouts, climbing and Languages. Generations of pupils accomplished skier, tennis and squash fell-walking groups. remember him as a teacher who player, he devoted himself throughout If you add his years of running the demanded and achieved the highest his career to sharing his expertise with Modern Languages Department, the standards, although few of them can the boys. With Derek Everest, he Wiesbaden exchange, the Modern have gone on to match his own started school skiing in 1967 and has Languages Society, Eurodrama (the expertise in languages. At Manchester organised or accompanied trips ever idea of which, he invented decades Grammar School he passed 'A' Level since. He ran school tennis and squash ago), you will still not have exhausted and won a Cambridge place while still for many years and is largely the list of Brian's achievements. Few 16. He did National Service with the responsible for the strength of these teachers can have contributed more to RAF, spending his two years games at KES. school life. Brian deserves his perfecting and then using his Russian He has accomplished prodigious retirement more than most. It will on intelligence work in Berlin at the feats as a walker. To celebrate undoubtedly be active and energetic, height of the Cold War. French and becoming 40 he walked the Pyrenees and we hope, long and happy. German at Cambridge, then three from end to end. The next year he years teaching at a boarding school in walked from Lake Geneva to the St Didier en Velay - as a linguist, Brian Mediterranean. In 1996 he became

Rosemary Chapman Were we a little nervous? Oh yes, we every tiny detail. Indeed, you will know were nervous. She was the first woman that your results are in part hers, too. Chemistry Teacher to join the chemistry department, and We knew that she would not stay for what a formidable one she promised to ever; she would surely get a head of be. The words of her head haunted us. chemistry post somewhere and depart "She taught me for GCSE, and I And from day one she showed her to run her own show. For her to leapfrog always hoped I'd get her for A level." quality and her appetite for work. In that Robin Smith into the new Head of Then realising that he was talking to his first year she ran a First Aid course for Science post at the very school they had form master and chemistry teacher, he Sixth Form General Studies, went on both applied to is a remarkable went pink and said hastily "Of course, the Rems Study Week, a caving trip and achievement, and a major challenge that I'm quite happy now". a Shell camping weekend and passed she is relishing and already planning I don't suppose that we have ever further lifesaving exams as part of her for. They are in for an exciting time! recruited a colleague in quite the way commitment to Tuesday games. And And what does she think of us, now we caught Rosemary Chapman. Her in later years she trained as a school that she is going? What memories of husband Simon had been appointed as inspector, passed a Certificate in KE will she take with her? When I Head of Geography at Warwick the year Education, took on external asked her this she thought a little, and before; she had gone on teaching at examination marking and acted as chose her words with care. We were Haberdasher's Aske's in Hertfordshire, mentor to Phil Rees on his PGCE. Oh well resourced, she felt, and the with the couple meeting up only at yes, and in odd moments of spare time teaching was excellent, if perhaps a weekends. Not surprisingly she was had a daughter, Jennifer Sian, now two. little orthodox. Groups were larger than anxious to get a job in the Midlands, And she taught chemistry, too, as she was used to, which was harder for and had applied for the Head of many of you will know and have cause the teacher. Some of the students Chemistry post at King's High School, to be grateful for. You will know about worked very hard, she thought, but Warwick. Unfortunately for her, she her careful preparation and her use of a some just did the minimum. Fair was pipped to it by Robin Smith. But variety of different techniques where comment? almost before we could advertise for his many of us would be content to stand To quote Ophelia: "There's rosemary, replacement her headmaster rang up the and drone. You will know about her that's for remembrance." Aye, true Chief Master to suggest that we contact insistence, her relentless insistence, that enough: nobody who came into contact her, for here was an utterly splendid you achieved the best you were capable with her will forget her. I know that I teacher, an excellent chemist, an asset of. You will know that if you were speak for those of you who were taught to any school. And although she wanted having difficulties she was endlessly by her as well as us, her colleagues: she to run her own department, the lure of prepared to give up lunchtimes to help goes with our very best wishes. And Simon persuaded her into a sideways you. You will know about her all our many thanks. move. meticulous marking, her attention to DJH

GOODBYES Page 14 KES CHRONICLE 1998

. CCF. CCF. CCF

This has been one Expeditions of the RAF section's weekend, to the RAF most successful museum at Hendon years, in terms of allowed cadets to overall and learn about the individual history of aviation, achievement. Under and the principles of the command of the flight. This was well multi-faceted Fit. attended, and all Sgt. Ben Sharp, the enjoyed their day. section has grown in Throughout the size as many more year, the Fourth Year budding fourth years Cadets did well to see the advantages of this most modern of contingents. There pass their Proficiency Part 1 exams (eventually), completing has also been a considerable boost to his able force of NCOs, a difficult course of initiative exercises, map reading and and many younger recruits survived the Cadre course and drill. The Fifth Years enjoyed the Cadre course, which is gained their stripes. Throughout the year, our section has run in conjunction with the other services, and after a uniquely been able to offer cadets the chance to fly, at our gruelling year of character building tests and physically local base, RAF Cosford, with the aeroplanes and instructors demanding activities, qualified as NCOs. The older cadets, of eight AEF. These trips have been extremely popular, and now entering their final year, continued to specialise in their boys with a little experience are able to experience chosen interest areas. All passed this, and gained their Part aerobatics. 3 proficiency. A successful annual camp to RAF Coltishall provided Many outstanding achievements were attained this year, Cadets and NCOs alike with many new challenges. They and should serve to set an example to all. Corporal James endured a Night Exercise, a very competitive Drill Hebblethwaite completed, despite some appalling weather, competition, and an interesting First Aid exercise, in which the Basic Glider Training course, and now holds his wings Fig. Off. McMullan displayed (allegedly) some interesting in this discipline. Corporal Chris Chapman braved the behaviour, but that's another story. Another trip, during ultimate challenge, and attended a Marines Training Course,

FEATURES Page 15 KES CHRONICLE 1998

where he found out how fit you really Bursary. This will lead to his wait and see what their capable have to be. Corporal James Smith commission in the Air Force as an leadership will bring. gained an RAF Sixth Form Engineer - an outstanding effort. Scholarship & Flying Scholarship, Younger Cadets should take heed, and Fit. Sgt. James Smith attended the RAF leadership course strive to be just as successful in the in Scotland, and now holds his Private coming year! The baton of command Pilot's Licence. Fit. Sgt. Ben Sharp now passes to Fit. Sgt. Smith and Fit. was also awarded a University Sgt. Chapman. With bated breath, we

RAF Summer Camp

On the 11th of July 1998 eight KES The rest of the week boys accompanied by Mr McMullan we did typical RAF and Mr Burns set off, with the usual activities. The best of hangovers caused by end of term these was the night adventures, to RAF Coltishall where exercise which was so we would be staying for a week. The well organised that the experience promised a taste of what whole thing did not it would be like in the senior RAF. end up as one massive When we arrived we were told that brawl. This was we would be split up into three flights achieved by placing which would contain pupils from the the members of staff three other schools present at the on one team and us on camp. These flights would then the other. Other compete for the whole week, memorable excursions accumulating points for achievements consisted of visiting in activities. Duxford Air Museum, Saturday was spent familiarising getting a guided tour ourselves with the area and other of a radar base and group members as well as listening to flying in Bulldogs the customary regulations about safety over Cambridge and conduct, and on Sunday we went University. on an assault course, which was called Sporting activities a "confidence course." provided the evening Probably my best experience on entertainment. We camp was when we went on work played a range of experience on Monday. I spent the sports which included morning learning about how the RAF street hockey and police work. The officer told us, while football. Our group patrolling about in a police car, about really shone in these two incidents in his service, which and if our room included the story of how two IRA inspections had not members camped out unnoticed for a appalling, we would month in a field 500 yards from the have won the com• main gate in the neighbouring RAF petition easily. base. When we later looked at the The week drew to a Jaguar's workshop we saw how the close with the result workers spent the majority of their that our group won the Thanks must go to Mr McMullan and free time (which consisted of playing inter flight competition. The week was Mr Burns, who not only supervised us pool or watching MTV endlessly). a great chance to see how an air base but organised their share of the camp operated as well as having lots of fun activities. and making lots of friends. Cdt Brendan Finglass

FEATURES Page 16 KES CHRONICLE 1998

NAVY

With the departure of Ed Norris the Naval school cross country runners in the team), but we also Section has been a much more laid back affair stole the show with our armed kidnap of Mr. Andronov this year. Under the inspired leadership of - Bernard's car will never be quite the same again. James Wood and Matthew Dodd the section The new recruits have been following a training has continued to shoot & sail regularly - programme supervised by Johnson and Rees and at one point it was claimed that we had will all reach the rank of Able-Seaman shortly. more time on the range than the army The fifth form have been cruelly snatched away but such scurrilous accusations were for NCO cadre but reports suggest that none quickly proved untrue (as one sergeant of them have died yet, so standards are said: "Say the army do more shooting or slipping somewhere. John Marsters has I'll break your face") finally found a niche for himself and has Expeditions Weekend this year was to the taken on the task of armourer for the range. less than salubrious H.M.S. Bristol, a Cadets have continued to take part in the destroyer moored in Portsmouth Harbour. tly wide range of courses provided by the Navy As well as powerboating and a navigation - Rees and I have been powerboating and exercise to the Isle of Wight, Whittingham Scanlon has been to hone his shooting skills on broke a vending machine and Rob Impey the range at H.M.S Excellent. Recruiting for next became so bored with proceedings that he year has been apparently successful - estimates started reading philosophy! Apparently range from 2 to 22 - and so we approach next the weekend was very enjoyable but, if year with some confidence. you're listening, can we go somewhere other than Thanks must be extended to Miss Tudor Portsmouth next year please? and Mr Everest, for their continued support of Annual Inspection will go down in history as the Naval activities, and also to Miss Sheringham, who only time that the Navy has upstaged the army in has rather inexplicably decided to get involved living memory. Not only did we win the gun race as well. again (not in any way due to a preponderance of P/O Matthew Wheeldon

"Hello Sailor'

FEATURES Page 17 KES CHRONICLE 1998

ARMY Penhale Camp 1998 i

As we left sunny Birmingham on we would have made Noah seem like running until our lungs collapsed in Saturday the 11th July, everyone a land lubber. So after various the Penhale challenge competition, we seemed in good spirit. Perhaps it was discussions about a certain cadet's were supreme. because the holidays had begun and girlfriend strongly resembling By the fourth day, however, the great the cadets were dreaming of a lazy something from planet of the apes we demands upon our bodies and mind week sunning themselves on Cornish descended upon the cliff side football were beginning to take effect. Perhaps beaches, away from the pressures of pitch where we challenged that scruffy it was homesickness, seasickness, parents' nagging and algebra. The bunch of choirboys, aka Solihull gastric angina or E-Coli poisoning, teachers, including Captain Beard, School to a game of soccer, when, (anything was possible with those Captain Collins, and Sergeant Howe, despite playing into El Nino's big pies) but people were losing their were perhaps also minds. Some people tried dreaming of life in their to run through walls, not respective messes and once but twice, whilst the many drinking binges others actually found they may take part in. Captain Beard's jokes The Cadets at least had funny. false hopes, since for us And so after drinking the week was to be cold, urine, being reprimanded wet, dirty, rife with by someone who offered disease and that was just to open up and dump on the food! us, becoming the dish of The camp was situated the day for malaria high on the cliff tops of carrying mosquitoes in Penhale sands, ensuring Penhale's own tropical a good supply of icy cold swamp, we finally had a breezes from the sea to day to ourselves on a refresh each member of beach with more hills the contingent football Preparing for the firing squad than sand dunes, where team in baggy shorts. we could dry out our However, whatever the shriveled bodies. size of each cadets lunchbox there brother we managed to hold a team of However once again Captain Beard's always seemed a fresh supply of semi-professionals that out numbered sense of fun had lead him to organise Penny's Pies and a thirsty Pak. Yet us eight to one, only to lose to a golden our point of rendezvous at one end of these were no ordinary pies, for it took goal. a nudist beach. military boffins years to perfect The Nissan Hut accommodation was And now, as I write this, I imagine anthrax, perhaps one of the most toxic more like a pig sty than a place the desolate sight of Penhale Military of all chemicals, yet the pies, suitable for human habitation and with Training Camp, closed for another rumoured to glow in the dark, no heating or double glazing the year, with the only evidence of our contained far more poisonous nights were cold and the wind week being the thousands of rotting substances, which if discovered would whistled and whined like something pies and a few dead seagulls who have taken Penhale training camp way from a Wilfred Owen poem. The attempted to eat them. Also past the realms of Black Bikinis. sweet smell of gun oil hung in the air somewhere out there, among the Despite this our first full day was like one of Captain Beard's smutty deserts of vast eternity lies an old rather unexciting since due to rain, comments and the ghosts of dead woman satisfied in the knowledge she which would have made one of the cadets were said to walk between the has sent more people to hospital than training camp showers feel warm, we squeaky beds. Nevertheless a group of any other caterer. Her name is Penny. were forced to abandon the planned fighting fit warriors emerged each day Thanks must go to the three people activities and head for a place with to complete the various tasks who made the camp possible , Messrs. even more water, the swimming pool. bestowed upon us. Whether we were Beard, Collins and Howe. The attractions here came in pairs and being trained in the topic of Signals were fairly abundant so it was with by two crude and dim line layers, a L/Cpl Oliver Newcombe reluctance that we left to return to megalomaniac, and an camp, feeling so at home in water that incomprehensible Highlander, or

FEATURES Page IS KES CHRONICLE 1998

CCF Picos de Europa Walking Trip

In the summer of 1997 the CCF. of the moments when he wasn't John Walton. We camped in a took a trip to the Picos de Europa opening the shutter on his camera. Mr. campsite, where suddenly the whole region of northern Spain. It was to be Rees has to take a dip in natural water of the world's scouts came from the Mr. Connor's last CCF. trip at King every day, we never found out what trees and started singing, 'splendid'. Edwards and the other teachers happened if he didn't. On this very (as Mr Beard would say - Ed) present were Mr. Beard, Mr. Collins first day of climbing we chanced upon The third day of this round trip was and Mr. Rees. a strange little man who didn't to be the most talked about. We We began at Digbeth coach station understand English but he could smell walked the length of Cares-Gorge, in the early hours, from where we the fresh Pesetas in our pockets. He which is a beautiful steep sided valley. travelled to Heathrow Terminal 2. We was about half way up and he had a We arrived at our destination that flew with Iberia to Bilbao. On arrival barrel of cold refreshments, chilled by evening at the top of the gorge where in Bilbao, already looking as though ice taken from the snowfields, he even the planned youth hostel was closed. we had walked the Great Wall of had a bottle of wine with him. He So we continued up the mountain a China (excluding the everfresh Mr. became the group's best friend for the short way and found a flat spot over• Collins), we proceeded to use local duration of the trip. After the first day looking the valley as a campsite. This transport and a very clean tube system I began to see why all the staff had is where the Drama began. We began walking poles (apart from the to take us to the local bus station. to pitch our tents to the sound of what Gazelle). Herein lies the beginning of our we thought were distant rumblings. transportation difficulties. We had We took another day walk on the By the time it reached us most tents booked on a coach that was supposed following day in preparation for the weren't up. Nobody had ever seen a to have taken us to, or as near to our challenges to come. On the third day storm like it, the track turned into a base station as possible that evening. we embarked on our round trip of the river and rocks were flying through In Spain they tend to overbook Picos, the intention being to go the air, A pebble flew through Mr. coaches, ours was no exclusion, due straight across from south to north and Beard's tent puncturing it, other tents to which we endured (enjoyed) the then follow Cares-Gorge in a south• floated off with people in them. Mr sights and sounds of Bilbao for the east direction and then back to base. Collins was found lying on top of his night and caught the early coach the The next day we travelled north equipment soaked to the bone. After next morning. The little sleep we had encountering a very hairy descent; this we all went down to the village that evening was taken in one of two with Mr. Collins appearing to be and managed to call two taxis which places, the coach station (whilst open) completely in his element and Mr took us to the nearest town where we and a local multi-storey. Rees taking the direct route, as ever, checked into a hotel, dried out and The coach that we took in the straight down. This was all done to the made repairs to our equipment. morning decided not to drop us at our constant cries of 'splendid' from Mr. The rest of the walking was spent stop but some miles past along the Beard and Mr. Connor. After the taking day walks back to and around coast, from where we had to backtrack descent we had a break taking a look the base camp. The whole trip was an on another coach after a few hours at some of the mountain wildlife and experience I will never forget. At the waiting and playing football. We continued north to our overnight shack end we spent two days in sunny arrived at the original destination stop which was apparently always around Santander to recuperate and soak up about a day late. We took yet another the next corner according to the the sun. I would like to thank all of over-booked coach from here to our detailed maps we had. the staff and Mr. Connor in particular base station, this time we crammed in. We were served an interesting for all of the work he put in over the We set up camp that evening in a culinary delight that evening of rice years, and we wish him luck for the very multinational and cultural and fried eggs. We settled in our bunks future. municipal campsite. The next day we for the evening after watching took a day walk with only a day-sack climbers on the sheer face that is the Sgt Rob Vickers via the cable car, which took us Bulnes. The next day went all to plan unsurprisingly to El Cable. This was as we proceeded to another village, our first days walking and we climbed which was at the base of Cares-Gorge. one of the highest peaks in the Picos. The staff enjoyed their Bulnes-Blue Mr. Rees (the Gazelle) took his daily cheese, which I thought looked like dip in a splendid little pool during one one of the, by now, infamous shoes of

FEATURES Page 19 KES CHRONICLE 1998 The Idler

The official newspaper of King Edward's School, Birmingham

No Teletubbies No Spice Girls No Journalism?

Having lost the self-proclaimed comic reviews. The enthusiasm of these fifth- amazed us all with his lucid TV geniuses of years past, the Idler years was much in evidence, and I'm reviews, while Raj Jayaprakash seemed likely to struggle this year. sure most of the Idler team secretly provided the only news content with The departure of Ben Mclldowie, harboured some grudging respect for stories on India's nuclear bombs and Kieron Quirke and Robin French it. In fact, we managed to steer clear OJ Simpson. As the year wore on, our signalled the end of an era; never again of producing an entire issue of Sorted- second issue was mainly on the would so much material be censored, related gags and contented ourselves subject of Spice Girls and Teletubbies or so few issues be published. To fill with a small editorial stating our point (as you may guess, we were not overly their ample shoes, a crack team of of view and our intentions for this favourable). Prashant Pattni produced Divs were drafted in, urged by Doc year's Idler. While we were allowed the "Asian Eye-dler" page, to mixed Hosty to feel free to vent their spleen, to print this first issue, we received a reaction. albeit in a more restrained way than sharp rap across the knuckles and our I could go on about how we were first their predecessors. With the avenues censor extracted a promise that we to report on South Park, and how of slander and obscenity (so well used would end our pathetic battle. Crafty Raj's Analytical Ponderings by the staff of old) closed to us, we So, then, what school-related matters (on football) became legendary as racked our addled brains for material did we cover this year? Well, none. We biased, ill-informed reporting at its to fill the hallowed pages, and hit upon wrote about stuff that we were worst. But really, I must finish by a sure way to ensure sales; rubbishing interested in; music, films, music, TV, saying that the whole team have the competition. music... You get the idea. There was worked hard at some time during the For the first time this year, a full-time some dispute within the camp about year (because they would batter me Friday afternoon group had set up in whether Oasis were actually any good otherwise), and that next year we will competition to the Idler. Sorted had at all. A compromise was reached by endeavour to average more than one been started some months before as a publishing a full-page (favourable) issue per term. And hopefully, worthy, teacher-friendly real School review of Be Here Now by Karim, someone other than impressionable Newspaper, and as such had rather with an editorial note at the bottom lower school boys will buy it... different content to our esteemed saying how this was all utter rubbish. I wrote at least one article, boring organ. This included a front-page Alex Howell thriller on the subject of the detentions everyone senseless with my slavish book, as well as high-quality TV devotion to Radiohead. Andrew Hives

A big thank you to Dr Hosty for encouraging us to do some work and for his help and advice.

FEATURES Page 20 KES CHRONICLE 1998

ANDREW MACLACHLAN (Arkwright Scholar)

Winner of the 1998 YEDA When I first suggested to Andrew that he should enter his The finals of the competition were held at the Manchester A Level Design project - A Portable Basketball Scoreboard Museum of Science and Industry in the presence of HRH for the Young Electronic Designer Award, I had no idea The Duke of York, the YEDA patron, who presented the just how successful he was going to be. I suppose that we prizes. The guest of honour was Professor Tom Kilburn, all tend to underestimate the quality of work which we have the man wrote the program for and jointly designed (with been involved with over-a long period of time and although the late F.C. Williams) the Manchester Small Scale I knew that Andrew had produced the best and most thorough Experimental Machine. This machine, which came to be project I had ever seen, I had known as "Baby", was the no idea that it would be good world's very first stored-program enough to carry off such a electronic digital computer. The prestigious prize. whole event was timed to The Scoreboard is based coincide with the unveiling of the around a device called a rebuilt (and operational) Baby lh Peripheral Interface Controller which first ran on June 20 1948, and as we are all aware has gone (PIC for short) which is on to have such a profound effect essentially a micro processor (a on all of our lives. The displays computer) on a single chip. and judging for the contest were Programs can be written on a actually sited in the 1830 standard personal computer warehouse which was the first and then loaded into the PIC ever railway warehouse in the which stores the program and world, at the terminus of the responds to any inputs you give Liverpool to Manchester railway. it (via a switch or other sensor) Two great events in world history in an appropriate manner. A are therefore commemorated in whole range of these devices one location. are available, some with as few as eight connecting pins and Andrew's age placed him in the others with up to forty. Andrew senior category (18-25 years) and had to find out how these he was pitted against some awe Andrew shows off his prize winning equipment devices worked and how to inspiring projects completed by write the software to control them before starting to develop post degree level engineers. He carried off the senior prize his design ideas. The beauty of his scoreboard (which used of £1,000 together with a half share (worth £625 to him and a 24pin PIC) is that he was able to make each of the inputs £625 to KES) of the prize for the most commercially viable and outputs perform more than one task by careful software product. To say that I was stunned when the announcement design. This is known as multiplexing and enables a fairly was made is a serious understatement! When I later asked compact and cheap component to carry out some quite one of the judges what made Andrew's project the winner sophisticated tasks. The scoreboard has features such as: he told me that the panel were impressed not only by the fact that the scoreboard was a technically clever device (that Time periods of up to 99mins 99 sees worked very well) but it was also a complete product that The ability to count the time period up or down you would be happy to go into a shop and buy. There must The last minute counted in lOOths of a second be a good lesson in there for anyone involved in a GCSE or Scoring of up to 199 per team A Level D & T project! The ability to record the numbers of fouls per team I look forward to further applications of PIC technology A Time Out / Pause facility within the D & T department as well as future entries to the Although the initial idea had been to design a scoreboard Young Electronic Designer Awards. specifically for basketball, Andrew's research also revealed Andrew has received a Certificate of Excellence from the that there was a need for a scoreboard that could be used for Oxford and Cambridge Examinations and Assessment a whole range of different sports in many schools. The Council for the quality of his work at Advanced Level this portability of the board means that it can be easily year. My enquiries have revealed that he was the top transported from one venue to another and then locked away candidate entered for the syllabus this year. for secure storage when not in use. CH

FEATURES Page21 KES CHRONICLE 1998 HAIL THE CONQUERING HEROES! (and their manager, Mr Milton)

What were you doing on the 28* of June? You may not be And so, on to the regional semi-final and final. Both played able to remember, but I can tell you what myself, Ruari Kerr at KES Stratford in quick succession. Bablake School had and my merry band of balladeers, David Tite, Imran Mian, to watch us dispose of KES Stratford before stepping up to Simon Ferrie and Matthew Siddons (oh, and our manager, take us on. This match concluded, we realised that now we Mr Milton) were doing. We were in Monmouth, winning were Regional Champions. the National Finals of Junior Schools Challenge. We took it in our stride, and prepared for the Inter-Regional Junior Schools Challenge, eh? What's that all about? I round against Queen Elizabeth's Hospital from Bristol. Once mean, some might say it involves quick reaction times and again, David, Simon and Imran shone, whilst I glowed dimly good knowledge of a great deal of subjects - with the possible in the background, telling them to keep quiet because the exception of opera, of which we shall say little and know other team could hear what they were saying on the bonuses less. But the path to the Finals brought the best out of us With a 1020-490 win, we were in the National Finals! with a cluster of high scores. Our first round this year was a It was with just a little bit of tension that we approached home match against King's Worcester, which made a change the National Quarter-final against Manchester Grammar from recent first round visits to King Edward's Girls at School. However, we retained our composure winning 790- Handsworth, who preferred to test out other valiant 590 and moved onto the semi-final against RGS Guildford. competitors. We won by a pleasing margin: 910 to 540 and This was probably the hardest match of the season but we moved on to our next regional match against Hawford Lodge. pulled through 810-550 after being 130 points behind. Then A prep school team playing us on our home ground, they it was the final against Boston GS. Imran knew he was sitting had obviously been brought up to be polite. They seemed this one out, but we were determined to win it for him, and mesmerised when we maliciously interrupted the question- for Mr Milton, whose presence had guided us to here. Now, master whilst he was still speaking! It was only after our it was up to us. The final score was 880-330. We were the 1240 point victory had finished that we explained to them new National Champions. We were very proud of this fact that this was the whole point of the game. as well as the huge shield presented to us. Ruari Kerr SCHOOLS' CHALLENGE

SENIOR SCHOOLS' CHALLENGE REPORT

For me, the 97-98 schools' challenge season will be an awesome general knowledge, "outbuzzed" us (admittedly remembered as another valiant season brought to an untimely on what was his home turf and with what was to us an end. unfamiliar buzzer system - though "it is a poor craftsman The KES "A" team of Oliver Watkins, Sam Sharpe, George who blames his tools"!). Simms and myself began the season with a hard earned, well We left Bedford by wishing them well in the forthcoming deserved victory against Shrewsbury, followed by some more rounds and made our way home. (Bedford eventually finished comfortable successes which lead us to the regional final; a national runners up; no complaints therefore about KES v KEHS "local derby" to be played out at the girls' worthiness of opposition!). school. Though the initiative see-sawed in this match, we Special thanks are due to Mr Milton for his supreme efforts never really lost our early advantage, emerging after a tense in coaching and organising the team; if there is any reason half hour, the regional champions (a feat now achieved four for our success in this competition, he is it. years on the trot). And so on to next year. We will be back... Buoyant from this, we made the long journey to Bedford School with high expectations. Alas however, it was not to Henry Pertinez be. Despite an early surge by us we were outgunned by what was a virtual one man team; Bedford's captain, displaying

FEATURES Page 22 KES CHRONICLE 1998 NATIONAL INVESTMENT PROGRAMME

The National Investment After Christmas, the results of the on Sainsbury's. After several late Programme competition began in first round were published and to nights, on the day, we were close October and for the most successful much surprise, one KES team made it runners-up to Mosely School. KES team, ran until March. The through to the National Quarter- We were disappointed not to competition was for all A-Level Finals. The team, consisting of Alistair progress further but were proud of our Economics and Business Studies Downes, William Hylton, David Ford achievement, inside the top ten teams students in the Divisions and there and Edward Posslethwaite had to of the country, the school's best ever were ten teams from both sets. write a report on why the decisions of result. Thanks must go to Mr. Mason The main section of the first round the first round were taken. After and Mrs. Cooke for all their help and involved spending £50,000 on a discussing guesswork as a possible advice. selection of companies or just one. reason, a competent report was Predicting the future of the stock produced. Alistair Downes market and speculating on a few select The team expected our run in the companies were the other parts of the competition to be over, but Proshare, first round. Several Economics lessons the organisers, thought otherwise, and were spent studying "The Financial the report qualified us for the National Times" and "The Economist" as well Semi-Finals. This required us to write as teletext for up-to-date information. a report suggesting investment advice

GEOGRAPHY - The 1998 World Wise Quiz

Having never won this national myself helped to recognise some of in each. We played well but were competition, the King Edward's the processes and map features, many outcompeted by our closest rivals: School 1998 team set out with of which I had recently studied in the Hampton School. Luck played a large intentions of changing this sequence. 4th year. Victory was comfortable and part in our defeat, with Hampton The team was picked by Mr we had qualified for the next round. receiving some of the easier questions, Duncombe, and consisted of George The regional finals took place on the but this cannot be taken away from the Simms; who has a wealth of 3rd February, at the Alleyne School, fact that they had an extremely strong experience and geographical Staffordshire. Two semi-finals took team. We had, however, done very knowledge, Edward Wood; the genius, place, consisting of two Schools in well, coming within the top 8 or 9 out and Gurpreet Chawla, the youngest each, the winners of which competed of the 355 schools which participated addition to the squad. in the final, to qualify for the National in the Quiz. I give congratulations to The first round took place in finals. Our first contest was with the the whole team better luck next time. January, at King Edward's Camp Hill. Alleyne School which we won fairly Although George and Edward will The five participating Schools met and easily. The second however was very not be able to compete in next years were greeted with refreshments, close: we scraped through by a mere competition, I'm sure Mr Duncombe before facing the first of the questions. point, thanks to a superb final round will be looking for some young stars We had come prepared, and were by the whole team. We had a very to take their places! unchallenged by the majority of the difficult final ahead of us. The national questions: George and Edward did finals took place at Leeds University well to identify most of the locations on the 24th March, where we battled and place names required, and I in the first of 3 semi-finals of 4 schools

FEATURES Page 23 KES CHRONICLE 1998 FAMILY FUN EVENING

The Family Fun Evening has The crowds flocked in; the showing upon their boasts of miraculous become somewhat of a KES was healthy, particularly considering sporting achievements of yesteryear institution: a delicacy that should be the appalling recent weather. They Certain events failed to attract the sampled at least once by budding were eager to receive their ration of crowds despite the best efforts of the pupils, parents and even teachers. Yet fun, and they got it. Mr. Davies and charismatic announcers, people FFE '98's mere existence was under his merry band of men ran medieval appeared determined to boycott the threat: the start of the cricket season festivities. The gathered masses Treasure Hunt and swimming option had signalled the inevitable arrival of appeared determined to return to their while the bouncy castle, though the Birmingham monsoon, and it "Olde English" roots; the queue for popular, mischievously deflated at appeared that the evening would be the archery swelled through the regular intervals, just as the enjoyment moved indoors, which would be no evening. Other opportunities for cheap was reaching a peak. Yet despite these fun at all! Fortunately, after various aggression in the forms of "Bash the minor indiscretions, the evening was meditation sessions and sun dances by Rat" and pillow fights proved equally a fun-filled treat, enjoyed by all who the KES prefects, eager to see the popular. However, there was more were present. Thanks must go to Mr. evening go ahead, an overcast but rain measured entertainment through golf, Ostrowicz and the prefects, who free sky arrived. This was greeted with football, basketball, hockey shootouts; organised the event, and also to all the delirium, and the prefects, instructed prime opportunities for fathers to parents and pupils who helped on the by Mr. Ostrowicz, diligently set up the prove how uncoordinated and day. entertainments. unskilful they were, casting doubt Benedict Fizcher

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

Warwick University, 3rd-5th April 1998 At the end of the spring term, a such as children's rights and the grass roots members (who make up group of three pupils - Dilip Bassi, Government's "Ethical" foreign the Board). However this is not always John Grainger, and myself, went to policy. Cases are pursued all over the perfect as a "Lack of Brevity" motion Warwick University to attend the world, from the USA to Indonesia, lived up to its name. At the working AGM of Amnesty International Mexico to Germany. Other countries party, never did such a motion cause United Kingdom (AIUK). also write to the UK. such consternation. So democracy has The Conference was opened by Vera Inspiration came from the "UDHR it's drawbacks, but is probably the best Chirwa, leader of a women's Witnesses". They were people who, method on the whole for the movement in Mali "Mali Cava" and a very bravely, told the assembly of organisation (but don't tell Plato success story of Amnesty abuses against them. These were the that...) International, having been released people who, in the case of the Pole The conference allowed people of from captivity in 1992. This date, from the concentration camp at different backgrounds to mix together however, was too late for her husband, Belsen, were a reason for the and all who went got something out who died due to his imprisonment in development of a 30-article of this. The KEHS/KES group is 1989. "Universal Declaration of Human always looking for bright, eager The purpose of this conference was Rights" (UDHR), signed by all the UN individuals to take the group on to educate and inspire, and was countries. Or, in the case of the further. We have a number of events certainly successful in the eyes of our Cambodian lady, who witnessed the up our sleeve to commemorate the group. The KE Amnesty International murder of her husband, three sons and 50th Anniversary of the UDHR on the Group is run by KEHS but is an inter- daughter at the hands of the Ichmer 10th December 1998 and 1999, the school affair, always happy to Rouge, is the reason why Amnesty year of the Rights of the Child. So if welcome people to its meetings from International campaigns for global someone approaches you asking you both sides of the Main Drive. human rights. to sign a petition or letter, we hope Education took the form of The conference also incorporated you will take the time to comply. You workshops on particular parts of the the decision making of the never know, it might make a Amnesty International mandate (the organisation. It is a democratic difference. things the members campaign for), organisation, encouraging input from Andrew Khodabukus

FEATURES Page 24 KES CHRONICLE 1998

COT FUND

Once again it has been a very There has been a huge variety of organising fantasy football and a successful year for the Cot Fund with novel and interesting fund-raising football quiz. Sci Div B raised £60 by over £10,000 raised for the second ideas from boys throughout the showing the first half of England vs year running. The charities to benefit school. The economics sixth raised Tunisia. However the resulting this year were BRIB (Birmingham £310 for the privilege of shaving half celebrations did interrupt my Royal Institute for the Blind), Tear of Mr Mason's moustache off. Peter economics A-Level! All these boys Fund, Stroke Association, Children in Surtees had his entire head shaved, and many more, too numerous to Need, Leukaemia Research and raising £260. Alistair Powell raised mention, deserve rich congratulations PHAB (Physically Handicapped and £750 from a raffle. Jon Roberts, for their hard work and initiative. Able Bodied). cashing in on the football fever during the World Cup, raised £200 by Oliver Mytton

St Mark's College, South Africa

The work of the volunteers here is vital to the future of the school. The newly established primary school needs help in guiding and nurturing the talent of the future. St. Mark's is only just becoming aware of the importance of computers, and the volunteers are now charged with training the pupils, and indeed some of the staff, in their usage. A full teaching load is to be expected as well; I alone am teaching 36 lessons a week. However there is great satisfaction to be drawn from the fact that we are making a difference. Hopefully the school will continue to prosper, with each new year, and each new set of helpers...

James Powell

The school is situated in the homeland of Lebowa, about three hours north of Johannesburg. The village in which it is situated, Jane Furse, is wrought with poverty and a lack of resources, yet the people here are unbelievably friendly and welcoming. St Mark's is a boarding and day school, catering for local children and those from further afield. Whilst facilities are limited by King Edward's standards, the school still manages to sustain an effective and strong education system. A wide range of subjects are taught, from Accounting to Speech and Drama, by a mixture of blacks, whites and Asians. The school was recently awarded a place in the Sunday Times' Top 100 schools of South Africa, for its high standards.

FEATURES Page 25 KES CHRONICLE 1998 BEHIND THE SCENES

Mr Peter Webber, Head of Catering From the outside, the dining hall seems a quiet enough place, bubbling with activity at break C: What does your job and lunch, but sneak up to the entail? windows outside of these times and you will be shocked at the PW: Menu planning, sights you may see. As we ordering supplies for ventured towards the dark depths the dining hall, of the lunch hall, the jumping working out budgets, sounds of Heart FM from the coming up with new cleaner's radio were hurriedly ideas. Basically the damped and we were sure that we day to day running of caught a glimpse of dancing the catering, because dinner ladies in bikinis, we both we cater for the girls, shook our heads and dismissed the boys, as well as the this as an impossibility and foundation office, staff, teas and themselves & they'd like to think that opened the door. anything else that is needed. their children are better behaved, but We were impressed by the it seems that this is a thing of the 21a mammoth operation going on: C: At what time do you start & finish century. chips were being picked up and each day? reheated for the next day, carrots C: Do you prefer working for the girls and peas off the floor were pulped PW: We come in at about 7:00, and or the boys? for "soup of the day" and chicken normally are ready to go home at and beef pieces were being saved around 3:30. PW: Oh the boys, definitely. The girls for the meat pie tray. As we are less polite and less appreciative ventured into the food preparation C: How many people are employed in than the boys. If a boy has enjoyed area we witnessed a sight often your job? something he'll come up & say "that rumoured, but seldom seen. The was nice", but we don't get that kind kitchen staff were having the PW: 22 of feedback from the girls. Again, I'm largest banquet we had ever seen- sure the girls would agree with me - chips, pizza, pies, pasties, steaks, C: Who is the boss? they much prefer working on the boys fruit and cake abounded on the counter than the girls. main table, with wine and soft PW: I'm not the boss! My boss is Mrs drinks flowing from the statue in Sue Newell, but she mainly deals with C: Is there anything you would like to the centre. The food was quickly paperwork. change about your job? thrown aside when we were spotted, with pleas of "It would C: What do you like or dislike about PW: Actually, yes. I'd like it if the only have been chucked". They the job? boys & girls lunchtimes could be knew we had them right where we staggered. At present we need to have wanted them and with this PW: What I like is that, unlike most 7 counters all working at the same knowledge in hand, they agreed catering jobs with anti-social hours, we time & staggering would make our job to give us exclusive rights to their have social hours. a lot easier. life stories, and in return, we What I dislike I would say is the bad agreed to never speak of the other manners of at least 80% of our C: Mr Webber, thank you. scandalous activities that happen customers. I've been here 15 years and in "there" after the kids have been I think it's getting worse. It doesn't cost called to registration. much for a please or a thank you, and we really appreciate it. If you ask the girls behind the counter I'm sure that they'd agree - they're all mums

FEATURES Page 26 KES CHRONICLE 1998 THE KITCHEN STAFF

Shirley Carpenter and Michelle Dunne, Catering Assistants

£• What does your job entail, and what hours do you work?

S: I work from 8 to 2:30. I do all the fried food, set up the snack bar, serve & clean up at the end. M: And I work start at 9:30 until 2:30. I do the salad bar, serve the girls, and also clean up.

C: How long have you been working here?

S: I've been here for seven and a half years M: And I've been working here for six wrote "Roast Children" instead of M: I agree - the boys look good in months. "Roast Chicken". One teacher came uniform, and people know where S: Everyone's very nice here, and in and asked for some. they're from. you've settled in well, haven't you? S: But really there's something going M: Yeah, the girls here are great. on every day, and I do enjoy my job. C: Had you done any other catering jobs at schools before you came here? C: What do you like/dislike about the C: Is there anything you would like to job? change about your job? M: Not in a school, but I did work at Littlewoods in town before coming M: I don't like the lads! S: There are things I like about my job here. S: I don't mind the lads -1 have boys and things that I don't like. I don't S: No I've never had another catering of my own. I don't like... really think that there's much that I'd job before. M: Having to work! like to change, but sometimes there is S: No, but I don't really like clearing a lot of pressure on us, and I don't Thank you both very much. up at the end of the day. really enjoy clearing up at the end. M: I don't much like the clearing up I'm sure that we all appreciate the job C: Do you prefer working for the boys either. that the kitchen staff do, and we or the girls? certainly wouldn't cope without them. C: What music do you listen to when We thank them very much for giving S: The boys definitely. I have boys of working? us the opportunity to conduct these my own - and the girls are so fussy very interestig interviews. We really you wouldn't believe. M: Heart FM, everyone listens to that. enjoyed it, and we hope you do.

C: Have you got any amusing C: Do you like the boys in uniform? anecdotes to tell us? John Worthington & Daniel Andrews S: Yes I do - I think that boys, M: There's a certain member of the including mine, look smarter in kitchen staff who writes the menu uniform. The girls tend to look scruffy board for the teachers, and she once in their own clothes.

FEATURES Page27 KES CHRONICLE 1998 ANDREWS COPPICE

This year the wardens have been trying to increase the site's use as a campsite. We have regular friends who bring their Duke of Edinburgh groups, Guides and school groups- we are looking to build up its use. If any reader knows of a group (e.g. Scouts, Guides, Ventures, D of E, school groups, Church groups, other societies) who would enjoy using the site please get in touch with Mr. A. P. Russell via sc The site has toilets (but no showers), running water and a hut (for shelter in inclement weather!). Such groups can pay us back by doing small, useful jobs, whilst at the site. A.P.R. would like to thank his team on Friday afternoons for their effort (especially Bill Critchlow who supplied car transport) and making the time enjoyable, and the Governors for their continued support financially. Special thanks go to Owain Thomas, Chief Warden, for great tea, As the photographs show the site at Alvechurch is both curries and jokes! looking good and being ably managed by the Friday Friday afternoon team 1997-1998 : O. D. Thomas afternoon team. (Chief Warden) This year has seen the start of the "Friends of Andrews W.R. Critchlow Coppice" scheme which aims to bring together parents, J.H. Evans grandparents, boys or friends who would like to be involved K.A.U. Rahman with the camp site. "Involved" meaning simply visiting, APR camping, helping with conservation to be done, or perhaps m sponsoring a tree to maintain the amenity value of the small woodland. If any reader would like to become a Friend of Andrews Coppice (and receive two newsletters per year), please get in touch with Mr. A. P. Russell via school. Also, we have commissioned a ten year management plan which indicates how the woodland should develop in the future. Putting the recommendations into practice will involve a lot of manpower and patience, so I hope Divisions and Sixth Formers will consider choosing this Friday afternoon option in the future - they will get direct experience in Woodland management as well as a fun outdoor activity which is always varied.

LEADERSHIP

This year, the Leadership option also encourage trust and teamwork members of all ages get to work fully established itself as the most between boys who might not mix together, and so is particularly popular Friday afternoon option after otherwise. beneficial. the CCF. The games are both intellectually The option is not only very The option caters for Fourths, Fifths, and physically stimulating and, when enjoyable, it also extends our and Divisions who are all taught skills possible, we play outdoor games as education into areas which, looking to in leadership and communication by well as taking part in mental exercises our future, are as important as Sixth formers. Each week, the Upper in the classroom. There is also a academic progress but which, at the Sixth members of the option organise regular outing to the National moment, are not part of the and run various activities which, as Paintballing Fields in Sutton curriculum. well as primarily enhancing those Coldfield. This is open to all members communication and leadership skills, of the option and is the only time when Alastair Natkiel

FEATURES Page 28 KES CHRONICLE 1998

HELLS' CLASSICS PLAY COMPETITION

Whoever thought that being in the School Club would be Following this, we would see Honcules and the Spice Girls, so much fun? On being awarded the prestigious title of Head acted by Shell J. I shouldn't really have to say much more of Junior Classics at the start of the Autumn term, I really than "Shells dressed as Spice Girls" to convey how comical forgot about the post. One lunchtime in the library, well after this one was - a highly interesting use of balloons merely half-term, Nathaniel Coleman, Classics Star, asked me how added to the excitement. Well done all round. preparations for this year's Shells' Latin Play were going. Yet again, the penultimate comedy featured pop culture In confusion, I answered him with something along the lines icons; though certainly not in their usual roles. Shell S of "What play?" So, with less that three weeks to go before introduced us to The Simpsonians - Dead and loving it, in a the performance, I was in dire trouble. Two weeks later, I farce where Bart and company end up in the Shades, after a was frantic; I still hadn't received titles or scripts from the nasty encounter with a gaseous Homer. 'Nuff said? As before, Shell forms, so nothing could be done about the lighting the Shells wonderfully portrayed their modern counterparts, arrangements; I had yet to buy the prizes; and a million other and provided a fine show. little things which, if not sorted out, would spell ruin for the The final exhibition of the afternoon was Shell T's The play. You may be thinking, "Don't be stupid, it's only the Blinding of Polyphemus; while sounding a tad serious, this Shells' play - it'll be alright on the night." Looking back, if was a truly excellent performance, both in terms of acting only it had been that simple; it's not just a play, it's the and production. Shell T obviously worked very hard on this, showpiece of the KES Classics world, something witnessed and deserve full marks for their efforts; the jokes were by countless previous years. In the end, I was hoping for a hilarious and the crowd loved it. As a result, they won the miracle. competition, so congratulations to them. Shell D came a close After a few words of introduction, the real performances second, but all of the forms deserve praise. began, starting with Shell B's Cupid and Psyche, a highly As a final word, I would like to thank several parties for amusing tale of love and romance in the Heavens, with that their help. Firstly, the lighting team; secondly, Mr Boardman typical bemusing twist - a fine piece, with plenty of funny for photography and video; thirdly, Nathaniel Coleman for moments. his support; fourthly, the Shells, for their labours, and fifthly, Interestingly, the next three plays were all to feature popular everyone who came to the event and made the day media icons. Shell D presented us with Tubbies or Not To worthwhile. After all the sweat, I was proud to have been a Be? This humorous production featured the mighty Heracles part of this year's Shells' Latin Play. fighting against hope - to save the Smellytubbies (Stinky Sumit Indwar Winky etc..) from certain doom. Again, praise goes to Shell D whose costumes and plot made the whole thing a fun experience.

REVIEWS Page 29 KES CHRONICLE 1998 The Power of Magic II The Junior Play

In keeping with the format of the previous four Junior Plays, this year's production involving the younger members of KES and KEHS was a dramatic extravaganza written, produced and directed by Mr. Edward Milton. Once again the play was a great success, being described by many as perhaps the best of the Junior Productions yet penned by the history teacher. His personal style has become quite apparent over the last few years, after the departure of the previous co-writer/director Miss Juliette Bond to pastures new. The plot of the play entitled 'The Power of Magic II' was typically fantastic; it was the sequel to the first of Mr. Milton's plays and integrated along with modest special effects. The crew of the elements of all of his previous efforts. Covering a whole production were led by Paul Rutter and John Marsters with host of television genres from detective serial to period great efficiency and organisation, as well as technical skill. drama, the production was certainly one of the most The acting roles were in many cases very challenging, ambitious for many years, and even featured specifically performed brilliantly by a talented cast. Though it is always composed and recorded music written by John Marsters, difficult singling out actors for mention, Joe Millington carried the lead part of 'Tom' with great strength and emotion (and memory!), and was supported superbly by such cast members as the gun-wielding Daniela Quinlan, the suspicious Richard Benwell and the downright bizarre Jos Lavery, to mention but a few. The rest of the cast and crew also clearly worked tremendously hard in putting together what was a very entertaining and successful play, a triumph for all concerned.

REVIEWS Page 30 KES CHRONICLE 1998 A Little Night Music The Syndicate Play

Stephen Sondheim's well-loved musical provided the ideal vehicle for a band of departing sixth-formers to loosen up after the months of exam stress and give us all something good to remember them for. It is usually expected by people seeing the Syndicate for the first time that it will be a rushed, amateur kind of production which is bound to disappoint. Of course, nothing could be further from the truth and each year the standard becomes even higher. The play is set in 1920's, a delightful tale of deception and seduction. Fredrik Egemanfinds himself torn between his young wife and Desiree Armfeldt, an old flame who happens to be a very attractive singer. When both Desiree's current lover, Carl-Magnus, and his own wife, begin to suspect, Fredrik's life becomes frightfully complicated. The involvement of Carl-Magnus's wife leads to a whirlwind of confused emotions and an inevitably hilarious and moving conclusion. The thing that really made this production stand out was the fantastic singing. The crystal-clear delivery of Jenny McCall and Chris Mountford, especially, made their shared duets really vibrant. The acting all round was of a very high standard, but the star turn was Gemma Goggin, perfectly suiting the role of the cunning and ironic wife of Carl-Magnus. The musical accompaniment (led by Colin Ball) was also top-notch. It was quite difficult to believe that the whole thing had been put together in a matter of weeks, and must have required great dedication from every member of the cast and crew. We in the Divs can only hope that next year we give a performance which is comparable to this. Alex Howell

REVIEWS Page 31 KES CHRONICLE 1998

The Threepenny Opera

This year's Senior Production

Ambition, quality and shortness of legendary enthusiasm and skill just rehearsing (some scenes for the time are by now a tradition in the ensured that the cast made a collective first time) or AWOL (recovering from Senior Production. I think it's fair to Herculean effort to have this ship their gruelling schedule). say that this year, Mrs Herbert and the ready to sail in time. She was ably The first performance in front of a massed ranks of the dramatically assisted by Jon Laird, musical paying audience came, and they adept excelled themselves in all three director, who made sure that the final certainly got value for money. The areas. The drama on-stage was more performances were pretty well note- acting and singing was first-rate, and than equalled by the sweat, blood and perfect throughout. in fact much of it was word-perfect. sleepless nights given by all In the weeks preceding performance The hastily-assembled set was, concerned; at one time (about a week week, the cloud of frenetic activity nonetheless, very impressive. The before performance) it started to look surrounding The Threepenny Opera audience, although quite small, were quite impossible that the production was rather disconcerting to anyone obviously enjoying the experience. would happen this year, but the end who had bought a ticket. Cast But for those taking part, it all seemed result was really rather special (and members were wandering the to drag on a bit; there were shouts at no, I was neither involved in the corridors bleary-eyed, muttering the end of "that seemed like, oh, five production nor heavily bribed). How under their breath something about hours". Which was, in fact, a very did it all happen? spending the weekend in intensive accurate running time. I think it's safe Well, the choice of musical, Brecht rehearsal, and still having no script... to say that Big School will never again and Weill's controversial tour deforce, In the final couple of weeks of see a performance of quite such epic was inspired. A polished social preparation, thespians began to proportions. After some hasty and commentary, entertaining yet disappear from certain lessons, and brutal editing, the remaining nights profound, it was a slight departure then missing whole days of school. finished well short of midnight, and from the run of foot-stomping Rumours of alien abduction were were nothing short of brilliant. universally-popular productions of thankfully unfounded, and they were recent years. Of course, just to turn out a carbon-copy of someone else's staging would have been unthinkable - so Mrs Herbert embarked on a complete rewrite of the play. When faced with the problem of choosing a few principals from amongst the KES/ KEHS wealth of talent, the inventive solution was to cast two complete line• ups, each to perform on two nights. So it was that, half-way through the Spring term and with few months until performance, rehearsals began and everyone was desperate to learn their scripts. This was easier said than done, though, because no-one actually had a script (whether this included Mrs Herbert was unclear). But of course, a script isn't everything and Mrs H's

REVIEWS Page 32 KES CHRONICLE 1998 In the end, one has to wonder how The Threepenny Opera was such a success. The total commitment (as ever) of the stage crew was obviously very impressive. The whole cast were, amazingly, totally in control of their lines and gave barn-storming performances. But of course, the greatness of the Senior Production, this year as ever, is due in no small part to the good Mrs Herbert herself. She always puts 110% of herself into the production and expects (and gets) the same from everyone else. She is the real heroine of the piece; Mrs H. we salute you.

Alex Howell

Two of the supporting cast, Kate Holder and Becky Foggett, obviously spent much time practising so that their performance as two prostitutes would be as convincing as possible.

Matthew Rees demonstrates the stunning costume which helped to make the whole thing so convincing.

REVIEWS Page 33 KES CHRONICLE 1998 1 Practical Theatre The unsung heroes of stage crew have their say

At one thirty pm on the first Friday again, and taken apart, and mentioned productions. Not only is afternoon of the academic year, stage reassembled, and checked once more, she a drama teacher at the school, she crew assembled in Big School. At one just so that we can use it in the also directs the senior productions thirty five of the same afternoon we productions which you come to see. and does a marvellous job of keeping were joined by John Abowaja, and You don't see us. You don't hear us. us lot under control (the most then Mrs. Herbert was ready to begin. We are the Men In Black of K.E.S. demanding of her jobs). This year she Before the list of jobs to be done was also helped direct the junior play read out, I was unaware of just how Number three was the biggest of the Drama at this school would not exist much work stage crew put in. One lot, the senior play, and this year it without Mrs. Herbert, so "Thank you" hour into the talk I began to wonder if would be extra specially hard work as from all of us. I had accidentally joined the C.C.F., the chosen production was 'The Mrs. Herbert does not work alone and by the end of the first speech of Threepenny Opera'. A set needed to though, as she has her trusty sidekick the year from Mrs. Herbert I was very, be made, the set then needed to be lit, Mr. Stone. Always ready to give a very worried. In fact, the only person and then we needed to provide a team hand, whether it be painting, cleaning who seemed not to mind the heavy to run the finished article. All of this or building sets. Mr. Stone is a truly schedule was John Abowaja, and I had to come together in a very short dedicated member, and co-leader, of could not work out why. space of time. For a while it seemed a practical theatre. The Junior Drama Festival was the lost cause, a battle which we could not Thank you also to Mr. Sendor, who first thing on the agenda requiring win. If not for the production weekend joined the staff this year. Throughout work from all members of the crew. we would not have made it, but all our the term he has put in more hours than This was the first glimpse I got of what efforts were focused into a two day anyone else, and promises to spend practical theatre is all about. It is about period which saved the show; time and money over the holidays working together as a team to pull performances were outstanding, on• improving the facilities. I am sure that something like this off. And they did. stage and off, and possibly the most he is the 'signing of the season'. The production went without a hitch challenging production ever attempted Before I go I must say one goodbye and was a huge success. One down, went like a dream. to a member of staff. Mrs. Jones has four to go. The last big commitment was the been a part of stage crew for a number The Dance Production came next, junior play, The Power Of Magic 2. of years. She has been especially again requiring time and effort. which was yet another production involved in the costume area of the Luckily these are two things that stage written and directed by E Milton. The crew, but giving everything a go, she crew is happy to contribute to any story was success once more, and our has become a much loved member of production. Another good busy year could begin to slow down. the team and all are sorry to see her performance from backstage, and a The final production was the leave. second show is completed. So far so Syndicate Play, but stage crew cannot Until next year, goodbye. good. take to much praise for their part in When you are reading this article this as it was done largely by the sixth Joe Millington however, please don't be tempted to forms of both K.E.S and K.E.H.S. assume that this is all we have to do. However, we can accept thanks for our These are the only reminders of us that hand in both Speech Day and you see, but behind the stage crew Founders Day. as the stages needed to doors there are people cleaning, be tidied, and prepared, which is sweeping and tidying around the clock definitely our department. (almost). Everything needs to be All this said and done I now have catalogued, everything needs to be fire the pleasure of thanking the three most proofed, and safety checked, and important people in stage crew. Mrs. stored, and tidied, and safety checked Herbert was heavily involved in all the

REVIEWS Page 34 With any other scholarship your initials could end up on a briefcase.

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The Army is committed to being an Equal Opportunities Employer. KES CHRONICLE 1998

A View From the Classroom Window

As I look out of the window, I can see the leaves rustling in the wind. There are many trees. Some have dark green leaves, some have light green leaves. Some of the trees even have reddish brown leaves. The trunks are strong and proud. Unlike the smaller branches, they do not sway in the sharp wind. These trunks are covered with moss and seem to be defensive: defending the tennis courts; guarding them from the cruel coldness of the wind. The tennis courts are damp and display leaves on their surface. The only difference between them is the amount of litter each has. There is a bush in the centre of this grass. It has small, green leaves and looks like a woman's head as she has just got out of bed. There is a space in the centre though, where the face should be. The leaves are messy and uneven. At the top of the bush, some thin, brown branches are sprawled across it, making a bald patch. The Southfield is stretched out like a vast expanse of neatly ironed silk. The wind often blows all this making it seem, as it billows, even richer than before. At the end of the field there are hedges and behind the hedges, are the red tiled roofs of the houses. From one of these houses, smoke is drifting up into the sky. The smoke is spiralling from an unseen bonfire. Finally, I can see all the different shades of grey in the clouds. They are heavy with rain and are threatening to burst at any minute. This is the view from the classroom window.

By Adil Bader, Shell T

WORDS Page 37 The Sea Air

The gate jams, as it had in my past, The rust flakes and licks at the hinge, The steps are worn, but they always were, The door has been painted, something different, It glides open, an inch or two, then wedges On the upturned tile, broken since my youth, Childish instincts make me count the steps As I thud over the carpet to the stairs. The blood courses through my mind, I lose the numbers, thirty-five? Twenty-five? The stairs change direction, the darker Part of my recollection comes to view, The light that would turn itself off, As you traversed the stairs carefully, Making you run from the dim recklessly. The unchanged smell opens up the back-door To my memory, the short-cut home I thought I had lost when I was a child. I pull the cord, the light flickers endlessly, A game from ago plays in my mind. I don't see my reflection in the mirror, I see a child with a gun, a toy gun The kind that fired those darts with Those suckers that never worked. I move over to the window, the glass Warped from age, as it was before, I see the sun, the endless water, the lights Of the city burning like cinders from a fire, Lifted into the sky, lifting me home. KES CHRONICLE 1998

Sea Air: Part II

The gate jams no more, it never will, The rust has given up the will to live, The steps, no more worn than before, The door seizes through lack of use, Stops, jolts, halted by a multitude Of letters, leaflets, papers, clogging The floor, no footprints in the dust. The darker walls, stale air, nothing Like the hospitals, more natural, The way I remember. I don't though, All the life has left my mind. I don't Stop to count the stairs, I don't stop. I can't cry, can't think, the pathways To my memories burn, lighting themselves, Showing themselves, I can't remember I can only see the pieces of me, my life, That litter the house. Every room is Worse, slipping further, crying now, Regressing. A glimmer of colour in the Faded room upstairs pulls me in. A section, from a book that so many Have read, that meant so little to me; 'Let me do it now. . .for I shall not pass this way again' reads a familiar voice in my mind. I understood what she had always wanted, always meant for me. I move over to the window, my eyes Warped from age, the burden of thought. I see the sun, the water which has ended, The lights of the city by the sea burn, A fire lifted into the sky, lifting her home.

by Andrew Hives, History Div D

WORDS Page 39 KES CHRONICLE 1998

The Beach

The sun-drenched sand sparkles golden brown As delighted, shouting children run across it with buckets and spades. The deep, cobalt-blue waves lap gently across the shore, And far away on the horizon, tiny boats bob across the waters.

The glistening rocks tower away to the west of the beach, Slowly drying out after being drenched in last night's tide. Bright umbrellas and towels are lined across the bottom of the cliffs And sunbathers luxuriate in the gentle warmth of the sun.

Small children, scampering across the cake-like sand, Shriek with joy as they explore the caves that pock mark the surface of the cliffs - the short, cramped caves that never yield any great excitement and have no hoards Of buried pirates' treasure, but simply discarded sweet wrappers or beer bottles.

The rock pools, dotted around the beach, invite the children to look into their depths. Smooth, small stones, orange, grey and jet-black, are surrounded by swirling, silty sand, untouched since time began, but now paraded by the children in blue plastic buckets. With calls of discovery and excitement, the children run back to their mothers, Seaweed garlanded around their necks and shining with salt water.

Finally, as the wind rouses itself, nipping playfully along the beach, the towels and deck-chairs are packed away; the children, briskly dried with rough towels, are carried back in their mothers' arms, Whilst the fathers lumber back to the cars carrying all the beach equipment. The sun sets over the beach, cloaking it in shadows and red-yellow light, As another idyllic day's happiness is soaked up by the golden sand.

By Tom Mort, UML, winner of the Julian Parkes Memorial Prize for Poetry

WORDS Page 40 KES CHRONICLE 1998

The Prisoner

Behind the filthy bars of a dilapidated cell a dark shape lies hunched, silent

with rotting straw on the ground

Infested with lice.

Still the creature is motionless

deprived of freedom, trapped,

Imprisoned.

But, you may ask yourself

what terrible crime was committed,

to deserve such a torturous punishment?

Manslaughter?

No.

Murder?

No.

Existence is the crime,

and a life of miserable imprisonment

is the punishment

for this is not a prison,

but a ZOO.

By Jamie Hinds, Rem B

WORDS Page 41 KES CHRONICLE 1998

'My Days as a Hairy Monster'

Register was called. 'Laevery? Laverery? Lack-a-day?' And then the inevitable. 'Lavatory?'

The classmates stared at me. Fingering his book. What does he keep in there? So I had a beard. So? A small one, and neatly kept. Maybe it was the way my skin was Well, Rough, I suppose. Maybe it was jealousy. Maybe it was that I had developed an 'unnatural relationship' with the Headmistress, Miss Harry. Maybe it was because I hit them. Several times, actually. Maybe it was because I could get into nightclubs. Maybe it was because I listened to loud music in class. Maybe it was the smoking and the sulking that got them. I remember their faces, as I crouched over the tiny blue chair. Trying to manipulate the chubby pencil Across the slippery book. They stared at me. They muttered, 'That new boy is definitely older than six. What is he doing in primary school?'

WORDS Page 42 KES CHRONICLE 1998

My Life of Crime

Daddy said: T know! I've dragged you up As far as you'll go So now, I'll see That just like me You make a living From guns, prostitution, corruption, robbery, drug running and murder.'

I said: 'Daddy no! To that length I will not go. And I will see That my poetry Makes me famous And read by the queen and her household and her family at dinnertime.'

So Daddy said: 'No!' I left him Dying in throes As I walked down And all about town To get inspiration And write all day about bright copper kettles and warm woollen fishes and the like.

The publisher said: 'No.' With a stern face. So I said, 'Oh.' And the crisp autumn breeze And melancholy flowing trees And ochre conkers Bade me return home and reconsider that position in an organised crime racket.

By Jos Lavery, IVP

WORDS Page 43 KES CHRONICLE 1998

Crimson Snow

The two men stood, wrapped in warm furs, their breath mingling in dense white clouds. A powdery snow drifted over the deserted square. 'What is taking them so long?' huffed the taller man, his broad Ukrainian accent shot through with irritation. 'Don't ask me, but if they want this deal to go through they'd better hurry up,' growled the shorter man. Then his wide scarred features lit up in a predatory grin. 'When they give us those roubles we can get out of this god-forsaken hell-hole.' Snorting derisively he kicked an empty bottle into the gutter. The translucent, bottle green glass was instantly webbed with cracks. T believe, gentlemen, that I have the roubles you are referring to,' gloated a smug, yet oddly accented voice. Both men looked up. A young Japanese man stood, swathed in synthetic furs. On either side of him was a heavy-set bodyguard, and their guns deliberately visible. 'This place isn't really all that bad is it?' he continued sarcastically. 'Mind you, I'm not well informed on the latest Russian fashions.' Then he became more serious. T believe, gentlemen,' he pronounced the word with less than subtle irony, 'that you have some property of mine, because I hope for your sake that you do.' 'Yes, we have it,' replied Josef, the smaller man, with an icy calmness. 'Good. Give the compact disk to me,' growled the Japanese man with barely concealed menace. 'No way. We want to see ten million roubles now,' countered Peter, the Ukrainian man, firmly. 'Fine,' blurted the businessman, although it was obvious from his tone of voice that it was not. 'Here, take it.' With a disgusted grunt he handed over a red plastic credit card to one of his bodyguards, who sauntered up to Josef. In one swift movement Josef peered at the card, grabbed it and tore it in half. This pushed the already explosive atmosphere up another lethal notch. 'We don't want any hassle with accounts, computers or credit cards. We want hard cash. Now.' This last statement was made even more meaningful when both of the friends brushed aside their overcoats to reveal their guns. 'And we expect full co-operation.' For the first time the businessman looked very worried. 'Hey, guys,' he said with a forced amicability, 'lets be sensible about this. You've got something I want, the CD, and, and. . .' he stuttered, fear muddling his brain, but then he resumed the smug, irritating facade, 'and I'm willing to pay for it. So I don't see what everybody is getting excited about.' 'Is that so?' growled Peter. 'So how come, if you are not overly bothered about this CD, a sniper has slaughtered three of my friends and Josef's van has been blown up?' The businessman was infuriated by this slur, and he started to yell. 'That's rubbish and you know it! So shut. . .' The businessman stopped yelling when he realised that they had all drawn their guns.

An excerpt from 'Crimson Snow'by Simon Ferrie, Rem S, winner of the Hutton Prize for Fiction

WORDS Page 44 KES CHRONICLE 1998

The McNaughton Masterclass

Those of you who watched the Lloyds Bank Young Musician event this year will have seen the world famous oboist Nicholas Daniel on the adjudicating panel in the final round. Those of you with a few more years under your belt may even remember when, in 1980, he made a name for himself by winning the Young Musician of the Year. So you can imagine my surprise - and also my delight - when I first found out that he would be taking the masterclass (a sort of advanced lesson open for others to listen to) this year. The Masterclass itself was a great success, with three oboists (Amy Mathews, Matthew Bayer, and, of course, myself), Zoe Fry on flute and Katie Lambert on clarinet all performing a variety of different styles of music. I drew the short straw and went first - but managed to get over the nerves, play well, and then enjoy the rest of the Masterclass. The day culminated in a concert in the evening. All five of us who had played in the masterclass performed our pieces, and then Nicholas Daniel played the delightful Bellini oboe concerto to finish the concert. The McNaughton Masterclass had proved to be an invaluable experience for up and coming KES musicians, and we wait with baited breath to see who will be taking the Masterclass of 1999.

Matthew Carroll

Christmas concert

In what is fast becoming a tradition, the first half with a exhilarating the evening off with the comic this years Christmas Concert was split arrangement of music from West Side highlight of the concerts Mr Sill's, over two days in order to cram in the Story. Symphony Orchestra, however, arrangement of the 12 days of efforts of well over 300 musicians surpassed itself with its performance Christmas. from both schools who play their part of Ravel's interminable, irrepressible As ever, thanks must as ever go to at Christmas in spreading good cheer Bolero, and Tanya Houghton provided the hard working music staff, the stage to the parents, and nervous a dazzling display of flute playing in crew, parents and of course the breakdowns to the long suffering Chamunadi's Concertino. performers who made this years music department. The following night it was the turn concert such a treat. Roll on next Once more, however, both concerts of Concert Orchestra, KEHS choir and Christmas... (don't literally roll on lived up to the standard of their Swing Band to display the results of Christmas though, as it is an important predecessors. The first opened with a a term's hard work. As ever Swing Christian festival, and it would be a magnificently moving baritone solo Band appeared to enjoy their shame to squash it). from Matthew Smith with the KES performance as much as the audience, choir, before enthusiastic the trumpet section having a field day Ian Anderson performances from Wind Band and and Simon Meredeth just showing off. the audience. Concert Band concluded Symphony Orchestra again rounded

MUSIC Page 45 KES CHRONICLE 1998

for conducting and training all of the Summer Concert ensembles so well. Mr Bridle however Syndicate Concert was not to be outdone, and the second For the past couple of years it has half was probably as big as it gets. He This year's syndicate concert to be said that the music teachers have kicked off with a largely unknown organised and executed solely by the been at a loss. The music has, as usual, piece entitled 'William Tell Overture' sixth form was as ever, a roaring been excellent, but the Christmas and by Rossini, involving both the success. It is always difficult f0r Summer Concerts have been void of Symphony Orchestra and the Concert members of the Upper Sixth to fmd their usual location while the Town Orchestra. Next came a suite of music time in between exams and parties to Hall has been refurbished. Thus when called the 'Swan Lake Suite' by an rehearse, but with hard work and the Chief master's retirement was obscure romantic composer called hardly any rush, they pulled it off. announced, the music department Tchaikovsky. The annual music quiz The concert hall was packed were unable to contain their was the usual farce, with Mr Bridle's including one special guest - the soon excitement. The concert would have question being "How many to retire Chief Master, who to be held at Symphony Hall, where performers will be on the stage at the courageously stepped in to play ensembles sound like bands, bands end of the next piece?", and the second bassoon after the real one had sound like orchestras, and orchestras promised roll-over prize being a apparently (!) been involved in a car sound like very big orchestras. As the Mahler's 1st Symphony and accident. Thanks must go to him, for programme took shape through the Beethoven's violin concerto boxed his time, encouragement and year, it became clearer and clearer that set.* The concert finally climaxed enthusiasm. this concert was going to be big. with a real treat - a special piece of The evening began with Fingal's The first half was a mixture of music never before heard in public, Cave, by Mendelssohn played by the choral work and band pieces, with the simply titled '1812 Overture'. I syndicate orchestra and conducted by first piece, 'Zadok the Priest', setting appreciate that many readers will not Gemma Parker. Other highlights the standard for the rest to follow. Next have heard of this piece of music, so included the Adagio for strings by was an old favourite, as the combined let me say that it was incredibly loud, Albinoni, Pachebel's Canon, Mr Jums, forces of Concert Band and Wind and used up musicians from all of the a Strauss Wind Serenade, conducted Band swiftly strode through 'Bugler's bands and orchestras that had by Katie Lambert, and a selection of Holiday'. Apparently there were even performed up to that point. Swing Band's repertoire. some antiphonal trumpet effects. The concert would not have been The interval brought strawberries Swing Band were next to play, and complete however without the Chief and wine in the courtyard, they were loud. If 'Macarthur Park' master's speech to thank the audience accompanied by a brass musical was the highlight of their set, then so for coming, the musicians for playing, interlude, yet again all wonderfully was 'Sweetheart of Sigmund Freud'. and the teachers for conducting and organised by the upper sixth. Now an The audience were left wondering training the pupils. It was a perfect end annual tradition, the presentations why there wasn't a particularly fruity to what had been an enormously loud took place during the second half. This encore. and entertaining concert. It only is our chance to thank all the music Junior Choir were the next to remains to be said that I hope the Chief staff (Mr Bridle, Mr Sill, Mr Monks perform, with their four songs from Master's wish to be able to stand in and Mr Argust, who all had hilarious 'Cornucopia' not suffering at all by the and play the 2nd bassoon part in a limericks written for them) for all the fact that two of them had the same school ensemble will one day come time and effort that they have put into title. Concert Band whirled through true (see the Syndicate Concert school music over the last year. 'Gallimaufry', and then before the Review?! - Ed). Thanks once again to The finale, played again by th audience had even had time to catch N A, PEB and MM for organising what Orchestra, was the overture from the their breath the choral piece 'For the we all hope was a fitting retirement Rogers and Hammerstein musical Beauty of the Earth' began. This was concert. Oklahoma, conducted masterfully by yet another highlight of the concert, Colin Ball, and received with as it is such a beautiful piece, and was * Apparently the roll-over prize was rapturous applause. It is always sad to exquisitely performed. The first half actually claimed by a rather see another group of musicians leave, ended with 'Bandology', performed obsessional parent, whose final particularly a year so talented as the again by the combined Concert and answer of 234 performers (including previous one. We wish them all the Wind Bands. 3 guests, 5 members of staff, 1 best for the future. Congratulations and thanks must conductor and 226 pupils) was go to both Mr Monks and Mr Argust unchallenged by the music staff at Mark Gree both schools. Colin Ball

MUSIC Page 46 KES CHRONICLE 1998

Orchestral Concert

The exceptionally high standard of orchestral music within KES and KEHS has always been very clear at the annual Orchestral Concerts of the spring term and this year was no exception; the event, which took place in the Birmingham Conservatoire's Adrian Boult Hall on the 15th of March, demonstrated the continuing abilities of the schools' Symphony Orchestra to perform technically challenging music with great success under the baton of Mr. Bridle. This year the program consisted of Mahler's Symphony no. 1 in D - an extremely powerful and difficult piece of music which showed the training and hard work of the instrumentalists very well, along with Beethoven's Violin Concerto in which Jenny Graham performed with notable talent and accomplishment as the soloist. The strength of the whole concert was preserved in a live recording; there is surely no doubt that once again the schools' music departments were able to produce an enjoyable and entertaining programme of instrumental performance. The school seems to take for granted such a high standard, yet one must not forget the magnificent achievement of the music department in sustaining such a high standard over such a long period of time.

Symphony orchestra rehearsals John Masters

MUSIC Page 47 TRIPS Page 48 KES CHRONICLE 1998

Dog Plaster and Mixed Media Ben Hobbs (6)

PICTURES Page 49 KES CHRONICLE 1998

PICTURES Page 50 KES CHRONICLE 1998

Mugs Ceramic Left Matthew Graham (REM) Right Adam Ferner (REM)

Artist's Chairs Ceramic Left to Right Mark Coleman, Haroon Bhatti, Deepak Patel, Khalid Hussain (UM)

PICTURES Page 51 KES CHRONICLE 1998

Fish and Shell Linoprint Adam Ferner (REM)

Reflections Mixed Media Simon Purkis (UM)

PICTURES Page 52 Reclining Figure Oil Painting AlasdairJubb (6) KES CHRONICLE 1998

PICTURES Page 54 KES CHRONICLE 1998

PICTURES Page 55 KES CHRONICLE 1998

PICTURES Page 56 KES CHRONICLE 1998

eaches, beaches, beaches, a After many of us had been taken in moor, and a small coastal by Mr Cumberland's completely made of scrap metal. That afternoon B town with a beach. This was straight-faced claim that the collection we undertook a residential survey - the substance of the second Divisions' of pigeon lofts on the hill was actually which involved, for some, seeing how Geography Field Trip of the year to a shanty town, we left the village and much they could write about houses Sandseald, near Whitby. set off for the bright lights of whilst running through a council The highlight for many of our Middlesborough. Middlesborough estate (mercifully the pleasures of intrepid band was a visit to the provided everything you would expect East Middlesborough were denied Twilight Zone or, as it is known in the to see in a big Northern town - minus us). the whippets. Highlights were the interests of political correctness, Other activities during the week monumental Victorian transporter Skinningrove. This was actually very included beach surveying on bridge and the Dinosaur Park - a place useful in providing us with a case Ramborough Head and soil pit where, in a feat of town planning not study of industrial decline. Since the digging on the moors. The traditional matched since Basingstoke, the city running down of the steelworks, prize for the best hidden pit went to council had decided to replace a once unemployment has been high and the Andrew Hives' group, although this proud area of heavy industry with a locals must rely on their wit and decision proved somewhat litter-strewn park, featuring dinosaurs pigeons for solace. controversial when Andrew Gee

TRIPS Page 57 KES CHRONICLE 1998 revealed that the soil heap had been cunningly concealed under a brand new heather bush. At any rate, a grand time was had by all and we learnt some geography in a different environment from the classroom - which was the point of the exercise in the first place. Thanks must be extended to Mr Cumberland and all those who have been involved in the trips: Geography wouldn't be quite the same without them. Matthew Wheeldon TH€ SHCLLS GO CAMPING n 19th June, ShellS went on night. We built the fire, which burnt morning orienteering around the site their annual camping trip to well even though it was small. and making shelters from logs and OStokes Barn in Much That night the people in my tent did leaves in the woods. We ate inside that Wenlock. We travelled by coach from not go to sleep. At about five or six in lunchtime because the weather was KES to the barn at around 4pm on the the morning, Scott Ferguson ran round awful. In the afternoon we walked Friday evening. the tents shrieking 'cock-a-doodle- down to the village and spent around On arrival we unloaded and doo', waking up those who had slept. two hours looking in the gift shops. explored the site. After half an hour In the morning, or so we had finally pitched our tents until about eight, about half way up the field, a minute we collected fire• or so walk from the barn. When the wood and some of tents were pitched we sorted our kit us played Army. out and then cooked, at around seven Around eight, Mr. o'clock. After eating, the after-tea Howe and Mr. Rees pan-washing ritual began. woke up; Mr. After an hour many people had Kimpton had already started the activity which they woken at around would do in any spare time at the camp seven complaining site: 'Army'. We were told by the about the noise. teachers to collect firewood so that we After breakfast, could have a camp fire later on that we spent the

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FOURTHS' GCOGRRPHV FICLD TRIP e were dropped off in the river would be much faster-flowing, small town of Bethesda and deeper. A whole day in the rainy Wwith Mr Everest, and we Welsh mountains - oh joy! We began the hike up through the streets continued doing the same sort of work and footpaths to the Afon Llafar, the as the previous day, the only thing "Babbling Brook" which we were keeping us going in the damp intending to measure. We reached the conditions was the idea that we were first site which we were to survey in not, at least, wandering around towns good time, but as we looked upon the pestering people to answer monster river with swift currents, questionnaires, as other groups were. white water and turbulent waterfalls, In the end we gave up leaping we realised that we had quite a job to precariously from rock to rock to take do. Curiously I seemed to be the only measurements, and just waded in! The person in our group of about thirty only real problem was the notebooks who was wearing hiking boots and getting soggy and the ink starting to rain gear. Just about everyone else had smudge in the rain, so we completed jeans, T-shirt and trainers The ground the proposed two sites and hiked back around the river was very muddy, and through the bogs and damp I thanked myself for having such undergrowth. foresight. Just getting across the damn We boarded the coach on time and thing was difficult enough, let alone made for Bangor, eagerly awaiting the manipulating tape measures and two forthcoming England-Colombia metre-long surveying poles to gain the World Cup match. Mr Barrable had necessary data. Having collected the other plans for us though! We sat day's data, we hiked back to Bethesda, through the first half in a college where we had about an hour to kill - classroom, supposedly working on our Then we walked to the local sports so we walked around the high street projects. We arrived back in the hall centre, where we cooled off by going looking for a certain fast food of residence for the second half and for a swim after playing football with franchise. Naturally, being a remote crowded into the small rec-room some local boys. Welsh mountain village, the only around the TV mounted high on the That evening we collected more option was a small fish and chip shop, wall. Saturday saw much the same as firewood and played in the woods. which we sat outside for nearly half the previous two days, except that the After an exhausting run around, we an hour. We boarded the coach which rain only lasted a couple of hours. returned to discover that Mr. Howe was already ten minutes late, and Uniquely, we arrived back at KE had implanted a metal ammunition began the drive to the Bangor nearly an hour early! Many thanks go box into a large pile of soil with University Hall of Residence. the Mr Barrable, Mr Rees, Mr Lambie, firewood underneath ready to be lit We woke on Friday to the distinct Mr Everest and, of course, Dave the and a chimney running from the fire patter of heavy rain. It had rained most coach driver. to the back of the box. We built a huge of the night, and consequently our Martin Bradley bonfire but it took a while for us to get it alight. That night most people slept The following morning most Wrekin and walked down again. We outside around the camp fire, but those people woke up a lot later than the continued to walk round the side of who were tired stayed in the tents. morning before. We ate breakfast and the Wrekin, and back to the car park Before we actually fell asleep, which made our packed lunches for the day. where the coach was parked. This was a fair number of us didn't, we toasted We took down the tents and packed a relief for some people, as they had marshmallows on the fire and tasted away our belongings. We drove down the opportunity to purchase drinks and the chicken that we had cooked in the to the bottom of the Wrekin and ice-creams. ammunition box. We had also started the long, steep ascent to the The following day, Monday, attempted to cook some jacket summit at around 350 metres. At the everybody was tired except two, Josh potatoes, but when Mr. Rees tried one top we stopped and had the lunch and Alex, who had not been on the it was not cooked properly because we which we had made earlier. We exciting trip. had not wrapped them in foil. walked to the opposite end of the

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n typical K.E.S fashion, the group departed at a After eating a speedy breakfast in the refuge, consisti ridiculously early time (5:30 am), much to the mostly of bread, we climbed to a Col that was between the I annoyance of parents who had to drop us off at the border of France and Italy. Being the border, there was much school. Before we knew it, the group was desperately trying evidence of fighting in WW2, including memorials and rusty to remember how to erect their tents, a task which proved barbed wire. The views were again spectacular from the top

difficult for the one member who had forgotten to bring his of the Col, and our descent was interrupted by a swim in a

tent poles with him. The group had an immediate impact lake. Looking up the valley one could see that, just 5 minutes on the French campsite, with James Broughton-Taylor earlier the water had been frozen in a glacier, but despite Mj

hitting a German tourist on the head with a tennis ball! After Rees' claims that "it's had plenty of time to warm up", not this initial confrontation, we settled down for the night, both many people joined him and Mr Boardman, even with the dreading and looking forward to the 110 miles of walking incentive of a free crepe for those who dived in. that lay ahead of us. After 3 days of long walking, we were rewarded with most I remember very little of the of the day off in the bustling Italian town of Courmayeur next morning, being in a semi• conscious state due to a cold, wet, sleepless night. We bade farewell to the campsite we would not be seeing again until the final night, and TOUR DU started our long ascent to the Col De Tricot a mountain pass This was an opportunity to collect GCSE results and eat crepes non-stop until being on the verge of being sick (a task that many boys performed with outstanding efficiency). In the afternoon a swim was felt to be essential and, after a bus ride out of town, we discovered the pool was closed for 3 hours in the afternoon, forcing us to occupy a pavement for a few hours whilst we waited. With Mr Boardman winning the 'Best belly-flop from the diving board' award, we had another short walk to the campsite to settle down for the night. The next couple of walking days went by quickly and efficiently, due to our remarkable fitness levels (?) and a surprising keenness to walk 30 miles in 2 days. The highlight was provided by Mr Rees who, having had yet another swim in a river, decided to run several hundred metres up to the top of a hill wearing just his underwear, between two larger peaks. At 2120m, this was already higher all to the shame of the group and the embarrassment of a than most of us had been in our lives, and the views of the nice Swiss couple who happened to pass him on the way up. Chamonix valley below were spectacular. Our waterproofs The next day was allocated as a rest day in the pretty Swiss came out soon, but this turned out to be the only rain of the town of Champex, situated high up in a hanging valley next whole trip. The highlight of the day was stopping at a refuge, to a small mountain lake. Although the shopping facilities and ordering a £30 omelette to share between 7 of us. Claims were limited (not helped by the fact that it was a Sunday), from Mr Rees that he could eat one on his own went we all appreciated the time off, used mostly to eat immense unsubstantiated, although I personally don't doubt it. loads of ice-cream and wash our filthy sweaty clothes. The second day of walking was even tougher than the first, The whinging started again first thing Monday morning largely due to our knees still complaining from the long when we had to start walking, and the situation wasn't helped descent the day before. For the ascent up to Col de la Croix, when faced with a climb up to 1987m - Greg Cooper the more ambitious of us decided to split off from the main impressing most with a 10 minute continual moan without group and try to carry on at Mr Barrable's pace. Most of us appearing to even take a breath. The views that day were regretted doing that! After waiting over an hour for the other spectacular, including those of the enormous Rhone Valley group to arrive, we again faced another long descent to the leading all the way into Germany, and massive glaciers valley below that got no closer, however fast we walked. sprawling down from the tops of 4000m high mountains. Several hours later we were in a refuge, listening to angry Accommodation that night was in a refuge with all 18 of us Frenchmen banging on the wall at all hours of the night, (including teachers) in one room. Chattering was telling us to shut up. unsurprisingly kept down to a minimum.

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With the incentive of a free crepe for the first three people trip, the French tourist town of Chamonix. This was also the ready to leave in the morning (with the last three paying), scene for the final rest day the following day, where most

we were walking before most of us had come to our senses, people once again shopped, ate crepes and ice-creams, and but another long ascent to the Col de Balme (2190m), sunbathed. Optional excursions chosen by some people combined with spectacular views of the Mt. Blanc Massif, included a cable car trip up the Aiguille du Midi (3842m) soon woke us up. Our spirits were immediately raised when where the air was noticeably thinner and the views absolutely we found our first refuge so far to sell chips. After having incredible (when the clouds cleared), and a train journey up exhausted their supplies we set off again, some climbing a to the Mer de Glace, a glacier moving 70 metres every year ridge with Mr Barrable, and others taking the simple valley which you go inside, touch, and slide along. We ate that walk. The ridge walkers, who, according to the guide, should night in an English speaking restaurant, a meal consisting have arrived over an hour later, actually arrived twenty of steak, chips, and ice-cream. Unsurprisingly, we all loved minutes earlier than the other group, illustrating the speed it. There is only so much uncooked chicken and pasta one of Mr Barrable. can eat in two weeks! MONT BLANC Wednesday, our second-from-last day of walking, went The last day of walking was simply one of excitement once again very smoothly, recording another swim at Lac about getting back to the original campsite and finishing the Blanc, at 2352 metres. With our legs finally beginning to walk. We climbed to the top of Brevent (2525m) and, as grumble at the 100 miles covered already, a cable car assisted usual, down again, this time with an extra spring in our step us for some of the descent down into the largest town of the (even in our crippled state). Our initial delight in seeing Les Houches again was slightly dampened when it started raining and our tents got wet inside and out, but a nice meal out, followed by the present- giving ceremony, cheered us up. The journey home was tiring but uneventftul, even though we were flying Swissair just one day after their terrible Canadian crash, and most were pleased to get back home in their comfortable beds after 14 days of tents and sleeping bags. Many thanks from all involved to Mr Boardman, Mr Barrable and Mr Rees for their hard work in preparing a thoroughly enjoyable holiday.

Chris Howies

TRIPS Page 61 KES CHRONICLE 1998 CYCLING

welve boys and three adults industrial scenery of Tyneside, completed the renowned including strange sculptures by the TSustrans Coast to Coast Cycle path. An excellent time was had by all, Path in five days' great cycling during with many moments to remember - a the summer holiday. The 136 mile vicious storm on the hardest hill mid- route spans Britain from the Irish Sea route; 40mph+ downhill (and at Whitehaven to the North Sea at achieving flight when hitting a cattle Sunderland, passing through the Lake grid); numerous punctures; excellent District and crossing the Pennines. pub meals! Thanks to Mr Boardman, The challenging route uses cycle Mr Phillips and parent Mr Cooper for paths and quiet country roads and running the trip. passes through a range of scenery including Keswick, stone circles, the CDB bleak moors of the Pennines and the

|ertain former participants have called it the best two weeks ever in their lives. Personally I am still waiting for my two, but the sentiment is appreciated. It was truly excellent. The initial C!'ingredient s are an irresistible mix: a schedule of absorbing (well, most of them) lectures and trips, a free pass to explore central London and be as independent as one wished, and finally, best of all (and for once the cliche on the literature sent to us was true), being part of an international community of L 300 and meeting and exchanging ideas with people from all over the world. I was able at the end of nearly every lecture to question eminent scientists about their subjects. I debated with people about ethical issues in science, listened to project work presentations by science students all over the world and even got to make a speech in front of the whole forum about education in different countries. O The social side was great too. Come on, 300 young people, a student bar, loud music, and special events on a boat moored on the River Thames! Doesn't require much imagination does it? N Best part? For me it is a four way tie: Seeing Miss Saigon at the Royal Theatre Drury Lane (my first ever West End musical), the lecture on fossils and evolution (which explained the new "Plus c Change" evolution theory and introduced me to the works of Steven Jay Gould (via his D book "Wonderful Life", about the Burgess Shale and the nature of life's history and evolution - talk about eye opening!), the 'Songs From Home' event and, of course, being able to give that speech. Everything else comes a very close O second. Regrets? Few. Not meeting all the people I didn't meet, not having much luck with the opposite N INTERNATIONAL

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(he trip started by meeting at the away, leaving the scar to . _ ^ very early time of 8 o'clock on us! Saturday morning. We drove in At the youth hostel we were T; given our rooms and we unpacked the nice school minibus to Stannage Edge, after picking the instructor, Des, The dinner was plain but nice (a up from a small country village. We little too much rabbit food?). After parked a short distance from the scar, dinner we relaxed in our rooms, and were then buried in rope and kit. listening to music and playing cards weighing tons! We walked up a muddy whilst recovering from a very tiring but track in the pouring rain. When we enjoyable day. The drying room was reached the scar we dumped the kit and put to good use to dry all of our rather sought shelter in the small caves. Mr wet clothing. Boardman and Des then spent about In the morning we awoke rather half an hour setting up the ropes. We tired, having been kept awake by tied on and started climbing. The rock someone snoring. Breakfast was nice mm* was somewhat slimy in places so we and there was plenty of it. We packed often slipped. The rock was also very up and drove to the scar. We moved along coarse and my knees and hands soon the scar and the ropes were set up. One of became painful. When we were the climbs was very high, probably the best lowering people to the ground the ropes rock climb I have ever done. We did some were very wet and often slipped. The more climbs, most of which were a bit easier climbs varied in height and difficulty. than the day before. As we were packing up, Towards the end of the afternoon we Des gave us an interesting talk about lead did a bit of abseiling. At about 5 o'clock climbing. He also explained about how various we packed up and, buried once again in pieces of equipment worked. rope and kit, we set off back to the After packing up all the kit into the minibus, minibus. The rain had had one big it was a long drive back to school. The weekend advantage - it had kept a lot of people had been very tiring but extremely fun! I learned a lot more about climbing. John Clarke

sex, and seeing how people would very there would be at the outset. No, the best and kisses that I could without staying often band in groups of their own thing I learned was more about I finally left on foot for Euston Station nationality. While the latter lessened as humanity than science, and that and home realising very strongly how time went by I kept thinking there were scientists should never distance the 300 or so people gathered for this so many opportunities lost. themselves from their humanity. forum would never all meet again in the Did I actually learn anything? (the Looking back, it was something very same place and time. It was with this forum organisers are keen to point out carefully stressed throughout the two sad thought and all the happy moments that any learning achieved during the weeks - creating friendship and that I had had that I arrived at fortnight should be entirely voluntary community, the international flavour of Birmingham (don't worry, I wasn't i.e. not put upon in any way by the the event, and so on. Science was the thinking that all the way home - I'm not forum). Factually, there were assorted excuse to get us all there together, but that sad yet, you know!) The memories titbits gleaned from the lectures, and the really was on the back-burner the whole will stay with me for a very long time. occasional inspiring scientific moment time. When the whole thing was over Henry Pertinez but, all in all, not as much as I thought and I had had all the handshakes, hugs, VOUTH SCICNCC FORUM

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e left on a pleasant Friday afternoon, 40 KES On our first day of the descent we saw some wonderful boys from the Shells, Rems and UMs travelling scenery, got sunburnt, had lots of fun going down rapids Wto the Ardeche in the South of France for a 10 and jumping into the river - oh, and we learned the basics of day Outdoor Activities bonanza. canoeing too. We reached our bivouac site late afternoon/ After a long journey, punctuated only by such delights as early evening and put our sleeping bags on a very comfortable videos like "The Full Monty" and a McDonald's meal in (!) spot of flat(ish) land covered with sand and stones, and France, we arrived at our camp site. surrounded by French people. We piled up all the bags in the centre of our 'village' of The French people also had mini TVs and radios and being tents and were shown round the camp. We met the 'Acorn as it was, the evening of July 12lh, they were not extremely Venture' instructors and staff and were told the camp rules popular at about two o'clock in the morning when their (there were not too many of these - a relief as, judging from cheers of 'Zidane!' still echoed from the cliff faces! the Rems' display on the journey, they would inevitably The evening meal consisted of 'Chicken Tikka Masala' break them!). out of a silver packet labelled 'Camping Food' - the general In the evening we were led to a quiet spot on the river for consensus of opinion was that this looked, and tasted, like a swim and soon, once the dunking had begun, it was hard dog meat. to tell teachers from boys. After everyone had worked out We awoke the next day to a beautiful morning and, after how to dry their feet and get their shoes on without coming eight attempts at waking Richard Jones, we faced the into contact with sand from the beach, we made our way delightful prospect of bits of bacon and baked beans out of back to the camp site. another silver packet! After we had carried all of the barrels Having had our first taste of what the food was going to down to the beach, we embarked on what turned out to be a be like for the next nine days (mixed reactions), we were tiring but very enjoyable day of canoeing.

FUN IN m MMCM

told that in the morning we would start our two day canoe On Tuesday evening, after starting on some of the other descent of the river Ardeche straight away (also mixed activities at camp, we went to the annual Bastille Night reactions, as some people just wanted to sleep). celebrations in the local town of Roums. This included an I don't know who invented water-tight barrels, but I've a official firework display which was very good indeed, and fair idea it was someone who only had one set of clothes, many unofficial displays, which usually consisted of five was very small and didn't sleep. Into these barrels, we had year-olds throwing bangers at cars. There was also the slight to cram two people's clothes, other numerous items that matter of the river bank set on fire by the fireworks, but we people pack for no reason (such as a wash bag) and a sleeping won't worry too much about that! bag. The activities in which we all took part, in different groups, were kayaking, caving, climbing and abseiling, a gorge walk and archery. Kayaking was great fun - we played games in the kayaks and a few people capsized - Richard Jones (that man again!) held the record, capsizing nine times in all! Climbing and abseiling passed uneventfully in that no broken limbs were reported! Gorge walking involved paddling across the river (as did climbing & abseiling), which meant that every activity • except archery - involved getting wet! Caving did produce one casualty: Anish Patel, who sprained his ankle and was on crutches for a short while. Throughout the canoeing and all the activities, the instructors were brilliant and very tolerant!

•

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On the Friday, we visited the local Theme Park - 'Aerocity'. It was an extremely hot day and a few people were sick due to the heat and the rides. However, James Ward was the only person to (unintentionally) vomit on a park attendant! On what was probably the hottest morning of the ten days, we cleared our tents and packed our bags. Various pieces of lost underwear were claimed and some unclaimed (too embarrassing, perhaps?). We departed, having said our farewells to the Acorn Venture staff (and the sunshine), slightly earlier than scheduled. We arrived back at KES at 11:12am after a journey which seemed shorter than in the opposite direction. After we had cleared the coach, parents began to take bleary-eyed youths home to bed. I must thank all KES staff and especially Mr. Boardman for arranging and organising such a fantastic and enjoyable trip. Also, a big thank you must go to all Acorn Venture staff who lead us, taught us and cooked for us for ten days Chris Branson JUGCNDTRCFKN

t was a warm July morning when the five members The fortnight involved discussions, theatre activities, of the German Division jetted off on a plane to "getting to know you" style games, and going off to the IDeutschland, to take part in this year's Kneipe (pub) in the evenings. There were also various "Europaisches Jugendtreffen" (youth weeks on the trips, such as a tour of the town of Halle (the birthplace theme of Europe), based in Halle for one week, and of the baroque composer Handel), a visit to the historical Goslar for the other. city of Leipzig, and a tour of Goslar. Our first bit of excitement came as we were arriving Highlights of the trip included making a funny video, on the train in Halle. As the train stopped we slowly radio broadcast and newspaper; dressing up as women made our way to the train door to get off, but no sooner and dancing around the Maypole (supposedly a was Edward on the platform, that the door closed behind representation of the English national him and the train moved off in the dance); Ed falling off the stage; and direction of Leipzig, with the rest of us Ben's obsession with the Handel statue. still on board. Thanks must go to the pupils who We finally arrived at the youth took part, namely Mark Green, hostel, and the conference was soon Prashant Pattni, Edward Postlethwaite, underway. The group consisted of about Ben Sellman, and Richard Thomas; 25 people aged between 17 and 24 from Alfred Paulus and the other leaders; and various European countries, including especially to Frau Hodgin for Germany, Sweden, Poland, the Czech organising this thoroughly enjoyable Republic, Croatia and Bulgaria. and successful trip. Ben Sellman

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uesday Is' September dawned and for 12 intrepid explorers, it was a fateful day. Congregating early in T the morning at Birmingham Airport (once Messrs. James Smith and Andrew Wood had found the correct terminal), the fun and games began. Smith, caught out through the metal detector and then misplacing his boarding pass (it was inside his hat), was clearly jinxed. But eventually the party of three boys, seven girls, and 'The Edwardos' was touching down on the Barcelona runway. The two-star 'Hotel Espana' left many yearning for the comforts of home but, once settled in, the party forgot their woes and headed for a giant shopping centre-turned-nightspot - the 'Maremagnum'. Here, dinner was served... by a 12 year old. This over eager youth issued forth bread and tomatoes, followed by other strange Spanish combinations, with mountains of pepper and gallons of coke. A hot, humid, night's 'sleep' may have served to dampen - a famous Cathedral built by the sculptor, Gaudi. Spectacular spirits, but the Picasso museum made this seem a minor drawback. views could be seen from the top, if you made it up the 367 Andy, visibly irate, was not impressed with the Modern Art spiral stairs. Further down the bus route, we invaded a large section. But then the real humour began, as Paul Collins made ornamental park, where ceramic lizards were the order of his first impact on the trip. The impish Leprechaun bought what the day. Many photographs later, and the next stop (for some) he believed was a 'Lucky Charm'. This led to a comic series of was the FC Barcelona stadium and, for others, Gaudi's mishaps involving the ill-fated comedian, beginning just five famous house. Here, one of the girls managed to trip over, minutes after purchasing the hex as he bounced his head off the and roll off the roof. ceiling of a shop! (unlucky Paul - Ed) Next day came, and yet more buses. First stop: the 1992 Two scenic bus routes ran around Barcelona, and we took the Olympic Stadium. Here, James convinced some of the girls Northern line on day three. This took us to the 'Segrada Familia' that wading through the decorative pools was a good idea. Only when their shorts were full of water did they realise they had been tricked. But the last laugh was had by the security guard, who disliked such unruly behaviour and escorted us from the premises! The next exhibit was the 'Joan ART TRIP Miro' collection of modern art and sculptures. Andy again vented his dislike at this style, and also noticed that more than one painting was titled 'Woman with Birds' (although where these were remained a mystery). Paul got into the spirit of things by philosophising on the nature of one picture, only to have his theory crushed - it was not Adam and Eve, Heaven, and the terrors of Modem Society, but two imposing Ballerinas. Unlucky. The final day was spent shopping, and enjoying the beauty that was Barcelona's Olympic Village. James finally got to visit the beach, and all enjoyed the golden sands and crystal-blue waters, until they discovered the true horrors of the deep 'a la sewage'. With this in mind, all members of the party ran screaming from the beach, leaving James buried under the sand. Our only option was to leave the country. And this we did, leaving the now familiar warm climate of the continent, to arrive in England in the middle of a 'welcome-home' rain-shower. Many thanks must go to Mrs. Edwards of the KEHS Art Department, and her sister Helen, for running such an excellent trip. Thanks must also go to all the girls present for not leaving us there with the paella. James Smith and Andrew Wood

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n arrival at the On the Saturday morning Mayflower marina, the crew, consisting of four O in Plymouth, we COflSTRl SOILING inexperienced sailors, and made our way through a series headed by Derek and Mr of pontoons harbouring boats Cumberland, were taught to that would not look out of UICCKCND handle the boat and also to place in a James Bond film, let retrieve a bucket and a buoy alone at Monaco. Having become suspicious that we had from the water, a version of the man-overboard drill that walked into an international convention of drug barons, we Ben liked (the alternative being a rather wet Ben bobbing were relieved to be greeted by our skipper for the weekend, about, complaining about frizzy hair!) Finally, we were Derek Bristow, who, with his boat 'Heatwave', runs allowed to hoist the sails and spend an afternoon Compass Rose Sailing School. sailing round Plymouth Sound, where we tackled The Friday evening was spent getting to know winds that gusted over 35 knots (force 7/8). The

the boat, which was to be our home for the next irr. next day, being slightly calmer, was spent two days, and listening to a series of eccentric sailing down the Plymouth coast, time jazz tapes pillaged from a motorway service divided between sun bathing, helming the station on the way down. k boat and admiring the various navy 'Heatwave' is a thirty five foot sloop jH^ vessels on display. built in 1976. Originally designed as Eventually returning to the a racing boat she was named after % marina on Sunday afternoon, the terrible droughts of that year. our only regret was that we The name proved to be a good did not have longer to omen, however, for the next spend exploring the two days were an oasis of Plymouth coastline, for the beautiful weather coupled experience of eating, with strong winds. sleeping and cooking on board was one that made the trip very enjoyable for all. Many thanks to Mr Cumberland. Jetb.ro Johnson L€RD€RSHIP

ome might say going away for a weekend to a place you're not sure of, with people you've never met, to do "exercises" is a little bit strange. Well, for those Divisions who chose to do Stha t very thing on one of three weekends this year, it proved to be anything but strange. By being put in an unfamiliar environment, with people you don't know, you soon discover more about your companions and, perhaps more surprisingly, about yourself. K To speed up this self-discovery, you have to do many different things, the details of which cannot be revealed, as that would ruin the experience for future groups. You have to work as a team, but also as an individual. You will find out what people in your team are good at, not so good at, and they will see the same in you. Everyone is just as clueless as to what you will do, and obviously the unknown adds greatly to the weekend. It is all very well structured and planned out to make sure the most is made of the short time you spend away. The weekends are not for the fitness freaks or the CCF enthusiasts, but for all people with a little sense of adventure. N By the end of the weekend everyone will have learned something different - it might be that buying the extra large bottle of Factor 30 sun-cream for the weekend in mid-March was (as my mother suggested), a touch optimistic. But above all you learn something that cannot be taught in the classroom and hence the Leadership Weekends, I think, are an important opportunity every Division should be D aware of. Thanks must go to Mr Stone and the other members of staff from the other Foundation schools, and particularly to Mr Roll, for giving up their time, not only on the weekends but also beforehand to S ensure everything was possible and so successful. Gavin Sterry

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e couldn't get to America soon enough. Quite countryside - where better than Mr Seay's ranch? By two literally. As I sat down with Dan Andrews at o'clock on Saturday afternoon, Mr Seay (the astronomy WBirmingham International for one last cup of tea teacher at St. Mark's) was giving us a quick guided tour of before boarding, the fire alarm sounded and, with shouts of his ranch and even taking us up to the top of his observation "Everybody out," we were herded outside into a chilly tower, where we marvelled at acres of beautiful countryside courtyard where we waited patiently for 45 minutes. (all belonging to him). Relaxation was the key to the rest of Yet this was merely the first in a long series of tiresome the day and after a quick swim in the lake, it was canoeing, delays. As our first flight had to turn back after three hours fishing and sunning ourselves until the sun went down. There due to passenger illness, we missed our connection flight at was even time for a quick dip in the hot tub. Meanwhile, Mr Newark. When we finally arrived at Newark, we were informed that the next flight to Dallas was cancelled because of the bad weather, and so instead we were to be flown to Atlanta, where we could board another plane for our final destination. The bad weather meant that we stayed one night in Atlanta, before flying to San Antonio and then on to Dallas. We finally arrived in Dallas on Thursday afternoon, 24 hours later than originally planned, to be warmly welcomed by Mr Pickering (Mr Gunning's counterpart at St. Mark's School). We were soon taken to our hosts' homes and no sooner had we introduced ourselves than we were fast asleep, recharging our batteries for an 8 o'clock start at school the next morning. Zombiefied with jet-lag, we somehow made our way - I think I was delivered in my exchange's Jeep Cherokee '94 - to St. Mark's School of Seay had prepared Tex-Mex for the group; a dessert of Texas, where we were to experience American schooling toasted marshmallows followed. Finally we called it a night, for the next two weeks. Mr Gunning was wide awake though with the older ones occupying the log cabins and us younger and was even chirpy enough to crack a few jokes, such as ones sleeping out under the stars. Following a cooked "You'll have to play it by ear" (when I inquired into whether breakfast the next morning we left the ranch at around one or not I could wear my earring at school). o'clock, having thanked Mr Seay for a wonderful weekend. Following a short tour of the campus, we joined our On Monday, we decided (ahem) that we would go to all exchanges in class. American schooling differs in two ways the classes instead of missing the ones we didn't like. This, from our own. Firstly, students have a daily timetable rather however, didn't stop us paying a visit to McDonald's at the than a weekly timetable (i.e. Monday 1 is the same as local mall. As we were all experienced McDonald's visitors, Tuesday 1, and so on). Secondly, classes tend to be more we instantly noticed the price difference, such that we could informal: a smaller class, regardless of year group, will buy a super-sized Big Mac meal for just over the price of a discuss the topic between themselves, with the teacher only regular Big Mac meal in England. On Tuesday we went to interrupting to change the direction of the discussion. see Downtown Dallas, but not before a quick visit to the On Friday evening we chose to partake in some true Texan JFK museum, a museum based at the Dallas book depository culture at the Mesquite rodeo, although certain members of dedicated to the assassination of the famous president. This the group seemed more interested in Mr Pickering's daughter has to be the best museum I have visited in my life. Matthew and step-daughter. Block certainly liked it, and was found discovering a little We had by now been in America for two days and we were more on the finer points of assassination - a warning of no less than overwhelmed by the grandeur of the American things to come, Matthew? Of course, no trip to Dallas would city. We had to move out to the tranquillity of the Texan be perfect without a trip to Reunion Tower, the famous land

TRIPS Page 68 KES CHRONICLE 1998 mark, which looks out onto the whole of Downtown Dallas. On Wednesday we spent a whole day in Fort Worth, a true "cowboy country" town. After a quick visit to Billy Bob's, the biggest bar in the world (with a capacity of over 6000),

we went to the Fort Worth stockyards, where we not only saw the original Texan stockyards, but also the original train station where cattle would be loaded and transported north. We then went on to visit the Amon Carter museum of Western Art, a beautiful collection of paintings portraying life in the Old West. This was followed by a quick visit to the Fort Worth Omni-theatre, a type of 3D cinema where the viewer does not wear special glasses, but is instead surrounded by a very big screen shaped in the form of a dome, which creates the 3D effect. Here we saw a short film documenting a trip to Mount Everest, especially relevant as the father of a St. Mark's pupil had been on the trip. Thursday, however, saw another day of American schooling, only this time we visited Hockaday, St. Mark's sister school, for a morning lesson in French. Needless to say, we made a lot of friends who were no less than charmed by our English accents. Dan and I somehow managed to miss the bus, thus having to spend an extra three lessons jeans and even beanie babies were all justified with the phrase with our new friends. "It's cheaper here than in England". On we drove through As it was approaching Easter Sunday, the Americans were Dallas, seeing our last night in the beautiful city. given Friday and Monday off school - a perfect opportunity On Wednesday morning my exchange and I decided to to visit Six Flags Theme Park. A bumpy ride on the famous wake ourselves up with a quick dip in his pool. As a way of Texas Giant was followed by a number of other rides, not to putting it, it was cold. This was to be my last dip in his pool, mention a few water rides. All in all, a thoroughly good day though hardly the most satisfying. Having swimming pools out. in Dallas is a way of life, and the average family is likely to On Saturday night, Mr Gunning said, "Take me to the ball have one. Likewise, air conditioning is a must in every house, game," and his wish was answered. At the ball park in especially during the summer, such is the climate. I had my Arlington, we watched a close game between Texas Rangers last breakfast with the family, before thanking them then and Toronto Blue jays. Although Toronto won 9-8, we found saying goodbye. the game very entertaining (although Dan said something I would recommend the Dallas exchange to anyone, about it being "disappointing"). especially to anyone who has never been to America. On Tuesday we spent our last dollars in one of Dallas' Immersed in American culture, this is a great opportunity to many malls. Purchases of sunglasses, baseball bats, jackets, see what America is actually like, rather than believing the stereotypes. Looking back on the trip, Dan has remarked "The trip is excellent. I definitely recommend it, especially to anyone in the lower sixth form - Rory and I had a great time. The best thing is that we can say "queef' and nobody has a clue what it means." Finally, the whole group would like to congratulate Mr Gunning and his wife upon the success of the trip; best of luck for the future. Rory Melough

CXCHRNGC TRIPS Page 69 KES CHRONICLE 1998 DIVISIONS' MARINC BIOLOGY ountains, sheep and leeks; coal miners and male voice Mchoirs. All of these were sadly lacking from the Biology field trip last June, with Aberystwyth providing the distinctly non-Welsh setting for the marine life investigation undertaken by us ever- enthusiastic Divisions. The university was to be our base, inconveniently situated right at the top of a leg- numbing hill which rolled steeply down to the neon-bathed (and probably uranium-rich) seafront. After the characteristically long coach journey from here to there we tumbled out of the bus, still •tfl5aa"*a555 emotionally dazed from the previous night's footballing drama and were each assigned rooms listed by form, which undoubtedly scuppered much potential j apery. We found ourselves under the renamed for the week), aided probably had about 100 things he'd seasoned leadership of Messrs Rigby, tirelessly by Dr. Galloway and Mrs. rather have been doing. Slowly we got Porter and Lampard (respectfully Matthews, technician Alan, who our Biology heads on and accepted eSMDCN €XCHANG€ This year International Airport, only for one boy in the afternoon, go and see 'The X- eight boys from to find that he had brought his mum's Files' in German. This, along with the King Edward's School passport. 40 minutes later he had cinema, proved an interesting 4?an d six girls from returned, and caught the final check- experience! Edgbaston High School in. After a 90 minute flight we landed The following day we visited the decided to take part in the in Frankfurt to catch a train to Rhine, which was very picturesque, German Exchange with a school Wiesbaden. At Wiesbaden Haupt- followed by a walk to look around a in Wiesbaden. The first leg of the bahnhof, we met our exchange very old castle. We all learnt a lot from trip was organised in England. This partners, hoping that the friendship the guide in English and were amazed was very enjoyable and included visits created in Birmingham could be at how heavy the cannons really to Oxford and Alton Towers. On the rekindled. The afternoon was spent were!! On the Thursday of that week second weekend every boy and his settling in and recovering from the we caught a train to medieval exchange partner went paint-balling, jetlag! Limburg, which again was very which seemed to please the Germans On the next day we were to enjoyable. Wednesday and Friday of as they had never come across a game experience life in a German school the week were spent in school, apart quite like this before. The ten days called the 'Gutenbergschule'. As it from three lessons on the Wednesday passed and the German exchange was their first day back after the when the English students were sent students flew home, only for us to visit summer we only attended for an hour on a trip around Wiesbaden to answer them in Germany about seven weeks while the students copied down their a questionnaire. later. On a Sunday morning in late new timetables. Next it was off into The weekend was left up to our August everyone met at Birmingham Wiesbaden to have a look around and, partners and, as the previous week had

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point of that particular day came, however, as Germany were soundly despatched from the World Cup by FICID TRIP Croatia, though a glimpse of the rare that this "was not a holiday", even bee orchid earlier that afternoon though it featured beaches and sand. came a pretty close second. So it was down to the tasks in hand Following such daily excitement _ principally clambering about a we were left to play football, get on perilous rocky shore looking for small with work (allegedly) and maybe get marine animals and trying fairly hard something to eat from - and I quote not to stamp on others as we lost our - the "cornucopia of delights" on footing every other step. Our unbridled offer. Whilst maybe not entirely enthusiasm for this exercise was, accurate on either count, it was however, put into the shade by a certainly better than the expensive member of another group of students. rubber kebabs on sale in A display of amazing commitment to Aberystwyth town centre - just ask his work (probably) saw him stranded Mr 'Chilli Sauce' Porter. After this on a rocky outcrop as the tide came came the daily routine of a in. debriefing and lecture, usually This was but one of the extensive consisting of barbed comments range of treats awaiting us throughout toward amusing pupils of yesteryear our stay. The pick of the bunch was from our leaders, or references to surely the Ynyslas mud flats, where Mr. Russell's apparent love of we were lucky to escape with two bacon. This was followed by our boots left, let alone any data. Victims free time, in which we could explore were pulled out of the mud by Mr Aberystwyth's attractively lit seafront But still, there's no place like home, Porter, with his skilful use of a pole. and look longingly at all the and though I'm sure many of us shed The sand dunes provided ample interesting places we were forbidden tears of sadness to put our Welsh entertainment, though for some this from. adventure behind us, we were still was gained through sliding down them On the journey back we did our bit immensely grateful for the relentless on plastic bags as opposed to for the environment, by using the investigating the distribution patterns toil of the staff. And we're very, very toilet at the Centre for Alternative of Marram grass growth or sand sorry for thrashing them so Technology. coverage in a square metre. The high comprehensively at pool!

Karim Adab and Gabriel Shaya

involved a daily 'getting-up' time of around 6:00 am, sometimes earlier, we all took advantage of the empty schedules on Saturday and Sunday morning. The evenings were spent at parties or going to a cafe called 'Cicero' in Wiesbaden, which I am told is very popular with the German children. The nine days in Wiesbaden passed too quickly and I believe some are even considering going back to see their partners next year. I would certainly recommend it to anyone who enjoys adventure, the unknown and having a great time. Sincere thanks must go to Messrs Booth and Tomlinson for organising the exchange and accompanying the party to Germany. Edward Hebblethwaite

TRIPS Page 71 he 1998 pilgrimage to the home of Western the AGORA, including the Hephaestos, the best preserved civilisation got off to a bad start when, in April, we temple in Greece, and the rebuilt Stoa. Also the maze of T found snow threatening to block our way to streets, bars and market stalls that is the Plaka (Old Quarter) Heathrow. Refusing to be deterred or delayed, we still arrived Nor were the glories of modern Greek sport rejected, as the in the beautiful city of Athens on time, in the dark - both Divisions watched a Olympiakos team win 4-2 at their huge literally, and figuratively - about what lay in store. stadium in the ancient harbour quarter of Piraeus. Our We awoke to find ourselves horribly deceived. Modern resident Greek, Nick Markou, narrowly failed to defend Athens takes all the glories of the crowded Birmingham inner Greek honour, coming only third in the first of our four Greek ring-road and expends them over a city of about 4 million trip races, this one in the modern Olympic stadium. people. Only isolated gems of ancient beauty and a Next on the whirlwind tour was Delphi, widely known as McDonalds redeem the place. Yet what gems! Like many of the most beautiful site in Ancient Greece. Across the Bay of the party, I had never experienced the magnificence of the Corinth, we journeyed on to Olympia where, in addition to Acropolis, with the renowned Parthenon and elegant seeing the remains of a temple which once housed a 25ft Erectheum. During our brief stay in Athens, we also visited statue of the Zeus in ivory and gold, we found ourselves on

TRIPS Page 72 KES CHRONICLE 1998 1998 the site of the first Olympic games. As is traditional, the party once more replayed the original event, the foot race, with N.M. once again narrowly missing out on glory. And so to the minor resort of Tolon where, from our base in a lovely beachside hotel, we visited Mycenae, Epidauros and Nemea. Nemea, one of the sites of Panhellenic games, was also the site of Hercules' first labour. Nick repeated his ancestor's endeavours with a magnificent, overdue race victory. Mycaenae, citadel of Agamemnon, was one of the more inspiring sights of the trip

dominating, as it does, the surrounding countryside, as well as being the site of Agamemnon's enormous burial chamber. Epidauros, my favourite site, is centred on an enormous theatre built into the hillside with legendary acoustics. Eschewing traditional calls for the School Song, the Divisions regaled a bemused international crowd with renditions of the "Friends" theme, "Yesterday" and "Hey Jude." A wonderful trip. All involved wish to thank Mr Lambie, Mr Evans and our leader, Mr Worthington, for all their efforts; we enjoyed every minute.

Ian Anderson and Vivek Katyal

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ying exactly slopes. In fact, it was quite eerie. We Entertainment varied greatly in tne over the Mid - were yet to discover the 'other side' evenings. It included a lecture on L Atlantic Ridge, of the island, which the next five days Icelandic geology, Jeremy Clarkson's having been created by provided in abundance. 'Top Gear' (Iceland edition), and team I it, Iceland is hardly icy - For the duration of the trip, we competitions involving the creation of despite being partially stayed at a pleasant field study centre Icelandic scenery through the use of created by a glacier the in Hveragoraz, and were joined from the human body. Hmmm! size of Yorkshire. With the second day onwards by a group of On the last day, before our return around thirty active students from Liverpool. Our English- journey, we had enough time to volcanoes, a population speaking guide, whom I shall call squeeze in some Icelandic horse- c the size of Nottingham Sven - as no-one could pronounce, let riding, where Gavin Sterry (250,000) and a alone spell, his name - and our driver demonstrated some amazing stunts complete absence of Dunni remained with us until our and enjoyed an unforgettable swim in naturally growing trees, departure. the Blue Lagoon. There was a Iceland is more than a Our visit included trips to geothermal pool, in places little bizarre. Planting o mountains, gorges, stunning reaching 47 C, situated L A N imported trees in your waterfalls, coasts, and the visible right next to a power station! garden would raise the section of the boundary between the Iceland has got to be the strangest land value by several North American and European plates. place any of us are likely to visit, but thousand Kronor, but We were all given the opportunity to I'm sure a good time was had by all. this is hardly surprising draw them for a competition at the Thanks must go to the staff of Arctic D from a country whose centre, and they accompanied a Experience and all accompanying chief export is fish, and which exports selection of geysers, mud pools and KES staff (Messrs Barrable, Everest red horse meat to Japan! solfataras in providing some and Cumberland) - especially Mr The outward journey went smoothly impressive scenery. We also visited a Cumberland for organising such an for the 25 boys and three staff who folk museum (compiled by one man, enjoyable trip. left KES at 7:30am, on 14th April. now 75 years old), several geothermal Andrew Wood Smoothly, that is, except for the pools and Reykjavik, Iceland's capital. 'Bonjella Gum Ointment' problem with airport security. Our destination: Iceland, that little known island with the decidedly deceptive name, 600 miles _ , . north of Scotland. We knew very little of Iceland on our arrival, as the whole place was shrouded in mist. Flat, featureless basalt plains stretched for miles around, broken up by deserted houses or mountain ski-

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After years of dormancy, Agora, the society for philosophical debate has been revitalised, chaired by Nathaniel Coleman and Mark Green. We have so far had two highly successful meetings, drawing in audiences of over thirty from both schools - very unusual for a meeting that goes on until 6.00pm on a Thursday evening! Our first talk, given by Old Edwardian Steve Else, was on the nature of truth. He is a postgraduate at Birmingham University in theology, and clearly took us through the different types of truth (moral, absolute etc.) at various points stopping for discussion. The debate was hot, and we often had to stop in order to be finished on time! In fact, Mr. Else commented on what makes something sentient. which is so underrepresented in the afterwards that we had discussed the This provoked as much, if not more school's curriculum. Thanks must go topics better than some of his debate as the first meeting, and to Mrs. Ostrowicz and Rev. Raynor, undergraduates had done - a flattering tangents were explored such as the who have helped us with the publicity compliment. philosophy of Wittgenstein and and organisation, and to Dr. Hosty for For the second meeting we invited Nietzsche, who the professor was the use of his room, and of course to the head of Philosophy at Birmingham more than qualified to speak to us the audiences, who have helped us University, Professor Gregory about. make the meetings such a success. McCulloch to chair the discussion. He All in all, the meetings have been decided to name the meeting "Is there very informative and interesting, and Mark Green anything wrong with sticking pins in we hope that numbers continue to rise babies?" It was not, however, anything next year, making more members of to do with abortion, more a discussion the school interested in philosophy,

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out; this has inevitably led to the following: Dr. Hosty for generously hilarious verging on the ridiculous. allowing us to use the Cartland Room- The increased popularity of the the dining hall staff who provide the society led to it taking place every four food; the Classics department for the weeks; we alternated between reading use of the books; Sophocles

a comedy and a tragedy. The plays Euripides and Aristophanes f0r were, as far as I can remember: writing the excellent literature which It has been quite a revolutionary year Aristophanes' Lysistrata, Wasps and we read; various people who brought

for the Anagnostics society. The added Frogs, the latter being read for the the wine; and Mrs. Johnson f0r appeal of food, wine, a good night out Christmas party which was also providing the apres-Anags and excellent company has raised the attended by last year's Classics Sixth; accommodation. I am sure the society average attendance from around four Euripides' Bacchae and Iphigenia in will be in more than safe hands when to a bulging fifteen or so. Parting with Tauris; Sophocles' Oedipus Tyrannus. Nathaniel and Vivek take over the the traditional style of reading, the Thanks must be given, in no reins in 1998-9. major scenes of plays have been acted particular order of importance, to the Charlie Banner

The question now, however, has to email all over the world in seconds - be "what next?!". Despite it's image and radio communication is (!) amateur radio can be very unreliable". Well that is true, but the rewarding. In recent months we few fact remains that it actually takes a bit have communicated with people all of skill to use radio communication, over the world, from America to and when you succeed with a difficult Australia, and all over Europe. "Why contact, it is rewarding. What the society needs more than anything is The previous year has been an is this so special", I hear you ask, "I some new membership. To remain an uneventful one to say the least. The can log on to the Internet and send affiliated RSGB club, we have to number of people on the Friday have ten people at the annual general afternoon option dropped to three meeting. We usually manage to make (although one more person was up this number by dragging people thought to have joined, that was an in from the corridors, but this is administrative error!), and the society obviously far from ideal. We are very is in serious need of new members. lucky, in that we do have some nice We missed our annual trip up to equipment. There are two powerful Brown Clee hill for the Radio Society rigs and an assortment of aerials on of Great Britain competition, which the roof, so the opportunity is there was a shame, as it is usually a source for anyone who wants to take it. of much entertainment. It is Anyone who wants to see the shack becoming a rare event for the 'shack' or find out a bit more, please see Mr to be opened at lunch time, and the Rigby aerials lie dormant on the roof in need of repair. Matthew Carroll, the last surviving licensed amateur at KES

attendances. As those who were leading it left, Matt Button and Joy Miller took over as the leaders. Many things happened throughout the year with talks given by Joy, Matt and others; the talks ranged from topics such as the gifts of the Holy Spirit to God's With many people leaving at the love and gift for us. In the end of the year, we were worried that Christmas service the talk that was not many people would turn up to given, was on whether you were Christian Union. They did though and searching in the right places for the throughout the year we had good truth.

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Talks given in the second half of the cross took our sin (red) away such praise times. Christian Union will the Spring term were inspired by the that we could be with God in heaven resume next on Friday lunchtimes at Teletubbies. The colours of the (blue); the next talk. The final talk was the girls' school; we have much going Teletubbies are red, purple, blue and on evangelism (yellow). on this year. Everyone is welcome to yellow, and as such we decided to give We also had times of praise and come. God bless and good luck to all talks according to the colour. Red prayer in the chapel, where people those who left this year. represented sin, the things which hurt could come freely. Finally, chapel God and separate us from him. Purple service, which happens every Matt Button represented Jesus, who, by dying on Wednesday, became more varied with

Misfortune reared its ugly head towards the finals in Oxford. We again in the Cambridge Union performed well in the first three Competition: after a confident victory unseen debates: most notably in a in the first round by Benedict Fisher debate in support of positive and Joshua Goodman, the team was discrimination, set in a dingy Oxford denied the chance to perform in the Union bar. This setting seemed to next round. This was due to poor bring out the best in Joshua and organisation on the Union's part: the Benedict! Yet the team was not In recent years, the K.E.S team was unable to make the date in confident, with only eight teams from contribution to the country's debating Nottingham, (given at very short sixty going through. The team, halls has been more of a modest cry notice) and the team bowed out however, did take some heart from Mr than a hearty roar. Many teams had disconsolate, but at least unbeaten! 'debating expert' Stacey's view that he performed respectably, but none had The season's great success came in believed we stood little chance of reached the dizzy heights of major the Oxford Union Bar Council progressing. The team did qualify, competitive success. Were K.E.S boys too polite for the 'dog eat dog' world Debating Competition. In the first reaching the final eight of a of competition debating? However in round in Warwick eight teams went competition that started off with 170 the 1997/8 season it appeared that the through from twenty. After two competing teams. team were beginning to work up an 'unseen' debates (fifteen minutes Although we were knocked out in appetite - for dogs!? preparation), Mr Stacey the debating the semi final stage, coming up against 'expert' was the bringer of some frighteningly ruthless Scottish However, the year began slowly: in (calculatedly?) bad news: 'Don't get teams, the team had improved greatly, the Midlands Schools Debating your hopes up. It will be close.' The which should stand them in good stead Competition the team of Benedict team went through comfortably in for the coming year's campaign. Many Fisher and Munish Chopra went out second place! in the first round. The exit was thanks must go to Dr Hosty and Mr Heartened by their success the team somewhat unfortunate: the team felt Stacey for their commitment and of Joshua Goodman and Benedict they had done enough to go through. support. The golden trio of Fisher, Chopra, and Fisher marched (or perhaps crawled Dr Hosty could only shake their heads would be more appropriate, given the Ben Fisher in disappointment, finding con• state of SLS's 'car' - whether it solation in those immortal words, 'We deserves such a title is debatable) woz robbed!'

as the European Union, to slightly faithful with memorable appearances more light-hearted (though no less being put in by the now famous DEBATING fiercely contested motions), such as Murphy. With Fatim providing the the value of the Telly Tubbies, to some passion in speeches and Rich Flynn lu^ SQCIETY liable to offend, such as the providing the humour from the disadvantages of being thin. speakers' end, the floor (although their The speeches and their presentation attendance has continued to rise to have been of varying quality but all a amazing numbers) has been woefully Since I first became involved in the joy to witness; new speakers, such as shy, indifferent or unmoved - apart Debating Society two years ago, we Ben Fisher and Philip Richardson from a belated effort in the recent have presented a range of motions made welcome and impressive debate on Secondary Education, they ranging from the more serious, such speeches. Old faces have remained have remained stubbornly impassive

SOCIETIES Page 77 KES CHRONICLE 1998 leaving the embarrassed speakers (and boys' Sixth Form and to provoke the rewarding and enjoyable season of the hapless chairman!) to keep the floor in to some show of emotion. debates. meetings alive. I wish the very best of As ever our thanks must go to the luck to next year's committee seemingly tireless Dr Hosty and the Luke Graham members (Jenny, Charlotte and Ben) ever-ready Miss Frazier, whose both to find speakers from the reticent dedication has once again produced a

ZJF^ provided the boys with ambitions of minimum wage debate by Sir Stanley ECONOMICS^ fast cars and serious money! This was Siebert, an economics conference at followed by an enthralling lecture on Aston university, and the CBl V BUSINESS;;,^ the importance of the Bank of conference at the I.C.C. Thanks must England's independence and not only be given to the teachers of monetary policy by John Beverly, the the department (Mr. Mason, Mrs Birmingham agent of the Bank of Cook and Mrs. Temperley) but also to England. This hot topic proved to be Mrs. Billingham and Mr. Wright for relevant for students of economics and their contacts. Next year sees the Again it was a successful year for business studies and interesting for the return of the 'Your Future in Europe' the society, and its popularity showed others. The season ended in a glorious trip, which should be the backbone of with the highest attendance ever seen manner when Jim Evans O.E. thrilled next year's society. in Econ 1. There were a number of the crowd with an invigorating speech talks given which varied from relaxed on Management, we think. On top of to stimulating. The year started off Goutham Bhadri this, there were many lectures at with a talk by Paul Ruddock O.E. on Birmingham University such as the the rewards of life in the city. This

Parties' remains cruelly overlooked. 'What's My Bald Starship Captain'. Call it Talaxian Amnesia, but no- Cinema trips have been, as ever, well one in the crew can remember a year attended by the group of hardcore real- as busy as 1997/98. The most ale drinkers. The least popular cinema successful event we've ever run, the trip was to see 'Alien: Resurrection', Christmas quiz threw up, figuratively, for the simple reason that only one of some hilarious one-liners including our members is over 18. However, the 'silicon-based life-forms' joke, selfless Matt Grady took himself to Let's just get this clear: The and the fast 'n' frenetic game of the cinema, and apparently liked it, Graphic Universe is the thank you very much. KES society for comics, 'Star Trek: First Contact' science fiction, fantasy and was thoroughly enjoyed. other playthings of cynical Thanks must go to our academics. perpetual patron, Mr Nick If change is logical, then 'Cheeky Monkey' The Graphic Universe's Bradley. But the ' Yoda' of year has been positively KES, Mr Milton is Vulcan, with a slight kink responsible for any in the Chain of Command. success we have 'Big' Matt Grady has achieved. Without his passed sadly away, and the gentle words of wisdom role of Secretary has been and enormous comic undertaken by Jos Lavery, collection, The Graphic whilst long-term ginger Universe would be a stallion and Son-of- group of people staring at Goddess Thom Loxton has desks on a Friday received the long-deserved afternoon. And it is so title of Deputy Secretary. much more than that. Philip Wheatley's hilarious stint as 'Bouncer To The Jos Lavery

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Mr. Davies tried desperately to drag we were forced to tie down Mr. Davies us back to "real" history with a well and hold his head when he tried to attended talk on Medieval surgery. leave the room during the "brain This was appreciated for the leaves head" scene. particularly gruesome slides and Blackadder and Vietnam surreal references to Francis Xavier. exhausted, we sank to the level of A balloon debate scheduled for last saying meetings would happen, not October will hopefully be taking place holding them and formulating new Write an informative and exciting next February ('99). excuses (or themes) in darkened account of what the Historical rooms clutching madly to our Society have done this year. That copies of Elton. is actually quite hard to do because Juvenile elements (the sixth few of our meetings have been even form) have recently taken to remotely exciting. After a year of swordfighting, making coins, and slumber, the society was awakened bashing each other over the head last September by a select band of with bits of stick. Coins have individuals dedicated to the pursuit proved more popular than archery of free tea and cake (which, as, with minimal modifications, incidentally, even after prolonged they pass at several local shops wrangling with the dining hall, we (purely accidental obviously). An still have not got). interesting insight into the Dark An initial meeting with the girls Ages has been provided each time proved two distinct truisms - that Mr. Davies walks into the room. people will do anything for a UCAS Thanks to the staff for not beating form, and that Blackadder doesn't us too soundly for creating large go out of fashion. This provided the amounts of noise with our Beach impetus for a series of badly Around December, the society was Boy tapes. advertised meetings which tended not caught by "Vietnam fever", at around May the History Sixth (society, to happen. Starting with a Henry VTII the same time as Channel Four. Lots surely) carry on at least until the next blind date, which was a good idea but of late night screenings were videoed meeting. sadly rather too embarrassing for the and shown at school. Full Metal Jacket participants. was well received, particularly when Matthew Wheeldon

—— of the members of the group. These Birmingham University talking about have ranged from "Hollywood Jews," Jewish student life. In addition, to explanations of various Festivals Professor Martin Goodman of Oxford £ JKWISH ti. and discussions on the State of Israel, University was kind enough to give us which celebrated its 50th anniversary a lecture entitled "Jesus the Jew," a this year. fascinating account of Judaism 2000 We have occasionally invited years ago, which was well attended by visitors such as students from a multifaith audience. Thanks must go to Mr Mason, The Jewish society, which whose room we use for our meets every week on a meetings, Rev. Raynor, who has Wednesday morning, has been helped us with organisation and organised very efficiently for all the people who gave up their the past year by Daniel Clark, time to prepare talks, but from whom Mark Green took especially Daniel Clark who has over later on in the year. The really done a fantastic job of main aim of the society is to resurrecting and running the provide some sort of link for society over the past two years. pupils between school life and We hope that the group will go Judaism. from strength to strength. Every week, we have had a talk, usually followed by a Mark Green small discussion, given by one

SOCIETIES Page 79 KES CHRONICLE 1998

the Shells are asked to put on a competition, with their excellent comedy, loosely related to Classics. performance of "The Blinding 0f As a standard of how loose this can Polyphemus," but commendations g0 be, Shell S presented us with a take to everyone involved. Finally, the on the Simpsons; among others, we CI assies Department would like to also saw the Teletubbies and the Spice thank everyone behind the scenes for Girls make appearances. Congrat• their help: the lighting crew and Mr ulations to all Shell forms for making Boardman for his photography are this event a special occasion; and, as especially praised for their hard work The highlight of the Junior Classics always, the highlight of the Junior Department this year was definitely Classics Calendar. Special acclaim Sumit Anwar the Shell's Latin play at Christmas: for goes to Shell T, the winners of the those unacquainted with the tradition,

rZTTT^ ZZW~ ZJ7 with a fascination for things Irish - monologues, movingly acted out (with nothing to do with James Murphy's commentary) by visitors from the influence - and, in particular, Yeats. Motley Theatre Company: like oMTEMRC The English did get a look in, Muriel, the audience were, "Glued to however, through Auden's well it all", but as "discerning viewer[s]" known eulogy for the great man, and I think. _ there soon followed a paper on that There have been more readings apparently most English of wits, Oscar (modern, and popular), and Mr Trott Wilde (the film with Stephen Fry then has again obliged us with delightful It is good to report that the Joint just out). This splendidly delivered, if and acute analyses. My thanks must Literary Society remains very active. controversially adulatory, presentation go to him; to Tim, Chris Nayak and Many meetings took place during the by an ever-present team-star, Tim the other committee members; and, year, either at the High School or here Howies, was both well received and above all, to my colleague Sarah "on our own pitch". extremely well attended, showing that Frazier (now Shore-Nye), who has Following a talk on nineteenth and Lit. Soc. is (by no means) just for worked so hard. twentieth century poetry given by specialist students of literature. Sarah Evans, the Headmistress of Another highlight consisted of two of KEHS, last year, 1997-98 commenced Alan Bennett's Talking Heads

Particular highlights of the year Thanks go to all contributors, our loyal included the two very different talks supporters, my co-secretary Tim given on Russia by two very different Howies (who so thoughtfully let me people. Chris Boardman's visual write the report) and finally the man presentation of his time there, though who for thirty years has almost single- disappointingly attended, was perhaps handedly kept this great society afloat. my personal favourite of the entire Next year marks the beginning of the year, while DJ Ash had to be at his post-Tomlinson era of the Modern Quality rather than quantity was very best (now that is some quality) Languages Society, but despite the certainly the motto of the '97-'98 simply to outdo the sophistication and loss of his unique character, we wish Modern Languages Society. beauty of the posters advertising his our successors good luck in Attracting a loyal and encouragingly talk. maintaining the standards set under mixed following, rather than the Old Also impressive were 'Mauriciere' his dynamic and irrepressible Trafford-type crowds of the more Workman's biography of novelist guidance. tabloid societies, the high standards Albert Camus and the various KEHS set in past years were more than efforts, notably a talk on a gap year Tony Hodson emulated by the excellence of all the spent in Italy given by an Old individual presentations. Edwardianess (!?).

SOCIETIES Page 80 KES CHRONICLE 1998

Pacing, bearing and contouring other numbers, no map, just a compass exercises were first on the agenda and and were still expected to return. I do believe we all coped with that. Darkness fell and we had a look Then came doing a simple warm up round a little wood helped only by a /> r,cl course - only four controls, not that candle attached to the head. This was, hard, but I still managed to run down of course, supposed to be night non-existent paths and continuously orienteering, but navigation and Our ears bombarded with the usual fall down potholes in waist high darkness are quite hard to combine, bad jokes, arriving at the training area, heather. (This is truly great fun and I as too many people found out. we had sore bottoms, headaches and recommend Cannock Chase as the Sunday - competition. Strange a regular chorus of "I like heather and pothole capital of how familiar everything looked, but orienteeeerin'", running England.) what can you do when you have been through our heads. told that you can Nevertheless base camp train on an area and was set up in a school/ then they put a outdoor pursuits class• course on it? Still, a room and after great weekend and a munching on a bag of big thank you to Mr. doughnuts we set out Barrable, Mr. Rees once again to do what and Mr. Simpson, we had originally as well as all the intended. other people who The area, a large helped with the proportion of Cannock orienteering (and Chase, had been more importantly descended on by a mmmmmm helped cook large tracksuit clad Mr. quantities of pasta Simpson, a fleeing Mr. Rees and Lunch and then some more for all our meals!) several of his little friends who were orienteering. I hasten to add that, as If you would like to try Mr. Rees' already busy setting out the controls. Mr. Barrable showed us, maps are pasta, or even go orienteering, see Mr. After further delays, the party of useful, but not essential. Thus, we Barrable in room 48 for details. highly skilled orienteerers started the were sent out onto unexplored wonderful day of training. territory with a list of distances and Nick Pilsbury

novel and exciting venture which and the organising committee I would provided a close competition and like to praise the efforts of Mr Porter much entertainment and discussion who has been invaluable in helping us, for both spectators and players. On the committee, to put on the talks. behalf of those who attended the talks Oliver Mytton

It has been another successful year for the scientific society with a wide variety of talks. We began with a talk from our own Dr Daniels, discussing particle physics, focusing on Feynman Diagrams. Talks on bacterial resistance, Immunology by the entertaining Professor Gordon and the Hubble Telescope were all well received. Mr Lampard shared his slides and experiences from his Borneo Expedition in another popular and well attended talk. Dr Ted, head of Physics KEHS, laid on a scientific quiz, open to teams of three. It was a

SOCIETIES Page 81 KES CHRONICLE 1998

convincing, hinting at the darker and justice. more manipulative side to Beatrice. The plays chosen offered extra James Murphy's attempts at curricular escape while supplementing singing in "The Winter's Tale" were the need for a wider literary woefully flat, though he did capture knowledge among students of English the essence of Richard II, Macbeth "A" level. For example, "Much Ado and Shylock. His Richard initially About Nothing" has parallels with displayed a complacent and capricious both "The Taming Of The Shrew" and The Shakespeare society's "suit" of "The Way Of The World" - both of September 1997 to March '98 was which were "A" level texts during the both "hot" and "hasty", to borrow year. Beatrice's perceived rebellion terms from "Much Ado About against the institution of marriage yet Nothing". Dr. Hosty continued to implied frustration (and genuine provide expert guidance - in both the sadness, even?) at the hint of male choice of plays and the more mundane rejection closely mirrors Katherina's details of administration, and the position in "..The Shrew". Equally, the society attracted even larger numbers "flytes" between Beatrice and than last year on occasion. Admittedly, Benedick resemble those between the numbers attending and the Katherina and Petruchio, while the enthusiasm of readers waned slightly game of deception between Beatrice towards the end of the season, yet and Benedick (albeit unintentional for most meetings were characterised by much of the play) is repeated, a pertinent, poetic vigour - making essentially by Mirabell and Milamant for an entertaining hybrid of "read- in "The Way Of The World". through" and impromptu performance. At every meeting therefore, the As ever, there were meetings and society helped to illustrate the readers, which stood out above the continuity between Shakespeare's rest. While I never got another stab (!) plays and their seniority in all at Hamlet and never heard Harriet immaturity, before embracing greater literature. That is one of the keys to Gladwell's rendition of Gertrude, I magnanimity and maturity to promote the society's success, aside from the had the pleasure of assuming the Richard from fool to tragic hero. He sheer joy of reading or listening to heroic wits of Benedick - pitted also portrayed some of the moral Shakespeare's dramatic poetry and against her Beatrice. The society sat ambiguities in Macbeth and Shylock, sharing in his acute observations of enthralled - occasionally missing their relishing the concrete and often human nature. I have hugely enjoyed cues, as a result of Miss Gladwell's violent diction used by both characters contributing to the society and wish it effortlessly hypnotic reading. The to express more abstract theories every success for the future. scene where she urged Benedick to regarding ambition, corruption and "Kill Claudio" was especially James Murphy

year. The intention of Visual Arts Sharks", "The Vanishing", "Midnight society was to show brilliant films, Run", "The Long Good Friday", "Dr. which may not necessarily be well Strangelove", "2001: A Space Odyssey" known, widely watched or part of the and "A Clockwork Orange". These were normal diet of film watchers. A regular all enthusiastically received by those stream of posters were plastered in who attended. every nook and cranny around school, I must finally thank all those who and notices read out in Big School, in attended and express my gratitude to a desperate attempt to spread the Mr. Boardman for the use of the This was something of an word. Holliday Computer Lab. The society experimental year for Visual Arts, and Films were shown every few weeks will come under the name of "Film it was with slight trepidation that I on a Wednesday after school, and Society" next year and will, I hope, formed this new society at the attracted variable audiences, from continue to flourish. beginning of the year. As the society sometimes just a few to often twenty developed, however, I felt satisfied or thirty people. Some of the Eliot Beer and perhaps surprised with what highlights of the year included, "This turned out to be quite a successful is Spinal Tap", "Swimming with

SOCIETIES Page 82 KES CHRONICLE 1998

Cockhouse Points System

The major change in the Cockhouse points system is that the points are awarded on the basis of each individual event rather than awarding the points once the events have been pooled together. For example, in Basketball, the senior, junior and minor competitions will all be scored independently, each with a single weighting, rather than combining all three results to obtain an overall position which would then receive a treble weighting. The other change is to reward the house that wins each individual event. On the old system the basic points scale was 1st position received 8 points, 2"d position received 7 points and so on until 8 position which received 1 point. This was then multiplied by the weighting of the event. Now the same principle applies except that the house that comes first receives 9 points instead of 8 for an event with a single weighting, and the appropriate multiple of 9 for an event with any other weighting.

There are several advantages to this method:

• The final points total will give a much fairer indication of how well each house has performed in each competition. If a house wins an overall event by a long way it will be reflected in the final points awarded, whereas a close competition will result in a much smaller gap in the final points awarded. • There were many disparities in how the points were pooled together in different competitions, which will now not be relevant. • The overall points system was extremely complex and unwieldy. The new points system should be far simpler. • It should be possible for the school recorder to publish an up to date running total so that each house knows exactly how they are faring at any particular time. • Everyone should be able to see how their efforts have been translated into Cockhouse points.

The weightings for each competition are to be reviewed but are currently: Challenge (1), Chess (2), Table Tennis (1/3: 1/3:1/3), Hockey (2), Gymnastics (1), Basketball (1 :1:1), Bridge (1), Squash( 2/3: 2/3: 2/3), Badminton (2/3: 2/3: 2/3), Fives (2/3: 2/3:2/3), Rugby (2:1:1:1:1), Cross Country (1:1:1:1: 1), Shooting (1), Athletics (3:3), Swimming (4/3: 4/3: 4/3), Cricket (2:2:2), Tennis (1:1/2: 1/2).

Note: (x:y:z) refers to (Senior: Junior: Minor), (v:w:x:y:z) refers to (Senior^*8: Urns: Rems: Shells). Except Swimming which is (Sports: Standards : Water Polo). And Athletics which is (Sports: Standards)

SJT

HOUSES Page 83 KES CHRONICLE 1998 1 House Cross Country

This year's House Cross Country Trophy, like every other year that James Wood has been here, was the conquest of the glorious Prince Lee. However, the victory was not all down to the undoubtable talents of Wood. Strapping young lads such as Jon Goldman and Ben Patterson fought heroically for the Prince Lee cause. Special praise should also go to Mark Travis for stepping in at the last minute and Sam Cunnington for being great. And so went another years competition, a definite example of strength in the face of adversity and abuse from overweight markers. 'Fat'Sam Cunnington Above: Charles Banner makes a dash for it

House Basketball House Hockey

As teams with aspirations of victory crowded into the gym for the first round This years competition was and hurled basketballs; some with finesse, some dangerously; it became clear that dominated by Jeune, captained by this year would be an entertaining one. After a couple of rounds, the four giants of Oliver Myton. They managed to stay Senior Basketball emerged on top: Evans, Levett, Vardy and Gifford. After Evans unbeaten throughout the whole losing a tight game against Levett, due mainly to Dan Clarke's extraordinary shots tournament and were only held to a from "downtown ", and Vardy losing out to Gifford, partly because of an injury to draw by Vardy. 6'8" Amir Ali, the final was to be between Levett and Gifford. After a highly Prince Lee beat Cary Gilson into competitive match Gifford emerged victors with Levett 2 , Vardy 3 , and Evans 3rd place 3-0, while Jeune demolished 4 While despite a valiant effort from Paul "Hang-time "Collins, Prince Lee still Evans 4-0 in the final, who were finished 5 . missing Chris Lawsenson injured. Some great basketball was played and hopefully the standard will be as high next year. Richard Barker Jon Pollock House Gym House Rugby House Gym is an event which over The most ridiculous attitude of 97/ the years has regularly been mocked 98 Senior Rugby was the seeding . A and jeered at, and when that most Cary Gilson side filled with pretty sacred of all times comes, I always boys were seeded 1 and Levett the marvel at the lack of numbers and all conquering heroes were 2 . The general hysteria that breaks out among inadequacy of this system saw the B the years. However most houses and W army destroy 9 man Vardy 7- manage to round up six young 0; charge over Cary Gilson 46-0, and volunteers to take on the mighty steamroller Gifford 12-0, with James challenge. They risk ridicule, but they Skidmore throwing away his House care not, for the fact they are captaincy chances with an representing their House means the Interception pass. world to them. Richard Flynn After weeks of back breaking practice the competition came to be. However the actual affair was sadly Right: Richard Flynn uneventful with Levett cruising to Looking pretty victory and a highly deserving Evans in 2 place. Amit Chatterjee

HOUSES Page 84 KES CHRONICLE 1998 House Athletics House Cricket

Athletics troops swarmed upon the Eastern Road track once again. The air of Captained by Goutham Bhadri and sl nd expectation was only climaxed by the sweltering heat of that Sports Day final. Yet backed up by several other l and 2 much had already been done in events earlier in the term that slightly predetermined XI players Heath cruised to victory in the result. the senior event. Evans looked to be The colossal amount of standard points accumulated by the main Houses i.e. their closest rivals with N. Khan and Evans and Gifford, shows the fierce amount of competition in the Cock House this A. Chaterjee in sparkling form. year. In the actual event the key to success seemed to be a combination of collective However they came across a Levett effort and some strong individual performances. side spearheaded by the devastating In Evans, strong performances emulated from athletes like an injured K. Chung, bowling of R. Flynn in the semis who who bravely ran in the 400m relay, and the cyborg, Ben Levine who picked up dismissed these batsmen to win three track titles in the 800, 1500 and 3000m. This formula gave Evans an convincingly. Yet in the final not even indisputable victory and a trail of Houses left in their wake. the latter's pace and bounce could These strong team efforts are a clear example for those with aspirations of success dismiss T. Owen and D. Cauldwell in next year's Athletics and Cock House competitions. who knocked off the runs for Heath Mark Davies with ease. House Tennis Robbie Newman

This years House Tennis competition was an enthralling affair, won in the end by a strong Prince Lee team. The Prince Lee 1st and 2nd pairs, consisting of Andrew Gee, a rather plump Sam Cunnington; and Rupal and Hylton respectively, sailed through the competition undefeated, to maintain the House's annual tennis victory and to notch up some vital points in the quest for the Cock House. This convincing win left the rest of the Houses fighting it out for 2nd to 8th places. In the end it was Vardy who managed to pip ahead of the rest to grab 2nd. The tennis on show was of the highest standard and just reinforces the point that tennis has never been stronger at King Edwards. Long may it continue! Andrew Gee Chris Felmons, will he make it? House Swimming pool; the cheering and chanting by distance, often a short one, down the name and by house; the entire day pool by the plungometer (it's a stick, To the uninitiated, the House after exams of intense competition, actually), capably operated by the Swimming Competition may seem stung by chlorine. aforementioned Mr Owen. The simply to be an endless, mindless Any outsider would be, as insiders distance that he travels is marked (the series of races. Whilst our friends are are, intrigued by 'The Plunge', which idea, essentially, is to dive, and then basking in the sunshine, playing their forms part of the competition. float as far as possible without moving tennis and their cricket, we make our Perennially, Mr Owen dusts down his a muscle), and rankings are given after way backwards and forwards all day, plungometer and takes to the poolside. three attempts. legs and arms flailing in different The Plunge is one of those things This year's competition was won by directions according to the race in that one can imagine has survived for Gifford who, despite stiff competition hand. But that would be to miss the centuries at King Edward's, alongside from Heath and Cary Gilson, fought true spirit of House Swimming: the the school song, the sacred sod, and their way to the top with injured atmosphere in the enclosed swimming Mr Benson. As each plunger is told to captain Paul Atefi. 'plunge away', he is followed at a Paul Rutter

HOUSES Page 85 KES CHRONICLE 1998 Evans

With the discovery of fire and the invention of the wheel, came Evans' last Cock House victory. The question on everyone's lips this year was, would we manage to jump the hurdle, that had for so long, kept us out of the top three? Potentially, we were champions, practically we were never quite there. This year, however, things were different. There was an air of anticipation amongst the Evans faithful. It was written in the stars (or rather on Mr. Tinley's A4 pad) that we were to be led by the omnipotent Mike Purdon, and that his trusty side kick was to be Naz Khan. With Andrew Maclachlan as Battle we did with Naz Khan and season, we would be the undisputed House recorder, what could possibly Amit Chatterjee sharing a record champions of the school, (as it turns go wrong? Evans opening stand of 199 n.o. out, it wasn't quite undisputed, but We hoped and prayed for great However despite this victory I feel the that is another story, and maybe the things in rugby, and unduly we seniors under achieved in Cricket, but losers could tell you about it!). achieved. In the seniors there were thanks to the minors, who came 1st, Finally a special thanks go to all the good performances from Mike and the juniors, who finished 3rd, our house tutors, our intrepid leader Mr. Purdon, Naz Khan (in a somewhat overall position was 1st. Tinley and especially to Mr. Smith, strange position.... Centre) and Ian In Atheletics this year and last we who will not be with us next year, as Anderson, who was like a brick wall managed enough standards points to he goes on to pursue better things. In in defence and in attack, the words make second, which was impressive his plac& arrives Dr. Galloway whom "run Forrest run" seemed made for enough. (We were behind Gifford, I hope too can experience the happy him, as his blistering pace was who have some sort of tyrant at the happy, joy joy, of winning the coveted matched by no one. Good helm, who believes in beating those Cock House Trophy. With new captain performances by the lower year who do not collate the necessary Ian Anderson (of Forrest Gump fame) groups and the Fifths, meant, as a number of points I have this and vice captains Amit Chatterjee and house, we had finished second information from an inside source and Jon Pollock, I am confident that we overall. The fact that we had come he will remain nameless, for he values will put up a worthy defence of our seventh in Cross Country was a his life). title. predictable, yet unhelpful one, but it This, put together with good sports Amit Chatterjee all counts....doesn't it? day finals (especially for Ben Levine) We seem to have an excellent cricket from all years, meant that we had house, with the Minors being strong, secured 1st place overall in and the seniors having a good Athletics. sprinkling of 1st team, 2nd team and... But what did all these numbers erm.. keen players. The seniors, faced mean? As we all piled into the hole with better seeding this year, breezed that we had come to know as home past the first round, crushing Jeune by we all wondered if, finally, after ten wickets. Next, due to the change the long weary year that had gone in wind direction, we were on the before us, we had finished first. receiving end of a hammering at the We groaned as we watched the hands of Levett. It seemed that the leaving upper sixth give their "pen pace of the First XV Rugby captain portraits" of each other. was too much for the First XI Cricket Then it came. Mr. Tinley's ice cool captain and this left us battling for 3rd/ voice, unfaultered by excitement, 4th place against Cary Gilson. delivered the news that for the next

HOUSES Page 86 KES CHRONICLE 1998 Gifford "We're going to have to work even and Gav Hamer, coupled with a good had an enviable record as harder this year to retain the Cock junior performance in Basketball, left Housemaster, recording three wins rd House". With these inspirational us with two credible 3 place and two 2nd places. His inspirational words Mr. Chamberlain greeted us positions. There was also a surprising and occasional angry words will be back to school. Sadly it was not to be 3rd in Cross-Country which overall put sorely missed. He cultivated a great and Gifford's three-year winning us 2nd coming up to the summer term. Gifford spirit and ethos of pupil streak came to an end with a slightly Aided by a massive standards total, participation that has made us such a disappointing, but hard-earned 2nd. Paul Atefi once again led us to an successful House. Gifford once again started badly with overall win in swimming. This was Finally Rees, Broughton-Taylor, poor results in indoor games, mirrored in Athletics, where we broke Brandrick and Tudor-Jones won especially table tennis. However, our record for standards points and House colours. While credit must go encouraging results in House Gym with some excellent individual to Gav Hamer and Chris Mountford, and House Bridge made up slightly. performances secured 3rd place. excellent House captains and Dunn Refreshed with the knowledge that However a poor 4lh in cricket and an prize winners. Hopefully next year we the big points were yet to come, we undistinguished tennis result led to can regain the Cock House that is set about the task of defending the one of our poorest finishes. rightfully ours. trophy with renewed vigour. An We could not win it for Mr Dan Burns excellent performance in Senior Chamberlain one final time coming 2nd Rugby due to the likes of Ben Bushell place to Evans. Mr. Chamberlain has

Heath effort was successful to a degree, There were a fair number of awards leaving us with a much more of House Colours this year, especially Following our previous year's

,h respectable total score. However, the following the summer term which plummet to 4 place, the worst in well ultimate goal still seems to elude us. perhaps was our most industrious; over a decade, we began the year with Perhaps one difficulty is lifting our place from 6* at Easter to great determination to restore us to our rd inconsistency across the year groups, 3 was quite an achievement. This was traditional place in the top three. This and the fact that success often comes mirrored by Mr. Milton's growing from individual drive and passion for anything which performances. might revitalise our fortunes. His Certainly our 2nd place fascination for all things statistical and in Athletics com• managerial breathed life into the petition, and 3rd in recent restructuring of the House. This Athletics Standards included appointing Sid Hawkins were due in no small House Captain, and introducing way to the outstanding positions of House Recorder, efforts of Mark Woo, Management Committee Represen• Adrian Tipper and tatives and Year Group Captains and Nathan Witter, and too began organising "future-facing" many others to meetings. Let's hope that the new mention. The team vigour and enthusiasm at the top of spirit in the House, the House can give us the boost we however, is a good one need for the year ahead. and is strengthening John Marsters

Heath -facing the future further wlth tlme.

Levett With last year's success of second place in the Cock House, With everyone looking forward to what should be a Levett house certainly had a lot to live up to in the coming successful year, competitions started rather badly with not year, with Mr Roll, fresh from the previous year's victories the kind of results the house may have expected. Winter urging everyone in the house for maximum effort in the competitions have never been Levett's strong point (or at coming competitions. Most of the house were disappointed least not in my six years of experience). An 8 place in Five's to see the departure of Mr Campbell, whose policy of fitness, was not a great start, with the senior captain's comment fitness, fitness had no doubt been appreciated by all well summing it up... "A brave performance considering our team meaning members... well maybe. had no talent whatsoever." With a Badminton placing 4 and

HOUSES Page 87 KES CHRONICLE 1998

basketball suffering a similar fate, it was only the Squash which with it's Vardy 2 place pulled us to a dashing 6 This year was a strange year for the 100m, 200m and 400m by both place in the Cock House at Christmas, Vardy. After pulling ourselves up from Jaylon May and James Bucknall. disappointing considering we were last place after one term we felt certain Although, overall this years placed first the year before. As the we could challenge, as usual, for the performance was disappointing it is a nd top places. year went on things improved with 2 year on which we can build. There is in Chess, and a well deserved high However, despite the strong Vardy a lot of talent all through the house placing in Rugby. The house was then spirit things went wrong. and combined with Vardy's new rocked by the news of a new house Administration seemed to be a major recorder system that will monitor scoring system to be introduced not problem as certain teams were not at performances the winning ways will for next years competition, but for this full strength and so winning hopefully return. year's cock house. The question being, competitions was difficult. Thanks must go to: Mr Worthington would it save Levett from the murky The house remained optimistic and the housemaster, all the tutors and all lower half of the table for Cock House, there were many fine achievements the captains for helping the house hmm, probably not. both individually and in the team through an enjoyable year. The summer term went well with sports. Including a trophy for the brave performances from all ends of water polo team and clean sweeps in Richard Thomas the house in swimming, tennis and cricket spurring hope into the hearts of the disappointed Levitians. The Jeune usual plea for a good turn out in swimming and athletics standards was From the sublime to the ridiculous! Only 1 l/i points behind Vardy in 5th called for, and promptly greeted with A good six 1 positions, four of which position , having soldiered from 8* to the same enthusiasm as normal: saw the house off to a superb start to 6 positions between 1996 and 1998, None. the year, but sadly dogged by four 8 there can be no stopping us now as However, considering what might positions. The academia of the House we continue to climb the ladder. If have turned out to be a dismal year, excelled, taking 1 in House only people would make it easier by the result of 4th place in Cock house Challenge and Chess followed by a handing in their standards cards I am was greeted with cheers from the close 2 in Bridge due to our star sure it would be much appreciated by ranks of Levett house in their tightly player missing the final. The elite all. A great year for Jeune and a superb packed meeting room. Who knows Jeune House Shooting Team set their time had by all can only spell disaster what the next year holds, one thing is sights high, blazing their way to glory. for the other Houses. for sure, the dizzy heights of the upper The more sporting side of the house How can I finish without St half of the cock house seem to be was not to be shamed, taking 1 mentioning Philip Wheatley, the Man coming too regular an event for Levett positions in Table Tennis, Hockey behind the Scene! Jeune owes him house. Now, what was it they said? and Badminton. An excellent second one! The confident air within Jeune What goes up.... place was secured in Fives, led by House is like a fresh breeze carrying with it the sporting talent of the Rems Stuart James House Captain James Birch, to whom thanks must go for his excellent and pointing us in an upwards spiral. driving force and commitment to the House. Joe Tipper

Rory Melough inspires Jeune

HOUSES Page 88 KES CHRONICLE 1998

Cary Gilson Mr. Russell in pursuit of his personal competition we slumped badly in the Holy Grail - to get more than 5 people semi-finals after half of the team was Cary Gilson's 1997/98 was much from the upper years down to Eastern away on university business. Again we like the previous year. In fact, so much Rd. put up a decent show of 4 in House like it that we failed to Rugby and fared move up the table and commendably in the made little noticeable athletics, although in the improvement in any area end we were dragged down of competition. The into the quagmire as we blame for this however struggled for an overall lays squarely on the position to match the shoulders of the upper individual highlights. But years, for if it weren't for valiance alone was not the magnificent efforts of enough. our Shells and Rems in After scraping around Swimming and Cricket the bottom of the pile for so then the position usually long it's surely time that reserved for Prince Lee CO leapt phoenix-like from Mr Stone infiltrates the Cary Gilson meeting would have been the ashes and recaptured ours. Yet again our poor showing in Alec Tang's efforts to motivate the the (one-off) glory of years gone by. the standards was to be lamented, house were in vain, and after a Or maybe not... only time will tell. though not for the extensive efforts of promising start in the Senior Hockey Andrew Owen Prince Lee

After a position of 7 in the previous The Summer term, however brought Most impressive however was Richard year (finally lifting ourselves from the with it some Prince Lee success but Thompson in the Removes gaining a bottom of the table) the Prince Lee unfortunately more failure. massive amount of standard points. Troops looked set to continue their Excellent ndividual performances journey to the top. With the were in abundance but as a team appointment of a new and Prince Lee failed to turn out to enthusiastic Housemaster, Mr Burns, events and failed to show any House and with Housecaptain Jon Goldman spirit. If the commitment and effort at the helm there was a feeling shown by individuals mentioned was amongst the masses that this really repeated throughout the house then could be our year. I'm sure that Prince Lee would find Despite our success of the Autumn itself in close proximity to 1 position term, Prince Lee's battle was not in House Athletics. over. The Spring Term saw Prince The end of the year has seen the Lee falling from the dizzy heights at position of 8 "achieved" and so we the top of the table. Yet all was not must look to the future to better lost as the pink army battled on with ourselves and show what a truly excellent performances from great House we are. All that is left to William Webb in Hockey, Barley say is to thank all of the House tutors Muralidhar and Andrew Gee in for their efforts and to Mr Burns for House Squash and James Wood in Mr Burns, House Master his truly great commitment to the Cross Country. As ever Rugby is Our bad fortune repeated itself again House. With the departure of Jon where the House efforts come to an with disappointing performances in Goldman we have lost not only a fine end, despite the presence of three 1 Swimming, although this was made athlete but a truly inspirational leader. XV players and talented individuals up in part by Athletics, with Jon So this leaves me to wish the new in other years. The seniors were Goldman winning the sprints; Matt House Captain, Sanjay Rupal, the very unlucky in coming 8 whilst the Dodd performing well in the best of luck in lifting Prince Lee to minors proved a team to be feared - throwing events; James Wood the top of the table- a mammoth task final position 8' underlining his position as the schools but it can be done. With the term drawing to a close it best long distance athlete and Mark William Webb and Sanjay Rupal became evident that we again doomed Homes running strongly in the to propping up the Cock House table. hurdles.

HOUSES Page 89 KES CHRONICLE 1998

THE 1997 - 1998 COCKHOUSE CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL PLACINGS oz -*-» GO J3 co JS — J3 •4—> 43 -4—> in 5 -4—» ^—» 3r d 2n d 3r d O VO t~~ 2n d in NO ft. in oo

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NEW METHOD OF SCORING OLD METHOD OF SCORING

HOUSES Page 90 The ancient sport of archery has been revived at KES this year. It is probably archery, as football, quoits, running the only sport that we can be sure that the first pupils of the school in 1552 would and dice were all banned. Edward VI have taken part in. All Tudor boys over the age of seven were required to practice was a keen archer and it is certain that he would smile kindly on our efforts to rekindle this manly sport. The King Edward's Archers are unique in being the only school longbow club in the country. The longbow is a more honest and demanding bow than modern bows, and it requires not only physical stamina, but excellent technique and concentration to achieve any degree of accuracy. The two dozen senior and junior archers have taken to the bow well, and can be seen in good weather on Prior's field loosing their wooden arrows at wand, garland and popinjay, the traditional medieval targets. We have challenged The Guild of the Blessed St Edmund at Dudley Castle to a longbow match, but there will be few fixtures and no leagues for us to compete in. There is much pleasure to be found in reviving and mastering this ancient art. In the future the whispering of an arrow in flight will accompany leather on willow as one of the traditional sounds of summer.

JPD

SPORT Page 91 KES CHRONICLE 1998

Junior Athletics

The 1998 athletics season Nick Pilsbury has been was, for the junior age group, performing consistently well in one of success. Of the 23 1500m races. Antony Wong did matches we were involved in, enviably stepping into 400m we won 13, and nearly won a races half way through the further four. season, but the unrivalled star of This year, the points have the junior team is Adrian Tipper again been scored pre• Having only not won two races dominantly by runners and this year, Adrian has had a jumpers, with the boys in superb season. He has won both throwing events needing more the West Midlands school technical and physical training championships and the West to begin to perform well. Midland county championships Hopefully next year we will be over 100m and is, at this able to perform better in these moment in Exeter at the English events. Schools Championships. With a good all round Upper With another successful Middles team, the few gaps athletics season at its end, I left at competitions were ably congratulate all the athletes who filled by very good Remove have taken part this year and can athletes, whom I am sure will only hope that our successors improve to win many races can build on this year's next year as the older year in performance. the Junior age group. emerging as a very capable long A very good overall team was not jumper and has won many events this Nick Pilsbury and Adrian Tipper without its stars. Chris Mellor is year.

Bridge •

It has been a great year for Bridge at KES. Admittedly, On a sadder note, the year saw the birth and rapid demise after a quiet period, fears had begun to form that the game of the joint KES/KEHS Bridge Club. The reason for which would never fulfil its potential - but both the number and has been identified as a sheer lack of people, thanks go to range of Bridge events have increased throughout '98. Phil Wheatley and Eliot Beer for their support until the end. House Bridge was even more successful than previous years, For next year, Eliot Beer, renowned for his hesitant style with most houses able to piece together a team on at least of play, will become Captain of an entirely new School one of the rounds of the competition. As ever, enthusiasm Bridge team and will be happy to hear that development of and dubious tactics were more noticeable than any finesse Bridge throughout the school has been underway. The Friday at the table. In the final Gifford's team - headed by Colin afternoon option has swelled in number and there has been and Stephen Ball - took an expected victory from a weakened a reintroduction of mini-bridge to the Rem's Rota. Jeune Team. On behalf of the team, I would like to thank Simon Tinley To appreciate a better standard of play, the School Bridge and Mike and John of the EBU for their help in making this pairs - captained by Charles Ward - have had a glorious year of Bridge such a success. year. In October the 1st pair of Charles Ward and Jason Chan became National champions of the EBU School's Jason Chan Simultaneous Pairs and the 2nd pair of Omar Hussain and Tony Hodson also ranked highly. The 1st pair also won Worcestershire's Junior Championship, the Malvern Cup, producing a 100% victory record - albeit over 2 events.

SPORT Page 92 KES CHRONICLE 1998 Senior Athletics

Here we are again. Another busy the overall score above that of the athletes also caught the eye during the schedule, another gruelling term, but other schools. So high was this season such as Jonathon Pitt, the

at the end of the day, another standard, in fact, that out of 23 schools sprinter, Mark Hawes, the hurdler, Jo tremendous season for King Edward's played, the senior team beat 15 of Tipper, the middle distance runner and athletics. Under the leadership and them and the inters, an impressive 20. George Simms, the long jumper. Also example of Jonny Goldman the school The Foundation Match at the start worth mentioning is David Earl, team has once more yielded an of the season was taken with mixed whose high jumping has improved excellent set of results. Apart from feelings. A superb second place for beyond recognition and during the this, individual success must not be the seniors didn't have the glory of season consistently produced forgotten. Notably Adrian Tipper first but was gained behind a very clearances that would have won the (Junior 100m), Barry Bahar (Inter strong Aston side. Strong Senior competition. And so onto the shot) and Jolyon May (senior javelin) performances from Jon Goldman, Jo Seniors, some of whom would be running their last races, jumping their last lengths and putting their last shots as King Edward's athletes. A team consisting of Sixths but also a generous scattering of Divisions fought hard every week and emerged with a set of results that speak for themselves.

Justifiably mentioned first is Jonny Goldman who was an inspirational example to us all and gave a captain's performance on every occasion. Undoubtedly his finest hour was his personal best long jump of 6.00m at the Nunnery Wood Track against Worcester Sixth Form, Newcastle College and King's Worcester. At this meeting, his jump was the best by an amazing 65cm. Congratulations must also go to Jo May and Ben Levine whose last season in track and field must have been their best with are all West Midlands champions with May and Ben Levine gave us 4 1st countless victories in the javelin, Adrian Tipper advancing to compete places with further impressive 400m and the 800m respectively. in the England school championships. displays from Messrs Birch and Amongst the Divisions were some Having said this, looking back at the Wood. However, all was not well in notable performances from old hands results during the season, it is the the Inters; although Lee Bushell, Jim Feetam and Ian Anderson and combined effort of every person in the David Earl and James Bucknall pulled young pretender Mark Woo, who team that has rewarded us. Saturday off some fine showings, a weakened enjoyed a successful first season in after Saturday, we looked on to see team was dealt a severe blow when track and field. Finally, a special valiant KE performances being beaten Mark Davis pulled up during the 400m mention must go to Simon into second or third place in many an with a severe groin strain. "Aquaman" Gwyther who we event, yet at the end we always seemed Unfortunately for himself and the managed to coax out of the pool to to come out on top. A prime example team, this ruled him out for the rest of slide over the hurdles once a week.

st of this was our overall 1 place in the the season, but it did give Jonny Many thanks to Mr. Birch for his Aston, Repton and Rugby meeting. It Cocherton a chance to impress. advice, coaching and selection is not the final standings that are Clearly a rising star, he marked his throughout the term and also to the surprising, it is the way they were Inter debut with a hat-trick of victories other members of staff who spent their gained, as the total number of KES in the Long Jump, Triple Jump and the Saturday afternoons scoring and event winners in U17 and U20 age 400m against Bromsgrove, timing and without whom home groups was a meagre 5, out of 26 Furtherwick Park and Warwick where matches wouldn't be possible. events in all. It was the high all-round he competed against other athletes a Chris Flemons standard of competition that pushed year older than himself. Other Inter

SPORT Page 93 KES CHRONICLE 1998

Basketball

U19 times during the season, this year it sixteen. With the chance of going was Baverstock. Although this first further than last years team This was a very successful year for encounter was only a Birmingham determination was at it's highest in KES on the basketball court. All the league match, we knew that we had this last sixteen confrontation against teams throughout the school to play them in the first round of the old rivals Raines. A titanic defensive performance combined with our usually good scoring meant we gained a place in the last eight against a very strong Sheffield 6th Form college, who had the luxury of selecting their team from 9000 students. Not surprisingly our campaign was ended but not without a good struggle as KES kept with them until half time, when their superior bench won it for them.

After our extremely fruitful nationals run we got down to winning some silverware. Facing U19 Baverstock again in both the West Midlands performed to a very high standard for nationals the following week, and so cup and Birmingham Cup final we the whole season and the senior team both sides wanted to win. The game knew two massive games still was not going to be left out of this was played at a high tempo throughout remained if we were to collect the success. and down to excellent tactics on Mr. trophies. Both matches again This year's team was possibly not Birch's behalf, KES took not only the produced a tremendous tussle, as well expected to do that well, mainly due win but the psychological advantage as some excellent basketball. With to the lack of experience, however we wanted for the nationals game. confidence still high, KES pulled out youthful enthusiasm and imagination Beating Baverstock again in the two classic victories and collected helped lead the team to various nationals really started the ball rolling. both trophies. achievements. Beginning the season The team cruised through the next Not losing to a school side means with the customary battle against the two rounds of the nationals destroying this was definitely a successful Old Edwardians the team already Warwick and Great Barr respectively. campaign. Thanks must go to Mr. began to show signs of things to come, The winning ways continued in the Birch whose enthusiasm and producing a shock victory. Then a West Midlands Cup as we progressed knowledge lead the team through this series of friendlies against a strong IM, without a problem. Finding ourselves tough but fruitful season. With much side enabled the final touches to be in the regional final in the nationals of this year's team still young, KES made. we felt we were ready to go even should be able to look forward to yet The initial matches posed little or no further. With big performances from another good season next year. problems, until we met Baverstock. Hamza Kurashi, Michael Purdon and Every year the senior side seems to Richard Thomas, KES stormed to a Richard Thomas have to play one particular side several 111-71 victory and a place in the last

SPORT Page 94 KES CHRONICLE 1998

U16 years abandoning the Birmingham Heathfield, saw us progress to the last League to economise on time. 16, only to suffer defeat at the hands Consistently good guard This year brought together a of a disciplined Hackney side, albeit performances from John Aboja and confident group of well-practised not helped by the three hour coach the younger talent of Dan Jackson players, all eagerly anticipating their journey. contributed to a powerful first five and most important season in school Our other notable success was in strong bench which advanced easily basketball to date. A team whose reaching the final of the West into the later stages of both major commitment has evolved over the Midlands Cup, facing a strong tournaments; the ESBB A and the West years enjoyed a relatively successful Baverstock, again littered with Midlands Cups. Perhaps hindered by season, if not famously spectacular. England Internationals, who claimed a misplaced complacency we Mr Birch guided the squad, with the the title in an all-too-familiar repeat approached the high-profile matches encouraging support of Herman of last season's clash. with a regrettable lack of Wilson, who maintained a keen concentration, rightfully exposed by interest in his former team's progress. Alex Francis Mr Wilson. Success in the ESBBA The Under 16's focused on the Regional Finals, against an aggressive knockout competitions, as in past

U15 repeated in the final. Unfortunately, we couldn't contain the England Captain, Richard Midgeley, who scored 75 of their 82 points and this loss put us second in the group. Those of you with a good memory will know that in 1997 In the semi-final we beat the winners of the other group, we came fourth in the country. This year, we hoped to do better, our squad was Bohunt and so we strengthened over faced Oakmeeds the summer and we yet again. Despite felt that we were our unlimited going to have a good supply of Leppin year. (thanks to Dan's Dad), a good start The majority of and a gallant effort the players re• from Iain Moss mained, and with the once again we appointment of Peter couldn't stop Mintoft as Coach, Midgeley. We were many improved. We second in England, were now in a however. situation where we no-longer We finished the completely de• season unbeaten in pended on Dan all other games and Jackson and Gene as winners of the Awe. By the end of Birmingham U15 the Autumn Term, League and West Midlands David Van Marie was leading the team in scoring and the rest of the starting five of Dan Jackson, Gene Awe, David Champions. Thanks to all the players, especially those who Wood and Elliot Taylor were all averaging over 10 points a had less court time. Next year we will miss those game. We had also qualified for the National Finals for the concentrating on rugby, but we retain a fine squad keen on second year in a row, thanks mostly to a good supporting improving further. We would all like to thank Coach Mintoff cast, of Arthur Dyer, Dan Sellman and Yian Goh, coming for passing on his expertise and to Mr Birch for kindly off the bench. transporting us to away matches. Finally, a special mention to our assistant coach, Martin. In February, we made our way to the National Finals in Many of his half-time comments were inspirational, such Portsmouth. The competition was held over two days, the as, "We need to score". His pregame analysis was also a Saturday being the group stage. In order to qualify for the great help (They play good one-on-one.", 'Watch the big semi finals, we had to win at least two games. This was guy, he can rebound."). These comments truly gave us the achieved easily by beating Blue Coat, Liverpool and Mulfield will to win, we hope for some more next year. School. Next we faced Oakmeeds, a match that was to be

David Wood

SPORT Page 95 KES CHRONICLE 1998

U14 We did find our true form, however, against Trinity School In this game both of our guards Matt Sandison and Matt

After the previous season's excellent record, this year the Alcock were shooting freely, being supported well by 0ur whole squad was feeling confident. Unfortunately we began formidable forward duo, Ranjan Chopra and Andrew badly. At the end of a scrappy first game, we found ourselves Gillespie. We won this game with great style and our season out of the National Schools Championships in round one, was now looking up. against a well prepared Holyhead. We decided that this result Unfortunately there was only one game remaining, a very was not going to dampen our spirits though; we came back determined K.E. Lichfield against who we managed to hold after much hard training and overcame Windsor School quite our nerve and end the season with a win, by five points comprehensively. Yet more gruelling practise was needed On behalf of the whole squad my thanks go to our coach for us to reach our full potential. Mr. Wilson for providing us with a successful season.

Simon Purkis

U13 We got off to a nail-biting start points scorer throughout the season beating Kings Norton School 40-39 was Jamie Vatish with 139. However Almost 40 Rems attended the pre• with a stunning performance from the clubman of the year award went season trials with high hopes of Freddy Thomas who scored at least 5 to A.J. Paramanathan who turned up with a smiling face to every practice making it into the squad of 17 from swishes before I stopped counting! and every game and thoroughly which the first basketball team of the This win set the tone for the games to deserved the trophy. year would be selected. Summer come and we went on to win all of growth spurts meant that Simon our nine Kings Norton League Laight, Ben Robinson and Robert matches except one, where we Sam Overs Arnott could not be ignored for narrowly lost 42-38 against Catshill selection and Jamie Vatish shone in who just about deserved to win on that the early practices to earn the occasion the biggest win was against captaincy and would later prove to be Dingleside 117-32 with four players the star player. scoring over 20 points and the highest

Shooting

Shooting continued quietly (quietly? - Ed) this year. The Tuesday afternoon games option saw new recruits from the third and fourth years whilst higher up the school the A Team, shooting targets in the school's 30m range and entering competitions by post, won their league. This activity continues to be closely linked with the CCF, who train with and (attempt to) fire the guns on Friday afternoons. We have also seen a few welcome visitors from the other side of the drive (who, unfortunately, shoot better than most of the boys!). Thanks must go to the unsung hero Mr. Davies, who must have logged hundreds of hours as range officer and without whom we would no longer see dangerously adolescent boys brandishing lethal weapons around school. Peter Eckley

SPORT Page 96 KES CHRONICLE 1998

The season began with the dining- joint first in their division and the off by a victory for the Firsts in the room full of hopeful boys battling it Fourths did well to come runners-up Lightning Tournament and Tristain out to become a member of one of the in theirs. Both the Firsts and the Shell Cox captaining the school so well in prestigious school chess teams. teams were hampered by absences the under-14 chess competition. Confidence was high under the now throughout the season but did well to Thanks must go to Mr. Simpson experienced leadership of Mr. come third in their respective whose enthusiasm for the game has Simpson, and success duly came: the divisions. Thanks also to John certainly rubbed off on the players to 2nd team won their division, inspired Fletcher for competently filling in for great effect. by surprising enthusiasm from the Firsts on many occasions. An William Rumball. The 3rd team came overall rewarding year was rounded Gearoid Finglass Eton Fives

This report marks the end of an era entreaties to visit "Maccy-D's". The senior side was thrown into in KES sport, which will probably This has been rewarded with the some confusion by the loss of Jon never return. For seven years the most impressive record for many years Goldman from the first pair through a departing senior side has carried the of played 11, won 6, lost 3, drawn 2. rugby inflicted injury, necessitating Fives beacon enthusiastically to all There have been comfortable victories changes of pairs. This break up of corners of the globe (well, journeys over Repton and Stowe, 5-0 and 3-0 some pairs and their resultant to away matches do seem to drag!). respectively, along with much less weakening was keenly felt, especially in close competition, though true to Their dedication to this often satisfying defeats by Harrow 4-1 and form everybody gave their best. The maligned sport has been huge, St. Olaves 4-2. Particularly juniors continue to improve, involving lengthy waits next to broken noteworthy, however was a very hard contributiong greatly to overall results coaches, horrendously early fought contest against Berkhampsted and gaining significant victories of departures and continual vain which was narrowly lost 3-2. their own, notably an excellent 5-1 defeat of Shrewsbury. As always the season's finale was the Public Schools Championship, this year in Highgate. The U14's record was 24 matches played, 9 won, 15 lost with the pairs of Mellor and Purlis, and Charnley and Briscoe reaching the last 16. In the open competition the seniors played 25 matches, won 12 and lost 13, with 4 pairs qualifying for the second round (including Atkinson and Dodd who did so by the novel technique of losing both pools matches!) Here, the first pair of Birch Senior Fives and Goldman disappointingly lost to a St. Olave's pair but went on to easily win the plate B competiton. On behalf of all the players I must express our appreciation to the coaching staff of Jeremy and Mr. Worthington for all their efforts. There have been too many highlights of this and previous seasons to mention them here (except that the deadly duo of GAW and SJT have finally been beaten). All that I can say is that it has been an experience. James Birch Junior Fives

SPORT Page 97 KES CHRONICLE 1998

Cricket Statistics for the KES First XI, 1998 Season

Batting and Bowling

Batting (qualification 100 runs) Bowling (qualification - 10 wickets)

Name Inns Not High Runs Name Overs Av. Runs Best Av. Outs Score Cone. (O-M-W-R) WRN Webb 18 1 88 452 26.59 RP Cauldwell 97 284 15 5-4-1-3 18.93 AMH Natkiel 17 0 86 446 26.24 RJ Newman 88.5 357 16 5-0-2-16 22.31 RJ Newman 18 1 GA Bhadri 220.1 606 26 48 318 1871 5-3-2-3 23.31 16 0 WRN Webb 119.1 16 TDS Owen f 57 277 17.31 376 7- 3-3-11 23.50 NY Khan * 16 2 GS Bhogal 126 16 212 70 15.14 384 5-3-1-2 24.00 A Chatterjee 1 1 1 DS Payne 12(1 16 60 150 15.00 414 8- 1-5-28 26.19 GA Bhadri 15 3 16 123 10.25

Also batted: A Singh, DS Payne, ESM Treacey, RP Cauldwell, Also bowled: DJF Shilvock, RA Rees, DM Ford, GJE Brandrick, JA Christopher, DJ Cauldwell, IE Moss, AMH Natkiel, GJE Brandrick and A Singh. GS Bhogal, S Mostafa and DM Ford

* = Captain. / = Wicketkeeper O ' Overs. M = Maidens, W = Wickets, R = Runs Conceded

Match Details

Opposition KE VI* Stourbridge Denstone College Solihull School Malvern College Venue Stourbridge Denstone Solihull Eastern Road Dale Wednesday 22nd April Saturday 25* April Wednesday 2"d May Saturday 6* May Our Score n/a n/a 220-9 105-2 Their Score n/a n/a 241-8 Dec 103-9 n/a n/a AMH Natkiel 86 RJ Newman 48* Outstanding Performances TDS Owen 57 Match Cancelled Match Cancelled Drawn KES won by 7 wickets Result Opposition Shrewsbury College Bromsgrove School Bablake School RGS Worcester Venue Eastern Road Bromsgrove Eastern Road Eastern Road Date Wednesday 9* May Saturday 13* May Saturday 16* May Saturday 23rd May Our Score 96 All out 132 All out 185-5 157 All out Their Score 220-5 Dec 180-8 181-4 Dec 179 All out Outstanding Performances- RJ Newman 42-3 NY Khan 70* WRN Webb WRN Webb 41 GS Bhogal 72-4 Result KES lost by 124 runs KES lost by 48 runs KES won by 5 wickets KES lost by 22 runs

Opposition Eton College Warwick School Kings School Worcester Pocklington Venue Eton Warwick Eastern Road Pocklington Date Saturday 6"" June Saturday 13th June Saturday 20* June Sunday 21" June Our Score 152 All out n/a 155-8 Dec 129 All out Their Score 153-3 n/a 92-3 224-6 Dec Outstanding PerformancesA Chatterjee 60 n/a WRN Webb 54 GA Bhadri 57-4

Result KES lost by 7 wickets Match Abandoned Drawn KES lost by 95 runs

Opposition Repton School MCC Prince Alfred College OEA Venue Repton Eastern Road Eastern Road Eastern Road Date Wednesday 1" July Thursday 2nd July Friday 3rd July Saturday 4* July Our Score 161-7 152-8 118-5 170-6 Dec Their Score 165 All out 164-8 Dec 190-8 Dec 171-6 Outstanding PerformancesWR N Webb 69* RJ Newman 45 GA Bhadri 47-3 AMH Natkiel 55 GS Bhogal 31-3 DJF Shilvock 48-3 WRN Webb 45 Result KES lost by 4 runs Drawn Drawn KES lost by 1 run

Opposition Kestrels OECC Hereford Cathedral Sch XL Club Venue Eastern Road Streetsbrook Road Hereford Eastern Road Date Sunday 5,h July Monday 6,h July Wednesday 8* July Thursday 9* July Our Score 141-7 118-6 143 All out 161 All out Their Score 139-7 Dec 123-9 Dec 144 All out 197-8 Dec Outstanding PerformancesD S Payne 28-5 - WRN Webb 34-4 AMH Natkiel 44 RP Cauldwell 31-3 RJ Newman 67-4 Result KES won by 3 wickets Drawn KES lost by 1 run KES lost by 36 runs

Opposition KE Aston Venue Eastern Road Best outfield catcher: WRN Webb with 8 catches Date Friday 10* July Best partnership: 78 runs for the 2"d wicket - AMH Natkiel (34) & RJ Newman (48*) - Malvern Our Score 177-9 Dec Lowest fielding average: DJF Shilvock (Overs: 18.3 Maidens:2 Runs:68 Wickets:7 Av:9.71) Their Score 94 All out Highest batting average: A Singh (Innings:5 Not Out:2 Runs:93 High Score:35 Av:31.67) GA Bhadri 27-3 Best Wicket-keeper: TDS Owen (Catches: 16 Stumpings:6 Byes:48) Outstanding PerformancesDJ F Shilvock 20-4 KES won by 83 runs * = Not Out Result

SPORT Page 98 KES CHRONICLE 1998 Cricket

The XI

In the '97 edition of the Chronicle your cricket correspondent predicted that with only one full colour starting the '98 campaign the season could be difficult although there was still a lot of talent in the school which oiven time would undoubtedly come to the forefront. With this in mind the XI can look back with some satisfaction and some optimism for the future. Under the enthusiastic leadership of Naz Kahn and despite some appalling weather the '•WW, itf ml k lli cricket season was an enjoyable experience for all concerned both on and off the field. On the Eastern Road wicket and with a bowling attack which lacked penetration it The XI was always going to be difficult to bowl sides out and our best chance of winning was always going to be to chase a total. Under a captain who was looking to play positive cricket and a team who were prepared to lose in an attempt to win rather than draw, the cricket, for the last part, was very exciting to watch. Of the four wins, three were achieved in a run chase, the most notable of which was against Bablake, who won all their matches apart from that defeat, and a Malvern College side, who like a number of other major cricket playing schools award scholarships to talented young cricketers. Mr Stead has developed a formidable fixture list for the past few years and our reputation for playing positive cricket has certainly helped in achieving this, as confirmed by the U15XI strength of the M.C.C. side this year.

We can look forward to next season with quiet confience from last year's team only two regulars will be missing and there are a number of talented young cricketers developing lower down the school to ensure a good future for King Edward's Cricket. Rest assured the squad will be practising hard throughout the winter under the watchful eyes of Mr. Stead, Dave Collins and Roger Newman to ensure that they are fully prepared to maintain and develop the tradition and reputation of King Edward's cricket next season.

Robbie Newman

U14A XI

SPORT Page 99 KES CHRONICLE 1998 2nd XI The first match of the season who both bowled consistently well all resulted in a defeat at the hands of a season. The only batsman to P6 W2 DO L4 mediocre Solihull side. We consistently score runs was Samiul unfortunately lost out to Malvern by Mostafa who earned a deserved call- In general, this was a disappointing an extremely narrow margin in a tight up to the 1st XI in the latter part of the season, although there were some run chase. A batting collapse at RGS season. Ed Treacy looked a promising highlights along the way. The side was Worcester gave us a poor total to opening batsman and James Skidmore a predominantly a young one, with defend, after a promising partnership bowled good off-spin when given the only Samiul Mostafa and Jonathan between Vivek Katyal (39) and chance. Jon Pollock tried hard at all Christopher available from the Upper Matthew Smith (49). Wolverhampton times. I thing it is fair to say that things Sixth, with a handful of fifth formers were convincingly beaten with a can only improve for 2nd XI cricket playing key roles in the team. superb display of pace bowling from next year. Arun Chatterjee and Wasim Rehman, Vivek Katyal

3rd XI due to the weather and so we could not actually lose those, but what must be said is that in every game, though our P8W1 D0L7 skill level was not quite as high as other teams, our determination and will to win were not dampened and is it With many people either having left or going up to the 2nd not that which counts? XI we were worried that our season would be not such a Credit must go to many people. Our openers, Matthew fruitful one. Smith and Richard Kay got us off to a good start in nearly We started off, however with an emphatic win over every single game, scoring consistently every game; very Solihull, where K.E.S scored 108 all out and Solihull were well done and thank you for keeping our scores reasonable. all out for 38. Matt Button and Taufikur Rahman took all Taufikur Rahman bowled very well and, along with Oruj ten wickets and there were some good batting performances Alam and Matthew Smith kept the opposition scores to a too, by Idnan Yunas and Matthew Smith. After the first games respectable target. Thanks must be given to Dan Burns and some people in the fifth and upper sixths, due to work Idnan Yunas, though busy with other minor activities, for commitments, had to leave. their invaluable contributions to the games; Idnan with his Malvern overwhelming beat us, though we did manage to impeccable defensive technique, and Dan with his amount a total of over 100. Thank you to Edward Johnson unplayable deliveries. and many others for volunteering to play at the last minute Finally much thanks must go to Mr. Evans for umpiring and with so much determination. the matches and giving up so much of his time. I am sorry Most people improve throughout the season, unfortunately we could not win more games, there will be better luck we did not seem to go that way. From that game on we did next year perhaps? not win so emphatically, in fact we did not actually win Matthew Button another game. Many of the Saturday games were cancelled

U14A XI a good all round standard. There was In a summer in which rain played excellent variety in the bowling an all too familiar role the main focus P9 W8D1 L0 departments with Arshi Thond and became the Lord Taveners Cup Bhavesh Patel proving a successful competition. The highlight being a This season was dominated by the opening pair and they were nail-biting final at Eastern Road which bat. Namely, those of Rudi Singh and supplemented by Raj an Chopra and went down to the last ball and was Daniel Shilvock who scored highly the improving Oliver Goodwin. There won on the "fewest wickets lost" and stylishly throughout the season to was also a plethora of choice in the ruling. It is nice to note that in a team dominate most games. Indeed, both spin section with Vikram Bannerjee with a number of stars, this victory st earned call-ups to the 1 XI at the end and Daniel Shilvock regularly taking owed much to the all round team effort of the summer term. However, they wickets and James Forrest chipping in of eleven players. were ably supported by a hard-hitting tidily. LMR middle order and the fielding was of

U14B XI better season. Good bowling, and brilliant wicket keeping from Tonks meant that we won some matches. Not forgetting Colin Charnleys eight wicket haul in one match followed This year we were a much more solid team and thanks to by a 56 from Purkis in the next. Thanks to Mr. Deeley and some excellent batting performances from Simon Purkis we hope to have another successful season next year. and steady scoring from Shostri-Hurst and Reany we had a Ben Reaney

SPORT Page 100 KES CHRONICLE 1998

st wickets for 20 runs including a hat- During the season 2 games were U15 and Junior 1 XI trick enabling us to win the match organised for a Junior 1st XI, which P7 W3 L2 D2 by a large margin. consisted of the best players from the The next match was against old bottom four years. The first of the two In broad terms the season was a rivals RGS Worcester. Our bowlers games was an away fixture at generally successful one for the team contained their batsmen well Pocklington School in Yorkshire. A with many very promising results and keeping them to a reasonable total good game was won comfortably performances. of 145. Unfortunately after some with a sound all-round performance Yet again the opening fixture was lost good batting (Panesar - 40, Grigg - by Shihrock and good batting from to the weather meaning the first 38) we fell 15 runs short of R.G.S.'s Panesar. It is thought that the game match was a home game against total. could have been won more easily if Solihull school. After a poor start we A comfortable victory over James Grigg had been able to keep were 18 for 3 but a slow recovery and Wolverhampton G.S. followed, his mind on the game (!!) sensible batting by Moss and Jain before the final 2 games of the In the second game, despite a ensured we reached a defendable total season fell victims to the weather. disappointingly low score of 150 by of 130. Unfortunately our bowlers Throughout the season Panesar, our batsmen. Holmes (from the were unable to contain the opposition Grigg, Brandrick and Moss Shells!!) took 4 wickets to ensure a batsmen who won the game performed well with the bat and close finish which ended in a draw. comfortably. We then proceeded to Rees and Brandrick provided pace. It has been a thoroughly enjoyable draw a tight game against Shrewsbury Brandrick and Moss were both and successful season, thanks must go School. selected for county honours and to Doc Evans, Mr. Duncombe and Mr. After a slow start against Bablake towards the end of the season gained Phillips for their time and effort and

we reached a respectable total of 152 st promotion to the 1 XI with Sharpe to Roger Newman for coaching us so (Brandrick - 41 and Sharpe - 30). We and Rees also playing a part in the well all season.

then witnessed a remarkable bowling st 1 team selection process. performance from Rees who took 7 Iain Moss

U13XI On a damp June day in" Norfolk the Under 13 team beat Purser (3-1) routed Bablake. RGS Worcester provided a strong Norwich School team to become English Schools stronger opposition but we won with seven wickets in hand. Cricket Association (ESCA) Midland Champions. Norwich A good batting performance against Wolverhampton gave were skittled out for 61 in the 25th over thanks to good us another easy victory. Both Paul Reynolds and Joe Huxley bowling by Jamie Doe, Andrew Holmes and Ben Wright, scored fifties, and Mohit Mandiratta took four wickets. We although the body blow was struck the first ball of the match beat Old Swinford, before the final match against Lahore when Norwich's leading scorer was caught by wicket-keeper Gymkana from Shaijah. KES declared on 200-5. We put Alex Jackson. Lahore on the back foot but a fighting 50 from one of their Joe Huxley batted sensibly to be undefeated after two players enabled them to hold out for a draw. unfortunate run-outs. Ravi Tiwari scored some quick runs This was a successful season despite the loss of several before Robert Arnott came in to score the winning runs in games to the weather. A good team improved a lot during the twentieth over. the season as a result of working on their team game. Robert In the earlier rounds, KES had gained victories over The Arnoff fielded notably and the side was skilfully led by Paul Minster School, Birchtleld Prep. School and Queen Reynolds: his field placing was nearly always spot on and Elizabeth's High School, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire. his bowling changes usually successful. As regional champions, KES went forward to the For the coach, it was an enjoyable and rewarding season. National semi-final where they were defeated by Queen Thanks must go to the team for being so co-operative and Elizabeth's Grammar School, Wakefield. QEGS batted first enthusiastic and to the parents, especially Roger Newman, and scored 155-5. This total was too much for us and we who supported loyally and transported the team to Coventry. were all out for 101 despite a fighting 38 from Andrew Finally, this report cannot end without mentioning Ed Holmes. Freeman who scored for every match. He did the job keenly The team suffered just one defeat at the hands of Solihull. and efficiently and was truly a member of the team. Our two matches in Coventry were won easily. A fine display of spin bowling from Jamie 'Aussie' Doe (4-0) and Philip Tim Mason

SPORT Page 101 KES CHRONICLE 1998

A sparkling 99* from Andrew In the semi final against Fairfax we U12XI Holmes contributed to a massive 204. reduced them to 54 with James P10W9 DO LI We then bowled them out for 51 with Patterson taking 3-13. Shalin PUn

Andrew Holmes taking 5 for 5. played well as we booked our pla Our first match was against Solihull Our only defeat was against a strong in the final. on 2nd May. They battled first and due Eversfield U13 to some excellent fielding and team on 16th bowling we reduced them to 96 on a May. They made fast scoring pitch. The pick of the a respectable 96- bowlers was Vikas Katyal taking 4 for 8 on a crumbling 19. A stunning opening partnership by wicket with Michael Gardiner 48* and Chris Holmes taking 5- Bennet-Britton 30* ensured a 32. After a comfortable 10 wicket win. struggle we were Against Queensbridge in the eventually Calypso Cup they scored 48 from bowled out for 57 their twenty overs. We got the runs and were com• easily to put us in the second round. prehensively Next we faced Oldswinford in a 20 beaten. over match. An excellent 40 from Against Small Shalin Punn put us in a strong position Heath in the Calypso cup he posted The final took place on 2nd July at as we scored 106. Brilliant bowling 101 with Gardiner making 28 not out. the Warwickshire Colts ground from Vikas Katyal and James A good all round effort in the field against KES Aston. We were put in to Patterson who both took 3 wickets ensured an easy win with Holmes bat and lost early wickets but a helped us to dismiss them for only 25. taking 6-3. beautiful innings of 28 from Harry On the 9th of May we played King We had another comfortable victory Hednt got us up to a decent score of Henry VIII school in a 40 over match. in the Calypso cup against Bishop 98. In the field we performed Challaner bowling them out for 21 brilliantly taking three run-outs and the bowling was excellent. We won in with an excellent performance from the end in what had seemed a very Gardiner taking 4-3. We knocked the close game. We bowled them out for runs off easily with plenty of overs to 68 with Andrew Holmes leading by spare. Next in the Calypso cup we example in taking 3 for 8. Next year played Cardinal Newman's and we should play in the National rounds bowled them out for only 23. Chris of the Calypso cup in what promises Bennet-Britton scored 17 not out as we coasted home. to be an exciting and fun year.

U12 Captain Andrew Holmes receives the winners' trophy from John Tennant

U12B XI The cricket season was the victim of the unpredictable, typically inclement weather and only 3 and a half fixtures were played. One match was wrecked by a cloudburst the like of which is only seen halfway through cricket matches. The other 3 matches were all won and the best players were Majid Shah who bowled and fielded excellently, Gardeep Suthi who bowled consistently, Robert Holyhead who scored 46 not out in his only game, Chris Keogh who U12B scored runs when he wasn't injuring himself, and PJ and contributed well. I am sure that one or two of the team will Tierney who bowled four wickets in two overs of one game, force their way into the A team in future. and valuable runs in another. Everyone else tried very hard SJT

SPORT Page 102 KES CHRONICLE 1998 Golf

As far as success goes the last year me putt out from 10 inches on the final green, his putt never left the hole and did not prove to be too fruitful, hole and the match was back on. the teachers had managed to scrape a narrowly losing to Solihull, Their prospects looked bleak with draw in the match. Bromsgrove and Malvern, yet the Richard Barker two holes up with Throughout the season there matches did provide an enjoyable three to play against Mr Tinley and followed encouraging performances basis upon which we can aim to our first victory was once again on the form Edward Postlethwaite, William improve in the future. We did retain cards. However, you can never write Hylton and Alastair Natkiel along with the Foundation trophy, only for the Mr T. off and after hacking the ball the occasional dabble of controversy girls' school to swindle it after the out of a hedge to claim a half on the thanks to Daniel Andrews. The presentation on number of a scoring pupils opting irregularity. for golf on a Yet, despite our Wednesday is apparent lack still rising and of strength in with plenty of depth, there developing was no young blood shortage of the year ahead competitiveness, should hold all of which brighter came to the boil prospects. in the match My genuine against the thanks go to Mr teachers. Howe for Fortunately, organising they failed such an miserably to enjoyable perform up to season and their official accompanying title as 'Masters'. After an early previous hole, he rose to the challenge the team to matches, without which victory by the overall 'Order of Merit' shooting birdie, par over the next two school golf could not be possible. winner Will Barker and a concession holes to leave the match all square an easy victory looked certain. Yet going down the last. He was then left Alistair Downes Robbie Newman lost to Mr Roll, Mr with a ten foot putt to win. On his 36th Booth managed to scrape a draw after hole, in the gathering gloorn, with a losing an early head-start and making crowd gathered around the eighteenth

Sailing and Windsurfing

This year has seen some of the most varied conditions This year, our sailing team has only had one competitive imaginable; some days brought gales that were so strong, fixture, against Solihull School "B" Team. Despite having the hardened windsurfers were washed up on the dam, while a team that was quite limited in its experience, we averted on other days, we had to make the most of a mirror-like disaster, and were only narrowly defeated by three races to reservoir. However, we have had sufficient time to get some nil. serious sailing done, with every board and boat seeing active Thanks as always are due to Mr. Everest and Mr. service. Mcllwaine for giving up time to run the option, and repairing the mountains of equipment that routinely gets broken.

Oliver Neuberger

SPORT Page 103 KES CHRONICLE 1998 Cross Country

As this season has been the most some confidence. Pride went before a awesome Winchester team were successful in my memory (which goes fall, however, as with a still weakened minutes in the lead, however. back a long way!), it is worth team we were beaten into third place So we faced the Christmas break celebrating it in a degree of detail. The by Bishop Vesey's and Old Swinford. with only two league races remaining backbone of our fixture list is the This was a real problem, as we would and a real early Christmas present was Birmingham League, consisting of a now have to win every single race to to learn that Old Swinford had beaten series of mainly three way matches in even draw with Vesey's overall. Vesey's. This meant we could still win which we meet each other school During this difficult period, however, the league if we beat both of them twice, and a couple of special events Stephen Block and Owain Thomas when we met again. The New Year in which all schools take part. The six had been putting in very solid began with a strange friendly against first runners home for each school performances, and it was clear that a RGS Worcester. Run over a count for the A team, the next six for full strength team would be hard to completely saturated and very hilly the B. This year the option was well beat. course with an incomplete team due filled with around sixteen competent The next few races went very well, to interviews, we were heavily beaten runners, including a number of Mr Barrable's expert training There were several falls on the experienced Sixths led by captain beginning to really pay off. Ben won treacherous ground including a James Wood. We spectacular knew that the team mudslide by was strong and that myself while it was worth an all recceing the out effort to win the course. The league. following Things started week saw the well with an easy highlight of the win against weak year - the King opposition, and a Henry VIII good performance Relay at in the Pairs race, in Coventry, which James and another event Ben Levine were attracting a second pair overall. national entry. Unfortunately this With a strong race saw our third six man team 'star' Jo May we hoped to do stricken by a virus, well, so and his absence the sixteenth was following week slightly dis• against Old The party takes place at Eastern Road appointing, Swinford and though still our best ever position. Meanwhile, Bromsgrove nearly cost us the race - the race against Five Ways outright, however, the rest of the option had we won by a single point. Jo was still we easily won the Queen Mary's gone to Old Swinford to bring home off for the next week's crucial race Relay competition against the rest of the Second Teams' trophy for the third against main rivals Bishop Vesey's and the league schools, and Ben and James year in succession, and demonstrating Five Ways, but we managed to borrow twice gained a one-two against our strength in depth. This race saw OH Mytton from Hockey for the Newcastle. afternoon, and won reasonably the first appearanceof Jon Goldman Also during this period we put two comfortably. (with a rugby injury that left him able four man teams in for the Sutton Park to run), who picked up a medal for Having beaten most teams in the Road Relay, an event which draws second overall - a real 'super sub'! league we were beginning to think we entries from all over the country. The might have a chance of the title. We first team were a very creditable sixth, The last two races would decide the went to the next event, the Sutton Park James having run a blistering first lap league. We ran against Vesey's on a Race in which all teams compete, with to beat Ben on time for once. The grey February day on their home

SPORT Page 104 KES CHRONICLE 1998 course in Sutton Park, three times up Kevin Modiri ran his best race of he Badge. Team spirit was always the fearsome 'Sandy Hill'. Everyone season as our sixth counter. It was just excellent, and a major factor in our turned out - Jon, secret weapon Oli, enough - we beat Bromsgrove by two success. even Ben, who'd been off school and points and Old Swinford by another Next year's captain is Andrew Peat, at death's door with a virus for the two to win a very tight race. who will have a difficult job as so previous four days. The result was an The League was ours, for the first many good runners have left. As I anti-climax: we absolutely smashed time ever, I believe. Lots of trophies write this, very few have signed up for them, giving them only one place in and medals and general rejoicing, and the senior option next year. This is a the first six, and James gaining his first a well deserved end of season party at shame, as we offer a challenging but outright win. We had our noses ahead Eastern Road (see photo!). The lads enjoyable programme of fixtures. If, at last. And then disaster struck. Both had worked really hard for their as I hope, I've managed to convey Ben and Owain went down with success, which made it all the more some of the excitement of the races injuries - due at least in part to over• enjoyable. James crowned an on offer, maybe a few more potential training. With Oli not available either impressive season by winning a place athletes can be persuaded to forsake it was clearly going to be very difficult in the West Midlands team, and the the rugby and hockey pitches, let to win the final home fixture against dubious honour of running a gruelling alone the soft indoor options, for the Old Swinford and Bromsgrove. I did race in exhausting conditions in the hills of Sutton Park, Hagley and my best to pep everyone up before the National Championships at Newcastle. Longer term, the outlook start, but things seemed to be going Cheltenham. He had been a forceful is brighter, as both Junior and Minor from bad to worse when normally captain, displaying a grim teams performed well in their few reliable Shafiq Rasheed started determination to maximise his races, Richard Fawcett and Nick hobbling. Fortunately James, Jo and personal performance, and the Pilsbury running particularly strongly. Stephen did their stuff, Andrew Peat leadership to cajole the best out of the ran a blinder to just beat Jon, and others - a worthy winner of a Blazer RTB

Junior Cross Country

1997 saw KES return to the Stephen Cumberland. Tom Forrest Pilsbury was consistently our second Birmingham Schools Junior League completed our top six runners and it man home, who improved through after a years absence to finish a was these six who qualified through hard training and effort over the creditable third in the U13 category. to the regional final of the TSB Cup. season. He shall still be in the U15 Chris Bennett-Britton was the star In the U15 we lacked strength in team next year and surely a name to who led home a very talented side. depth. Richard Fawcett, a formidable watch out for. Simon Borg-Bartolo ran Indeed, had it not been for a poor runner, consistently came in the top in some of the races, but never to his turnout in the first race of the league, 5. We will certainly be expecting great full potential due to injury problems. we could have been holding the things from him when he starts Jon Cockerton, Matthew Alcock and trophy. Chris also managed to win an running in the senior team. Nick John Ferdinand made up the rest of invitation U 12s race the team in most held at KE Five- cases. The U15s ways. As a Shell, he too qualified will be a very useful through to the asset for 1998. So regional round of too will another all- the TSB cup. round athlete, Richard Fawcett Andrew Holmes, doing particularly who performed well to come 14th in particularly well in a very strong field. Sutton Park. Chris All in all, a very Hedges and Tim promising season, Wallis steadily and certainly one improved their we can build upon performances this year. through the season, backed up by a strong looking NB Junior Cross Country

SPORT Page 105 KES CHRONICLE 1998

Hockey

1st XI semi-finals. Our first oppents were worked short-corner gave us the Solihull Sixth Form College who, we winner. The next round was the P23W19D1 L3 soon discovered, had beaten Solihull Midlands Quarter-finals and our cup This has been another impressive School to get to the semis. It was run ended against a strong season for the 1st team and the perhaps due to nerves, then, that we Bromsgrove team in an extremely statistics speak for themselves. The went one nil down in the first half but close match which we were unlucky opening Buttle Tournament saw us the match was far from over. A sudden to lose. The final score-line of 3-2 retain our title for the could have been more second consecutive year favourable if we had and also worthy of note scored a penalty flick at were our victories over a crucial moment and the Old Boys for the first followed up other time in a number of chances. years. The considerable The whole team must score-lines of numerous be congratulated on matches are a testament one of the most to the strong forward successful seasons ever team comprising Jay and mentions should go Khan, Richard and to goalkeepers William Barker and Matthew Carroll and Andrew Gee. With such Will Hylton who, force up front margins together with the such as 11-1 against Five defensive line-up o] Ways, 13-1 against Old Middleton, Newman, Swinford, 9-0 against Raine, and Mytton kept Evesham and Bishop burst of energy and new ideas after things tight at the back. The midfield Vesey gave us confidence throughout half-time meant we came back to win changed at various points during the the season. More closely contested by an astounding 7-1. Facing a strong season and featured Martin Lloyd, encounters such as those against Rugby side featuring a couple of Chris Lawrenson, Richard Stuckey, Newcastle-under-Lyme with whom International players in the William Webb and Tawfiqur Rahman. we drew 4-4 and lost 3-2, and Solihull Warwickshire final we defended our The large squad size bears witness to School who beat us just 1-0 in a very title well. We took the lead early on the ever higher standards and profile tight match gave us a chance to play only for Rugby to come back and take of hockey at King Edward's and we under pressure in preparation for the a 3-2 lead in the second half. It took are extremely grateful for the time and cup. Having won the Warwickshire an incredible piece of individual skill effort devoted by Mr Lye and Mr Roll section of the Schools Cup last year from Jay Khan to score the equaliser in developing the school sides. we were given a bye through the first and in the last few minutes a well- round and progressed straight to the Chris Lawrenson

3rd XI it was beaten and many goals were them. Sharjil Baig was excellent in defence and after Christmas Doug The fixture list this year was much scored with relatively few conceded. Heard showed a great deal of skill enhanced, which reflects the better Dale Harris was undoubtedly the star which was not quite in keeping with quality of hockey being played by the player; his work rate and eye for goal our strategy of quick passes. Harish school 3rd XI. There was genuine were highly impressive but he was Kapur defended majestically and competition for places and we even also very unselfish and one or two of Matthew Turner defended stoically. played some Saturday matches. The his finishes were of the highest order. Many others contributed to an two-year unbeaten record was lost, Richard Kay scored many goals from excellent team. A final mention must however, against Nunnery Wood 1st midfield, although his ability not to go to QMGS Walsall who we defeated XI. The underlying reason for this see better-placed players was uncanny. 5 times out of 5. This may be a record being our only defeat was the team Paul "Strudders" Strudwicke for the most replayed school fixture. spirit which surfaced on many captained enthusiastically and occasions. The side never knew when unfortunately concentrated more on over-celebrating goals than scoring SJT

SPORT Page 106 KES CHRONICLE 1998 2nd XI Both Heard and Hylton proved successful goal-keepers, This has been one of the behind a sound defence with most successful seasons for

nd Roberts, Payne and the 2 XI in many years, Postlethwaite always prepared being undefeated by any to go on the attack via midfield. school side. Out of 15 Here, Webb, with the help of matches played, only the Bhadri and Dave, was the first of the season, against team's lynch-pin, opening up the Old Boys, was lost. From the pitch for the attack to that period on the team exploit. Initially at least, goal improved steadily, drawing scoring proved difficult, but the three matches, including two

s forward line up of Mehrali, against Aston I ' XI, and being One of the major factors in this Rahman and Thukral improved victorious in the last 9 consecutive success was the great range of talent greatly with practice. matches. The quality of any side is throughout the senior squad as a Many thanks to Messrs Roll and Lye always clear if it can play badly and whole. Most of the second's players for putting so much time and effort still win, and the 1-0 victory over were of a high enough standard to be into shaping the team and thus a most Wrekin proved this. We were, in the firsts, and many people did productive and enjoyable season. however, used to much more regularly change between the two. The favourable scorelines, such as a 7-0 result was that we could easily James Birch win against Camp Hill. outclass most opposition.

4th XI the penultimate game of the season against Camp Hill 3rd XI was disappointing, but the side were simply outplayed. The season saw the introduction of a 4th team for the first Players worthy of particular note were the midfield duo of time at KES, in direct replacement for the now disbanded Alam and Shah, whose ever presence in the side gave us U16 side. Mr Chamberlain's decision to leave full-time stability, and whose commitment, intelligent play and energy coaching made way for Mr Lambie, a previously unknown often won us games which otherwise we could not have. quantity, to take charge of the new team, which he has done Personally I felt the true success of the team was to ensure admirably for his first term in office. Despite an inconsistent that a large number of social players were able to experience starting line-up, The 4th XI enjoyed a successful and almost school hockey through the course of the year, and hopefully unbeaten season, often overcoming much better and more this will allow them to progress in the future. Our thanks go experienced 3rd XI sides. The highlight was a 5-1 demolition to Mr Lambie for his effective coaching and organisation of of Aston 3rd XI away from home, in which the whole team school matches, and we wish him well with his new team. played with true grit and a determination to win. Losing in Amarick Ubhi

U15XI side of the pitch. Our attack lacked We are not a team with pace but no- penetration and vigour although one could question our commitment The U15's hockey season has been a Vamadevan consistently provided a as we often out-battled teams who typically fun, and altogether supply of good crosses of which we may have been technically more enjoyable experience. The team was, should have finished more. Sharpe gifted. This was in evidence when we however, prone to lapses in propped up our team with with great magnificently defeated K.E. Five concentration, and as a result, goal-keeping. Ways 3-2 despite being a goal behind consistency was not one our and them having a county midfielder attributes. In defence, there whom we managed to surpress were several good using our physical superiority performances, and Ghoris and tenacity. Earlier in the was typically commanding season we defeated Warwick and versatile in the heart of (3-1) and put in a great defence. The midfield was a performance against Nunnery well-balanced and astute unit. Wood, a match which we Edward Hebblethwaite dominated but lost 0-3. provided some powerful However, we got our revenge th crossfield balls. Panesar was at the 4 attempt in two years workman-like and Virk with a rousing and emphatic 3- provided the outlet to the left 0 win. We did, however, also

SPORT Page 107 KES CHRONICLE 1998 fail to perform on several occasions We have been plagued by injuries hopes for several players making the with a disappointing 1-1 draw with throughout the season which deprived 2nd XI and even higher! Newcastle-Under-Lyme and a pathetic Millington, our most gifted player, of Thanks must go to Mr. Lye who display against Uppingham U14 a place. Overall it was a very improved our game immensely. where we lost 1-2! encouraging season and we have high Ravi Panesar

U15B XI season. On this occasion, though, we midfield powerhouse, Kazim Mirza, were blessed with some of the best getting the second goal. Then we This was a very good season. We talent from the U14 XI team and the played the second against Bishop's were unbeaten in all of our six goals rolled in. We won 8-1. Vessey. We played poorly and wasted matches and we would have Middleton scored 5 with Evans, Uff many good chances on goal but we completed a winning season but for a and Arafa on one each. Our next match worked hard until the finish. The final draw with Bishop Vessey in our was very close when we played score was 0-0 Our next match penultimate game. Our first game was Bishop's Vessey for the first time. underlined our form throughout the against Solihull. We won 1-0 thanks Arafa scored twice and we won 2-1. season when we beat Newcastle 3-0. to a goal from Tariq Arafa. Tariq was Playing Newcastle, we looked to Nicholas, Ghoris and Arafa again one of the most potent members of our avenge a heavy defeat of our own from scored. Next season will see many of strike force averaging a goal a game. the previous season versus their array us playing against older and tougher Our second match was against of county players. However we won opposition; hopefully we can continue Loughborough who were looking to 2-1 with Arafa scoring again and the this winning streak. avenge a heavy defeat from last Edward Nicholas

U14A XI until the return of Nunnery Wood. This time round we 'stuffed' them P16W15D1 L0F40A18 10-0 with Goodwin getting four. Our season started off with a Our goalkeepers were varied disappointing 0-0 draw against throughout the season (Ben Nunnery Wood. However we put Reaney, Kalad Hussain, Ciaran this down to lack of experience O'Rooke) but even so we kept and won our next game 5-1 against four clean sheets. Warwick. The rest of the season Throughout the season lots of went much the same with lots of goals were either supplied or goals from our centre forward scored by the three regular Oliver Goodwin. midfielders Rudi Singh, William Our closest game was against Evans and Oliver Middleton. In Uppingham School even though we lot of attacks from the defence, with addition some lethal crosses were put won it 6-2. It looked as if we were some great performances from Neil in by the many different wingers; going to lose until we got four goals McGuire, Tim Andrews, Bob Edward Uff, John Dorman, Colin in the last five minutes. Even though Campbell and Dan Shilvock. The Charnley and Bhavesh Patel. we scored a lot of goals we built up a season wasn't complete, however, Oliver Middleton

U14B XI O'rooke and Ben Reaney we managed Ward, Bhavesh Patel and Neil P5 W2D1 L2 F5A11 to keep the score down to a minimum. Brandrick. The final game of our There was also some good defending season was a miure of our As and B's The 1997/98 season for the U14'B' done by Ali Kassam and Zeke Ward. and it was against Solihull. This game team was a very mixed one. At the The next match was a much better was a tight one and we were at one start of the season the team looked performance against Newcastle's U12 stage 2-0 down but eventually came fairly average as the first two results team. It was a tight game but we back to draw at 2-2. This was due to show. We started off badly with a 2- managed to come out winners 1-0, some excellent build up play from the 0 defeat against Nunnery Wood's U13 Ben Reaney playing out of goal and defence and midfield. Overall the team. Next came Newcastle-Under- scoring. Loughborough were our next season was a very enjoyable one and Lyme's U13 team which was a very opponents and that match was a fairly thanks must go to Mr Roll and Mr Lye strong one and we lost 7-0! During comfortable win and the score line of for their great coaching and of course these first two matches the team did 2-0 doesn't reflect the amount of to Mr Rees who umpired most of our however play in good spirit and thanks chances we created. This was due to games. to good goal keeping by Ciaran some great moves made by Zeke Bhavesh Patel

SPORT Page 108 KES CHRONICLE 1998

KES Orienteers (KESO)

(Mytton, and Pilsbury (N) along with Phil Wheatley (Club Secretary) were placed highly in the West Midlands Night League.) March also saw the Birmingham Schools Champs in Sutton Park where Andrew Hall struck bronze in the Yr. 9/10 Category and Phil Wheatley Silver (in the Yr. 11+ category). Two of the girls also won medals, which rounded off a good afternoon's Orienteering. The Summer Term saw a weekend KESO 'on tour' to Speyside, Scotland: Summer '98 away to the Tamar Triple event in The '97/'98 academic year has been Schools was Shafiq Rasheed, who was Devon and Cornwall and our Scottish one of building. In a sport that occurs 18th in the Yr. 10 category, and he also training and racing tour, based at all year round, the school has attended managed to win the West Midlands Feshiebridge, Speyside, Scotland. The various open and school events every Champs at the U17 level. This rising latter was financially assisted by term. star made it into the West Midlands Harlequins Orienteering Club and a Autumn saw the influx of our first Junior Squad along with Nick Pilsbury grant from the British Orienteering girls from KEHS into the club. These and a couple of the High School girls, Federation Peter Palmer Development were vital in competing in the 5th Julia Ferguson and Aimee Lister. Fund, for which we are most thankful. Junior Peter Palmer Relays, held in the The new year saw a slow trickle of Various other fundraising events were grounds of the University of East new faces trying Orienteering and a held for the Scottish Tour. Last years Anglia in Norwich as the seven person coach was needed to take competitors "Come and Try It" event on the school teams needed two girls. KESO bit off to Arley Wood; Coventry. site was repeated with a larger turnout more than its baby teeth could chew, Orienteering is a sport where fitness of over 100 people, many from and were outclassed by some very is often far more necessary than schools who send pupils to KES and strong open club teams. Indeed, we were the only school team present. The event comprises of a 7 person relay, which starts at 4am, so the first few legs are done with head torches. It is perhaps the most strangely enjoyable event of the Junior 'O' Calendar. 26 Shells attended a "Come and Try It" Orienteering event in Brinton Park, Kidderminster. Every Shell, Remove and UM will have orienteered on the school site too, as well as on the Camping Weekend. The term also saw a good attendance at the British Schools Score Champs (Wigan) and British Schools (Classic KESO team at West Midland Schools Championships Distance) Champs, near Winchester. At the former Oliver Mytton was an running speed. Experience counts and KEHS. We have also had cake-selling excellent fourth in the Year 11-13 training in the techniques is vital. stalls at various events and a treasure category. The reliable club captain March saw another KESO first with a hunt. would also have been Birmingham training weekend organised in Thanks go to Mr. Rees and Mr. Champion had it not been for Cannock Chase, staying at Simpson who have helped enormously punching problems on what turned out Shugborough. The first KESO Night with KESO events. I hope next year to be a very miserable day in Sutton Champs were held with Nick Pilsbury we will have even more success and Park. Our best scorer at the British narrowly beating Oliver Mytton. involve more people. NB

SPORT Page 109 1st XV draw. Following a lesson in how to The visit of Oakhill College from score by an immensely strong New South Wales gave us a good The season started in optimistic style Denstone side, we finally earned a game, but we managed to lose by an with an enjoyable and successful trip victory against Five Ways to take us interception try in the actual match to Aberystwyth which saw the firsts into the half term break. One of the more unpleasant moments register a hard fought and well earned Loughborough beat us on our home of the season occurred when the last victory over the locals. Sadly, this ground in a match notable only for play of the match saw Jonny success was not repeated in the local Naz Khan's crowd pleasing' chip Goldman's mouth horrifically incur nightclub, Pier Pressure, where no one through whilst having a two man the force of an accidental knee. Note scored (despite F-J's best efforts). overlap. An impressive debut by Mo to all-wear mouthguards. After The first match of the term was Hassam on the wing against Warwick Christmas, we just beat Queen Mary's against RGS Worcester, and our lack was not enough to prevent a further in our worst performance of the of fitness or real preparation was loss. We then beat Northampton Boys season. We then lost heavily to evident as they showed us what South in the third round of the Daily Mail Oldswinford, Bablake and had a close African rugby had taught them over cup. The draw brought Rugby World's defeat to Camp Hill. The final match the summer. There followed victories Team of the Month Oundle to Eastern of the season was a terrible game over Solihull and Leicester Grammar Road, where our penchant for against K.E. Aston, luckily the final School. We entered the Daily Mail pressurising without scoring, coupled score was 32-34 in our favour. Cup with a hardly resounding victory with two soft tries, saw them go Despite the defeats and poor over KE. Melton Mowbray, but the through 21-3 victors. The Bromsgrove performances, there were times in this following Saturday saw our first match gave a hardly surprising result, season where we played really well quality performance of the season at although the soreline was flattering, and showed our potential. The team Uppingham. Our spirits raised but Chris Padmore was outstanding wish to thank Mr. James for his hard somewhat, we faced an average Kings' and naturally, F-J gave his female work and commitment throughout the Worcester side with high hopes, but supporters something to shout about season. again, an inexplicably poor with a deserved try. performance led to a disappointing 5-5 Richard Flynn

2nd XV Everything seemed to be going well was won 15-7 with a good try from and a quietly confident K.E. 2nd team Paul Atefi. P15 W10D0 L5 F359A197 travelled to play the ever-strong We beat K.E. Camp Hill 20-11 Warwick School. We were beaten 21- despite a muddy pitch with good The season began in pretty poor 0 after a poor performance. On the 6th performances from Stephen Ball, fashion when in the first game we December we got ready to play our Richard Thomas and Benny Bushell. were beaten by Worcester Grammar old rivals, Bromsgrove. We produced The last game was against K.E. Aston team 61 points to 7. Despite this loss, a superb performance against an side; despite losing our fly-half, we rapidly improved winning our next extremely strong side and suffered a Richard Thomas, after five minutes, game against Solihull 38-0. with two narrow defeat 17-8 with a try from everybody put in a huge effort tries from Andy Williams. With lifted Hamza Kuraishi and a very good especially Kevin Chung who also morale, we travelled to Uppingham performance and conversion from scored a good try. We won 15-14 with school. Ashley Pope had an Owen Bryan-Williams. a try in the closing minutes. Those outstanding game but we came off who also deserve a mention are Ravi second best. We won the next two games against a good Australian touring side, Misra, Herbie Hancock, Sanjay Rupal, We then produced three fantastic Oakhill College 19-0 and Queen Matthew Dodd, Marcus Haig, Jon Pitt winning performances against King's Mary's, Walsall 38-10 with Jim and Jon Pile. Worcester, K.E. Five Ways and Feetam scoring four tries. I would also like to thank Mr. Denstone. Three players especially Phillips for being coach this season worth a note were Shaz Mahmood, The next game against Oldswinford who has done an outstanding job with Mohammed Hassam and Andy was one of the best of the season, a real desire for us to win. Williams. despite losing 17-15, with a good try from Jon Pollock. Loughborough Grammar were then Gavin Hamer dispatched 41-0 with Dan Burns We gave a good performance against scoring a hat-trick. a strong Bablake side and the game

SPORTPage 110 1 KES CHRONICLE 1998 3rd XV P12 W6 L6F221 A161

The 3rd XV started the season well with some convincing victories under our belt, promising more to come Unfortunately the old 3rd's problem reared its ugly head again. Injuries in the 1st and 2nd teams caused many a scratch team, but not disheartened we struggled on. Lacking many of last years key players and with a relatively young side, we lost more matches than deserved. There were many games where with just a little more drive we could have won. Having said this the XV 3 team put up a very strong fight against a scandalously altered Bromsgrove side, even taking the lead at times, nonetheless we unfortunately lost the match. After the Christmas holidays the team picked up again due to the injection of same very skilled U16 players. Between their insertion into the team and the end of the season the rds 3 didn't lose a game in fact the victories were all quite spectacular, with scores soaring. Despite these wins the team did miss some of the characters that had been regular fixtures throughout the earlier half of the season. Memorable performances came from the strong flankers Rob Gardiner and Rich Hamilton, the

nd relatively small front row comprising 2 XV Kirk Bennett (until he unfortunately broke his collar bone), Richard Hockley as hooker and Tosh. Despite having quite weak backs Jon Pollock carried us along on many occasions. Finally a big thank you goes to Mr Evans for his patience on Wednesday afternoons and giving up his time on Saturdays.

Al Booth

3rd XV

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However being dogged by injuries throughout the season U16XV meant not being able to put out the same XV once which meant that we were never able to fully develop and flourish Having only played up until Christmas the U16 season was After Christmas when the U16 XV disbanded there was fast and furious. Pre-season we showed the same potential immense individual progress amongst the players: Jon Pitt as usual with a selection of very accomplished players. Russell Benson and Marcus Haig became regulars for the

However things went somewhat differently and the season nd st 2 XV, while James Skidmore became the established 1 was not quite the raving success we had all expected and XV fly half and was selected to play for Midlands schools hoped for. Two games were narrowly lost to Warwick and rd The remainder of the squad represented the 3 XV, with many

Loughborough, both classic rivals but both of whom should nd players also seeing action in the 2 XV at some time. Overall have been beaten convincingly. However it was not all doom it was a very productive season. Thanks must go to our coach and gloom with many very good wins, notably against Mr. Birch for his effort and commitment to the side during Leicester which saw one of our largest wins of the season. the season. However quality is more important than quantity as our gruelling victory over Bablake, a truly sterling performance Joe Tipper showed. In most games there were several fleeting moments when the sheer skill and potential of the team showed through.

U15A XV received a bye in the first round), Dyer forming a skilful half-back where on a bitterly cold, bleak combination and Rees playing well in P15 W10D2 L3 afternoon we were fortunate to gain a both defence and attack in the The start of the season was delayed narrow win mainly thanks to two tries midfield. Amongst others, Ferdinand as a mark of respect to the Princess of from R. Rees. The spring term opened and Jain provide pace and power on Wales, as a result our match against with the third round match of the the wings. The forwards were RGS Worcester was cancelled. A Daily Mail Cup when we entertained sometimes inconsistent often failing comfortable win against Leicester King Henry VIII School, Coventry), to secure and maintain good G.S. was followed by the fixture at Eastern Road. A poor overall possession from the line-outs and in against Uppingham. Despite being performance from a weakened side the loose although the scrummaging twenty points behind at half-time we saw our exit from the competition. Sd was mostly effective. Watkins, pack rallied in the second half to win by a wins were recorded against Old leader and No. 8, performed well clear margin. This was the outstanding Swinford and Bablake Schools with throughout the season. performance of the autumn term. the climax of the season being the County honours went to Moss, Rees, Victories against KE Five Ways Greater B'ham Cup final against our Peat, Watkins, Hill, Dyer; Ferdinand (Greater B'ham Cup), Kings old adversaries KE Aston, which was and Thomson. (Chicken Balti) Worcester and Denstone College were played at the Reddings on the 28th Chakraborty and Martin were also followed by an away game at February. An exciting match was won invited on the county tour at the end Loughborough, where a dull, 25-7 giving us the (Greater B'ham of the season. unadventurous match was won by shield for the third year running. The Grateful thanks are due to Mr. Porter Loughborough, scoring the only try. game featured outstanding for his unstinting support, performances by Wood, Watkins and encouragement and sound advice We were delighted to record a clear Moss. The final outing was an away victory over Warwick School for the throughout the season. Some of his match against local rivals Solihull. A verbal exhortations will live long in first time with one of our best team close game ended in a draw after some performance ever. An excellent match the memory! Thanks must also go to poor defence allowed Solihull to level Mr. James and to all parents and against Nottingham HS resulted in a the scores. defeat by the odd point scored from a friends who gave their support from penalty Lick in the dying minutes. The season was a successful one in the touchlines, particularly to Mr. Another closely fought game with broad terms although the premature Wood for his vocal support. Bromsgrove School gave us the exit from the Daily Mail Cup was a second drawn match of the term. The disappointment. The side possesses a Iain Moss final game before Christmas took us considerable amount of talent though to Bilston HS, Rugby, in the second it is, perhaps, unevenly spread The round of the Daily Mail Cup (having back division is strong with Moss and

SPORT Page 112 KES CHRONICLE 1998

U15A XV

SPORT Page 113 KES CHRONICLE 1998

Sivanesen with a fractured wrist was a blow but a quick U15B XV recovery allowed him to play again before the end of the After two almost unbeaten years, and with the B team not season. A comprehensive trouncing of Warwick saw tries having lost since the first game of the second year, another from Law, Mahoney, Wood, Tudor Jones and Ward. A final good season was expected. We started off with a comfortable scoreline of 62-0 capped our best performance of the season win over R.G.S. Worcester. The second match against A battling performance against Nottingham gained us a 10- Solihull saw a much smoother performance with better 7 victory in a superb tackling performance throughout the forward play than against R.G.S. Tries came from Ward and game. There followed a slightly disappointing result against Cockerton. Bromsgrove with a 26-7 victory not reflecting all our Against Uppingham a performance way below our best chances. An excellent kicking season from Tudor-Jones and saw a 15-7 scoreline in our favour. an unbeaten captaincy for 2 and a half years from Wood Against Loughborough, our toughest match of last year, sees the end of the B team. Thanks must go to all our coaches we increased, the physical side of our game and easily in particular Messrs Beard and James. overturned a one man Loughborough side. The loss of W. Wood

U14A XV This has been a very mixed season for the Under 14 A team. We U14B XV started it with a rather depleted team due to the fact that many of last year's players have swapped their games option. Undeterred we started At the start of this season, things were the season on a high note with a good win against Solihull, but we not looking too optimistic, as the hockey- then suffered heavy defeats by Loughborough and King's School option had taken away several of our Worcester who were just too good for us. November saw the Greater players. Birmingham trial and seven players made it into the side including However this did not deter our spirit as Chris Maskell, Amit Sharma, Anthony Mulira, Dan Watkins, James we scraped through to a win in our first Forrest, Chris Mellor and myself. match. After Christmas we began to pick up the pace beating Camp Hill 42- Throughout the season, Mr. Howe 0 and Bablake 56-0. We also reached the Greater Birmingham Cup prepared us thoroughly for tough Final but we fell at the feet of Five Ways after a sterling second half opposition, by putting us through many performance. Many players have shone throughout the season. Ranjan gruelling fitness sessions. The team was not Chopra has been a very reliable line out jumper, Chris Maskell and exactly full of ' stars', but our effort helped Anthony Mulira have both been very determined in forward play and us through many difficult matches. Our Chris Mellor has become the Jonah Lomu of the team scoring tries defensive abilities improved hugely during from almost anywhere. the season. Players such as S. Purkis. H. I would like to thank Mr. Duncombe and Mr. James for helping us Virk, C. Singleton and A. Tonks restricted throughout the year. the opposition from scoring freely. Andrew Gillespie The forwards of our team were very strong in every match. In the backs, S. Purkis established himself as a formidable and consistent goal-kicker. The move of our captain Y. Sultan from forwards to backs was successful, as he scored many tries, with the help of the other backs, in particular D. Hall, a very exciting prospect for school rugby. All this helped us to gain the statistics of winning all but two of our matches. Our thanks go to Mr. Howe, who proved to be an inspirational coach.

S. Purkis and Y. Sultan

U14A XV

SPORT Page 114 KES CHRONICLE 1998

U13A XV Pll W9 L2 DO

This season may not have been too successful results-wise but we have certainly come away with many plusses. We won all of our games and we only conceded a handful of points. Our local rivals of last year Camp Hill unfortunately knocked us out of the cup competition. Despite going down quite heavily in the first half, we fought back with guts and determination and we made an excellent effort to bring the scores closer together. Our fighting spirit was apparent throughout the season and it won us many games. I hope this will continue in our many years ahead.

Joe Huxley

U14B XV U13B XV

The Under 13 B's have had another excellent season. In 97/98 we played 10 matches, won 9 and lost only 1. Scoring 295 for and conceding only 58. The fact that we won 9 games, was all due to an excellent passing game. The forwards pushed well, with Don Le hooking brilliantly and the height of Bilal Ahmed, winning 99% of our lineouts. At the start of the season, the backs (having no idea of what to do when they got the ball) had a slow start, but after the second game, there U13A XV was no stopping them. With excellent conversions from Sam Owes and Michael Fanner. The tackling was outstanding from the forwards and the backs, with Patrick Cruickshank stopping anything thrown at him. At the end of the season however, the 3 cheers go to Mr. James and Mr. Deeley.

Chris Woo

U13B XV

SPORT Page 115 KES CHRONICLE 1998

U12A XV speed of transfer ball by the backs Pll W10L1 F343A44 leading to a high It has been a number of points magnificent season The only regret for the Under 12's, is that we could not with just one game find stronger lost (where the opposition but we winning try was are looking forward very debatable). to an unbeaten record next season. Overall the team Finally our team scored 343 points would like to thank wheras there were Mr Everest for all only 44 points his encouragement, scored against us. coaching Among the top try scorers were Joe and refereeing, and Mr. Protherough for Speight, Chris Bennett-Britton and Throughout the season the forwards his support in the B team and expert Dan Drew with other good dominated the scrums and won the forward coaching. performances from Michael Gardiner, majority of the lineouts, producing Shalin Punn and our accurate kicker good ball for the backs to score stylish Robert Holyhead. tries. One pleasing aspect was the Harry Hecht

The coach's view....

The U12 team this year was a However, a word of caution! Harry to achieve an unbeaten season. They pleasure to coach. They were Hecht regrets not finding stronger have started off playing an exciting enthusiastic (as always!) and had lots opposition to play). Next year he will brand of rugby, and their confidence of talent. In particular the backs find many of the sides we play will be and sense of adventure combined with displayed skills at a higher level than bigger, stronger and more skilful than tremendous tackling, is very much in is usual, and as a result played some this year and they will know what to the style of the best teams in current stunning rugby at times. expect when they play KES! The world rugby. I wish them well and will Congratulations are definitely in majority of games will be much harder follow their results with interest. order! and any team on our circuit fares well DCE

of work involved we would have which I hope made Mr. Protheroe U12B XV censored that last sentence - Ed) leave K.E.S. happy. Pll W5 L6 We did end the season on a high note Edward Sandison however, by thrashing K.E. Five Ways Overall, this was an average season, winning and losing around the same number of matches. Great performances from the whole of the team resulted in scoring over 240 points. None of this would have been possible without our great coach, Mr. Protheroe, who sadly is leaving KES and even England to coach a South African team. Everyone in the team wishes him good luck in his new job. Of course the players are just as important. As much as I would like to mention every player I doubt the typists for the Chronicle would enjoy that, (had it not been for the amount

SPORT Page 116 KES CHRONICLE 1998 Tennis

U19 with the match score at 3-3 a determined first pair, who admirably countback of games meant that we just persevered with serve-volley tactics, The U19 Tennis Team has had lost out. A quirk of L.T.A. won a very close decider and indeed another very successful year. went on to win the trophy. Saturday fixtures have perhaps The Glanvill Cup is the National been most remarkable due to Schools' Competition, open to the sheer number of boys who all schools. Again we competed have represented school teams. very well, winning through to Out of the eight matches the national quarter-final to face played, we won five and lost a semi-professional team from three. Notable victories were the Hills Road School in recorded against The Oxford Cambridge. The difference University Penguins', the between the teams was not so Warwickshire L.T.A. Juniors, much talent but rather strength Malvern College and and fitness and, although Nottingham High School. Richard Barker scored an School teams competed in three outstanding victory over their national competitions. In the administration did mean though that number one player, we lost by five Senior Students competition only two we spent the evening in a very smart matches to one. games separated us from the national hotel! title! Having found ourselves in the All players who have represented the The Independent Schools Youll Cup hardest part of the draw we battled our school should be congratulated. In was competed for at Eton College. way past strong Mulfield and Repton particular I would also like to thank Seeded fourth we duly reached the teams (William Barker playing an Martin Lloyd for his efficient semi-final having beaten good teams almost perfect set of tennis to beat the captaincy, and Messrs. Stone, Beard, from Colstons School and Bradford Repton number two 6-0). Cheam High Tomlinson and Swaby for all the hard Grammar School. Our opponents in School, looking for a record fifth work and time they have put into the semi-final were a Repton team successive title, were the opponents in school tennis throughout the year. eager for revenge. Repton's the final. Despite a valiant effort and SHB

strong Repton side; despite putting up second round. Meanwhile the U15 strong resistance we were overcome seconds, A. Robinson and B. P12 W6 L6 by 8 matches to 4. The team was also Felderhof, came up against more A season of mixed fortunes experienced opponents and began with a somewhat made an ungraceful first depleted squad making the round exit. The following journey to Nottingham High day's tennis resulted in our School. It was to prove a less first pair losing to a weaker than successful opening match, team and the second pair with all but the first pair, playing well to progress into Arthur Dyer and Philip Martin, the second round of the performing poorly. As a result Thomas Bowl where they the team, consisting of players were slaughtered by a selected from A. Dyer, D. Van considerable margin. Marie, P. Martin, O. Nevertheless, I would like to Ladbrooke, A. Robinson, B. thank on the team's behalf Felderhof, H. Akhtar and E. Mr. Stone for his Hebblethwaite, worked hard to supervision, Mr. Beard, for improve their tennis before the his work in organising the matches remaining friendlies. Missing key successful in the Midland Bank (and some of the players), Mr. Booth players in the next two matches, the competition but were eventually for the support and coaching and Les U15's played some impressive tennis knocked out. Swaby for his tolerance of our to beat Malvern and Bromsgrove, 6-3 A team of two doubles pairs, was then incompetence. and 9-0, respectively. We then faced a selected to represent the school at Eton. The first pair strolled into the Arthur Dyer

SPORT Page 117 KES CHRONICLE 1998

player; whilst P i U13 au Rai and Alex Jackson, as the The season started numbers 1 and 2 off well with a sound players, impressed win ( 5 matches to 4 ) spectators with their against Nottingham fighting spirit. On High School, helped by two occasions they the opposition putting came back f m out an incomplete team. r0 being 0-4 down, to Two teams were entered win individual sets i in the Midland Bank n the face of overall Competition. Both the A defeat. Edward and B teams were drawn Sandison was the in the same group where promising fourth the competition was player, whose game strong. Unfortunately became more victories were only confident over the gained against season. Handsworth Grammar Again, all players in both teams showed great commitment School, and so neither team made it through to the second and enthusiasm. round, but there were some commendable performances. William Taylor was a most efficient captain for the A team, JES and on the court again proved to be a reliable, consistent

Squash

This season was more successful than many previous ones Having sailed through the first round of the national SKA out of a total of 6 matches we won 3. These three victories competition, we travelled to Radley College for the regional were enough to take us through to the SRA Regional Finals. finals. In our first match we were lucky to gain a total of 11 We began the com• points in 15 games petition in a local against a superb league with three other Wycliffe college. In teams to overcome. We our second match Chris beat Solihull 3-2, with Lawrenson won, Bali Muralidhar, although the team lost Karndeep Khera and 4-1 to Warwick. Harish Kapur all The season ended winning comfortably. with a victory over The second victory Solihull and a defeat was in December on to the Common Room, the cold courts of although Bali Bromsgrove, where the Muralidhar came close same trio of players to beating Mr Tinley in once again rose to the an admirable per• occasion, giving us formance. another 3-2 victory. The Under 16 team Our third fixture in had one fixture this this competition was —* season; they lost 5-0 to scheduled to be against Bromsgrove. Solihull 6th Form College. Unfortunately they were unable Thanks must go to Mr Loram and Mr Tinley for the time to field a team, leaving us at the top of the league. and effort they put into producing a very much improved team. Martin Lloyd

SPORT Page 118 KES CHRONICLE 1998 Walking

As summer ran its course and the brief recognition of the incontestable However for some, all good things new autumn term was ushered in, the wisdom enshrined within the Green must come to an end, but those sixth hearts and minds of a small, Cross Code, we were off. formers leaving this year can do so formidable band of KES pupils were Experimenting with different walking confident in their abilities as lean, buoyed at the prospect of a new styles, and different routes (but occasionally mean, walking machines. walking season. The previous two always under the auspicious gaze of Perhaps more importantly though we months of "relaxation" had seemed Mr. Cumberland) the weeks seemed can be confident that under Mr. somewhat unfulfilling without the to fly past. Unfortunately some could Cumberland's nurturing gaze, and guidance of our mentor, Mr. not cope with the strenuous nature of growing support in the younger years, Cumberland, and so unsurprisingly we the option and fell by the wayside, but the walking option will march on - to feverishly awaited 2.00pm Wednesday amongst those of us hardy enough to take its rightful place as one of King when we could once more assume the remain there grew a great Edward's most renowned activities. hallowed title of "walkers". And when camaraderie. For the unique the time came, we knew instinctively combination of intelligence, wit and Stephen Spence that life had become worth living physical prowess have made us again. walkers the envy of our peers - all of So after the usual warnings against whom have tried, but failed to capture the evils of public transport, and a our "joie de vivre".

Swimming and Water Polo

The swimming team has had another excellent season. The U16 relay team comprising J Pitt, O Newcombe, M Davis, J Skidmore and J Rees finished 4th in the National Schools at Wolverhampton and also won both the Independent School Invitation galas held in Nottingham and Worcester. The U19 school relay team, P Atefi, J Skidmore, O Newcombe and M Davis, finished 11* in the Bath Cup at Crystal Palace, effectively the National Long Course Champion• ships. This was our best finishing position yet in this competition. The team would like to thank Mr Owen, Rev Raynor and Mr Boardman for all their help with the running of home terrific achievement, very enjoyable ESSA Northern Finals behind King's swimming fixtures. Without their and a great learning experience. One School, Grantham. assistance, they would simply not go member of the team, Oliver Many second year boys were involved ahead. Newcombe, has represented the in these competitions and things are The School Water Polo teams have Midland District at U16 level and looking good for next year. had a marvellous year. The U16 team, undoubtedly others will follow suit in The team would like to thank all under the captaincy of Jonathan Pitt the future. parents who helped out during the and coached by Andrea Norris, made The U14 team have also made course of the season with catering, it through to the ESS A National Finals excellent progress. They have been running the table and providing for the first time and, although we successful in many tournaments but banners! were well beaten on the day, it was a the highlight was finishing 2nd in the JCH

SPORT Page 119 KES CHRONICLE 1998

Photographs above: TOM BADER PHOTOGRAPHY, Worcester SPORT Page 120