Property of KING Edward VI Grammar School, Broomfield Road, Chelmsford 01245 353510 Chelmsfordian@Kegs.Org.Uk the Chelmsfordian 2013 01 CONTENTS

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Property of KING edward VI Grammar school, Broomfield Road, Chelmsford 01245 353510 [email protected] The ChElMSFORDIAN 2013 01 CONTENTS

Welcome ...... 02

Salvete & Valete ...... 03

School ...... 07

History ...... 23

Economics & Maths ...... 26

Art & Drama ...... 32

House Competition ...... 36

Engineering ...... 40

Science ...... 46

Languages ...... 51

Geography & Geology .... 54

Philosophy ...... 58

Design & Technology ...... 61

English ...... 62

Sport ...... 63

Editorial ...... 72 02 The ChElMSFORDIAN - School Prefect Team 2012/13 WELCOME School Captain to the Chelmsfordian Harrison Cutler When we first started work on this humbling (and quite hard work) magazine we were asked, “What to collect the transcripts of these Deputy Captains has happened at KEGS this year?” labours and realise just how much Michael Webb Our response was a short silence, effort goes into a year at KEGS. George Pitt followed by much umm-ing and ah- We have made some changes to ing. Had anything really happened the technical means with which this year? Could this year’s Chelms- we assemble this magazine and, at House Captains fordian be anything more than a this stage, they appear to have paid Holland Andy Davies two-sided pamphlet? However off. In doing this I hope we have we soon realised, under a flood of managed to achieve that incredibly Mildmay Sam Gravatt articles, that so much had. It was tight balance between maintaining Strutt Brin Pirathapan simply that we, as veteran KEGS tradition and breathing new life Tindal Lewis Wood students, had become accustomed where required. Please enjoy! to the countless trips and enter- Richard Meadows prises in which every department Editor Prefects engages us. It has been quite Eren Akademir Jordan Ayling Tom Bowins Mussa Butt CAPTAIN’s REPORT Callum Cooney Frighteningly, the final year of and individualistic persons, and an Thomas Crowe KEGS seems to have been the honour to be given the opportunity Jonathan Funnell swiftest. Be this due to exam pres- to lead, especially considering the Daniel Gottschalk sures or deadlines for UCAS and distinct limitations of myself in the coursework, time has disappeared area of ‘other talents’. Robbie Hodges without notice. Opportunities in Thanks have been delivered from Rory Houlding the capacity of School Captain have the whole Year 13 cohort, but on a Martha Jenkinson nonetheless been rife - support- personal level I’d like to offer enor- ed by a reliable body of prefects, mous thanks to those involved with Kyle Johnson we have successfully managed facilitating the brilliant experience Ben Kimberley innumerable Parents’ Evenings sixth form has been, and will be Sam Laidler and other public events, with the for future year groups. Enormous Edward Lakin verve and enjoyment expected thanks go to Paula, an ever cheerful of a group of people delighted to face in the Darwin Centre; to Ms Timothy Lornie serve a school that has given us so Weiner, for enforcing our silence in Samuel Marlow very much. Competence in leader- the study centre in the most cour- Alexander Mayes ship this year was delivered by the teous and endearing manner con- Seb Mayo brilliant George Pitt and Michael ceivable; to Ms Purkiss, a reliable Webb, guided as astutely as ever confidante for any issues related Erin Meredith by Ms Wiltshire, to whom along- to the tribulations of adolescence; Ebele Nwangwu side the prefects we are incredibly and finally to Ms Wiltshire, for Igbinosa Omoregbee thankful for her colossal efforts. keeping a firm grip upon the wheel Taylor-Jane Owen Whilst an enormous privilege, the of the sixth form, protecting our roles afforded to me in the capacity better interests even when we our- Daivik Patel of School Captain rarely wandered selves are unaware of them. Kelsey Phillips from the ordinary. What made Our years at KEGS have been a Eniola Salau these ordinary experiences so delight, and I do hope such positive Geeth Silva special was the relationships that I final words can be said in future was fortunate enough to build with editions of this KEGS tradition. Best William Starr my peers across the year groups. It wishes to all those who shall have Max Stone continues to be humbling to have the pleasure of following us. been schooled in the vicinity of Ruth Tyson Harrison Cutler such an array of vastly talented Patrick Wiltshire School Captain The ChElMSFORDIAN - SALVete & Valete 03 SALVETE A warm welcome to all new and returning staff We were delighted to welcome Joy Higgins to Two new Technicians joined the team in the the Mathematics Department in September 2012. Science Department, Barbara Basso-Bert in Joy is an experienced teacher who has previously November 2012, and Carol Denyer in April 2013. taught at St Martin’s School, William De Ferrers Both are experienced Technicians, having both School and The Boswells Academy. previously worked in the Science Technician Team A familiar face returned to KEGS in January 2013 at Chelmer Valley High School. when Dr Sandra Naish rejoined the Chemistry John Stebbings joined the Site Team in the role Department. Sandra ended 10 years teaching at of Custodian in January 2013. KEGS in 2008 when she relocated to Bucking- We look forward to welcoming three new col- hamshire. Since then, Sandra has also taught at leagues in September - Francisco Newby, who will Chelmsford County High School for Girls. From teach Chemistry and Maths, Dr Billy Wheeler, who September 2013 Sandra will take up the role will teach RE & Philosophy, and Ryan Lowe, who of Head of Department (in conjunction with Dr will teach PE & Games. All are newly qualified Stephanie MacLeod). Sandra is also our UCAS teachers, Francisco and Billy both having complet- Coordinator. ed their studies at the University of Cambridge, and Ryan at the University of Brighton. valete We wish a fond farewell to our departing colleagues Assistant Headteacher Douglas Johnson leaves and students’ attendance and behaviour records KEGS after 14 years to take up a new appointment are made available via our MyChildAtSchool as Deputy Headteacher at New Hall School. Doug portal. He is a wizard with spreadsheets and all has held many positions of responsibility during manner of IT systems and we will miss his extraor- his time at KEGS - Head of RE & Philosophy, Head dinary expertise in this area. As a member of the of Year, School Timetabler and has managed the school’s Senior Leadership Team, Doug has played school’s assessment and reporting processes via an important role as a champion of fairness and the Bromcom system. Doug has overseen the high standards, a great problem solver and some- transformation of our systems over recent years one who is always able to represent the views so that parents now receive reports and interim of students and teachers. Above all, Doug has in- grades online, exam results are issued via email spired hundreds of students through his outstanding teaching of Philosophy, RE and Maths. He is an exceptional teacher, able to engage students in high level debate and discussion, and to establish a warm rapport with his classes through his unwa- vering kindness and good humour. The staff and students at KEGS will miss him enormously but, without doubt, Doug will make a superb Deputy Head and we wish him well for the next stage of his career at New Hall. We all would like to wish Graham Riley a very happy and well deserved retirement after 25 years of service at KEGS. Throughout these 25 years Graham has led the Chemistry Department as Head of Chemistry, and during this period the department has gained an outstanding reputa- tion through its academic excellence and ac- quisition of prizes and accolades from local and national competitions. Graham’s passion and enthusiasm for Chemistry have been infectious and his demand for high standards has been well 04 The ChElMSFORDIAN - SALVete & Valete time here Ray has held a variety of positions which have uniquely added to the learning experience of our students. Throughout his career, Ray has been a first class Science and Chemistry teacher and has done so much to make Science, and especially Chemistry enjoyable and accessible to all. He is a great advocate of the importance of practical science and of making learning both enjoyable and fun - this has been central to his running of the Lower School Science Programme which he has developed throughout his career at KEGS as ‘Key Stage 3 Science Co-Ordinator’. He has also held the position of ‘Cross-Curricu- lar Co-Ordinator’ which allowed Ray to use his unique skills, imagination and strong leadership to break down the barriers between subjects. This has allowed the learning of key themes to take place across a range of subjects; a legacy which is now embedded into the Science ethos of the school. Ray has always been experimental and reflective and this has resulted in new ways of learning which have over the years been increas- ing based on the of ICT. Ray’s commitment to the documented and has had an impact on the Sci- potential use of ICT as a learning tool resulted in ence Department as a whole. His constant eye for Ray being appointed as ‘Director of ICT’, a role detail and demand for accuracy ideally placed him which has seen an explosive use in ICT in lessons, for the role of Examination’s Officer; a difficult from the use of visualisers, to the use of KEGSNet role which Graham also held during the period and the inception of ‘Project 9’. Ray will leave a 2003 -2011. In addition, he has been a popular legacy which will benefit our students for years to and well respected form tutor, who has supported come and which will act as a foundation for future and nurtured the talent of many VIth form student developments. We wish him a happy retirement for whom his advice and support have been the but will miss a truly inspirational science teacher. making of them. Many a Doctor practising today Hilary Girdler (below) retired at the end of the would not be doing so if it were not for Graham! Summer Term, having taught Mathematics at We will certainly miss a very talented and inspi- KEGS since September 2001. She brought with rational scientist, but more so we will miss a true her considerable experience of teaching at VIth friend with a great sense of humour and most certainly one of the most respected teachers to have taught at KEGS . He is in every sense a true ‘Master’ of his subject! This year sees the retirement of Ray LeCouteur (below) after 27 years at KEGS. Throughout his The ChElMSFORDIAN - SALVete & Valete 05 Form level, and quickly became a key member of work in the department and wish her and her fam- the department. Her attention to detail, dedica- ily well for the future. tion, and care for her students have always been After 6 years at KEGS as Teacher of PE Sean evident, and whenever there was a chance to Perrotton (below) leaves at the end of the Sum- increase her part-time hours, the school has been mer Term, having secured a new role as Head of keen to do so. Her weekly hours did accordingly PE at St. Thomas More High School. Sean has also creep upwards, but she has always resisted teach- been a highly committed member of the pastoral ing more than 4 days per week. Since 2010, Hilary has held the additional role of Mathematics Co- ordinator, and has organised the Maths Clinic - an ever-enlarging team of VIth Form Maths Mentors - and done much of the resource management in the department. Her total reliability and friendly persuasiveness have been hugely valued, and she will be very much missed next year. Her quiet wisdom when her advice is sought has made her universally respected by her colleagues. Besides her work in the Maths Department, Hilary has also served as a Form Tutor in the VIth Form, and her firm but calm manner has been a great strength in this. Finally, not everyone will know that she is also a former KEGS parent – her son having attended KEGS for the VIth Form – and this dual perspective has perhaps helped her to understand the parental standpoint. Although her retirement marks the formal ending of a twelve year association with the school, we very much hope that we will continue to see her regularly in the future. Liz Donkersloot is leaving KEGS following a long and illustrious career teaching Geography and, in the early years, Careers. She initially worked full-time within the Geography Department before going part-time after starting her family. Liz has been an enthusiastic teacher of Geogra- phy, particularly Physical Geography, achieving consistently outstanding results over many years team as a Lower School Head of Year, and held with her GCSE classes. Liz’s lessons have always the additional roles of Healthy Schools Coordina- been characterised by her rigorous approach and tor and SSCo for the school. Sean’s commitment attention to detail, something the department to extra-curricular activities has been immense, will strive to maintain following her departure. and he has been involved in the organisation of We thank Liz for her involvement in field trips that numerous trips – the Ski trip, Watersports holiday, took her abroad on the French residential trip and Rugby tours and World Challenge expeditions to numerous Geography residential trips to Somer- name but a few. One of Sean’s finest moments set along with many more local daytrips. We wish at KEGS was coaching the Year 9 Football team to Liz well for the future. the final of the Essex County Cup. Sean has been Ruth Wheeler left KEGS in February 2013, to a huge supporter of our Mogonjet partnership relocate to the Lake District with her family. Ruth having travelled to Kenya last year. His enormous had taught Geography since 2004, and held the enthusiasm in setting up sports events for the additional role of General Studies Coordina- school endeared him to staff and students alike tor. She was also actively involved in running a and they are looking forward to welcoming him successful KEGS Netball team during this time. back to Mogonjet in July. Sean has been the driv- Ruth displayed a thoroughness in all that she did ing force in raising money for our partner school whether as a tutor, teaching her lessons or organ- through the Mogonjet Mini Marathon - he is a true ising and running KS3 field trips such as those to Mogonjetter! Walton on the Naze and London Docklands. One After teaching Art at KEGS for 3 years, Rohini of Ruth’s first roles was to accompany the VIth Rees leaves at the end of the Summer Term to Form Iceland trip which she thoroughly enjoyed. relocate to Buckinghamshire with her family. Ruth’s thoroughness was reflected in the consist- As well as being a very hard working and en- ently high grades that her classes achieved from thusiastic class room teacher, Rohini has been KS3 through to A Level. We thank Ruth for her instrumental in setting up our Art Club which has 06 The ChElMSFORDIAN - SALVete & Valete science technician is an important and attractive role – through her efforts we are left with probably the best technician team in the country – we thank her for that. We have much to thank her for and wish this remarkable, yet modest lady, a very happy retirement. Finance Officer Jane Ward (below) leaves at the end of the Summer Term. After joining KEGS in June 1998 in the role of Finance Secretary to the CSSE, Jane managed the CSSE office in a

been extremely well attended by KS3 pupils. Her updating of the Art area on KEGSNet has enabled us to start an online gallery for students to display their work. Rohini has also enjoyed her involvement in the CAMSTAR project, looking at literacy in Art, and has fed back many of her ideas to the department. Long serving Librarian Barbara Gray retired at the end of the Autumn Term after 26 years of dedicated service to the school. Barbara’s contribu- tion to the school was immense. A great advocate for the wonder of books and of reading, Barbara showed incredible patience and support to students who simply wished to spend time in the Li- brary, reading. In addition to the daily supervision of students, and the support offered to both staff and students, Barbara also devised and assisted in delivery of the Year 7 Reading Project, organised various KEGS ‘Kidslit’ quiz teams and conducted her own Year 7 Reading Research Project. At Easter we had to say ‘Goodbye’ to Virginia Spence who took her well deserved retirement after twelve years of loyal and dedicated service at KEGS as ‘Team Leader Science Technician’. Throughout her twelve years she has worked with all three sciences to ensure that our students enjoy the very best practical science experiences. Following on from KEGS accreditation as a spe- temporary capacity in 2000, before moving to the cialist ‘Science College’ Virginia was promoted to Finance Department to assist the Bursar. During the role of ‘Team Leader Science Technician’. This her 13 years in Finance, Jane has undertaken a role was to be the most challenging and demand- variety of responsibilities including management ed the very best of her substantial managerial of the school kitchen, running the Uniform Shop, and organisational skills, as it required her to look Health & Safety Officer, coaching Netball and a after the needs of not only KEGS students, but 4-year term in office as a Staff Governor. Jane also those students in our partner schools and has secured a new role as Business Manager at the wider community. In the wider community, Buttsbury Infant School, and we wish her every Virginia will always be remembered for her role success. in leading the ‘Stepping Stone’ courses which Alison Smith-Lothian left her role of Science were designed to provide basic technician train- Technician in September 2012, to take up a new ing to those adults in the local area, who were role of Clinical Skills Technician at Anglia Ruskin either unemployed or wished to return to work, University. Alison joined KEGS in 1999, originally as school science technicians. The effect of these as an Art Technician, joining the Science Depart- courses was very encouraging as it increased the ment in 2005. Alison played a major role within self confidence of the adult learners and conse- the Science College as the “Community Tech- quently, many gained employment as science nician”, a role in which she supported outreach technicians! Virginia always recognised the work with our partner schools and helped with importance of training and the concept that the the development of our Community Laboratory. The ChElMSFORDIAN - School 07 A Word from the head Headteacher Mr Sherrington reviews the passed year I’d like to congratulate the Chelmsfordian team on putting together a superb magazine capturing the highlights of a wonderful year at KEGS. We seem to be going from strength to strength. Last Summer’s exam results were tremendous, breaking records of all kinds. We even found ourselves in the position of being the only school in the Top 10 for both GCSE and A level in the BBC rankings. These successes were celebrated at Prize Giving where former KEGS student, international cyclist Alex Dowsett, was the Guest of Honour. His story of triumph in adversity as a haemophiliac was inspiring. It was wonderful to celebrate his success in May when he won a stage of the Giro d’Italia. We had numerous sporting successes during the number of new approaches. Blogging has also year with the Year 9 team, reigning Essex Cham- taken off with the KEGS Global Blog Challenge pions, going as far as the last 32 in the English inspiring over 30 bloggers to start writing. Schools Cup and four of our cricket teams reach- I’ve been hugely impressed with the Young ing the semis or finals of the County Cup. We Enterprise teams. Sentiens progressed to the also enjoyed following Year 7 Daniel Gallagher as Regional Final with the primary Reading Incen- he represented England in the European Schools tive scheme and Antimony have developed some Championship in Serbia. A star in the making for school management software that could become a sure. viable product on the market. Mrs Singh has done Incredibly, for the third year in a row, a KEGS a fabulous job supporting them as well as running student won the prestigious Royal Geographical all the Enterprise Days. We’ve also had a great Society Young Geographer of the Year. Ollie Bar- year with Young Engineers; the trophy cabinet is nard devised a stunning local walk of Chelmsford over-flowing. that has now been published on line as part of the I have to mention the Ambassador. James Dilley Discovering Britain website. has done a superb job taking over the newspaper The standard of music in our concerts was excel- and making every issue a must-read. There is lent as always; the most recent Summer Concert always a good range of interesting articles and was quite superb with quality running through interviews alongside a lot of humour – and superb from the Junior Orchestra to the choir of treble front covers. A tough act to follow next year. singers to the Wind Band; David Wringe also Other highlights include the development of the demonstrated his extraordinary musicianship on John Dee Society, the popularity of the Philoso- clarinet, accompanied by Will Foster on piano. phy Society, the wonderful Art Exhibition and the However, the highlight of the year was final per- immensely impressive CCF Biennial Inspection. formance by our superstar cellist, Ben Kimberley, Charities Week was incredibly successful again performing Bruch’s Kol Nidri at the Spring Con- thanks to the commitment of the Charities Com- cert. It was very moving for all concerned. mittee and the support of Ms Campbell. The House Cup was closely contested as ever There is far, far too much to mention one short and House Music and House Drama were both piece! All in all, it has been wonderful year of ac- high quality events. I was especially pleased that ademic achievement and success in a wide range Strutt, under Brin Pirathapan’s leadership, suc- of activities and we are already looking forward to ceeded in winning after quite a long gap. I hope next year when our new Art Block will be built. that all students now truly believe that they could Whilst we look ahead with relish to all the new win the Cup and will approach future events in challenges to come, it will be very sad to day that spirit. farewell to Dr Riley, Mr LeCouteur, Ms Girdler, Mrs The arrival of new technology has been a feature Ward and Mr Johnson…all of whom have served of the year for me. A number of excellent twitter the school for many years. I’d like to express my feeds are now being operated in different depart- gratitude for all that they have done for KEGS; ments – Languages, PE, Geography and Geology each of them has left a significant legacy. and from the Young Engineers. We’ve been supported by the Parents’ Association to buy nearly Tom Sherrington 40 iPads which has seen teachers developing a Headteacher 08 The ChElMSFORDIAN - School CHINA KEGS students visit our partner school in Wuxi province Last October a group of KEGS students set off on a once in a life time journey. We were accompanied by Mr Burcher, Mr Green and Miss Walton. After waking up early to catch the flight a long day was ahead of us due to the time difference in China, meaning there we would arrive in the morning. However spirits were high as we all looked forward to the day ahead. We touched down in Shanghai and a sudden blast of heat hit us. The most obvious feature to Shanghai was the thick layer of smog which blan- keted the city. But this smog did not detract from Shanghai’s incredible skyline, of which the most prominent feature was the Oriental Pearl Tow- means a normal train journey, as we travelled on er. During our stay in Shanghai we experienced the bullet train, the fastest in the world. a variety of entertaining and culture enriching Beijing was an even more built up city than activities. These ranged from a boat trip down Shanghai. Everywhere we looked there were the Bund opposite the industrial district, where buildings and where there were none, more were the Oriental Pearl Tower stands, at night. All the being constructed. buildings were elaborately decorated with lights Beijing has a rich culture and is a very important and each building seemed to be competing with place in Chinese history. The first place we visited the others to look the best. In Shanghai we also was Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. visited the zigzag bridge which was in a complex Tiananmen Square was a vast open space, where maze of villas which looked ancient. It gave us a there were many pictures of Chairman Mao, and good insight into what Shanghai may have looked Mao’s mausoleum was also there. Inside the For- like before its industrialisation. bidden City there was many courtyards encased in After our short visit to Shanghai, we travelled to a huge wall and a layer of elaborately decorated Wuxi, where our partner school Wuxi No. 1 High buildings. We also experienced other activities in School is located. When we visited the school we Beijing such as a tour of the 2008 Olympic Park sat in on some lessons. We were placed in the and a chance to walk on the Great Wall of China. part of the school where the students were taking Visiting China was an excellent experience for all an international Baccalaureate and therefore had involved, and I would strongly encourage anybody to speak English. This ensured that we understood who has considered the trip to apply. the lessons and we could join in when prompted. After the school, we went on a train journey from Ethan Comer Shanghai to Beijing. However, this was by no Year 9 The ChElMSFORDIAN - School 09 NEW YORK VIth form students visit New York and the United Nations As a city with such a high profile and a world renowned status, the 2013 KEGS trip to New York City and the United Nations in February half-term was one that was sure to get everyone excited, forming the basis for many a conversation weeks before departure. The morning after arrival brought us an early start, something not popular with the group as a whole after the long queue at customs late the night before. This was, however, soon remedied with Tuesday marked our last full day in New York, a healthy breakfast at McDonalds, which became our trip to Chinatown providing us with a stark somewhat of a morning ritual throughout the contrast to the high-rise, corporate feel resonat- week. We were soon on our way though, for our ing from the heart of the city, and the visit to the first experience of the city, a visit to Wall St. via United Nations Headquarters. This was an incred- the subway. Following this was the visit to Ground ible experience, especially for students hoping Zero, a poignant moment in the trip. Sometimes I to study Politics next year; we were able to see feel as though it is difficult to relate to the sheer the Security Council and the General Assembly impact that a disaster like 9/11 has, but there was halls. The only activity that could possibly have no doubt in the group that everyone was affected followed this was the coach trip that we took that in some way by the visit which was thought-pro- evening, allowing us to take a look at the spectac- voking to say the least. However, this was soon ular views of the city at night. off-set by our first trip to Times Square come Wednesday was met by a tinge of regret from nightfall, a spectacular occasion and one that the group. It seemed we were leaving New York so certainly created a sense of awe among the group, soon after we had arrived, but this was not before matched only by our amazement at how well Mr we got to the top of the Rockefeller building to Barrow knew the city. see the city from yet another point of view and ar- Sunday brought our trip to the Metropolitan Art guably a clearer view than that we had seen from Museum. The most memorable moment of this the Empire State Building. Unfortunately, we yet excursion being the unbelievably low tempera- again fell victim to the cold and soon retreated to tures that the weather managed to reach on the the comfort of the warm indoors. walk down. I had previously taken advice about The trip was a fantastic one which I will look back the cold with little attention, but I think the whole on with fond memories, as, I’m sure, the rest of group would agree that the cold certainly was not the group will too. I wish to end on the thoughts something we would want to experience again in of a shop assistant Hallam and I were in conversa- any real hurry, despite Harri’s insistence on wear- tion with during the trip, he told us that “your first ing his sunglasses. After a walk through Central trip to New York is all about planning your sec- Park and a quick visit to Strawberry Fields we ven- ond”, the truth of which I have only really appre- tured to Broadway to see Avenue Q; an evening ciated since return to the UK. This only leaves me, to be solely remembered by the disapproving on behalf of the whole group, to thank Ms Weiner, faces shown by the teachers at the inappropriate Mrs Friel and Mr Perrotton for accompanying us scenes, well at least by some of the teachers. on the trip and of course Mr Barrow, not only for Monday was a personal favourite for me, first organising the trip but for acting as a tour guide taking the cruise along the Hudson River, allowing for the week. I can assure you that everyone gen- us to take sight of the Statue of Liberty. Returning uinely enjoyed it and shall remember it for years to land, we ascended the notorious Empire State to come. building, a structure which epitomises New York. The sights from here were breath-taking and well Daniel Gottschalk worth the visit, a true highlight of the trip. Year 13 10 The ChElMSFORDIAN - School The kegs ambassador The school’s student newspaper goes from strength to strength The KEGS Ambassador’s official title is ‘The independent student newspaper of King Edward VI Grammar School’. Yet to what extent is this accurate? Yes, at its conception the publication did attempt to emulate the broadsheet news- papers that help to define the British press, but now the Ambassador is something different entirely. It is closer to a magazine, with a hugely varied selection of content and a movement away from news report-style pieces. This change was brought about in part by last year’s team, but has over the course of this year been implemented to an even fuller extent. I and many others felt that this change of direction was necessary in order to stimulate more interest in the publication, as well as bringing it closer to the essence of the school which it represents. We now arrive at a point in the paper’s history in which any misguided simu- lation of the 10 o’clock news has been expelled, with a big wodge of KEGS originality in its place. So what exactly is the KEGS Ambassador? Or rather: what isn’t it? Well, the Ambassador is an opinion. It is a debate. It is an interview, a rant, a match report, a satire, a cartoon or a teacher bake-off. It is all of these things. In short, the Ambassador of 2013 is a microcosm of the school interviews and “Head to Head” debating battles, it represents; an eclectic, zany insight into the proving that the Ambassador’s progress has been minds of numerous KEGS students, staff and alum- evolutionary rather than revolutionary. ni. And I feel confident now, more so than I would Come September of this year, we will be hand- have been in the past, to say that such a state- ing over the reins once again, with a brand new ment is true. editorial team ready to take the KEGS Ambassador It’s been an eye-opening experience to be in to new heights. For any student reading this that charge of the Ambassador this year. Surrounded sees themselves as one of the next leaders of this by the group of excellent students who make up fantastic publication, I recommend the follow- the editorial team, I feel I have been able - with ing: dare to be different. The Ambassador needs their unyielding support - to really implement people with the ability to push for new ideas. To the vision I had for the paper when I applied for ensure the content remains fresh and relevant we the role of Editor back in September. This aca- need creative, bold minds. If you think you can demic year, we created institutions. Cake Corner, provide such a zing, then get involved. for example- the Ambassador’s answer to the Finally, I would like to say thank you to KEGS. It Great British Bake Off with a vaguely ridiculous has been an absolute pleasure to serve with you KEGS spin- has proved a hugely popular feature, fine gentlemen and ladies in helping to deliver with Mr Sherrington and his deputies featuring many a journalistic gem. Even to the small contin- in a defining Christmas edition. We also intro- gent of our writers who missed deadlines, failed duced the Rant Page, a brainchild of mine based to reach word counts or decided to use some un- on several years of observing the eccentric and conventional language in their pieces: I love you ever-strong opinions held by most KEGS students, all. I now feel, largely thanks to my fellow pupils in which anonymous writers are free to vent who I have worked with this year, that I truly know bouts of rage and disillusionment to their hearts’ KEGS. For this, I will always be grateful. content. Both of these features were designed to Long live the KEGS Ambassador, and good luck to provide an incentive for creative minds, allowing the future team! for a broader scope of interest and covering wider tastes than the more formulaic, traditional news- James Dilley paper approach. Many features remained from Editor-in-Chief 2012-2013 previous years however, most notably the regular The ChElMSFORDIAN - School 11 John DEE Society A new society for 2013 enjoys success in its first year KEGS is renowned for its array of extra- curricular opportunities, with fantastic music and sports facilities and societies ranging from CCF to a Philosophy Society and an Engineering Club. Despite the availability of such opportunities, the students and staff at KEGS were still, at the beginning of this school year, striving for something more. What KEGS needed was a society that was available to anybody interested in any topic, a society in which pupils and teachers could share and debate their interests, whatever the topic, and in doing so would help expand the already diverse learning environment for which KEGS is famous. This society was formed, with the help of Mr Pat- tenden, as the John excellent presentations ranging from Medieval Dee Society. Named after the famous sixteenth Literature (Mrs Purkiss) to the German idea of century alchemist and mathematician Dee, an Bildung (Mr Torrie), the fall of the Soviet Union (Mr early pupil of the chantry school that was re- Burcher), and an appraisal of Margaret Thatcher founded as KEGS, the society has over the past (Mr Worrall). By the beginning of 2013 the KEGS several months hosted a wide variety of high John Dee Society was lucky enough to be able to quality debates and presentations from students attract outside speakers (Reverend Canon Edward and teachers alike. The year began on a high with Carter on Religion and Economics, and Professor a wonderful analysis of the life and works of Robert Home of ARU, who spoke on land law). The Shostakovich by Ben Kimberley (who later also society’s sustained popularity and quality have did a fascinating presentation on Mozart), and has made it one of the great extracurricular successes continued to provide another superb presentation this year, and it now looks likely that the John Dee for an audience of both students and staff every society will continue to evolve and, most impor- week without fail in the weeks and months since. tantly, provide a great platform for students to The range of topics has been incredibly varied, improve, broaden and, most importantly, enjoy with excellent presentations from students on their learning experience at KEGS. topics such as the psychology of magic (Will Skelton), Wittgenstein (Kyle Johnson) and Tolstoy Andy Davies (George Pitt). The staff at KEGS have also provided Year 13 12 The ChElMSFORDIAN - School Charities week KEGS raises money for a triumvirate of charities in an action-packed week This year’s Charities Week was just as much a suc- doubt cherish. cess as in previous years. At the beginning of the I would personally like to say a huge thanks to week, we set out to raise money, raise awareness Mrs Campbell, without whom Charities Week of the charities and have a laugh, and we achieved simply wouldn’t be, and to the Year 13s, whose all three! Few of the teachers or students ended advice was invaluable. I thoroughly hope next the week with dignity completely unscathed; due year’s week is even more successful, and that the in part to the infamous ‘Pledge Auction’, Staff KEGS community keeps on giving as they have Talent Show and Charities Week assembly take- always done. overs. From superheroes to villains to Bhangra Crew, we had it all. As well as this, Mr Sherrington James Barnes was kidnapped in the name of charity, the school Year 12 ate its way through more doughnuts than was thought humanly possible and the KEGS Staff Band made its debut performance in the Staff Talent Show, with many other staff acts. Our after school events, the Chamber Concert, Band Night, and Fashion Show were also enormous successes, showing not only the great showmanship of KEGS boys and girls, but also the support they give to each other. At the end of the week, we cautiously hoped that our total would reach £5,000; the weather had been typically British all week, leading to a number of outside events being cancelled. However an early count showed that we had already raised around £5,000, and the money from Fashion Show, fantastically well organised by Will Hopkins, as well as odd amounts coming in and a generous donation from the Fairtrade Committee, meant that our final total was £6,427.23! This enormous amount of money will help all 3 of our chosen charities (Mogonjet, The J’s Hospice and CRY) and we had an assembly after the holiday to give students a chance to hear back from repre- sentatives of these charities, who spoke at length about how much our support has meant to them. Charities Week was, and still is, one of the highlights of my time and KEGS. The Committee really gave their all throughout the week, and pulled together in true KEGS fashion. The sense of shared experience and having done something for others is something that many of the members will no The ChElMSFORDIAN - School 13 fashion show Charities week concludes in spectacular style The KEGS Annual Charity Fashion Show took Further spon- place on the 28th of March in aid of the 3 chosen sors contribut- charities for the week, Mogonjet, The J’s Hospice ed to our array and CRY. The show brought together fashion, of glittering dance and song in a contemporary and colourful raffle prizes. evening’s entertainment. The theme of the show The evening was statements, and this was reflected in the 6 wound up with collections put together by the team, namely , fur, a portrait auc- punk/leather, traditional Indian, promwear and tion, painted white. The models stepped out with real flair and by the gener- strutted their stuff to a playlist put together by ous Mrs Hop- the brilliant Rupen Kalsi. In between the shows kins. I want, there were thrilling performances of dance by once again, to Victoria Load- thank everyone er and Megan involved with Potter, plus a the event, for stunning rendi- helping make tion of Rhianna’s the evening “Stay” by Meg run smoothly. and Jess Duffy. Special thanks Food and drink go to the tech team for setting up, the great KEGS in the intervals staff for giving up their evening to supervise, the was thoroughly wonderful Chereen Francis for illustrating and enjoyed all the advertising the event, and the models for being so more for being patient with me. Also, I’d like to thank Will Starr kindly donated for documenting the event by taking photos and by our sponsors also for filming the event. Tesco, Marks and Spencer and Will Hopkins Sainsbury’s. Year 12

Photos: Will Starr 14 The ChElMSFORDIAN - School CCF Colour Sergeant Matt Trembath looks back on a successful year for the CCF The KEGS Combined Cadet Force was formed in 1904 and is the oldest and longest running society or club at KEGS. Running for 109 years, the knowledge and experience taught and learnt in the CCF has been passed down through the years from the older cadets to the new recruits, in a constantly recurring cycle. 2012-2013 proved yet again to be another successful year for the CCF with various training camps, overseas expeditions, and a biennial inspection. In July of 2012, the CCF attended its annual Summer Camp which took place in Beckingham. The week long Summer Camp is a fantastic opportu- cadets the chance to sleep outside, cook and nity for the cadets to learn new skills and develop clean for themselves, and become more self-suf- their leadership, as well as putting into practice ficient. The near -1 temperatures meant that what they have already been taught throughout sleeping under canvas was not an option, but the the year. There, the KEGS CCF proved that they cadets were still given the opportunity to become could work well as a team, enjoying kayaking and more sufficient and learn new skills. The camp rock climbing, participating in tactical exercises also gave Senior Cadets the chance to command honing marksmanship skills. and administrate their own sections in the field. The CCF has also offered cadets the opportunity In May, the CCF had its biennial inspection, which to take part in Overseas Adventure Training Ex- is probably the most important event in the CCF peditions to various countries around the world. calendar every 2 years. A successful inspection In the last year, there have been 1-week trips out ensures that CCF is seen to be a well-maintained to Morocco and Romania, and a 3-week trip to and effective contingent, and thus the level of Mongolia. All of these expeditions were very suc- funding from the MOD is not reduced. A huge cessful and gave the cadets an insight into other amount of effort was put into this inspection, cultures, as well as allowing them to experience culminating in a parade involving the whole the fantastic ever-changing landscape seen in contingent. Although it was unfortunate that the these primarily undeveloped countries. inspection coincided with some GCSE and A Level This year, at the CCF Recruiting Day, record num- exams, meaning that only half of the CCF was able bers of Year 8s decided to join and be part of the to take part in the parade, this did not effect the CCF. In September, the new recruits were in the impressive nature of the parade and it was still midst of studying their Army Proficiency Certifi- successfully carried out. cate, in order to earn their ‘Half Star’ qualification. The CCF is now preparing for our upcoming Sum- Due to the large numbers of recruits needed to be mer Camp to Yorkshire. I can speak on behalf of all taught, Year 11 cadets had to be asked to teach our Cadets when I extend our utmost gratitude to the recruits, which was before, primarily a sixth all members of staff without whom the CCF could form commitment. Recruits Camp, in October, not perform as it does, with special mention going was the first chance for our youngest members to to both Major Brown and Captain Worrall for the attain field experience, and get a more developed enormous amount of hours every week that they insight into the CCF. put into the CCF. Drum Major Dan Robinson, from The CCF took part in multiple Remembrance Day Year 12, has also been instrumental in leading the services, with Cadets leading the Remembrance cadets, despite his various other commitments. Assembly and bugling the Last Post and Reveille I would like to wish all of the Upper Sixth cadets at various locations. A number of Cadets also rep- every success in the future as they move onto new resented the school at the Chelmsford Remem- challenges. brance Sunday Parade. Easter Camp this year took us back to Stanford Matthew Trembath Training Area for, coincidently, the coldest 4 days Colour Sergeant of the year so far. Easter Camp usually gives the The ChElMSFORDIAN - School 15 CORPS of drums Drum Major Daniel Robinson reviews the past year for the Corps

This last year for the Corps of Drums has been exams on the same day, which was a little stress- another busy year, a little quieter than some with ful, so I was relieved when it finally got underway the sad disbandment of the Essex regiment asso- and still managed to enjoy it. ciation, but still plenty to do! Over the year the Most recently we took part in the annual Beating Corps has performed at several open gardens and of the Retreat at Crix House in Hatfield Peveral as village festivals, which gets us out into the com- part of Armed Forces Day and in support of the munity, performing to a wide variety of audiences. Army Benevolent Fund. This is one of the Corps’ In September I was given the honour of playing favourite shows to play as it is a wonderful set- the Last Post in acts of remembrance at County ting and we are always well received. Hall, the Writtle War Memorial and the RAF Associ- I took over from Colour Sergeant Matt Trembath ation Memorial Service. Bugling is one of the few as Drum Major at Christmas. He did a fantastic job things that makes me nervous because the bugle in charge of the Corps, taking it through a tough call means so much to everyone present, especial- year where we lost several accomplished musi- ly the active servicemen and veterans, so there is cians in Year 13. Being Drum Major of the Corps a great pressure and responsibility to get it right! of Drums is hard work and frustrating at times, In May we had one of our most important shows, but is an absolute privilege. I have the pleasure which falls once every two years, the Biennial of working with some of the most committed Inspection, which is where the entire cadet con- boys within the KEGS community – they train for tingent is inspected by a Colonel. For the Corps, three hours a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays the day consisted of a march past and a display, for the Corps of Drums, as well as doing an hour both of which went very well and thoroughly of cadet training on Mondays and regularly give impressed our inspecting officer and all of the up weekends to participate in shows. The Corps is guests. This was only my second show as Drum made up of students from all year groups which Major and I was unfortunate enough to have two allows valuable relationships to be formed across the school, which is rarely found in other walks of school life. I would also like to thank Major Brown for the selfless commitment that she gives in order to allow the Corps to function. The Corps has some big events coming up in September, which I am very much looking forward to and likewise I anticipate the challenge that comes with preparing for them. I am incredibly proud to lead such a magnificent Corps of Drums and to represent the school in such a unique way.

Daniel Robinson Drum Major 16 The ChElMSFORDIAN - School Morocco KEGS cadets spend Easter in Morocco

During the Easter holidays a group of 10 cadets After the trekking phase we drove down from went on an expedition in Morocco. After a short the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert to go and relatively comfortable flight, we landed camel trekking. For most this was a new expe- in Marrakech and after a little drive we found rience which was made all the better when we ourselves in the centre of the city staying in the witnessed a beautiful sunset over the desert. We rather nice Riad Omar. We all sat down together stayed the night out in the desert and had some for our first Moroccan meal, which set a very high entertainment in the form of traditional Moroccan standard, and met our Guide Mohammed. singing and drumming. We then took our turn by The following morning we set off on a long, warm giving a rousing rendition of Jerusalem. Before drive out of the city to the Atlas Mountains but bed, we climbed up a sand dune which is one of it was interesting to see small towns and villag- the hardest things I’ve done as with every step es, of a very different nature to English ones, set you take your foot slides back through the sand amongst incredible scenery. Whilst sitting down to where you started! With no light pollution and eating dinner, the shutters were pushed open vast open desert, the sky was awash with stars and we saw the beaming faces of some young and we were lucky enough to see shooting stars, children. Despite a complete language barrier, a truly incredible thing to witness. The following we played games, drew pictures and taught them morning after leaving the desert by camel, we the ‘hokey cokey’ to the point where they could could not resist the temptation of a hotel swim- just about join in with the words, as well as the ming pool and took great pleasure in relaxing and actions! We were all sad to see them go, but it was cooling down. such a memorable evening. Before leaving Morocco we had a chance to The next few days consisted of trekking through experience the city of Marrakech. The markets the Atlas Mountains. The rocky ground, heat and were bustling with people, we had a lot of fun and changing gradient made it challenging at times success was had in haggling for our souvenirs. We but made it all the more rewarding. Despite being also walked down into the new part of the city, assured that the evenings would still be quite which offered a stark contrast to the rest of the warm, the howling winds and cloudless sky made city and was very westernised. it very cold and we all took comfort in huddling The whole group had a fantastic time and would together and scrounging together all the layers all have happily stayed another week. It is trips we could! like these that give you greater understanding of different cultures, an understanding far beyond something you can learn in a classroom. I made and strengthened close friendships and have very fond memories of the trip, which will stay with me for some time. I am incredibly thankful to Major Brown and Kev Sidford for all the time and effort they put into these incredible opportunities and encourage all those that can, to take them up.

Daniel Robinson Drum Major The ChElMSFORDIAN - School 17 MONGOLIA The CCF embarks on a trip to Mongolia Possibly the most extreme trip fielded by the CCF so far has been to the largest landlocked country in the world, Mongolia. If adventure was what you were looking for, Mongolia delivered in style. Accompanied by our international mountain leader Kev Sidford, TA Major Kate Hannaford and ex-Ro- manian Army Major and mountaineer Florin Bana, eleven cadets flew to the surprisingly devel- mountains loom into view, stretching imposingly oped Ulaanbaatar - via Seoul - and embarked on a into the clouds. 1000km culturally packed trip around Mongolia, It is hard to describe how incredible it was to which lasted over three weeks. spend so long in Mongolia, travelling and interact- After nearly 30 hours of travelling with little ing with the nomads, collecting and purifying our sleep, we were thrown straight into a 17km trek own drinking water, scrambling and climbing over across the rolling green pastures of the Bulgan mountains and working ourselves out of difficult Province. Knowing we would be camping out in situations when the vans got stuck in waist deep the wild almost every night and having to be self mud or crossed metre deep rivers. Even returning sufficient in terms of water, this expansive, almost to Ulaanbaatar and the markets seemed strangely English, landscape covered in streams was com- civilised after so long in the wilderness. forting. Little did we know Mongolia had far more They say that travel broadens the mind, and to offer than this. In just a few days of walking and I think that a trip of these proportions simply driving in hardcore Russian vans, the scenery had changes your entire world view – I speak for all changed completely to the dry, scorched rocks of those who went out when I say that we will al- the Khanggai Mountains. ways be grateful for such an opportunity. Hard trekking under hot sun over challenging terrain proved too difficult for the support vehi- Alec Stevens cles – meaning we switched to mules and yaks for Colour Sergeant a number of days. This did not come without its own difficulties, as one of the yaks ran off with the expedition holdalls before being caught on horseback. What strikes you most about Mongo- lia is the utter lack of other tourists or even the native nomadic people. With the lowest population density in the world and some of the hottest sun, we thought it would be impossible to find anywhere more isolated and extreme than we already had gone to. Yet the country had more surprises in store for us as we drove out to the vast Gobi Desert. In this huge area, the horizons stretch empty in all directions as far as the eye can see until the massive 18 The ChElMSFORDIAN - School CHESS CLUB Chess Club present a match report from one of its members Daniel Gallagher (7T) won his section (Grades under 150) of the Easter tournament as well as the Derek Field Memorial Trophy for the highest scoring Essex junior. The photo shown on the left is of Daniel with the winner of the Open section, Grandmaster David Howell, who came over to congratulate Daniel after the prize-giving ceremony. Daniel was introduced to chess at the age of six by his father, and joined his junior school chess club at the age of eight. In addition to winning the above, Daniel became Essex U11 Champion 2012 and won the South of Eng- land Championship U13 Open Section 2013. Daniel is now looking forward to representing England in the European Individual and Team School Championship 2013 in Serbia (20th to 28th June). For a detailed explanation of the notation Daniel uses in the match report, please see ‘CHESS ANNOTATION EXPLAINED’ by Shagilan best move. 14.d3 had to be played to stand any Jeevaresan, Jamie Cochrane & and Scott Shelley chance against the onslaught. 14...Bc2 15.Qe1 in the ‘Chess Club’ section of KEGSNet. Ne5 16.Bd1 This seems to attack my bishop, although in reality white cannot take it, as if I recap- Chess Club - Mr Gibbs ture with my knight I double-attack his queen and rook. 16...h4 17.Ne4 h3 18.g3 This move weakens th 57 Southend Easter Chess Congress 2013 his king’s position. 18...f5 19.Nc3 Qc5 Although Chess match analysis: Idle, Oscar (grade 107) v this wins it is not the best move. It would have Gallagher, Daniel (grade 132) Wiltshire and West been better if I had played 19...Nexf3+, after of England Junior Chess Congress, U12 Champion- which 20.Bxf3 Nxf3 21.Rxf3 Qxe1+ wins the ship, Swindon. white queen. 20.Kh1 Nd3 Both my knights are Although my opponent in worth about a queen in this this game had a consider- “When the Chess game is over, the Pawn position. They control so and the king go back to the same box.” ably lower grade than me, many squares and limit my he had been playing very opponent’s movement, whilst well and had beaten a much stronger player in attacking his queen. 21.Qe3 Rhe8 22.Na4 Qc6 the tournament, which made me slightly wary of White’s queen only has two safe squares available him. However, I went into this game with my usual on the board and both lead to a swift checkmate attacking style and it paid off. of his king. 23.Qg1 Attempting to defend his king, 1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Nf6 I opted for the Scandinavian but to no avail. 23...Bxd1 If 24.Rxd1 then 24... Defence, a relatively rarely used system. 3.c4 e6 Qxf3 25.Qg2 Qxg2 checkmate. 24.Bb2 Bxf3+ 4.dxe6 Bxe6 Here I am a pawn down, but I have After this move my opponent resigned, as 25.Qg2 two pieces developed whereas my opponent hxg2+ 26.Kg1 Ne2 checkmate, or 25.Rxf3 Qxf3+ has none and I look forward 26.Qg2 Qxg2 checkmate. 0–1 to an attack. 5.Nc3 Nc6 6.Nf3 “A man that will take back a move at This game secured me joint Bc5 7.b3 Qe7 My threat is 8... chess will pick a pocket.” second place in the tourna- Bxc4+, winning a pawn due to ment. I was delighted with the the discovered attack on the white king from the result, particularly considering the fact that the black queen. 8.Be2 0–0–0 9.0–0 h5 White has not field contained a large number of England players. brought his army into play, so I start an attack. 10.a3 Ng4 11.Ne4 Bd4 12.Nxd4 Nxd4 My two Daniel Gallagher knights dominate the board. 13.f3 Bf5 A strong Year 7 move, which keeps my initiative. If 14.fxg4, then 14...Bxe4 carries on the attack. 14.Ng3? Not the The ChElMSFORDIAN - School 19 mogonjet Students and staff return to our partners in Kenya To put into words my experience of Kenya is almost impossible. The trip was so much more than anything I could have expected or prepared for. People talk in length about life changing experiences without really knowing what that actually means; however, this trip has definitely changed my perspective on culture, people and the world as a whole. My experience broadened my horizons and most definitely changed me as an individual for the better. The hospitality and warmth of the Ken- yan people we were privileged to meet on the trip, as well as the organisation and other team members, made it such a valuable and worthwhile experience to us all. After spending two fascinating and moving nights at New Hope Orphanage we left for stages of processing as well as the final product. Mogonjet School in Kericho. This is where I spent The visit to the church was inspirational, seeing the most enjoyable parts of the trip, though also the community come together and celebrate their the most hard-hitting moments at times. Whilst at faith, in a ceremony full of songs, dances and the school, we had the opportunity to teach, my readings. subject being P.E., often involving mass numbers All the experiences I gathered from the trip from four or five different years running on to have definitely changed my outlook on life for the field. The students of the school place an the better. The children have taught me what you extremely high value on their education, knowing can do with so little, how much so little means it is the only way that they can leave the rural and to value and appreciate every aspect of your area and have a good job, which in turn will allow life because you never know what, who or how them to improve their quality of life. They know things will come in and out of your life to change that they are the lucky few who have the oppor- it. The Kenyan people have taught me to appre- tunity of going to a good school where they can ciate everyone in the community; everyone is hope to excel, something which is so often not special and offers something to the world. Kenya possible without the funding. The support that has shown me how lucky I am to live in England, the Kenyans offer to each other forms the close- experiencing what I can, and to value the things I knit society into which we were lucky enough to have. The awareness of the opportunities ahead have been welcomed. Our journey into the village of me, compared to those who do not have the around the school was one of the highlights of provision to move on in life, can be heartbreaking, the trip with one of the students (Harrison, who but through fundraising and raising awareness, was only 10 and yet spoke impeccable English) there is a way of helping the school, as centre of taking us to his home and to meet his family. the community, to support its students. In Kenya the people are always so happy to see you and welcome you, far from the usual greeting Joe Claridge (or not) you receive from passers-by in England. Year 13 At the Tea Hotel the accommodation and hospitality was exceptional. The food and rooms we At time of writing, and only two weeks before shared acted like a home from home; it was great another group of twelve students head off to Mog- to come back and relax in the evening and share onjet, we can announce that KEGS have raised the long discussions about our experiences. £10,000 needed to build the tailoring workshop Our visits to the Tea Factory and the Church which will be built on the school site. The work- showed different views of Kenyan life. The Tea shop will provide employment and goods for the Factory was the largest in the area and our guides wider community and an income for the school. were incredible. As we went round the factory Thank you to all who have supported our fundrais- the health and safety went out of the window as ing efforts. we clambered through and round all the different types of machinery. We were allowed to touch the Ms Wiltshire tea leaves in different forms and see the different Assistant Headteacher 20 The ChElMSFORDIAN - School BAND NIGHT Upper school students appreciate an evening of KEGS talent Charities Week has become a big part of the KEGS did display the real variety in musical talent and school events calendar and so, when offered possibly could have shown the early beginnings the chance to organise an event within Charities of the next major band. Around 100 people Week, Band Night seemed an obvious choice. attended the event throughout the night and it Having attended a few Band Nights before at proved to be a huge success and a great start to KEGS, I knew that it was a popular event and one Charities Week as students enjoyed listening to which can raise a lot of money. their friends performing on stage and jumping This year’s Charities Week was indeed a record- around all night. breaking one, raising over £6000 for The J’s The bands really did perform amazingly as it is Hospice, CRY and Mogonjet School. With the not easy to get on stage in front of your friends headline act of The Victories and many other and perform, yet all the bands enjoyed the bands such as Control, The Quickfires and many experience and were jumping around on stage by more, Band Night certainly started the week off the end of it, which livened up the crowd. It really with a loud bang! was a night to remember and worth all of the Organising the event took a great deal of preparation stress. planning, and with the help of Spencer Finch, We raised an amazing £340 profit for the Mr Levrett, and the tech team this was easily charities! Many thanks to everybody who helped achieved. With a busy day of setting up many out, played, and turned up and supported the amps, the PA system and dealing with each of the event and certainly look out for future Band bands needs, I really cannot thank Mr Levrett and Nights at KEGS, as they are not something you others who helped enough, as without them it should miss! really would not have been possible. With an age range of 15-19 and a difference in Grace George musical genres from punk to alternative rock to an Year 12 interesting Taylor Swift cover, Band Night really The ChElMSFORDIAN - School 21

Photos: Will Starr 22 The ChElMSFORDIAN - School INFORMATICS OLYMPIAD Nick Sale reached the national finals of a prestigious computing challenge On the weekend from the 5th to 7th April this year, I on the running time of our programs to around attended the final of the 2013 British Informatics five seconds. Despite looking fairly simple at first Olympiad (BIO) held in Trinity College, Cambridge. glance, the tasks turned out to be devilishly tricky Along with twelve other finalists of the comput- and even the easiest one required me to use some er programming competition (open to all young advanced algorithm design to make the program people in pre-university education). I competed run in time. for one of four places on the British team for the I was the youngest of the 13 competitors, some International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) which of whom had been finalists in previous years or is to be held in Brisbane, Australia this year. were simultaneously taking part in the final of the We arrived at Trinity College on Friday and were Maths Olympiad being run that same weekend shown to our rooms, which were just off Trinity (or both!). So I was not too surprised to find that Street. Mine was huge, with a study area, numer- I would not be part of the IOI team this year, but I ous bookshelves, a fireplace and comfy chairs. was not at all disappointed, being proud of what I Our programming environments were set-up on had achieved. That weekend taught me a lot about the Friday, the competition events took place programming, not least from the other competi- on Saturday and the announcement of the IOI tors who continued to surprise me with both how team and certificate presentation took place on similar our interests were (computational topolo- Sunday. The competition events consisted of gy anyone?) as well as how far some were ahead two parts. In the morning, there was a structured of me in terms of ability and knowledge. Plus I question-and-answer task, getting competitors have two more years to try. to develop a particularly difficult algorithm, as I’d really recommend the competition to any well as a free essay/brainstorm question on the aspiring programmers or to any mathematicians computational considerations of a mobile phone with an inclination for the applied, especially app (which would take a photo of product in a su- since it requires very little effort to enter the first permarket and display the prices of that product stage which is so helpfully organised each year by in other supermarkets). In the afternoon, we were Mr Wright and the IT staff. put in front of a computer (far more comfortable!) and given four programming tasks with four hours Nick Sale in which to write programs to solve as many of the Year 11 specified problems as possible, with a restriction The ChElMSFORDIAN - HISTORY 23 Holocaust day Year 9 learn about the Kindertransport system On Wednesday 3rd July, Year 9 were given the opportunity to study the Kindertransport scheme of 1938–39. This was a British mission to rescue thousands of Jewish children living under the Nazi regime in Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia and Poland by transporting them to Britain. Mr Otto Deutsch, a Kindertransport survivor from Vienna, offered a first-hand account of the experience of being separated from his friends and family, and put on a train designated for Jewish children bound for England, arriving at Harwich one week before his 11th birthday. escape. For a man who is 85 years old, it was quite Mr Larry Berkovitz gave a background explana- remarkable to see how vivid his memory was as tion of the concept of the Kindertransport scheme he was able to recall seeing his mother and sister and gave us an idea for the last time; be- of what might have ing unable to speak a been going through word of English when the minds of many he first arrived; and Jewish families when the heartbreaking Nazi Germany turned story of how, in 2011, against the Jewish he went to visit the population, all per- spot where his par- secuted for no other ents and sister were reason except their shot dead. Despite religion. Mr Berkovitz the sadness of these explained the advan- events, Mr Deutsch tages and problems was able to see the of the Kindertrans- lighter side of his port scheme and why emigration to Eng- and how the initiative land and settlement was so essential to saving the lives of many inno- with a family in the North-East, impersonating a cent Jewish children. rather accurate Geordie accent which was quite Otto Deutsch spoke about what it was like for amusing! a young child seeing his father (who was an Overall it was a very informative morning. ex-Austrian soldier from World War I) turned upon Thanks to Mr Larry Berkovitz and of course Mr during Kristallnacht by his father’s non-Jewish Otto Deutsch for sharing their time with us on the best friend and comrade (who Otto had referred morning. to affectionately as ‘Uncle Kurt’). He went into detail about how he never saw his father again Mali Harewood-Gunter after that night, lost his best friend and was left Year 9 with his mother and sister until his embarkment on the train that would give him the chance to We are privileged, both staff and students, to belong to the last generations who can bear witness to the testimonies of those who survived the atrocities of the Nazi regime. I am so grateful to Otto for his determination, even in his old age, to share his experiences with us, and the spirited way in which he has related his story to students at KEGS over a number of years. It is important that we never forget.

Mr Thomlinson History Department 24 The ChElMSFORDIAN - HISTORY YPRES & ThE Somme GCSE History students visit former battlefields at Ypres and the Somme Last September, shortly after returning from the summer holidays, KEGS history students in Year 11 embarked on a 3 day trip to Ypres and the Somme as part of their studies for the upcoming controlled assessment. An early start on the first day meant we arrived in France by lunchtime, and our first destination was to Lijssenthoek Mili- tary Cemetery where we were introduced to our guides for the trip. Whilst there, KEGS students engaged in discussion on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, as well as learning about the outlines of the Great War and the trip. Later that day, we visited the Bayernwald trench system, where we saw the trenches and discussed trench construction and the soldiers’ experience, including their daily routine and the problems they would have encountered. For the evening a comparison of naval warfare between the two we travelled to the town of Ypres, where after wars. obtaining some Belgian chocolates, we watched That afternoon, we left Dunkirk and made our the Menin Gate Ceremony in which three KEGS way back to the ferry, ending what had been a students had the opportunity to take part and lay highly successful trip. Our collective thanks go to a wreath. the History Department who kindly organised the On the second day of our trip, the Year 11s visit, and the staff who accompanied us, to make went to the Somme in France, where we toured the trip a very enjoyable experience. numerous battlefields and graveyards. That day we visited the Lochnagar Crater, which had been Henry Allen formed by an explosion by Royal Engineer Tun- Year 11 nelling Companies and was 70 feet deep, which up to that point was the biggest mine detonation in history. As we continued on our travels, the guides imparted their detailed knowledge to us about the events that took place during the First World War, and a particular highlight was the visit to the imposing Theipval Memorial of 46m high, where tens of thousands of men with no known grave are marked on the walls, a poignant remind- er of the tremendous sacrifices made. On the final day, despite our imminent return to the UK, we spent the morning visiting more sites, including the Messines and Tyne Cot Cemeter- ies, as well as the Zeebrugge Harbour, where we explored the naval warfare in WWI and WWII. This was a particularly useful experience as the second part of the controlled assessment was focusing on The ChElMSFORDIAN - HISTORY 25 Y9 Duxford Trip History students visit the Imperial War Museum in Duxford In March, Year 9 travelled to Duxford to create SR-71 Blackbird, the former is a fighter aircraft a project surrounding the history of the planes that is optimised with all the latest high tech there. We were tasked to create a film about the military gear, really raising a contrast between the planes used in the First World War, during the primitive designs of the early WWI planes. Most of Second World War and post Second World War. the aircraft that we encountered in these muse- This involved taking pictures of the planes, read- ums were familiar to some of us in name because ing text about them and noting down any useful of our gaming-related pastimes, but to actually information. We began in the “Flying Aircraft” see them first hand was a fantastic experience. Hangar where we saw such planes as the Spitfire Our final hangar before we departed for home and the Aeromarine A40, the latter a WWI plane was Land Warfare, a particular favourite among that was used by the Americans as a bomber and a the students. We saw guns like the M1911, one of water-landing aircraft. the most infamous pistols of all time, a lot of fire- We then travelled to the Battle of Britain Hangar arms used in famous wars over the past 60 years where we learnt about the Blitz bombing raids like Vietnam and also some tanks like the BMP-1, in 1942 and some of the propaganda used to a Soviet vehicle. Overall this was a thoroughly promote safety during the time. A Messerschmitt enjoyable and informative trip and definitely one aircraft stood pride of place among the exhibits to remember when looking back over this year at that was actually used in WWII as a fighter attack KEGS. aircraft during the Battle of Britain. Further on, in the American Air Museum, we saw some post Jack Edwards WWII planes such as the A10 Thunderbolt and the Year 9 Y13 HISTORIANS IN BERLIN Upper VIth Historians complement their classroom studies Our Year 13 cohort was fortunate enough to only thirty kilometres from such a metropolitan supplement our A2 coursework on Nazi youth city to the site of such atrocity was incredibly policy with a long weekend in Berlin. The advice sobering and reinforced the very real nature of the to pack warmly for an October in the German inhumanities of the 20th century. Further mem- capital resulted as sound advice, with the weather orable experiences included a visit to the site of as brisk as our dart through the modern history the Wannsee Conference, the site of Reinhard of the nation and of her largest city. Our focus Heydrich delivering plans for the ‘Final solution was primarily the 1930s and 1940s, yet visits to to the Jewish question’, and an excellent tour of the Reichstag building and a variety of museums the Berlin-Hohenschönhausen Memorial, a former served to educate through the Weimar Republic, Stasi prison. Huge thanks for an incredibly thought to Hitler’s ascendancy and fall, on to the Cold War provoking, informative and well organised trip go era, interpreting Berlin as the divided city it was to the History Department and to Ian. until 1990. Steeped in history, Berlin serves as a culturally diverse city, stocked with attractions Harrison Cutler that made the trip fast-paced and action-packed. School Captain We were expertly led by tour guide Ian Coyne, whose knowledge of the military, social and cultural history of the city astounded us throughout, delivering an engaging tale to match every site of historical value that we visited. Personal highlights include a visit to the Berlin Wall accompanied by giggles at the warm embrace of Erich Honecker and Leonid Brezhnev, and a harrowing visit to the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp. Despite prior experience of such an environment, at Natzweil- er-Struthof on the Alsace trip in Year 8, to travel 26 The ChElMSFORDIAN - economics & maths Target 2.0 KEGS competes in the Bank of England’s Interest Rate Challenge At the beginning of the day the collection of teams from a variety of schools assembled in the meeting room. After a few safety announcements and formal opening remarks from the two judges the competition began. KEGS were up first and, needless to say, provided a clear, punctual and informative piece. From the various nods around the room it was clear the audience were impressed, however it was not over yet. The judges then proceeded to question the KEGS team about their presentation and, through a well thought out discussion and answer method, each member of the team produced sensible and correct answers. We were confident that we had made a solid start to the competition and as the other teams began to present our We considered the possibility that both of confidence only grew. Brentwood School man- their scripts had been written by their teachers, aged to get some of the most well-known eco- however our last hopes were dashed when we nomic principles confused, Southend High School witnessed just how well they responded to the for Boys crumbled at the questions and finally questions from the judges, discussing previously Coopers managed to run over time and were not unheard of economic principles. Illford County able to conclude. We sat through the lunch break, High won the competition, closely followed by quietly reassured that everything was going well. Ipswich. Commiserations go to Sam Gravatt, Joel However to our dismay the afternoon presenta- Bell, Noah Prasad & Louisa Connolly and thanks to tions contrasted dramatically with the quality we Mr Gibbs for supporting the team over the course saw in the morning, both Illford County High and of the competition. Ipswich School presented extremely coherently and with knowledge above that of any A level Oli Hoy syllabus. Year 12 oxford Economics VIth formers attend a lecture by the Institute of Economic Affairs On the 12th of September were able to give our insights a group of VIth formers led into specific debates and ques- by Mrs Singh and Mr Gibbs tion the approach of the free attended an economics confer- market thinkers. The lectures ence at Exeter College, Oxford. were on very interesting topics The Institute of Economic Af- such as: how the UK should fairs, a free-market think tank, approach economic growth, gave a series of lectures on industrialisation and export contemporary problems facing led growth, stock markets and the UK and global economy. the NHS. This was highly ben- I personally felt that the trip eficial to students, like myself, was a great success, and this who are applying to economics was due to the fact that the related courses, as they gave quality of lectures were of a us material to include in our very high standard and the global economy exam in Janu- small audience made it a more ary. Furthermore, the broader intimate experience as we understanding that we gained The ChElMSFORDIAN - economics & maths 27 of more complex economic theories will help us are not only insightful but also give us a broader with our personal statements and interviews, as range of understanding of current affairs. Perhaps we are now able to talk in depth about areas that the greatest economic lesson of the day occurred would be taught at university. Not only were the in the impressive dining hall, as Mr Gibbs and Mrs talks beneficial but also the location of the trip Singh had forgone the choice of lasagne by opting was of great value, this is because being in an Ox- for the vegetarian, which was of significant oppor- ford college gave prospective students a feel for tunity cost to them as the lasagne was a delight. the university and specifically for Exeter College. All in all the outing was of great value, as not only On departure, the Institute of Economic Affairs was it free, but it also gave us good foundations gave us material on a broad range of contentious for further study. issues surrounding the economic and political world, such as: should Britain join the Euro; how Sam Chesworth to tackle a recession; and much more, these books Year 13 Financial Analyst talk Former financial analyst Mark Cathcart talks about his profession Mark Cathcart, a former City top-rated financial (the largest corporate bankruptcy in US history), analyst, was invited to KEGS on 2 July 2012 to and the Eurozone crisis. A highlight of the talk was provide the Year 12 economics students with an Mr Cathcart’s views on those not-so-popular CEOs insight as to why the past 17 years have been and investors who lost their companies billions of such a torrid and diverse period for the stock dollars. He is an interesting person who had even market and economic climate in general. Mr Cath- given them nicknames such as Homer Simpson, or cart previously worked as a Managing Director at Tarzan, along the lines of Fred Goodwin, the for- Deutsche Bank and more recently as a Managing mer CEO of RBS, or Fred the Shred as he is known Director at UniCredit. He came to KEGS delivering in the press. a great talk which was backed by decades of expe- Mr Cathcart kindly stayed during lunch to an- rience and his expertise certainly showed. It was swer the many questions we had waiting for him. a very interesting and informative talk which re- An interesting question was: “How relevant is vealed to us the economic status of the UK during economics in your job?”. He explained in detail our lifetimes, during which there have been some how economics is the fundamental foundation of of the largest fluctuations, scandals and advance- everything in the stock market helping to provide ments in this field. explanations to almost every event which occurs. Mr Cathcart explained how businesses have typ- He further explained his own disadvantage at ically aimed for annual profit growth of 7-10%. the beginning of his career as he had minimal But over the last 17 years European stock markets knowledge of economics, stating that Year 12s are and share prices of these businesses have expe- privileged to be able to study the subject from an rienced a vast range of movements, 400 percent early age. booms and busts not being unusual. Interest rates Mr Cathcart’s presentation was an amazing and in particular were explored in detail with these extremely intriguing economics talk and has events being related to our economics course. certainly enlightened us about the profession Before 2005, American banks had lent money to of a financial analyst. The feedback from fellow those who could generally afford it. Their next students was very positive – this was definitely step, incredulously, was lending to many who the favourite talk we have had thus far. The ideas could not. This resulted in not only the Ameri- and events discussed were very sophisticated and can banks losing money, but banks around the realistic and it was delivered in a way that perked world losing vast amounts of capital as mortgage all students’ interests. It also gave us an insight payments were not being made. Banks became re- into how our economics course can be used in real luctant to lend to consumers, but what was more life situations. We would like to thank Mr Cathcart of a problem was that banks were not willing for his exceptional talk, advice and insights, and to lend to each other, which Mr Cathcart further also Mr Gibbs and Mrs Singh for arranging such elaborated on. The driving force behind growth in beneficial events. economies and in stock markets was drying out and a recession was imminent. Noah Prasad The 2009 recession was one of many events Year 13 discussed in the talk. Others included: the recent interest rate scandal, Lehman 2008 bankruptcy 28 The ChElMSFORDIAN - economics & maths YOUNG ENTERPRISE Three teams from KEGS participate the regional finals of the competition Having progressed through the first selective a convincing case in favour of their business. The round of the Young Enterprise competition, judges’ final verdict could not come soon enough. the three teams from KEGS, Sentiens (Year 12), Firstly, trophies were awarded to Sentiens for Antimony (Year 11) and Team Lingo (Year 11) the best company report, and to Antimony were all selected to participate in the Central who received the judges’ special award for the Essex Area Finals on the 25th of April. All three innovation in their product and the effort taken businesses prepared heavily, and arrived at in creating their teacher-review software. To end the venue with all due enthusiasm. Despite the evening it was announced that Sentiens had the limited availability of space, worsened by won this stage of the competition, and would now Sentiens’ decision to bring two pots full of 8ft proceed to the next stage (the county-wide Essex high bamboo, all of the teams were still able to finals) along with a runner-up team from CCHS. set up impressive trade stands for the competition The finals were an enjoyable experience for all judges as well as special guests. involved, and all of the KEGS Young Enterprise The next stage of the process was the judges’ teams would like to extend their thanks to interviews. Once again all teams performed to link-teacher Mrs Singh, and to their respective their best, and the judges appeared to be very business advisors. Everyone in Sentiens can’t pleased with the products on display, along with wait for the next round of the competition, and the effort that went into producing them. The wish Antimony and Team Lingo all the best for the final event of the evening was the presentations. remainder of the company programme. Even with the standard nervous energy accompanying any public speaking experience, Alex Bailey every Young Enterprise team managed to deliver Year 12 ANTIMONY ENTERPRISES An insight into the inner workings of a young enterprise business When Year 11 were offered the chance to set up a product and it told us that there were no similar and run their own business for a year through a products already available. And so work began. scheme run through Young Enterprise, the eleven After months of product development we of us making up Antimony Enterprises, seized the emerged with our product, called SmartTeach- opportunity immediately, excited by the rewarding. The package, which we programmed and ing experience such a programme could offer us. designed ourselves, is a tool that can be used by From the start in October, the whole group was senior members of staff at schools, in order to eager to establish what we would be selling as, aid performance management and evaluation of and a range of ideas were suggested, ranging from photo frames to a software package for use in schools. On the one hand there were the photo frames which would be easier to make and result in an easier job for the sales team. On the other hand there was the software which would present a much larger challenge across the board to all the company members. So, naturally, we unanimously voted for the software package, as we knew we had the skills to build such an innovative product and could handle the pressure that a task like that would bring. Market research was then done in order to see if there were gap for us to enter with such The ChElMSFORDIAN - economics & maths 29 their teachers. The original concept was devel- aim to set up again at the start of the next aca- oped following research into KEGS’ needs and demic year, when we will build upon the one sale those of other local schools and with the help of already secured so far. This scheme has been a Mr Sherrington we drew up a specification for the fantastic experience and one that has given an un- software, which our I.T developers used to create precedented insight into the inner workings of a the key features of the product. business. From the importance of communication, Relevant tests were carried out to identify and fix to the finer details of leaflet design, by working bugs and company members got to try the soft- through the problems we’ve faced and finding a ware, so that they could become accustomed to it. solution, the experience has been hugely gratify- By March, we had developed a completed product ing for all involved. which was ready to sell- an achievement in itself We were delighted to receive an award at the considering the time constraints we were under. Young Enterprise area finals recently, for an out- The sales could now begin, and we soon secured standing product and this has given us confidence a first sale with KEGS who agreed to buy the that the work we’ve done this year has been product. Through email communication, phone worthwhile and given us a boost to push for more calls, handing out leaflets, a website and creating sales next year. promotional videos, we have also been able to We would like to thank Ms Singh and Mr Sher- attract the attention of a number of other schools rington for their continued support throughout from across the UK. However, time has been our year in business. against us this year, because of the long product development stage and in July, the scheme will Taranveer Sandhu end and our company will liquidate. However, we Year 11 PERSONAL ECONOMICS Year 9 partake in a day to improve their personal finance skills Enterprise day for Year 9 was held on the 17th The other main activity in which we participated of December. It was organised by Mrs Singh in the afternoon was to play a game similar to Mo- who worked closely with the ‘Young Enterprise’ nopoly. We started with £400 cash, £2000 bank company to provide this excellent opportunity loan and £400 credit card loan. The aim of the for us to develop enterprise skills, to know more game was to become the first person to clear all about money matters and to prepare for our fu- debt. There were two cards to choose one of every ture career. Working in teams of 6, we undertook round, there was a chance card which was risky several tasks which helped us learn about the real as you win big but you may lose big, whereas the value of money, the importance of savings and disposable income cards had guaranteed money making the right spending decisions. For example, but a little less than the chance cards would give. we were told about the ways of saving money; If you got your strategy right then you could be whether we wanted to save it for a “rainy day” or clear within a few rounds, however, if you got it if we were saving for a particular product or ser- wrong you could end up in over £20,000 debt, as vice that we wanted. Investment was one method proved by some people during the game. Overall, of doing this, putting your money into the shares we learnt a lot about controlling our money and of a company and hoping that the value of those how to be sensible and plan a little way ahead. shares increases so you can sell for a profit and Personal economics matters. also collect money at the end of each financial year. Then there was the basic savings account George Cristin-Marks with a standard interest rate but is easy to access Year 9 and you can’t lose your money. There are pre- mium bonds where you give your money to the government and then you can win interest. It was very clear to us that the UK is in debt and it is not just the government but millions of individuals who have spend beyond their means and are a cause of the debt crisis. Wise spending habits will save the nation. Another key feature of the activities was to ensure that we protect ourselves and our families from identity theft and fraud. 30 The ChElMSFORDIAN - economics & maths SMoothalicious enterprise Year 10 experience the world of business by producing and selling smoothies The first Year 10 Enterprise day was highly anticipated and it finally arrived on Tuesday 5th February as everyone eagerly awaited to showcase their enterprising skills. The theme of the day was based on ‘Smoothies’ as the entire year group were organised into 18 different teams (or “companies”), with the overall aim of creating, branding, bottling and promoting a new smoothie type drink, hand made from scratch by each team. The winning company would be the one who had generated the most profit at the end by not only trading commodities, but also being awarded points for the taste of the final product and the quality of the pitch to promote the product, where each point awarded accounted for “£1” of profit. was marked out of 100 and with every point The event was designed to develop work- worth ‘£1’; this task carried a huge weight into related skills such as teamwork, creative thinking, determining the winning company. Along with innovation and presentation of ideas. These the multi-lingual theme of the day, each company skills were tested right from the start as each needed to produce a pitch to promote their drink company needed to split into two sub-teams, one and extra points (“pounds”) were awarded if a being in charge of finances, the other in charge foreign language, either French or German, was of marketing. The task for the marketing sub- used in the pitch. Everyone handled this brilliantly team was to create a brand name and to create and the pitches were of a high standard, with a poster to promote the product. Money-wise, the judges clearly impressed. Finally it was time each financial section of a company was given an to taste each drink, with 2 independent judges initial ‘investment’ of £1 to start off. With this, scoring. This was probably the most interesting each company needed to trade commodities part with the judges taking an instant liking to (a raw material or primary agricultural product some drinks (whilst also nearly throwing up after that can be bought and sold) to generate more tasting others!). revenue than the initial investment in order to At the end of the day, all points were added purchase the different flavourings and syrups up and converted into profits, with the money for creating the product later on. The key to this made in trading commodities accounted for as task was to buy in at the “lowest” price, before well. The brand “QuickRevive” managed to beat selling it on at its “highest” price in order to off competition to generate the most ‘profit’, maintain a steady and positive cash flow. To producing a delicious drink with a target market achieve this, it was necessary to keep an eye on aimed at early morning commuters in order to world events and news which affected the pricing wake them up with a burst of QuickRevive, or in of the commodities. For example if the price for their words – “Refreshed, Energised, Revived!” strawberries inflated (increased in value) then The day was a tremendous success and I believe it would be a good time to sell strawberries, that it was a great learning opportunity for whereas a deflation (decrease in value) in everyone involved in putting teamwork skills strawberries would be a good time to buy due to and enterprising skills into practice – all of which the low price. are paramount in our future careers. In short, it After this, each company was required to was a fantastic day and we thank the Enterprise manufacture a product of a 250ml bottle drink by and Skills Company for providing us with this purchasing syrups and flavourings (my personal opportunity. I would also like to thank Mrs Singh favourite being Blue Curacao – a great taste!) with especially for putting in so much hard work to the revenue generated in trading commodities. To organise this event for Year 10, it was a genuine accompany these, each company were given 150 eye opener to the real world of business! ml each of apple juice, orange juice and lemonade to help in the process of manufacturing the drinks. WeiNan Zhou The pitch, which was essential to market the Year 10 products, finally arrived at the end of the day – this was the most important part. The pitch The ChElMSFORDIAN - economics & maths 31 Extra-curricular MATHS This has been another busy year for KEGS Mathematicians As in previous years, 2012-13 has seen a range of activities and some notable successes achieved by KEGS students. Preparation for these has been supported by various lunchtime activities, but particular thanks is due to Mrs Orr who has run the lunchtime maths club throughout the year, and prepared our teams for their competitions, as well as co-ordinating our primary school outreach programme. Mrs Mepham is also due thanks for her role in doing much of the co-ordination work for many of the activities described below. Starting with the individual competitions, the year kicked off with the Senior Maths Challenge in November, entered by 72 students primarily in the 6th form. Nineteen Gold certificates In addition to these activities the primary were earned, with special congratulations to the outreach programme, aimed at Year 5 students, four students – Tom Mitchell, Jonathan Wall, Tim has run throughout the year. Schools taking part Havard and George Metson (Tim and George from were The Bishops, Ingrave Johnstone, Kings Road, Year 11) who qualified for the Olympiad (and all Moulsham, Perryfields, St Thomas of Canterbury performed creditably on some very challenging and Westlands Community Primary School. Mrs questions). Moving to the Intermediate Challenge Orr invited mathematicians from the Royal Institu- in February, of our 70 entries, 32 resulted in Gold tion and universities to present to the classes. certificates, and again four students qualified for Amy Hooker from the Royal Institution (R.I.) gave the succeeding Olympiad – Tim Havard, James the first class in September with hands-on expe- Murphy, Rahul Pai and Henry Sainsbury. And rience of curve-stitching and the properties of in this competition, Tim distinguished himself resulting curves. Later in the year Dr Diane Crann, by winning a certificate of distinction for a very also of the R.I. talked about the whole spectrum of impressive performance. Finally, the Junior Maths real numbers. Challenge is taken in April by all of Year 8 and Dr Chris Saker, from the University of Essex some selected pupils in Year 7. Sixty-five Gold University, came along again and took the chil- certificates were awarded to KEGS pupils, with dren through the various aspects of Cryptology, six pupils qualifying for the Olympiad – Harry beginning with the Ceasar code then looking at Risk, Ethan Willmer-Anderson, Harshal Jain, Owen substitution codes and frequency analysis before Woodroff (Year 8) and Daniel Gallagher and Qaas- moving students on to creating their own codes. im Jamal (Year 7) – which is yet to happen as this He looked at the history of codes as well as the is written. many uses for codes in the world today. However, in recent years, there has also been Professor Alan Davies from University of Hert- an increased interest in team competitions, and fordshire returned with his class on Pi. During this there are now three established competitions – session students took a variety of measurements for a Senior team, a Year 10 team, and a Junior of circles- ratios were calculated and Pi was ‘re- team (Years 8 and 9) respectively. Preparation discovered’. and selection for these teams takes place primar- A new presenter this year was Douglas Orr – an ily during maths clubs - during these lunch clubs ex-KEGS pupil – who taught the children how to pupils gain exposure to the type of questions perform calculations with very large numbers, asked in individual maths competitions and they showing the first stages of using logarithms. Mrs learn to work as a team in preparation for the Orr gave a couple of new talks on Venn Diagrams team challenges. We have been very successful and Mazes and graphs, as well as various topics in the various competitions in the last two years from last year – the Golden Ratio, Fibonacci se- competing in the overall Junior and Intermediate quences and Platonic solids. Finals last year, and the Intermediate and Senior All students who attended were presented with a Finals this year, with this year’s Junior team nar- certificate from the Royal Institute who supported rowly missing a place in the national final (by one the programme and provided some of the materi- point). The Year 10 team came 8th in their national als as well as guest presenters. final competition and the Senior team came about half-way amongst the senior finalists. Maths Department 32 The ChElMSFORDIAN - arT & dRAMA 12 ANGRY MEN This year’s KEGS production delighted audiences

Reginald Rose’s play, set in a jury room, does more Each character holds widely divergent views of than present a simple court case to its audience. what should happen inside a jury room. Juror No. It introduces, from this simple medium, a ma- 3, played convincingly by Cameron Marklew, for jor theme of prejudice, and this was the labour example, was incredibly antagonistic and con- undertaken majestically by this year’s production demning of the defendant, coming into conflict team in performing ’12 Angry Men’. with Juror No. 8, presented by Meg Duffy with With the booming unseen voice of the Judge, great accuracy. played by Mr Leverett, and the ever-dimming Lifelike and naturalistic, the staging was super- lights suggesting a hot, humid, summer’s evening, charged with plenty of high tension. The action the audience was able to immediately recognise was fluid and naturalist and, even though many that they were to play an integral part in this of the characters didn’t have many lines, they still year’s play, yet to be forced to construct their own stayed focused and drew the audience in. Dom opinions and conclusions. Short was one such example. He played a wholly credible character as the quiet, an- alytical Juror No. 2 – fastidious and refined as was Joe Richards playing Juror No. 9. Set and production design proved to be immaculate, and each smallest detail registered with an amazed audience: the duplicate of the defendant’s switchblade, the broken fan offering no relief from the heat and humidity, and even the dia- grammed floor plan of the murder scene each played their vital role. KEGS certainly put on a play to remember in the years to come.

Mr Russell Head of Drama The ChElMSFORDIAN - arT & dRAMA 33

Photos: Will Starr 34 The ChElMSFORDIAN - arT & dRAMA Junior Drama Drama strengthens links with KEGS’s sister school in China The Junior Drama Society meets every Friday they knew and just how much they could teach after-school from 3:40 to 5:00. There are current- others in the lead up to their A2s. ly 25 regular members from Years 7 through to Now, leading up to the Junior Drama Society’s 9. They have had several different leaders of the biggest performance and one of KEGS’s first group. In the first term, while working towards Chinese theatre performances, rehearsals are an Inter-Faith Performance, the sessions were tense and the nerves are beginning to flow. The run by Lewis Wood, Matt Nobbs, Max Brown and Society’s performance of ‘The Butterfly Lovers’, a Brogan Harman on a week-to-week basis, with Mr traditional Chinese legend, will be videoed and Russell and Miss Turtle leading the overall produc- watched by our sister school in Wuxi. This play tion. Later in the term, Ellie Kiff, a member of the represents a step forward towards broadening National Youth Theatre, and an ex-KEGS Drama our relations with Wuxi No. 1 High School in student, agreed to run some workshops for us. Fi- China. However, with an exceptional director in nally, at the beginning of the Summer Term, Mike Mr Dodsworth at the helm and the never ceasing Dodsworth came in and began directing the Lower support from Mr Russell, there is no doubt that it School Production – ‘The Butterfly Lovers’. will be alright on the night. The students involved The Inter-Faith Play, titled ‘The Parable of the would like to take this opportunity to thank their Three Lovers’, was a great success. The ten per- leaders for a wonderful year of extra-curricular formers were brilliant and they all really enjoyed drama. Indeed further thanks should be extended the rehearsal process. The play not only helped to Mr Russell, with whose support the Society has the performers from Years 7-9, who improved been, thus far, a great success. their acting skills while learning in a collaborative environment, but also helped the VIth Formers, Henry Sainsbury who impressed themselves with just how much Year 9 SUMMER EXHIBITION Year 8 visit the Royal Academy of Arts A visit to the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition is always a treat and this year we decided to share it with our Year 8 students across two days. Pupils were given a worksheet which encouraged them to make choices about the work that they looked at, choosing the piece of work that intrigued them most and asking five questions about it of the artist; choosing five pieces of work which they would like to own; writing about a piece of work that they did not consider to be Art. The pupils were extraordinarily focused and produced excellent work from the hugely varied work on display. A number of members of the public commented on how well behaved our boys were! Our conversations with the boys revealed a variety of opinions, but most were very receptive to the different artistic styles on show. The Summer Exhibition is extremely accessible and we would encourage everyone to visit, but particularly our prospective and current GCSE and A-Level Art students.

Ms Wiltshire Head of Art The ChElMSFORDIAN - arT & dRAMA 35 ART display 2013 A selection of GCSE and A-Level pieces from Art Students 36 The ChElMSFORDIAN - HOUSE COMPETITION holland mildmay 3rd 2491 points 2nd 2742 points This year’s House Championship effort for Holland This year’s House Championship was the year of was full of emotional highs and lows. Holland consistency for Mildmay, which could be com- shone at Sports Day and Cross Country, dazzled pared to Stoke City’s Premier League campaign. at House Music and wowed with our House Films. Stoke City drew the most games in the League this We did, however, find ourselves crushed by a year with 15, much like Mildmay, who registered joint third finish in House Drama (despite the the most 2nd and 3rd place finishes, including sec- brilliant work of Drama Captain Max Brown) and ond place finishes in House Drama, House Dance by losses in Lower School Sports Events and in and Sports Day and a third place finish in House House Netball. Despite these setbacks leading Music (along with a number of smaller events). to a disappointing third place finish, I could not Stoke City’s best win of the season came against be prouder of the immense effort put in by my Liverpool in a 3-1 victory, similar to Mildmay’s Holland officials and the whole of the house landslide victory in the most recent addition to this year. My deputies Joel and Sam were great, the list of House Events: House Poetry. A huge helping me out with the stresses of organising all thank you must go out to my House Officials this the events. Music Captains Chloe and Jasdeep, as year, who have been industrious as ever, ensuring well as all the superb musicians who performed, the smooth running of numerous House Events. were sensational and wholly responsible for Hol- Mildmay’s Year 9s were significant contributors land’s brilliant House Music win. Tom Crowe was to House Points, with some outstanding individ- also a huge help in getting events such as Drama, ual performances at Sports Day and victory in Poetry and Dance organised. It was a real honour House Rugby, comparable to Jonathan Walters’ to be able to call myself Holland House Captain, performance this season. Despite only managing and I know that when I look back on my years at to finish in second place, it has been an honour to KEGS, winning Sports Day and House Music will call myself Mildmay House Captain, a role that I be amongst my most cherished memories. I’m have embraced and enjoyed throughout the year. confident that new House Captain Laurie, with an I trust that new House Captain Adam Kania will be excellent team behind him, will be able to regain more Pep Guardiola and less Tony Pulis, leading the House Championship for Holland. Mildmay back to where they belong: on top. Andy Davies Sam Gravatt Holland House Captain Mildmay House Captain The ChElMSFORDIAN - HOUSE COMPETITIOn 37 Strutt TINDAl 1st 2961 points 4th 2425 points It’s safe to say that when a Year 7 joins KEGS This year has been an odd one for Tindal. We and finds out that they are a member of Strutt a shone in House Drama, and performed admira- little piece of them dies inside. Being constant- bly in events such as House Film, House Dance, ly reminded by other houses that Strutt is, and and many of the smaller events across the Lower apparently always has been, the losing house was School. Despite this, we finished in fourth posi- certainly something that I and many others have tion, meaning that many House Captains would lived with throughout our time at KEGS. We stuck class it as a somewhat unsuccessful year. However, to tradition at the start of the year, coming third I would say that the unity shown by Tindal this in Sports Day with not much hope of winning the year in the face of adversity, in grouping together competition. It seemed like there was no hope to do as well as we did, in showing ourselves to and Strutt would just be Strutt again. A pesky two still be strong and still be competing, proves that points slipped our grasp in House Music placing this year has been a success. My personal high- us second, but this did not dampen the Strutt spir- light would be House Drama – an event which it! In fact it seemed to encourage the entire house we worked so hard to prepare for and deservedly and sparked up new enthusiasm. The arrival of a won. This win was indicative of the Tindal spirit new Lower School resulted in fantastic outcomes which I have seen throughout my time in school, in all Lower School Sports Events and Sports and something which I am sure will persist long Morning, Strutt winning in every year group. For after I have left. Becoming House Captain was the first time in years the house realised that a always a dream of mine, and whilst it was a shame win may be possible and everyone pushed to to finish last, I can honestly say that I am so proud ensure it happened. I am honoured to have been of my team and of the entire house as a whole. I able to work with a great team and an enthusiastic almost always brought up in House Assemblies house. Together we have achieved what seemed how I used to dream of being Tindal House Cap- to be impossible – the first Strutt win in 11 years! tain, and it has been an honour to do so. I would I’m sure that Strutt will continue to triumph under like to wish Stefan and his team the best of luck the leadership of Alex and I wish him and the for the next year, and I have the utmost faith that house all the best in the coming year. he can return Tindal to our glory days. Brin Pirathapan Lewis Wood Strutt House Captain Tindal House Captain 38 The ChElMSFORDIAN - HOUSE COMPETITION HOUSE Music KEGS students shone in this year’s House Music competition House Music has several arcane rules and some conventions erroneously believed to be rules. The 25 minute time limit from the moment the com- pares start talking to the final note of the piece has been fixed for many years. Mildmay’s first error was starting the introduction then having to wait a minute while the choir all came on. Howev- er, when they started their diction was particularly good. They lacked confidence at the start of each line, which made the attack rather sloppy. There followed solos by Daniel Carter, Jamie Yau and Ben Kimberley. Ben in particular was outstanding, although all three are high quality musicians. The house band finished the Mildmay set with outstanding vocals by Megan Duffy. They finished with 16 seconds left of their 25 minutes! interesting way and this was another of the after- The Holland house choir sang Mr Blue Sky with noon’s surprises. The band finished with a tight energy and a sense of fun; their error was to pitch performance – and with just 4 seconds to spare the music slightly too low for everyone so there from their 25 minutes! was some growling. A solo from Julian Lee and the Tindal repeated Holland’s error of music too low annual appearance of Jasdeep Bamrah followed, for the singers which had the choir growling. They the latter particularly entertaining the whole followed this with one of KEGS’ future stars, Dylan school with his final House Music appearance. Man, playing a tricky piano solo with awesome Next came one of the highlights of the afternoon control and such calmness in front of the school. for me, Chloe Reynolds and Jo Ryley singing The following Jazz Band had some tuning issues, Blue Mountain River with a small ensemble. The which alas made the performance rather painful balance and blend was stunning and the audience to watch. The same problem struck the techni- was entranced. Holland finished with their band, cal piece, which was such a shame as they had Chloe’s chest voice getting a workout with ‘Hyste- worked so hard on it. The Band finished well and ria’ and with super playing all round. Ed Wild’s falsetto was a pleasant surprise! th rd Strutt packed the stage with the biggest choir The positions were no surprise: 4 Tindal, 3 nd st and their performance was the best of the choirs Mildmay, 2 Strutt, 1 Holland. This was one of too, once they were warmed up. Jonathan Belay the best House Music Competitions I can remem- struck up a confident reel with just a few squeaks ber. Roll on House Music 2013! and bumps and the outstanding duo of David Wringe and Will Foster then followed. Charlie Mr Worrall Roberts sang while playing the guitar in a most Head of Music The ChElMSFORDIAN - HOUSE COMPETITIOn 39 HOUSE DANCE Now in its second year, this house competition enjoys another successful run There were some changes to this year’s House His use of motif was clear and heightened the Dance event, with a Rock and Roll style replacing tension. ‘You’ve never seen anything like it’ was the couples’ Salsa and the introduction of Mad- the introduction to Holland’s solo performance ame Midroit to the judging panel, but the main and the description could not have been more format remained the same. With three categories accurate. Gabriella Bullock’s contemporary-styled (Solos, Couples and Groups) there was plenty of parody of the other houses’ performances was opportunity for the students to showcase their both entertaining and unique, providing comic talents in a wide variety of styles. The battle relief. Yet it was Jon Onabowu’s air of profession- for rehearsal space was vicious and the level of alism and ability to convey an eclectic, energetic choreographic espionage extremely high, which performance that earned Strutt first position in added to the excitement and passion among the this category. dancers. The group dances ranged from a contemporary The addition of Rock and Roll added a new di- representation of Romeo and Juliet (Strutt) to a mension to the event and since it was a style that pop medley including the iconic Dirty Dancing lift noone was particularly familiar with, it created (Mildmay). Tindall gave a strong performance with a level playing field for the couples section. Mr powerful choreography from Martha Jenkinson. In Barrow led lunchtime rehearsals again and these the Rock and Roll section, the use of Jaws music, sessions were energetic with a good level of par- as couples were gradually eliminated from the ticipation from all the houses. The effortlessness dance floor, enhanced the event’s entertainment of his kicks and turns showed the importance of factor. Alex Molyneux and Megan Potter (Strutt) regular practice and we all appreciated his high were the winners of this category. The overall standard of dance expertise. winners for the second year were Strutt whose The solo dancers had the task of commanding effort at their 8am rehearsals clearly paid off. the audience’s attention on their own and they all Special thanks must go to Mr Barrow for his or- rose to the challenge well. From Tindall we had a ganisational skills and also to Madame Midroit for touching dance narrative performed by Victoria joining the judging panel this year. I thoroughly Loader whose strong ballet technique coupled enjoyed the event and look forward to hearing of with the simplicity of the accompaniment created how it progresses in my absence next year. an intriguing piece. Mitchell Fasanya’s (Mildmay) excellent body control was evident in his pop- Ebele Nwangwu ping and locking and in his intricate isolations. Year 13 HOUSE Drama A revived seating layout yields a series of dramatic performances For the first time since 2008 House Drama was upcoming school production, and Tindal, who performed in-the-round, with the audience performed an excerpt from The 39 Steps to clinch seated in their house groups on all four sides of the competition. the raised stage. Thanks to the blackout blinds installed in last year’s renovations, the main hall Mr Russell was completely dark apart from the stark stage Head of Drama lights that defined the otherwise barren stage. Each house was tasked with performing a Junior, Senior and Monologue piece within an allotted time frame. These performances were to be judged by an expert panel of staff including Mr Worrall and Miss Smith. With Years 8 - 10 and the VIth form in attendance house spirit was running high. Particularly memorable performances came from Mildmay, who performed a satire of the then 40 The ChElMSFORDIAN - ENGINEERING KEGS ENGINEERING The school’s Young Engineers Club enjoys success in a variety of competitions This has been a very exciting year for KEGS Young Engineers Club. The year got off to an excellent start with the Awards Ceremony for the Institution of Mechan- ical Engineers Schools’ Aerospace Challenge. ‘Team Swot’, were announced joint runners-up; an amazing achievement considering they were at the bottom of the age range able to take part. We attended the braid-filled ceremony (the RAF’s top ranking officers were there, including the Chief of the Air Staff) at the IMechE headquarters for KEGS, and you can read more about that event in September and were awarded a £1000 prize later. All six students gained Silver BSA CREST pot to be shared equally between the boys and Awards for their sustained work on this engineering project to build and programme a problem solving Lego robot. In November the BAE Systems Roadshow visited KEGS to show Year 7 how engineering solves problems such as how a helicopter can land with-

the Young Engineers Club. The results from this year’s entries to the Schools’ Aerospace Chal- lenge are just in and two teams of KEGS YE have reached the national finals, placing them in the top twelve entries in the country. This time the theme was investigating adding a seaplane to the out being able to see the ground. RAF’s fleet. Good luck to the Year 11 team Avengi- In December several senior Young Engineers vis- neers (Aditya Vijay, Nick Sale and Ben Williams) ited the House of Commons along with students and Osprey (Ollie Kesterton, James Murdey and from other local schools to discuss engineering Jacob White) from Year 12, who will be attend- with Simon Burns. ing the Cranfield Summer School at the start of the summer holidays, where they will be pilot- ing planes and taking part in further Aerospace Engineering challenges to see who will be overall winners this time. The Autumn Term was filled with the First Lego League, where again there was huge demand from new and existing Junior YE Club members to take part. Year 13 mentors led by Richard Meadows set up a selection challenge to pick the pairs of Year 8s and 9s who would make up the seven teams. Helped by the rest of the engineering mentors, they did a fantastic job of keeping the teams in A team of Senior Young Engineers - Daniel Still, order and encouraging them with the projects. Joseph Wheater and Toby Willis reached the We were amazed to come first and second in the regional finals of the Toyota STEM Challenge. This robot challenge, although two members of the is the sixth year in a row that our students have Year 8 team missed their moment of glory as they produced a maze-negotiating buggy and a compa- had to leave early to attend the Lit Quiz! We were nying project report good enough to be selected stunned when Senior Saviours were announced for one of the eight places at the Duxford region- regional winners and so were invited to the Na- als. We were so disappointed that the scheduled tional Finals at Loughborough University - a first date fell in the middle of the Year 10 geography The ChElMSFORDIAN - ENGINEERING 41 students also lifted the Faraday Challenge Trophy at Westcliff High School for Boys. Project Gorilla has been an interesting, new addition to engineering activities this year. As the new opportunity to link with STRobotics in Cam-

field-trip and so the team had to withdraw from the competition after all that hard work. The Year 12 Engineering Education Scheme team demonstrated exemplary project management this year and had researched and designed their solution in time to make full use of the workshop at Cambridge University’s Engineering Depart- ment. They have entered their project into the Chelmsford Science and Engineering Society’s bridge arose when KEGS Junior YEs were all busy Schools’ Technology Competition and hope also on their FLL entries, six Year 7 potential Young to take it to the Big Bang Fair 2014. Engineers were invited to take part in this new tri- al. Galen Murdhur, Sam Horghten, Sam Harradine, Jamie Cochraine, Josh Daniels and Thomas Jones have been building and programming the robotic arm for most of the year - some might say a year of disasters as well as triumphs! And it’s not over yet! Five teams from KEGS will be competing at the Chelmsford Engineering So- ciety’s Schools’ Technology Competition on Friday 28th June. There are two individual entries for the Systems and Control category from the Year 11 Electronics coursework from Nick Sale and Asel Perera plus the EES team’s project. Ollie Kesterton will submit his Essex Air Ambulance app design into the programming competition and a team of five students - Dan Still, Daniel Carter, Chris Jennings, James Thompson and Joe Wheater - will Junior YE have been working on entries for be representing the whole Young Engineers Club Young Engineers Competitions Crazy Racers and in the Club Awards category. the Eggs Factor, as well as two teams entering Two teams of Year 9 Engineers will be competing the Selex ES Rampaging Chariots competition, on Saturday 29th June 2013 at Selex ES in Basil- which is to be held on 29th June. A team of Year 8 don in the Rampaging Chariots competition. The two groups - “Who Nicked The Instructions?” and “#awesome” - will face an obstacle course, sumo wrestling and football with the remote control vehicles they have built over the last few months. During July 2013 several students will be heading out on Engineering work placements and Engineering courses, and towards the end of the month KEGS Engineers are off to Space Camp in the USA! Don’t forget that you can find the Young En- gineers Club on Twitter at @KEGS_engineers. Finally, I would like to thank all the Engineering Mentors for their help during Junior Young Engi- neers Club.

Miss Bunting Engineering Co-ordinator 42 The ChElMSFORDIAN - ENGINEERING FARADAY CHALLENGE KEGS takes part in an Institute of Engineering and Technology Challenge day On the 24th of January, Daniel Carter 8M, Radh lit up, we would move wires. We used some of Siddiquee 8M, Yash Shrivastava 8M, Kieret Ubha our faradays to buy a shoe box, bulbs, wires and 8M, Owen Woodruff 8T and Ethan Willmer-Ander- a battery, while we improvised a stand with the son 8T travelled with Miss Bunting to Westcliff for plastic cups we had drank from. We set to work, the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and with only a quick break, but soon encountered Mathematics) Faraday Challenge day. problems. The wires wouldn’t connect to the bat- As places on the team were limited, the six of us tery properly, and we were rapidly running out of had been selected randomly from around twelve time! At the lunch break, we didn’t have a working Year 8 Young Engineers who signed up, so we machine, and we had to demonstrate it in thirty were lucky to be going. We didn’t know what to minutes! We quickly decided to attach bare wires expect on the way there, as this was the first time to the battery rather than each individual wire, KEGS had been, but we knew we were going to and it worked! We quickly finished the device enjoy it. just in time, and were ready to present. After we When we arrived we went and sat at a table, and presented our device to everyone, we then had looked at the folder and job descriptions in front to test it by one half of the team transmitting a of us. We discovered from the folder that our secret message to the other half of our team. We challenge was to make a device to transmit a code did alright, but the middle one of the bulbs wasn’t from town Alpha to the town of Beta which had working properly, so the message went a bit been cut-off due to a natural disaster (represent- weird, though we managed to work it out. ed by two tables five metres apart). We each had Then came the prize ceremony. Firstly, we were to take a role, and there were 5 to choose from, all given magazines for taking part, before they with each team needing a Team Leader, Account- announced the top three. We hoped we had done ant, two Cryptographers, an Electronic Engineer enough to win, but there was very stiff compe- and a Mechanical Engineer. When we had sorted tition, so we didn’t really know. We heard them out our roles, we looked at the other things on announce 3rd Westcliff Grammar School for Boys, our table. There were lanyards for us, as well as 2nd Chelmsford County High School, and first, 100 faradays, which we later found out were to be KEGS! We had won! The school was given a glass used as currency to buy materials from the shop. trophy for winning, and all six of us received Am- After a quick talk to make sure we knew what azon vouchers. We all really enjoyed the experi- we were doing, we began designing our device ence, and would like to say a big thank you to Miss and eventually decided on a device that used five Bunting for taking us. light bulbs, with different combinations of each Ethan Willmer-Anderson making up different letters of the alphabet, or a Year 8 space. When we wanted to change which bulb The ChElMSFORDIAN - ENGINEERING 43 SCHOOLS AEROSPACE CHALLENGE KEGS are runners-up in a national competition The Schools Aerospace Challenge is an interna- senior engineers, from many different compa- tional competition sponsored by the Institute of nies. As runners up, the team from KEGS received Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). Students aged £1000, split equally between each team member 16-18 work in teams of 3 to prepare a short report and the school. about a relevant aerospace topic. The 12 best teams are invited to a week long Summer School Oliver Kesterton at Cranfield University, and the top 3 teams share Year 12 a £5000 prize fund. I competed in ‘Team SWOT’, consisting of myself, Daniel Lock and William Luckin. The topic this year was Remotely Pilot- ed Air Systems (RPAS) so we wrote a report on ways to train future RPAS pilots. Our report was deemed to be of a high standard, so we were fortunate to be invited to Cranfield in July of 2012. Whilst at Cranfield, we had the opportunity to speak to numerous experienced pilots and engineers, including John Farley, the chief test pilot for the Harrier Jump Jet. We also attended lectures on various aeronautical topics, such as flight testing and aircraft design. One of the highlights of the week was the opportunity to fly in two aircraft: a fixed wing twin-engine Jetstream, and a smaller 2-seat helicopter. We each had some time controlling the helicopter, with varying degrees of success. The week was incredibly enjoyable, and showed us the huge variety of careers available in the aerospace sector. Shortly after the week at Cranfield, we were informed that we were joint runners up in the competition. Because of this, we were invited to an awards ceremony in London, at the IMechE headquarters, in November 2012. The awards were presented by Air Chief Marshall Sir Stephen Dalton, and the ceremony was attended by many Junior young engineers A new recruit’s view of the lunchtime club Junior Young Engineers (for Years 8 and 9) is a In the Autumn term lots of KEGS Junior Engineers great club to go to as there are so many different entered the First Lego League where a Lego opportunities to create some great technological robot is built and competes against other schools objects. Young Engineers is free for anyone to around the world, and one team reached the join, and there are mentors to help us if we need national final. it. There are so many opportunities to build great We are currently making entries for two nation- things in Young Engineers and it is really interest- al competitions, Krazy Racers and Project Eggs ing. Factor. Krazy Racers is a competition in which a See Miss Bunting if you would like to the club. small car is built and raced and Project Eggs Factor Young Engineers is currently on at Tuesday lunch- is a competition in which a flying aircraft is built times. to carry two eggs as far as possible. Others are building electronic projects or making Rampaging Dan Lazarus Chariots for the SELEX ES competition in June. Year 8 44 The ChElMSFORDIAN - ENGINEERING FIRST lego league KEGS reaches the national finals of this competition for the first time 26th January 2013 saw an early rise for the Senior Saviours, a KEGS Young Engineers team, on their way to the national finals of the FIRST LEGO League at the University of Loughbor- ough. We qualified after winning the regional finals of the competition at Ford Dunton in Basildon where we also earned the most trophies possible. We were the first KEGS team ever to win the regional finals. Young Engineers is a school club, run by Miss Bunting, open to Year 8s and 9s with an interest in engineering. Every year quite a few teams from the Club enter the First Lego League. Each year the competition has a theme: this year it was Senior Solutions. The challenge we had to compete in the first round of the robot involves building a robot from a LEGO Mindstorms game. kit and programming it to do various tasks relat- Each team has three chances to earn as many ing to the topic in order to earn marks. The design points as possible by completing different tasks of the robot is marked as well. Each team was also with the robot in a limited time. The tasks are charged with designing a product that could ben- completed on tables, with two next to each other - efit the elderly and presenting it to the judges, for added tension and excitement. rather like Dragons’ Den. As well as this, judges We had a full day of programming robots, pre- mark ‘core values’ such as teamwork and ‘gracious senting products and talking to judges. professionalism’. All in all, we did quite well. Our product seemed On arriving at the to please the judges and they were happy with university, we found our core values (for which we won a trophy at the our team base and regionals). The robot challenges could have gone then went to the better but despite this, it was a great experience opening ceremony. that we have enjoyed throughout. We have also After this we started learned a lot from seeing other teams’ robots and preparing the robot we hope to use this to do even better next year. and we immediately Thank you to our mentors Joseph Wheater (Year booked a practice 10) and Stephen Massey (Year 13); and to Miss table to double Bunting for her time and effort. check our programs. We only had about James Thompson ten minutes before Year 8 ENGINEERING EDUCATION SCHEME Lower Sixth students complete a real-world project given to them by industry In years gone by, I was in the position many of to be selected in September of 2012 to be a part our readers occupy today - I was a budding Young of this year’s team, alongside Oliver Kesterton, Engineer, who had entered a competition or two Daniel Lock and Alex Haywood. Over the course through our highly successful Young Engineers of the project, we dealt with intense time pres- Club, but I knew relatively little of how engineer- sure, last minute remodelling and programming, ing really worked - of how a concept was devel- and new experiences of numerous kinds, which oped from an idea into a product in industry. I have helped the scheme to be one of the most had heard a little of the Engineering Education beneficial educational programmes I think I will Scheme (EES), and what it entailed, but I did not ever have the opportunity to partake in. Not only know the level of challenge, learning and devel- have I learned how engineering really works over opment the scheme involved. I applied for a place the course of this 6 month project, I learned how on this year’s team, and was fortunate enough to lead my team of engineers successfully and The ChElMSFORDIAN - ENGINEERING 45 stayed in the University’s St Catharine’s College halls and got a flavour of what university life was like, it was time to return to KEGS with our fully assembled (and mostly working) project, to take a break over Christmas. We spent this time reflect- ing on what worked best and worst in our system, and chose certain areas for further work. We spent the next 3 months working on our report, software and some hardware modifications, to present our project in two important ways. Firstly, we were invited by Selex ES engineers to demonstrate our project at their offices in Basildon. This involved delivering a presentation to senior engineers at Selex, some of whom worked effectively. Because of the hard work and dedica- in the areas our project covered. They tion of Miss Bunting, our Engineering Coordinator, seemed very impressed with our project and our KEGS has a long history of entering successful presentation, and we were all very proud to hear teams to the scheme - as shown by the number of the excellent feedback they gave. Secondly, we projects and project reports which decorate Miss were ecstatic to present our finished system and Bunting’s teaching room. At our first meeting, we extensive project report to judges at the scheme’s met the link engineer who we would work with, Celebration and Assessment Day, at The Open in Adam Wood of Selex ES. A former KEGS student Norwich. After 6 months of hard work and pres- and now a Graduate Engineer, Adam completed sure it was an amazing feeling to finally have the scheme as a student, and was equipped with a working project, which delivered most of the insider knowledge which helped us at every stage points from the original specification. Our pres- of our project. entation and project were well received by the From the receipt of our project brief - delivering scheme judges, and they highly commended our a “Stabilised Instrument Platform for Lightweight skills the skills each of us had demonstrated both Unmanned Aerial Vehicles” - to the EES Launch at the CAD and throughout the project. Day, Workshop and Celebration and Assess- The EES is an excellent way in which budding ment Day, we were supported by Adam and Miss KEGS engineers can grow and learn about the Bunting, who were always keen to help us out field, and I feel it was an fantastic experience by advising our general course, but we were an for my whole team. We thoroughly enjoyed, and independent bunch, and were all full of enthusi- learnt a great deal from working with Adam, asm and ideas for the project. The project entailed Miss Bunting and Selex ES, and we would highly designing a platform which could be attached recommend the scheme to future engineers, as to a small (remote controlled) aircraft and could it gives an insight into the field which could not be positioned in 3 axes, wirelessly providing a otherwise be gained. Our express thanks must stable video output to a ground based receiver. be given to Miss Bunting and Adam for their hard By late December, having developed our project work and support throughout the project, and to to the point of a working model, through various Selex ES and the Engineering Development Trust, activities - from our design day, where we sat in for funding and organising the framework for the the Darwin Centre for a long morning drawing project - without all the hard work of every one of our ideas out, to our Wednesday evening meet- these parties, we would not have had this excel- ings where we contemplated redesigning parts lent opportunity to work with a real life engi- around the excellent feedback of Adam and Miss neering firm in a professional context, something Bunting - we were ready to build. This part of the which will no doubt stay with all of us for the rest project involved a 3-day trip to Cambridge Uni- of our careers and our lives. versity’s Engineering Department, where we were fortunate enough to be able to use their fantastic James Murdey facilities to further our project. Notable moments Year 12 were our opportunity to see our parts cut from sheet aluminium in a Water-Jet cutter (which is definitely as amazing as it sounds - have a look for videos of them in action!) and the final moments of the last day, when the system was assembled, and we could check off all of our goals for this workshop time on our checklist. After this incredible experience, where we 46 The ChElMSFORDIAN - ScIence GENEVA TRIP The Upper VIth visit the historic and scientific sights of Geneva The annual pilgrimage of KEGS physicists to Geneva, Switzerland began on a cold Mon- day morning as an intrepid gaggle of Year 13 students gathered outside the Church doors with their size-restricted wheel- ie-bags, holdalls, briefcases and bum-bags. Geneva is famous for the jet d’eau, a truly impressive fountain that fires water up to 140 metres into the air, and as the birth- place of the 18th-century liberal thinker Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who is partly responsible for the concept of ‘rights’. As we would discover on the final day of the trip, this was something taken rather seriously by another major Genevan landmark, the United Nations office. Despite a two-hour flight delay and somewhat drizzly weather, KEGS students were paintings and sculpture, which it has received still able to take advantage of the generous free from member states. From the public viewing gal- transport provided to tourists to explore a little of lery of the Human Rights and Alliance of Civiliza- Geneva. The following day we travelled slightly tions Room we were able to marvel at the ceiling, outside the city to the main site of the European which had been sprayed with coloured paints to Organization for Nuclear Research, CERN. During create an upside-down sea of stalactites. our tour we saw a sector of a linear accelerator, Thanks must go to Mr Hall, Mr Thomlinson and as well as the computer used by Tim Berners-Lee Mrs Wilkes for organising and accompanying us to create the first pages of the World Wide Web. on this always entertaining trip. During our visit the Large Hadron Collider, CERN’s most famous experiment, was in its final days Tom Wortley and Richard Meadows of operation before being shutdown to undergo Year 13 upgrades for operations at higher energy levels. On our final day we set out for the Palace of Nations, the huge art-deco edifice where United Nations office in Geneva (UNOG) resides. UNOG is now a secondary office, but is by no means unim- portant, as it is home to the International Con- ference on Disarmament, and also played host to peace talks for the Gulf War in the early nineties. It is now hosting negotiations between Israel and Palestine. One of the most significant aspects of UNOG we were able to observe was the art, both The ChElMSFORDIAN - Science 47 Cosmic Ray DETECTOR KEGS Physicists make progress on their detector for high energy particles Following the report in last year’s Chelmsfordi- an, VIth form Physicists have been hard at work attempting to make their detector for high energy particles, or cosmic rays, operational. These sub-atomic particles steadily rain down from above, some with as much energy as a tennis serve. Last year the team managed to detect these particles, but the aim of the project was to be able to display the path of these particles using our gas- filled chamber. As the cosmic rays pass through the chamber they leave behind an “ionised path”. If we could charge the chamber to a very high voltage, about 5000 volts, then this path would act as a lightning conductor. We would then be able to observe and plot these paths to gain some Bristol University had been kind enough to pro- useful scientific data. vide us with circuit diagrams of a working system However, this is not as easy as it sounds. We that they had developed several years ago, and would need to take the tiny electrical signals from in the recent months we have returned to these our pair of detectors, process them, and amplify somewhat obtuse diagrams to develop a new them by a factor of about one million to generate design. We now have this ready, and we expect it our high voltage spark. We had designed a circuit will cost about £100 to build this revised circuit board to perform the processing, which essen- board. This is now our current project, and we tially involves looking for a particle travelling so hope to have this completed in September. fast that they appeared in both of our detectors at During this year, several Year 12s with interests once; this is technically known as a co-incidence in Physics and Electronics have come on board, event. and the project still enjoys the support of several Around Christmas time we made a few failed students who are now studying physics-related attempts at getting the system working, where courses at university. Hopefully this means that we observed sparks on cue, but with no sign of we will be able to overcome any further prob- a coherent path. We contacted the researchers lems which we will surely encounter. In any case, at Cambridge University’s Cavendish Laboratory, we can be sure that we will have learnt a huge who had been happy to talk to us throughout amount about the difficulties of practical physics. the project, with a few ideas about potential Richard Meadows problems. It was then that they advised us that, Year 13 in order to catch the ephemeral trail behind the cosmic ray, our circuitry would need to respond within a millionth of a second, and ideally less! This was somewhat of a shock to us, and when we carefully picked our way through our circuit design we found that we were never going to achieve this target with our current design. After attempting some tests, we eventually concluded our current approach was about one hundred times too slow. 48 The ChElMSFORDIAN - ScIence COLCHESTER Zoo TRIP Year 13 Biologists enjoy a trip to the zoo On 15th May 2013, two days before exam leave and the last ever day of school for Year 13 students, the Biology Department organised the annual trip to Colchester Zoo. This trip mostly consisted of the thirty or so Biology students who had elected to come on the trip walking (and at times running!) around Colchester Zoo for nearly four hours, and finally encountering some of the animals they had been staring at in textbooks for the last two years. However, during the first half an hour we sup- pressed our urge to explore the site while we heard a lecture on how animals adapt and evolve over time. We were also given booklets to fill in, which ensured that we got round all the important enclosures in the zoo. For some this was a first ever visit to the famous zoo, for others it was a regular reunion with the animals, but for all of us it was our final ever school trip together. Hence we wanted to make the most of it, not even letting the typical British weather or nearing exams bother us. We were aspiring to think about ways in which these animals had adapted or had become habit- uated to their environment and to relate these effects to work studied in lessons. My favourite example was the ostriches’ supple two-toed feet, which allow them to balance speed and agility while traversing a diverse range of landscapes. But of course there are more animals than just the common ostrich, and everyone had their own favourites, whether it was the meerkats, seal- ions, or penguins, which can look a little scary up close. This was a great trip and I’d like to thank the Biology Department for putting together the visit in the first place. It was a superb day out and an enjoyable way to spend part of our last week at KEGS, despite the looming spectre of endless revision and exams.

Philip Hammerson Year 13 The ChElMSFORDIAN - Science 49 KEGS SOCIETY OF MEDICINE The former President of MedSoc reviews the past year If KEGS was a human body, then the school a society that helps students with all these points. community would be its beating heart, evoking a For me, being a President of MedSoc has been a sense of unity, of belonging and a desire to help great experience and a fantastic opportunity to your fellow student. This is evident in the incep- befriend people in the year below. As a result of tion of KEGS Society of Medicine: a society set up this, MedSoc (at the risk of sounding clichéd) has by students wishing to pursue a career in Medi- become a family, with each member looking out cine, to help other students who want to follow for each other in a variety of ways, from providing the same career path. emotional support for those who find the appli- The KEGS Society of Medicine, or MedSoc for cation process very stressful to simply sharing a short, meets regularly throughout the academic medical news article with the rest of the society year. Some meetings are about medical ethics, as they may find it interesting. I have heard KEGS where the aim is to make students develop the often described as a goldfish bowl, a collection of ability to argue and discuss sensitive topics (such highly intellectual individuals who all strive for as abortion or euthanasia) in a coherent and academic excellence. This can sound like a nega- intellectual manner. This skill will be invaluable tive, as it means that one can become out of touch when students become doctors, as they will have with the outside world, but it is certainly a pos- to weigh up the benefits of a certain treatment itive concerning applying for Medicine. In most and decide (with the patient central to the deci- schools throughout the country, only a couple of sion-making process) what is right for the patient. students (if any) apply for Medicine each year, The rest of the meetings have been about ap- whereas at KEGS, about twenty students apply plying for Medicine at university. Medicine is an each year. This lack of isolation provides a unique extremely competitive course to get onto. Not support network, which MedSoc thrives on. only must you get excellent A-Level results, but MedSoc is now entering its third generation of you must also perform well in admissions tests, students, with Helen Quah and Guatam Menon the impress Admissions Tutors at interviews, under- new Presidents. I have no doubt in my mind that take the necessary work experience to show your MedSoc will continue to be a huge success, and I interest in this profession, do some long term wish future applicants all the best and hope they volunteer work and write a personal statement achieve the goals they have set themselves. that displays your competence and enthusiasm for Medicine. These criteria are at face value over- Benjamin Patterson whelming, so the school is very fortunate to have Year 13 ECohome Project Year 7 Science students design an ecologically friendly house As part of their Year 7 Science course, students are taught about energy and energy transfers (by conduction, convection and radiation) and the conservation of energy. This has included consid- eration of ways of making our homes efficient. This year, working with 7M, Mr Ager has tried to make some of these concepts less abstract by having students make real models of their houses, to show the types of insulation and other energy-saving features in use in their home, and to consider how they could improve the energy efficiency of their home. This project-based approach seemed to really motivate and enthuse the students.

Mr LeCouteur Head of Lower School Science 50 The ChElMSFORDIAN - ScIence DAWS HALL TRIP Year 12 Biologists start their studies by spending time in the field Before we even had the chance to get used to being VIth form students, Year 12 Biology students were whisked off on a two day field trip to Daws Hall in Suffolk. The field trip was run by Mr Wren, a keen enthusiast in all things wildlife related, who was our guide over the course of the two days. The purpose of the field trip was to provide support for our AS Level studies, in particular our study of biodiversity and how it can affect the environment. We learnt new skills in sampling techniques by comparing two different areas of a meadow using quadrats and pointframes at the same time! We also acquired a previously non-existent knowledge of plants such as ‘St. John’s Wort’ and Finally, the fieldtrip ended with a visit to the ‘Yarrow’. The purpose of the sample was to inves- Black Poplar tree Clone Bank which was situated tigate any differences in biodiversity and suggest within the reserve. The Black Poplar tree is Brit- reasons why. ain’s rarest timber tree and Essex is a part of Brit- We sampled different parts of the River Stour ain in which many of the trees have been found. (and the brooks feeding into it) and then com- To prevent the tree from becoming extinct, and pared and analysed the data. Some of the equip- to preserve the cultural heritage which surrounds ment which we were able to use included a sweep the tree, Daws Hall set up a clone bank in order net to catch the variety of animals living in the to reintroduce the trees back into the local areas. river, a temperature and oxygen probe and a river As most of the Black Poplar trees were male, due flowmeter. to this preference being introduced when it was Perhaps the most exciting part of the field trip used for timber, most of the trees were genetical- came on the second day when we were able to ly identical and could not reproduce through cross unveil the Longworth traps which we had set the pollination. This part of the trip was extremely in- night before. Despite claims that some groups formative and gave us an insight into the subject were going to catch a badger, ultimately the traps of biodiversity as well as efforts to conserve wild- proved too small and this was met with much life and prevent extinction of precious species. disappointment. Unveiling the mammals was Mr The application of aspects of the AS Level sylla- Wren, who undoubtedly had seen them all before bus to activities in Daws Hall was definitely help- and was a true pro at shaking them out of the ful and was felt to be a worthwhile experience. traps. The traps captured the three most common small mammals at Daws Hall which are wood Phillip Marriage mice, yellow necked mice and bank voles. Year 12 BIOLOGY TALKS AT UCL Biologists travel to London for a day of lectures On a fine Tuesday morning in November, Year 12 Tools such as genetics, archaeology, anthropology, students had the opportunity to visit University ancient DNA and computer simulations have been College London for a series of insightful lectures used to track the co-evolution of lactase persis- given by experts in their given fields. Dr Nessa tence, the ability to digest the sugar in milk. This Carey, a researcher and author, kicked off the day was a day of engaging lectures that gave us an with an engaging lecture on the field of Epigenet- insight into the vast array of avenues explored in ics. This is the study of changes in gene expres- biological research. sion and how our DNA ultimately defines us. Another talk was given by Professor of Evolution- Helen Quah ary Genetics, Mark Thomas, on the extensive map- Year 12 ping of the origins and evolution of milk drinking. The ChElMSFORDIAN - LANGUAGES 51 Cyrano de Bergerac AS French Students experience a classic French comedy-drama film On the 11th of June, the Year 10 AS Level French of life, with some students headed to the library for a day filled with groups showing gen- activities based around the French film Cyrano de uine Hollywood-wor- Bergerac (1990). The film, which is very loosely thy potential. We are based on real life, follows a duellist named Cyrano eagerly anticipating who suppresses his love for his beautiful cousin viewing our classy by helping a fellow duellist win her heart. We and sophisticated were immediately engaged in a number of very performances. useful and creative activities which helped with Overall, the day our speaking and listening skills, as well a couple was very enjoyable of tasks that further cemented our knowledge of and I would certain- some of the more complex structures and tenses ly recommend it to that French has to offer. Before lunch, we watched any future French AS the ending of the film, which included some students. I would also heart-racing fight scenes and a quite emotional like to thank Madame Selaj and Monsieur Steele love story throughout. on behalf of all of the students for putting togeth- We really enjoyed the afternoon as we worked in er and organising a wonderful day. small groups and combined our creative minds to film a modern version of the infamous duel scene. Ben Marlow Our traditional French costumes, comprising of Year 10 jeans and hoodies, gave the story a new lease Les cinquièmes et lavoisier Year 8 enjoy a series of cross-curricular lessons 8M worked on a cross-curricular project between and I were delighted with their work on the day. I French and Science and studied the life of Antoine can’t wait to see the final product. Lavoisier, the father of modern science. I am certain that 8H, who will be doing the exper- Lavoisier lived in the 18th century and revolu- iment in a few weeks with Mme Midroit, will enjoy tionised science with his theories. He was a very it as much. thorough and determined scientist, who proved This would not have been possible without Mr previous theories wrong and discovered oxygen Steele’s planning and resources, Dr Pearson’s ex- and nitrogen. Thanks to Lavoisier, we now know pertise and the work of the Lab Technicians. Merci that although matter may change shape or form, mille fois! its mass stays the same. His wife, Marie-Anne Pierette Paulze, was a very intelligent young lady Mme. Selaj and helped him in his research. MFL Department Our students studied his work and the vocabulary that they would need to conduct the experiment. We wanted to verify his theory: Mass can neither be created nor destroyed but might change form. After several lessons, they were ready to film. Thanks to Dr Pearson’s support, all the equipment was ready and, after a few safety instructions, they got to work. It was wonderful to see 8M in charge of their own project, filming responsibly and with the determination to do well. For me, it was the chance to step out of my classroom and allow my students to do something new and original. Dr Pearson 52 The ChElMSFORDIAN - laNGUAGES ALsace TRIP Year 8 spend a week exploring the sites around the French-German border In October last year, Year 8 went to Alsace, as a in the German state of Baden-Württemberg in French and German trip. Alsace is a north-eastern southern Germany. We visited French towns and region in France, and a south-west region in Ger- German towns but the best day by far was when many. We stayed in a hotel called ‘Le Riquewihr’ we went to Europa-Park in Germany. Europa-Park in Rust, Germany. However, because we stayed is the largest theme park in Germany and the on the border of France and Germany, it was easy second most popular theme park resort in Europe, to cross the border and travel to both French and following Disneyland Paris, and fortunately it was German towns. situated within walking-distance to our hotel. Every evening at our hotel, we worked on pro- The trip lasted a week. Every day was ac- jects to remind ourselves of everything we had tion-packed with lots of adventure. It was a done that day, and to share our experiences with wonderful experience, learning about French and other members of the group. German culture every day and they were many We visited culture-packed areas such as ‘le great things to see and do, including bird shows Château de Haut Koenigsbourg,’ a castle in France and a cable car ride, with beautiful scenic views situated in the Vosges mountains, to the ancient everywhere. If you do not go on this trip, you are German town of Baden-Baden. Baden-Baden is hugely missing out and I would recommend it to anyone and everyone. Those who have been can tell you of their experience; I am sure that each and every story will be convincingly positive. I can testify to the fact that those in Year 7, whose time for Alsace is yet to come, will enjoy it extremely. Muhammad Saleh Year 8 Nausicaá Year 7 students visit the famous French sea-life centre On Friday 28th, I visited Nausicaá in France with the rest of my class and it was a really great trip. Firstly we went to a market in Boulogne in which they sold many different items. Most of the kids in my class bought some baguettes or a hat. At the market we really made use of the French we had learnt at KEGS, even trying to barter with the sellers there so that we could get a good deal. We then ordered a drink from a little restaurant by the seaside in French. Of course, this meant that we could practice our knowledge of popular food and drink; it also allowed us to attempt to trans- would then say ‘Share a coke with’ and then your late some items on the menu which we had not name. I think we all marvelled at this machine, yet encountered in our lessons! I would say the especially since it was difficult to find our names best part of the day was when we visited Nausi- on the Coca-Cola bottles in England, so this was caá, the sea-life centre. “C’est super!” everyone a great compromise and a nice souvenir to take agreed. We saw sharks, sea lions, crocodiles, with us. There were lots of other things to buy at and jellyfish - the list goes on and on with the the hypermarket as well, including the odd French number of fish we saw. After that we went to book and magazine if we were really adventurous. the hypermarket. It was really big and it had so At the end of the day, the trip is a great day out many shops inside, much like a large shopping to practice your French and have fun, and I would centre we would find in England, yet something thoroughly recommend it. much more common, it seemed, in France. There was a Coca-Cola machine there which sold cans Yashwanth Tenneti on which you could write your name and the can Year 7 The ChElMSFORDIAN - LANGUAGES 53 Reading haiku aloud KEGS students encounter Japanese haiku “Repeat your verses a thousand times on your experience is lips. Haiku […] are songs; they are meant to be different for read aloud and repeated aloud. The full and per- the reader and fect meaning of a haiku is not realised until it is their audience. heard by the physical hear.” was Basho’s advice to When read by his disciples. our Japanese guests, the im- Furu ike ya The old pond- ages were re- Kawazu tobi komu A frog jumps in, vealed to them Mizu no oto Sound of water by the eye, through the This famous haiku by Basho is at the start of a combination of Chinese and Japanese characters. fruitful collaboration between KEGS and our For the audience, our KEGS students, there was no partner school in Okinawa, Japan. Dr Greenwood’s intellectual distraction linked to the words. Hear- Year 7 group experienced the art of writing haiku ing was intuitive. Both groups rejoined as soon as with a different perspective this year: Japanese the last word was uttered. By the time we heard and English students about the frog, it had read them aloud, already jumped in together, forming the pond. Just like a connection that the ephemeral sound endured beyond the of the water, haiku words. do not cover a wide Reading aloud time span, they tell makes you experi- us about an immedi- ence not only touch, ate experience. The taste, sight, smell but greatest surprise also hearing, which is for the reader and culturally important the listener was the in connection with power simple words haiku. An exceptional can have. As we read haiku has nothing ex- aloud those ordinary ceptional. We do not words as one, we choose a haiku for captured a transitory its beauty, we just experience insight of moment in time, it. Look at how simple and we found the amazing, the light the words in “The old moment of enlightenment (or pond” are. Reading it aloud satori for the Zen inspired). transforms it. It lets the words The Japanese language we hear paint thoughts in our contains much more than minds, each image triggering what can be expressed with another. No one hearing it or words. Haiku poets have been reading it can create the same observing nature and the sea- painting because our imagina- sons closely and have been tion is sculpted by experience, writing about them for cen- culture, education, who we are. A haiku is alive. It turies, hence the wealth of vocabulary they use. changes and unveils new truths each time we read They hint instead of telling all, they don’t tell the it aloud. Led by Dr Greenwood, we read Basho’s reader what to understand or how to feel. They haiku out loud several time in pairs, in groups, as are like an artist who leaves white spaces on their a class and we let it lead us to a different world, painting to highlight the effect of the painted beyond the words and the surface meaning. area. This is why a haiku seems almost incomplete Haiku started in an oral culture. Until the 4th when hearing it the first time. This is why reading century AD the Japanese had no writing system them aloud is an aesthetic experience. of their own. They adapted the Chinese script, using them for the meaning they convey. This is Midroit Sensei how, when reading a haiku aloud in Japanese, the MFL Department 54 The ChElMSFORDIAN - gEOGRAPHY & GEOLOGY WORLDWISE QUIZ KEGS participates in the quiz organised by the Geographical Association KEGS once again entered teams in the Worldwise was the only real highlight of the event, with all Quiz, this time held at Brentwood School. The two eagerly tucking into exquisite hot food, chips and teams of Y8-10 students were mentored by Y12 abundant ice creams with the added bonus of salt students David Barker and Brody Andrews. On a cellars on the tables. The students could hardly dark, miserable snowy day in March the teams, contain themselves. comprised of WeiNan Zhou, Aniket Chitre, David The second half passed in a blur. Finland, Swe- Hammerson, Tejas Kotwal, Jay Ho, Arran Dutta, den, Volvo, Finland, the answers seemed so pre- James Thompson, Adam Norton-Steele arrived at dictable if you study Regional Geography. KEGS Brentwood School raring to go. came, KEGS saw and KEGS lost. We headed home In the spirit of fair play the KEGS students didn’t reminiscing about the quality of the evening meal. Google the questions when, before the event To salt, or not to salt, that is the question. started, the organisers gave the team a sneak pre- view as they checked the projector worked. Un- Dr Hitch fortunately for the KEGS teams, the dinner break Head of Geography & Geology Chelmsford river study Year 8 explores the River Can as it flows through Chelmsford On Monday 24th June, 8H took a trip to the riv- stopping at five more sites along the way. It was er with Mrs Revell and Mr Gibbs as part of our outside the Odeon that paper went flying down- Geography project. It was an interesting trip stream; however, Mr Gibbs had unfortunately through which we learnt a lot, such as the fact forgotten his swimming shorts. At each of these that rivers flow faster without meanders and that locations we commented on the management of field sketch paper actually floats in the river. We the river and why some banks were concrete and started out after lunch, and walked to the first site others were natural. Little did we know that the for our investigation (in single file, of course) with time for the trip to end was drawing near, and nor clipboards in our hands, only to be faced with a 5 did the teachers judging by the time we had left minute wait for the lights to change. Eventually to get back to school. However we still managed we reached our first site; Central Park. This was a to get back on time. On the way back, we took pic- peaceful place, despite the occasional “Look out! tures of the river that we are using for a project, You’re going to fall in!”, and we noted on our field and also continued to note down all the other sketch the flow of the river, the vegetation, the geographical points that we were learnt on this likelihood of flooding, and one or two of us even enjoyable trip. noted the passing duck. We continued this process as we walked along Adam Norton-Steele the river, past the Odeon and to the confluence, Year 8 The ChElMSFORDIAN - gEOGRAPHY & GEOLOGY 55 nettlecombE GCSE Geographers travel to Somerset to complete their fieldwork The first day for the trip dawned bright and early, as the 97 of us crowded towards the backs of the two coaches, a mosh pit of Geography loving students with nothing other than data collection on their minds. Year 10 Geographers were about to embark on a trip of courage and strife, coursework and valour, and of small indistinguishable lumps in lentil curry. Day 1 It took us roughly six hours to get to Minehead, a trip broken only by a stop at a service station to quench our thirst and hunger. Upon reaching Minehead, a beautiful seaside town dominated by that holiday icon which is Butlins, we were greeted by our guide Harry, who We spent the day collecting measurements of instructed us in our inquiries, mainly to work out: width, depth and velocity among many others, Was the Minehead coastline worth defending in order to complete our coursework. Only one from the destructive influences of the sea? Which person, and our data, fell into the river. is better, red rock or blue rock? And who did kill We got back to the manor for what limited free Danny Latimer? Data acquired, we ventured on to time there was in the expansive grounds, involv- Nettlecombe Manor to unpack and relax before ing football, rugby, and dashing around trying to dinner, before interpreting, analysing and pre- get phone signal. After tea, we spent time collat- senting the day’s work. The manor house itself ing and interpreting our measurements; I don’t was built in the 15th century, and, whilst beauti- know what was more surprising, our data, or the ful, had less toilets than Chelmsford High Street. fact that Wigan won the FA Cup, and clearly, nei- However, our room was exquisite; wood panels ther did Dr. Hitch. and a large fireplace, with a listed ceiling showing Day 3 beautiful frescos of unicorns and fish, all writhing As we woke, we packed our bags to leave Net- in pain. tlecombe Court, but one more treat awaited us; Day 2 Taunton and its well protected river. We ventured Breakfast was in the hall, a large room like forth from the coaches and proceeded down something from Harry Potter. Having made our the long river path with our omnipresent guide, lunch (and of course, our beds) we set off for the Harry. Dr Hitch pointed out the key features of an River Holford, winding through the hills of Som- optimal river defence, and we filled out sheets erset. Unfortunately, due to the size of our coach outlining our opinions on the matter (mainly and complaints from local residents, we couldn’t formulated on what snippets of information we access 60% of the river, so we had to settle for a could scrounge off Dr. Hitch). We then relaxed small portion, hoping it would be representative for a leisurely lunch on the grass next to the river of the whole. (which provides a great defence against flooding). Heading back to the town centre, we stopped by to ask the local population on their opinion of the flood defences. From the few willing volun- teers, we concluded that yes, the flood defences are worth the money. Surveys (and shopping) aside, we took the long journey home, stopping at the bountiful KFC for some food aside games of Mario Kart - don’t ask. We would like to thank all the teachers: Dr. Hitch, Mrs Revell, Miss Fryer, Mr Russell and the two coach drivers, wherever they are, for organising the trip.

Thomas Mitty and Laurence Watts Year 10 56 The ChElMSFORDIAN - gEOGRAPHY & GEOLOGY WALTON-ON-THE-NAZE Year 7 Geographers enjoy a day at the coast For our first KEGS geography fieldtrip we spent a granite covered in green moss lying at their feet. relaxing day on the Essex Coast, learning invalu- We walked along the beach, hunting for sharks able information about the geography of coast- teeth, fossil plants and shells as we went, for we lines and even being able to sit and eat lunch on a had been informed of the importance of fossils in beach - assuredly something which many Year 7s forming a geological record of the area. had not yet experienced. Further up (or indeed down the coast, depend- The day started with a quasi fashion parade and ing on how you look at it) we found some less everyone criticising each other’s style. Then, with aesthetically pleasing Norwegian granite forming our immaturities for the day out of the way, we the coastal defence known as a rip-rap along the gathered at the coach, and once registered, we set managed section of the coastline. There were off on our trip to Walton. Eventually we arrived at other forms of defence too protecting the Tower Walton-on-the-Naze, the birth place of geography and the town, such as sea walls, groynes and the fieldtrips. Off of the coach we got, and encoun- beach itself, which many of us had failed pre- tered our first sight of the Naze and a spectacular viously to recognise as a means to slow down view of the sea (and off-shore windfarms). Busily the sea waves and thus protect the coast. With noting down the valuable nuggets of information our notes completed for the day, we set off back Mrs Revell offered us, we calculated the height of down the coast to our awaiting coach. Overall we the Naze Tower and also how long it would take had great fun, learning lots about coastal erosion for a nearby WWII pill box to disappear over the and protection. We would like to thank the Geog- eroding cliff: 26 years was our best suggestion. raphy Department for organising this excellent Later we saw that further down the coastline, annual trip. slumping had affected the cliffs, and the rem- nants of the erosion presenting an aesthetically Joe Perry and Eliott Bunch pleasing sight, and witnessed the fallen lumps of Year 7 kegs Young geographer Ollie Barnard is the third successive Young Geographer of the Year at KEGS An unbelievable hat-trick was achieved this year high national profile and is also due to feature in when Ollie Barnard (9S) secured the national title the Chelmsford Ideas Festival to be held during of Royal Geographical Society Young Geographer the October half-term. Pop along and check out of the Year, following on from the Department’s the walk, “Top Geography” ! successes in this competition in 2011, Ethan Harradine, and 2012, WeiNan Zhou. Competitors Dr Hitch were charged with developing a walk-around of Head of Geography location of their own choice, linking landmarks Visit the Website: to countries competing in the 2012 Olympics http://www.discoveringbritain.org/walks/region/east-of-england/chelmsford.html through famous residents, industries or buildings. This certainly caught the imagination of many students and a strong field of entries was made, including Tristan Reid (9M) and Adam Kirchel (9M). Ollie’s award-winning walk, highlighting the wide-ranging international links of the City of Chelmsford, beat an entry of over 1500 from across the country and subsequently has been developed into a stunning website with a detailed downloadable map, guide book and audio guide, voiced by Ollie himself. The supporting guide details a fascinating geography of Chelmsford and Ollie’s image even features alongside those of King Edward VI and John Dee on the KEGS pages. The walk has a Image: © RGS-IBG Discovering Britain The ChElMSFORDIAN - gEOGRAPHY & GEOLOGY 57 PEMBROKESHIRE GEOLOGY VIth Form Geologists go rocking and rolling in Wales Early on the morning of the 11th of May, a group of fourteen Geologists had already arrived at school, ready to be crammed into a mini-bus for the next six hours. Four from Year 13, and 10 from Year 12, we were heading for the Orielton Field Centre in Pembrokeshire, where we would spend several days looking at some of the more interesting rocks that Wales has to offer. When we arrived in Wales, we met our slightly eccentric guide for the first time, Sid. The afternoon was spent doing some light prep work, teaching us how to take measurements correctly and learning about some of the things we were to see over the trip. Lava, which forms when magma is extruded on Our first evening at Orielton Centre was fairly un- the sea floor, and several of us trekked up a near- eventful, consisting of unpacking and a quick tast- by hill to look at some columnar jointing similar er session in the centre’s classroom. The next day to that of the Giant’s Causeway. Igneous geology however, we piled back into the minibus to visit doesn’t get better than this. Saundersfoot, where we saw faults and folding, The final morning we visited Dak beach, and and an excellent example of an anticline, named took several measurements of our own this time, Lady’s Cave. The rest of the day was spent at the looking at the sequence of rocks in the area, and village of Amroth, where we examined the layers the geology of the bay and headland. However, within the cliffs, and pieced together the history the famed Welsh rain started up towards lunch- of the area, as well as a fossil finding competition. time, so we weren’t too sad to have to finally say Day three was spent looking at the igneous rock goodbye and leave for home. features in which Essex is so lacking. At Porthclais, we saw 600 million year old magma intrusions, as Jacob White well as several dykes at the tongue-twisting cave, Year 12 Ogof Golcafa. We then saw an example Pillow SCHools’ geology challenge KEGS follows up on last year’s second place in this national competition Following our almost triumph last year, largely Unfortunately this year the buzzer round had a due to a final round where George Cox trounced buzzer, and a timer, so the name of the first school all and sundry with his stunning Geological to buzz appeared on the big screen. How did some Knowledge in the non-buzzer buzzer round we schools react in 0.012 seconds, had they learnt once again ventured to the Geological Society of from George last year? We clearly lacked him as London with hope in our hearts. This time, how- in the entire round we only managed to be first to ever, without George but with our veteran from the buzzer twice, from 40 questions, and only got 2012, Philip Hammerson. Our poster was com- 50% of those right. Fewer points than Fulham’s plete, and fascinating, our presentation timed to last 6 premiership games of 2012-2013 and many perfection, who could deliver it with more style thought that almost impossible. It’s not the win- than Jon Funnell? We were ready to perform. ning, it is the taking part and on this showing we On arrival we were rather stunned that several managed neither to any great distinction. Still it schools had clearly brought in graphic designers was a lovely afternoon in London and the chance to produce their posters. Mark in reprographics for some chips on the way home. Thanks Tom had run ours off that morning and what a good Mitchell, Philip Hammerson, Alex Perham-March- job he had done considering what he had to ant and captain Jonathan Funnell. work with. The presentation was delivered with panache. The judges impressed. 2013 would go Dr Hitch down in KEGS Geological history. Head of Geography & Geology 58 The ChElMSFORDIAN - Philosophy Philosophy and Interfaith KEGS celebrates both World Philosphy Day and Interfaith Week In the Autumn Term, a group of Year 9 students question – with a prize for the winner. Once that formed a committee with Ms Turtle to organise a question was decided, we then ran a competition series of events to celebrate and mark Inter-Faith to find the best answer to the winning question. Week and World Philosophy Day. It was an amaz- The winning question, from Will Skelton, was ing opportunity for all of us to stretch ourselves, ‘Would humans still be moral if they knew they think innovatively and work as a team. would never be condemned or punished for their In our eyes, there were three main purposes and actions?’, while the winning answer from Alicia aims of the week, which took place in November. Cork (too long to reproduce here) appealed to Firstly, we were attempting to build and strength- evolutionary psychology to argue that moral been inter-faith relations. We were also aiming to haviour and conformity is ‘part of our wiring’. create an awareness of the value of a diversity ‘Would You Rather…?’ Tutor Discussions of cultures. Finally, we tried to develop students’ understanding of the different and distinct faiths, The ‘Would Your Rather…’ tutor support mate- focussing on faiths which may have been unfamil- rial aimed to encourage tutor groups to think iar to students. about their priorities and engage in philosophical World Philosophy Day, held on the third Thurs- debate. Students were asked, for example, ‘Would day of every November, aims to promote and you rather get £50,000 legally or £150,000 treasure philosophical thoughts, reflections and illegally?’, and had to justify and discuss their ideas from all over the globe. “It is a day for peo- answers. ple to share thoughts, openly explore and discuss Mosque Trip new ideas and inspire public debate or discussion Another event of the exciting week was a trip on society’s challenges.” to the local Mosque. Students in all year groups The ten-day event featured – amongst other were given the chance to visit the mosque in things – two debates, a competition, a tutor time Chelmsford. Many people realized the true worth resource, a play, a trip to Chelmsford Mosque, a of this opportunity to experience the heart of Langar Dinner, and an all-day learning experience another faith, and the trip turned out to be a for Year 8. popular choice. As students left the school the air Debates was full of excitement, curiosity and anticipation. To mark the occasion of World Philosophy Day, They were warmly welcomed by Mrs Naeem and we organised a school debate in the Hall over her team, and the informative talk that students whether or not the UK should be part of the EU. received was both engaging and thought-provok- Opposing our membership of Europe was Mr Wor- ing. The tour of the mosque was amazing, and was rall and sixth-former Rob Price, and defending our a real highlight. membership was Mr Burcher and Mr Steele. This was a very successful and entertaining event. Year 13 also held a debate during Enrich- ment time on the question of whether the failings of human nature mean that we need to be ‘ruled with an iron fist’. Question and Answer Competition The question and answer competition stimulated philosophical reflection and discussion. We started the competition on World Philosophy Day, and asked students to submit their deepest philosophical The ChElMSFORDIAN - Philosophy 59

Langar Dinner Year 8 students had the opportunity to cook a Langar meal, a communal meal which Sikhs eat after visits to the Gurdwara. All the dishes were vegetarian as is traditionally done at a Gurdwara, so that everybody of any faith or requirements can eat the food. Students sat on the floor to eat, and this symbolises equality. The dishes were authentically Indian, and the way they ate them was authentic and gave a real feel for what it would be like to be at a Langar. Overall, it was an enjoyable, educational and spicy experience. Faith Play One of our more ambitious Shintoism, Zoroastrianism and Baha’ism, research events was the Lower School Faith Play. In col- them, and produce a comprehensive presentation laboration with the Lower School Drama Society, – including a video, diary entry, timeline and dis- we reproduced the Parable of the Three Brothers play board – to inform others about that religion. to perform in a Lower School Assembly – and we We hoped that by studying these faiths in detail thoroughly enjoyed producing this piece. The for a whole day, it allowed everyone to appreciate message of the parable went to the very core of both the similarities and differences between Inter-Faith Week, getting the Lower School to these faiths and others that are better known to think about inter-faith relations and the impor- them. This day was entirely organised and staffed tance of respectful dialogue. by the Year 9 Committee – a tremendous opportu- Y8 Faith Day nity and responsibility. Finally, as Jacks put it: “By far our greatest Overall achievement was the Year 8 Faith Day!” Year 8 It is hoped that at the end of the ten day event were encouraged to analyse four faiths: Caodaism, there was an increased awareness of what both Inter-Faith Week and World Philosophy Day were about. In addition, people had been made to stop and think about many aspects of religion, philosophy and culture throughout the world. Most of all, it is hoped that a better understanding of faiths will lead to more co-operation and tolerance in the future both at school and outside in the community.

Thank you so much to all of the staff and students who supported, encouraged, participated in and organised these events – we could not have done it without you. We hope that the current Year 8s (who will be chosen soon, no doubt!), embrace this fantastic idea and produce another action-packed week to remind us all of the important values that are not only relevant in Inter-Faith Week but in every week in the year.

Good luck!

Henry Sainsbury and Committee Members Year 9 60 The ChElMSFORDIAN - Philosophy Philosophy trip A-Level students enjoy an action-packed trip to a Cambridge College For the Year 13 Philosophy students the East- er Holidays began early this year as we were whisked away on an alluring and mysterious trip to Cambridge. Thrilled at the prospect of finally cutting through the buzzing mass of confusion that had surrounded the trip for weeks, we were eager to discover what philosophical delights awaited our excitable minds in the renowned city of thought and learning. The ‘information’ packs handed out en-route failed to divulge the mysterious surprise of the trip, but after arriving at our Cambridge Col- lege and hearing the Head Porter quickly cover everything from fire safety to where to get a midnight cuppa, all was revealed. Imagination, concentration, perseverance and above all trust were stretched to their limit over the weekend. The ingenuity and audacity of Ms Turtle was revealed, Luke Abbott went above and beyond the call of duty, and the characteristic diligence and tenacity of Bethany Wickington and Beth Smith transformed into a ruthless singularity of purpose. But we have given away too much already. Suffice in a mere 2 hours of impressively condensed, yet it to say that the events of the two days will not thorough, clip-art-based revision, whilst Ms Turtle conform to anything you have ever experienced provided another creative timed challenge to test on a school trip, but, since they do not directly our Philosophy of Mind knowledge. We cannot contradict this past experience, sufficiently strong thank Mr Johnson and Ms Turtle enough for their testimony from myself and others will be able fantastic job of organising this trip for us, and to convince those sceptics amongst you that this making it enjoyable as well as useful. Their teach- fantastic trip really did happen. ing and companionship will be sorely missed. Before departure on the final day we were able The trip ended on a high, as the familiar sound to explore the delights of Cambridge history of Jerusalem passionately filled the home- and confectionery, having already engaged in a ward-bound coach. All of us, we’re sure, were left timed photo-hunt around the city the previous feeling that we had done some important revision day. Coloured buses, unsuspecting dogs, blue as well as having a lot of fun in the activities and plaques and university colleges were all snapped gaining a rare opportunity to experience life in a up by hungry cameras, as both navigational skills Cambridge College. For us, it was the most en- and philosophical knowledge were put to the joyable trip we have ever experienced, and it will test under pressure. Our team decided to make remain as one of our fondest memories of KEGS. the most of our sprint back to the College, as, complete with erratic camera shots and theme Bethany Child and Ciaran Saward tune, ‘Sir Digby Chicken Caesar’ was brought to Year 13 Cambridge. The evening of the first day saw the superb improvisation and acting skills of Ciaran Saward put to the test. Armed with new-found knowledge on Philosophy of Mind, the skies really did turn black as the bizarreness of students and situations escalated - Dan Livings’ awe-inspiring and bewildering finale will be a defining memory of this trip for all who witnessed it. But it all served a purpose, and the important revision covered over the two days was invaluable during study leave (hand-outs galore!). During our time in the college’s lecture area, Mr Johnson took us through the entirety of Hume’s enquiry The ChElMSFORDIAN - DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY 61 DEsign & Technology PROJECTS Coursework and class projects make for another productive year in DT This year has seen some superb design & technology projects from GCSE and A Level students. Several of these coursework pieces even manage to combine some of the three disciplines: graph- ics, electronics and resistant materials. All the projects have been built to a high standard and designed with a practical use in mind. There has also been some success from the Low- er School DT classes, with the paperclips shown here being one of several examples. 62 The ChElMSFORDIAN - ENGLISH KEGS Debaters in oxford KEGS pairs compete in Oxford Union Schools’ Debating Competition One Friday evening in February we travelled to aggressive and increasingly exasperated op- the regional round of the Oxford Union Schools’ ponents. Unfortunately the judge felt that the Debating Competition, along with the other KEGS greenbelt issues upon which we largely focussed pair Henry Allen & Ethan Harradine. The heat weren’t sufficiently ‘significant’ to be relevant to comprised two ‘quick prep’ debates in which the motion, leaving us with third place. Finally, in motions and positions are announced 15 minutes the fourth round we found ourselves once again beforehand. Our first motion was ‘This House in the closing proposition position, debating ‘THW would (THW) legalise all recreational drugs’ and require all religions to allow women to ascend to our second ‘THW establish vocational schools’. their highest ranks.’ The link between church and Proposing the latter, we were particularly pleased state, scriptural evidence, and whether or not be- with our performance- fending off scathing at- ing Pope is a real job were hotly debated- earning tacks from the opposition on those in ‘dead-end us a solid second place. jobs’. It was then announced that, of the 28 teams Of the 88 finals day teams, and the 600 or so competing we were one of the five to progress to who had entered the competition as a whole, we finals day in Oxford, in a rather grander setting came a respectable 45th. Though we didn’t man- than the brightly coloured Sixth Form college in age to join the ranks of Eton, Westminster, Dul- East London that had hosted the regional round. wich and co. in the evening’s grand final we were Unfortunately, we would be going without Ethan very pleased with the result- especially given that and Henry who had just missed out. we were mostly up against students two years And so we set off for the Oxford Union at 06:30 above us, including many from elite schools in on the rather gloomy morning of Saturday 9th countries such as Canada, Italy and Germany who March; alas, it soon became apparent that the actually have their own professional debating weather was pathetic fallacy for our first round coaches. As ever, thanks must go to Miss Moore for performance- coming a disappointing fourth (of her ongoing dedication and generosity in giving four) as the closing proposition team on ‘THW up her time to take us to so many of these great grant an amnesty for all illegal immigrants’. It events each year. seemed that rambling about how ghettoization is simply the result of people using the word Theo Demolder and Joe Richards ‘immigrant’ was not the standard of debate that Year 10 would be needed in this final. Fortunately our luck changed in the next round however as we came first, albeit much to our surprise- closing the opposition case for ‘THW remove patent protection on life saving drugs in low income countries.’ A series of unevidenced assertions on competition being bad as it means monopo- lies that can’t benefit from economies of scale, and speculation about corrupt governments not passing on savings on drug costs to consumers had drastically improved our situation going into the lunch break. Recalling that in previous competitions, the lowest ranking teams nor- mally found themselves with fourth place in all four rounds, we were at least heartened that we would be saved from the embarrassment of finishing bottom of the table. Round three saw us opening the opposition case against ‘THW place significant decisions on environmental protection in the hands of scientists rather than democratic bodies’. A genuine divide between the proposition and opposition teams soon developed, with an unspoken accord between both teams on our side to not accept any the points o f i n f o r m a t i o n f r o m o n e o f o u r i n c r e d i b l y The ChElMSFORDIAN - sport 63 1st xi cricket KEGS 1st XI cricketers are victorious in the U19 County Cup With the weather being kind to KEGS this season, results on the pitch have been very encouraging - not only in terms of the number of fixtures played, but also in the actual results. With the President’s XI fixture to come and an outstanding Under 17 County Cup semi-final still to play, the KEGS Senior XIs have played 10 fixtures with their only defeat coming at the hands of a strong MCC side. Early season friendlies against Colne Cricket Academy and local rivals Westcliff High School saw Kishen Patel and Ollie Goldsmith find their form with undefeated half centuries. The seam attack of Charlie Prudence, well supported by County Final. Against the MCC the school bowled Year 9s Albie Nuttall and Ollie Heazel, took regu- and fielded with accuracy and enthusiasm to lar wickets, with Kishen Patel’s off-spin providing keep the MCC to a score of 219-3 declared. After valuable variety to the bowling. a solid start KEGS collapsed to 44-4 before Ollie In the Under 19 County Cup, a thrilling last ball Goldsmith (70) and Jamie Coleman (31) gave victory was recorded over a strong King John XI KEGS an outside chance of the win. In an exciting where Charlie Prudence backed up his 3 wickets finish with boundaries being scored and wickets earlier in the match by scoring the required 12 falling rapidly the school eventually came up 37 runs required for victory in the last over. The team runs short. then went on to defeat Leyton Cricket College in The next day saw KEGS invited to bat by Campi- the semi-final, in which spinners Sam Trowell and on in the County Final. KEGS compiled a massive Kishen Patel bowled out the opposition on a dry, 291-7 in their 40 overs with Ollie Heazel (70) and dusty, responsive surface. Two outstanding catch- Sam Trowell (61) top scoring. Campion put up a es were taken by Year 10s Ed Abbott and Sam spirited reply but were eventually bowled out for Alderton, which highlighted the important contri- 201 with Sam Trowell adding 4 wickets to his ear- bution these two made throughout the season in lier half century and Rahul Patel holding on to two the field. However, wicketkeeper Ollie Goldsmith exceptional catches in the outfield. Thus KEGS took the honours with 3 stumpings and a catch. sealed a very successful season with a memorable Alongside these victories, the Under 17 side, County Cup victory. which was very similar in selection to that of Further congratulations must go to Rahul Patel the 1st XI, made quiet progress in their County for his selection in the South-East of England Cup defeating Greensward and Newham Cricket Under 15 Squad, and to Charlie Prudence, Kishen Academy to reach the semi- finals. Rahul Patel Patel, Sam Trowell, Ollie Heazel and Albert Nuttall scored half centuries in both fixtures whilst being for their County honours this year. Well done to strongly supported by James Coleman and Sam all! Trowell. So in conclusion, KEGS wait to see how a very The start of July saw back-to-back fixtures successful season will finish with the hope of against the MCC, always an important game in the another County Cup Final in early September if calendar; then the following day, the Under 19 they can progress in their Under- 17 semi-final. The team has been led well by Sam Gravatt and, in his absence, by Charlie Prudence. The most pleasing aspect has been how a very young and inexperienced side have gelled together on the pitch with students in Years 9 and 10 successfully fulfilling key roles in both the batting line-up and the bowling attack. It would appear that prospects for future sea- sons looks very positive for KEGS cricket!

Mr Harding P.E. Department 64 The ChElMSFORDIAN - sport 1st Xv Rugby The 1st XV enjoy a promising year of rugby With the majority of 1st XV that had reached the against Newport Free Grammar. KEGS were again last 32 of the National Vase competition leaving able to test the strength of the squad, welcoming KEGS in the summer last year, this season saw a Year 11s Dan Moore and James Oldfield into the new-look squad take to the field in the opening squad, and produced a fine display to win 33-17. game vs Helena Romanes. However, the injury jinx struck again: this time Led by captain Jordan Ayling, KEGS produced a flanker Ronny Jenner, succumbing to a knee injury strong performance to comfortably win the game that would sideline him for a number of weeks. 35-5, with the KEGS driving lineout proving to be Despite travelling with an injury-hit squad, KEGS a particularly effective attacking weapon. Next up were still confident that they could progress in the was an away trip to Colchester VIth Form Col- Daily Mail Cup as they met Colchester RGS in the lege in the opening round of the Daily Mail Cup. 4th Round. Unfortunately, KEGS failed to perform In a generally scrappy game, the KEGS backline the first half and CRGS ran in a number of tries. managed to produce a series of fine tries to again The second half saw an improved display, but de- emerge as comfortable victors. In the 3rd Round spite periods spent camped in the opposition 22, KEGS played host to St. Ignatius College, Enfield. KEGS were unable to cross the try line. Following a tough first half, with many unforced A huge positive of the season was to see how errors from both sides, KEGS led by one solitary the KEGS team responded to this disappointing try. The half-time break was used to resolve a few result. In their final two games of the season KEGS tactical issues, and with No. 8 George Bassenger demonstrated a strong team spirit and performed and the Second Row of Callum Cooney and Rory admirably, and can count themselves extremely Houlding dominant upfront the home side pro- unlucky to lose out in the final play of the game duced an excellent team display in the second to the strong opposition of Brentwood School and stanza to win by 6 tries to 1. The Cooper’s Company & Coborn School. At this point in the season things were looking The season was to end on a high note, with a promising indeed. However misfortune was soon hugely enjoyable Training Day at Saracens RFC’s to occur as the KEGS squad was to be decimated brand new stadium courtesy of QBE. Many new by long term injuries to key players. In a friendly techniques and skills were learned on the day, fixture against Bancroft’s School the strength in which will hopefully help the KEGS 2013/14 depth of the squad was to be severely tested, squad to have a successful season. with prop Rupesh Parikh making his debut. KEGS I would like to extend my personal thanks to all battled hard throughout the game and with a of the players for their hard work and dedication late flurry of tries almost managed to achieve an throughout the season. unlikely comeback, eventually losing by 21 points to 12. Mr Davies KEGS warmed up for their 4th Round clash with P.E. Department Colchester Grammar School with a friendly fixture The ChElMSFORDIAN - sport 65 1st XI Football KEGS make it to the Essex Cup semi-finals The 1st XI football team’s 2012-13 season was a a 3-0 loss. However, the match was also an im- resounding success, most notably the campaign portant moment in KEGS sporting history, as Ayo KEGS made to the Essex Cup semi-finals. Oyelola played for the team as one of the young- Our journey began in early September with a est ever players to feature in the KEGS 1st XI as a home fixture against Colne Football Academy in Year 9 student. the National Cup, a team regularly coached by The Essex Cup quarter-finals saw a meeting Colchester United coaching staff. Despite the between KEGS and Billericay School. KEGS came difference in facilities and training time, KEGS away with a 4-2 win, meaning that this was one of pushed their opposition close, losing 2-1 to a last the most successful Essex Cup campaigns of any minute penalty. The early exit from the National KEGS 1st XI side: we had now reached the semi-fi- Cup was not a complete disaster however, as there nals, following a last minute goal sealing the were still positive signs for a strong campaign - victory from Year 12 substitute Josh Gilbert. The as the team went on to show. The first Essex Cup semi-final matched us with Harris Academy, based fixture came weeks later, a trip away to Maltings in Thurrock, who in an average week train for Academy mid-way through October. We arrived over 12 hours, and we knew that this would not in Witham nervous but eager to get the campaign be an easy match. A spirited first half display saw underway, and following a close-fought first half the half-time score remain 0-0. However, KEGS KEGS took a 1-0 lead into the second, before com- eventually cracked under the unrelenting Harris ing away 6-0 victors. Goals from me, Luke Jewers Academy pressure, losing 2-0. Despite the result, (3), Joe Claridge and Joel Bell meant a convincing the performance was an exceptional display of win and a far better reflection of what we were organisation and hard work from all of the squad capable of. which did not go unnoticed. Not long afterwards KEGS were pitted against The season ended with a friendly 5-a-side tour- Mayflower. Once again the match was close to nament against New Hall School, in which KEGS begin with, as KEGS took a 1-0 lead. KEGS raced won 10 out of 14 matches, losing just 2 and draw- into a 3-0 lead; however, Mayflower soon pulled ing the other 2. As captain of the 1st XI, the season the game back to 3-2. A free kick from the calm, was one which I regard as a huge achievement, seemingly emotionless Luke Jewers meant KEGS and it will live long in the memory. On behalf of eventually departed the second round with a 4-2 the team I would like to thank Mr Perrotton for his victory, sending the team into the quarter-finals work in running the team and coaching the var- of the Essex Cup. ious training sessions. Furthermore, I would like The Essex Cup campaign was put on hold as we to thank the whole squad for their hard work and went into a Mid-Essex Cup fixture against Essex continued enthusiasm, and wish all of the team Cup holders, Plume. After a bright start we were the best of luck for the future. unfortunately overwhelmed by our opposition. We were not without our fair share of chances, Tom Forwood but were knocked out from the competition after 1st XI Captain 2012-13 66 The ChElMSFORDIAN - sport Italy RUGby Tour Rugby players enjoy a successful tour abroad

The 2013 Italy rugby tour began in England’s belted out by the formidable James McCarthy. green and pleasant land, at a time of day when On the pitch the Year 10 team battled hard, but even if Jerusalem stood metres from you there were unfortunately outsized and confused by a would be no knowing whether it was ‘builded referee who seemed to give penalties due to the here’ at all. Suffice to say, everyone was tired. emotional reaction of the player as opposed to However, once the two teams had boarded the the actual offence. So, despite valiant efforts from flight, dreams of international rugby stardom all the team, Benneton turned out in the end to be ensued. Dreams that for some, were just that. fairly convincing victors. The Year 9 game was, as The temperature upon arrival left many unim- ever, based far more on pace than size, and in that pressed, but that would not prove to lower spirits category the KEGS team are surely a match for any throughout the tour. An introductory day of high team in England or Italy alike. This showed and quality beach rugby and the fabled rest periods they reversed the result in their match, winning dubbed by Mr Perrotton as ‘down time’ proved to by several tries. The matches were followed by be the kick-start of an eventful, inspirational and greatly appreciated pasta, and a sing-off that end- wet rugby tour. ed in a chorus of ‘Beefy Keith’ when all other song The next day started with the highly competitive choices were exhausted. round of Italy tour mini-golf regarded as on a par (get it?) with the Masters by all those within the KEGS ranks. Thoughts of this momentous occasion were quickly cast a side however, as the players realised the time had come to bathe in the blood of the (to be) massacred Benneton rugby players. Both teams arrived in high hopes, and then the Year 10s saw their opposition. To say they were big would be an understatement, and this was encapsulated in the 1 foot and 5 stone difference between our moderately sized fly half and their pumped, brobdingna- gian half-back. Moods were lifted within the team by a Rocky-related speech The ChElMSFORDIAN - sport 67

Seeing the sights of Venice and sampling Italian foods and gifts definitely presented a far less taxing day for all involved, and one that all will remember if only for the ‘one of a kind’ feeling that accompanies a trip to Venice. The evening proved to be equally as relaxing. The Year 10s went out inspired by Tom Ritchie’s and Fred Mastin’s dress code in preparation for a wild night that ended shortly after it started, when it became apparent that Italian tourist towns don’t exactly create a party atmosphere out of season, Friday night or not. But that was not why we had travelled the length of Europe. We had embarked on this herculean adventure, ever in search of a fateful win over our Italian opposition. So, after an extensive period of down time and more hotel meals, appreciatively scoffed down by all, we set off for our second match against the slightly less well regarded Ca- sale Rugby Team. The conditions were the wettest anyone had ever experienced in a rugby match, and both games would have been called off under any normal circumstances. But this did not slow anyone down. The Year 9s again (and I quote) ‘showed the pace’ defeating a well drilled Casale team that could simply not deal with the attack- shared by the teams to round off the playing side ing play of KEGS backs. The Year 10s again, came of things. All that remained was to watch Benne- up against strong opposition. The game com- ton Treviso’s first team play at their home ground menced with an unfamiliar shouting ritual that we against an Irish opposition. Unfortunately it was later found out was used to wish each other luck; rained off after half an hour of waiting. little did James (replacement captain) know when Clearly the pros don’t come close to equalling he shouted ‘who are we!?’ to the reply of ‘KEGS’. the will power of the KEGS lads! Understandably, the English speaking referee All of the boys would like to thank Mr Perrotton looked confused. The game drew a gargantuan and the PE team for a great tour. effort from everyone on the pitch with a finishing score line of 17-0 to Casale, a score that flattered Sam Alderton our considerably larger opposition. But all in all, Year 10 it was another good day with an amicable meal 68 The ChElMSFORDIAN - sport SARACENS RUGBY KEGS trains alongside members of the famous Saracens RFC team

As a result of winning the QBS Rugby Pro Compe- hand to offer specialist advice on core rugby skills tition KEGS, were one of twelve grassroots rugby and game play, as the KEGS players had the op- teams across the country to be awarded a training portunity to experience a training session on the session with Premiership Rugby players at Sara- revolutionary 4G playing surface at Allianz Park. cens RFC’s new home, Allianz Park. Following the session, Botha commented “it is Before the session the players were given a tour great to be able to give something back to the of Saracens’ new home and were very impressed grassroots game. It has been fun working with with the new stadium and the many innova- King Edward VI School and I hope that the access tive ideas that Saracens are planning to further to professional players and coaches during the enhance the match day experience – the boys training today will inspire them further.” seemed especially enthused at the new in-ground I would like to thank Saracens RFC and QBE for app that allowed the delivery of a Dominos pizza providing our students with such a fantastic ex- to their seat! perience. It will undoubtedly benefit our players Then for the session itself - led by Saracens and coaches to train with professionals from community coach Richard Gregg: First the players Saracens. A special thank you also goes to Janet were put through their paces with a series of in- Clarke who nominated KEGS for this competition tense contact and defensive drills, before moving and made this fantastic experience possible. onto focus on their offloading and attacking play, before a final game. England international second P.E. Department row Mauritz Botha and wing James Short were on The ChElMSFORDIAN - sport 69 YEAR 7 Rugby 7s KEGS triumph in the District 7s After putting in a strong performance earlier in the week by reaching the semi-final stage of the County 7s, it was hoped that the lessons learned would pay dividend in the District 7s event held at Bedford Fields. Our first game was against William de Ferrers which we won 42-0 with plenty of tries out wide from Eke Nwajei and Daniel Soyebo. In our decid- ing last pool game, we faced St. John Payne and won due to sharp bursts from the scrum-half Nick Gardner. We ended up top of our group and were due to face Boswells next in the semi finals. We picked out their “fast people” and marked them tightly. By moving the ball well, we eventually won 25-5 and were through to the final to face arch-rivals Great Baddow Sports College. We The team was: were cold and tired but with good defence and Nick Gardner, Sam Harper, Eke Nwajei, Daniel real team spirit we beat Great Baddow by the skin Soyebo, Zak Mainwaring, Tanishq Kotwal, Jude of our teeth, 17-7. We had won our first trophy Ellis, Tolu Odukoya, Joe Penny and Ed Crosby for KEGS due to the huge efforts of the forwards (Captain). in defending and great play by Nick Gardner, Sam Harper, Ed Crosby, Eke Nwajei and Daniel Soyebo. Ed Crosby Many thanks to Mr Harding for his coaching and Year 7 leadership. YEar 8 rugby 7S Year 8 are plate runners-up in the County 7s County District KEGS started off knowing that their group was After St Martins withdrawal from the tourna- going to be hard and they kicked off with a well- ment, KEGS only had to play two group matches; played match against Colchester, but unfortu- the first being Boswells. KEGS played really well nately lost 19-12. Next came Southend and early in this match, attaining a huge 50-0 victory. The on KEGS conceded a few tries, but in the second next match was against St John Payne and KEGS half things looked better and KEGS got it back to knew that this match would not be as easy, and a one-try difference, but the whistle went for full fought well for a 15-14 victory. KEGS then went time and left KEGS with a 21-14 loss. KEGS had on to play William de Ferrers; they played some played well up until this point and went into the really good rugby and deservedly came away with final match against New Hall knowing that they a 24-0 win. In the final of the tournament, KEGS could win. A really good performance from the played Great Baddow. This was a hard match in forwards and two good tries scored by the backs, poor conditions, but KEGS wanted it more and KEGS came away from the group stage with a 12-7 ended up the winners of the tournament winning win and two losses. In the plate quarter finals the match 17-12. Well done to all the boys who KEGS found themselves up against St Edmunds played and special thanks go to Mr Davies. College, a good game meant that KEGS won 26-7. The team was: Kegs then played a William de Ferrers side; it Joshua Sule-Odu, Gbemiga Lewis, Armon Etema- was a close match which in the end came down di, Will Lunt, Tommy Sedgwick, Josiah Joseph, Joe to one conversion; the score ending 21-19. Then Burton, Matt Bell, Dan Bacon, Max Acorn, Christian KEGS faced Southend for the second time in the Simioni and Captain Callum Whittle. tournament, KEGS worked hard in the match but lost the plate final 12-7; making KEGS the plate Callum Draper runners-up. Year 8 70 The ChElMSFORDIAN - sport CYCLING Report on Cycling Fixture KEGS v. Southend High School for Boys KEGS was represented by a small but keen group and 5th (Eamon Dutta-Gupta) place. Southend won of students from Year 7 and 8. There were three this race convincingly, 41 points to 14. challenging races for this age group, a Keirin, in In the U15 Keirin the result was much better which Chris Hoy has won three Olympic gold med- for KEGS, with a 33-21 win; our best performing als for Team GB, an elimination race, and a team riders were once again the redoubtable Dominic, sprint. George and Robert, who took 3rd, 4th and 5th place The first race on a cool but dry morning was the respectively. Other strong points gathering per- U13 team sprint. Eamon Dutta-Gupta, Jo Penny formances came from Sam Alderton, Alex Corsham and Rafee Khan flew around the course, but lost and Alistair Ward. narrowly to the Southend team who found some In the U15 pursuit, Dominic and George once impressive extra speed on an exciting last lap. 10 again showed their class, achieving 3rd and 4th Points to Southend. The U15 boys, represented by places respectively. However, the strength of the Robert Main, George Britton-Ramsey and Domi- Southend riders was clear to see, as they romped nic Britton-Ramsey won a very close race with a home with relative ease in first and second place. prodigious final effort from George on the last lap. The high placing of George and Dominic, along 10 points to KEGS! with strong showings from Robert, Sam Alex and In the next race, the Devil or elimination race for Alistair, meant that KEGS once again achieved a U15 riders, where the last rider across the line at win, 30 points to 25. the end of each lap is eliminated, KEGS put up a Overall KEGS secured victory in the U15 races, very strong showing, with Dominic Britton-Ram- winning 106-68 points. In the U13 races, the sey finishing in third place, again showing his numerically stronger Southend team dominated class against some very impressive and strong from start to finish, and Southend cycled to an Southend riders, and the rest of the KEGS team impressive 93-29 win. placing well to secure a 33 to 22 points win. The U13 elimination race was dominated by Sou- Mr Torrie thend, with our best placed riders in 4th (Jo Penny) Director Sportif Tennis KEGS tennis shows promise as students face difficult opponents The KEGS tennis teams had mixed success this his singles 6-4, and Krishan Bansal beat the New year. The Year 11-13 teams faced strong opposi- Hall number one 6-4 in a tight match. tion in both the Senior Students (Winter League) In the KEGS Singles Tournament the honours and National Cup (Glanville Trophy), losing in went to Dan Bacon of Year 8, who swept all before one case against a member of the Maltese Davis him in claiming the inaugural title of U15 cham- Cup squad. Well done for all their efforts to Mihir pion. Notable performances included Temi Onis’s Sood, William Easton, Matthew White, Joshua hard fought semi-final victory over Mr Perrotton Gilbert, Loic Liegeois and Michael Edwards, all 7-6. of whom were involved in hard fought matches against higher ranking players. Mr Torrie The Year 9 and 10 teams also had some close Director Sportif matches against Brentwood School, where they lost despite coming close in two or three matches. They also played a very strong New Hall A team, losing against some of the counties highest ranked players. The Year 8s achieved a notable success against New Hall’s B team, with William Coupe of Year 8 winning impressively in his singles against a higher-ranking player. James Wood, in his first ever tennis match won The ChElMSFORDIAN - sport 71 watersports holiday Students enjoyed an action-packed holiday last summer Last Summer a group of KEGS students ventured great fun, but also out to AzuRivage, located near to the small Lan- meant we all ended daise village of Azur, in south-western France. The up capsizing! trip lasted a week, including travelling time, and With every day whilst the 2.45 AM start to leave for Azur was not came a new water- welcomed, our time there certainly made up for it. sport activity to try, As soon as the rules had been set out, we headed including wind- down to the lake to commence our first activity: surfing, pico sailing dart sailing. Dart sailing involves a system of and raft building. pulleys and ropes to manoeuvre the sail of a small The windsurf- boat. Leaning out of the boat to balance was ing was particularly difficult, requiring extreme amounts of balance to stand upright on the board. I was not only pleased by the fact that I managed to stand up on the board, but that I managed to hang on for a fair distance too! We were sad to leave the campsite after having had so much fun, but we looked forward to the comfort of being back home. Thanks go to Mr Green and Mr Milliken (along with their families) for taking us on such a truly memorable holiday.

Max Acorn Year 8 Ski trip KEGS students enjoy the slopes in February On the 16th February at around 4:30 AM, we were gathering at school, tired and shocked at the time, excited to be embarking on the KEGS Ski Trip. Whilst the first day there was largely uneventful – a main highlight was watching my friend disable his own iPod for 15 minutes! Thankfully, all the excitement started on the next day where we met our new instructor and started to learn. I was a beginner to the group, having never skied before, so the in- to walk up the slopes, rather than being able, as structor had my fullest attention; I had promised the VIth Formers were, to use the chair lifts! my family that I would come back in one piece! Evening entertainment was also available for us Having graduated from the nursery slope, and all, ranging from ice skating, to bowling. It was finally understanding, to an extent, how to ski, nice to bond with everyone there. The best part we graduated to the blue runs, which have much of the trip was by far the prize-giving ceremony: more gradual slopes than the infamous black awards were given for ‘taking down three Ger- ones. man children’, ‘losing goggles on a chair lift’ and Every day we were able to return to the pistes ‘taking down four German men while attempting to continue improving our skiing – surprisingly a jump’. it wasn’t as tiring as we expected, but that was probably due to the overall excitement of this Arnav Dhutta new experience! It was more the fact that we had Year 8 72 The ChElMSFORDIAN - editorial EDITORIAL To have been an editor of the Chelmsfordian expertise which students, ranging from Year 7 to magazine has made me extremely proud, and this Year 13, have shown this year in their articles, as year’s edition, just as has been so with those of well as for their professional approach. other years, has not been produced without the Much of the staff must also be thanked, without hard work of a much greater body of students and whose help the magazine would have been an staff alike, whose efforts will not go unrecognised. unfeasible task. We extend our thanks not only In the first instant, I extend my thanks to Richard to all those staff members who put up with our Meadows, the other editor of this year’s edition, constant badgering, but especially to Miss Barton, without whom I doubt the words on this page, Mr Burcher and others, who took time out of their or on those preceding this, would have managed schedules to proof-read articles. In particular to to be arranged in such a clean and presentable Ms Cleave who worked to always accommodate us way; I am, admittedly, not a ‘whizz-kid’ with in the computer rooms, pleading diplomatically computers - for me, adding pictures just seemed with teachers who appeared to have the space, to complicate things. further thanks are extended. Finally, we thank Mr In addition to this dedication to the magazine, Harding, who has proved to be our fail-safe, for his the initial aid of Year 12 students Will Luckin and insurmountable dedication to the Chelmsfordian Dan Lewis in the conception of the design of this and his continuous help in tracking down students magazine has been invaluable as a basis for the and staff alike for articles in order to make this end product you have perused through today. edition. There is however a greater body of students to whom we are, as an editorial team, indebted: Alex Mayes those who wrote articles. We are grateful for the Editor The last word As I sit in my office composing what is literally the Richard and Alex over the past few months. Their last word for this year’s edition, I am looking down organisation and ability to incorporate material on another group of potential KEGS students and smoothly has minimised the normal deadline slightly apprehensive parents as they enter the panic and therefore there has been very little last car park in preparation for their ‘Head’s Speech minute angst. From an editorial perspective this and Student Tour’. It just serves to remind one is their view on the last year at KEGS. On behalf that, as one yearly cycle comes to an end, another of the school and myself, many thanks for all your is already well underway. efforts and you have been a pleasure to work with. I am not quite sure what those keen primary To Vicky Cleave my normal gratitude for keeping school students will actually see in terms of a daily eye on production and ensuring that we lessons on their tour, amid the quiet and slightly end up with an edition every year. Thank you! ghost like feel that exists at KEGS for these last To those who have contributed content for this two weeks of term. Students have already left for year’s Chelmsfordian; apologies for my continued the Language Exchanges and other trips to Space ‘badgering’ for articles but I strongly feel that Camp (Alabama), Mogonjet, CCF Camp and various representation through all the year groups as World Challenge expeditions are due to depart well as staff content is vital to portray the full soon. Years 11 and 13 have left school after the range of experiences available at KEGS. Finally exam season and the prevailing mood is one of to those who I am sure I may have missed out but excitement for upcoming adventures but also one who played their part in bringing this edition to of calm with all ready for a well earned break! fruition, I offer my sincere thanks. Even the final stages of editing process for I hope you get the same satisfaction out of read- this year’s Chelmsfordian had an unusually ing this edition as we have had compiling it. Thank unflustered or non-panic feel about it. No doubt you and enjoy the Summer! this is partly due to the improved software editing package we are using. But mainly thanks Mark Harding to the incredibly professional approach of both Staff Editor

Editors Alex Mayes and Richard Meadows Cover Design Richard Meadows Page Design Will Luckin and Dan Lewis IT Support Vicky Cleave Staff Editor Mark Harding Printed by Graphic Impressions