Spokesman 1 King Edward’s School Newsletter Spring 2017

Lord Robert Winston inspires audience at Tolkien Lecture

Professor Lord Robert Winston, renowned scientist and Britain’s packed auditorium with his thought-provoking lecture called ‘Why leading fertility expert, visited King Edward’s School to talk to an bother with science?’ audience of over 400 pupils, parents, Old Edwardians and staff Dr Mark Fenton, Chief Master, said: “It has been an incredible privilege about the importance of being scientifically literate. for us to welcome such a distinguished scientist to the School. Not only The talk, which took place on Thursday 2 March in the Ruddock Hall of did the boys find it a great inspiration, but listening to Lord Winston was the School’s Performing Arts Centre, was the seventh in the Tolkien hugely enlightening and enjoyable for all who attended. Lecture series. Other speakers in the series, named after the School’s “King Edward’s School has a great scientific history, counting two Nobel most famous Old Edwardian, JRR Tolkien, have included Jonathan Coe, Prize winners in its alumni, and it is a tradition which continues, with 26 Sir Hew Strachan, Simon Singh and Alfred Brendel. pupils going to read medicine alone last year. As an IB school, all of our Lord Winston, Professor of Science and Society and Emeritus Professor boys continue to study science for two years in the Sixth Form, so of Fertility Studies at Imperial College London, who pioneered hearing Lord Winston speak so emphatically about the importance of techniques to improve fertility treatments, is passionate about science resonates wholeheartedly with the philosophy of the School and communicating the importance of science to all age groups. The its decision to move to the IB Diploma.” Bafta-winning broadcaster and author of over 20 books enthralled a

Inside...

Public speaking team through to National Final p5 KING EDWARD’S SCHOOL BIRMINGHAM 2 School news School news 3

Mental health and wellbeing Promoting good mental health is top of the with potentially serious mental health issues. agenda, and awareness in this area has In addition to the school counsellors, who are increased dramatically in recent years – available to allow boys confidential talking A brief word from... not just at King Edward’s, but nationally. therapy, we now have a mental health nurse based in school and a child and adolescent We are keen to not just react quickly when psychiatrist available on a case-by-case The Chief Master issues occur but to put in place as much basis. They are able to diagnose serious preventative support as possible to minimise If you were lucky enough to get hold of mental illness and offer treatment that might the impact of the inevitable challenges boys a ticket for the seventh Tolkien Lecture have taken many months through the CAMHS will face while growing up. you may well, like me, have started system. Parents are involved at every stage to ask yourself what makes someone Recent developments include an introduction at this level and this service has seen great Catering inspiring. Robert Winston’s lecture to mindfulness as part of the Rems curriculum benefits for the boys. broke many of the conventional rules and UMs learning techniques to stay mentally The best way of looking after the boys’ about public speaking, but it was the healthy, which is revisited at regular intervals wellbeing is by educating and promoting a man himself who was inspirational. throughout the School. Over 50 boys from team’s healthy lifestyle and mindset. The incredible Finance Careers Evening, March 2017 Rems and UMs have signed up for the full Kathy Caprino has identified 13 range of sports, activities, and music and .b Mindfulness in Schools project. Similarly, characteristics of inspiring people, but for drama options means every boy can find their an introduction to yoga is now part of the niche and like-minded peers, and therefore five-star me there are three which are unarguable Lower School curriculum and is also available and help explain the ‘Winston effect’: support through friendships. Working in Development as an option for the Upper School. partnership with parents means messages 1) They have forged their own authentic Unfortunately, boys do occasionally find on diet, sleep and digital awareness can be award path and are living out what they themselves struggling with anxiety, stress or delivered at school, but reinforced at home. believe, research or do; they don’t worse and the School is mirroring the national The School’s catering team has been just speak about what fascinates update RDH trend in seeing more young people struggling awarded a five-star rating for food them, they exude it body and soul. The King Edward’s School Birmingham delivered with great charm and erudition by hygiene following a visit from the 2) They derive an enormous sense of Trust is extremely grateful to our Professor Lord Robert Winston, was a most Environmental Health Office (EHO) satisfaction and reward – and spend supporters for their ongoing commitment enjoyable evening and I am sure his visit will at the start of this term. much of their professional time and to the Assisted Places Fund, which now linger long in the memories of all who were KESPA quiz evening Miss Williams, Catering Manager, said: energy – from helping other people, stands at £10.5m. lucky enough to attend. “We are delighted to have been awarded or organisations, grow and flourish. This continued support is helping us to Finally, in summer 2016 an exciting new Questions from quizmaster Nick Plotnek, a level five food hygiene rating and I am 3) They are compelling storytellers who ensure that King Edward’s remains open to all exhibition will open at Birmingham Museum provided a lively evening for many and extremely proud of the team for their communicate something very different with the talent to thrive here, but more needs and Art Gallery that will take visitors on a he was assisted very ably by Jill and a diligence and dedication in achieving this from anything we’ve heard before. By to be done to safeguard the future of the virtual journey back in time to the School team of volunteer runners from Divisions accolade. The School’s investment in sharing their personal failures, triumphs Fund. We will shortly be announcing exciting when it stood on New Street. The Thresholds once again. The challenge during the our catering facilities and the hard work and life stories, they can stimulate future campaign plans and look forward to exhibition, a virtual reality art project by interval this year tested our skills at of my team under our new Head Chef, both our intellect and our emotions. the next stage of our journey. internationally acclaimed artist Mat Collishaw, recognising well-known faces. The Mr Dewhurst, has really paid off. It is will virtually reconstruct one of the UK’s ploughman’s style food was tastefully Robert Winston was still talking in an The Development & OEA Office has held great to get the seal of approval from first major exhibitions of photography, The Harborne Hotshots lived up to their organised by parents and committee utterly compelling way as I strolled a number of events already this year, and the EHO for a facility.” which was held at King Edward’s School name, winning the Light-hearted Quiz members and was well received. with him to his car, long after his I would particularly like to express my The inspectors judge outlets on how in 1839. It promises to be a real testament in January. lecture had ended. I could not help gratitude to the Old Edwardians and parents Many thanks to all who supported this clean, hygienic and well-managed the to the innovation and excellence which feeling a little envious of the driver; who participated so enthusiastically in The Hotshots faced stiff competition from popular event and we look forward to food preparation and facilities at the characterises King Edward’s to this day and he might not have known it, but he recent careers events. Insights given and teams including The Oxymorons, Les seeing you again in the summer. premises are, and benchmark each we look forward to being able to share more had two hours of inspiration ahead. connections made at these events open up Quizerables, May the Fourths Be With Us business against the same criteria. details of the exhibition with you soon. Amy Thompson a range of possibilities and pathways to the and Simply Rej, and winners from previous Dr Mark Fenton Honorary Secretary boys – thank you. The recent Tolkien Lecture, Lindsey Mepham years The Management and The Good, the Chief Master Bad and the Ugly. 4 School news Academic news 5

Commemorating our war dead Young chemists win regional heat

In early 1917, the launch of new major 1917, aged 19. Clifford enlisted as a Private Second Lieutenant Arthur Horace Tanfield. A team of four boys is through to the UK offensives, such as the Battle of Arras, in 1914, transferring to the Royal Flying Corps Killed when his aeroplane was shot down by final of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s were taking their toll, as were momentous as a mechanic later that year and was made Leutnant Kurt Wolff whilst undergoing an Top of the Bench competition 2017. political events caused by the strains of an observer in December 1916. operation to photograph the line between In the regional final, which was held in the total war. The Russian Revolution in Quiéry-la-Motte and Étaing on 13 April 1917, Second Lieutenant Herbert Harry Weston University of Birmingham’s chemistry February had brought down Tsar Nicholas II, aged 19. Brown. Died in hospital abroad on 22 March department on 21 January 2017, the team and Lenin and the Bolsheviks would seize 1917, aged 26. Herbert enlisted as a Corporal Lieutenant Sydney Fink. Died at Armentières fought off competition from schools including power in October 1917. Hope arrived on in 1917, soon gaining a commission as a on 20 April 1917, from wounds received the Camp Hill Boys and KEHS to secure their 6 April when the US declared war on Second Lieutenant in the Royal Naval previous day, aged 22. A Foundation Scholar, place in the UK final. The boys were quizzed Germany, though it would be another year Transport Service. Sydney was a strong linguist and able on their chemical knowledge and tested on before American soldiers were in Europe in scientist. Upon his death, Major Schulz wrote their problem-solving skills and teamwork large numbers. The following Old Second Lieutenant John Wallis Bisseker. to Sydney’s father to tell him that his son’s through a practical experiment. Edwardians all lost their lives between Killed in action on the Somme on 1 April death “occasioned much grief to his officers The team of Jacob Reidy and Aris Thomas in 1 January and 30 April 1917. 1917, aged 35. John was gazetted to the and men by whom he was universally loved.” Royal Warwickshire Regiment, in the same UMs, Suchir Salhan in Fourths, and Ali Sapper Philip Forrest Groves. Died in battalion as his brother, Arthur, who was also Lieutenant John Henry Blewitt. Died of his Mohammed in Fifths will represent the West hospital in France on 21 January 1917, killed in the war. wounds in Mesopotamia on 22 April 1917, Midlands in the UK final, which will take place aged 20. Philip was a talented mathematician aged 19. John joined the Indian Army in 1915, at Loughborough University in April 2017. and a sub-librarian, secretary of the Debating Second Lieutenant Harold Samuel Griffin. and gained a commission a year later as a Society, and controller of the Cot Fund. He Killed in action at Arras on 9 April 1917, Second Lieutenant attached to the 54th Sikhs. entered Keble College, Oxford, but was aged 27. After school, Harold worked as conscripted before he could attend. the secretary for his father’s jewellery firm. Gunner Benjamin Charles Line. Killed in action whilst serving as a signaller in France Second Lieutenant Beresford Frank Private Frederick Henry Douglas Collier. on 28 April 1917, aged 19. Parsons. Killed in a flying accident at Died on 11 April 1917, aged 23. Frederick Public speaking Charlton Park, Malmesbury, on 23 January was admitted to the School in 1904 but left in Lieutenant Ralph Shaw. Killed in action at 1917, aged 24. Frank spent 13 months in 1905, so little is known of his time at school Greenland Hill, near Gavrelle, on 28 April France and was gazetted to the Royal Flying apart from he was among the best in his class 1917, aged 20. Ralph was a Foundation team through to Corps in 1916. at drawing. Scholar and excelled academically. He became a medical student, before enlisting in Second Lieutenant Roger Smith. Killed in July 1915. At the time of his death, Ralph was National Final Mesopotamia on 25 January 1917, aged 26. the youngest soldier to have been awarded Awarded a Scholarship in 1905, Roger was the Distinguished Service Order and on “a heavy and hardworking forward, who King Edward’s School is through to the National Final of the 18 December 1917, Ralph was mentioned takes a lot of stopping” for the 1st XV. He ESU-Churchill National Public Speaking Competition 2017 in despatches by Field Marshal Sir Douglas was killed only a few weeks after his brother, after winning the Regional Final at Worcester Guildhall on Haig, “for gallant and distinguished service in Geoffrey (OE). 4 March 2017. the field”. Second Lieutenant Frank Alan Cross. Killed The team, comprising John Kite, Naren Tirumularaju and Second Lieutenant Augustine Bonner. in action in Mesopotamia on 25 February Rushikesh Dasoondi in Fifths, overcame competition from Killed in aerial action during an attack by 1917, aged 21. Frank was a Foundation Oxford Spires Academy, Loughborough Grammar School, five enemy machines at Fampoux on 30 April Scholar and showed an aptitude for science. Hereford Cathedral School, St Edward’s School and RGS 1917, aged 20. After school, Augustine He was also an enthusiastic cricketer, playing Worcester to take the top spot in the Regional Final. John Kite became a student at the Birmingham School for the 1st XI in 1913, and in one match took was also named Best Speaker of the Day. of Art. He enlisted in August 1914, was five wickets for 60 runs. Francis Devis invalided home from the Somme in April 1916, The Competition, which is the largest of its kind in the UK, helps Lieutenant Geoffrey Ewing Orton-Smith. and then attached to the Royal Flying Corps pupils develop their speaking and presentation skills by Second Lieutenant Francis Devis. Killed by Reported missing on 1 March 1917, aged 24. in September 1916, reaching the rank of encouraging them to engage with wide-ranging issues. The team a sniper whilst aiding a wounded officer at It is not known whether Geoffrey was Flying Officer. His brother George Henry (OE) will now compete as one of the top six teams in the country in the Fampoux on 11 April 1917, aged 23. Francis wounded in France, Belgium or Germany but served in and survived the war but committed National Final at Churchill College, Cambridge in April 2017, with was a Foundation Scholar and a great evidence suggests he was captured by suicide in 1929. the hope of progressing to the International Competition. proponent of the Debating Society, regularly German forces and died as a prisoner. debating with JRR Tolkien and other AW Air Mechanic 1st Class Sydney Clifford members of the Tea Club and Barrovian Lamplugh. Killed in aerial action on 6 March Society (TCBS). 6 Academic news Academic news 7

Scholarship awarded to Maths budding engineer Olympians

Former pupil Edwin Bahrami Balani, class of 2016, has been awarded a Diamond Jubilee Scholarship by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

One of only 100 pupils nationwide to be awarded an IET Scholarship last year, Edwin will benefit from funding, mentoring and free membership of the IET throughout his engineering studies at Magdalene College, Cambridge.

This is the second engineering scholarship received by Edwin, having previously been the beneficiary of an Arkwright Engineering Scholarship, which provided a financial award and enrichment activities to support him UMs’ through his Sixth Form studies.

The Scholarship was formally recognised at a celebration ceremony in London on 15 February 2017, when Edwin ‘Challenge’ was presented with a certificate from his sponsor Dr Tim The last 12 months have been a hectic time, mathematically, Whitley, Managing Director of Research and Innovation The inaugural Upper Middles’ ‘Challenge’ competition ran over for two of our Divisions boys in particular: Dougie Dolleymore at BT. several weeks of the autumn term and culminated in the Final at Credit: The IET and Daniel Yue. the start of January. In March 2016, they both achieved Distinctions in the Intermediate Overall, 30 UMs took part in the competition, which has been Maths Olympiad. Daniel, with full marks, also bagged a gold set up to raise the profile of the School’s wider Challenge activities medal and a book prize, while Dougie was invited to the National within this year group in the hope that more UMs will be drawn Maths Summer School in July (Dan wasn’t eligible, having been into the fold. the previous summer).

The tutor groups all played each other in a league competition, with Then, in the autumn term’s Senior Maths Challenge, both boys Dr Vardy inspires IB philosophers each match decided on the basis of two halves: quick-fire, individual, scored 120/125, each answering 24 of the 25 questions correctly. on-the-buzzer questions followed by a starter-and-team-bonus round. Along with other boys from the Upper School (Toby Jowitt and Bill What do you get when you put 50 KES IB The winning team gained two points, the losers zero points. At the end Xuan of the Sixths – who scored full marks – and Aloysius Lip of philosophy pupils in a room with one of the of the league competition, the top two teams went through to the Final. the Divisions) they were invited to take this year’s 4.5-hour long foremost figures in British philosophy education? The league match between the eventual finalists, UM A and K, was British Mathematical Olympiad (BMO) Round 1 paper. Dougie King Edward’s found out on 17 January, when the almost as close a competition as the Final but with the result reversed. scored an astonishing 59/60 and Dan scored 50/60, having Philosophy Department arranged its first on-site UM K triumphed in the Final, with UM A very close runners-up. The star misinterpreted Q6. Both were awarded Distinctions and book conference, bringing Dr Peter Vardy to KES for individual performer of the competition was Joshua Adeeko (UM A) who prizes, with Dougie earning a gold medal and Dan a silver. Toby a day of sparky debate and mind-bending new was an excellent captain for his tutor group. However, UM K ultimately and Bill were also awarded Distinctions, and this is the first time perspectives on everything from the theory of won the title because all four members of the team contributed this century in which four KES boys have all scored more than half reality to the functions of reason and the possibility significantly, making it a real team effort. marks on BMO1. of knowledge. The Chief Master presented a trophy to the winning team and medals Dougie was then invited by the BMO Committee to an The Southall Pavilion provided the venue, the dining to those members of the form who had either represented UM K in the International Maths Training Camp over the New Year in Hungary. hall fed us lavishly, and Dr Vardy provided such Final or played more than once for them in the league. Congratulations In late January, both he and Dan took the BMO Round 2 paper versatile and stimulating input that we are now to: George Roberts (c), Abrar Hassan, Rohit Ramachandran (absent for (also 4.5-hours long) and won Distinctions there too. making this an annual event. Little did we know the presentation), Rohan Takhar, Arnav Umranikar and Jimmy Yuan. Given that both these boys have another year in which to develop what we were starting when we picked up that TFC their mathematical prowess further, this is seriously impressive IB Philosophy subject guide... stuff. Many congratulations to them and to the other boys DHR mentioned here.

TFC 8 Performing arts Performing arts 9

Choral and Orchestral Concerts

Symphony Orchestra in rehearsal

Shells’ Drama Club As is tradition, a weekend of rehearsals at Cleobury Mortimer precedes the Choral and Orchestral Concerts, which took place on The Shells’ Drama Club gave their first performance this term Sunday 12 and Monday 13 March. with their highly comic version of Alan Ayckbourn’s Ernie’s Incredible Illucinations. The first concert included a performance of Haydn’s Nelson Mass by Choral Society. The Schools provided soloists Rosy Heneghan, Isla Much Ado About Nothing The cast of 12 performed with great energy and enthusiasm, Atay, Abhinav Jain, and David Millross; Hannah Littleton joined from showing wonderful comic timing. They had the audience roaring A wartime reimagining of Shakespeare’s well-known comedy, actors: Charlie Roberts’s quick-wit and snappiness was hilarious Birmingham University. Philip Edwards, in Divisions, gave a magnificent with laughter. It was lovely to see every single boy giving it their the 2017 Senior Production combined the mistaken identities, just as Chaneil Kular’s grief was touching. Zain Rishi’s convincing and moving account of Violin Concerto No. 1 by Max Bruch. In the all, from Krishan Thakur’s librarian to Harry Rachman’s mum; Euan love, romance and witty repartee from the original play with Leonato brought emotion to even the hardest of hearts. second concert, a performance of Mahler’s vast Symphony No. 1 was Elliott’s Ernie to Soutir Chakraborty’s Barker and the matter-of-fact slicked-back hair, army attire, ARP wardens and land girls. given by Symphony Orchestra. With amazing support from Senior Swing Band, above all, Much dad, played by Amit Mevorach with his wonderful Yorkshire accent. The production process was, without a doubt, a great experience: Ado was the incredibly fun experience that KES drama productions Two unforgettable concerts were enjoyed by large and appreciative What a treat and just a glimpse of the talent soon to rise up from the masses of missteps made learning to Lindy Hop, to the always are. audiences, and also raised funds for Birmingham Children’s Hospital. positioning and preparation of signs, cakes, kisses and cardboard through the School. Well done boys. Hayaan Choudhury and Zoraiz Khan MDL boxes – all adding to the comedic choreography. And what amazing PKH Instrumental evenings Senior Dramatic Society: Pronoun Young composers work Pronoun by Evan Placey tells the story of a transgender teenager with CBSO players and explores the impact on friends and family following Izzy’s decision to undergo gender transition and be known as Dean. The play tackles one of the most current issues in society today in a comic but serious way.

There was an enthusiastic line-up of cast and crew, some of whom had never before been on stage, all under the direction of Mrs Higgins. Incredible performances were given by the whole cast. Hashim Quraishi, who played Dean, really connected with the character and Regular instrumental evenings are an opportunity for all boys to the emotion with which he performed touched everyone’s hearts. Josh, play in the Ruddock Hall, on or with the Steinway, to an audience of On Friday 17 February, four extraordinary players from CBSO and his boyfriend, was a difficult character, explored sensitively by Raheem their friends and family. the Dante Quartet worked with young composers at King Edward’s. Humphreys. Samuel Miah evoked the screen idol James Dean and There are evenings for all instruments, for piano, strings, and woodwind. there was great comic timing by Toby Jowitt. Playing one of the parents The boys’ string quartets were rehearsed, performed, and recorded by On Wednesday 1 March, it was the turn of the drummers and guitarists. helped me understand the many facets behind this issue and was a Shulah Oliver, Zhiko Georgiev, Adam Romer, and Richard Jenkinson. Under the expert direction of Mr Gough, both guitar ensembles played. really rewarding experience. MDL MDL Shantanu Kundu 10 Extra-curricular Extra-curricular 11

Modern Languages Society Hungarian The Gild maths camp of the Holy Cross needs YOU!

Although King Edward’s School was founded by Royal Charter in 1552, its history goes back much further to 1392 when the Gild of the Holy Cross was After sitting the British Mathematical formed in Birmingham. Olympiad in December, I was invited by the UKMT to an international training This earlier foundation is where the Living History Group comes in! We recreate life in to buy a goodly flock of sheep, and learnt all of which were taken up after pupil interest Adham Moftah teaching Arabic to the group camp along with 19 other pupils from th to play far too many musical instruments for and research. the UK and 20 from Hungary. the latter years of the 14 century, travelling all over the country to educate ourselves, and my own good. We now have our own Living The revival of our Modern Languages We have been indulged with such treats Our Living History Group is globally unique, The week was focused on preparing us the public, about how people really lived in History band! Society started off with a bang thanks as learning the complexities of the Modern and we’re always looking for new recruits! for future Mathematical Olympiads. Most the ‘olden days’. to the efforts of our dynamic duo, Habib Greek and Chinese alphabets as well as Whilst we enjoy practising skill at arms, To see some of what we do, come along Rahman and Nathan Appanna. sampling traditional Arabic delicacies! We’ve mornings there was an Individual Problem In my four years as part of the Group I have including swordsmanship, archery and on Friday lunchtimes and, if you’re set on learned about the differences of the French Solving session with three problems in the Our guest speakers, all Old Edwardians, have been ‘murdered’ countless times for public artillery, there is ample opportunity to explore joining, our meetings are in room 161 every language and culture in various countries as typical Olympiad style. Either side of included Rob Ralston (reading French at entertainment, seen innumerable cabbages any interest you may have, be it battlefield Wednesday after school. I’ll see you there! well as learning how to introduce ourselves lunch, lectures were given by professors Cambridge), Peter Matthews and Michael flung from our trebuchet, struck enough coins surgery, fancy foods, or even board games, in Dutch! from the University of Budapest on areas Nathan Cornish Durante (both studying French and Italian at such as number theory in the complex Durham) who told us about their fabulous We have had the fantastic opportunity to field and projective geometry. In the work experience in Paris, and Giles Dickson, immerse ourselves in unknown, fascinating afternoons, we had more sessions on CEO at WindEurope, whose inspirational talk cultures and languages, and by doing so Olympiad techniques and topics. In the made us realise how language learning skills are more aware of the world beyond the evenings, we participated in a range are invaluable in the world of work. school gates. of activities including maths relays, A number of current KES boys offered Will Corbett reviewing the morning’s problems and masterclasses in their native languages. playing table tennis. Model On New Year’s Eve we had a trip to Budapest and watched the fireworks in the city. On the last day, when the Hungarians had left, we sat our final United Scuba 4.5-hour exam to finish the camp. The week was very challenging but a great experience and improved my diving knowledge considerably. I would like Nations to thank the UKMT for giving me this Scuba diving pupils practise great opportunity and the Maths shared air drills under the watchful Department at KES for all their support eye of their instructor – yes, diving and encouragement. Model United Nations (MUN) involves issues such as Islamic radicalisation and A huge thanks to Mr Ollis and Mr Golightly in KES pool has started up again debating resolutions on current issues nuclear proliferation. Our USA delegation, for their wholehearted support and dedication Dougie Dolleymore on Wednesday evenings. and provides a great source of global comprising Shantanu Kundu, Aishwarya to MUN. Their constant aid in administration Look out in the next edition for our engagement. It is a growing society at KES Machani, Yifei Chen, Natalija Duvnjak, and preparation enables us to perform well intrepid adventurers’ journey into the and KEHS with some conferences taking Raheem Humphreys and Cerian-Richmond at these conferences and I hope this will deep, dark waters of Stoney Cove. 60 pupils around the country. Jones, achieved success and was ‘highly continue as Model United Nations continues commended’. We aim to build on this to grow. Our most recent conference, the first in which DHR success at our next conference in we have had mixed delegations, took place Shantanu Kundu Withington this July. in March at Shrewsbury School and involved 12 Outreach Trips 13

Up, up Skiing in Austria and away!

Year 6 maths Over February half term, KES Ski Club departed these shores and headed to the villages of Saalbach and Hinterglemm in the Austrian Alps. competition We stayed just outside the village in a lovely hotel that had direct access to the pistes, allowing the intermediate and advanced groups to ski Teams of four mathematicians from almost 100 primary schools We are very lucky to have links with the Ogden Trust, which out and back each day. Under the guidance of four excellent instructors, Lapland visited KES to take part in our Year 6 maths competition. promotes the teaching and learning of physics, and on Friday the boys made great progress with their skiing skills as they travelled 3 March KES hosted 75 primary school teachers attending an The best teams from eight heats went through to the grand final, far and wide around this beautiful and extensive ski area. Even the Forty boys from the Shells and Removes travelled to the Arctic Earth and Space Science Conference. which was won by St Peter’s C of E Primary School, Harborne. absolute beginners progressed onto the main pistes and competed in Circle at half term on the Lapland trip. Congratulations also go to The Shrubbery who won the prep a slalom race. They spent the day rotating around four sessions in the science labs, We tried kick-sledding and ice fishing, and learnt survival skills for the schools event. each giving them interesting ideas to take back to the classroom and In the evenings, we enjoyed an exciting toboggan run, went ice skating deep winter. Boys visited a reindeer farm and we had a great husky share with their pupils. In spite of dreadful weather, the day was hugely The Year 4 version of the competition is now in full swing with teams and swimming and, of course, took part in the famous PAB Quiz (run by sled ride through the woods and across a frozen lake. On two nights we successful and at the end of it delegates left armed with a rocket from around Birmingham vying for the chance to get through to the Mr Balkham). Miss McMillan even got to ride in a piste basher! It was a were lucky enough to see the Northern Lights and one of these displays launcher and the knowledge of how to send a mouse into space and final where the prizes will be awarded by Kjartan Poskitt, author of the really fantastic trip, with a great group of boys, and we are now all very was especially vibrant, with red and green colours dancing rapidly magically float things in the air! Murderous Maths series. much looking forward to next year’s trip to the Italian Dolomites. across the Arctic sky.

When Lord Robert Winston spoke at School recently he mentioned that Huge thanks must go to Rohan Mehta, Rahil Kumar and a number of IJC CDB the teaching of science should begin in earnest in the early years. This other KES boys from the PSG Friday afternoon option who have helped course was definitely inspiring teachers to do just that! to ensure the events run so smoothly. SPD LAR GCSE Outreach Swimming Gala Our Outreach Swimming Gala was pupils it was their first taste of this kind of Science a great success for pupils in Year 4 competition, with other schools taking part. and 5 from prep schools West House, Lots of parents came along to watch the Hallfield, Blue Coat and Mayfield. action and we finished the day with tea and Taking place in both the KEHS and cake in the dining hall, followed by Dr Fenton Live KES pools, the girls and boys kicked giving out certificates and congratulating Sixty Upper Middles visited Symphony Hall in and splashed their way through several the children for swimming (and clapping and January for an excellent day of lectures from traditional and fun races as they tried to cheering) so well! scientists Professor Jim Al-Khalili, Dr Maggie beat the other schools. The standard of SPD Aderin-Pocock, Professor Mark Miodownik, swimming was excellent and for most Professor Andrea Sella and Professor Alice Roberts.

DLT 14 Sport Sport 15

Badminton Championships Hockey and Cross rugby coaching country This spring has proved to be a strong season for the King Edward’s cross country team.

Having kept up the pace on training runs and Birmingham League courses throughout the term, the team was able to knock a clear minute off their previous record at the national King Henry VIII Relay Race, overcoming the teams of Warwick and Rugby schools in the process. Our strongest runner on the King Henry course was Gus Iliff, who managed a fantastic 00:13:21 finish.

Through wind, rain, snow, and The U16 badminton team sunshine, the team has run courses The Midlands regional finals of the Center Parcs National Schools an even tighter affair and the KES team were very unlucky to lose around the Birmingham area, training Badminton Championships took place on Tuesday 21 March at 2-3 with all three of the losses being 10-11 in points. With such a everywhere from Leamington Spa to Our Outreach programme is a fantastic rewarding, as well as helping to develop the Nechells Wellbeing Centre. Having won the Birmingham finals young team this year, we have high expectations for the competition Shropshire. This season has seen great opportunity for both the School and staff myself as a coach. As well as introducing the in both U14 and U16 age groups, this was the first time KES had in the future. improvements from two of our most progressed to this stage in two years. to give back to the local community. children to new sports, the Outreach sessions The U16 team of Sachin Subramonian, Rohan Thawait, Hasan Rahman, ardent runners: Daniel Knight and Nirad allow us to pass on knowledge and ideas to The U14 team, comprising Varun Latthe, Luke Hall, Kartik Rajasekhar, Yifei Chen and Mingke Peng beat Bridgnorth Endowed School in their We run weekly hockey and rugby coaching Abrol; but the King Edward’s charge has the staff of local schools, hopefully improving Dileep Dhanda and Advait Kuravi, won their first two games against Old opening pool game before losing 2-3 against Lawrence Sheriff School sessions at our brand new hockey facility. this year been led by Will Dolding, who the level of sports coaching they can offer Swinford Hospital and Thomas Telford School quite comfortably, before and securing the team a third place finish in the tournament. These international standard facilities enable has launched himself into a podium their children in hockey and rugby. a very close match in their final pool game against Lawrence Sheriff us to offer high-quality and, more importantly, finish on all but a few Birmingham CAPJ School resulted in a 2-3 defeat. The third and fourth place play-off was enjoyable sessions to children from the I hope, over the coming years, to see some League races. Birmingham area. of the children we coach through Outreach Alex Pett coming to King Edward’s and enjoying all the As a sports graduate at King Edward’s, I fantastic opportunities we have to offer here. have been given the opportunity to lead Pupils make waves in indoor rowing competition these sessions. It has been enjoyable and ESF The School’s U16 indoor rowing team made an impressive debut at the Birmingham School Games on Thursday 9 February by winning three medals. Lightning Chess Tournament Fifths pupils Matt Gissen, Ben Coward, The annual Lightning Arinze Okemuo and Shiv Bharakhada Tournament held at KES represented the School in both the welcomed 90 players from team and individual indoor rowing schools across Birmingham. events. The boys finished first in the team race, winning by almost 100m, After four rounds, Camp Hill while Matt and Ben finished in first emerged as the winner of the U18 and second place respectively in the division, with a KES team winning individual race. the U13 division.

DLT 16 Sport ESSA Finals Having easily qualified through the first managed to achieve a permanent two rounds of the ESSA water polo exclusion from the most important game tournament, the KES team travelled to so far (as he did the previous year). Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet to KES fought hard but the game slipped compete in the Finals. through their fingers with the lack of their key defender. We were matched against the tough opposition of Trinity School, Croydon and After a long day we returned to QE Barnet in the group stages but, thanks Birmingham, having achieved fourth to some great chemistry between Divisions place in a national tournament. This George Davies and Felix Abbot Black, KES conclusion to the school season was a managed to win both games convincingly. little disappointing for some of the Seniors but it sets a benchmark for future years Next we faced Haberdashers’ Aske’s GB junior goalkeeper on the opposing side, to improve on, which I’m sure they will School, who would have hosted the Haberdashers’ came out on top. do under the experienced eye of recently competition were it not for an explosion at appointed coach Rosemary Morris. their pool. The game was tight as a result This meant we faced a motivated Trinity of excellent goalkeeping on both sides, School once again in the play-off for third Good luck to the team in the next which continued as the game progressed place in the tournament. The game was few years and thanks to everyone who into a penalty shoot-out. The first three fast-paced and difficult for both teams. For took part. penalty takers on each team scored the most part, KES were ahead. Until, as is Matt Madden however, after some impressive saves by a his apparent style, captain Matt Madden

HMC judo competition On 25 February, Pat Maughan represented The final was to be a much tighter match, KES at the HMC Independent Schools with Pat against a fellow Midlander and Boys Judo Tournament for the sixth and pupil from Trent College, who he had trained final time in his school career. with and fought a number of times before. After three minutes of extreme intensity, This year, Pat fought in the 73kg senior both fighters were tiring and Pat lost a point category and, having made short work to a counter from his opponent. Although of qualification, entered a final pool of 12 Pat attacked with increased vigour, his fighters. His first fight was a well-controlled experienced opponent held on to the lead effort with a long leg sweep taking his and Pat lost to the current GB squad member opponent flat on his back for a 10 point win by just one point, resulting in a silver medal. in 25 seconds. On to the quarter-final, a big grip and spectacular hip throw resulted in 10 In the six times that Pat has represented KES points in 10 seconds. In the semi-final, Pat in this competition, he has won a medal on overcame the current England U19 player for each occasion: one gold, four silvers and 10 points in 7 seconds. one bronze. Congratulations to Pat on all his results. www.kes.org.uk

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