Spokesman King Edward’s School Newsletter Winter 2013

The new sixth form centre £5m modern languages and science centre opens

A new £5m modern languages and science language laboratory. And there is a wonderful least one modern language to IGCSE and, centre, called the Andrew Brode Wing, new space for Sixth Form pupils, too. since the introduction of the International opened in September 2013. Baccalaureate, every boy continues to study “Languages are more important at King a language for two years in the Sixth Form. The development which also incorporates a Edward’s now than ever. Every boy takes at new sixth form centre, has been substantially The school also has an outstanding scientific funded by a donation from former pupil history with two Nobel Prize winners and the Andrew Brode who is the Executive Chairman great tradition continues: this year we have of RWS Holdings and a keen linguist. seen the highest number of pupils ever to go to read Medicine at Oxford or Cambridge.” John Claughton, Chief Master, said: “The gift given by Andrew Brode is of great scale The modern languages and science centre and significance and has enabled us to was officially opened on Wednesday, create outstanding new facilities for science 16 October 2013 by Professor Martin Swales and modern languages, including new a former pupil and Emeritus Professor of Andrew Brode, Professor Swales and laboratories, new classrooms and a new John Claughton at the official opening German at University College London.

Inside...

Music maestro honoured by Classic FM p8 King EDWARD’s SCHOOL

BIRMINGHAM 2 School news School news 3

KES Development & Outreach

In October 2013, our 100th school OEA Office update signed up to the outreach programme and by November it had grown to 108.

It is clear that the word is getting out among ’s primary schools that we are keen to support them in challenging their most able pupils, and already this year we have held literacy, chess, science, debating, drama, history and classics events.

In November, we invited 100 primary Simon Singh (centre) and boys with their signed copies A brief word from... school teachers into school to develop The Chief Master their skills in teaching Level 6 literacy. One participant said of the session: After three years of teaching Theory Simon Singh: The Simpsons “When I entered the grounds of King of Knowledge in the IB Diploma, Edward’s, I was immediately impressed I now know one big thing: we might with the historic buildings and the pretend to be creatures of reason, and Their Mathematical Secrets politeness of the boys who guided me but we are, in fact creatures of around. I thought that this type of school, emotion. And that’s why passion Have you ever seen something for an Bestselling author, Simon Singh, captivated though impressive, was well out of our matters so much in schools. instant and the next moment it has a full house in the Performing Arts Centre children’s reach. After hearing from the vanished? Has this ever happened to We are not persuaded to study with these revelations. He explained how Chief Master, this notion had completely you during The Simpsons with obscure a subject or play a sport by an the producers of both The Simpsons and changed and I was inspired to come combinations of numbers, symbols and Aristotelian syllogism: we are inspired Futurama were mathematicians and they back to school and explain about the letters in the background? If you’ve ever by the passion of others and the thrill had slipped a myriad of small mathematical opportunities your school could provide seen an episode of The Simpsons called for our children. of doing it. So, from the whirligig of this references into the shows. ‘MoneyBart’, it should have. term I’d like to pick on three moments “My perceptions of King Edward’s With mathematical humour and freeze-frame of inspiration and passion. Perhaps this is a one off occurrence; a single has changed and I hope some of our gags increasing both the comedic and ‘nerdic’ The first was at the opening of the editor’s joke? In fact, no! There are many children get the opportunity to come density of his talk, Singh brought accessible Andrew Brode Wing where Professor other highly mathematical references in The to your school and see what amazing mathematical hilarity to all, for one night that I, Martin Swales spoke with humour and Simpsons and its sister show Futurama, from experiences it has to offer.” Narcissistic, Perfect and Taxicab Numbers to as a mathematician, shall treasure forever. intensity about his love of languages TJMA Members of the 2013 telephone campaign team supposed counter-examples to Fermat’s and their value in this world. The Clement Chan Last Theorem. second was The Tolkien Lecture where The end of December marks the end of During 2013 we also began fundraising for Simon Singh managed to convince our fundraising year and I am pleased to the first ever ‘Leavers’ Assisted Place’ everyone, even the most sceptical report that 2013 has been one of our most supported by parents whose sons left in the and least mathematical, that Maths successful years yet. summer. It has been a great success with must rank amongst the very highest. Over and The Simpsons were an irresistible over £75,000 raised so far, enough to fund Over £3 million has been raised, the majority the past 40 years Phil has proved himself combination. The third was on a recent an Assisted Place for a boy starting here A milestone for Assisted Places, and as a result there are a most capable member of the team, windy Thursday lunchtime when Robbie next year. Over one third of parents pledged currently 53 boys on Assisted Places in possessing the ability to turn his hand to all Ruisi played with such fire and such support and we are hoping to repeat the Phil King reached the milestone of 40 the school. aspects of the trade, whether planting a new delicacy that he reduced many of us initiative again next year. years’ service to the school in October flower bed or preparing a cricket wicket on to tears. The annual telephone campaign in the 2013 and enjoyed a tea-party in his honour Finally, if you have not already contacted us south front. summer raised £275,000 making it one of the in the Chief Master’s study. Schools and school days can’t always and would be interested in offering careers most successful alumni telephone campaigns “I would like to thank Phil for the support be about such moments, but without advice such as careers talks, mentoring He is part of a dedicated eight-strong team of in the UK and 60% of those called pledged he has shown to all the Ground Staff past such moments there would be no point or work placements through our Careers Grounds Staff who have a total of 146 years’ to make a gift. The campaign team was made and present. Phil is presently contemplating in schools like this. Network, contact Sue Dickens via: experience looking after all things green. up of 12 recent and current pupils, including retirement and I know he will be sorely [email protected] or tel: 0121 415 6050. Tamir Ahmed-Choudhury, James Kuo, missed by us all and an almost impossible Phil King (right) with Garry Watson cutting the Garry Watson, who heads the team, said: Nick Porter, Alex Russell and Steven Yang. SML cake in the Chief Master’s study “Of the many unsung heroes here at KES Phil man to replace.” 4 Academic news Academic news 5

On Monday 7 October the Sixth Form gathered in the Ruddock Hall for our third Theory of Knowledge day. It was a privilege Theory of to host Dr Vardy, who has given many lectures to boys taking Philosophy or Religious Studies over the years, and for the whole year group to be able to hear him. Knowledge: In the first part of the morning Dr Vardy considered the problem of knowledge through exploring the thinking of major philosophers starting with Plato and Aristotle. He moved on to consider the Dr Peter Vardy limits of reason and concluded the first session by considering right and wrong. Boys in front of the turbine blades of a Rolls Royce jet engine Dr Vardy then considered the financial crisis and who was to blame and what could be done to resolve it. He pointed out that Adam Smith, the “father of modern economics” also wrote The Theory Visit to the Manufacturing of Moral Sentiments and that this book was always carried by the last Chinese premier. The morning finished with a debate on Technology Centre Euler lecture whether political assassination can ever be justified. After putting forward arguments on both sides a lively debate ensued with many A group of boys in the Sixths and Divisions visited one of the A small but excited group of mathematicians left for the IMA contributions from the floor. world’s leading research centres for manufacturing in September. lectures on Tuesday 15 October. Ahead of us an exploration of Dr Vardy impressed all who heard him with his energy and breadth of the life and work of Euler, one of the greatest mathematicians of The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) represents one of the knowledge. He clearly understood the Theory of Knowledge course, all time. largest public sector investments in manufacturing for many years and able to relate what he said to past essay questions. However, it was is housed in a 12,000 square metre purpose built facility in Coventry. It Prof Robin Wilson began his talk by outlining Euler’s early life in Basel a lot for one morning so we hope to persuade him to come for the is a partnership between some of the UK’s major global manufacturers and his academic career which began at the age of 13 studying under whole day next year. and the universities of Birmingham, Nottingham and Loughborough, Johann Bernoulli. Euler first moved to St. Petersburg to work with TM and TWI Ltd, and provides a high-quality environment for the Bernoulli’s two sons, then to Berlin to Frederick the Great’s new development of cutting-edge technologies. Academy where he wrote some of his greatest works, before returning to St Petersburg. The boys, who all share an interest in Design and Technology and Engineering, were allowed access to the workshop that houses Prof Wilson detailed Euler’s many mathematical achievements and some of the impressive machinery and systems used in modern his recognition as one of the greatest mathematicians in Europe. He manufacturing. Industry sectors including aerospace, automotive, finished by explaining the extraordinary calculations Euler could do transport, healthcare, ICT, robotics, food production, defence with ease, and his ability to resolve mathematical disputes by doing and marine all use the facility to further develop and improve their so, ending with the fact that he won the Paris Academy annual prize 12 Two boys receive manufacturing efficiency and capabilities. times! A very interesting and informative talk, thoroughly enjoyed by all. prestigious scholarships PAB Felix Smith

In November, two boys in the Divisions were awarded prestigious Arkwright Engineering Scholarships at a ceremony in London.

Alok Kumar and Xiaofan Zhang were presented with their Scholarships by Jonathan Firth, Director of Operations & Projects at Virgin Galactic, Record-breaking and met the organisations sponsoring their Scholarships, the University of Birmingham and Network Rail respectively. The scholars will each GCSE results receive £600 to support them in their technical courses and have access to mentoring and enrichment activities. In August 2013, boys in the Fifths achieved The Chief Executive of the Arkwright Scholarships Trust, Dr Martin the school’s best ever GCSE results. Boys Thomas, commented: “This year’s assessment process was broke school records with the highest ever extremely tough. Any secondary school can become affiliated to enter percentage of A* grades at 67% (a 10% students, and this year we had 1,371 applicants competing for just increase on 2012 and 6% on the previous 371 Scholarships. Alok and Xiaofan and all of our new Scholars have 2008 record), 89% A*-A and 97% of entries absolutely phenomenal potential for future careers in the engineering resulted in A*-B grades. Out of a year profession. Congratulations!” group of 126, 24 boys achieved 10 A*s and a further 19 boys obtained 9 A*s. PAB

Alok Kumar (above) and Xiaofan Zhang (below) with their sponsors 6 Academic news Academic news 7

National Maths Lord Mayor’s Summer School Mega-Quiz 2013

German Christmas The victorious 1st team parcel Schools’ Challenge 2013-4: exchange Regional Competition This winter we decided to not only teach During the summer holidays I attended The KEStrels are presented with their prize by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Mike Leddy On a Thursday in late November, the regional stage of this national competition took place our pupils what Christmas in Germany is a week-long UKMT 2013 National at KES. 13 teams from seven schools in the ‘South’ Midlands turned up to try to wrest the like, but also let them have the chance to Maths Summer School at Woodhouse The ‘KEStrels’ – a team of hand-picked chaps from our Divisions and Sixths – took flight Regional title from our sticky paws… and failed yet again. experience it. Grove School, near Leeds with around and winged its way to the far-distant land that is, well … just across the Edgbaston Park Three KES teams participated in the knock-out competition. Our 2nd and 3rd teams sadly fell at the 40 other students who were invited Road, to the University of Birmingham to take part in the Lord Mayor’s Annual Sixth- Three German classes from the UMs and one first round stage in what turned out to be a strong field of teams, but ourst 1 team won all the way based on high marks scored in the Form Mega-Quiz. from the Fourths sent parcels to Germany, and met our old enemy, Queen Mary’s GS, Walsall, in the final. In a reasonably close match, KES Intermediate Maths Olympiad. which included traditional Christmas supplies With 40 teams from across the West Midlands, we tested our mettle in 10 rounds of questions took an early lead and held on to it, pulling away at the end to win the night and the title by 550 such as mistletoe, mince pies, chocolate, The aim was to expand our mathematical posed by celebrity quiz-master Mark ‘The Beast’ Labbett. Prior to the competition starting, each points to 380. christmas crackers and descriptions of a experience beyond the school school could choose one round to double its points in and KES took full advantage, choosing typical Christmas Day with their families. The victorious 1st team comprised Patrick Wernham, Yanbo Yin (c), Alex Pett and Alex Jarvis. curricula and to socialise with other the science round and scoring full marks. They were supported (and pushed for their places) by our 2nds: Nick Wyatt, Josh Kimblin, mathematically able students. We In return, their German exchange classes After five rounds we were pipping KECHB’s ‘Beta’ team by one point, which stretched to three Howard Kordan and Aloysius Lip and our 3rds: Alex Fung, Phil Holt, Si-Woo Kim and Nirad Abrol. attended daily maths sessions, on topics will send a parcel with traditional German and then four by the end of round nine. Holding out in a very difficult final round we emerged the such as conic sections, combinatorics Christmas items such as biscuits, decorations TFC clear winners, beating the Vesey team by just three points and scoring 88 out of a possible 110. and the pigeonhole principle; a master- and punch. We are really looking forward class on countability; and spent hours The KEStrels: Yanbo Yin (c), Clement Chan, Jonathan Gorard, Harrison Green, Richard Miller and to our pupils receiving a ‘small part’ of a building massive bridges with Zome kits Patrick Wernham. German Christmas. and playing ‘Mafia’. TFC AHE Senior Team Maths Challenge We were split into six groups, each named after a famous mathematician. The senior maths team of Arron Dhesi, the knowledge that we would no doubt Our group, the Cantorians, battled the Mohammad Hasan, Clement Chan and receive knighthoods for our exploits so others for points in academic activities, I, coached by Mrs Gardiner, had high far, we powered through the third and final such as maths relays, quizzes and 17th National Open Olympiad-esque questions, but also in hopes going into the regional final of the round, brushing aside all of the questions Senior Team Maths Challenge. those designed to show our aptitude in a thrown at us. bowling alley and on stage. We didn’t win Art Competition With 14 of the best schools in the West The final results revealed we had won, overall… but it’s the experience of taking Midlands represented, and only one place soundly beating Warwick School and part that counts. Isn’t it? Oliver Ridgley is the first student from KES to have work in the national final up for grabs, it was School into second and third accepted for the National Open Art Competition. His artwork, an always going to be a tall order to qualify. Nathen Chung etching titled Kenilworth Castle, was exhibited in October at The places respectively. We now have our The first round passed without incident, but Royal College of Art, London and is currently on display with sights firmly fixed on the national final then in the second round, the crossnumber, the prize winners at the Minerva Gallery in Chichester. in February. history was made. Zero marks dropped: Oliver Ridgley’s artwork titled Kenilworth Castle the perfect crossnumber. Spurred on by Harrison Green Oliver Ridgley is the first student from KES to have work accepted for the National Open Art Competition. His artwork, an etching titled Kenilworth Castle, was exhibited in October at The Royal College of Art, London and is currently on display with the prize winners at the Minerva Gallery in Chichester.

8 Performing arts Performing arts 9

Magnificent Butterflies Emerge:

Music maestro honoured by Classic FM

Peter Bridle, who has taught music at King Edward’s for 38 years, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Classic FM Music Teacher of the Year Awards at the Royal Albert Hall in November.

The judges commented: “Peter has made an outstanding contribution to music over the past 46 years. He is deeply involved in music making with young people in the West Midlands, as a teacher, conductor, musical director, accompanist and violinist. His incredibly high standard of teaching is Chamber orchestra performing in the cathedral in Chuisi The Chrysalids a testament to his dedication to each and every student, and his personal commitment The Chamber Orchestra delighted Siena, Assisi, Cortona, Orvieto, Pienza One of the great joys about working at KES post-apocalyptic landscape of David to music. We warmly congratulate him on his audiences on a tour of Italy during the and Motepulciano. is that we have the enormous privilege, Harrower’s adaptation of John Wyndham’s achievements and thank him for all that he Orchestra half term break under the leadership John Claughton, Chief Master, said: “This day in, day out, of working with bright, classic novel, we explored prejudice, violence has done for music education.” of Peter Bridle. trip has been an unforgettable experience engaged, generous and energetic young and the enduring power of friendship. On receiving his award Peter commented: hits all the 16 boys from UMs to Sixths entertained large for all the boys, staff and audiences. I know people. They approach everything with so “I have always felt extremely lucky and There were some stunning individual audiences in three concerts across Tuscany because I was there too. The quality of much willingness and gusto that, at times, very privileged to teach music to so many performances but this remained firmly an in unusual venues, a cathedral in Chiusi, a the music was truly exceptional: Robbie it does the soul good to just sit back for a ensemble piece throughout. Huge thanks talented young students in Birmingham. right notes theatre in Citta della Pieve, and a sanctuary and Adam are two of the very best young moment and take it all in. Working on this To receive recognition of my work from the go to Stage Crew, for our magnificent set, church in Mongiovino, near Perugia. musicians in this country and the whole year’s Junior Production of The Chrysalids students themselves and Classic FM is quite lighting and costume and to the Front chamber orchestra played beautifully. All overwhelming. I would like to thank them all in Italy The programme included pieces by Mozart, has certainly given me chance to do this. of House team, who took on, with much and encourage them to continue with their Marcello, Grieg and Rachmaninov and of this is made possible by the brilliance of flair, their role of starting the audiences’ For three nights, from 27 to 29 November, this music making and pass the enjoyment of involved solos by two boys who are members Peter Bridle as the conductor who has set experience from the minute they entered joint KES/KEHS cast gave their audiences listening and performing music onto their of the National Youth Orchestra, Robbie Ruisi amazing standards of musicianship in this the Performing Arts Centre. a thought-provoking play, performed with a own children and grandchildren, when that (violin) and Adam Phillips (oboe). The tour school for 38 years. And we also had plenty maturity beyond their years. In the blasted, GJB time comes!” party also had the opportunity to visit of time to see some beautiful places.” 10 Extra-curricular Extra-curricular 11

Print workshop weekend RAF Competition

Early this term, several boys from the Fourths to Sixth Form took part in a print workshop weekend. The artist, John Please release Howard, gave us an educational but extremely fun experience.

As a group we produced a wide range of designs including intricate me let me go!!! ships, carefully designed human bodies, highly detailed buildings and scenery, and even Iron Man. By the Sunday lunchtime, we Now the re-enactment season is over it’s had all completed our black and white final prints and begun to time to get busy. For the last few weeks create colour prints. The results were high quality prints which we have been preparing for our Christmas look outstanding. We all learnt something from the weekend from feast and perhaps less festively honing our complex to basics and working with an experienced artist was a The RAF section ‘fall out’! martial skills. great chance for us all. Three consecutive Sundays have seen some Kind Edward’s School CCF RAF has made Despite the painstakingly long wait for the 30 members of the Living History Group, of Michael Fernandes and Joseph Tedd quite a name for itself as a leading section results, high scores were achieved in every all ages, practising their skill-at-arms and in the western area, and in the country. discipline with first places in first aid, aircraft The Crew: Josh Boulton, David Clegg OE, Tim Jones, Jake Mitchell and Joe Tedd archery under the expert tutelage of Mark recognition, and RAF knowledge, with Sgt With this in mind, hopes were high entering Vance and Stewart Willis. Adam Phillips, who led the latter two events, this year’s RAF Western Area Competition getting the highest overall score on the Practising with longsword, dagger and even with an experienced team looking to seize Model United knowledge test. However, the best news unarmed, the boys and girls have cut, parried, You couldn’t hit nd the title from the shame of 2 place last year. was yet to come as we were placed 1st in elbowed, shoved, twisted, slashed, gouged Having run the team independent of officer the competition and will be advancing to and diced their opponents from 11.00am til Nations Conference organisation, the NCOs and cadets were a barn door at RAF Halton for the national Air Squadron 5.00pm, fortunately without injury but with eager to make sure that our efforts paid off. The Model United Nations Society (MUN) aims to simulate the Trophy competition. great zeal and unnerving enthusiasm. I am real United Nations, by tackling the global problems it has to The day was intense(ish), consisting of sure this bodes well for 2014, for us if not for Congratulations to everyone in the team face and coming up with solutions. this distance! many disciplines for which we took weeks our enemies. who once again proved that our section is a of preparation – fitness, first aid, aircraft The delegations we were selected to represent at the Cheadle force to be reckoned with. Many thanks also I am also pleased to report that we have Oh yes we can! Knocking holes in a barn door gives infinite recognition, digital range shooting, RAF Hulme conference were South Korea, for which I was ambassador, to Flt Lts Howard and McMullan for been elected as members of the National pleasure, especially if it wins you a prize. The competition was knowledge, command task, and the ever and Turkey, which was led by Tom Barrett. Saturday was the main their support and guidance. Association of Re-enactment Societies, the ‘Clash of the Catapults’ at History Live!, the major national beloved uniform and drill. Our team took to day of debating; where we put to the test the resolutions we although it did take a lot of explaining as re-enactment festival organised by English Heritage at Kelmarsh. every discipline with full vigour, determined Sgt Rohan Jain had written in the weeks before. The day was filled with arguing, there is no precedent for our existence! to prove our worth against 11 other motions and discussions between the delegates, and occasionally The Living History Group competed with ‘Elizabeth’, our biggest competing sections. JPD agreements were met over issues. trebuchet, against the siege machines from four other re-enactment companies. They included the highly experienced and respected Ermine At the closing ceremony, the time finally came to see whether our Street Guard who brought into action their fearsome onager and lent us hard work had paid off, and we actually did very well! We won four the concrete ball that won us the prize. KES Amnesty Society has made no slow increasingly dubious human rights record individual awards: Sol Rosier and Tom Barrett were ‘Commended’ start in our weekly meetings, with a variety of Vladimir Putin. and Yanbo Yin and Josh Kimblin were awarded ‘Outstanding We won by acclamation and accuracy in front of a packed audience Delegate’. As this was my last conference I was proud to collect of several thousand, smashing satisfyingly large holes in a barn door KES of pupil-led talks and debates on human We have also kept up our tirade of letters the award for ‘Highly Commended Delegation’, an award that KES at a hundred yards. The scratch, if not quite skeleton crew, impressed rights issues of today. of appeal to officials, as well as sending has never received before, leading to a great conclusion to my everyone with their efficiency and professionalism and proved that Amnesty Highlights have included Ayush Prasad on solidarity messages to victims of human MUN career at KES. whatever ‘grown ups’ can do we can do just as well if not better! rights abuses worldwide. Long may this oil spills in Nigeria, Jack Walton on the current period of productiveness continue. Imran Zaidi JPD Society Iranian political prisoner Hossein Ronaghi Maleki, and Patrick Wernham on the Tom Barrett 12 Trips Trips 13

Birdwatching in the hide KES Wildlife: East Anglia

Boys from the Rems and UMs visited East Anglia on expeditions weekend at the start of the autumn term.

We started in the ‘brecks’ and were in the hide at the Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s Weeting Heath reserve in time to watch the gambolling rabbits and patrolling bats as the sun set. Unexpectedly The Mid-Atlantic Ridge (as the trust thought they had already migrated) Stone Curlews started to call.

Saturday started with a full English breakfast before we made our way to Iceland Minsmere, one of the RSPB’s premier reserves. The group spent the morning In October half term a group of Fourths and Fifths set out to see the wonders of the land of walking a circuit out along the sea snow and ice, Iceland. front and then back through the marsh We visited the island of Heimaey, where we set off up the volcano, first stopping at the lava fields where the Marsh Mallow was in flower. before continuing to the top where our two team leaders, Miss Jones and Miss Leavers, found A variety of ducks, waders and herons Art superheroes in Berlin ‘hot rocks’ which are still hot from its eruption over 40 years ago! Then we found a spot where a were on show from the hides. Large previous expedition had dug into the volcano. I was very sceptical about how hot the hole would numbers of photogenic dragonflies The full magnificence of this trip simply surprise: an utterly bizarre theatre trip to be; however I can now say that it is like putting your hand into a hot oven. were on the wing pursued in turn by cannot be conveyed in such a brief space, see an operatic German interpretation of the Hobby. such was the jam-packed nature of the A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The next day, we went to see the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and found a rift big enough for all the students In the afternoon we concentrated on the itinerary. The sheer range of museums, on the trip to stand in. Afterwards we went to Geysir and watched it erupt in spires of boiling water. Berlin Olly’s excellent ‘Classical Column Quiz’ We then went to Gullfoss the golden waterfall and saw the immense power of hydraulic action, as reedbeds. Marsh Harriers cruised low, monuments and memorials truly inundated provided a level of entertainment previously Egrets fished the waters and a Water our experience with German culture. the water was still reaching us even though we were at least 100m above the falls, and finally we unknown to school trips, encouraging the went for a soak in the Blue Lagoon. Shrew busied itself on the mud beneath One of the most notable aspects was the appreciation of Albert Speer’s neoclassical the boardwalk. Finally, Altay Gardiner We started off our last full day in Iceland with a visit to Skogafoss, another waterfall which was alerted a grateful public, patiently night-time tour around the Reichstag, seeing influence on the architecture of Berlin. first hand Norman Foster’s exquisite rooftop created by the glacial uplift after the last ice age. Afterwards, we went to the visitor centre of the waiting in the hide, to an incoming Congratulations to Max Levell, an amateur dome, allowing us to gaze upon the very Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull that erupted in 2010 and then carried on to the glacier where Bittern in time for everyone to get column-spotter and new to the sport, who heart of the country’s governmental system we went on a guided tour. On our final day we visited Reykjavik and saw the town hall and the excellent views. Thanks to SEL for secured first place in the quiz, thus winning as well as affording views across the whole of cathedral and enjoyed some free time to explore the capital before heading home. giving his time and expertise. the prestigious Column Spotting prize. Berlin. Perhaps the most culturally saturated Iceland, the land without forests and when we went, the land without snow! But lots to see and JP experience was Brad’s Saturday evening Oliver Ridgley, Amar Sall and Will Pardoe admire and plenty of opportunity to breathe in the geography and enjoy the local food!

Oisin Robinson 14 Sport Sport 15

Water Polo U18 English School’s Match Assessments

The U13 Water polo team The President’s

The U15 water polo team with triple Olympic Gold Medallist Peter Biros in Hungary Trophy The U14A rugby team The U14A rugby team finished a very There and back again The President’s Trophy tournament Greater pleasing 2nd in the Greater Birmingham at Bolton School, provided another Tournament on 12 November 2013, On Friday, 25 October 2013 the U15 Water Polo squad set off on a George Sadler super afternoon of water polo for improving on their 3rd place finish last journey to Eger in Hungary, accompanied by our Director of Sport, the U13 team. With not much match Birmingham year. We overcame a strong group Mr Johnson, water polo coach Phil Powell, and George Sadler from Our first game against Stowe was a typical slow KES start, the practise under their belts this was including last year’s winners Bishop the Divisions who acted as our assistant coach and ‘extra player’. first half ending 1-0 with Matt Madden’s solitary goal being the only a big opportunity to put their Vesey’s to face a very strong KE Five highlight. The second half was a different story with George Sadler training into action and improve Tournament Ways in the final, narrowly losing 12-0. Eger is a spectacular spa city and its Water Polo Club currently holds taking the forefront after recovering from a self-inflicted nose bleed their match skills, which they did the national champion status in both Men’s Senior and Under 18 age in the first half, resulting in a comfortable 6-0 victory. match after match. groups. Founded in 1910, the Club has become particularly prestigious in recent years, winning the national senior championship in 2011 as Going into the next game we knew defeat would result in another Five top northern and midland schools well as having five club players in the current national team. The pool appearance in the Plate Competition, not something we wanted to turned up this year making it more The first match was against Bedford, we trained in most during our tour was also 100 years old; a particularly do again. The fantastic end result: 10-1 clearly indicates how, through exciting. Everyone plays everyone in the Water Polo a reasonably good team, however we fascinating 50m swimming and water polo pool with natural thermal simple play and self-belief, we can comfortably beat any team we put opening games, our first match against worked together well and came out spring water filtering through a pebble floor. our mind to. A special mention to Angus Crombie, without whom we the home team was hard but positive of the pool with a 12-0 victory. would have conceded more than one goal. as all the boys started to play as a U16 first During our time in Eger the squad spent over 20 hours in three Olympic Next we played the hosts, Stowe, winning team, finishing KES 1-5 Bolton. Next standard pools. We endured four hard training sessions with our Manchester was our final game and safe in the knowledge we would 12-1.The final match of the first round against Warwick which was a very even game, coaches and survived six competitive matches, resulting in four wins be progressing to the next round, we were not deterred against this round match King’s Grantham was by far the most difficult a few missed opportunities, but we and two losses against various teams from the local club. We also notoriously good team. A great start ensued and KES took an early lead but solid performances from Matt Madden held for a 2-2 draw. We turned a corner met Peter Biros, a player from the Eger Men’s team, a former world with Matt Madden placing an excellent top corner shot. The first half and Gugs Vecchio resulted in a 4-0 victory against Kings Grantham and with good report champion and three-time Olympic Gold Medallist, on a couple of was closely fought with solid performances from Peter Shipway, Josh and going through to the second round first team work won 4-1. In our last opening occasions during our travels. Some day we hope that Peter and his Gain and Tom Garfield. However, Manchester’s fitness was evident in the in our group. against St. Bedes, Ben Coward, our top team might be as good as us! second half and despite Angus Crombie’s heroic attempts to stop one- on-one shots, Manchester secured a 7-4 win. Despite being plagued by scorer at the end of the day, put some Tom Garfield We also enjoyed many social activities including an afternoon in the injury, overall this was a great first performance of the year and I have great goals away resulting in a 5-2 win. thermal spa pools, a Hungarian language lesson and spectating at three every hope for the coming matches. In the play-offs for the final we met national championship matches. We visited the Eger Sports Museum Kings Grantham. The whole team played where we saw many important and interesting sporting artefacts. Harry Divall strongly, especially Declan Bradley and On the last day we ventured into Budapest and visited Buda Castle, Joe Taylor excelling in defence, ending Badminton the Hungarian Houses of Parliament, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and in a convincing 4-1 win. So to the final Heroes Square. On Tuesday, 22 October a mixed KES / against Bolton, a repeat of last year. KEHS U18 badminton team played against The U15 team is very grateful to the school staff who made this It was far more evenly matched than North Warwickshire & Hinkley College in wonderful trip possible, to Eger Water Polo Club for hosting us and Tennis our opening game and the team put in the first round of the British Colleges Cup. to one another – a group of players who each contributed to such an a huge effort but we just missed out, Following a 6-0 victory against QEGS Ashbourne, we have The King Edward’s team won 10-0 and now enjoyable tour. A 2014 repeat visit to Hungary has already been quietly losing 2-3. Runners-up, a silver medal reached the quarter-finals of the Aegon school’s national progress to the second round. suggested and we are poised to sign up! championships for the sixth time in a row. The team was and a great performance by all. Matt Madden Ying Hou, Declan Bradley, Rayan De and Yousuf Ali. HAB The U18 mixed badminton team 16 Sport

Jake Litchfield in the U12 Tournament Hockey success

Hockey has made an amazing start to the season.

The 1st XI have made significant

The U13 cricket team progress and currently sit top of the Warwickshire League. Both the U15 and U14 A teams are competing for the Under 13 cricket team title ‘team of the term’. Both teams are unbeaten, with perhaps the U15 team edging the battle with the stats played win County Cup 10, won 10, scored 63, conceded 1. Clearly the team is benefiting from being coached by Olympic hockey player, The first week of the new school year was greeted by lovely summer weather. Until Friday, James Fair. the date of the Under 13 cricket team’s County Cup Final, when it rained. Fortunately, it eased by lunchtime and a thirty-overs-a-side match started at 2.30pm at Eastern Road. The U12 hockey players have made their debuts in the KES colours and they KES were put in to bat by Solihull and managed 114 all out in the thirtieth over. Having been clearly have potential to continue the 70-1, we should have scored more, but after a good start from the captain, Adam Hussain, success of King Edward’s hockey. Ajeet Bhambra and Tanay Kulkarni, the rest of the batsmen failed to add significantly. However, as we had bowled Solihull out for 81 earlier in the season, we hoped it would be enough. MEJ

Solihull started steadily but good tight bowling kept the run rate down and wickets fell at regular intervals. At 67-5, KES were favourites but Solihull still had a chance. Then five wickets fell for no runs and KES won by 47 runs. A special thanks to Chris Credit must go to the captain, Adam Hussain, who managed his bowling attack adeptly and set Boardman and David Ash whose good fields. The fielders made it difficult for the batsmen to score and Oscar Lyttle held two good photographs appear throughout catches. Felix Abbot Black bowled well and deserved more than his one wicket. Alex Bartley was this edition. the most successful bowler with three wickets, and Tanay Kulkarni, Jujhar Bhambra and Oscar Lyttle also bowled well and picked up wickets. Overall, it was an excellent team performance and KES were winners of the Leslie Fellows Cup for the second year in a row. TM www.kes.org.uk

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